By Deb Silverthorn

Southwest Jewish Congress’ “Texas Sized Event” will open its doors at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, April 23, at Edison’s Dallas. Former Dallas Mayor Michael S. Rawlings will be in conversation with Scott Murray, CEO of Murray Media, with WFAA news anchors Chris Lawrence and Rebecca Lopez serving as the evening’s emcees in a program dedicated to building bridges.

SWJC’s “Texas Sized Event,” which supports its programs, events and grants, will honor Donna and Herb Weitzman, as well as Cheryl Brown Wattley and Elizabeth Wattley, with Caring Couple awards. Clara B. Hinojosa, Jin-Ya Huang, Gina Weber and Terry Wilson-Gray will receive the Audrey Kaplan Inspiring Women of the Southwest honors, and Susan Myers will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. Kyle Ogden, Jonathan Palant, Albert Valtierra and Harbhajan Singh Virdee have been named this year’s Stan Golden Men of Action.

The April event, along with membership and all programs, is open to the greater community, regardless of faith or ethnicity, for those who agree with Israel’s right to exist. SWJC emphasizes diversity and building bridges throughout its work.

“It’s been a tremendous honor to work for this organization because of the phenomenal people I’ve met and worked with over the years. We have been so innovative, always willing to change and grow, and I am excited about SWJC’s future with new leadership,” said Susan Myers, SWJC executive director, who is retiring in June after 37 years of service to SWJC and its predecessor, American Jewish Congress (Dallas).

Upon her retirement, Myers, who has made the 130-mile round-trip commute from her home in Keene, looks forward to time with her children and the next two generations, as well as supporting her husband, Jim, and their Biblical Heritage Center Inc., whose mission — to protect life, to preserve justice and to maintain shalom — is not so different from that of SWJC.

Among the programs implemented during Myers’ tenure is the SWJC Building Bridges Grant Initiative. Since 2019, grants of $2,000 or more have been awarded to 35 nonprofit organizations. Through these grants, SWJC has helped provide gas cards to women fleeing domestic violence, dental support for abused women and breast pumps for low-income women; built wheelchair ramps for homebound individuals; and enabled vision services for those in need.

Susie Avnery, who has served as SWJC president for a decade, will hand the proverbial gavel to Anita Weinstein and Jeffrey Weiss, who will serve as co-presidents beginning in June.

“I’m so proud of the work Southwest Jewish Congress has done. Susan has been the heart of our organization and her dedication over these past many years has been constant and led us to where we are today. I know that work will continue,” said Avnery. “It’s tikkun olam, repairing the world starting here at home.”

“We are a civic-minded organization with Jewish in our title, whose members, board and honorees are of many backgrounds. I am grateful for the connections that are made between us, which all come together each year at our ‘Texas Sized Event,’ bringing more than 400 people from throughout the community to one space for an incredible night.”

Throughout the year, SWJC hosts educational programs and events that support U.S. constitutional and human rights, explore Jewish culture and history, promote Israel and its role in the world, and honor those who have significantly contributed to the advancement of society.

“We educate, empower and elevate. Educating through film screenings, webinars, speaker panels and more; empowering through our community nonprofit grants; and elevating as we honor our unsung heroes, we are here. SWJC’s reach is far and wide,” said Lorraine Friedman, who has already joined the SWJC team and will serve as executive director beginning in June.

The Dallas native and longtime Jewish community professional is the daughter of Barbara and Will Friedman of blessed memory. Serving the organization is close to her heart, as it was important to her mother, who received the Audrey Kaplan Inspiring Women of the Southwest honor in 2018.

“In this very divisive world,” Friedman said, “we are here to shine the light.”

For more information, or to sponsor or RSVP for the April 23 event, visit swjc.org/texas-sized-event-reply-form.