Compiled by Sharon Wisch-Ray
sharon@tjpnews.com

Inclusion at Beth Torah

The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism recently sent out a report on inclusion to al its member congregations. Congregation Beth Torah is proud of what it has accomplished so far, and is planning further inclusion efforts to enhance the comfort and participation of all members and visitors.
The “local agency” mentioned below is CHAI (Community Homes for Adults, Inc.), and its residents attended Shabbat morning services June 4 at Beth Torah, with an individual congregant accompanying and mentoring each CHAI guest throughout the worship and at the Kiddush luncheon following.
The report said: “When USCJ put out its first call in 2014 for participants in the Ruderman Inclusion Action Community, Rabbi Elana Zelony of Congregation Beth Torah in Richardson suggested that Zelene Lovitt submit an application and spearhead the initiative. Zelene, a longtime member and past president of the congregation, seized the opportunity to become part of a community that embraces and supports members and guests with special needs, as she had raised a grandson with disabilities and devoted her professional career to supporting at-risk students. She was also aware of how the congregation would benefit from increasing efforts that embraced people from toddlers to seniors with various special needs.
“In just one year, signs of inclusion at Beth Torah have appeared.
“‘Being part of the Ruderman Family Foundation Inclusion Action Committee helped galvanize our efforts to become more inclusive,’ Zelene said. ‘We installed handicapped-accessible electric doors and revamped our religious school to better serve all students. We also forged deep connections with a local agency that provides housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We observed several Inclusion Shabbats, and we’re setting targets for the future.’
“She added, ‘Currently we are seeking to provide streaming for those who are unable to attend services and other synagogue events in person. The financial support of our members truly reflects the commitment of our wonderful kehilla to ensure that everyone has a place at Beth Torah’s table.
“‘That’s who we are.’”
— Submitted by Harriet Gross

Jewish War Veterans Ladies Auxiliary

The Jewish War Veterans Auxiliary No. 256 recently hosted Jewish War Veterans Ladies Auxiliary National President Freda Rosenshein and her husband, past National Commander Norman Rosenshein, in Dallas. The Rosensheins were here in their national capacity to visit different chapters so they can report back at the national convention to be held in Savannah, Georgia, Aug. 14-20. They were “wined and dined” throughout their long weekend and said they had an exceptional time, especially learning about how things are done in Texas.
Activities included dinners at Celebration restaurant, Spring Creek Barbecue, Fajita Pete’s and a tour of the George Bush Presidential Library. Friday night, JWVA No. 256 President Sandra Cantor and JWV Post 256 Commander Allan Cantor hosted an Oneg Shabbat at their home in honor of the Rosensheins.
At the end of June, Current National Commander Jerry Blum and his wife Joanne will be visiting Dallas to attend the regional TALO (Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma) convention, where Art Kaplan will be sworn in as TALO Commander.
— Submitted by Sandra Cantor

Team registration open for Dallas Kosher Barbecue Championship

Registration is now open for teams entering the second annual Dallas Kosher Barbecue Championship, scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 16.
The special early bird price is $375, which includes all meats, condiments and spices, as well as use of kosher grills, smokers and utensils provided by the competition organizers. The price rises to $425 after July 31.
Congregation Beth Torah stages the championship, which is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society and supervised by Dallas Kosher. More than 1,000 people attended the inaugural event last October.
With the growing popularity of kosher barbecue nationwide, the local championship has quickly become a notable date on the Dallas Jewish calendar.
Sunnyland Furniture at Coit and Spring Valley hosts the barbecue celebration, and the day’s MC will be Jody Dean of KLUV-FM. Proceeds benefit Community Homes for Adults, Inc. (CHAI), which provides housing and support for disabled people in Dallas.
For more information, visit www.dallaskosherbbq.com.
— Submitted by Michael Precker

Business scene: CD Wealth Management to relocate

CD Wealth Management recently announced plans to move its corporate office to accommodate growing business. Effective Aug. 1, offices will be located at 16400 Dallas Pkwy., Suite 310, Dallas 75248.
The new space, in Knoll Trail Plaza, is less than 5 miles from its current location. Phone and fax numbers and email addresses will remain the same.
“This new office space means improved client service, new amenities and room for growth,” said Scott Cohen, founder and principal of CD Wealth Management. “Our team is excited about expanding our footprint in Dallas and this move represents a commitment to our continued success and client service.”
“Our office is growing and we decided it was time to move to a larger, more centrally located space, accessible to all our clients,” said Andy Dropkin, founder and principal of CD Wealth Management. “Our clients have always been our most valuable resource and our move is a refection of our continued commitment to customer service. We were fortunate to find such a nice space with so many modern amenities.”
CD Wealth Management is an independent Dallas-based financial advisory and wealth services firm offering personalized financial planning and wealth management for families, corporate executives, closely-held businesses, people in transition and not-for-profit institutions.
— Submitted by Jill Middleman

Reminder: Gay Pride Service at Beth El Binah on Friday, June 24

Congregation Beth El Binah will hold its annual Pride Service at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 24 at Northaven United Methodist Church, Room 239, 11211 Preston Road in Dallas. Each June, Congregation Beth El Binah joins local and national groups to honor the movement for LGBT equality and inclusion, celebrate recent victories against discrimination, and recommit to making progress surrounding LGBT issues in the future.
There will be special memorial prayers for our brothers and sisters who recently perished in Orlando, as well as all others who suffered harm because of their sexual or gender orientation.
Participating in the service will be Cantor Sheri Allen, Cantor Emeritus Don Alan Croll, Rabbi Steve Fisch, Rev. Eric Folkerth, Rabbi Jordan Parr, Rabbi Debra Robbins, Reverend Neil Cazares-Thomas and Dr. Steve Sprinkle.
For any questions, please contact Rabbi Fisch at rabbi@bethelbinah.org.

Save the date: 4 Tuesdays in July for Cinema Emanu-El

Temple Emanu-El’s annual summer film series Cinema Emanu-El will begin at 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 5 with Women in Gold.
A discussion following the film will be led by Rabbi Brian Zimmerman with special guest Michael Heinlen, an attorney and art historian.
The rest of the films are: July 12, Above and Beyond; July 19, A Borrowed Identity; and July 26, Deli Man. Cost is $4 per film or $12 for a season pass.
Contact Becky Slakman, bslakman@tedallas.org, for more information.