John Goodman, John Turturro Roll With The Carlebach Shul June 20

The Carlebach Shul's annual dinner at the St. Regis ballroom on Monday, June 20th featured Hollywood celebrities John Goodman, John Turturro, Katherine Borowitz and Macaulay Culkin, who came together to honor their trusted and beloved accountant Abe Altman and his new bride Lisa.

The Carlebach Shul, led by Rabbi Naftali Citron, has had many celebrity visitors before, including Michael Jackson, who said, it was the best day of his life and Mattisyahu, who rediscovered his love of Judaism there. Besides sharing an accountant John Goodman (Blues Brothers, Roseanne) and John Turturro (You Don't Mess with the Zohan, Hannah and her Sisters) formed a bond while playing competing bowlers on cult movie, The Big Lebowski. Goodman played a volatile Jewish bowler and said a line that became classic: "I don't roll on Shabbos", when the bowling tournament was supposed to take place Saturday. Turturro, who played an over the top bowler didn't buy it. Goodman made good on his commitment to Shabbos by presenting his Shomer Shabbos accountant an award from The Carlebach Shul, with an entertaining and moving tribute. He said, "many years ago I partied late into the night and slept through April 15 and then he met Abe who has straightened out my financial life since then."

John Torturro had a blast at the dinner party and said, "I'm Italian, my wife Katherine is Jewish, but we've never experienced a community that functions on such a high level. We are very seriously considering a visit to the synagogue."

Rabbi Naftali Citron, spiritual leader of the Carlebach Shul honored Dr. Raphael and Chasya Kellman, and Louis and Hindy Weinger, the other honorees for their outstanding contribution to the Carlebach Shul and their friendship. The dinner was a great success: every ticket sold out.

About the Carlebach Shul: The Carlebach Shul is a renowned synagogue in Manhattan whose mission is to create an inspired Judaism inclusive to all with passionate study, soulful singing and study of mystical texts. The shul is in the forefront of infusing spirituality, not only into our own daily lives, but also into the lives of the spiritually unconnected. The Carlebach Shul, lead by Rabbi Naftali Citron, grandson of Reb Eli Chaim and great-nephew of Reb Shlomo Carlebach, is dedicated serving the needs not only of the Upper West Side congregation, but serves as the center of the worldwide Carlebach community with many inspiring programs. Further information: http//www.carlebachshul.org

Photo Credit: BWW-Staff

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