By Linda Wisch-Davidsohn

Kim Zoller and Kerry Preston of Image Dynamics publish new book

Good wishes to Kim Zoller, president and founder of Image Dynamics, and Kerry Preston, partner of Image Dynamics recently published their latest book“Enhancing Your Executive Edge: How to Develop the Skills to Lead and Succeed.”
As partners in Image Dynamics, the duo possess more than two decades of experience building successful, highly customized coaching and training programs for Fortune 500 companies around the world.
They work with a broad base of industry leaders to help them get to the top and stay there, with programs that develop exceptional leadership, creative thinking and a highly effective workforce.
Together, they have trained and coached more than 100,000 individuals.
Zoller and Preston are recognized experts in business protocol, branding, leadership development, presentation and communication skills, customer service and sales training; Kim and Kerry are the authors of “You Did What? The Biggest Mistakes Professionals Make” and “You Said What? The Biggest Communication Mistakes Professionals Make.” McGraw Hill Education published the most recent book in June.

Rabbi Ben Sternman receives 5-year contract renewal at Adat Chaverim

Rabbi Ben Sternman will continue to be “at home” at Congregation Adat Chaverim in Plano, until at least 2019 as a result of the recent five-year renewal of his contract with the “Community of Friends.”
Following the contract signing, the rabbi and Steve Jacobs, synagogue president, expressed mutual satisfaction with the result.
“This is home,” said Sternman, who began what he calls “a warm, positive relationship” with his Reform congregation in July 2012. “I love the opportunities I have to teach and also to learn from my experiences here.”
Jacobs continued to say that “I am very happy that Rabbi Sternman will remain at Adat Chaverim for many years to come. I have found him to be a compassionate and warm person who constantly grows in so many ways in his role as our rabbi. I believe that we are very lucky to have him.”

Adat Chaverim celebrates Bagrut

Good wishes to the 2014 graduates of Adat Chaverim. The Bagrut was celebrated May 16 at Adat Chaverim in Plano.
This class of graduates is the first to have gone all the way through Adat Chaverim’s Religious School, and all of their families have been active in the temple over those years.
Ethan Goldstein’s parents are among the synagogue’s founders. His dad, David Goldstein, was temple president and his mom, Cheryl, served on the temple board of trustees.
Lindsay Rudoff’s mom, Joanna, guided Adat’s Macharnik Youth Pogram, and her dad, Neil, also served as temple president.
McKenzie Sigle’s dad, Terry, is the senior vice president and her mom, Michelle, not only shoots fabulous photos, but also has taught in the religious school. Both have served on the temple board.
McKenzie served as president of CFTY, the temple’s senior youth group, and she, Ethan and Lindsay were Macharniks.
For more information about Adat Chaverim and/or confirmation, please call Valerie Klein, director of education or Rabbi Ben Sternman, at 972-491-5917.

Cinema Emanu-El to begin summer film series July 8

A note from Becky Slakman reminded us that Temple Emanu-El will host its fantastic summer film series beginning next week. This sounds like an ideal way to spend a warm summer evening. The first film to be shown at 7 p.m., Tuesday July 8 is “Zaytoun,” with a discussion following the film by Rabbi Kimberly Herzog Cohen.
“My Australia” will be featured July 15 followed by a discussion led by Rabbi Asher Knight. “Putzel” follows July 22. Cantor Leslie Niren will lead the discussion. “Rafting To Bombay” will be shown July 29 with Cantor Richard Cohn discussing the film. All of them start at 7 p.m.
Admission is affordable at $4 per performance or $12 for a season pass.
Registration is easy at www.tedallas.org/cinema2014. Even better, refreshments such as popcorn, candy and soda are free. Rosalee Cohen, Shirley and Charles Crane and Natalie Potter will sponsor the series.
For additional information, contact Becky Slakman at 214-706-0000 or bslakman@tedallas.org.

Congratulations to the new SHFTY board

Kudos to the new board members of SHFTY, who recently elected the following to new board positions: Dylan Kort, president; Lauren Stock, programming vice president; Noah Washington, social action vice president; Molly Paley, religious and cultural vice president; Skylar Richardson, membership vice president; Sami Laner, communications vice president; Nathan Pearson, high school liaison; and Roy Wallace, NFTY representative.

Dennis Eichelbaum to take helm at Temple Shalom

Dennis Eichelbaum represented Temple Shalom in North Dallas, as he joined 100 other presidents and presidents-elect from Reform congregations throughout North America recently in Atlanta for the 16th Annual Scheidt Seminar to discuss solutions to everyday congregational problems, explore Torah-based governance, improve leadership skills, network and share successful program ideas with each other.
The seminar began 16 years ago when Rudi and Honey Scheidt partnered with the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) to establish the program. Recognizing how helpful it would have been, Scheidt noted that there had not been a training opportunity for him when he was president of his congregation, Temple Israel in Memphis, Tennessee.
Seminar participants heard from and studied with URJ President Rabbi Rick Jacobs, URJ Chairman of the board of trustees Steve Sacks and Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion President Rabbi Aaron Panken.
Sharing their expertise with participants were URJ faculty members Amy Asin, senior consultant with The Experiment in Congregational Education (ECE) and the Reverend Richard Vosko, a specialist in worship environments and sacred spaces.
Participants also heard from Rabbi Dan Freelander, URJ senior vice president; Rabbi Bradley Solmsen, URJ director of youth engagement; Rabbi Louis Feldstein, CEO Dynamic Change Solution; Cantor Susan Caro, past president of the American Conference of Cantors; Beth Schafer, worship transformation specialist, Positive Jewish Living; and members of the URJ Congregational Networks team.