By Sharon Wisch-Ray
sharonw@tjpnews.com

Touching the Jewish future

Recently, a group of people came together after receiving an invitation titled “Let’s Make Some Jewish Babies!.?” Priya: A Fund for Jewish Reproduction of the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation held a parlor meeting for prospective advisory committee members.
The Priya Fund financially assists Jewish couples with fertility treatments or adoption. Since the fund’s inception six years ago it has distributed almost $50,000 in grants to 14 Jewish couples, resulting in the births or adoption of five babies. Priya (Hebrew for “fruitful”) derives its name from the first commandment in the Torah — be fruitful and multiply.
The Senior Advisory Committee — Amanda and Scott Beck along with Dr. Joel Roffman — was very pleased with the turnout and enthusiasm of the group. Scott Beck shared, “Our goal is to have at least one person from every synagogue on the outreach and education subcommittee. This should enable us to keep a constant line of communication open with the entire Jewish community.” Since qualifying applicants must be members of a synagogue to apply, this is an important goal as the fund’s advisory committee increases in size.
The fund was created by Annie and Rabbi David Glickman, who now have created a Priya Fund in their new home, Overland Park, Kansas. Priya’s Advisory Committee will strive to expand the Glickmans’ vision. Plans include increasing not only the number of advocates, but also increasing awareness of the Priya Fund by speaking to fertility specialists and by making presentations to local Jewish organizations.
Shira Olukhov knows firsthand how important the Priya Fund is. She received two grants from the Priya Fund and is the parent of two children because of it.
“We truly feel like there should not be a financial barrier for couples who want to bear children, and Priya brought that barrier down for us.” At the parlor meeting, the photo of her children on an easel was a beautiful reminder of how this fund offers a life-changing gift to couples.
When asked why she wants to get involved, Erin Margow, a young mom of two young children responded, “I would like to help provide these couples with funds to have children — this is an emotionally painful process. It shouldn’t have to be financially painful as well.”
The fees for fertility treatments can reach or even exceed $12,000 per cycle. Adoption can cost even more. In the past, the Priya Fund has granted couples up to $8,000 and some couples have reapplied and received additional assistance. Unfortunately, while the advisory committee has been rebuilding, the application process was closed but hopes are for it to open very soon.
Priya: A Fund for Jewish Reproduction of the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation is just one of many specialty funds of the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation based on individual interests. The DJCF, an independent publicly supported charity, helps individuals, families and businesses establish charitable funds that further the causes they are most passionate about. For more information about the Priya Fund visit www.djcf.org/priya or call 214-615-9351.

TE Couples Club Hanukkah party open to the community

Buddy Gilbert, publicity chair for the Temple Emanu-El Couples Club, wants the community to know about the group’s Hanukkah celebration from 6 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 9 at the Aaron Family JCC, 7900 Northaven Road.
This event is for members of the club as well as prospective new members who are welcome to attend. The evening will include a wine social, a latke-chicken dinner, and music. The price for this evening is $12.50 per person, which also includes a charitable donation.
Musical entertainment will be given by the Talented and Gifted Jazz Trio from the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts.
Seventeen-year-old Evan Siegel, who was recently featured in the Oct. 22 issue of the TJP, will lead the trio of musicians. Siegel, who was recognized as one of the 2015 Top 10 under-20-year-old guitarists in North Texas, was also one of the two participants from Texas and of 43 chosen to participate in the prestigious Jazz at Lincoln Center Summer Jazz Academy.
Check for the evening is your reservation and should be mailed by Nov. 30 to Sandy and Dan Gorman, 1393 Sagebrook Drive, Fairview, TX. 75069.
Any questions about the evening, call Frieda and Max Glauben at 972-239-7015.

Noteworthy

Sunnyland Patio Furniture, Dallas Fort Worth’s largest source for quality outdoor furnishings and accessories, is the recipient of the Small Business Award for Corporate Social Responsibility as chosen by the Governor’s Small Business Forum.
The award is presented by Governor Greg Abbott’s office to a company that has demonstrated a positive impact on society, contributing to the social or environmental well-being of the community.
“We are so excited to have been recognized for this Small Business Award,” said Brad Schweig, vice president of operations at Sunnyland. “Our Helping Hands committee has been involved in various things over the years within our neighborhood and the community, but we never expected to receive an award for our efforts.”
The Helping Hands committee at Sunnyland has organized events such as food and toy drives in the winter, partnering with organizations like Carter BloodCare, the North Texas Food Bank, and Collin County Humane Society. Sunnyland also accepts donations at their snack bar for Dallas Furniture Bank and Metrocrest Services for guests who enjoy the complimentary refreshments while they browse Sunnyland’s 37,000-square-foot outdoor living showroom.
In 2015, Sunnyland has hosted fundraising and community events for several organizations including the Richardson and North Dallas Coalition, ClassicalRush, Highway for Health, and most recently the Dallas Kosher BBQ Championship benefiting Congregation Beth Torah and the Community Home for Adults.