By Linda Wisch-Davidsohn

Barbara and Jack Wilpon to celebrate Golden Anniversary

Good wishes to Barbara Davidoff Wilpon and Jack J. Wilpon, who will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Feb. 20, 2015. Barbara and Jack were married at Congregation Beth Yeshurun in Houston The ceremony was officiated by the late Rabbi William S. Malev.
The daughter of the late Sadie and Jake Davidoff, Barbara attended Bellaire High School in Houston, the University of Texas at El Paso, and the University of Oklahoma. Jack is the son of the late Mary and Isidor Wilpon. He attended Bronx Science High School, City College of New York, the University of Oklahoma, and Texas A&M. The couple met at Hillel while attending the University of Oklahoma and then lived in Bryan, Texas while Jack continued his graduate studies in meteorology. They became Richardson residents in 1971, where they still reside and are currently enjoying their retirement. The Wilpons have three children: Matthew (Rebecca), Melissa (Scott), and Joanne (Andy) and are blessed with six grandchildren. Mazel Tov to the Wilpons on this special occasion.

Saul Zimmerman inducted into American Hebrew Academy’s prestigious honor society

Mazel Tov to Saul Zimmerman, son of Rabbi Brian and Mimi Zimmerman, who recently was accepted into the American Hebrew Academy Honor Society.
The Academy, an International Jewish college-prep boarding school, recently extended invitations to a select number of students worldwide for admittance into its exclusive organization. Currently in its sixth year, the American Hebrew Academy Honor Society is an international honor society that acknowledges exceptional eighth- and ninth- grade students, such as Saul, who have demonstrated excellence in academics, athletics, the arts, leadership and service to their communities. The Honor Society is modeled after The National Honor Society, receiving recommendations, applicant questionnaires and transcripts in an effort to identify the most outstanding young Jewish students in the U.S. and beyond. Saul is a warm and caring young man who can always be counted on to do the right thing and to help others. A true team player, Saul has competed on Levine Academy’s soccer, basketball and track teams. He is also a valued member of the school’s yearbook and nature club.
Saul is deeply committed to his Jewish identity and feels especially connected to the Jewish value of tikkun olam (repairing the world). Saul will receive an impressive award certificate designed by world-renowned artist Mordecai Rosenstein. Saul has the opportunity to compete for substantial annual merit-based scholarships, along with other honorees, with the option of attending the American Hebrew Academy. Students who are nominated and accepted into the American Hebrew Academy Honor Society are not required to attend the Academy. “To be named a member of the American Hebrew Academy Honor Society is a great achievement,” says Mark Spielman, director of the Honor Society. “We look forward to meeting each of the honorees and following their successes as they make great contributions to our society.” Academy Executive Director Glenn Drew added, “The Academy is an exceptional institution with an outstanding faculty and student body. Identifying stellar students follows our mission of mentoring the Jewish leaders of tomorrow.”
To learn more about the American Hebrew Academy Honor Society, please visit their website at www.AHAHonorSociety.org.
Also shepping nachus are Saul’s sister, Molly, and his grandparents Jody and Dr. Mel Platt and Judy and Rabbi Sheldon Zimmerman.

Weddings and Events by Ruth receives honor

Weddings and Events by Ruth recently won a WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award 2015. WeddingWire, the nation’s leading online wedding marketplace, has named Weddings and Events by Ruth as a winner of the prestigious WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards 2015 for Wedding Planning in Dallas. The award recognizes the top 5 percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism. The esteemed awards are given to the top local wedding vendors in more than 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on their professional achievements from the previous year.

There’s still time to try out for the JCC Maccabi Games

An email from Matt Rowland asked that we help spread the word that spots are still available for tryouts for Team Dallas at the 2015 JCC Maccabi Games hosted by our own Dallas JCC. Rowland stated in his email, “We are halfway through the 2015 Team Dallas tryouts, and we’ve had a great showing from athletes across the Jewish community here in the Metroplex. As everyone knows, we’re trying to build one of the largest host delegations in JCC Maccabi Games history, and we are well on our way. To continue to make Team Dallas great, we ask that you and your athletes continue to recruit and spread the word! I want to take this opportunity to thank each one of you for taking the time to come to a tryout, and we hope to see each of you again at another tryout (only one is required; however, you’re welcome to come to all).”
For additional information, please email Matt at mrowland@jccdallas.org or visit dallasmaccabi.org.