Jews in Utah to mark 60 years of Israeli state

Utah's Jewish community will celebrate the 60th birthday of the state of Israel with a variety of public events and services this month, beginning with a communitywide celebration dubbed "Cantors in Concert" on Sunday.

Congregation Kol Ami, 2425 Heritage Way, will host the 7 p.m. event, billed as an assortment of Yiddish songs, stage tunes and cantorial selections. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for students and seniors. A reception will follow the performance. For information, call Debora at 484-1501, ext. 22.

Other commemorative events include:

• Wednesday — Yom Hazikaron commemoration, a memorial for fallen soldiers, at 7 p.m., at Chabad of Utah, 1760 S. 1100 East, featuring readings, songs and prayers. The event is free. Call Rabbi Zippel at 467-7777 for information.

• Thursday — Israeli film, "Sallah Shabati," at 7 p.m., at two locations: the Jewish Community Center, 2 N. Medical Drive, and Congregation Brith Shalom, 2750 Grant Ave., Ogden. The event is free. Call Debbie at 581-0098, ext. 118, for information.

• Friday — Community Shabbat Service with Rabbi Daniel Forman, founder of Rabbis for Human Rights, at 6:30 p.m. at Temple Har Shalom, 3700 N. Brookside Court in Park City. The event is free. Call Dondea at 435-649-2276 for information.

• May 13 and 21 — Book discussion of "The Israelis: Ordinary People in an Extraordinary Land," by Donna Rosenthal. The events are held at three different venues: May 13 at 7 p.m. at both the McGillis School, 668 S. 1300 East, and Congregation Brith Sholem, 2750 Grant Ave., Ogden; and May 21 at 6:15 p.m. at Temple Har Shalom, 3700 N. Brookside Court, Park City. Call Debbie at 581-0098, ext. 118, for information.