As I was checking out Mitzvah Day events last Sunday, I had a chance to visit with Scott Janco who was working in the community garden at Tiferet Israel. Scott also happens to be the Co-Chair along with Stuart Roosth of the 2012 Chili-Cook-off, and he shared a number of exciting developments for the chili classic.
For the first time in its 19 year history, the event will have title sponsors: Prescott Pailet Benefits Charitable Fund and Key-Whitman Eye Center. Also Diamond Kosher salt will be a sponsor says Scott, with all teams receiving a large box of kosher salt to cook with. Samples of the salt will also be passed out to those attending the event. Also, rather than having vendors set up in tents outdoors, they will move inside into the Katz Hall to allow for more outdoor events and contestants.
This year, winners from the Austin and Houston chili cook-offs will be invited to participate in the Tiferet event which will be held March 18.
There is a little chill in the air. I’ve already made my first batch of “red” for the season. They were out of my favorite Wick Fowler’s so I tried the D.L. Jardine’s Chili kit. The consensus at the Ray house was, that it was a winner! Personally, I’m still a fan of the Wick Fowler recipe.
PJ Library hosts kickoff event Nov. 6
The PJ Library is off to a phenomenal start here in the Big D. One thousand Dallas families eagerly signed up in just one month to receive free Jewish children’s books as part of PJ’s international, award-winning literacy program that delivers Jewish heritage one book, one family at a time.
To celebrate the program’s Dallas launch, The Center for Jewish Education of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas will welcome Diane W. Frankenstein, author of the book, “Reading Together: Everything You Need to Know to Raise a Child Who Loves to Read.” She will speak at the PJ Library kickoff event at the J from 3 to 5 p.m.
The PJ Library is a gift from the Center for Jewish Education through a generous grant from the Mankoff Family Foundation. “We were pleased to support PJ Library in Dallas,” said the Foundation’s Ron and Joy Mankoff. “It is a program that teaches universal values through bedtime stories with a Jewish slant. We believe it can be invaluable as a teaching tool for parents of young children in a family interested in the Jewish way of life.”
“There has been an incredible response from the Dallas Jewish community,” said Rivae Balkin-Kliman, PJ Library’s Dallas coordinator. “It really underscores the need and desire for a program like the PJ Library in North Texas.”
International art exhibit features three Jewish artists
If you like to visit art galleries, you might enjoy the International Biennale Artist Exhibition at LuminArte Gallery in the Design District.
Three Jewish artists will be among the 40 artists that represent 16 countries. The opening reception is on Nov. 5, and the exhibit will hang through Dec. 10.
Robin Antar is a Brooklyn-based sculptor of abstracts and Americana icons, such as M&M’s and York Peppermint Patties, which she permanently “freezes” in stone, often in marble or limestone, sometimes starting with slabs that weigh as much as 10,000 pounds.
Her Judaica sculptures of Torahs, stars, and ceremonial pieces, incorporate precious metals and semi-precious stones to create beautiful functional pieces of art in a new and modern style, utilizing old metal craftsmanship and keeping with traditional Sephardic Jewish values — “values that our Sephardic community strives to keep and treasure.”
Her original works have sold for as much as $25,000 and can be found in several private collections throughout the world.
Born in Israel in 1943, Elisha Ben-Yitzhak studied art at the Bezalel Art Academy in Jerusalem and at the Avni Art Institute in Tel Aviv under the guidance of master artists. Elisha moved to Milwaukee in 1985.
His paintings have been exhibited in museums, galleries, art festivals and private art exhibits in numerous countries around the world including a group exhibit at the famed Tate Gallery in London. Elisha’s paintings have also appeared in numerous publications and electronic media.
Born in Constance near the Black Sea and raised in Tel Aviv, Ted Barr was a former major in the Israeli military. Currently residing in New York City, he is now a successful artist with broad education in the area of astronomy, literature and history.
He wrote three books including “Frau Gruber’s Farm” (2006), a thrilling allegory about German history, and the children’s book, “Krombee”.
His art work consists of three main series: “Deep Space” inspired by images captured by the HUBBLE telescope, “The Human Forming” influenced by Lennart Nilsson photography of embryos, and “Cycles of Life.” He uses multi-level layers of cold tar, oil colors, acrylic, and lacquer, and the summary of his art is “the ancient Talmudic writing.”
On the business scene:
Corey Metz, CLU, has been named one of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors’ (NAIFA) Four Under Forty. NAIFA comprises more than 600 state and local associations representing the interests of approximately 200,000 agents and their associates nationwide and advocates for a positive legislative and regulatory environment, enhances agents’ business and professional skills, and promotes the ethical conduct of its members. The annual honor recognizes four financial advisors 40 years and younger who know what it takes to build a thriving practice.
As an advisor for over 15 years, Corey serves the financial needs of families and businesses in the Dallas area. He has been recognized for his performance by the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT). MDRT members demonstrate exceptional professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct and outstanding client service.
MDRT membership is recognized internationally as the standard of sales excellence in the life insurance and financial services business a distinguishing life insurance career milestone.
Corey is also a member of MDRT’s Top of the Table, an exclusive forum for the world’s most successful life insurance and financial services professionals and they have distinguished themselves by producing at a level six times that of MDRT membership requirements.
Corey and his wife, Julie, are committed to the community and have supported local charities including the MS 150 bike ride, the Dallas Heart Ball, Zoo To Do, Make-a-Wish, AIPAC and AJC. He is also involved with their family charity at Temple Emanuel, which sends 9th and 10th graders to Washington, D.C. annually for educational and social justice efforts in support of Israel.
Corey graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans with a degree in finance. He and his wife have two daughters, Olivia and Scarlett.
Perlstein rises to top spot on SAM International Board
At the 2011 annual Convention of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity in Phoenix, Marc E. Perlstein of Richardson was elected as Supreme Prior (International President). He succeeds Phillip I. Glauben of Dallas. Both men attended the University of North Texas in the mid-1970s and have served the fraternity in numerous local, regional and international volunteer capacities.
Perlstein works for Concentra Health Services as assistant vice president of National Accounts. On his ascending to the position of Supreme Prior, Perlstein said, “I am humbled and honored to lead our 102-year old fraternity as we continue to build, enhance and promote what is good, what is right and what is still relevant about membership in collegiate Greek organizations today. Sigma Alpha Mu emphasizes scholarship, leadership and friendship. We are also firm believers in the concept of ‘giving back,’ thus our focus on philanthropy and community service.”
Sigma Alpha Mu was founded at the College of the City of New York in 1909 as a Fraternity of Jewish men. Today, the fraternity has undergraduate chapters on 51 campuses across North America and approximately 64,000 men initiated since founding.
