17th Dallas Kosher Chili Cookoff, March 14 at Tiferet Israel
The 17th annual Dallas Kosher Chili Cookoff is scheduled this year for Sunday, March 14 at Tiferet Israel Congregation at Royal and Hillcrest. Chairman of the judges is volunteer extraordinaire Harry Kabler. The confirmed judges are: esteemed Mayor Tom Leppert; Jeff Kollinger, owner of Spice of Life Catering; Lowell Michelson, owner of Simcha Caterers; Michael Sweet, a valuable volunteer and ex-Marine who cooks the Dr. Harvey J. Bloom Post #256 annual Thanksgiving dinner at the V.A. Hospital as well as being one of the judges at the Terlingua Chili Cookoff; and Frank Seddio, general manager of longtime Dallas Kosher Chili Cookoff sponsor, Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Homes. Tiferet’s President Ed Jerome said, “Our judges have cast-iron stomachs, but hearts of gold to come forward and help make this a successful event for our synagogue, which is celebrating its 120th year!”
This year’s recipients of a portion of the profits that Tiferet Israel awards annually to various charities are: the Dr. Harvey J. Bloom Post #256 of the Jewish War Veterans of America (a consistent team entrant), the Dallas Furniture Bank and the Jewish Family Service Special Needs Initiative.
Kinky Friedman, a candidate for election as agriculture commissioner of Texas, is expected to appear at the Chili Cookoff. He said he’d like to serve as a judge. Kinky received a copy of the DKCC DVD that was a popular souvenir of the 14th annual DKCC, when State Senator Florence Shapiro, an avid kosher chili fan, was one of the favorite judges.
This DVD was produced for Tiferet Israel by Barry Wernick, producer, screen writer and author of the popular best-selling comic book, “Bad Kids Go to Hell” (www.badkidsgotohell.com), who will also be available for book signing. Barry Wernick’s proud mom is Diane Benjamin.
For further information, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Diane at dianebenjamin@remax.net or Tiferet Israel at 214-691-3611, or visit the Web site at www.tiferetdallas.org.
Dine with Hadassah
Eat, drink and be merry as Hadassah kicks off their 12 annual dining events, including brunch, lunch and dinner. All these lovely events are held in private homes for only $36 per person. Some of the “taste tempting” menus are: Mediterranean, Italian, seafood, Eastern European, Middle Eastern, Chinese and more!
Meals are kosher or kosher-style, and this promises to be a very special and intimate dining experience. All will take place either before or after Passover. Dine at as many homes as you’d like … what a deal!
Please join in for an informal, fun-filled and social experience and support Hadassah at the same time.
For specific dates and locations, and to make your reservations, please contact the office at 214-691-1948 or at chapter.dallas@hadassah.org. Reservations are limited, so first come, first served.
Steven Mintz receives B’nai B’rith leadership award
Steven Mintz, son of Sheryl and Howard Mintz of Dallas, a sophomore at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pa., where he is majoring in mathematics, recently received B’nai B’rith’s Leadership Award.
“Established in 1992, the B’nai B’rith Hillel Leadership Award in memory of Morton R. and Myra D. Levy is given annually to a student who has demonstrated tangible evidence of promise in community leadership.… According to the award’s guidelines, winners should be active in a number of campus organizations, including Hillel, should have demonstrated leadership abilities and the respect of others, should have a strong sense of responsibility and self-motivation and be aware of the needs of the Jewish community on and off campus.”
Steven was nominated and then chosen for this award. He was required to write an essay answering a question submitted by a Jewish studies professor and then interviewed by a panel of judges.
He is currently the vice president of finance for Hillel and the Friday night minyan leader. He is also VP of finance for Mules United For Israel (an AIPAC student organization affiliate) and treasurer for the class of 2012. Steven serves as vice-president of recruitment for his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon; works on campus as a calculus and Hebrew tutor; and is a member of a jazz ensemble and a jazz improvisation group.
Zachary Albert selected to go to Washington as college intern
Rhodes College senior Zachary Albert, son of Nancy and David Albert, has been selected as an HUC-JIR/NATE College Intern for the 2010 NATE Convention taking place in Washington, D.C. March 11–14. HUC-JIR, the Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion, and NATE, the National Association of Temple Educators, are sponsoring the conference, whose theme is “The More Justice, The More Peace: Effecting Change through Advocacy.”
The J Early Childhood Center: As soon as you visit, you know
Come see why the J Early Childhood Center is the very best beginning for your child. The JECC will hold an open house on Wednesday, March 10. Drop in between 9 and 11 a.m. or call for a personal tour. Meet and greet parents and teachers, enjoy coffee and cookies and take a tour of the incredible early childhood program. Registration for the 2010–2011 school year is now open and space is filling fast, so reserve your spot today. Call Tara Ohayon at 214-239-7157 or tohayon@jccdallas.org.
Herzl luncheon will feature Harriet P. Gross
Herzl Hadassah is pleased to announce that Dallas’ popular Harriet P. Gross will review Rabbi Ron Isaacs’ newest book, “Have A Good Laugh: Jewish Jokes for the Soul,” at their Annual Lifesaver Luncheon on Wednesday, March 10 at 10:30 a.m. in Town Village North, 12271 Coit Road (just south of Churchill Way).
Gross, a much-sought-after speaker and book reviewer, has countless stories and jokes in her own repertoire. Her column in the Texas Jewish Post is well read and looked forward to each week.
A delicious salmon lunch with salad, veggies and desert will be served. The program will include an exciting raffle with fabulous prizes. Raffle tickets are $1 each or six for $5.
Transportation will be provided from the Aaron Family Jewish Community Center at 10 a.m. Parking space will be reserved at Town Village.
The annual Hadassah Life Saver Luncheon is a benefit for the Hadassah Medical Organization.
The event is open to all. Reservation deadline is March 1. Send your $15 check, payable to Hadassah, to Rose Biderman, 5813 Orchid Lane, Dallas 75230, or call 214-363-1911.