By Linda Wisch-Davidsohn
Whenever October rolls around, I think about a plethora of things — the promise of cooler weather — the festivals — gratitude and most importantly Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Growing up, breast cancer was something that was whispered about in very hushed tones or in Yiddish. We had not made the strides in research or “cure” rates that we have today. Women have put breast cancer research on the “map,” but actually it occurs in men, too.
Before I continue with this week’s column, I’d like to suggest that folks grab their best friend and get a mammogram together. By doing so, we can ensure a better future for our children and grandchildren.
Angels of Dance, Inc. presents 3rd annual dancing For The Cure
On Saturday evening, Oct. 25, Angels of Dance, Inc. (a nonprofit foundation) will present its third annual Dancing for The Cure. The evening will commence at 8 p.m. at the Dallas City Performance Hall, 2520 Flora Street, in downtown Dallas.
Tickets for the evening are $30 per person and can be purchased online at www.AngelsofDance.net or by calling 214-871-5000.
The event is a dance show similar to the popular “Dancing With the Stars” and features both professional and amateur dancers. Proceeds from the event will support the search for a cure for breast cancer and will benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation Dallas County Affiliate.
By the way, there will be survivors of cancer dancing at this event.
If you are unable to attend, there are other ways to contribute. Opportunities are available to sponsor the event, sponsor your favorite dancer, and/or make a donation in honor of a loved one.
For additional information, visit the Angels of Dance website or email questions to Info@AngelofDance.net. Purchase of tickets is tax deductible.
Zumba Party in Pink Sunday, Oct. 26
A note from Sandy Tabacinic and Dr. Carlos Nurko, of Homecorp Design+ Build and North Texas Orthodontic Associates, PA (Our Braces Make Smiling Faces) respectively who shared with TJP staff that they will be sponsors of Zumba® Party in Pink this Sunday at the Celebration Event Center, 2165 W. Park Blvd in Plano.
Attendees will make moves in the fight against breast cancer. Registration is at 1:30 p.m. and the Zumbathon will begin at 2 p.m. Cost is $20 cash in advance or $21 Paypal or $25 at the door.
Proceeds from the Zumbathon Charity Event will go to the Zumba Global Research Grant for Breast Cancer Prevention in partnership with Susan G. Komen.
Instructors at the event will be Juan Carlos Garcia, Mini Gallegos and Kat Campbell.
Additional information may be obtained at www.zumba.com , www.partyinpink.com facebook.com/zumba, or twitter.com/zumba. Opportunities to purchase Zumba wear will be available as well. For more information, contact Juan Carlos Garcia at 469-767-0066.
Makom named of America’s most innovative Jewish organizations by Slingshot
Good Wishes to CSI’s organization, Makom, which has been named one of North America’s most innovative Jewish organizations in the 10th annual Slingshot Guide.
The Guide has become a go-to resource for volunteers, activists and donors looking for new opportunities and projects that, through their innovative nature, will ensure the Jewish community remains relevant and thriving. Slingshot 2014-15 was released this week.
Selected from among hundreds of finalists reviewed by 112 professionals with expertise in grant-making and Jewish communal life, the Guide writes that Makom “breathes fresh energy into Jewish life in Dallas, enhancing the Jewish identities and spiritual growth of all those who participate… by shattering preconceived notions on what young Jews want.”
Organizations included in this year’s Guide were evaluated on their innovative approach, the impact they have in their work, the leadership they have in their sector and their effectiveness at achieving results. Makom is proud to be among the projects and organizations honored for meeting those standards.
These organizations are driving the future of Jewish life and engagement by motivating new audiences to participate in their work and responding to the needs of individuals and communities — both within and beyond the Jewish community — as never before.
“Makom is proud to be selected in this year’s guide, and thrilled to be part of the amazing community of innovative Jewish organizations who continue to create positive change in the Jewish community,” said Rabbi David Singer. “Congregation Shearith Israel’s investment in the future of Jewish Dallas has paid off — in two years we have built a nationally-recognized community dedicated to reimagining what’s possible in Jewish life by taking the synagogue outside the synagogue, empowering young Jews to dream about their Jewish future and then bring those dreams into fruition.”
Congregation Shearith Israel Senior Rabbi William Gershon notes, “Makom has enabled our congregation to reach beyond our walls and capture the imagination and hearts of hundreds and hundreds of young adult Jews in Dallas, connecting them in a new ways to Judaism.”
Texas Jewish Arts Association exhibit opens this weekend
The newly formed Texas Jewish Arts Association will present its first juried art exhibition entitled “Bereshit” from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Aaron Family JCC.
The organization has chosen “Bereshit” as the submission theme since this will be its debut exhibit in Dallas. Curator of the exhibition is Nancy Israel. This exhibition is open to the public and will be held at The Aaron Family JCC of Dallas from Oct. 26-Nov. 16.
Among those artists showing their work are: Lynn Baskind, Marvin Beleck, Julie Meetal Berman, Roseline Bodiford, Lisa Ehrich, Jan Ayers Friedman, Ronna Gilbert, Kim Goldberg, Cary C. Gordon, Mary Beth Hickman, Della Isaacson, Veronique Jonas, Diana D. Krompass, Mark Kutler, Sara Miller, Nan Phillips, Stephen Potter, Pamela Rabin, Esther Ritz, Cynthia Schneidler M.D., Murray Stein and George Tobolowsky. Gallery hours will be Mondays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sundays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
In conjunction with the exhibition, the TJAA will sponsor a talk by Nancy Cohen Israel at 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13. It is titled, “In the beginning… And Since then: a Walk through Jewish Art.” The lecture is free and open to the public.
Do the Jews Have a Future in Europe?
Stephan Kramer, director of AJC’s Office of European Anti-Semitism in Berlin, Germany, will speak on “Death to the Jews: The Rapidly Changing Dynamic in Europe” at a community event, at 7 p.m., Tuesday Oct. 28. The event will be held at Congregation Shearith Israel, 9401 Douglas Avenue in Dallas.
Mr. Kramer previously served as secretary-general of the Central Council of Jews in Germany from 2004 until earlier this year, and as the council’s executive director from 2000 to 2004. He worked as a press secretary and as adviser on policy and government relations for the Conference on Jewish Material Claims against Germany. He has also served as the chief of staff for three different members of the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag).
For more information about AJC or to RSVP, please call 972-387-2943 or email dallas@ajc.org.
Beth Torah breakfast Oct. 26 will focus on addiction
A panel of experts will discuss addiction issues at Congregation Beth Torah’s monthly breakfast program Sunday, Oct. 26, jointly sponsored by the synagogue’s Sisterhood and Men’s Club.
The program begins at 9 a.m. at the synagogue, located at 720 W. Lookout Drive in Richardson.
Hazel Alterman and Suzanne Minc will discuss personal issues related to addiction, and they will be joined by Carrie Stevens, a substance abuse specialist for the Plano Independent School District.
“We want to pull back the curtain on the disease of addiction,” Alterman said. “It’s not a moral affliction, but a disease that can manifest itself in addiction to illegal drugs, legal drugs, alcohol, gambling and more.”
The public is invited to the lox-and-bagel breakfast. The cost is $10, $7 for Men’s Club and Sisterhood members and $5 for students. A portion of proceeds will be donated to the Jewish Family Service Substance Abuse Program.
“This can happen in the best of families and we need to talk about it,” Alterman said. “We’ll share stories of courage, strength and ultimately hope.”
For more information, call Congregation Beth Torah at 972-234-1542.
