The (unofficial) Jewish inaugural ball

Capital J

By Eric Fingerhut · January 6, 2009

A inaugural party featuring filmmaker Aviva Kempner, National Jewish Democratic Council executive director Ira Forman, Special Olympics chairman Tim Shriver and former New York Knick John Starks?

That's part of the eclectic guest list for Ohev Sholom -- The National Synagogue's National Inaugural Jewish Ball on Sunday evening, Jan. 18. A fundraiser for the synagogue, the event also will include dessert and live klezmer music, as well as a toast led by actor Louis Gossett Jr.. Here are the details from the synagogue press release:

Washington, DC-Ohev Sholom- The
National Synagogue is hosting The National
Inaugural Jewish Ball on Sunday, January 18, 2009.

Featuring a toast led by Oscar winning actor Louis
Gossett Jr., the event will include an evening of networking,
celebration and festive music by Paul Shapiro's Ribs and Brisket Revue. There
will be dessert and a cash bar. The affair promises to be the destination of
choice for Jews visiting the area for the inauguration and for locals as well. Jeremy Bash, Mary K. Bush, Ira Forman,
Howard Gutman, Aviva Kempner, Eli Lake. Abbe Lowell, Billy Martin, Michel
Martin, Dan Raviv, Tim Shriver, John Starks of the New York Knicks, and others have
already confirmed their attendance.

The ball will be held
from 8:00 pm to 12:00 am at Ohev Sholom-The
National Synagogue, 1600 Jonquil St. NW, Washington , DC 20012 . The event will feature dessert and live klezmer music. Admission is $40 in
advance, $50 at the door, and $20 for students with valid ID. Proceeds will
benefit the synagogue.