By Sharon Wisch-Ray

Food Truck Palooza scheduled for Sunday at Temple Shalom

Not to be missed this Sunday, Sept. 22, is Temple Shalom’s Second Annual Food Truck Palooza.
This great event, which begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 8 p.m., will benefit the North Texas Food Bank. It includes fun, food and music for the entire family. Last year, more than 2,500 fans sampled gourmet treats while enjoying music and fun in the shaded picnic area.
The gourmet food truck craze is sweeping the nation and Dallas is no exception. Dallas’ best food trucks, including Nammi, Tutta’s Pizza, Crazy Fish and Easy Sliders will be on hand to deliver delicious food ranging from gourmet sliders, sushi, pizza and so much more.
There will be live music from local bands like Vic Duncan, as well as a huge Kids’ Zone. Also for kids will be four large bounce structures, professional face painters and other fun activities.
There will be a multi-winner raffle with exciting prizes, as well as special appearances by local performers and a magic show for the kids during the dinner hour.
Admission is only $5 and includes parking, all kids activities and great music.

DJCF Professional Advisors Seminar is Friday, Oct. 4

The Dallas Jewish Community Foundation will host its 18th Annual Professional Advisors Seminar “The Sun Never Sets Estate Planning in 2013 and Beyond” on Friday, Oct. 4 at the Westin Galleria, 13340 Dallas Pkwy., in Dallas.
The Foundation is proud to bring back popular speaker Christopher Erblich, partner at Husch Blackwell LLP, who will reinforce the seminar’s reputation as the best technical estate planning seminar in Texas. He has always received rave reviews for his presentation’s outstanding content using case studies and humor to illustrate successful estate planning.
Most of the sponsors are included in the Dallas Business Journal’s top 20 lists of law firms, accounting firms and wealth management companies.
Attending lawyers, CPAs, insurance underwriters, bankers and financial planners will receive two hours of continuing education credit while enjoying a lavish kosher breakfast. Participants will be able to network before and after the seminar and during the break. The early bird fee of $60 is only being offered until Sept. 22 and then the cost increases to $80. Register at www.djcf.org.

Marilyn Israel named Legacy Willow Bend executive director

The Legacy Willow Bend, Plano’s first and only life care retirement community, has named Marilyn Israel executive director.
“We are pleased to welcome Marilyn as our new executive director,” said Michael Ellentuck, president of The Legacy Senior Communities. “She has extensive leadership experience and is highly knowledgeable in the senior living industry. We are excited to have her join our team and help us continue to give our members and residents the best possible living and care environment possible.”
Israel is a recognized leader with more than 25 years of experience in health care, human services and senior housing.
She joins The Legacy Willow Bend from Jewish Home/Jewish Senior Living Group in San Francisco where she served as the executive director and then as the director of strategic projects, working with a team of professionals on the redevelopment of the Jewish Home Campus.
Previously, she served as the executive director for Kahala Nui, a $180 million not-for-profit continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Honolulu. Israel was also the vice president of operations for Balfour Senior Care in Louisville, Colo. and served as the executive director for The Lodge at Balfour and Balfour Retirement Community.
“I am honored to be a part of The Legacy Willow Bend team,” said Israel. “My vision is to create a community where members, their families and our staff continue to grow and flourish in the outstanding environment that is The Legacy Willow Bend. The Legacy Senior Communities has served seniors for 60 years, and I believe it is important for me to bridge the gap between the company’s amazing history and the exciting plans we have for our future.”

Calling all Foodies and Balaboostas

At 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 24 at Central Market on Lover’s Lane, Einat Admony, will be the featured chef. Participants are invited for an evening with a 21st century balaboosta (Yiddish for “perfect housewife”).
This wife, mother and chef runs two bustling New York City restaurants (Taim and Balaboosta) and will introduce guests to the recipes that she cooks for the people she loves. She is a winner of both “Chopped” and “Throwdown with Bobby Flay” on the Food Network.
Her mixed Israeli heritage (Yemenite and Persian) blends with the fresh, sophisticated Mediterranean palate she honed while working in some of New York City’s most famous kitchens, resulting in a melting pot of dishes for every occasion. As she demonstrates how to make these recipes, you’ll pick up tips from a pro. On the class menu are:

• Chicken Littles with Garlic Aioli

• Melon Gazpacho

• Ceviche with Salmon

• Crispy Cauliflower

• Sinaya (Israeli Shepherd’s Pie with Eggplant, Tomatoes, Ground Lamb & Beef, topped by a layer of Tahini)

• Malabi (Creamy Pudding) with Orange Brandy Sauce.

The class is $60 and includes one copy of “Balaboosta: Bold Mediterranean Recipes to Feed the People You Love.” To register, visit http://www.cookingschoolsofamerica.com/centralmarketdallas/index.php?page=classes#1877.

Shearith Israel to host hands-on, interactive Torah experience for children

Shearith Israel Education Director Dina Eliezer tells me that if you want to give your kids a hands on Torah experience, join her for an interactive Torah experience on Erev Simchat Torah.
Dina said, “We will unroll the entire Torah and have children and families find some of the important stories, verses etc. … There will be explanations on parashot and this all will follow with celebration and Hakafot, good food and drinks for the entire family to enjoy.”
The Torah activity begins at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26, at Shearith Israel 9401 Douglas Ave. For more information contact Dina at 214-361-6606 or deliezer@shearith.org.

News and notes

• Nov. 5 is the date of the Tycher Library Community Read. Featured this year is author Dara Horn, and her spellbinding new novel, “A Guide for the Perplexed.” Horn will appear at 7 p.m., in the Zale Auditorium at the Aaron Family JCC, 7900 Northaven Road. Get Reading! The event is free, but seating is limited. For more information, contact the Tycher librarian, Nina Golboro, ngolboro@jfgd.org.
• If you missed Sam Horowitz’ reprise of his bar mitzvah party performance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” last week, it’s available online at www.ellentv.com. At the end of his performance, Ellen who seemed quite taken with Sam, presented him with a “blingy” kippah and tallit.