By Linda Wisch-Davidsohn

Solimani named one of Austin’s 10 Most Eligible Bachelors

Let’s admit it — for some of us there is somewhat of a thrill on Monday nights at 7 p.m. when a certain ABC television show airs. Many have surreptitiously recorded it and followed the season as it progresses. Members of my family have been known to participate in such undercover activities, but although no names will be mentioned here, you know who you are. Friends have “cut evenings short” to rush home for the production — and again, you know who you are also. Husbands and wives have bachelor and bachelorette dates to view the show, and believe me, the time spent watching is sacrosanct. I have, through peer pressure, been known to catch an episode now and again, myself. For now, I am happy to report that Des has found “true love and her True North.”
I was excited to read that former Dallasite, Leon Solimani, son of Mordechai and Jane Solimani, was recently selected in Austin to participate in a charity auction, which named him as one of Austin’s most eligible bachelors, but also offered female participants a chance to bid for an evening with Leon, with all proceeds going to the charity.
Leon, 28, is the co-owner of Austin’s Lucky Lounge, which is housed in the city’s vibrant warehouse district. More about Leon below as excerpted from the Austin Monthly magazine piece on him:
“The Dallas native walked onto the football field as a freshman at Vanderbilt University and became the team’s kicker. While he didn’t actually get to play until the last game of his senior year, Solimani’s interest stoked him enough to possibly becoming a sports agent, a segue from his engineering major for a bit. He still indulges in some pigskin action as the kicker for a local semi-professional football team, Texas Xtreme.
“Prior to embarking into the nightlife industry and scene, Solimani experienced some uncertainty about his career path. After graduating from Vanderbilt with a degree in engineering, he worked as a talent agent in Nashville, taught English in China and worked as a petroleum engineer at a boutique firm in Dallas. At this juncture, Solimani is now comfortably settled into his current career at Lucky’s Lounge. Solimani states ‘I’m still … young, and I’m learning the whole nightlife scene; however, I’d like to aggressively expand. I have a couple of concepts in mind.”
Solimani is actively involved in the Jewish community as a volunteer at the Dell Jewish Community Center. Additionally, he serves as the business manager for a nonprofit that he and two friends created. “The Global Latrine Project supplies fiberglass bathrooms that prevent human waste from seeping into water sources. The latrine’s self-sustaining, dual-ventilated design could change sanitation in developing countries.” Solimani further adds “that was kind of my baby when I was in business school. Right now we’re in the development phase where we are trying to get these things built affordably.”

Neiman’s will feature Deborah Gaspar’s jewelry at trunk show

John Keats said it best — “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” Gaspar’s creations do more than exemplify this quote. Deborah creates her exclusive jewelry in a wide array of metals and stones such as her original and signature mother-of-pearl. She is famous for her mother-of-pearl belts which can transition from a belt to a long necklace or choker in a matter of seconds. Additionally, she uses gorgeous stones such as labradorite, onyx, topaz, turquoise and moonstone, as well as many others to ensure that her creations are cherished statement pieces that can transition from office to couture. Deborah’s designs are timeless, confident and versatile, including the elements of Mother Earth and empowering the wearer to promote confidence, sophistication and strength, while enjoying their beauty. The designs are limited and exclusive, making each piece a keepsake for a lifetime.
Her work will be featured from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 14 at Neiman Marcus Willowbend’s Trend Event. Deborah was recently invited to appear at The Grammy Style Lounge where she shared her original creations with some of the top Grammy performers and producers. Katie Couric is a huge fan, often seen wearing a collection of Deborah’s inlaid mother-of-pearl bangles.
As a personal aside, I have not only seen a portion of the collection, I have purchased various pieces myself — always receiving compliments. I am always thrilled to view her newest creations.

Goldstone earns YU Certificate in Experiential Jewish Education

The Yeshiva University Certificate Program in Experiential Jewish Education, which is now in its third year, seeks to revolutionize the field. During two concurrent seminars in July, YU’s Center for the Jewish Future Certificate Program in Experiential Jewish Education graduated its second student and inaugurated a third. This program is one of the few professional programs to focus on the unique role experiential Jewish education plays in the transmission of Jewish values and traditions — and to arm practitioners with research, methodology and skills to increase their effectiveness on the job. Good wishes to Dallas resident, Susanne Goldstone Rosenhouse, Social Media Coordinator at The National Jewish Outreach Program, who recently achieved this designation.

Rashi USY named Regional Chapter of the Year

Good wishes to Rashi USY, the high school youth group at Congregation Beth Torah, which has been named the Regional Chapter of the Year for the second consecutive year.
At the annual convention last month in Austin, the Richardson synagogue’s chapter was also honored for having the Southwest Region’s best overnight program (a team-building event at GDX Group Dynamix in Carrollton) and best fundraiser (an all-day bowl-a-thon at the Plano Super Bowl).
“We’re so proud of these kids,” said Debbie Wills, an adult adviser to the chapter. “We’ve really established a great tradition of young leadership at Beth Torah, and the synagogue works hard to provide them a nurturing environment and a fun, meaningful experience.”
“But it’s all about the kids,” she said. “They keep bringing home awards.”
USY’s Southwest region encompasses Conservative synagogues in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana.
At the convention, two Rashi leaders concluded their one-year terms as regional officers. Jeremy Duchin served as Southwest region president, and Freda Coren was the communication vice president. Maury Jacobs, a former Rashi president, continues on the professional staff as regional director.
The chapter is open to all Jewish high schoolers, not just Beth Torah members. For more information, call the synagogue at 972-234-1562.

Shir Tikvah hosts Religious School Open House next week

Congregation Shir Tikvah in Frisco will host its Religious School Open House from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16 at the synagogue, located at 7700 Main St.
The event is open to the community and guests will have the opportunity to meet Shir Tikvah’s new rabbi, Heidi Coretz; enjoy a Friday night service; and sign up for religious school programs. There will also be fun children’s activities and arts and crafts, and babysitting will be provided.
For more information, call 469-269-0718, or email shirtikvahfrisco@gmail.com.
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