By Sharon Wisch-Ray

Three years ago, I was thrilled to accompany Harold Gernsbacher to Israel and learn all about the Western Galilee. If you know Harold, you know how passionate he is about Israel and the relationships that have been forged between many cities in the U.S. and Israel. On that trip, I met Kim Goldberg, a talented artist from Omaha who designed numerous materials for the Partnership programs with Israel. Fast forward three years, when I heard from Bob Goldberg, also of Omaha, a couple of weeks ago. He shared with me that he would be moving his family to Fort Worth as he assumed the role of executive director of the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County. Bob’s post begins on July 1. I realized a few days later that Kim is Bob’s wife and they also have a daughter named Lily. It is a small world. Please join me in extending a warm welcome to the Goldbergs who are eager to put down roots here.
Bob said, “I am excited to be charged with building community, educating and motivating donors and growing a strong Jewish community that young families will want to be a part of. We want to have a community that works collectively to support Jewish life in Fort Worth and Tarrant County as well as in Israel and around the world. I am eager to work with the board and the community to nurture the rich Jewish history of the area and provide further accomplishments for the future.”
In Omaha, Bob has most recently been director of strategic initiatives for the Omaha Jewish Federation. Prior to beginning his career as a Jewish community professional, he was involved in banking and mortgage businesses. He was also very active in the Omaha Jewish community as a volunteer and board member of the Federation.
Jeff Hochster, recently installed president of the Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, commented, “With the retirement of longtime Executive Director Mort House, of which we were advised at year’s end, the Federation began an immediate search with the help of JFNA [Jewish Federations of North America]. Our very capable search committee developed priorities and strategies which were communicated to JFNA for their help in finding a capable individual with skills and talent matching our priorities. The search committee unanimously and enthusiastically recommended Bob Goldberg as its next executive director. We were excited with the process and the results and are looking forward to Bob coming on board.”
House, recently honored for his 11 years of service, will remain at the Federation until mid-July to aid in the transition.
The Federation serves multiple generations and is the central coordinating agency for the Tarrant County Jewish community. It acts as the umbrella organization through which the community’s fundraising, community programs, leadership development, community relations and Jewish continuity needs are met.
With funds raised each year, a network of 36 organizations devoted to education, revitalization, social services, humanitarian aid and poverty relief for Jewish populations in Tarrant County, the United States, Israel and around the world are supported by the Federation. Fifty percent of these funds are used locally to provide vital support to Tarrant County institutions.
Baruch habaim to Bob, Kim and Lily. We look forward to publishing a larger profile on Bob in a few weeks, after he gets settled in.

CAS Film Festival continues

Debby Rice tells me that everyone is invited at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 30 when Congregation Ahavath Sholom will show the third film in its summer festival. “Footnote” is an award-winning Israeli film about a father and son who are rival professors in Talmudic studies. When both men learn that the father will be lauded for his work, their complicated relationship reaches a new peak. This film is controversial in nature, but oh, so interesting in its story. Familial relationships, religious studies, university department politics, long-time personal feelings and resentment — so much to think about.
The showing of “Footnote” will be sponsored by the TCU and Brite Divinity School Jewish Studies Program. Dr. Ariel Feldman, the Rosalyn and Manny Rosenthal assistant professor of Jewish Studies and director of its Jewish Studies program, will lead the discussion after the showing of the film.
Debby tells me that so far, the film discussions have been enlightening and enjoyable. The films are free, and so is the popcorn and cold drinks. Everyone in the community is invited.
Congregation Ahavath Sholom’s 2013 Summer Film Festival is partially funded by the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County.