Compiled by Sharon Wisch-Ray
sharon@tjpnews.com

Wolfstein’s Deli open for first teen lunch of the year Sept. 13

Plano-area high school students are invited to Congregation Anshai Torah’s “Wolfstein’s Deli,” a monthly lunch ‘n’ learn opportunity — the 2016 opening event is Tuesday, Sept. 13. The program is in its 16th year of providing meals, great conversation and community camaraderie. There is no charge, and lunch — served during the Plano West A and B lunch breaks — is open to all local high school students.
“It is wonderful that due to our proximity we are able to welcome kids from all throughout our Jewish community, regardless of affiliation, to come together as Jewish teenagers,” said Congregation Anshai Torah’s Rabbi Michael Kushnick, excited to start the new school year. “We are a Jewish people — and these lunches allow for a chance to share blessings, a meal and time together, to be together and get to know each other, in an informal atmosphere.”
Wolfstein’s Deli is hosted by Anshai Torah’s catering department with parents volunteering to assist in the preparation and serving of the hearty meals. “Wolfstein’s Deli is a great chance for the Jewish kids of the community to come together, once a month, for a delicious lunch and great conversation,” said Melanie Schein, parent liaison, whose daughter Melanie and son Eric have attended regularly. “The parents serve and then step out so the kids have some time together on their own, and there’s usually talk about Israel, Torah, and world events.”
“Wolfstein’s at Anshai is a great way to connect with other Jewish students, some of whom I didn’t know before or didn’t know were Jewish,” said Bryce Pidgeon, a senior at Plano West who attended the Wolfstein’s lunches last year and looks forward to returning.
On Thursday, Oct. 20 during Sukkot, Wolfstein’s will host a barbecue lunch in Anshai Torah’s sukkah, and during Passover, a kosher for Passover meal will be served. Throughout the year the menu will include sandwiches, pastas, barbecue lunches and more.
“This generation is filled with smart kids, kind kids, and good kids and Rabbi Weinberg and I are honored to have the chance to host them together, to teach them, and to learn from them,” said Rabbi Kushnick.
No RSVP is necessary and there is no charge. Congregation Anshai Torah is located at 5501 Parker Road in Plano. For information, to volunteer or to add a student’s contact information to the log, call 972-473-7718 or email officeadmin@anshaitorah.org.
— Submitted by Deb Silverthorn

Eagle Scouts head to next phase of life

Eagle Scouts David Golden, Graham Rosen and Gavin Shrell were honored at a Boy Scout Troop 1077 Court of Honor on April 30.
David Golden, son of Cindy Miller and Rick Golden, is a freshman at UT-San Antonio, a graduate of J.J. Pearce High School and a member of Temple Shalom. For his Eagle Scout project, he led a charge to refurbish Pearce’s “Athletic Hall of Fame,” respackling walls, painting, organizing and updating trophy cases.

Graham Rosen, son of Alice and Henry Rosen, is a freshman at George Washington University, a J.J. Pearce High School graduate, and a member of Temple Shalom. He collected nearly $400 worth of soft yarn and then organized groups to loom more than 50 yarn hats for the Passing the Hat Foundation. The organization collects knitting, crocheting and looming supplies and makes hats for cancer patients.
For his Eagle Scout project, Gavin Shrell, son of Julie and Rob Shrell, directed an effort that raised more than $2,000, and created 100 blankets — for chemo patients — which were donated to Texas Oncology at Presbyterian Hospital. Shrell is a graduate of Yavneh Academy and a member of Anshai Torah, is participating in Young Judaea’s Year Course this year and will head to Eckerd College in Florida next fall.
The rank of Eagle Scout is, earned by approximately 4 percent of all Boy Scouts of America. It is the highest achievement of the organization, with the men earning a minimum of 21 merit badges.

Temple Shalom Open House

On Sunday, Aug. 22, new and prospective members met and mingled with Temple Shalom board members, staff and clergy. After a delicious lunch by Catering by Larry, new members learned about the wide variety of programs from the Golf Tournament to the Food Truck Palooza and Music Festival.
Children met Director of Lifelong Learning Rabbi Ariel Boxman, and Youth Advisor Michaela Rollins. Kids were excited to hear about the monthly dress-up/spirit days at Religious School and the SHFTY and youth group upcoming events. Cantor Devorah Avery and Rabbi Andrew Paley helped lead tours, answer questions and explain the Temple Shalom philosophy. “It was an energetic day, and we are excited to welcome these new families to our Temple Shalom home,” exclaimed Rabbi Andrew Paley.
Thank you to Membership Chair Lauren Green for planning this fantastic open house.