Compiled by Sharon Wisch-Ray
sharon@tjpnews.com

Learn about common psychiatric disorders

As part of Congregation Beth Torah’s inclusion initiative, the synagogue is hosting a series of free monthly lectures on common psychiatric disorders. The first seminar is Sunday, Sept. 25, at 10 a.m. at Beth Torah, and will focus on depression.
Dr. Alan Koenigsberg, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the UT Southwestern Medical School who also has a private practice, will conduct the sessions, and the public is welcome.
“Clinical depression is not a character weakness, personal flaw or self-inflicted condition,” he said. “It is not sadness or grieving, which are normal, if painful, reactions to serious losses. Clinical depression is more similar to diabetes, migraines, multiple sclerosis or high blood pressure. We can treat it, and we need to talk about it.”
Subsequent lectures will deal with anxiety, ADHD and other topics.
Last year Beth Torah became one of 16 Conservative synagogues across North America selected for a new effort to make Jewish communities more welcoming to people with special needs. The project is a partnership between the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and the Ruderman Family Foundation.
“Understanding problems like this is a big part of inclusion,” said Zelene Lovitt, who heads the Beth Torah initiative. “We’re proud to bring this to the community.”
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 Michael Precker

Susie Wolbe at Barnes & Noble

Noted educator and NCJW-Greater Dallas Section Co-Vice President of Community Service Susie Wolbe, Ed.D., has just published a book, The Empowered Teacher: Proven Tips for Classroom Success.
A special event in connection with this publication will take place at Barnes & Noble at Preston/Royal Sunday, Sept. 25-Tuesday, Sept. 27. Show a voucher at checkout or simply tell the cashiers that you are participating in the “NCJW Book Signing Event” and a percentage of your purchases will go toward NCJW (National Council of Jewish Women).
Vouchers are obtainable through NCJW’s website (ncjwdallas.org), Facebook, at the NCJW office and through the NCJW weekly E-Blast. Just present the voucher at checkout or inform the cashiers you are participating in NCJW’s Book Fair. Purchase of all items in the store are eligible for purchase within the Book Fair guidelines, including some Starbucks products.
Based on years of experience as a teacher and principal, Susie Wolbe outlines helpful hints to create an ideal learning environment in the home as well as in the classroom. It is a must-read for teachers and parents of young children. Members of the community are encouraged to purchase the book for teachers, libraries, synagogue and day school libraries and public and private schools.
From 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, stop by the special table in the front of the store to talk to the author, Dr. Susie Wolbe, about her book and to purchase an autographed copy.
— Submitted by Marlene Gorin

Adat Chaverim member participates in URJ high school semester in Israel

Abigail Kerner, daughter of Debra and Stephen Kerner, and Adat Chaverim member, is part of a cohort of 31 teens from across North America on the NFTY-EIE (Eisendrath International Experience) High School in Israel program from August through December.
The NFTY High School in Israel–Eisendrath International Experience (EIE) is a semester-long (four months) program for high school students in grades 10-12 in Israel. Named for the late Rabbi Maurice N. Eisendrath, past president of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, now the Union for Reform Judaism, EIE is an intensive academic program and is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The program was established in 1961 by NFTY, the youth arm of the Reform Movement. Many of the leaders of Reform Judaism today are alumni of this program.
NFTY-EIE is based on Kibbutz Tzuba, located in the Judaean Hills approximately 15 minutes outside of Jerusalem. With very small class sizes, students take an advanced Jewish history class, an advanced Hebrew Ulpan, and their regular general studies courses to fulfill the requirements of their home high schools.
NFTY-EIE students have a unique opportunity to benefit from experiential learning. Tiyulim (field trips) are taken to visit whatever they are learning about in their Jewish history class. Approximately three days a week are spent outside the classroom on field trips. There are also numerous weeklong trips throughout the semester, including a trip to Poland to study the Holocaust, a week in Gadna (a simulated Israeli army training experience), and a hike across the country from sea to sea.
“I chose to join EIE because it meant a chance at the best experience of my teenage life,” says Abigail. “I was told that I could make a huge difference in my life as well as use this opportunity to search for who I am as a person and as a Jewish American.”
“The NFTY-EIE High School in Israel offers outstanding teens the opportunity to develop a deep sense of personal connection to Israel and the Jewish people while being inspired to explore their personal Jewish identity during four challenging and rewarding months,” said Paul Reichenbach, director of Camping and Israel Programs for the Union for Reform Judaism. “Students return home with heightened self-confidence together with a love of Jewish living and learning.”
Registration is open for EIE’s Spring 2017 and Fall 2017 sessions. More information can be found at www.nftyeie.org.

Yavneh junior Griffin Levine picked to represent USA at 2017 Maccabi Games

Yavneh junior Griffin Levine will travel to Israel as a member of the 18-and-under boys’ basketball team for the USA competing in the 20th International Maccabi Games next summer.
This is a tremendous honor for Yavneh and the Dallas Jewish community. Levine, the starting point guard on Yavneh’s varsity basketball team, traveled to Los Angeles this summer for tryouts. “Griffin is an incredibly talented, versatile player who is the consummate team-first basketball player,” said David Zimmerman, athletic director and boys’ basketball coach.
“He is like having another coach on the floor and he is always striving for the betterment of the team. We are so happy and proud for Griffin.”
The full roster was not released by press deadline.