Step into a world of wonder and spectacle at our Cirque Soirée on Wednesday, May 14, for an unforgettable evening of elegance and enchantment. Join us at Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills at 6 p.m. and prepare to be dazzled by soaring acrobats, captivating entertainers, stilt walkers, and jugglers—all while enjoying a celebration of community and generosity.
Join us as we honor Simone and Lester Friedman with a night of immersive entertainment, elevated cuisine, and heartfelt tribute.
Simone and Lester Friedman have dedicated their lives to to family, service, and strengthening the Beverly Hills and Temple Emanuel communities.
They are proud parents and grandparents, and this year, they celebrate 50 years of marriage. Their enduring partnership and dedication to community are a true reflection of what it means to lead with heart and purpose.
About Simone
Simone, a devoted volunteer and community advocate, has spent decades championing education, civic engagement, and Jewish life. She has been actively involved in community organizations such as the Beverly Hills Education Foundation and Friends of the Library, and served for six years as a Recreation and Parks Commissioner for the City of Beverly Hills. Simone continues her commitment to service through her work on the Beverly Hills Active Adult Board and as a dedicated member of Temple Emanuel’s Board of Directors.
About Lester
Lester, a two-time Mayor of Beverly Hills, recently completed his second term—an important milestone in his ongoing public service since first being elected to City Council in 2017. A practicing attorney and longtime community leader, Lester has also served on the Beverly Hills Traffic and Parking Commission and holds leadership roles within the California legal community. His civic work has focused on public safety, infrastructure, and standing firmly against antisemitism.
Honorary Co-Chairs
Sue & Barry Brucker
Toni Corwin
Judie Fenton & Miles Lee
Michele & Julian Gold
Honorary Committee
Michelle Azar & Rabbi Jonathan Aaron
Cantor Lizzie Weiss
Rabbi Liora Alban & Rabbi Daniel Freedman
Rabbi Laura Geller
Pamela & David Bennett
Janet & Alan Block
Paula & Michael Block
Shelley & Michael Blumenfeld
Lili & Jon Bosse
Linda & Gary Briskman
Les Bronte
Kara & David Corwin
Bobbe Joy Dawson
Rachel Ellenport & Jonathan Altman
Donna Ellman Garber
Jeanne & Lenny Marks
Lauren Fishelman & Benjamin Marcus
Dr. Toni Frederick & Dr. Bruce Phillips
Allana Friedman & Craig Eisenberg and Family
Jeremy Friedman
Liza and Adam Friedman
Nancy & Leonard Friedman and Family
Tanya & Joshua Friedman and Family
Meralee Goldman
Todd Johnson
Dr. Michele Kalt
Jackie Kassorla & Fred Hahnfeldt
Michelle & Alan Kaye
Dr. Nancy & Dr. John Lee
Allison & Tom Levyn
Wennie Lu & Noah Greenwald
Myra Lurie & David Goldman
Rochelle & Richard Maize
Mark Masliah & Nicholas Pasqua
Gail & John Millan
Dr. Elisa Newman & Andrew White
Bonnie & Offer Nissenbaum
Farhad Novian
Michelle & Scott Redston
Alissa Roston
Lisa Kay Schwartz & Mark Schwartz
Linda Smith
Danielle Soto
Scott Stone & Gary Brown
Susan & Dr. Ilan Tamir
Alissa & Avram Vreman
Marilyn & Dr. Mark Weiss
Joanie & David Wellisch
Mary Wells and John Hanover
David Weissberg & Troy Skinner-Weissberg
Geoffrey Wharton