Archive for the ‘Dallas Doings’ Category

Posted on August 19, 2010 - by admin

Dallas Doings

MitzvahFest to welcome families planning for simchas

In its fourth year, MitzvahFest will be held this Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Center Hilton, located at the southeast corner of LBJ and the North Dallas Tollway. For years, families who are in the planning stages of their b’nai mitzvah or wedding have found MitzvahFest an indispensable resource for their simcha. Absolutely the best of the best vendors will be in attendance, from party planners to party starters. The entrance fee of $10 per family will be donated to Jewish Family Service. MitzvahFest is not to be missed.

‘Party on the Plaza: Celebrate Israel’

After MitzvahFest, you can hop on the Tollway and head toward Victory Plaza for an afternoon to “Celebrate Israel.” Event organizers have assured the community that in addition to putting together a myriad of engaging activities, they are prepared for hot weather with cooling facilities and equipment, water and shading by tents and large umbrellas.

Dr. Mark Goldberg becomes UTSW neurology chair

Dr. Mark Goldberg, formerly of the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has become chairman of neurology at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Dr. Goldberg, who holds the Linda and Mitch Hart Distinguished Chair in Neurology at UT Southwestern, succeeds Dr. Steven Cannon, who was named associate dean for undergraduate education in June.

Dr. Goldberg was the founding director of Washington University’s Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, a campus-wide initiative promoting research on brain diseases of children and adults. At the Hope Center, he brought together researchers and clinicians from many specialties to work on complex nervous-system disorders. He plans to take the same interdisciplinary approach at UT Southwestern.

“I’m most interested in developing new treatments for neurological diseases,” Dr. Goldberg said. “Doctors and patients often think that conditions such as stroke and Alzheimer’s disease are untreatable. We need to recognize neurology as a discipline that improves the lives of our patients.

“UT Southwestern has long been a pioneering institution for brain science,” he said. “We have the opportunity to develop collaborative research initiatives that move these advances to patient care.”

At Washington University, Dr. Goldberg served as professor of neurology, neurobiology and biomedical engineering. He also was co-head of the Cerebrovascular Disease Section and was director of a Web education project that deals with stroke.

Dr. Goldberg’s research focuses on injury to the brain’s “white matter,” which contains the long “arms” by which nerves reach other areas of the brain. White matter gets its color from the insulating fatty coating that makes nerve cells more efficient. Several diseases and injuries, including stroke, trauma and multiple sclerosis, can damage this coating.

He also studies how nerve cells can form new connections to neighboring nerve cells after injury.

“He was identified as the best candidate for this position based on his exceptional accomplishments as a physician, scientist and teacher,” said Dr. J. Gregory Fitz, dean of the medical school, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at UT Southwestern. “Dr. Goldberg brings these considerable skills to UT Southwestern to focus on the continual development of multidisciplinary programs in neurology and neurosciences.”

Dr. Goldberg earned his medical degree from Columbia University after graduating from Harvard University with a bachelor’s degree in biology. He completed his neurology residency at Stanford University, where he also was a postdoctoral research fellow. He has received numerous awards from organizations including the Academy of Neurology, the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association.

“Dr. Goldberg’s early high priorities,” Dr. Fitz said, “will be to build clinical and academic programs in stroke and research programs in cerebral ischemia through the new Beatrice Menne Haggerty Center for Research on Brain Injury and Repair in Stroke.”

JSI to bring Rabbi Joel Zeff to Dallas as scholar-in-residence

The Jewish Studies Initiative, under the leadership of Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger, is bringing to Dallas an exemplary scholar-in-residence for five days of classes and talks. Rabbi Joel Zeff, most recently the head of Yeshivat Torat Yosef Hamivtar in Efrat, Israel, will be in town from Aug. 25 to 29.

On Wednesday evening, Aug. 25, Rabbi Zeff will be welcomed to Dallas at a private dinner. Thereafter, his schedule will be:

Friday, Aug. 27, noon–1 p.m. — Class at Congregation Shearith Israel, 9401 Douglas Ave. (in the Sardas Beit Midrash; includes lunch, $5):

“Why Learn Torah: A Radical Rambam, Right for Our Age.” What is the goal of learning Torah? Join an intellectual roller coaster ride and attempt to understand the Rambam’s theory of Torah education. Grapple with a difficult passage from the Mishneh Torah in which the Rambam seems to deviate from the Talmud. The key will lie in an ultra-controversial passage in his “Guide for the Perplexed” that was consigned to the flames by his detractors. If you never understood why the Rambam was controversial, you will now!

Shabbat, Aug. 27–28 –

Rabbi Zeff will be scholar-in-residence at Congregation Shaare Tefilla, 6131 Churchill Way.

Sunday, Aug. 29, 9:45 a.m.–12:10 p.m. — High Holy Day ReJEWvenation! A morning of camaraderie, study and preparation for the High Holy Days season at the Aaron Family JCC, 7900 Northaven Road:

9:45–10 a.m., registration, bagels and coffee. 10–11 a.m., Rabbi Joel Zeff: “We Were as Dreamers: Dreams as a Tool for Teshuva.” Dreams constitute a major theme in the Bible, as well as the Talmud, yet few of us take our dreams seriously. Discover just how serious dreams can be and how they can be a profound tool for personal renewal during this lead-up to the High Holy Day season. 11:10 a.m.–12:10 p.m., Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger: “Cosmic Evolution and Personal Improvement.” The way we understand the world may be a key to the ability to accomplish our personal goals. Too many of us see ourselves as fighting against natural tendencies and inborn instincts which we think are holding us back from becoming what we wish to become. But there may be another way: Look deeper and discover the inherent Godliness of everything around us and the grand movement of the universe and of nature toward God and toward betterment. All we then need do is to plug ourselves into this nature movement and ride on its wave. In this way we may help ourselves to evolve into more of what we know we can be.

Sunday, Aug. 29, 4–6 p.m. — High Holy Days Seminar at Congregation Adat Chaverim, 6300 Independence Way, Suite A, Plano:

4–5 p.m. Rabbi Joel Zeff: “Life After Life: Jewish Perspectives on Death and the Afterlife.” In this pre-High Holy Days season of introspection, Jews revisit ultimate issues and ask ourselves hard questions about how we are using our limited time on this earth. A serious examination of the issues of death and the afterlife will help refocus on the meaning of life and redirect our energies in the most fruitful manner possible. 5–5:45 p.m.: Choice of sessions. Session with Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger: “Will the Real Rosh Hashanah Please Stand Up?” This presentation will debunk the myth that Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, and will try to explain why many have adopted this mistaken notion. The truth is that the Passover season in the spring actually marks the Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashanah is something else entirely. Come discover how to focus your prayers on Rosh Hashanah by learning what the holiday is really about! Session with Rabbi Wendy Pein: “Why We Wear a Tallit During Kol Nidre and Other Rituals and Historical Facts About This Powerful Prayer.” Come learn the background and meaning of Kol Nidre and why it evokes such powerful emotions within us.

Sunday, Aug. 29, 7:30 p.m. — Class at the Intown Chabad, 2723 Routh St.:

“Life After Life: Jewish Perspectives on Death and the Afterlife” (see above).

All programs are open to the public and are free of charge. For more information, please contact Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger at 214-789-7241 or ravhanan@sbcglobal.net or contact the co-sponsoring institution.

Posted on July 8, 2010 - by admin

Dallas Doings

Beth Torah reaches out to interfaith families

Congregation Beth Torah, in the vanguard of Conservative Judaism’s effort to “welcome strangers into the tent,” has laid the foundation for a Greater Dallas Keruv group. “Keruv” means to come closer and that is the exact description of efforts to welcome interfaith families and actively include them in synagogue life.
Statistics tell the story. More than one-third of American Jews are married to non-Jews. Close to one-half of recent “Jewish” marriages are between a Jew and a non-Jew. Of all the Jews who are cohabiting today, over 80 percent of these partnerships include individuals of non-Jewish origin.

With nearly half of all Jews marrying a non-Jew, there are few people in Conservative congregations who do not have an intermarried family member. Yet until recently, the issues surrounding intermarriage were rarely acknowledged in Conservative synagogues. At Congregation Beth Torah, the Keruv programming provides opportunities for people to explore issues relating to intermarriage in a safe and supportive environment. Intermarried families are welcome to join a forum to discuss their concerns and emotions and are invited to cross the synagogue threshold to discover acceptance and support.

Couples searching to find a community both to support raising Jewish children and to help husbands and wives grow as intermarried couples can now explore what is available right on their doorsteps. Rather than imposing preset programming, it is by meeting one another, the congregation, rabbi and educators that the families themselves guide what they need in order to feel comfortable at, and a part of, Beth Torah.

Known for its warmth and inclusiveness, Congregation Beth Torah and its dynamic spiritual leader, Rabbi Adam Raskin, have set a major goal to provide opportunities for interfaith families to participate in specially designed programming with no pressure to convert, change or do anything different in their lives except to raise their children in a Jewish household and to observe Jewish rituals as best they are able.
All too often, interfaith living is a lonely state. By providing opportunities to meet one another and to be warmly included in greater synagogue life, it is the intention of the congregation to strengthen interfaith families by developing and deploying a spectrum of specifically designed programming that provides connections into the main synagogue offerings.

Liz Cox, one of the Keruv leaders, continues to experience the acceptance, the vibrancy, the bonds she and her non-Jewish husband have found at Congregation Beth Torah. “This shul is exceptional and unique in how non-traditional families can become integrated in and integral to synagogue life. That is why I am excited about us serving others who are searching for a religious home. In other times, the Jewish people grew by having children. Today we must supplement that growth by embracing those who have cast their lots with us, by embracing those who help raise our Jewish children with us.”
Congregation Beth Torah, located at 720 W. Lookout Drive in Richardson, invites all interested people to join them from 9 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 10 for a summer Keruv luau. The plan is to have fun and meet others with similar interests and needs over dessert and finger foods. Please RSVP to keruv@congregationbethtorah.org to find out the specific location in the Frankford-Hillcrest area or call Carren Carpenter at the synagogue office, 972-234-1542, Option 3, for more information.

Looking for high school history teachers

Recognizing the national influence of Texas in the textbook adoption process, Institute for Curriculum Services (ICS) based in California, and the JCRC of Greater Dallas became partners in a five-year project called the Public Education Initiative. PEI seeks to guarantee historical accuracy about Jews, Judaism and Israel in the Texas standards (TEKS) and the textbooks that will ultimately be adopted for use in Texas classrooms.

PEI achieves its goals through local outreach and Austin-based advocacy. Pat Epstein, who lives in Austin, has closely monitored the Texas standards revision process for the past year and has developed strong relationships with members of the SBOE and the Texas Education Agency, along with other key stakeholders, to achieve PEI goals. To date, this project has had tremendous impact. The vast majority of recommendations in the form of edits to the TEKS have been accepted and incorporated into the final TEKS which were approved in May 2010.

For the next phase of its work, PEI is looking to build relationships with Dallas and Fort Worth area Jewish history teachers at the secondary and high school level, Jewish parents who are active in their school districts at the PTA and Council of PTAs level, and school administrators. The help of the organized Jewish community is needed to identify such Jewish individuals.

If you can help, please contact June Penkar, outreach liaison, at jpenkar@jfgd.org or at 214-615-5233.

Kids: Take the Tycher challenge!

The Tycher Library, in cooperation with the J summer camps, is offering a special program to encourage summer reading called “The JCC/Tycher Library Summer Reading Challenge.” They are inviting all children to read or be read to.
Participants will log their own minutes weekly, and the library will offer incentive prizes for reaching certain goals: 500 minutes, coupon for an ice cream at Gooey’s; 1,000 minutes, coupon for a slice of pizza from Café Fino; 2,500 minutes, discount coupon for Half Price Books; 5,000 minutes, Tycher Library Summer Reading Challenge T-shirt.
The program is open to all young people, both JCC campers and others. While families are encouraged to include selections from the Tycher Library’s extensive collection of Jewish-themed children’s books, any books qualify. Stop by the Tycher Library, 7900 Northaven Road, to register or call Joan Gremont at 214-239-7132.

Sign up for your flu shots

It’s not too early to begin thinking about flu shots for this fall. Adat Chaverim Brotherhood will provide regular and H1N1 combination flu shots on Sunday, Sept. 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., for a cost of $22 per person. The immunizations will be given at Adat Chaverim, 6300 Independence Pkwy., Plano. Please contact Howard Hoffman at brotherhood@adatchaverim.org by Sept. 19 to RSVP.
A night to remember …
at Camp Chai!
Overnights at camp are the very special times; the fun begins when campers usually go home and continues through the next day. Camp Chai’s first overnight of the summer was on Thursday, June 24. A surprise Native American theme turned the overnight into a wonderful adventure. Face painting, headdress making, teepee creations and even archery lessons for older campers made this event a special one. The evening came to a close with a drum circle and naming ceremony. Camp Chai Director and TJP “Shabbat Lady” Laura Seymour says, “Magic happens on every overnight. Not only do we try new things and bond with our friends but our campers grow up right before our eyes. An overnight is truly a growing experience.”

Posted on July 1, 2010 - by admin

Dallas Doings

Goldberg Brothers support Dallas fireworks show

Dallas will have a Fourth of July fireworks celebration this year at Fair Park after all. After the disappointing news of this festive tradition being canceled due to insufficient funds, Gold Metal Recyclers stepped up to the plate last week with a sizable donation to keep this civic event alive. Kenny and Neil Goldberg are natives of Dallas and remain very involved with the community. “Sponsoring the annual fireworks show is just one way we can show our support for our city and our nation’s birthday,” Kenny Goldberg said. “We have operated our business here for over three decades and will continue to give back to our community in times of need.”

This year’s celebration will take place on Monday, July 5, at Fair Park. Admission is free, and food and refreshments will be available. Everyone is encouraged to join the Goldbergs on Monday evening to celebrate this exciting and memorable occasion for our city of Dallas.

Big winners score at Casino Night at the J

Bingo, roulette, craps, three-card poker, slot machines and blackjack were all part of Casino Night, June 17, at the Aaron Family Jewish Community Center. Between games there was plenty of cheesecake drizzled with chocolate and caramel along with light appetizers to accompany the punch bowl full of sangria. The big winners took home restaurant gift cards, a Neiman Marcus spa package, wristwatches and accessories for the home. The J thanks the Bingo/Casino Committee and sponsors (Anita Marx, Bravo Health, Faith Presbyterian Hospice, Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Research Across America, Town Village North Dallas, Treemont Retirement Community and 770 KAAM Radio) for their generous support. For more information about senior programs and activities at the J, contact Heather Cordova at 214-239-7149 or hcordova@jccdallas.org.

ExxonMobil Foundation grant brings summer intern to Media Projects

Andrea Schpok has joined ­Media Projects, Inc. as an ­ExxonMobil Community Summer Jobs Program intern in Dallas this summer. At Media Projects, Andrea will engage in marketing and social networking work while getting a behind-the-scenes introduction to film production and the nonprofit sector.

Filmmakers Allen Mondell and Cynthia Salzman Mondell, founders of Media Projects, bring important social and community issues to life through their films, which have earned numerous awards and their place at prestigious screenings in the United States and abroad for the past three decades. Media Projects has a strong history of addressing historical and current Jewish issues through their films, “The Monster Among Us,” “The Dallas Jewish Journey,” “West of Hester Street” and “Make Me a Match.”

Andrea’s marketing work will focus around two Media Projects films. The first, “Sole Sisters,” Cynthia Salzman Mondell’s newest film in progress, unites women of all walks of life through stories of their relationships with shoes. The second, “A Reason to Live,” sheds light on the serious issues of depression and suicide among young adults and their impact on families.

“After watching one of these films or even meeting the Mondells, you realize that Media Projects is really something special,” Andrea said. “I am delighted to have the task of promoting material I can believe in and am excited to be involved with the production of the latest films in progress.”

Back from Tufts University in Boston to her hometown of Dallas for the summer, Andrea will intern for eight weeks. Media Projects was selected as one of 75 Dallas-area not-for-profit agencies granted student interns through the 2010 ExxonMobil Community Summer Jobs Program, funded by the ­ExxonMobil Foundation.

For more information, visit www.mediaprojects.org and www.solesistersfilm.com. “Sole Sisters” also has a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/solesistersfilm.

JWVA plans fun, food, music at elegant luncheon

The Jewish War Veterans’ Auxiliary 256 membership luncheon will be held in an elegant setting at The Tradition–Prestonwood, 15250 Prestonwood Blvd., on Sunday, July 18, at 11:30 a.m.

There is no pressure to join the auxiliary. The occasion is to honor members who give of themselves in so many ways and to enlighten guests as to what they do. Attendees will enjoy the music of vocalist Lori Cohen and pianist Mimi Guten. The event promises fun, food and entertainment.

There is no charge to members or guests, but reservations are required by Friday, July 9. Please RSVP to Dottie Garment, 972-985-7806, or Rosalee Cohen, 972-233-2001.

Posted on June 25, 2010 - by admin

Dallas Doings

CSI says goodbye to Menashe/Musher family

Come to Congregation Shearith Israel, 9401 Douglas Ave., on Saturday, June 26, 9:30 a.m., as they bid a fond farewell to the Menashe/Musher family: Deborah, Rabbi Joe, Molly, Gabriel and Samuel. The Menashe/Musher family will be here through July; however, CSI wants the community to have the opportunity to come together before many members begin their summer breaks.

Farewell breakfast for Rabbi and Mrs. Herb Cohen

The Community Kollel of Dallas bids farewell to Rabbi Herb and Meryl Cohen and salutes them for their years of service to our community. In their honor, the Kollel will hold a farewell breakfast on Sunday, June 27, at 10 a.m. at Congregation Shaare Tefilla, 6131 Churchill Way. The community is welcome to attend. Please call 214-295-3525 or e-mail kollelofdallas@sbcglobal.net to RSVP or for further information.

JFS to review progress in a year of challenge

Jewish Family Service invites the community to its 2010 annual meeting on Monday, June 28, as the organization celebrates its “Innovative Progress in a Year of Economic Challenge.”

Model services, collaborative partnerships and new programs will be discussed. In addition, Todd Chanon, incoming JFS president, and the new officers and board members will be installed. JFS will thank its outgoing president, Robin Sachs, and the officers and board members who have served during the past year, as well as supporters of the organization who have made its achievements possible, and will honor volunteer award recipients.

The program begins at 6:30 p.m. with light hors d’oeuvres, followed by the meeting at 7. It will take place at Temple Shalom, 6930 Alpha Road at Hillcrest. Dietary laws will be observed. Please RSVP to rsvp@jfsdallas.org or 972-437-9950, ext. 303. For more information about Jewish Family Service, please visit the Web site at www.jfsdallas.org or call 972-437-9950.

Waldman Bros. donates funds to benefit three local fire stations

On Wednesday, June 9, partners and senior management from Waldman Bros. gathered at Fire Station 41 at Preston Road and Royal Lane for a public presentation of funds to purchase lifesaving equipment. In conjunction with Fireman’s Fund and CRC Insurance, a donation of nearly $35,000 was made to benefit three local fire stations. Steve Waldman, partner and CEO of Waldman Bros., was given hands-on experience with the newly purchased hydraulic extrication tool. Todd Chanon, partner and COO of Waldman Bros., gave a short speech before the check presentation, praising the service and dedication of the fire crews, and thanking the participating companies that made the gift possible.

Cynthia Mondell launches Sole Sisters project

Calling all Sole Sisters! The right pair of shoes can lift both your spirits and your soles. Join forces with award-winning filmmaker Cynthia Salzman Mondell of Media Projects as she collects women’s stories and mounts the financial campaign for her Sole Sisters film project. Media Projects, Inc.’s mission for Sole Sisters is to produce a documentary about women’s lives seen through personal stories about their shoes. Anchored by the film, Media Projects will develop a multimedia platform with educational and entertainment experiences that include the Web, theater and publishing opportunities. The Sole Sisters project will reach a global audience as it celebrates, uplifts and empowers women of all ages, ethnicities and walks of life.

Share those intimate, never-before-told stories about your relationship with your shoes at www.solesistersfilm.com.

Dallas Holocaust Museum: free admission this summer to military families

Military families with loved ones on active duty are offered free admission to the Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance this summer.

The Holocaust Museum is an official participant of a program called Blue Star Museums in which active duty military personnel and their families receive free admission to more than 700 museums across the United States, including several in the Dallas area.

The offer runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The program is the idea of Kathy Roth-Douquet, chairwoman of Blue Star Families. Her husband, Marine Corps Col. Greg Douquet, is on his third deployment to Afghanistan.

“You can feel a little alone in America right now, being part of the 1 percent that’s involved in fighting these wars,” she said. “When the kids and I go to museums this summer, we know we’re being welcomed. It will make us feel less alone.”

The Dallas Holocaust Museum is located at 211 N. Record St. in Dallas’ historic West End district. More information is available at www.dallasholocaustmuseum.org.

Dallas Holocaust Museum hires new development director

Maria MacMullin, an experienced development professional with a track record of successful fundraising initiatives, is the new director of development for the Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance. Ms. MacMullin was selected from a highly qualified pool of development professionals from across the United States.

She served previously as director of development for Methodist Richardson Medical Center Foundation, where she cultivated major gifts of over $1 million for the completion of a cancer center. The “Cancer Should Not Have the Last Word” capital campaign raised more than $23 million for the center.

A native of Pennsylvania, Ms. MacMullin also served as assistant director of development for the Coriell Institute for Medical Research in Camden, NJ. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in religious studies from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as a Master of Liberal Arts degree from that institution.

“I am humbled and extremely excited about joining the Museum,” MacMullin said, “and I look forward to bringing new opportunities for advancement to the community through enhanced donor-focused programs and services. Many of the Museum’s constituents have so many interesting and important stories to share; one of my goals is to get to know the people behind the Museum and ensure that their legacies are preserved for future generations through successful fundraising, membership and other efforts.”

Posted on June 17, 2010 - by admin

Dallas Doings

JFGD to elect new slate at annual meeting

The Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas invites its supporters to the 2010 Annual Meeting on Tuesday, June 22, with a reception at 6:45 p.m. in the Zale Auditorium at the Aaron Family JCC, 7900 Northaven Road. The program, starting at 7:30, will honor outstanding leaders in the Jewish community who have demonstrated excellence in their support of the Federation’s 2010 Annual Campaign. The agenda also includes the election of new officers and board members. The annual meeting is chaired by Barbi and Scott Cohen.

The slate of new officers and board members selected by the Nominating Committee are Jeffrey Rasansky as chairman-elect and Vice-Chairs Harold Gernsbacher, Brian M. Lidji and Barbara Stein. Board members nominated for a three-year term are Shelley Becker, David Greenstone, Cindy Sweet Moskowitz, Todd Platt and A.J. Rosmarin; for a two-year term, Jack Baum and Eric Pinker; Robert L. Feldman, Daniel J. Prescott and Cary Rossel have one-year chairman’s appointments to the board. Other board members include David Veeder, Chairman, Michael A. Cohen, Seth Davidow, Stefani Eisenstat, Adam W. Fenster, Fred Grunewald, Rick Lacher, Sharon Levin, Lillian Pinkus, Frank A. Risch, Rabbi Adam J. Raskin, Ari J. Susman and Sue Tilis. Carol Aaron is the past chairman and Gary Weinstein, president and CEO.

Stuart Blaugrund and Louis Zweig will be accorded special recognition for their dedicated work on behalf of Federation and the community; Bill Finkelstein will receive the Campaigner of the Year Award; Sandy Cohen, the Helen Gross Leadership Award; Doug Baer, the I. Zesmer Young Leadership Award; and Stacey Baer, the Bess Nathan Young Leadership Award.

David Veeder, the Federation’s chairman, a dynamic leader whose focus is on Federation’s value to the community, has led it to greater efficiencies, as well as creating initiatives to reach out to those not familiar with its work. “It’s been a great first year,” he notes. “There is much to be proud of, and still so much more to accomplish.” Gary Weinstein reflects on the past year: “I am grateful to all of our donors and our wonderful volunteers for their support of the Federation’s 2010 Annual Campaign. We have finished strong and it has been a community effort.”

Yellow balloon campaign for Gilad Shalit

We will soon mark the fourth anniversary of the kidnapping of Cpl. Gilad Shalit of the Israel Defense Forces. On June 25, 2006, after an infiltration and attack by terrorists near Kibbutz Kerem Shalom in southern Israel, two IDF soldiers were killed and four others were wounded. Gilad Shalit was abducted and has been held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip ever since. The International Red Cross has been denied access to Gilad, and his exact whereabouts and physical conditions are unknown. A video of Gilad, released by Hamas in October of 2009, is the last his family has seen of him.

Shearith Israel will participate in a program organized by Koach, the College Branch of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism to help further awareness of this ongoing tragedy. The multifaceted program will include an e-mail campaign to send virtual yellow balloons that say “Bring Gilad Home” and also will use Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites.  As a participating synagogue, Shearith will display yellow balloons throughout the week of June 21 to show solidarity with Gilad, and will include special prayers in all services.

The campaign urges people to write to their elected officials asking them to maintain pressure on the international community to free Gilad, and to write to his parents expressing support. Shearith Israel will have an information table throughout the week, and members can sign letters at Shearith during its Blues Sunday program on Sunday, June 27. On Friday, June 25, a few members of the Israeli teen performance group, Israel Scout Tzofim Friendship Caravan, will give a special performance at Shearith Israel’s north satellite, Beit Aryeh, located on the campus of the Ann and Nate Levine Academy, 18011 Hillcrest Road.

AJC Dallas presented with first-place Szabad Award

The AJC Dallas office was honored with American Jewish Committee’s first-place Szabad Award during its 104th annual meeting in Washington, D.C. in May. The Szabad Award, originally named in honor of the late Shirley M. Szabad, a longtime AJC leader from Westchester, N.Y., is bestowed for an outstanding program or project among the 28 regional AJC offices.

Catch the spirit of Joyful Noise at Beth Torah!

The sounds of Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw have nothing on the Joyful Noise Ensemble involved in enriching early Kabbalat Shabbat services at Congregation Beth Torah.

The name of the group originates from a biblical quote, “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord,” and its members capture incredible energy and spirit. The goals of the service are to encourage congregational participation by providing compelling and exciting tunes to prayers already known. Bob Austein, percussionist and longtime congregant, marvels that people from preschoolers to seniors wind up with smiles on their faces, songs tripping from their mouths, hands clapping and happiness exuding from their pores.

Early Kabbalat Shabbat services are offered only during the spring and summer months in order to take advantage of the late setting of the sun and to be respectful of synagogue traditions regarding the use of instrumentation once Shabbat begins. Joyful Noise service books with transliteration and translation are provided to enable participants to feel fully comfortable and to join in the joy of this vibrant Shabbat service.

Capturing incredible energy and spirit, the group includes keyboard, soprano sax (which can create a wonderful “klezmer” sound), flute, harp, guitars and percussion. The biggest compliment is when upcoming bar/bat mitzvah families request that Joyful Noise services be conducted on their child’s important Shabbat.

Upcoming Kabbalat Shabbat service dates where you can catch the spirit with Joyful Noise are June 18, July 23 and Aug. 13. Services at Congregation Beth Torah begin at 6:30 p.m. For further information, call Cathey Treider at 972-234-1542.

Ari Schonbrun to tell his personal 9/11 story

DATA–Dallas Area Torah Association will present a riveting lecture by Ari Schonbrun on Thursday, June 24, at 7:45 p.m. On Sept. 11, 2001, Ari was en route to his office on the 101st floor of the Twin Towers when the first plane hit. He recognized a co-worker who had third-degree burns, and proceeded in helping her down 78 flights of stairs to safety. His astounding story was published in many newspapers and magazines and recorded in a number of books. His heroic story serves as an inspiration to many, and is living proof of the tenacity of the human spirit.

Born and raised in New York, Ari Schonbrun moved to Israel with his family at the age of 14. When Ari returned to the United States, he worked at United Mizrachi Bank for ten years, rising to the position of head trader. In 1993, he went to work for Cantor Fitzgerald.

The program will take place at Congregation Ohr HaTorah, 6324 Churchill Way, Dallas. Suggested donation is $10. For more information, please call DATA at 214-987-3282.
Former head of military intelligence from Israel will speak on homeland security
Come hear the former head of Israeli military intelligence and get your summer networking in gear! The Texas-Israel Chamber of Commerce presents “Homeland Security, Global Intelligence, High-Tech Security and Intelligent Buildings of the Future” on Wednesday, June 23, 5:45–7:45 p.m.

The speaker, Major General (Res.) Aharon Zeevi Farkash, is a world leading security expert who served as head of Israeli military intelligence and now heads the Intelligence and National Defense Program of the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) at Tel Aviv University. He also founded FST21 in 2007 with a vision of developing the key to enter the intelligent building of the future with an automated access technology.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to hear about a variety of important topics including intelligence, technology, security and its applications. The session is especially pertinent for real estate developers, builders and building managers, security companies, telecom/wireless and software innovators, those interested in security and the general public.

The talk will be held at Gardere Wynne Sewell, 1601 Elm St., Suite 3000. Dress is business casual. There is no cost to attend, but please RSVP to Greg Yavner, president and CEO of the Texas-Israel Chamber of Commerce, at gregtxisrael@gmail.com.

Posted on June 10, 2010 - by admin

Dallas Doings

Temple Emanu-El Couples Club installs new officers

At the recent 21st anniversary of Temple Emanu-El Couples Club, Nelda and Stan Golden installed the new slate of officers for 2010.  New Officers are Joan and Malcolm Shwarts, presidents; Jeanne and Ronnie Isaacson presidents elect; Elaine and Bernie Weil and Linda and Bernie Goldman, co-vice presidents (Social); Blanche and Sol Weinberger and Sarah Yarrin and Jack Repp, co-vice presidents (Membership); Carole and Berry Cohen, secretaries; Sandra and Dan Gorman, treasurers; Renee and Buddy Gilbert, parliamentarians; Joyce and Jerry Zellman, sunshine; Frances Sue and Morton Schneider, publicity; Edie and Paul Singer, historians.

Everyone enjoyed dinner catered by Maggiano’s, and the music provided by Norma Valles.  The Couples Club is a social club with the purpose to have an opportunity to make new friends and reconnect with past acquaintances.  Couples with one person 50 or older interested in joining this club should call the membership vice presidents at 972-934-9681 or 214-361-0486.

Tzvi Eliezer Rich named winner of Artscroll drawing contest

Mazel Tov to Torah Day School of Dallas 8th grader, Tzvi  Eliezer Rich, son of Rabbi Yaakov and Susan Rich who has been named the winner of Artscroll’s worldwide drawing contest.

The contest requirement was to think of a possible new book for Artscroll, and to create a book cover for it.  Tzvi Eliezer chose to illustrate a cover for a book on the Holocaust called “Survivors: 50 Stories about People Who Survived.”

Artscroll’s Web site says that “The response to ArtScroll’s Write, Draw, and Win contest, for grades 1 – 8, was stupendous! With more than 1,260 creative and imaginative entries, from more than 100 schools around the world, it was a tough call for the judges – but we tried hard to pick the best of the best. We should all be proud of the great talent of the students in our schools.”

Ann and Nate Levine Academy offers cheerleading to youngsters

Cheerleading. Not a typical extracurricular activity at a Jewish day school—unless your school is Ann and Nate Levine Academy. This past school year, as part of its extensive Educare Program, (and through the summer months, as part of its Speciality Camp) Levine Academy offered its Lower School girls the opportunity to be part of a Cheerleading Squad. Under the experienced direction of Rhonda Adams, owner of PowerKids Sports & Fitness, and with the help of Levine Academy parent and teacher Nadine Gold and Levine Academy student Mikayla Lewison, the girls met once a week after the regular school day to learn cheers and choreography, and to prepare for the pep rallies they would lead throughout the sports seasons. Having started off with just eight girls in September, the squad swelled to 27 by the end of the year. It became such a favorite extracurricular activity that Levine Academy decided to continue the program through the summer in the form of a summer cheerleading camp. The word spread quickly to non-Levine Academy students who snapped up many of the 30 spaces; two of the three summer camp sessions are now full, with many children on the waiting list.

The cheerleading program is more than just cute uniforms, pom-poms, and megaphones. It is part of an overall approach to make physical activity – and all of the benefits derived from it – part of a child’s everyday life. “Cheerleading is a wonderful way for children of this age to cultivate such skills as strength, hand-eye coordination, balance and agility,” stated Adams. “And just as important, it is a great way for the girls to build self-confidence and self-esteem. It gives me such pleasure to see so many girls go from being too shy to perform at the first pep-rally to being front and center at the last pep-rally.”

Cheerleading is just one of the many exciting enrichment programs that Levine Academy offers to its students. This past year, children in the Early Childhood Center could attend such classes as drama, gymnastics, cooking, science, music, ballet, and martial arts. Beck Lower School students had the opportunity to participate in yoga, drama, art, music, sports, chess, computer, ballet, and improvisation. The school year culminated in the First Annual Educare Spring Review and Recital where the ballerinas, musicians, martial arts masters, and cheerleaders showed-off their talent. While no space is available for the June cheerleading camps, there are still a few spots available for the camp that runs from August 2 – 6. Contact Rachel Nicholas, camp director, at 972-248-3032, ext. 143 if you are interested in attending.

Posted on June 3, 2010 - by admin

Dallas Doings

Levine Academy teacher honored with the Waldman Teacher Excellence Award
For 17 years, Levine Academy Math Teacher Susie McEwen has stayed in the background. Not one to call attention to herself, even though she is one of the most qualified and respected teachers at Levine Academy – as well one of the students’ favorites – she was pushed into the limelight on May 18 as she was presented with the Waldman Teacher Excellence Award. “Susie McEwen is the essence of what a professional teacher should be. Her solid teaching skills are beyond compare; this is an individual who thinks ahead, sees the details as well as the big picture, and puts on her thinking cap to find solutions,” stated Levine Academy K-8 Principal Dr. Susie Wolbe. “She is constantly trying to better the school for the students, teachers, and parents. What a huge contributor to our community!”

This award, established by the late Sadie and William Waldman in 1988, honors teachers who exhibit a commitment to the school, a passion for education, and a love of children. It has become the most coveted and prestigious award bestowed upon a teacher at Levine Academy. The award was presented by Mrs. Andrea Weinstein, daughter of William and Sadie Waldman, and her grandchildren Levine Academy students Sam Weinstein ‘14, Sofia Weinstein ‘16, and Max Weinstein ‘15. Mrs. Weinstein’s granddaughter and Levine Academy alumna Elizabeth Weinstein also attended the ceremony.

Born in Amarillo, Texas, Susie moved to Dallas after graduating from Texas Tech with a degree in secondary education in mathematics and journalism. She first took the public school route, in Duncanville and Richardson, teaching everything from science and health to yearbook and newspaper. After a nine year retirement to raise her children, she resumed her teaching at Akiba Academy and Yavneh Academy for a year and then, fortunately, at Levine Academy ever since. “I love teaching at Levine Academy,” stated McEwen. “I love the small classes, the students, and the people I work with. We really are like a family. We all take care of each other.” When asked why she chose to teach at a Jewish day school, McEwen took a few moments to reflect on that question and then stated that sometimes you don’t know why, but your heart and your gut tells you this is where you need to be. She added, “Few people know this, but years and years ago my grandmother became very ill with tuberculosis. Not having very much money and very few resources where she lived, she went to Denver where she was treated for free at the Jewish Charity Hospital. Years later, I found letters she had written about how fantastic the doctors and staff were to her and her great appreciation for the care and respect she received. It almost seems meant to be that I ended up at a Jewish day school. The Jewish community embraced her in her time of need and now I, too, am embraced by this wonderful community.”

BBYO Intake Pool Party this Saturday

Dallas BBYO will host its annual Intake Luau Pool Party from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 5th. Incoming ninth graders are invited to  the Aaron Family JCC outside pool, 7900 Northaven Road. The event is free and will be held rain oe shine. Everyone should bring a towel.

To register for BBYO visit www.B-Linked.org.  For more information, contact Tracy Davis at the BBYO Office 214-363-4654 or tdavis@bbyo.org.

The Legacy at Willow Bend welcomes Author Lawrence Fischman

The Legacy at Willow Bend recently welcomed author Lawrence Fischman as the first of a three-part speaker series hosted by the senior living community. Bob Weinfeld, a member of The Legacy at Willow Bend and chairman of the book club, introduced the Dallas trial and appellate lawyer-turned-author to the members of The Legacy.

Fischman read from the prologue and chapter one of his book entitled “The French Artillery Office,” which is a fictional work involving Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Watson during the late 19th century “Dreyfus Affaire” in France. The lecture was followed by members’ questions, and a copy of “The French Artillery Office” was added to The Legacy at Willow Bend library.

“The members enjoyed hearing about Lawrence’s recent book,” said Weinfeld. “Many have been fans of Sherlock Holmes stories since childhood, and the interesting combination of fiction with actual events in France make for a compelling story.”

The Legacy at Willow Bend, Plano’s first and only life care retirement community, is situated on a 28-acre site at Spring Creek Parkway between Preston Road and Ohio Drive. The Legacy at Willow Bend offers resort-style services and amenities for active, independent seniors, as well as all levels of health care services on-site. The community features 103 independent living apartment homes, 12 custom independent living villas, 40 assisted living apartment homes, 18 memory support suites, and 60 private skilled healthcare suites.

The Legacy at Willow Bend is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit retirement community owned by parent company, The Legacy Senior Communities, Inc. The Legacy at Willow Bend, the only Jewish-sponsored life care retirement community in Texas, is open to people of all faiths.  For information, call (972) 468-6208, or visit www.thelegacyWB.org.

News and Notes

Casie Squires the grandaughter of Bob and  Idella Partegas had a rare opertunity to meet Shimon Peres while in Tel Aviv. She went to Israel on assignment for the David Project.

Casie, a recent graduate of the University of Arizona, is originally from Houston, and now lives in New York City where she works for the David Project.

Mazel tov to Jonathan Nathan who recently graduated from Texas Tech Medical School. He is the son of proud parents Bassim and Karen Nathan, brother of Daniel and Todd, grandson of  Nadjia Nathan and Herb and Shirley Kresh.

Jonathan received his bachelor’s degree in Biological Science from SMU, his master’s degree in Hospital/Business Administration from Texas Tech, and his most recent accomplishment, an M.D. from Texas Tech Medical School. He will be doing his residency at UT Southwestern in Dallas.

Posted on May 27, 2010 - by admin

Dallas Doings

It’s poppy time for JWV

The Harvey Bloom Post of the JWV will be selling poppies at Sam’s and Walmart as has become a Memorial Day tradition. Says Dick Lethe, “We owe them a debt of gratitude as we are the only organization they allow to do so.” JWV also will be placing U.S. flags at all  cemeteries for our fallen comrades in the Dallas area, and will be involved in the memorial services at Laurerland cemetery and the military cemetery in Dallas. About 50 members will be volunteering at these functions.  “Memorial Day is a very special day for the JWV. We keep the faith with our fallen comrades,” added Lethe.

Special Needs Family Day this Monday

There is still time to register for Special Needs Family Day, May 31 at the JCC, 7900 Northaven Road. Beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 2:30 the day will feature networking, education and fun for the entire family. A highlight of the event will be the keynote presentation by Rabbi Bradley Artson and his son Jacob Artson: “Living with Autism and Not Veing Defined by It.” The talk is scheduled to begin at 9:30.

Breakout sessions will feature the following topics: “Sights and Sound – OH MY!!  Our Daily Dose of Sensory Overload” with Carolyn Feder and Emily Kern; “Special Planning for your Child with Special Needs – Understanding the Texas Waiver System, etc,” with  Naomi Duke of K Corporation; “How to be a Father for Someone with Special Needs,” with Rabbi Bradley Artson; “Advocating for your Child’s Participation in Synagogue life A Panel Discussion,” with Rabbi Bradley Artson, Rabbi  Jordan Parr and Dr. Jeff Lichtman; Trust Planning 101” with  Naomi Duke; and “Nurturing your Relationship with your Spouse,” with  Malkie Schick of JFS.

At 1 p.m. there will be lunch and a resource fair. To RSVP, contact  Hanna Geshelin at 214-239-7131. Cost is  $18 per family

Limited number of spots left for Tiferet Choctaw Casino trip

Tiferet Israel will take another casino trip to Choctaw Casino in Oklahoma from 8 a.m. to  5 p.m on June 6. There are only 10 seats left. There will be a tour of the hotel. The $15 cost includes a kosher breakfast and lunch and $10 in casino credit.

RSVPs required. Call Tiferet Israel’s Office at 214-691-3611 to reserve a spot or for more information contact Debby Rubin, at the synagogue office or  at DRubin@tiferetdallas.org.

Tiferet Israel Congregation is located at 10909 Hillcrest Road in Dallas.

Jennifer Sheppard garners National Merit college scholarship

Mazel tov to Jennifer Sheppard, daughter of Iris Young Sheppard  and Andy Sheppard, who has earned a college sponsored merit scholarship from the University of Rochester. Jennifer will graduate from Plano West on June 8 and is a graduate of Levine Academy. She is one of the more than 2,800 winners of National Merit Scholarships financed by colleges and universities that were announced this week by National Merit Scholarship.  Officials of each sponsor college selected their scholarship winners from among finalists in the 2010 National Merit Scholarship Program who plan to attend their institution. These awards provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the institution financing the scholarship.

Jennifer will spend the summer as a senior counselor at the JCC’s Camp Chai before heading off to the University of Rochester for orientation and school at the end of August.  She is planning on studying art, languages (Hebrew and Spanish) and archeology. Jennifer is the sister of Benjamin Sheppard, also a Levine Academy graduate, who attends Shepton in Plano.

5th Annual Kids Tri at the ‘J’

The Dallas  JCC, 7900 Northaven Road, will host its 5th annual Kids Tri. USAT sanctioned, this event is open to kids ages seven to 14 with swim-bike and run distances off 100/200 yards in the pool, 5 km/10 km bike on the residential streets around the JCC and a 1k/2k run on the grounds of the JCC. The terrain is mostly flat. This kids tri is perfect for children of all ages and is broken into four age group categories: 7-8, 9-10, 11-12 and 13-14. USA Triathlon is sanctioned, managed and directed by professional staff of IronHead Race Productions.

To register visit, http://www.ironheadrp.com/kidstriatthej/index.html.

For more information about this race, contact Jon Mize, Sports and Fitness director at jmize@jccdallas.org, or 214-739-2737.

Balkins to celebrate golden wedding anniversary in Big D

Mazel tov to Esther Raboff Balkin and Burton E. Balkin of Philadelphia. They will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in Dallas with their children Jackie and Michael Hoffman of Dallas and Harris and Leslie Balkin of Albuquerque, along with their four grandchildren Jake, Aaron and Rebecca Hoffman and  Megan Balkin.  Esther and Burt were married on May 29, 1960 at the Warwick Hotel in Philadelphia.  These days, they can often be found in Dallas attending numerous events in which their grandchildren are involved or in support of  local organizations including Levine Academy, where their grandchildren attend school, or  the Vogel Alcove.   The couple will be in Dallas to celebrate, followed by a family gathering in San Antonio.  Mazel Tov!

Business Scene:

Spark Communications, a Dallas agency founded in 1999 with an emphasis on copywriting, has changed its name to Alacrity Creative. “Alacrity means eager responsiveness and cheerful speed,” says Doug Davidson, Alacrity founder and principal. “It does a great job capturing our focus on results-driven creativity and outstanding client service.” The new name marks the start of the firm’s second decade in business and a five-year shift in its focus and services. “Early on, 90 percent of our business was copywriting,” Davidson says. “But around 2005, clients began to ask us for more—communications strategy, graphic design for web and print, and total project management. We still love to write copy; we’ve just added to the mix.”

Alacrity uses a virtual agency approach to create project teams that are focused and efficient. “Our network of writers, designers and programmers spans from Dallas to Wisconsin, Canada and as far way as Moscow,” Davidson explains. “Email, Skype and Google Voice are a big part of how we do business— sharing information, collaborating and building a real sense of teamwork.”

Alacrity today is a full-service creative marketing communications firm with corporate and agency clients in Dallas and across North America. Clients include the American College of Emergency Physicians, the City of Arlington, Clever Pear, Cooper Aerobics Center, Crescent Real Estate Equities, the Dallas-Fort Worth Business Group on Health, Eisenberg and Associates, Executive Women of Dallas, 5Gstudio_collaborative, Flexx Systems, Flying Start, Hahn & Bowersock, Insite Interactive, JFT Engineers, Lavabit, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, PhaseWare, Salvo Real Estate Solutions, Slingshot, SMU Cox Executive Education, SMU Cox School of Business, Sofitel Hotels and Resorts, TractorBeam, Trisul Group, the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, Zachry Associates and Zielinsky Design Associates. Alacrity launched a new website—www.alacritycreative.com—to mark the name change and is celebrating with a special “Hat and a Hand, Hooray” promotion for current and new clients. “Through July 1, clients who hire us for new project will receive an Alacrity ball cap,” Davidson says, “plus $100 donated in their name to one of five outstanding not-for-profit organizations—Americares, Best Friends Animal Society, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, Habitat for Humanity International and ProLiteracy.”

Save the Date: July 1 Israel Scout-Tzofim Friendship Caravan

The  Israel Scout-Tzofim Friendship Caravan, a highly-talented energetic and enthusiastic group of Israeli teens that travel throughout the U.S. and Canada, will give a citywide performance at 7 p.m. on  Thursday, July 1st in Tobian Auditorium of Temple Emanu-El, 8500 Hillcrest Road, Dallas.

The  Israel Scout-Tzofim Friendship Caravan is well-known for bringing Israeli culture and a message of friendship through song and dance.

The event is sponsored by the Israel Committee of Temple Emanu-El.

For more information, contact David Abrams at 214-669-3033 or Linda Kahalnik at 972-867-7780.

Posted on May 20, 2010 - by admin

Dallas Doings

Bennett Greenspan: discovering Jewish history through the lens of DNA testing

The Dallas Jewish Historical Society will present another offering of its “Harold A. Pollman Lecture Series,” with acclaimed speaker and DNA expert, Bennett Greenspan.  The program will accompany the Dallas Jewish Historical Society’s Annual Meeting and board installation at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 26 in the Zale Auditorium of the Aaron Family JCC, 7900 Northaven Road, Dallas.

Bennett Greenspan will discuss researching Jewish history through the lens of DNA testing. His presentation will show the overlap between Jewish DNA found in Ashkenazi/Mizrachi and Sephardic populations and will shed light on the amazing stories that non-Jews who have found a Jewish ancestry share with him on a weekly basis.  Plus, Greenspan will discuss the newest test for finding Jewish relatives out to 4th or 5th cousins.
Since its founding in 2000, Family Tree DNA has become the largest non-medical DNA testing company in the world.  As an entrepreneur and life-long genealogy enthusiast, Greenspan turned his hobby into a full-time vocation and his effort and innovation created the burgeoning field of genetic genealogy.  Family Tree DNA is associated with the Arizona Research Labs, led by Dr. Michael Hammer, one of the world’s leading authorities in the field of Y-DNA genetics. Renowned scientists serve on its advisory board. With over 255,000 records, Family Tree DNA has the largest database of its kind in the world.  Family Tree DNA and other cooperative ventures, including the National Geographic Society’s Genographic Project and AfricanDNA.com, now comprise the world’s largest non-medical DNA testing program.
A native Nebraskan, Greenspan received his B.A. from the University of Texas and spent years investigating the ancestors of his maternal grandfather, an obsession which led to the founding of Family Tree DNA.  His business career has spanned photographic equipment and supplies, real estate, the pro-college website GoCollege.com, Family Tree DNA, and is now involved in DNATraits.com, a new medical genetic testing company.  A limited number of DNA testing kits will be available for purchase after his talk.
This program is part of a continuing series graciously sponsored by Harold Pollman for the purpose of bringing to Dallas national experts on topics of interest to the Dallas Jewish community.  Admission is free and the program is open to the public.  For reservations, call 214-239-7120 or   e-mail the Society at info@djhs.org.
The Dallas Jewish Historical Society serves as a repository for artifacts, personal papers, and records of individuals, organizations and businesses, documenting the contributions and growth of the entire Dallas Jewish community.

Akiba will be in bloom next Wednesday, May 26

Akiba Academy will hold its first Fine Arts Festival, “Bloom,” sponsored by Discovery, Akiba’s new after school enrichment program.
Designed for students in preschool through 8th grade, the Discovery philosophy offers children the chance to explore their interests, develop skills and tap into talents with best-in-class specialists in fine arts, athletics and language and learning.
Whether children are experiencing a variety of artistic media in Akiba’s state-of-the-art visual arts studio, exploring movement, vocal technique and creative, dramatic games as part of the theater troupe, developing an appreciation and skill in music and performance in choir and instruments, or in developing technique and style in ballet, Discovery’s Fine Arts department stimulates creativity and celebrates sharing and learning.
It is with this spirit that Akiba presents the “BLOOM” Fine Arts Festival which has been inspirational to students and instrumental in allowing children to discover who they have been, who they are and who they yearn to be.
Every aspect represents more than 120 students involved in Akiba’s Discovery Fine Arts including a visual arts gallery filling Akiba’s hallways, performances by the choir; bells and recorders; Origami and Latin art created by Akiba’s Mandarin and Spanish classes. Theater Troupe and ballet dancers will entertain. For more information, call Akiba at 214-295-3400.

Erwin Waldman golf tournament set for June 7

The Aaron Family Jewish Community Center of Dallas is proud to announce the 23rd annual North Dallas Bank & Trust Co./Erwin Waldman golf tournament. It will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, June 7 at the Coyote Ridge Golf Club in Carrollton. Proceeds will benefit camp and preschool scholarships at the JCC. The tournament consists of morning and afternoon rounds with breakfast and lunch for golfers and volunteers, culminating with an awards banquet announcing winners of the day. For player and sponsorship information, contact Kerri Aikin at 214-239-7103 or by e-mail, kaikin@jccdallas.org.

Families will enjoy Music Together at grand opening on May 23

It will be the biggest “Hello Song” ever sung as Gila Vinokur, director of Music Together of Dallas, opens her new North Dallas studio with the bang of a drum and the sound of families singing from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 23.
To celebrate, Ms. Vinokur has invited local children’s entertainers Julia Geffen Rogers, Beyond the Pale and Razzle Dazzle the Clown to entertain while families sing, dance and play in a “musical instrument petting zoo.” All in the community are welcome to enjoy the grand opening with a free concert, face-painting, complimentary food and drinks, prize drawings and other fun for the whole family, including the opportunity to star in a music video of “The Hello Song.”
Vinokur’s passion is guiding children and families to express and develop their natural musicality.
“You are your child’s favorite singer,” Vinokur said, emphasizing the point that parents who give infants and young children informal music time tend to bond deeply.
“Enjoy it!” the South African native encourages parents and grandparents in her classes. “Sing in the car! Sing in the park, sing at the store and while you’re doing things around the house. Especially sing lullabies at bedtime.”
In addition to the feel-good reasons to make music, Vinokur points to academic studies that validate other benefits of song.
Dr. Howard Gardner of Harvard University, author of the bestselling books “Frames of Mind” and “Ways of Knowing,” classifies musicality among the multiple intelligences humans possess.
Gardner suggests that children with musical intelligence tend to learn and perform well in school because their comfort with and aptitude for auditory processing predisposes them to acquire knowledge through sound. Musically intelligent children can more easily follow directions and pay attention to people talking. Language skills are typically highly developed in those whose base intelligence is musical. Musically intelligent children are inclined to learn well from lectures and perform well on standardized tests.
According to The Total Learning Initiative research project conducted in Bridgeport, Conn., test scores and self-confidence are measurably higher among children who are provided with early exposure to music.
“Look at them, smile, listen to your children singing and join in,” Vinokur said. “There is no happier moment for a child than making music together with an adult.”
Music Together Dallas is located at 17404 Hillcrest Road, Dallas, at the southeast corner of Hillcrest and McCallum. For more information, contact Judy Safern, 214-432-0899 or judy@leadingthinkers.com.

Business scene: Windsor Senior Living welcomes Amanda Bachman

Amanda B. Bachman has joined Windsor Senior Living as director of Sales & Marketing. Prior to joining Windsor Senior Living, Amanda honed her skills in the extremely competitive Texas and Northeast real estate market.
Amanda’s success is a direct result of her hands-on management style. She has a talent for recruiting, developing, motivating and leading productive sales teams. She also enjoys guiding families and being considered an expert in senior housing. Her ability to improve individual and team performance through incentives, skills training and coaching is invaluable.
Amanda is gym enthusiast; where she maximizes her networking skills. She has a passion for giving back to the Jewish community and is involved in numerous civic organizations. Proud of Amanda’s success is husband, Brian.
You can visit Amanda at the newly licensed Windsor Senior Living ; Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care TODAY for a complimentary lunch in their private dining room.

Posted on May 13, 2010 - by admin

Dallas Doings

AIPAC dessert reception May 23: Make your reservations today!

There is still time to join AIPAC for its 2010 Annual Dessert Reception featuring Dr. Daniel Gordis, senior vice president of the Shalem Center, where he is also a senior fellow. The event will be held Sunday, May 23 at the Westin Galleria. Doors open at 7 p.m.

The author of numerous books on Jewish thought and currents in Israel, Dr. Gordis was the founding dean of the Ziegler Rabbinical School at the University of Judaism, the first rabbinical college on the West Coast of the United States. He joined Shalem in 2007 after spending nine years as vice president of the Mandel Foundation in Israel and director of its Leadership Institute.

Since moving to Israel in 1998, Dr. Gordis has written and lectured throughout the world on Israeli society and the challenges facing the Jewish state. His writing has appeared in magazines and newspapers including the New York Times, the New Republic, the New York Times Magazine, Moment, Tikkun and Conservative Judaism. His latest book, “Saving Israel: How the Jewish State Can Win a War That May Never End,” was published by Wiley last year. He is presently at work on a volume about 19th- and 20th-century rabbinic responsa on conversion, which he is writing together with Rabbi David Ellenson of the Hebrew Union College.

Dr. Gordis received his B.A. from Columbia College (magna cum laude), a master’s degree and rabbinic ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America and his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California.

He lives in Jerusalem with his wife, Elisheva, and three children.

Cost of the event is $36 per person. Tables of 10 can be purchased for $360. For more information, contact Drew Berliner at 214-741-6759.

Bagel Run this Sunday

The 24th Annual Bagel Run – 5K/10K/Kid’s K will be held this Sunday at the Aaron Family JCC, 7900 Northaven Road. Race day registration begins at 7 a.m. Races begin at 8 a.m. with the Kid’s K. Awards will be held at 9 a.m. Race day fee is $25 and $8 for the Kid’s K. For more information, call 214-739-2737.

‘Standing with Israel’ at Temple Shalom

On Tuesday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m., Temple Shalom will host a panel discussion on “Standing with Israel: Exploring Her Future in the 21st Century,” centering on Jerusalem. The panel will include Charles Pulman, Dr. Elizabeth A. Oldmixon and Ronnie Porat, JNF Israel emissary to the Southern and Florida zones.

Dr. Oldmixon (Ph.D., University of Florida) is associate professor of political science at the University of North Texas. She also teaches courses on Israel in association with UNT’s Jewish Studies Program, the only such program at a public university in the DFW metropolitan area. Dr. Oldmixon was recently awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study in Ireland this fall. She was formerly a fellow at the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies, Brandeis University (2008), an American Political Science Association Congressional Fellow (2001–2002) and chair of the APSA Religion and Politics section. She is a UNT Honor Professor and winner of the 2007 Paul J. Weber Award the Best Paper in Religion and Politics. Next month, she will serve as part of a UNT delegation to Israel, with the goal of forging cooperative relationships with Israel’s top-tier universities.

Ronnie Porat served in both the IDF and the Israeli Foreign Service. In recent years, he became one of the Israeli military experts in Israeli Arab affairs. During his diplomatic career, Ronnie served as the Israeli consul in Cairo, Egypt (1991–1994) and was deeply involved in the Israeli-Palestinian Oslo Peace process. In December 1994, he was a member of the advanced team that established and opened the Israeli Embassy in Amman, Jordan, and became the first consul in Jordan. His wide experience as a strategic analyst in the intelligence branch as well as in the Southern Command Military Headquarters (Intelligence Department) in Beersheva, combined with his diplomatic (Arab) experience, made him one of the first-line analysts within the IDF and the Foreign Service.

This event is free and open to the public.

JWV speaker, Maj. Gen. Eugene Fox

Speaking at the May 23 meeting of the Jewish War Veterans will be Major General Eugene Fox. General Fox retired from the U.S. Army in 1989 after 33 years of service. He commanded Field Artillery and Air Defense units from the platoon to brigade level. His experiences include manager in the Department of Defense weapons acquisition program. He was chief of the Missile Division in the Office of Research and Development and an executive on the staff of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Research, Development and Acquisition.

Fox has published numerous articles about his specialty, missile defense. He and his partner, Dr. Stanley Orman, are currently consultants to various companies and government agencies.

The general is a graduate of the United States Military Academy, holds an M.S. degree from the University of Arizona and attended the National War College.

The meeting will take place at 9:30 a.m. at the Aaron Family JCC, 7900 Northaven Road. As always, the public is invited. A brunch will be served for which there will be a modest charge.

Laura Matisoff receives youth award

Laura Matisoff, a May 2010 undergraduate psychology major from the University of Arizona, in Tucson, receive the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona College Youth Award today. This award is presented annually to a Jewish college senior from the University of Arizona who exemplifies outstanding leadership skills and dedicated community involvement, in addition to being an active member of Hillel.

Laura is an intern for the Tucson Jewish Federation’s community relations council. She is also a facilitator for Divorce Recovery, leading support groups for children of divorce. In addition, she is a mentor for ATLAS (Applied Tailored Leadership Adventure for Success), guiding college students and the community, through workshops and counseling, on principles of leadership.

She has served as assistant to the director and as a group leader for A-Town, a social justice diversity program for college students. Laura is secretary for the Alpha Phi Omega Service Co-ed Fraternity, where she received the President’s Award for outstanding qualities in leadership, friendship and service.

She is a member of the University of Arizona’s Hillel board of directors, and has served on the student board as Holocaust education chair and coordinator of college senior programming.

Laura is the daughter of Linda and Ed Matisoff of Plano, and they are members of Congregation Beth Torah in Richardson.

In step with Josh Goldberg

Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Josh Goldberg, son of Cyndi Heller and Marshall Goldberg, will perform two original songs on WFAA’s “Good Morning Texas” on Tuesday, May 18, between 9 and 10 a.m. Over the summer, Josh will be songleading at the URJ’s Greene Family Camp. He will sing the national anthem at the Frisco Rough Riders Stadium on Aug. 12. Josh is currently a senior at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. He was recently accepted into University of Southern California’s prestigious Popular Music Program as a singer and songwriter, and will attend in the fall.

As a result of a generous grant from the Goss-Michael foundation, and in honor of the opening of the new AT&T Performing Arts Center, Josh was recently chosen to perform his original arrangement of John Lennon’s “Imagine” on the same piano Lennon used to compose the masterpiece in 1971. He was also one of the first recipients of the BTWHSPVA Advisory Board’s Songshop Scholarship, which allowed him to write and produce a song with nationally acclaimed recording artist, Cary Pierce. The resulting song, “Fly,” is now available nationally on iTunes, Zune, Amazon and Rhapsody. More information on this project is at www.booker3.com.

Josh has been a member of Booker T’s prestigious Midi Ensemble for two years, contributing his vocals, piano and original songs, and shared a Downbeat© Award with them in 2009 for best Blues/Pop/Rock Group. Josh was a finalist in the Dallas Songwriters Association 2008 Song Contest, and has performed for their Crossroads Songwriting Festival multiple times.

Other performance highlights include: Frisco Rough Riders, The Deep Ellum Arts Fest, opening ceremonies of the Maccabi International Youth Olympics, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson’s Holiday Celebration, Arts Fest at the Meyerson Symphony Center, Gala at the Wyly Theatre, Aga Kahn Foundation Annual Partnership Walk, One Arts Plaza Block Party, No Tie Dinner (benefiting AIDS Services of Dallas], Texas Rangers’ Foundation Dinner, Lightcatcher Winery, The Door Dallas, Save Darfur Benefit Concert, American Cancer Society Benefit Concert and numerous appearances at coffee shops, corporate events and private parties.

In addition to his musical endeavors, Josh is deeply involved in school and community life; he serves as president of the student council and the creative writing club and is the religious and cultural vice president for the Dallas Area Federation of Temple Youth. He is a National Merit Commended Student, AP Scholar, National Hispanic and is in the top 10 percent of his graduating class.