Archive for July 1st, 2010
Posted on July 1, 2010 - by admin
JFGD 99th annual meeting cites ‘impact,’ draws 175 people
By Rachel Gross
The theme for the 99th annual meeting of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas (JFGD) was aptly named “Impact begins with ‘I.’” The gathering highlighted the Federation’s “impact” over the past year through the efforts of dedicated individuals.
The event, co-chaired by Barbi and Scott Cohen, took place at the Aaron Family JCC last week. Cantor Jacob Cohen of Congregation Nishmat Am led the National Anthem, and Rabbi Aryeh Feigenbaum of Congregation Ohr Ha Torah gave the d’var Torah.
The program honored those who demonstrated excellence in their support for the 2010 Annual Campaign and included the election of new officers and board members.
“The theme tonight is Impact Begins with ‘I’,” Barbi said. “Not only does it set the tone for our meeting, it also conveys how we as individuals and as Jews are responsible not only for each other, but also for making a difference in our world and our community.”
Past Federation Chairman Carol Aaron spoke about plans for the upcoming year, such as the 100th anniversary celebration in February; the making of a documentary; a traveling historical exhibit that explains how the Federation came to be; educational guides for religious and day schools that help students understand how the Federation meets needs of the Jewish community in Dallas and overseas; and community-wide events that will take place throughout the year.
She said it is significant for the next generation to become future leaders and get involved with the Federation.
“Next year marks the 100th anniversary of the Jewish Federation in Dallas,” she said. “The theme ‘IMAGINE 1911 ~ 2011 ~ 2111’ was chosen as it ties back to the founders of the Jewish Federation in Dallas who had the vision to imagine what could be in this western frontier when only a handful of Jews lived here. They were able to imagine a vibrant Jewish community that could grow together through prayer, education and community service. It is the same imagination that will move us forward to the next 100 years.”
Chairman David Veeder, beginning his second term, said although challenges arose and budgets, staff and allocations were reduced, the Federation became more efficient.
It raised more than $10,000,000 during the annual campaign, a 5 percent increase from last year.
Other accomplishments included outreach; the creation of a task force to review shifting from an institutional-based model to a program-based one; expanding overseas programs; the thriving Special Needs Initiative; and the formation of the Public Education Initiative of the Jewish Community Relations Council, which examines how the subject of Jews in Israel is treated in public textbooks.
Veeder said he enjoys being part of the impact the Federation makes on the community.
“I have had the opportunity to work side by side with extraordinary individuals, who contributed endless energy, time, resources, passion and enthusiasm in support of our Annual Campaign,” he said. “Not a day has gone by in the last 12 months that I have not been committed to guiding and initiating changes for the betterment of the Federation and my fellow Jews in Dallas and overseas.”
He added that among the goals for the upcoming year are to put a new marketing protocol in place with agencies receiving allocations, and to provide guidelines to enable partner agencies to acknowledge their relationship with the Federation.
Veeder believes that dedicated individuals will fulfill these aspirations and lead the way to the future.
“There is much we can accomplish not only individually, but when we work together as a group; the possibilities are endless,” he said. “It is important to keep our community vibrant and our Federation relevant to serve future needs here, in Israel and abroad. I am excited to be a part of a celebratory milestone year, honoring a century of service the Federation has provided…. It is the responsibility of each Jew to care for one another and we must keep Federation’s mission alive in the years to come.”
Awards were presented to individuals who made their mark in the community. The recipients were: Stacey Baer, the Bess Nathan Leadership Award; Doug Baer, the I. Zesmer Leadership Award; Sandy Cohen, the Helen Gross Leadership Award; Bill Finkelstein, the Campaigner of the Year Award; and Stuart Blaugrund and Louis Zweig, Special Recognition Awards.
Leaders from the Aaron Family Jewish Community Center made a special presentation as well, donating $100,000 to the Federation’s Annual Campaign. Alan Shor, JCC chairman, said the Federation assisted when the JCC was in need and he felt it was imperative to give back.
“The JCC and Federation have a long and proud history of supporting each other,” he said. “We share not only a campus, but much more. The JCC is healthy and we have built a solid foundation. We are growing, and it’s time for us to give something back to the community. That will always be our goal — to be community-minded and support the Federation and other Jewish agencies.”
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 July 1, 2010 - by admin
Around the Town with Rene
Julian Haber publishes thriller
Julian Haber’s new mystery/espionage thriller, “A Nail In The Body of Christ,” was recently published. Terrorists in Morocco send a message to an American newsman that they will put a nail in the body of Christ and a bullet in the heart of Israel. Mark Allen, former FBI regional director in Dallas, retires to Port Aransas near Corpus Christi. However, an unusual friendship and accident that almost costs his life forces him out of retirement and into direct conflict with a terrorist shadow cell. Nonstop action, romance and mystery takes place in this fast-paced thriller with secret codes, modern criminal technology and intrigue. With colorful characters, the novel will keep you at the edge of your seat and guessing at the conclusion until the very end.
Signed copies are available for $16 at Free Lance Writers, 7001 Candlestick Court, Fort Worth 76133. It is also available at barnesandnoble.com, amazon.com and www.outskirtspress.com/anailinthebodyofchrist.
For more information, contact Julian Haber, 817-346-1902 or julianhaber@aol.com.
JVW Post #755 installs new slate of officers
On Sunday, June 13, more than 80 people attended the installation of officers, the presentation of the first Veterans Service Award and silent auction held by JWV Post #755 in the great hall of Congregation Beth-El. A wonderful breakfast was prepared by Congregation Beth-El Brotherhood.
TALO (Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma) District Commander Jerry Benjamin of Dallas conducted the installation. Mike London of Austin, outgoing district commander, was present. Elected officers include: Commander Dr. Julian Haber for a second term; Senior Vice Commander Richard Morris; Junior Vice Commanders Ron Silvenell and Peter Levy; Quartermaster Leroy Solomon; and Staff Judge Advocate Jim Bressert.
Appointed officers were: Chief of Staff Ron Sloter; Adjunct Tom Collins; Chaplain Rabbi Sidney Zimelman; Historian Mike Bugamen; Assistant Chaplain Pete Levy; Returning Secretary Hannah Howard; Assistant Quartermaster Les Berman; and James Bressert, officer of the day.
The First Veterans Service Award was presented to State Senator Wendy Davis for her efforts in the Senate on behalf of Texas veterans. She co-authored the Texas veterans assistance and veterans court bill and was instrumental in the passage of the veterans lottery.
JFS Seniors check out Mrs. Baird’s bread bakery
The JFS Seniors toured Mrs. Baird’s bread factory and then had a wonderful lunch at Joe’s Pizza and Pasta on I-35 and Sycamore School Road. The tour was a lot of fun, with the most laughs and giggles watching everyone put on red hairnets and hard hats. Hot fresh bread at the end of the tour and donuts to take home also made it a memorable and fun time.
Next month, the JFS seniors are hoping to go to Sam Moon and Cabela’s for shopping and touring. In the meantime, they continue to meet daily for fun, games and lunch. Please join them at Beth-El Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for coffee and friendship.
Send your get-well wishes
You can send a get-well card to Leon Brachman, long a pillar of our community as well as on a national basis, to Life Care Hospital. His daughter, Wendy Fisher, is visiting from Efrat, Israel.
Speedy recovery wishes to Genie Long.
Update from the Goldsteins
Red Goldstein recently gave the TJP the following update: “Son Andy Goldstein has been in South Africa for the World Cup games. Son David Goldstein has been accepted to American University on a partial scholarship to study international relations. He wants to improve his already impressive Spanish, Chinese and Hebrew language skills. Son Jacob Fuld is at Greene Family Camp having a wonderful time and is looking forward to his freshman year at Paschal.” Julie and Red have added a poodle and a tabby to their already crazy collection of pets, which now consists of two dogs, three cats and one gecko!
Mazel tov
Mazel tov to some newly betrothed couples! Stephen Luskey, son of Susan and Alan is engaged; Linda Hochster’s son Brent is engaged; Hannah Howard, who lost her husband a couple of years ago, is engaged to Joe Klein, and they will have an August date set! Congratulations to a new graduate as well: Justin Tirsun, son of Robin and Dan Tirsun and grandson of the late Beverly Miller, graduated from Rutgers Graduate School in New Jersey with his degree in city and urban planning.
It’s a small world
When daughter Sharon Wisch-Ray was traveling in the Western Galilee two weeks ago, she spent considerable time with Dr. Norman Loberant and his wife. Dr. Loberant is the co-Chair of the Medical Task Force of the Central Area Consrtium Western Galilee Partnership and the director of the Department of Radiology of the Western Galilee Hospital in Nahariya. He mentioned that his college roommate was originally from Dallas and now lived in Fort Worth. Sharon was so surprised to hear that it was our own Dr. Martin Tobey, as she was the longtime babysitter for the Tobey family. Message to Marty and Judy, “Hello from the Loberants.” By the way, Fort Worth is part of the 15-city United States Consortium that makes up the Partnership with the Western Galilee.
Posted on July 1, 2010 - by admin
In My Mind’s I
By Harriet P. Gross
Waves from the recent Helen Thomas affair keep washing over me. I remember once standing up in a speedboat and watching its foamy wake heal into smoothness again. But I look back on this and, although many may have already sailed on, forgetting the once-revered journalist’s poisoned remarks about Jews and Israel, I have not. I still see roiling waters. Let me share a few of them with you.
First: Ralph Nader. The long-esteemed consumer advocate who has, since his early triumphs, trilled off into other areas, came quickly to Ms. Thomas’ defense, characterizing her career termination as “swift and merciless.” He called the action an “evisceration” launched by, among others, Ari Fleischer. In her defense, he offers quotes from a couple of Jewish journalists: Fox’s Ellen Ratner (“We all have said things that we wouldn’t want to see in print or on video…. Anyone who denies it is a liar. Give Helen a break…”) and Michael Freedman, formerly of UPI (“Who among us has not said something we have come to regret? Let’s not destroy Ms. Thomas now…”). He concludes that she has been fired “ostensibly for a gaffe, but really for being too right, too early, too often.”
(Should I [not] mention that Nader, like Thomas, is of Lebanese origin, and “perhaps” shares similar sympathies?)
In contrast: an open letter to Helen from a rabbi in New York, David Algaze — also of Lebanese descent. He’s sarcastic to the max when he begins with a “thank-you for the important service you rendered through your words about the Jews and their place in the world….” Discounting the theory of some that one of journalism’s formerly finest is now too old to be practicing her craft, he goes on: “I do not believe your words were the result of some incipient symptoms of Alzheimer’s; your words revealed what is in your mind, and that is why I am grateful for your honesty…. Now the mean, unforgiving and biased Helen Thomas has been revealed to us in full. It certainly is not flattering to you, but it is the true self, and we appreciate your allowing us to see the true Helen Thomas at last.”
The meat of the rabbi’s message comes next: “This is not to deny your right to your opinions. You have every right to defend the Arab claims … but to do it in such an ignorant and hateful manner reveals that under the patina of courteous speech and elegant demeanor, there lies beneath the skin … a measure of hatred, a desire for revenge, and a meanness of spirit. Your position is not just anti-Semitic; it is anti-human…. Thank you, Ms. Thomas, for allowing the world to see what an Arab sympathizer really is about … I hope the world is grateful to you for the candid revelation of the mind of a ‘progressive’ Arab.”
In the wake of my previous Thomas column and my reminiscent speedboat ride, a reader has sent me the words of Canadian writer Mark Steyn (not a Jewish Stein, notes my correspondent), whose post-Thomas piece in Macleans magazine is headed “The lesson of a Jewish cemetery,” one he visited recently in Tangiers, which once had a thriving Jewish community, he says. But now all of Tangiers’ Jews “live” in that burial ground… as do the Jews of many former communities around the world.
“Wherever a Jew is, whatever a Jew is, he should be something else, somewhere else,” Steyn says. “And then he can be hated for that, too.”
For this thoughtful commentator, everything today still comes down to one of the world’s oldest prejudices: “…that in the modern world as much as in medieval Christendom, Jews can never be accorded full property rights,” he says. On a patch of the Holy Land, they are certainly the current leaseholders, but they will never have recognized legal title…. That’s the reason the Palestinian question is never settled. Because, as long as it’s unresolved, then Israel’s legitimacy is unsettled, too.”
So I’ve been pondering Nader’s hatred along with Thomas’; wondering if Rabbi Algaze’s sarcasm can hit home or do any good; and considering the truth of Steyn’s bottom line: “There are a lot of Jews in Israel right now. But then, there were a lot of them in Tangiers and Baghdad and Bukovina and Germany and Poland, for a while. Why shouldn’t Tel Aviv one day be just another city with some crumbling cemeteries and a few elderly Jews?”
My metaphoric speedboat sails on in still-troubled waters.
E-mail: harrietg@texasjewishpost.com
Posted on July 1, 2010 - by admin
Ask the Rabbi
Dear Rabbi Fried,
A short time ago in your column you addressed the issue of talking in synagogue and attributed the problem, in part, to the lack of connection most Jews today have to the prayer service due to our deficiency in Hebrew. You suggested that shuls should have training programs to educate the congregants in the understanding and nuances of the prayer service. If my place of worship does not offer such classes, what do you recommend I do to become educated and connected to the service?
—Curious but Clueless
Dear Curious,
You could check the community calendar and see what courses are available for you to study Hebrew. The problem, however, with most such classes is that they will focus on modern Hebrew and not the classical Hebrew of the siddur (prayerbook). I will add your e-mail to the DATA list to keep you apprised of the courses we offer, from time to time, on Hebrew reading and comprehension based on the siddur and classical texts which would be helpful in your quest.
Next is what I have recommended to many for private self-study; most have reported back that this was helpful for them and they achieved success. That is to pick one blessing of the Amidah, or the first line of the Sh’ma, and work on understanding each word of that particular prayer. That line or prayer should be recited in Hebrew until you totally master it; the rest, pray in English. Once you are completely fluent in that prayer, then move on to the next one and do the same. You will find each prayer successively easier, as many words are repeated throughout the service which you already know from the previous blessing or line. You’ll pick up a few new words with the next. Never move on to the next prayer until you’re confident of the one at hand.
While studying the translation of each prayer, it’s a great time to focus on its meaning as well. Whether using your own thoughts or by studying a commentary, try to understand what that prayer asks for and how to make it relevant to your own life. In the Amidah, it’s relatively easy to connect to requests like those for healing and material success. It’s more difficult, for many, to personally connect to those asking for the return of the Judges, or rebuilding Jerusalem or the Davidic dynasty. For that I recommend the ArtScroll Siddur, which has a concise but meaningful commentary. To go more in depth, I suggest “Rav Schwab on Prayer,” a powerful, profound commentary which explains the far-reaching significance of each prayer and how it affects our lives and the Jewish people.
Even the prayers for health and the like have a deeper layer of significance. If you look carefully at the wording of all the prayers in the Amidah (the focal point of the daily service), you will find that they are in the plural; we are not simply requesting for ourselves, but for all of klal Yisrael. This raises our focus to a higher level and creates a much bigger picture. It opens our hearts much wider whenever we pray, for we not only focus on our own individual needs, we force ourselves to be constantly aware of the needs of the entire Jewish people.
This is the deeper meaning of the Sh’ma, which is not actually a prayer per se, rather an affirmation of our belief in G-d. This proclamation begins with the words “Sh’ma Yisrael,” “listen Israel,” which means that we accept G-d’s Oneness not as individuals but as part of klal Yisrael. The custom is to cover one’s eyes when reciting the Sh’ma, for concentration. One rabbi, however (R’ Moshe Scherer ob”m), used to explain that when one’s eyes are open they can see only the Jews in the shul. When one’s eyes are covered, however, they can see all the Jews in the world!
Lastly, if there’s an interest among the readers to create a new, in-depth class to understand the prayers, I will make sure it happens. Just e-mail me and let me know!
Rabbi Yerachmiel D. Fried, noted scholar and author of numerous works on Jewish law, philosophy and Talmud, is founder and dean of DATA, the Dallas Kollel. Questions can be sent to him at yfried@sbcglobal.net.
Posted on July 1, 2010 - by admin
Shalom From the Shabbat Lady
By Laura Seymour
Dear Families.
Being in nature is the perfect opportunity to give thanks to G-d for the world. In the Amidah prayer, the text says: “We thank You, G-d … for our lives, which depend upon your hand, and for your miracles and your goodness, which are with us at every moment: evening, morning and noon.” Giving thanks after each day is like a religious way of “debriefing” after an experience. The first step is to think quietly about all the things that you are thankful for and then begin with this prayer:
“Modim anahnu lach, sha’atah hu Adonai Eloheinu v’elohei avoteinu v’imoteinu…”
“We thank you, Adonai, our G-d, and G-d of our fathers and our mothers…”
Now add up all the things you have thought of to be thankful for. Remember, you don’t have to have really big things; there are so many little things that we forget to be thankful for. Let each family member add to the list each day.
Now we end with the traditional prayer:
“…al hayeinu ha’m’surim b’yadecha v’al nishmoteinu ha’p’kudot lach v’al nisecha sheb’chol-yom imanu v’al niflotecha v’tovotecha sheb’chol-et, erev vavoker v’tzohorayim.”
“…and for our lives, which depend upon your hand, and for your miracles and your goodness, which are with us at every moment: evening, morning and noon.”
When families get together, everyone has something important to say and all should listen. It helps to follow the ground rules of “Moses’ staff.” To convince the Israelites that Moses was the leader to follow, G-d gave Moses a magical staff. Create your own staff and follow this procedure for talking and sharing — it is a great activity for the dinner table each night:
•Only the person holding “Moses’ staff” (stick, ball, pillow, whatever) may talk.
•All others must listen.
•Everyone has the right to pass and not talk.
•All must show respect to the one speaking.
•What is said in the family (group) is confidential.
This idea was taken from the book “Spirit in Nature: Teaching Judaism and Ecology on the Trail” by Matt Biers-Ariel, Deborah Newbrun and Michal Fox Smart. Try new experiences each week this summer.
Laura Seymour is director of camping services and Jewish life and learning at the Jewish Community Center of Dallas.
