Around the Town with Rene
Federation allocates $8,600 to Taglit-birthright israel
Taglit-birthright israel received an allocation of $8,600 from Federation’s 2007 Campaign to ensure the continued existence of the Jewish people by strengthening Jewish identity, Jewish communities and solidarity with Israel. Birthright israel has been increasing the annual number of Jews visiting Israel by providing the gift of first-time educational trips to Israel for thousands of Jewish young adults, mostly unaffiliated with any Jewish community. Thus far, over 150,000 young adults, ages 18–26, have participated in this first-time peer-group educational trip of 10 days.
Research continues to show that a visit to Israel relatively early in life is one of the most effective ways to maintain Jewish identity and continuity. Participants in past birthright trips report consistently stronger feelings about “connection to local Jewish community, to Jewish history, to worldwide Jewry and to Israel.” Major goals being accomplished by birthright israel include:
• Making a significant difference in the lives of young Jews between the ages of 18 and 26
• Making a meaningful difference in the relationship between Israel and Jewish communities
• Offering tools to broaden the basis of Jewish education
On a recent birthright trip, one of our Tarrant County college students, Jared Snow, remarked, “The highlight of the trip had to be our visit to the Western Wall. Returning home, I knew I would always look back at this 10-day journey as one that helped me strengthen my Jewish roots and establish a true affinity towards Israel.”
For more information about Taglit-birthright israel or how to take advantage of this free experience in Israel, contact Federation Executive Director Mort House or Mona Karten at the Federation, 817-569-0892.
Taglit-birthright israel is only one of 47 recipient organizations which received allocations from the Federation’s 2007 Annual Campaign. Please support Campaign 2008 by contacting Mort or Mona at the Federation. Your support makes a difference in the lives of thousands of people and will make a difference in your life as well.
Five previous presidents of University Democrats at UT–Austin open Dobie office for Barack Obama
The past five presidents of University Democrats at UT–Austin have come together to open and manage an office in Dobie Mall for the Barack Obama campaign to help with get-out-the-vote efforts on campus and in student living areas. Recognizing Sen. Obama’s ability to energize the youth and college vote and his willingness to change the political atmosphere in Washington, the presidents are managing this public venue to help win Texas.
The past five presidents (and their presidential terms and contact) represent students from across the state of Texas:
• Marcus Ceniceros, El Paso (Fall 2004–Spring 2005), 915-383-2800
• Alex Hunt, Corpus Christi (Fall 2005), 361-533-1842
• Brandon Chicotsky, Fort Worth (Spring 2006), 817-800-1798
• Nick Chu, Grapevine (Fall 2006–Spring 2007), 817-773-6905
• Ben Trotter, Wichita Falls (Fall 2007), 940-631-0095
“We intend for this office to be the premier venue for students to phone-bank, take on campus visibility and get students to vote,” the past presidents said. “Sen. Obama has done a tremendous amount to mobilize the youth and get them excited about the political process; now it’s our turn to do our part. Barack Obama is a once-in-a-generation kind of politician and has the ability to shape the next generation of voters. We want his vision for America to come to fruition. This office will make that possible.”
University Democrats does not endorse presidential candidates as a group, but this group of student leaders felt it necessary to take their support to campus. The five previous presidents are ready to offer campus the opportunity to help Sen. Obama win the Democratic nomination and help press toward his victory in November.
“All five previous presidents have spent countless hours helping the Democratic Party and we will use our experience and resources to help Barack Obama win the nomination. This is our best effort yet.”
‘Daytimers’ hear Tamás Ungár
Over 60 “Daytimers” were impressed by a performance, last Wednesday, by pianist Tamás Ungár, executive director of Piano Texas Festival and member of the TCU piano faculty.
Dr. Ungár gave the “Daytimers” an intimate look behind the scenes to learn how a piece of classical music is constructed, and the various themes and keys developed. Roz Rosenthal commented at the “Daytimers” committee meeting what an impressive and educational program it was. Committee members thanked Rosanne and Bill Margolis for working the door, and Al and Sylvia Wexler for managing the luncheon buffet table.
Next event for the “Daytimers” will be a trip to the Amon Carter Museum to see the exhibit, “Intimate Modernism: Fort Worth Circle Artists in the 1940s.” Following a docent-guided tour of the exhibit, the group will gather in the Carter Members’ Lounge for lunch catered by Ol’ South Pancake House.
Lunch and museum tour are $8/person. Guests have a choice of kosher salami, turkey breast or tuna salad sandwich. All include chips and cookie, soft drink or bottled water. Or guests may attend for just the tour for $3.
For reservations for “Daytimers” events, call Barbara Rubin, 817-927-2736, or Sylvia Wexler, 817-294-1129, or checks can be mailed to Daytimers, Jewish Federation, 4049 Kingsridge Road, Fort Worth, TX 76109. The Sylvia Wolens “Daytimers” is a program of Congregation Beth-El with financial support from the Jewish Federation.