Compiled by Sharon Wisch-Ray
sharon@tjpnews.com

20-year fund still making difference

“Our greatest responsibility is to be good ancestors.” — Jonas Salk
As a part of life, it is a reality that we will all come face to face with losing a loved one. However, at the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation, we are determined to help make that transition a positive one by helping families turn loss into legacy. For many, observing the impact of personal philanthropy is extremely cathartic, and a very gratifying experience.
One unique fund in particular, the Janis Levine Music Women and Children’s Endowment Fund of the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation, is celebrating its 20th year since its inception. For the family of Janis Levine Music, Janis’ passion to help all women and children could have ended with her death, but through the love and support from family and friends, her legacy has become larger than life. By setting up a fund at the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation, Janis Levine Music’s passion and memory is living on through the fund in perpetuity. The advisory committee, still with many of the original members, maintains high standards for grant making, and has a genuine concern for promoting the mission of the fund. Since the founding of the fund in 1995, it has impacted over 35 agencies.
Initially, the fund received grant requests from a handful of agencies. However, as a wave of interest and demand increased steadily, it led to the recent decision to develop a more focused giving approach. Each year the committee now selects different themes to guide the allocation process. This past spring, organizations that provide exceptional health and/or welfare services benefiting women and children were invited to apply. Of the 37 worthy applications received, two organizations rose above all.
The Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC) and Promise House were both chosen as 2016 recipients, and each received a grant in the amount of $10,000 to continue their great work. Toasting with chocolate (one of Janis’ favorites), the committee concluded their meeting by reminiscing and rejoicing.
It is an honor for all of Janis’ family and friends to contribute to furthering Janis’ impact while preserving her memory. The committee looks forward to volunteering later this year with both organizations, and welcomes any donations that would help grow the fund. To make a donation to this fund, please visit www.djcf.org
— Submitted by Jaycee Greenblatt

JCC Chocolate Hebrew class starts Aug. 14

In time for the High Holidays, the Aaron Family JCC’s Jewish Learning Program is offering the 13-hour Hebrew reading crash course called Chocolate Hebrew.
Classes begin Sunday, Aug. 14, and continue Tuesday and Thursday nights for two weeks. The unique, multisensory course was developed by a master Hebrew teacher and a noted linguist in Washington, D.C., and brought to Dallas by Ruth Precker, who will teach the JCC class.
The cost is $200, which includes course materials.
“This is great way to jump-start your Hebrew learning, prepare for classes in Modern and Biblical Hebrew, or just to feel more comfortable with Hebrew at services,” said Christina Needel, who is coordinating the class. “People come out of this class with a whole new perspective on the language.”
For more information, or to register, log on to www.jccdallas.org or call 214-239-7125.
— Submitted by Mike Precker

DHM docent application deadline approaching

The deadline to apply to become a docent at the Dallas Holocaust Museum is Aug. 15; a nine-session training course will begin Sept. 21.
The course is designed to introduce volunteers to Holocaust history (as it is presented in the Dallas Holocaust Museum’s permanent exhibit) as well as the Museum’s design, history, and Museum educational methodology so they can join our team of Museum-based docents. The course offers a solid foundation in policies, procedures, and touring techniques.
Attendance is mandatory for all nine training sessions. Each session is three hours. Participation is encouraged. Docent training is interactive with multiple opportunities for participants to share their experiences with other trainees and staff. The course includes several reading and writing assignments.
To become a docent, apply online at http://bit.ly/2b5VW05. A second training session will begin Feb. 22, 2017. The application for that session is Jan. 15. For more information, please contact Charlotte Decoster at cdecoster@dallasholocaustmuseum.org.
— Submitted by Paula Nourse

Rhyner to kick off Beth Torah Men’s Club season

Mike Rhyner, founder of The Ticket, a member of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame and one of Dallas’ great sports oracles, will be the guest speaker at the Congregation Beth Torah Men’s Club annual kickoff event Monday, Aug. 15.
Rhyner, who hosts the top-rated afternoon sports talk show on KTCK 96.7 FM, will talk about Cowboys training camp and his beloved Texas Rangers, among other topics, at the Men’s Club burgers-and-beverages evening, which starts at 7 p.m. The cost is $10 ($5 for students).
Beth Torah is located at 720 W. Lookout Drive in Richardson, near the crossroads of Bush Turnpike and Central Expressway. For more information, call the synagogue at 972-234-1542.
— Submitted by Mike Precker