By Sharon-Wisch Ray
Growing up in Fort Worth, we hosted a myriad of exchange students, Israelis and, truthfully, anyone who needed a home.
The Wisch door was always open. Some of these friendships have lasted more than 40 years.
Last week, our family had the distinct pleasure of hosting two members of the Israeli band Beit Hamearim, Oded Sabag and Ofir Hadad. The six-member group along with a sound engineer was in town to entertain for both Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut. Members of the band hail from various parts of the Western Galilee our Partnership2Gether region with Israel.
Before arriving in Dallas, they toured Des Moines, Iowa, and Omaha, Neb. They arrived on Tuesday night in time for the Yom HaZikaron — the memorial service for fallen Israeli soldiers — and headed to Austin, also a part of the partnership consortium on Friday Morning. Along with Cindi and Dr. Mitch Moskowitz and daughter Clara, and Jolene and Jayson Minsky and sons Aaron, Eli and Jeremy, we did our best to extend some Texas hospitality.
A highlight of the week was a trip to the Texas Rangers-New York Yankees game last Wednesday night.
“I have no idea what’s going on on the field,” said Ofir. “But I sure love this atmosphere.”
For more information about getting involved with Partnership2Gether, contact Sarah Glauben, the JFGD’s Israel and overseas coordinator at 214-615-5275 or sglauben@jfgd.org. Ron Romaner is the local chair of the Partnership2Gether committee.
Talia Richman wins ‘Morning News’ journalism competition
Mazel tov to Talia Richman, daughter of Debbie and Mike Richman of Dallas, who was recently named best writer in the Dallas Morning News’ 21st annual High School Journalism Day and Competition. A graduate of Ann and Nate Levine Academy and a junior at Richardson High School, this is Talia’s second year in a row to win the top award.
In addition, Richman took first place for news reporting among Class A (more than 2,000) high schools and tied for first in the Long feature category. A former TJP intern, Richman, also earned herself a spot as one of 10 interns at the DMN this summer. In addition to serving as editor of RHS’ Talon Newspaper, Talia is also an Eaglette (drill team) and in the law magnet there.
Mazel tov as well to Greenhill senior Jordan Rudner, daughter of Lisa and Steve Rudner, who placed first for news reporting for Class B (less than 2,000 students) schools and honorable mention for column portfolio.
Several Yavneh students also brought home honors in the Class B division. Emily Rosenfeld, daughter of Kristi and Lenny Rosenfeld (also a former TJP intern!) was a winner with honorable mention going to Bryan Benaim, son of Ruth and Dr. Elie Benaim. Yanveh’s Bulldog Print staff was named the winner in editorials, and David Dunsky, son of Dr. Aviva Hopkovitz and Fred Dunsky won the review portion of the contest.
Also serving on the Bulldog Print editorial team are Rachel Siegel, Kelly Herson, Jori Epstein, Adam Steinbrecher, Dalya Romaner, Jason Epstein, Jillian Herstein, Hannah Gartner, Rachel Goodman, Jordan Prescott and Ilana Wernick. Reporters are Taylor Blue, Reid Cohen, Ali Feinstein, Cassie Gross, Scott Lacritz, Ari Margolies, Ethan Pearson, Elki Schonbrunn, Mika Stein and Gabby Steinbrecher. Sandy Hall Chiles is the Bulldog Print adviser.
The High School Journalism Day took place at SMU, and faculty members from its journalism program and journalism faculty from the University of North Texas conducted writing workshops. More than 300 students from 65 North Texas schools participated.
DATA’s Discovery seminar is this weekend
It’s not too late to register for the Dallas Area Torah Association’s Discovery Seminar Sunday, May 6, at Congregation Ohr HaTorah, 6324 Churchill Way in Dallas.
Among the topics are “Distinguishing Knowledge from Faith: Judaism is NOT a Matter of Blind Faith,” and “The Secret of the Jews’ Immortality: How is it Feasible That We Still Exist?”
The featured speaker is Rabbi Yaakov Solomon.
Registration and breakfast begin at 9:30 a.m., and the program begins at 10. To register, visit www.datanet.org or call 214-987-3282. Cost is $65 per person and includes a light breakfast, lunch and snacks.
Herzl Hadassah monthly meeting
An Israel update and board nominations will be the highlight of the Herzl Hadassah meeting at 10 a.m. Monday, May 7, in the conference room at the Aaron Family JCC, 7900 Northaven Road in Dallas.
Gill Elan, director of Southwest Jewish Congress, will speak about “Israel Today” and give us up-to-date information on Israel and the Mid-East.
All Herzl and general Hadassah members are encouraged to attend and be involved in the nominations for the 2012-13 Herzl Board, as well as suggestions and plans for the coming year.
Refreshments will be served and new members will be introduced.
Happy Birthday to Israel (64) and Hadassah (100)!
Mesorah will honor Rabbi Sholey and Chana Klein
Mesorah High School for Girls will honor Rabbi Sholey and Chana Klein at its annual dessert reception at 7:30 p.m. May 13 at Congregation Ohr HaTorah.
Rabbi Klein is the Kashrus administrator of Dallas Kosher. The Kleins are being recognized for their more than two decades of service to the Greater Dallas Jewish community.
Keynote speaker for the evening is Rabbi Jonathon Rietti. Co-chairs are Dr. Miriam Banarer, Yonah Chatzinoff and Lindsay Karr. Serving on the committee are Tzipporah Benami, Aliza Cassius, Daphna Englard, Syma Guttman, Sherri Harpaz, Dr. Candace Leshin, Orit Pacht, Jenny Quinn, Chana Yetta Rodenberg, Dr. Roni Rothstein, Susan Skibell-Press and Naama Weingarden. Jeri Finkelstein is the honorary co-chair.
To register, visit https://fs17.formsite.com/mesorah/form3/secure_index.html or call Mesorah High School at 214-420-1990, ext. 102 with any questions.
Save the date:
Sarah Yocheved Rigler, author of “The Kesher Wife,” will be in town on Monday, May 14, to lead a workshop based on her best-selling book.
The Kesher Wife Workshop teaches a set of tools, based on Torah principles, for Jewish women to rekindle the ardor in their marriages. This 3½ – hour workshop begins at 12:45 p.m.
Through scripted drama, guided visualizations and exercises, the workshop participant learns how to eliminate the behaviors that drive husbands to flee from their wives (to the internet, work, etc.). She also learns techniques to create a marriage that feeds both partners spiritually and emotionally.
Cost is $45 and space is limited to 25 participants. RSVP to Judy@leadingthinkers.com.
We would like to hear from our readers. Send your news to sharonw@texasjewishpost.com or to TJP, 7920 Beltline Rd. #680 Dallas, TX 75254
