Submitted report

DATA held its 23rd Annual Dinner Dec. 15 at the Renaissance Hotel in Richardson. A diverse crowd of more than 600, representing Jews and non-Jews from all backgrounds, saw DATA pay tribute to several individuals who have taken leadership actions on behalf of the Dallas Jewish Community in multiple Jewish ways.
Judy and Shai Robkin, of Atlanta, received the Community Pillars Award. The Robkin family has been supportive of many causes in Israel and Atlanta and over the last decade with the Dallas and Plano communities. Their children, Rabbi Yogi and Shifra Robkin, along with Rabbi Nasanya and Devora Zakon, have been an integral part of the DATA of Plano community for many years, radiating the beauty of Judaism far and wide.
Lowell Michelson has been the kosher caterer for the Dallas Kollel events for more than two decades. He received the Community Service Award in recognition of all the chessed channeled through his “line of work.” On the tribute video, Lowell shared the catalyst for his spiritual growth — DATA rabbis who cared about him as a person and constantly asked the simple questions, “How are you? How was your week?”
Isaac Heller was the recipient of the Young Leadership Award. Isaac, with his engaging smile and warm personality, has helped connect more and more YJP (Young Jewish Professionals). Last year, Isaac took off time from his executive position with the international Sabre Corporation to study for a few months in Israel. The day after the dinner, he returned once again for another two weeks of study.
Glenn Beck, the keynote speaker, used his time to make the case for being proactive givers in the world around us. Slideshows and videos throughout the evening highlighted many of the events and learning hosted by the kollel over the course of the year.