By Linda Wisch-Davidsohn

In last week’s column, I wrote about the book review “Defending Jacob,” which was penned by author William Landay. As previously mentioned in the column, and a review of the book was held at the Legacy Willow Bend July 21.
I made several attempts to reach the reviewer, Leon Levin, who did a superb job, with the synopsis that appeared in my column. It is my understanding (throughout the many calls that I made) that Leon and his wife, Marilyn, are longtime Dallasites. Leon is a former President of the Temple Shalom Brotherhood and served in World War II.
For those of you who have not yet read the book, I can highly recommend it. Once you begin reading, it is difficult to put the novel down — and it definitely provides depth, well-defined characters, a great plot and will stay with you for “the long haul.”

Israeli Tzofim Friendship Caravan herald first performance in ‘Big D’

The Israeli Scouts presented this year’s first program July 13 at the Aaron Family Jewish Community Center, in addition to numerous other programs that were seen in the Dallas area.
This caravan, one of four that intersect North America, is comprised of five males and five female Israel Scouts. The talented 17-year-olds serve as emissaries, sharing their lives in Israel through song, dance and story. They are true representatives of Israeli culture and spirit.
Huge numbers of Jewish youth apply to this particular program, but only a small group is chosen to represent Israel on this good will mission. Many have not been to our country before.
A staff member of The Legacy Willow Bend mentioned that this was the first time she had heard the caravan, and that the performance was enjoyed by Legacy residents.
The Ike and Fanny Soblosky Foundation and the Dallas Jewish Committee on Scouting sponsored their trip here. Multiple businesses, organizations, and synagogues supported the caravan. Dallas Jewish residents provided home hospitality for the group of teens.

Food for thought — grand reopening of Tom Thumb Preston Forest

Many people are thinking more closely about what they eat. For tens of thousands of Dallas area residents, food choices come with a set of guidelines thousands of years old.
Jews who observe kosher food laws have a set of very specific rules to follow, both about what to eat and what can and cannot be eaten together. Other consumers feel that kosher certified food is another seal of approval.
Many food producers have caught on to this market and have made sure to have their products certified kosher. In North Dallas, specifically, the kosher consumer has a strong partner in Tom Thumb Preston/Forest and its Manager Greg Becker.
Greg has observed the growing kosher community during his time at the Preston/Forest store and has partnered with Dallas Kosher, the nonprofit organization that advocates for kosher consumers and certifies kosher food production.
Sunday, July 13 marked the grand reopening of the Preston/Forest Tom Thumb store, revealing a remodel, including the expansion of the kosher food section. The store added nearly 100 items to its already impressive kosher food offerings.
Tom Thumb stores usually have their grand opening sales Saturday, but Greg knew his clientele would not be able to participate Saturday because of Shabbat. He convinced corporate management to move the grand reopening to Sunday.
In recognition of his partnership with the Jewish community, The Dallas Kosher board of directors recently awarded Greg Becker with its Community Service Award. Dallas Kosher states that it is proud to have a dedicated partner in promoting and serving the kosher public.

Maura Schreier-Fleming to write sales blog for Allbusiness.com

Maura Schreier-Fleming, founder of BestatSelling.com and a local sales consultant, was recently selected as a sales expert to write a blog on sales for Allbusiness.com. Her work was recently featured on Fox Business.
AllBusiness.com is one of the world’s largest online resources for small businesses, providing essential tools and resources to start, grow and manage a business. AllBusiness.com brings real-world expertise and practical advice from some of the best minds in small business. AllBusiness.com’s business value has received recognition in coverage by The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fortune, The New York Times, US News & World Report, USA Today, and many other publications.
Her blog focuses on selling skills and strategies to increase sales and profits.

Temple Emanu-El Couples Club to present ‘Spotlight On Broadway’

The Temple Emanu-El Couples Club will feature Jaquelyn Lengfelder presenting a special musical program “Spotlight On Broadway,” 6 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 17 at Blue Mesa Grill in Addison.
Lengfelder, who possesses a “soaring soprano voice” and “delivers the vocal goods,” has appeared in companies including The Fort Worth Opera, The Living Opera, Casa Mañana, Lyric Stage, Stage West and Garland Summer Musicals. Her leading operetta roles with the Ohio Light Opera can be heard on CDs produced by Albany Records.
In addition, she sings in the Temple Emanu-El Choir.
Jacquelyn’s accompanist, David Haskins, is not only a pianist and accompanist, but also a singer and teacher of voice. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Music from UNT, and studied with Virginia Botkin who formerly sang at Temple Emanuel. After completing his studies at UNT, David studied accompanying for two years at the University of Illinois with the great John Wustman.
Since the early 1980s, David has maintained a private voice studio in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. At present, two of his students are performing leading roles on Broadway.
Additionally, David is an entertainment pianist, and considers himself very fortunate to have both known and entertained in Van Cliburn’s home, as well as those of many other wonderful residents of the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
Haskins states that he considers himself very fortunate to have the great and talented Jackie Lengfelder as a friend and colleague.
The event is open to the community; however, seating is limited. For additional information or questions about the evening, please contact either Annette Morganstern at 214-457-4444 or Sarah Yarrin at 214-924-1487.
This event is expected to sell-out. Please send your checks made out to TECC to Sandy Gorman, 1393 Sagebrook Drive, Fairview, TX 75069, as soon as possible. Cost for the event is $20 per person, which includes a grand buffet dinner.

Lunch and Learn at The Legacy Willow Bend

Perhaps many readers have wondered what life is like at The Legacy Willow Bend? A special opportunity presents itself at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 29. Residents will share their experiences and elaborate on why The Legacy, as well as Life Care, was their choice.
Demand for the event is high and reservations are required. Please call 972-468-6208 to RSVP.
The Legacy Willow Bend is a Life Care community which offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing. It is located at 6101 Ohio Drive, Bldg. A, in Plano. The website is www.thelegacywb.org.