JCRC outreach to families in public and parochial schools

The Public Education Initiative (PEI) of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Dallas was created in 2009 for the express purpose of monitoring the Texas Social Studies adoption and instructional materials as they relate to Jews, Judaism and Israel. Over the last two years, PEI professionals have spoken to many parents in the Dallas area about their work.
In response to requests from parents, the PEI is organizing a special evening of learning and advocacy training for parents of children in any secular school setting. The event, which will include a complimentary kosher dinner, will be held on Monday, Oct. 3, from 5:15 to 8:45 p.m. at the Jacob Feldman Building board rooms, 7800 Northaven Road in North Dallas. Space is limited. RSVP is required because of kosher catering considerations.
Dr. Nils Roemer, professor of history, University of Texas at Dallas, will speak about the importance of accuracy in instructional materials in the public school system, followed by a moderated discussion by a panel made up of parents, educators, and a high school student.
Contact PEI Outreach Liaison, June Penkar at jpenkar@jfgd.org or 214-615-5233.

Yavneh Academy’s Family Open House is Sept. 20

Yavneh Academy of Dallas will host its annual Family Open House on Sept. 20 at the school campus, located at 12324 Merit Drive in Dallas. The event’s program will begin at 7:30 p.m.
The Open House will feature campus tours and teacher presentations, where visitors can learn more about Yavneh’s stellar curriculum, its competitive athletic programs and the school’s various organizations and leadership opportunities.
Yavneh’s dual curriculum combines the highest level of college preparatory courses with an unparalleled Judaic studies program. But the school’s unique mission goes beyond preparing students to excel in college life. It strives to prepare its students to lead with integrity and honor in their chosen universities and beyond.
For additional information about Yavneh Academy of Dallas or to RSVP to the Open House, contact the Admissions Department at 214-295-3419, at admissions@yavnehdallas.org.

Accolades

Mazel tov to Charles Gelfand of Fairview who was recently promoted to the rank of Captain in the Civil Air Patrol, the auxiliary of the United States Air Force.
Captain Gelfand said, “I was a Cadet in the mid 1950s. It was a tremendous learning experience, and I loved it.”
After a long hiatus, raising a family, moving to Texas and going into his own business as a distributor of coin laundry and dry cleaning equipment, Gelfand missed the fun and adventure of flying and the camaraderie he enjoyed so much as a Cadet.
“The Civil Air Patrol is an incredibly important organization for our country, and I am proud to be a part of it,” he said.
Gelfand explained that the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) has three missions. Through emergency services, the CAP performs over 95 percent of the search and rescue missions in the continental United States and is credited with saving over 100 lives per year; from downed aircrafts to people lost in a forest. Mountain climbers, skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts are often found by the Civil Air Patrol, both from the air and via its highly trained search and rescue ground teams. All are unpaid citizen volunteers.
Through its Aerospace education mission, CAP members and the general public may avail themselves of an outstanding group of knowledgeable volunteers, always ready to educate those who wish to learn. In addition to aerospace, CAP employs some of the most advanced radio and photographic equipment for both air and ground surveillance and communications. “We photographed over 100,000 pictures of Hurricane Katrina for the experts to evaluate,” Gelfand said.
Finally, the CAP Cadet program provides extensive training in all the emergency response activities, communications, aerospace education, discipline, character building and leadership. CAP Cadets are youngsters from ages 12 to 18. Some choose to remain a Cadet until age 21. Approximately 25 percent of those accepted to the U.S. Air Force Academy plus the other four service academies come from the ranks of the CAP.
CAP Cadets are issued a uniform very much like the Air Force. Many will enjoy flying with highly skilled pilots, and may also wish to solo in a few years.
Others enjoy radio communications and work with the senior members on missions. There is a wide range of opportunities available for both those over 18 (seniors) and for Cadets.
CAP currently has 58,000 members including 22,000 young people in the Cadet Ranks. There are squadrons throughout the United States and many in the Metroplex.
For more information visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com or call 972-467 252.

Conservative congregations’ Selichot Services at Anshai Torah this year

Congregations Anshai Torah, Beth Torah and Shearith Israel will gather next Saturday evening, Sept. 24 at Anshai Torah, 5501 Parker Road in Plano for Selichot services. The evening will begin at 8:45 p.m. with a Havdallah service. Jewish Theological Seminary Scholar, Dr. Amy Kalmanofsky will present, “The Book of Jonah: A Seriously Funny Book.” The Book of Jonah is among the strangest and most enigmatic books of the Bible; yet it is one of the most beautiful and bold. The particular image of God portrayed in the Book of Jonah as well as the Book’s unique message about teshuvah — repentance will be considered. The Kol Rina choirs of Anshai Torah and Shearith Israel will perform. Refreshments will include Anshai’s famous waffle bar. The evening is sponsored by the area’s three conservative shuls and the Jewish Theological Seminary.

Remembering I.D. Freed

Congregation Ner Tamid will hold a memorial service for founding member I.D. Freed on Sept. 17 in the Colosseum Room of the Hilton Garden Inn, 785 State Highway 121 Bypass in Lewisville. The service will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by refreshments. To be included in the program e-mail, Randy Friedberg at randy@congregationnertamid.org.