THE CROWD:Much to celebrate at Temple Bat Yahm

A sentimental as well as spiritual gathering brought together multiple generations of Newport-Mesa residents honored last week at Temple Bat Yahm in Newport Beach. A Friday sunset Shabbat service conducted by Rabbi Mark Miller of Temple Bat Yahm unfolded in the newly constructed Warsaw outdoor amphitheater donated by the Warsaw family of Newport Beach in honor of their mother, Anne Warsaw, of Big Canyon and their late father, David Warsaw, a philanthropist and entrepreneur in the field of sports marketing.

The extended Warsaw family gathered to celebrate the milestone and to honor their mother, Anne, who turned 90 years young on August 18 in conjunction with the dedication of the amphitheater. Anne, wearing a flowing white coat, a red hat and a scarf, was surrounded by family as she received a birthday blessing from Miller, who wished her years of continued good health and a bounty of blessings.

The rabbi added, “Love that hat.”

Making the occasion more of a community connection, prominent Newport architect Brion Jeannette and his wife, Bonnie, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary, also receiving Miller’s blessing. The Jeannette’s designed and oversaw construction of the stone amphitheater, bringing the vision to reality. The handsome couple were also joined by their sons and grandchildren for the emotional occasion.

Finally, completing the circle of life, Bruce and Nicole Seder brought forth their newborn son, Camden, joining his sister, Sydney, for a formal baby naming. The gathering of some 200 people — including distinguished Bat Yahm members Joan and Bernard Rome; Tamar and Martin Brower; Merry and Bat Yahm President Jerry Neitlich; Diana and Brian Murphy; Aviva and Fred Forster; Carol and Bob Warsaw; Jim and Ellyne Warsaw; Margo Hacker; Sandra Chakmak; Leslea Miller; Cantor Jonathan Grant and his wife, Sharyn; and Rabbi Miller and his wife, Wendy — came together following the service in the amphitheater for a Friday evening candlelight dinner reinforcing both religious and secular bonds in the Newport-Mesa community bringing together generations of citizens spanning nearly a century of American Jewish life in Orange County.