About Robin Teig, new Hillel director at UNT

Scott Wayne, UNT student and Hillel member, writes to the TJP:
“Who is Robin Teig? She’s the new Hillel director at the University of North Texas. The position consists of a three-pronged approach: fundraising, administration and communication. Teig has been assigned the arduous tasks of running UNT Hillel smoothly and raising money for the strong, yet small, Jewish community at UNT.
“And why Robin? She has lots of experience in the DFW Jewish community. She has a master’s in Jewish studies from Cleveland College and a bachelor’s in education from UT; she was the executive director of the Dallas Chapter of Hadassah for six years, the director of education for Tiferet Israel, a teacher/youth director at Shearith Israel and a summer camp director at Temple Emanu-El, among many other things. When asked why she took the Hillel job, she said, ‘It just fit me.’
“Teig, who lived most of her life in the Dallas area, has definitely rooted herself into the tapestry of the Jewish community. Raised in Richardson, she graduated from J.J. Pearce High School. She has taught at local schools, both public and private. Teig is married with three daughters — one of whom attends UNT, one who attends UTA (University of Texas at Arlington) and one who is an educator for the Richardson Independent School District.
“When asked about her goals as director, Teig mentioned four specific points: serving the board, strategic planning, raising funds for programming and strengthening the growth of UNT Hillel.
“She said she hopes to spotlight UNT Hillel in the general community, have more enriching programs working with other organizations and see a future devoted space for Hillel on the UNT campus.
“Hillel, despite its small stature, has been flourishing. This semester it has had numerous social action programs with disabled children and guest speakers including Dr. Gideon Fishman, as well as holiday celebrations and Shabbat services.”

Hadassah to honor Bea Weisbrod; Nancy Falchuk will speak

The Dallas Chapter of Hadassah will honor Dallas philanthropist Bea Weisbrod at its Myrtle Wreath Dinner and Gala on Saturday evening, Dec. 5. Recipients of this prestigious award are selected for their significant contributions to state and national government, the arts, education, science, volunteerism and philanthropy.
A third-generation Dallasite, Bea is a past president of the Dallas Chapter of Hadassah, presently serves on the board of the Greater Southwest Region of Hadassah as Speakers Bureau chair, is the Dallas Chapter historian as well as a member of the Golden Wreath Society of Major Donors of Hadassah and of the Golden Keepers of the Gate. A fourth-generation member of Hadassah, Bea is a recipient of the Sara Susman Award and a past honoree of Bnai Zion. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from Southern Methodist University; is a third-generation member of Congregation Shearith Israel and life member of its Sisterhood; and is a Society of Life sponsor of Jewish Family Service.
This year, the Dallas Chapter is privileged to have Nancy Falchuk, national president of Hadassah, as distinguished speaker. She will update the audience on the latest accomplishments of Hadassah and present Bea Weisbrod with the award, said Barbara Moses, president of the Dallas Chapter,
Ruth Hendelman, chair of the event, said: “Fifty percent of all medical research from Israel published in prominent medical journals in the U.S. and Europe comes from Hadassah Medical Organization. Hadassah College Jerusalem, with 2,200 students, is the only secular college in Jerusalem. Hadassah’s Young Judaea Year Course links our youth to Judaism and the land of Israel, assuring the future and Jewish continuity of our people. Hadassah is the second largest employer in Jerusalem, only second to the government. Our new Sarah Wetsman Davidson Inpatient Tower will be the future of medical treatment in Israel. The largest construction project in Jerusalem, it will be dedicated in 2012, the 100th year of Hadassah.”
For information concerning the upcoming gala, please contact the Dallas Chapter of Hadassah at 214-691-1948.

Two CSI programs for kids

Shearith Israel’s Family Center will present two special programs next week for children.
On Tuesday, Dec. 1, Rabbi David Glickman will read his favorite Chanukah books at Barnes & Noble, Preston Road and Park Place.
On Wednesday, Dec. 2, Rabbi Joe Menashe will read his favorite Chanukah books at Barnes & Noble, Preston Royal Shopping Center.
Both programs will be held from 4 to 5 p.m., with children from the Weitzman Family Religious School performing during each story hour.
CSI hopes that all purchases will be made with the Shearith Israel code at not only local Barnes & Noble stores but others throughout the country. The Family Center will benefit from a percentage of the sales.

Community forum on immigration reform

NCJW and With One Voice Coalition invite interested persons to hear Ruben Navarette, nationally syndicated columnist, speak at a community forum on “The Business of Immigration Reform” on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at noon, at CityPlace Conference Center, 2711 N. Haskell.
A former Dallas Morning News editorial board member now based in San Diego, Navarette, in his twice-weekly column, offers new thinking about many current major topics, especially on thorny questions involving ethnicity and national origin.
For more information, contact Marsha Fischman, 214-739-0149, tfisch@swbell.net, or Julie Lowenberg, 214-352-4667, jmlowenberg@sbcglobal.net.

Open house at the J Early Childhood Center

“As soon as you visit, you just know.” Find out why the J Early Childhood Center is a wonderful beginning for your toddler. The J ECC will hold an open house on Tuesday, Dec. 1. Drop in between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. or call for a personal tour. Meet and greet parents and teachers, enjoy coffee and cookies and take a tour of the J’s incredible early childhood program. The ECC’s new toddler class for children ages 12–24 months opens on Jan. 4, 2010. For more information, contact Tara Ohayon at 214-239-7157 or tohayon@jccdallas.org.

Akiba Academy to welcome noted educator

The Early Childhood Education Department of Akiba Academy of Dallas will welcome back renowned educator and author Ann Lewin-Benham for a special workshop titled “Brain Gymnastics: How Parents and Teachers Can Help Raise Self-Driven Children” on Dec. 8 and 9.
Currently a consultant to John Hopkins University’s School of Education, and author of “Possible Schools: The Reggio Approach to Urban Education” (2006) and “Powerful Children: Understanding How to Teach and Learn Using the Reggio Approach” (2008), Lewin-Benham has strong credentials which have made her an expert in the Reggio educational approach, a method that is a strong element in the philosophy of early childhood education at Akiba.
Earlier this year at Akiba, Lewin-Benham defined the concept of significant work in preschool classes as work that is creative, complex and original. With many case studies supporting her recommendations, she described how each project, carried out using the Reggio approach, always relates to one of nine issues of critical importance to early childhood in the United States, including discipline, school-readiness, literacy, assessment and more.
In October, Lewin-Benham returned to discuss with early childhood educators the changing role of the teacher, and how to facilitate self-discipline. In addition, she introduced early childhood educators to techniques that help the children sustain focus while engaged in classroom experiences and lessons.
In “Brain Gymnastics,” Lewin-Benham will share how using task-driven materials, specifically developed for children under 6, will help your child develop self-discipline while learning essential cognitive skills such as, but not limited to: restraining impulsivity, sustaining attention, planning, categorizing, analyzing, being precise and using the dimensions of time and space.
The community is invited to attend “Brain Gymnastics: How Parent and Teachers Can Help Raise Self-Driven Children,” on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. in Pollman Hall at Akiba Academy, 12324 Merit Drive, Dallas, or on Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 8:45 a.m., also at Akiba. Admission is free. For more information, contact Mireille Brisebois-Allen at 214-295-3400.
This workshop is being promoted in partnership with the J Early Childhood Center and the Center for Jewish Education of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas.

Chabad of Plano to host talent show at annual menorah lighting

New for this year, Chabad of Plano/Collin County will host a talent show as part of the menorah lighting celebration on Dec. 14 at The Shops at Willow Bend. Children ages 4–12 are invited to participate. Children must audition prior to appearing on stage. A $500 cash prize will be given to the winner, which will be determined by the audience. For further information and to make an appointment to audition, please call 972-596-8270 or visit www.chabadplano.org.