'RIGHTEOUS SOUL' FOR VICTIMS LOCAL PROJECT A SIGN OF REMEMBRANCE, LOVE.

Byline: Holly Andres Staff Writer

ENCINO - Like a stone placed on a loved one's grave, the locally produced multimedia project ``Nishmat Tzedek (A Righteous Soul)'' will be sent next month as a sign of remembrance and love to victims of terrorism in Israel.

The project, based on the Jewish memorial service known as Yiskor, was the brainchild of Cantor Chayim Frenkel from Kehillat Israel in Pacific Palisades and contemporary Jewish composer Cantor Meir Finkelstein.

``It's a work of hope and comfort, purely,'' said Frenkel, the executive producer of the project. ``We're sending sets, free of charge, to 800 families in Israel next month. It's a gift of the heart.''

``Nishmat Tzedek (A Righteous Soul),'' a nine-movement choral symphony accompanied by inspirational writings and photos, grew out of a requiem that Frenkel commissioned Finkelstein to write in honor of his elder brother, Tzvi.

``I lost my faith. I was very much in pain,'' said Frenkel, who was ready to leave his post at the Reconstructionist Jewish congregation after his brother died from a rare blood disease. ``My brother was nine years older than I and my mentor - from baseball to rock and roll. It is unusual to hear of a Jewish requiem, but the music is universal, and it saved me in many, many ways. I regained my faith.''

With the increased terrorist attacks in Israel in 2000, Frenkel and Finkelstein decided to address the heartache and spiritual needs of the victims' families. Pacific Palisades-based art photographer Eric Lawton contributed photos taken in Israel for the booklet.

``Not everyone is into liturgy or classical music. We thought about how else could we touch them,'' said Frenkel. ``We chose nine beautiful, remarkable photos by Eric. They are meaningful in themselves. I think secular Jews will appreciate it. It's also ecumenical. It's not just for Jews.''

The project is dedicated to all victims of violence and terror.

The Jerusalem-based Terror Victims Association was chosen to benefit from the project.

``It's the perfect marriage with this project because their mission statement is `the road to recovery.' I loved the fact that they were an established organization,'' said Frenkel. ``The victims lose trust with people. With TVA, they have trust.''

Rachel Harari, TVA representative in Encino, is grateful for the selection of the organization founded in 1986.

``When we got the connection with Chayim, we were so impressed when he said this is unconditional love,'' Harari said. ``This will be touching the hearts of these people. It's not just sending money.''

Sets for the families in Israel have already been totally funded through private local family foundations. Money raised from the purchase of a set will go directly to TVA.

Harari said the victims of terrorism will never recover 100 percent, but through TVA projects - including hospital and home visits, counseling, social gatherings and legal aid - they are being helped.

``You know, we are taught, love your fellow man as yourself. If we have one gift, it is the Ten Commandments,'' said Harari. ``If we only followed them. It is good for all of us. If only we would give one thought to that.''

Copies of ``Nishmat Tzedek (A Righteous Soul),'' a nonprofit project of Kehillat Israel Reconstructionist Congregation of Pacific Palisades, are available for $50 at [phone] or www.arighteoussoul.org or by contacting Terror Victims Association at [phone] or www.terrorvictims.com

Holly Andres, [phone]

holly.andres(at)dailynews.com

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Photo:

Cantor Chayim Frenkel is the executive producer of the multimedia project ``A Righteous Soul.'' Rachel Harari is with the local office of the Terror Victims Association.

Gus Ruelas/Staff Photographer