Beth-El Congregation marks Rabbi Zimmerman’s 10th anniversary
Beth-El Congregation will celebrate Rabbi Brian Zimmerman’s 10th anniversary on Sunday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The program, themed “The Fantastic Film Festival!,” reflects Zimmerman’s background as a film major at Boston University and his interest in movies. Chair Julie Goldstein and a committee of 10 organized the event.
The morning will include film clips and commentary on movies with Jewish themes, along with personal reflections from members of Zimmerman’s family about his life and rabbinic career. Rabbi Emeritus Ralph Mecklenburger and Cantor Shoshana Abrams Kaikov, director of education, will also speak.
Following the program, the Men of Reform Judaism will provide a movie-themed lunch featuring burgers, including vegetarian options, hot dogs and nachos. Religious school faculty and students will also participate.
For more information, call Beth-El at 817-332-7141. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
– Submitted by Cindy Simon
Dawn Strauss joins JNF-USA as North Texas region executive director
Dawn Strauss has been named executive director of Jewish National Fund-USA’s North Texas region. A respected nonprofit professional and longtime leader in the Dallas Jewish community, Strauss brings extensive experience in fundraising, strategic partnerships and community engagement to her new role.
In this newly expanded position, Strauss will also serve as the lead fundraising professional for New Mexico and Oklahoma.
“What I love about Jewish National Fund-USA is how directly it connects philanthropy to real impact — building communities, expanding opportunity and strengthening the land and people of Israel in lasting ways,” Strauss said.
Strauss most recently served as director of development at Braver Angels, a national organization dedicated to strengthening civic culture, where she led efforts to build relationships with donors and partners to support organizational growth. Prior to that, she was director of fundraising and community relations at Passion for Children’s Inc., where she advanced initiatives benefiting patients at Children’s Health, the leading pediatric health system in North Texas, through community-driven support.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Strauss has held multiple leadership roles with the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, including serving as a committee member of its Community Relations department. She has also served on the board of Camp Young Judaea Texas and is a facilitator with the Anti-Defamation League, guiding conversations on antisemitism and anti-Israel bias.
“I’m really excited to step into the executive director role at a time when investing in Israel’s future is so important,” Strauss said. “I’m looking forward to working with the community to grow our connection to Israel.”
A graduate of the Wexner Heritage Program and recipient of the Dallas Federation’s Bess Nathan Young Leadership Award, Strauss holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Dallas.
Originally from the Boston area, Strauss has lived in Dallas since 1999.
For more information or to get involved with Jewish National Fund-USA, visit jnf.org or contact Strauss at dstrauss@jnf.org or 214-433-6600, ext. 945.
– Submitted by Ronah Moriah
Moishe House holds meditative Havdallah service
The Moishe House Dallas community recently gathered for an evening of meditation, relaxation, reflection and singing as they celebrated Havdallah. The four residents, along with 12 other community members, practiced intentional breathing during a guided breathwork experience led by resident Sammy Weyser, followed by a Havdallah ceremony led by resident Jacob “Fishy” Fishman.
“The event was the perfect representation of the power of community, and the opportunity to share this meaningful experience with our closest friends was what makes Moishe House so special,” said Jacob “Fishy” Fishman. “We look forward to leading more Havdallah experiences.”
– Submitted by Jason Edelstein
