‘The Samuelsohn Works’ dedicated at Tiferet Israel
On Saturday, June 11 at the Sabbath morning service in the chapel at Congregation Tiferet Israel, the Luterman, Candy and Samuelsohn families dedicated “The Samuelsohn Works” in memory of their grandparents, Abe and Sadie Samuelsohn, and their parents, Florence and Yale Candy, and Marie and Martin Samuelsohn. Representing the families were the third generation, grandchildren of Abe and Sadie Samuelsohn: Susan Candy Luterman, Jerry A. Candy and Phillip L. Samuelsohn. A Kiddush luncheon sponsored by the Luterman-Candy-Samuelsohn families followed the service.
In 1953, when Golden Acres (The Dallas Home for the Jewish Aged) was under construction on Centerville Road, Abe Samuelsohn volunteered to build some furniture for their sanctuary. Thereupon he handmade the Torah reading table, the Aron Kodesh, and two cabinets, one for storing prayer books and one for storing tallitot. He donated these items in honor of the Samuelsohn and Candy families when Golden Acres opened in 1954.
In early 2006, the family heard rumors that Golden Acres was to be sold. The Luterman, Candy and Samuelsohn families wanted to make sure that the furniture Abe made would be preserved and used at a new Jewish facility when they relocated. After several inquiries and discussions, the family was able to negotiate an agreement with the Dallas Home for the Jewish Aged, stating that if they decided not to use “The Samuelsohn Works,” as they were now called, they would be returned to the family. When Golden Acres was sold in 2007, it was still not determined whether a new Jewish home would use “The Samuelsohn Works.” After two years, it was finally clear that the Legacy at Preston Hollow would not be using these items in their chapel and they were returned to the family. “The Samuelsohn Works” were moved to Congregation Tiferet Israel in December 2008. The Luterman, Candy and Samuelsohn families proudly donated “The Samuelsohn Works” to Congregation Tiferet Israel. The synagogue is blessed and can utilize “The Samuelsohn Works,” along with the other furniture that Abe made for them for many years to come.
Abe made Eitz Chayim (Torah sticks) for the Torahs at Congregations Tiferet Israel, Shearith Israel and Temple Emanu-El when they moved to North Dallas. He crafted chairs and tables for the bimah at Tiferet Israel, all of which are still being used at Tiferet Israel. Abe also collected and repaired violins. In 1968, toward the end of his life, he heard the music department of Bishop College (later Paul Quinn College), the African American college in Dallas, perform a concert. Because he was so taken with their talent, he donated his entire violin collection, including a Stradivarius, to them. Another one of Abe’s noteworthy accomplishments was in 1934, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt commissioned Steinway and Sons to design and build a new piano for the White House and Abe was contracted and made the “Golden American Eagle” piano legs, the piano bench and a music stand. If you visit the East Room of the White House today, you can see the piano with Abraham Samuelsohn’s “Golden American Eagle” piano legs still standing and in use.
Jonathan Popa earns the rank of Eagle Scout
Mazel tov to Jonathan Popa, son of Carole and Marius Popa, who recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Jonathan is a member of Boy Scout Troop 536, located in Plano, in the Great Plains District of the Circle Ten Council.
The ceremony was held on April 10 in the Pole Barn at the Farmstead. Eagle Scout is the highest award a Boy Scout can earn. In addition to the 21 needed Merit Badges and other rank requirements, Jonathan completed a Leadership and Service Project for the Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano. He created a new DVD that will be used in the Visitor Center. It will be used as an educational device to teach about the history of the Farmstead, as well as to give the intended audience a brief description of what they will see during their visit and many special events that take place throughout the year at the farm. Jonathan and his team of volunteers filmed special events at the Farmstead from August through December 2010. The final DVD was presented to the Farmstead in February 2011 Jonathan received his Boy Scout Ner Tamid Emblem in 2007. He graduated from Plano Senior High School last week and will attend UTD in the fall. Community service scouting runs in the Popa family. Sister Kate Popa earned her Girl Scout Gold Award in 2008.
JCC Annual Meeting set for June 28
The Jewish Community Center of Dallas invites its supporters to the 132nd Annual Meeting on Tuesday, June 28 at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. prior to the event in Zale Auditorium at the Aaron Family JCC, 7900 Northaven Road. The program will honor the Leader of the Year, Angela Horowitz, as well as Eleni Wilsmann, the Hank Bodner Award winner and Heather Cordova, the Sam Slusher Award winner. These awards are named in tribute to past leaders of the JCC.
The board and leadership will pay tribute to outgoing Chairman of the Board, Alan Shor. Alan has been an active member of the J since 1996 when he moved to the Dallas area with his wife, Ruthie, and their children. They have been active participants in all areas of the J including sports and fitness, youth theatre, J camps and volunteering in the Habima Theatre Program. Alan has been a leader in the J board of directors since 2005, rising up through the ranks from board member to vice president to 2009 – 2011 chairman of the board. Through Alan’s leadership, the J has grown in strength and numbers.
The new officers and board members selected by the nominating committee are: Phil Rosenfeld as chairman of the board; Scott Cohen, Andy Dropkin, Angela Horowitz and Jay Liberman as vice presidents. Board members nominated to serve a two-year term include: Doug Baer, Jonathan Bard, Neil Beckerman, Susan Bendalin, Jared Caplan, Monte Hurst, Liz Liener, Anita Marx, Mitch Meyers, Michael Newman, Lori Ordiway, John Rosenberg, Amy Schachter, Ruthie Shor, Zev Shulkin and Wendy Stanley. Board members continuing to serve their un-expired term include: Sherry Goldberg, David Greenstone, Nancy Immerman, Laurie Judson, Benton Markey, Ann Ochstein, Andy Schultz, Jill Tannanbaum, Ellen Ungerman and Mike Weinberg.
Phil Rosenfeld, the incoming chairman of the board, has been an active member of the J since 2000. Starting in 2005, Phil has served on the J board of directors in varying capacities, moving from board member to vice president to the 2011-2012 chairman of the board. Phil has also served on many J committees, such as the J Early Childhood Committee, Building and Ground Committee and Capital Projects Task Force, to name a few. Phil is recognized as a hardworking leader who has always been passionate about the J, and the services and programs it provides.
Phil is also vice president at Colliers International in Dallas. In 2007, he established the Colliers Ownership Advisory Group at the commercial real estate firm. During the last few years, through the economic downturn, his team has worked with owners to help them maximize the value of their holdings, whether investors, investors who already own property or companies looking to own property.
This year’s Annual Meeting theme, Running the Distance, is a tribute to the leaders, staff and volunteers who continue to run together to make the J successful. Annual Meeting co-chairs are Jack Baum, Dan Prescott and Wendy Stanley.
For more information, visit www.jccdallas.org.
