Federation holds 72nd annual meeting

At the June 5 annual meeting of the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, featured speakers were Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker (Congregation Beth Israel), David Saul (Congregation Ahavath Sholom), Danielle Snailer and Stephanie Posner (Congregation Beth Shalom), and Michele Nations (Beth-El Congregation). They spoke about how local Jewish education programs funded by the Federation have affected each of their respective congregations. It was wonderful to see how many people of all ages have been touched by this funding.

Outgoing President Arnie Gachman gave a State of the Federation speech imploring everyone to continue the good work that the Federation has accomplished over the last few years. Alan Luskey was given the Wolens Award; all of the volunteers who led the programs committees were recognized; and special staff awards went to Karen Anisman, Patty Garsek, Len Schweitzer, Gene Posnock and Linda Hoffman. Elections were held for the Jewish Family Services Committee, and the following were elected for two-year terms: Cynthia Gilbert, Marcia Kurtz, Susan Luskey, Alex Nason, Beverly Ross (chair) and Phil Sawyer. Elections were held for the board of directors for the Federation, and elected for three-year terms were Karen Anisman, Marilyn Englander, Patty Garsek, Rick Klotz, Roz Micklin, Shayne Moses and Barry Schneider. Elected to one-year terms were Eddie Feld, president; Barry Schneider, vice president campaign/allocations; Patty Garsek, vice president administration; Len Schweitzer, vice president community relations/secretary; and Larry Brunell, treasurer. The following outgoing board members were thanked: Arnie Gachman, Larry Coben, Terri Kravetz, Shirley Morris, Cindy Simon and Bruce Weiner. The meeting concluded with a rousing speech by new President Eddie Feld.

The Federation Annual Campaign is winding down and if you have not made a pledge yet, please call the Federation office at 817-569-0892. Pledges for 2008 do not need to be received in full until Dec. 31, 2008.

DOE and Israel agree to increase cooperation

DOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Alexander (Andy) Karsner and Director General of Israel’s Ministry of National Infrastructure Yehezkel (Hezi) Kugler, on May 21, signed an agreement to further U.S. and Israel cooperation on advanced renewable energy and efficiency technologies. The Implementation Agreement establishes a framework for future cooperation. Activities include but are not limited to collaborative research and development of new and improved sources of high-temperature thermal energy storage; electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle battery technologies and utilization approaches; biofuel production and use, including enzyme catalysts for conversion of biomass to biofuel, using microalgae to produce biofuels, and boosting production by taking advantage of power plant CO2 emissions to accelerate algae growth; and advanced technologies for efficient water desalinization techniques, such as photovoltaic-powered reverse osmosis. Activities under this Implementation Agreement could include information exchanges, seminars, programs for research visits, exchange of personnel between research establishments, joint research and development projects, and collaboration between leading research and development centers in the United States and Israel. Under the agreement, both parties will designate members of a Bilateral Working Group to promote and manage cooperative activities. Andy, the son of Blanche and Dave Karsner of Fort Worth, resides in the Washington area with his wife, Maria, and daughters.

Added congratulations to grads we missed

Caleb Myers, son of Bill Myers and Juanita Myers, received a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and marketing from the University of Arizona. He is the grandson of Adeline Myers and the late Nat Myers.

Laura Finucane, daughter of Tim and Michelle Finucane, graduated from North Crowley High School and will attend the University of Oklahoma.

Rachel Romano, daughter of Randee Kaitcer, graduated from the University of Oklahoma, summa cum laude. She will attend Baylor Law School.

Allison Siegel, daughter of Nancy and Adam Siegel, graduated from the University of Colorado. She’s the granddaughter of Evelyn and Martin Siegel.

El Holley, son of Monica Braverman, graduated from Arlington Heights High School. He will attend the Dance Department Master Teacher program at Oklahoma City University.

Melissa Beldon, daughter of Lori and Robert Beldon, graduated from Fossil Ridge High School and will attend Texas State University.

Shana Berenzweig graduated from New York University’s Wagner School with a master’s degree in public administration and nonprofit management. The daughter of Harold and Ellen Berenzweig, she plans to move to Austin.

David Lee Williams, son of Laura Williams, graduated from Fort Worth Country Day and will attend Rutgers University.

Lisa Bond, daughter of Steve and Cindy Bond of Atlanta, graduated from Georgia Highland College with a degree in nursing. The granddaughter of Corrine Jacobson, she was in the National Honor Society.

Marissa Berenson, daughter of Bill and Mara Berenson, graduated from Fort Worth Country Day and will attend SMU.

Amanda Hollander, daughter of Ira and Sandy Hollander, graduated from law school at Georgetown.

Alyson Moses graduated from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. She is the daughter of Buddy and Rochelle Moses, granddaughter of RD and Beverley Moses of Fort Worth. Alyson will practice law with the firm of Moses, Palmer and Howell of Fort Worth.

Let us hear from you if you know of more grads. It’s a joy for the TJP to publish these special achievements.

Around the Town with Rene
Baylor All Saints to Open Joan Katz Breast Center

Baylor All Saints Medical Center at Fort Worth has announced plans to unveil a comprehensive breast center in the Tarrant County community. The Joan Katz Breast Center will serve the community and surrounding areas by providing men and women, diagnosed with breast cancer, services for every aspect of treatment from screenings to patient and family support groups.

“We look forward to working closely with local physicians, breast cancer survivors, our patients and members of our community to provide hope and quality treatment for the many women afflicted with breast cancer,” said Steve Newton, president of Baylor All Saints Medical Center at Fort Worth.

Named on behalf of breast cancer survivor, Joan Katz, the Center will serve patients and their families by developing interaction between multiple specialists and services in one centralized location. Patients of the Center will be given a nurse navigator who will assist them in coordinating services from initial diagnosis through final treatment and follow-ups.

“The Center will be a vehicle that can facilitate the comprehensive care and treatment for the breast cancer patients in the community,” said Anita Chow, M.D., an oncology surgeon on the medical staff at Baylor All Saints. “As a physician who treats patients with breast cancer, it is an honor and an exciting opportunity to be involved in The Joan Katz Breast Center project.”

The All Saints Health Foundation intends to conduct a $2.4 million campaign for the construction and operational expenses, along with an $11 million endowment campaign. The Foundation plans to invest the endowment funds into the on-going operational and program needs of the Center.

The facility, to be located on the first floor of the medical office building, will offer comprehensive breast services by permitting the patient to utilize the multiple facilities at Baylor All Saints Medical Center at Fort Worth.

“With the opening of the Andrews Women’s Hospital, Baylor All Saints has made an enormous commitment to this community on behalf of women. This commitment continues with the Joan Katz Breast Center – a unique facility to Fort Worth,” said All Saints Health Foundation President Freddy Jones. “We are very grateful to Joan Katz, who is more than just an advocate and believer – she is a survivor who has taken on the mission of sowing hope to all those diagnosed with breast cancer.”

The Center plans to begin serving the community in late 2009. The Breast Center will offer diagnostics and care under unified leadership, the latest advanced mammography equipment, dedicated breast radiologists, nurse navigator and social work services for efficiently guiding men and women through individualized breast care.

Sherree Bennett, the nurse navigator for The Joan Katz Breast Center, said, “I am blessed to work with such a tremendous team of professionals as we navigate women through the troubled waters of breast cancer. As both a registered nurse and a survivor, I am able to offer empathy, education and support for the journey. The Joan Katz Breast Center will be a wonderful refuge for men and women facing breast cancer, their loved ones and our community.”

Beth Alden DuPertuis Memorial Scholarship awarded to Phoebe San Antonio

Mazel tov to Phoebe San Antonio, daughter of Randy and Patricia San Antonio who is this year’s recipient of Beth Alden DuPertuis Memorial Scholarship. Dedicated in loving memory to Beth DuPertuis who lost her life in a tragic accident in November 2000, the scholarship was established in 2001 by the Grapevine High School Fabulous Fillies Dance Team in honor of Beth’s service to numerous GHS campus organizations. Beth was a team assistant to the GHS Fillies and a member of the GHS Yearbook Staff. She was a service-oriented young lady who gladly gave of herself to benefit others. Candidates for this scholarship are nominated by GHS staff members in recognition of outstanding service to one or more campus organizations. Tax deductible donations for this scholarship are accepted on a year round basis at Wells Fargo Bank, Grapevine. Donations may be made directly to the Beth Alden DuPertuis Memorial Scholarship Fund. Funding for this scholarship is based solely upon donations to this fund.

A member of Congregation Beth Shalom in Arlington, Phoebe has been a volunteer counselor at Camp Impact which provides five days of summer camp to many homeless and/or battered children from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. This year, Phoebe also volunteered on numerous projects that included Colleyville clean up, Southlake’s Art in the Square, teen court, modeling for a pre-prom event, and more. She will be attending the University of Arizona in the fall.

Sultanov and Hummel to perform for Daytimers

Next event for the Daytimers will be a musical program presented by Dacy Sultanov, cellist, accompanied by Aileen Hummel on the piano, Wednesday, June 18, at noon at Beth-El Congregation. Their program entitled Paganini and Pop includes a variety of music-from Classical, to the Oldies (20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, etc), to Broadway, Musicals, popular Tunes and more.

The program will include Paganini’s “Variation on A string,” “Brahms Hungarian Dance,” as well as “Somewhere My Love,” “Fascination,” “Sentimental Journey,” “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “Mona Lisa,” Scot Joplin’s “Entertainer” and “Ragtime Dance” and several others.

Lunch is catered by Boopa’s Bagel Deli and guests have a choice of turkey and hummus on a sesame bagel, chicken salad on a honey wheat bagel, or cream cheese and lox on pumpernickel bagel plus chips, cookie, coffee or tea. Cost is $8 per person, or guests may attend for the program only for $3. Deadline for reservations is Monday, June 16.

Dacy Sultanov was introduced to the cello by her mother when she was seven. She spent more than a decade at the Central music schools in Riga, Moscow, and later at the Moscow Conservatory. She is the widow of Alexei Sultanov, who won the Van Cliburn Piano competition in 1989, and they subsequently moved to Fort Worth. After his death in 2005, she began to perform again.

Aileen Hummel, the pianist, who is also a flutist, is passionate about her music, family, and travel. She currently works at several senior centers.

For reservations for Daytimers events, call Barbara Rubin, 817-927-2736, or Sylvia Wexler, 817-294-1129, or checks can be mailed to Daytimers, Jewish Federation, 4049 Kingsridge Road, Fort Worth, TX 76109. The Sylvia Wolens Daytimers is a program of Congregation Beth-El with financial support from the Jewish Federation.

Diana Coben Einstein named associate program director at Dallas’ Temple Emanu-El

Marcy and Larry Coben are ecstatic. They will soon be traversing the freeways frequently between Fort Worth and Big D since their daughter, Diana Coben Einstein, will join the staff of Temple Emanu-El in Dallas in July as associate program director. Diana grew up in Fort Worth and will be moving to Dallas this summer with her husband, Heath, and their daughter, Levyn.

According to Temple Emanu-El’s bulletin The Window, “Diana’s responsibilities will be Temple’s holiday programming, family Shabbat programs, outreach programming and special events throughout Temple. She looks forward to working with Temple members in a variety of ways, helping members make strong connections to their Jewish identity and Temple community, through a variety of exciting programs and opportunities.

“The former assistant director of special events at the New York University Medical Center Development Office and assistant director of the Jewish Women’s Foundation of New York, Diana will bring outstanding program experience to Emanu-El. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University and her master’s in public administration with an emphasis on nonprofit management from George Washington University.”

A hearty welcome to the Metroplex to the Einstein family.

News and notes

Mimi and Hal Klotz were wonderful hosts to their children on a recent cruise to Alaska. Their entourage included their daughter and son-in-law, Marcy and Greg Phillips, and their daughters, Lauren and Natalie, and sons, Rick, Steve and Alan and his very special friend, Gretchen.

Speedy recovery wishes to Bob Stien, recuperating from recent surgery.

Welcome guests in our town earlier this week included former residents Lori Railenau and three of her youngsters, Phoebe, Atara and Maccabee of St. Louis. The Railenaus were houseguests of longtime friends, Kim and Abe Factor and sons.

Happy first anniversary greetings to Ari and Ellen Bond, who celebrated by touring Paris, London and Brussels.

Rosalie Schwartz is just back from a two-week trip to Atlanta, where she loved visiting with her sister Marilyn Myers and her family.

Add to our recent listing of college grads: Elizabeth Blum from New York University. She’s the daughter of Marvin and Laurie Blum, and granddaughter of Elsie Blum.

Ladies have a night out

Marti Herman and Tricia Haber, along with Yvonne Harrison, hosted a Ladies’ Night Out on Friday, May 30. The hostesses organized a VIP party for 50 women for the opening night of “Sex and the City” at the Hulen Movie Tavern.

Guests were told to put on their most fabulous shoes, and prizes were awarded for footwear, dresses and correct answers to trivia questions. Many of the ladies are members of Beth-El, Ahavath Sholom or Beth Shalom, and they might have been the only group in the audience who knew what the lead character, Carrie Bradshaw, meant when she said “mazel tov.”

An ‘American Girl’ shopping trip with Shea

It was a few Sundays back but one that will live in my memory eternally. It was my great-granddaughter Shea Doty’s seventh birthday and I had promised her a birthday shopping trip to the American Girl Shop in the Dallas Galleria. Fortunately, Shea already had her American Girl doll, Julie, a gift from her paternal great-grandmother, Mary “Omi” Davidsohn of Houston. Julie has long blond straight hair and brown eyes, just like Shea.

My gift was to be matching outfits for Shea and her American Girl doll, Julie, which she adores. Of course, Shea found just what she wanted — a skirt, blouse and jean jacket for each of them — which added up to a healthy tune, but worth every penny when I saw the joy in Shea’s eyes. The two-story building housing the American Girl collections was jammed to the rafters with eager bright-eyed youngsters accompanied by their moms, dads, siblings, aunts, and friends.

We enjoyed sharing a brief encounter with Debbie (Mrs. David) Bodzy and her precious 7-year-old, Jackie, who clutched her American Girl doll to her bosom — a gift, she told me, from her Bubbe Bessie Bodzy.

If any of my readers have young daughters, granddaughters or nieces in their midst, give them a special treat at the American Girl shop at the Dallas Galleria.

The memory is oh so sweet!

DATA of Plano to dedicate its first sefer Torah this Sunday

We welcome hearing from Laurel Ornish, who tells the TJP: “The Plano branch of DATA, the Dallas Area Torah Association, will hold a ceremony on Sunday, June 22, at 1 p.m. at the DATA of Plano Center to dedicate its first-ever sefer Torah. The entire community is invited to attend.

“The center is located at 3198 W. Parker Road, Suite 3124, Plano, between Half-Price Books and Firestone Tire.

“The event will feature inspiring talks, dancing with the Torah and refreshments.

“The Torah scroll, to be named the ‘Verschleisser Family Torah,’ is a gift from Moshe and Annette Nudell of Baltimore, Md., in honor of Mrs. Nudell’s parents, Shmuel and Sarah Verschleisser, and in memory of her brother, Moishe Verschleisser. The Nudells are the parents of Mrs. Shifra Robkin, wife of DATA of Plano Co-director Rabbi Yogi Robkin.

“The ceremony will signal the beginning of a new era at DATA of Plano, which has experienced tremendous growth since it was founded five years ago by Rabbi Shimshon and Sara Silkin and, most recently, Rabbi Chanoch and Sarah Oppenheim.

“‘The Oppenheims took a core group and developed it into a community,’ says Rabbi Nesanya Zakon, co-director with Rabbi Yogi Robkin of DATA of Plano. ‘Getting a Torah means that we can hold regular, weekly Shabbos services. Young families are moving into the neighborhood to be part of DATA, and we hope it will become another successful, full-blown Jewish community like the ones south of LBJ and in Far North Dallas.

“‘We’re committed,’ he adds, ‘to stemming the tide of the spiritual holocaust that has occurred in the U.S. by creating a new generation of connected Jews.’

“Along with Shabbatons every three weeks, DATA of Plano currently offers several ongoing classes, including three classes for men: a Sunday-morning Tefillin Club, a Monday-night Talmud class and a Wednesday lunchtime class on personal development. A four-week series for men and women on Tuesday evenings, ‘Secrets to a Stress-Free Life,’ began June 3. Additional programs for the whole family will be added in late summer.

“For more information, call Rabbi Zakon at 214-987-3282, ext. 102.

“DATA of Plano is a branch of the Dallas Area Torah Association. Since its founding in 1992, DATA has become the premier Jewish learning institution in North Texas, providing classes, special events, ongoing programs, personal guidance to individuals and couples and other means to impart Torah wisdom to Jews of all backgrounds and levels of observance and of all ages.

“Eight rabbinical couples make up the DATA faculty service to over 600 Jews a week. Classes are offered at three DATA locations – 5840 Forest Lane in North Dallas, 3198 W. Parker Road in Plano and 16818 Thomas Chapel Road in Far North Dallas – as well as at area businesses and synagogues.”

Jewish Family Service installs new board officers and members

On May 27, Jewish Family Service hosted its annual meeting at Congregation Tiferet Israel with about 200 in attendance. The meeting included the installation of incoming officers: President Robin Sachs; President-elect Todd Chanon; Vice Presidents Steve Fisch, Cheryl Halpern and Ed Jerome; Treasurer Randy Colen; and Secretary Barbara Friedlander, and the installation of new board members: Richard Bernstein; Jonnice Berns; John Thomas Carlo, M.D., MSE; Sheri Goldberg; Ann Irvine; Michael MacAdams; Rabbi Debra Robbins; and Kathryn Tobolowsky. The evening also included a tribute to outgoing President William N. Roth, a special thank-you to Muriel and Ralph Pinkus for their generous and significant donation of land made to Jewish Family Service’s endowment, and a keynote presentation by Ambassador Enriqué Hubbard Urrea, consul general of Mexico.

“It has been a privilege to work with Bill Roth these past two years,” said Executive Director Michael Fleisher. “Bill is a person who makes and nurtures connections. It’s no surprise that during his tenure, we expanded our services, increased budgeted dollars for quality improvement and launched our Ambassadors Program – a program of outreach and education.”

Incoming President Robin Sachs has been involved with Jewish Family Service for more than 30 years. “As a second-generation Dallasite, I have a deep connection to this place and to this community. It matters deeply that my hometown is a place where we take care of each other, and it’s important to me that Jewish Family Service is consistently here for people in need. I want to do my part to help ensure that this will happen,” she says. “I very much look forward to working with Michael Fleisher, the staff, and board to make this happen.”

Jewish Family Service provides mental-health and social services to children, teens, adults and families without regard to religion, ethnicity or ability to pay. For more information, please call 972-437-9950 or visit www.jfsdallas.org.

Shearith preschoolers graduate

On May 30, Shearith Israel Preschool celebrated its second graduation class. Three out of the four graduates have been at the school since they were babies and toddlers. The program began with the students giving money to charity and lighting the candles to symbolically welcome the Sabbath. The children of the pre-K class were joined by their younger schoolmates to present a medley of Sabbath prayers and graduation songs to the families and guests. Rabbi David Glickman, congregational rabbi, spoke to the graduates about the value of getting a good preschool education. He compared their schooling to setting roots in the ground like a tree. This was very significant since the graduates’ families donated a Texas Redbud tree in honor of the preschool staff.

A special presentation was then made to Mrs. Sheri Rosen for her work as preschool education committee chairperson. In addition Elizabeth and Michael Brothman were recognized for their innovative idea – the Truck Time fundraiser. Elizabeth and Michael spent hours working on this project for the last four years. They were presented with an engraved Miriam’s Cup water glass.

The program concluded with the awarding of diplomas to Trever Brothman, Meira Sullum, Alex Sheena and Ava Wolfe. The graduates were accepted to kindergarten at Greenhill, Hockaday, Haggar Elementary and Akiba Academy.

Mazel tov to the graduates and their families.

Golf tournament raises over $50,000

Over 200 golfers, both children and parents, gathered at Top Golf in Dallas May 18 to participate in the first annual Equity Bank End of Schoolyear Bash! miniature golf tournament. The event raised over $50,000 and all proceeds went to the Gladys Golman/Faye Dallen Education Fund.

The Gladys Golman/Faye Dallen Education Fund was created by Louis and Robin Zweig when they were faced with the challenge that their son David, who has Asperger’s syndrome, might not be able to celebrate his bar mitzvah. The Zweigs discovered that there was a glaring need in Dallas to train and educate the city’s religious-school teachers to enable children with learning differences to be successful in their classrooms.

The fund finances educational seminars and training days, and focuses on helping teachers and religious-school leaders develop classroom strategies for learning differences such as autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, ADD/ADHD, dyslexia and other neurological disorders.

Mazel tov, mazel tov

Congratulations to Susan and Allen Luterman on the birth of their third grandchild and first boy. Harrison Samuel Luterman was born on April 30, 2008 in New York City to Nikki and Stephen Luterman, weighing 7 lbs. 6 oz. and measuring 21 inches long. He joins his sister, Chloe Olivia, 3 years old.

Added congratulations to Susan Candy Luterman on being elected vice-president of the International Association of Hebrew Free Loans. Susan was the first woman president of Dallas Hebrew Free Loan, 2001-2002, and her husband, Allen, was international president, 2001-2002.

Chuck Smith Re-elected Beth Torah president

Chuck Smith was re-elected for a second year as president of Congregation Beth Torah at the synagogue’s annual meeting in May.

The vote by acclimation also installed the synagogue’s leadership for the coming year. They include vice-presidents: Liz Cox, executive; Vikki Silvis, financial; Lyn Jacobs, education; Neil Burnstein, ritual; Mark Kreditor, development; Bennett Robinson, membership and Tony Tello, secretary; and Mark Machbitz, treasurer.

The new at-large board members are Eileen Kessner, Elizabeth Stein, Gilda Daniel, Andy Shane and Scott Bennett. The entire board will be installed in a special ceremony during High Holiday services.

The synagogue also honored its outstanding volunteers of the past year: Gilda Daniel, Tony Tello, Arny Felner, Larry Guzick, Marilyn Guzick, Barbara Rosen, Rusty Dworkin, Michael Precker and
Marty Barenblat.

Anshai Torah’s 2008-2009 Executive Board

Congregation Anshai Torah has installed Debbie S. Katz as president for 2008-09. Also serving in the coming term are Neil D. Rubinstein, immediate past president; vice-presidents Stuart Rosenfield, executive and Kathryn S. Kaplan. Others are Nancy Rabhan, Michael Roy, treasurer; Harvey Wine, financial secretary; Suzy Harmon, recording secretary and Michelle Meiches, corresponding secretary.

Liener Temerlin denotes business history to SMU

Advertising legend and humanitarian Liener Temerlin, a member of the American Advertising Federation Hall of Fame, has donated to the DeGolyer Library at Southern Methodist University his collection of business papers chronicling most of his 56 years in the communications business as well as his remarkable philanthropic history.

Temerlin’s donation joins other significant collections of business papers at DeGolyer from such notable sources as Stanley Marcus, JCPenney, Roger Horchow, Ebby Halliday, and Texas Instruments. The donation was presented at an evening reception on, May 14 in the DeGolyer Library attended by Dallas business and philanthropic leaders.

“We are simply delighted to add Mr. Temerlin’s collection to the growing business history archives at DeGolyer Library,” said Russell Martin, the director. “His collection is virtually a walk through the Fortune 500, from American Airlines to Zale Corporation, account by account. The Temerlin papers will be useful for both teaching and research, for students of advertising and for historians of American culture as well. In addition, the voluminous files of correspondence help to delineate the character of Mr. Temerlin. His gift for friendship and his creative genius emerge in the papers.”

“We are excited to receive this collection of business records,” said Dr. Patricia Alvey, Distinguished Chair and Director of the Temerlin Advertising Institute at SMU. “Liener’s reputation in winning and keeping clients is remarkable. For our faculty and students to have access to a 50-year record of that success is remarkable. The original pitch wherein he won the American Airlines account is legendary. And the resulting 30-year history of building that business and many others will make great research fodder for both practitioners and scholars. According to the appraisers of business archives of this nature, ‘No others are of the completeness of the Temerlin Archives. Also, it will be no surprise to you none are so well organized.’ This collection came to SMU perfectly ready for immediate use.”

Temerlin began his career in advertising in 1953 as a copywriter for Glenn Advertising, a small agency in Dallas. For the next several decades, he guided the company as it grew and, with acquisitions and mergers, changed names many times, evolving from Glenn, Bozell & Jacobs to Temerlin McClain. He is widely credited with helping to bring, for the first time, major national and international advertising accounts to Texas and the Southwest, including American Airlines, Armour, Bank of America, Bell Helicopter Textron, Bennigan’s, Centex, Cessna, Chili’s, Continental Bus Lines, Dial Corporation, Entrust, ExxonMobil Corporation, Greyhound Corporation, GTE (Verizon), Halliburton, Hyatt Hotels, Long John Silver’s, Max Factor, Nationwide Insurance, Nortel Networks, Overhead Door Corporation, Pace Picante Sauce, JCPenney Corporation, Philippine Airlines, Pfizer, Quaker Oats, Sara Lee Apparel, 7-Eleven, Steak and Ale, Subaru of America, Terminex, Tone Soap, Texas Instruments, Trailways Bus Company, Warner Lambert and Zale Corporation.

Papers relating to many of these accounts are included in the archival gift. Researchers should be able to use parts of the collection by the fall semester of 2008.

The collection incorporates material from the 1953 through 2000, including Temerlin’s daily correspondence files over a period of two decades. Also included are numerous TV commercials, layouts for ads that were both accepted and rejected, and new business presentations, both the successful and the fruitless.

To meet the needs of expanding retail clients like Hyatt and Philippine Airlines, Temerlin opened offices around the world, in Europe, Asia and North and South America. This national attention began to help other agencies procure talent and corporate clients from outside Texas and the Southwest, which, in turn, helped Dallas become one of the premier agency centers in the country. Under Temerlin’s leadership the agency became not only the largest agency in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, but in the Southwest.

In addition to his business accomplishments, Temerlin also has a long-standing reputation for his civic and community involvement. He has received numerous awards and special recognition for his contributions to advertising, the arts, and philanthropic programs, including the Linz Award and the Silver Cup Award. He served as president and chairman of the Dallas Symphony Association and chaired the opening fortnight of the new I.M. Pei-designed Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. He also serves as chairman, festival director and founder of the annual AFI DALLAS International Film Festival.

Included in the collection are papers and marketing plans on a number of his pro bono activities, an example of which is the American Film Institute. The papers reflect not only his leadership role with AFI DALLAS during the past two years but also with the American Film Institute in Los Angeles, where he served on the Board of Trustees from 1989-2002, the Executive Committee from 1989-99 and the Board of Directors from 1989-2000. In 1989 he developed the “100 Years, 100 Movies” concept of AFI celebrating the centennial of the motion picture. His idea and marketing plan set the stage for AFI’s enhanced national profile, and brought distinction and major financial gains to the organization, totaling more than $15 million to date. It was Temerlin who developed the “100 Best” concept celebrating the 100th anniversary of American film: The 100 Best Movies, The 100 Best Stars, The 100 Best Laughs, The 100 Best Thrills, etc. When he retired from the Board of Directors in November 2000, the AFI Board made him an Honorary Trustee of the American Film Institute, a first in the AFI Board’s history.

Liener Temerlin’s relationship with SMU dates back more than 20 years. He has served as a member of SMU’s Board of Trustees, the Committee on University Development, and the Executive Board of the Meadows School of the Arts. When Temerlin was on the Madison Council of the Library of Congress, he was instrumental in bringing the Judaica Collection to the Meadows Museum, which was the most successful exhibit at the museum up to that time. In 2001, his friends and associates joined with SMU to honor him by endowing SMU’s Advertising program, which was renamed the Temerlin Advertising Institute (TAI). It has since become a nationally recognized program for advertising education.

Andy Cohen honored with Etz Chaim Award

On Wednesday, May 14, Ann and Nate Levine Academy honored past board president and alumni parent, Andy Cohen, with the Esmé and Errol Jacobson Etz Chaim Award. The award, instituted in 2005, was established to recognize Esmé and Errol Jacobson, who embody the highest degree of generosity, kindness, compassion and commitment to our community. All recipients of the award must possess those same qualities.

This year’s honoree, Andy Cohen, personifies the ultimate Etz Chaim Award recipient. As Rabbi Stefan Weinberg of Congregation Anshai Torah stated in his remarks that Wednesday night, “Andy … has taught us to live by [the] principle, you are what you do and not what you say. You earn your place in this world by the actions that characterize your daily activities. You demonstrate leadership by accepting challenges and acknowledging that every one of us is human and (we are) imperfect reflections of God.”

Andy’s commitment to action is evident in the numerous leadership positions he has taken locally and nationally. His involvement at Levine Academy includes serving as president of the school board and vice president of education, and serving as a member of the executive committee, board, liaison committee and fundraising committee. In addition, Andy served as a vice president and board member of Congregation Anshai Torah. He is currently serving his second and final term as president of the Solomon Schechter Day School Association.

While never seeking recognition for his work, Andy was honored and humbled by this award. “I remember when this award was created. The Jacobson family has been a part of our school since its very beginning,” Andy stated. “Errol and Esmé have distinguished themselves as true leaders and custodians of our school. As I have mentioned to some of our friends over the past few weeks, any time my name is used in the same sentence as (those of) Esmé and Errol, I am clearly better for it.”

According to Andy, when one accepts a leadership role, one must accept the significant responsibility that comes along with that role. Leaders serve as role models to our children and to our community. “Everyone who accepts a leadership position – whether it be as officer, board member or president – must work diligently for the success of the entire organization,” Cohen stated. “It is the example we set, it is the path we’ve chosen to walk in order to make this community a better place for ourselves, our families and our future generations.”

Andy and his wife Karen have three children – David, Emily, and Jessie – all graduates of Levine Academy.

Rabbi Schlesinger on science and religion

Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger, head of the Dallas Community Kollel, was the final speaker in a recent three-part series presented by Metroplex Breakfast Dialogues, of which the overall title was “Science and Religion: Enemies? Friends? Partners?” Rabbi Schlesinger concluded the series with “Evolution and Public Policy.” Earlier speakers were Dr. Arnold Paddock, science professor at Richland College, on “Perspectives for Relating Science and Religion,” and Dr. Dan Foster, internal medicine professor at UT-Southwestern Medical School, on “Issues in Medicine, Faith and Public Policy.”

Bernie Mayoff, who regularly attends the Dialogues programs, reported, “All three speakers essentially said that science deals with ‘how’ the world and people come to exist, while religion deals with the ‘why’; because of these different realms and different questions, there is no conflict.”

Mayoff continued, “It was particularly interesting to hear Rabbi Schlesinger the month after Dr. Foster, a Presbyterian and member of the National Academy of Sciences. They had not heard each other speak before, but they said almost the same thing, in almost the same words!”

The rosh kollel based his talk on a letter written in 1905 by Abraham Isaac Kook, who was the first Chief Rabbi of modern Israel – even before the state was officially declared. The letter was Rabbi Kook’s response to a correspondent who questioned whether Judaism accepted evolution or took a literal view of the stories in Genesis. After considering the question from several angles, the rabbi answered that Judaism accepts scientific findings while generally viewing the biblical tales as parables.

Metroplex Breakfast Dialogues began in 2002 as a place for addressing local and global issues, including peace and justice, in a congenial atmosphere. Open to all, the group meets monthly for a buffet breakfast, speaker presentation and discussion at Canyon Creek Country Club, Richardson. For more information, e-mail metrodialogues@yahoo.com or call the group’s founder, Jerry Middents, at 214-369-1981.

Prof. Simon Sargon honored with teaching award

Folks everywhere remember Simon Sargon’s long successful association with Temple Emanu-El’s music department. Recently, Sargon, professor of music at SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts, was named the 2008-09 Meadows Foundation Teaching Professor. The award is presented annually to a tenured Meadows faculty member for a “sustained commitment and dedication to teaching at the highest level,” and is one of the most important awards bestowed by the Meadows School. The award carries an honorarium of $5,000 for the faculty member and another $5,000 that may be used for professional needs, support for creative work, research or teaching.

Sargon, who has taught at SMU since 1983, is a highly acclaimed composer, conductor, coach, pianist, lecturer and devoted teacher. In presenting the award, Meadows Associate Dean Greg Warden said, “Semester after semester, students speak to his effectiveness as a teacher, his talent for mentoring and his impact on their career choices. Professor Sargon’s composition students describe him as an inspiring, scholarly and caring teacher, and he is also known for his teaching outside the classroom and for his impact on the greater community through such activities as his pre-concert lectures for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, a decade of operalogues for the Dallas Opera, the Godbey Lecture Series and SMU’s informal course for adults. His high visibility in the community as an educator speaks to his commitment to teaching.”

Warden added, “Sargon’s faculty colleagues cite his knowledge of languages, poetry, music theory and music history, his organizational skills and his effectiveness as a caring and giving teacher.” Former students who have benefited from his extensive knowledge of opera and art song are working at or have performed at the Chicago Lyric Opera; the New York City Opera; the operas of Cleveland, Santa Fe, San Francisco, Houston, Paris and La Scala; the Metropolitan Opera; and even on Broadway.

“Sargon’s teaching is intimately connected to his excellence as an artist,” Warden said. “His work as a composer is respected by musicians, performers and academicians. His compositions for horn, flute, clarinet and his first symphony have been the subjects of four doctoral dissertations at different universities. In the summer of 2008, he will be honored with a concert of his works at the national convention of the American Conference of Cantors to be held in San Francisco.

“Simon Sargon is the model of the artist/teacher. The university and the Division of Music are fortunate to have him on our faculty.”

Child prodigies from Israel to perform in Fort Worth June 1

An unprecedented and memorable opportunity will present itself to the Metroplex when eight children from Israel who are prodigies in piano and violin perform in Fort Worth this Sunday, June 1, at 6:15 p.m. at Congregation Ahavath Sholom, 4050 S. Hulen. This is their only public concert, other than Las Vegas, in the United States. They are visiting the U.S. as part of the 60th anniversary celebration of Israel.

The extremely talented youngsters, ages 11–14, are known as the Kiryat Bialik Youth Violin Ensemble. The ensemble is part of the Kiryat Bialik Conservatory in Israel, which was founded in 1970 and has been led since 1994 by Mrs. Anna Asaf. Its mission is to provide a high level of musical education to the youth of Israel.

One of the students who will be performing is piano prodigy Alon Petrilin, the winner of the Golden Chanukah Lamp competition in Berlin. The remaining students are seven of the top violinists from this youth program.

Celebrating the founding of Israel as a modern nation 60 years ago is very important to the Jewish community in Tarrant County. This event, which follows a community event on May 11, continues the theme of “Israel Today and Beyond.”

In addition to their stop in Fort Worth, the Kiryat Bialik Youth Violin Ensemble will also perform in Las Vegas as well as Mexico City later in the month.

This concert is open to the public. Tickets are $18 in advance and $25 at the door for adults, and $5 in advance and $10 at the door for students.

For information, call 817-731-4721.

Hadassah presents women’s program on cervical cancer

The Fort Worth Chapter of Hadassah is excited to invite all women and their teenage daughters from the Fort Worth and Tarrant County area to a “Lunch and Learn” on the important issue of preventing cervical cancer. Beginning at 12:30 this Sunday, June 1, at Beth-El Congregation in Fort Worth, Hadassah will present a program dedicated to safeguarding the health of women everywhere through preventive health practices and treatment.

Hadassah urges women and teenage girls to attend this vital, informative program that will empower women of all ages to make informed choices for the improvement of their own, their daughters’, their aunts’ and their families’ personal health and well-being.

Unlike most cancers, cervical cancer can be prevented. Recent research has shown that HPV is the cause in almost all cases of cervical cancer. The two age groups of women most susceptible to HPV and cervical cancer are between the ages of 15–27 and 55–75. Come to this luncheon and take control of your cervical cancer risk!

Three experts who will be present and are well qualified to answer all of your questions include Valerie Lowenstein, Nancy Jo Reedy and Sue Story.

Valerie is Hadassah’s national chair of Women’s Health and HPV and Cervical Cancer and immediate past president of the Boston Chapter of Hadassah.

Nancy Jo Reedy, RN, CNM and MPH, is the recipient of the 2007 Hattie Hemschemeyer Award, the most prestigious award of the American College of Nurse Midwives. Her many accomplishments include founding the midwifery practice at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, which is the largest midwifery service in the United States. She is currently the director of THC Nurse Midwives in Fort Worth and has a longstanding commitment to underserved women and to the nurse-midwifery profession caring for women, babies and nurse-midwives.

Sue Story, a board certified nurse-midwife, is a specialist in HPV and cervical cancer. The mother of two grown children, she is warm, open and approachable, perfect for addressing the concerns of both teenagers and their mothers.

Hadassah has a dedicated working luncheon committee of Laurie Blum, Rhoda Bernstein, Jill Imber, Karen Telschow Johnson, Randee Kaitcer, Lihi Zabari Kamen, Karen Kaplan, Mona Karten, Elyse Kitterman, Orit Paytan, Zoë Stein Pierce, Debby Rice, Naomi Rosenfield, Cindy Simon and Laurie Werner.

For more information, you can contact Jill Imber at 817-926-7968, Debby Rice at 817-332-0022 or Lihi Kamen at 817-764-3452. See you there!

As an added note: congratulations to Hadassah stalwarts, Mona Karten and Debby Rice, who will serve the chapter in the top leadership position of co-presidents in the coming years.

Sankarys raise $19,000 for neuroblastoma treatment

On Wednesday, May 21, Alexa Sankary’s mom took her and her fellow members of Trinity Valley School’s Girl Scout Troop 2440 to Cook Children’s Medical Center. It was a very special trip for Alexa and her friends. At Cook, they delivered a check for $19,000 for neuroblastoma treatment and research to the hematology/oncology unit. Dr. Megan Granger accepted the check on behalf of the center, and said the money would be used for neuroblastoma research, family and parent education and support.

The Sankarys raised the money through the first annual Walk for Neuroblastoma last month. The walk was in memory of Michael Mancuso, Alexa’s friend who died of the childhood cancer last year. The walk also honored 2-year-old Kyla Moore, who is in treatment for neuroblastoma.

Adam Korenman graduates, is commissioned

The weekend of May 16–18 was of major importance to Dr. Michael and Etta Korenman. Their son Adam graduated from Boston University and received his commissioning from his ROTC unit. Adam received his first salute as a lieutenant in a very moving ceremony at historic Faneuil Hall. He will be part of the Charles River battalion, National Guard reserve unit. In the meantime, he is looking to pursue writing for television, film and books. Dallas folks will see him soon when he comes in to perform with The Rif (www.therifband.com), an amazing band.

The Korenmans celebrated that evening with big brother Joey, sister Sarah, Joey’s fiancé Amy Myers, and former ourtowners, Drs. David and Rachel Wexler and sons, Ariel and Yoel. Yoel is a freshman at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

Mazel tov to grads

Congratulations to our college grads: Michael Cobert, son of Ann and Scott Cobert, has earned his master’s degree in biomedical engineering and has been accepted to the doctorate program at Southwest Medical School.

Ken Cooper graduated from Cal State at Long Beach with a bachelor’s in film and television production. He is the son of Debbie Cooper and Mark and Semé Cooper. Ken is also the grandson of Shirley and Larry Goodwin and Jean and Arvie Cooper. Samantha Cooper graduated from R.L. Paschal Senior High School. She is the daughter of Sheila and Scott Cooper, and granddaughter of Jean and Arvie Cooper. Samantha is also the granddaughter of the late Charlotte and Max Fleischmann.

Shani Kaesler, daughter of Stephanie and Todd Webster, graduated from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. She is also the granddaughter of Harry Kahn and of the late Doris Kahn. Shani plans to practice law in California.

Matt Owen graduated with a BFA in communications design from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, N.Y. He is the son of Marla and Foster Owen and the grandson of Colleen and Charlie Owen and the late Charlotte and Max Fleischmann. Matt will remain in New York to work full time for Dress Code NY, a graphic design company where he has been interning this last year.

Mallory Paul received her degree from the University of Texas. She is the daughter of Carol Paul and Tommy and Karen Paul and the granddaughter of Sylvia and Al Wexler.

Haim Vasquez Echeverri graduated from UNT with degrees in psychology and international studies. He and wife, Sarah, will be on the move to New Orleans, where he has been accepted to Loyola Law School.

Daniel José Zeilicovich graduated from the American Hebrew Academy. He is the son of Graciela and Rabbi Alberto Zeilicovich and the grandson of Carlota and Isaac Vainstein and Clara Zeilicovich and the late Moshe Zeilicovich. Attending the graduation with the Zeilicovich family were good friends, Rose and Al Sankary, who also had special nachas when they attended their grandson Matt Bodzy’s graduation from Arizona State in Tempe. Matt is also the grandson of Bessie Bodzy and the late Irv Bodzy.

We would still like to hear about your grads. Please send the details to Rene at news@texasjewishpost.com.

Hadassah: all in the family

Where does the time go! The older I get, it seems the faster it goes. I’m not complaining Every day is a bonus and a blessing!

It hardly seems possible that Laurie Barnett Werner, a third-generation Hadassah leader, has completed her three-year term of office as president of the Greater Southwest Region of Hadassah. Laurie and her sister, Rhoda Bernstein, who also serves on the national board of Hadassah, follow proudly in the footsteps of their mother, Madlyn Barnett, and late grandmother, Ella Brachman, both outstanding Hadassah leaders and devotees. Their Hadassah family also includes Debby Brachman Rice, who was recently elected a regional vice-president and has edited the Regional News bulletin/magazine for long years, and Karen Kaplan, who has served in many Hadassah executive positions. Their family contribution of service to Hadassah also included their aunt, the late Dora Brachman Ginsburg, and her daughter, the late Rowena Kimmell. Accolades are due Laurie Werner, who brought the Southwest Region to new heights of success and leaves it in good shape to her successor, Barbara Shurberg.

New homes for former ourtowners

Reports of former Fort Worthians tell me that Shirley Cohen. Natalie Cohn, Hanna Hochster and Nancy Rakoover are enjoying their new home at the plush Legacy in Plano. In the meantime, I chatted with former ourtowner, Cecily Renov, who is happy as a lark in her new home in an elegant hotel in Hollywood, Calif., near both her son and family, Michael and Kathy Renov and daughters, and daughter and son-in-law, Sheila and Marc.

JFS seniors celebrate Mother’s Day

The JFS seniors had a wonderful celebration for Mother’s Day. They partied on Friday, May 9 with roses, a special breakfast and small gifts. The talented Cherkosovs played sentimental “Mom” music on the piano and violin for them and it was delightful!

It was also an important holiday for the Russian seniors. May 9 is Russian Independence Day. It is the day Russia celebrates its victory over the Nazis in World War II. Aron Goldenberg, who served bravely at the Russian front during this time, was honored with pleasure by the JFS seniors for his service. Mr. Goldenberg is 95 years old and still participates in the JFS senior program.

Congrats to grads

Congratulations to Mallory Paul, daughter of Carol Paul and Tommy Paul and granddaughter of Al and Sylvia Wexler, and Taylor Luskey, daughter of Susan and Allan Luskey, who both graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. And, too, Matthew Bodzy, son of Becca and Allen Bodzy and grandson of Rose and Al Sankary and Bessie Bodzy and the late Irv Bodzy, who graduated from Arizona State University in Tempe. Added congratulations to Rabbi Baruch and Graciela Zeilicovich on the graduation of their son, Danny, from the American Hebrew Institute in North Carolina.

Camp Shalom seeks counselors

Patty White, director of the Lil Goldman Preschool and Camp Shalom, tells the TJP she is looking for Jewish teens and young adults (age 17 and older) to serve as counselors at Camp Shalom this summer. Camp Shalom is the only Jewish summer camp in Tarrant County. For more information, please call Patty at 817-737-9898.

Ahavath Sholom honors confirmands

The 2008 confirmation class of Congregation Ahavath Sholom will be honored at a family Shabbat dinner at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 30. The Kiryat Bialik Youth Ensemble from Israel will be attending also. Cost is $15/adults, $8/children 5–12 and free for children under 5. Shabbat services and confirmation exercises will be at 8 p.m.

The class includes Savannah Berman, daughter of Karen and Danny Berman; Marc Bumpus, son of Elaine and Rodney Bumpus; David Goldstein, son of Suzanne Goldstein and Red and Julie Goldstein; Erie Kuptsin, son of Polina and Michael Kuptsin; Sheryl Lysyansky, daughter of Faina and Emil Lysyansky and Melanie Smith, daughter of Annette and Mitchell Smith.

On Saturday morning, Rabbi Mauricio Balter, Rabbi of Hakrayot Masorti Congregation in Kiryat Bialik, Israel, will be the special guest speaker at Shabbat services, at 9:30 a.m. Children of Torah Troop will lead the services.

Adult education class on sacrifice

A three-week adult education class at Congregation Ahavath Sholom on “Blood, Gore and Connecting with G-d: Struggling with Sacrifice in Judaism” will be led by David Saul. The classes will be held on May 28, June 4 and June 11 starting at 7 p.m. All interested persons are welcome to attend. Information is available by calling Congregation Ahavath Sholom, 817-731-4721.

Saul said, “Although sacrifices seem alien to us, they make sense within the ancient Israelite worldview. What can we learn from the range of positions on sacrifices we see in our texts and tradition?”

Fanny Brooks is 90

Three rabbis from two different Beth-El congregations joined to celebrate the simcha of Fanny Brooks’ 90th birthday at Fort Worth’s Beth-El Congregation on May 9.

Fanny is an active part of Beth-El and Rabbi Ralph Mecklenburger acknowledged her as one of his “regulars.” Prior to coming to Fort Worth, she was a member of Beth-El in San Antonio. Rabbi Sam Stahl and his successor, Rabbi Barry Block, made the trip north to share their recollections of Fanny and join in the tribute.

A musical service, June 6

Come to Beth-El Shabbat services and so much more on Friday, June 6 at 8 p.m.! During the service, there will be an exceptional performance featuring violinist Curt Thompson, TCU professor and director of the Mimir Chamber Music Festival, and José Feghali, also a TCU music professor and a Van Cliburn International Competition gold medalist. They will play selections from the upcoming Mimir Chamber Music Festival, the premier festival in the South Central United States dedicated exclusively to the study and performance of chamber music.

Curt Thompson, the founder and director of the Mimir Chamber Music Festival, serves as associate professor of violin at TCU. He has given recitals throughout Europe and Latin America, and has been a featured artist in festivals in Brazil, Mexico and Spain. Thompson holds Bachelor and Master of Music degrees and the prestigious Performer’s Certificate from Indiana University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Rice University in Houston.

Gold Medalist and winner of the Chamber Music prize at the 7th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, José Feghali has been artist-in-residence at TCU’s School of Music since 1990, and is associate director of the Mimir Chamber Music Festival. His concert appearances include such renowned orchestras as the Berlin Philharmonic, Concertgebouw of Amsterdam, Gewandhaus of Leipzig, and the Shanghai and Beijing symphony orchestras. He has performed in all the major cities in North America.

Hollace Weiner honored by B’nai B’rith; past award winners recalled

There were many touching moments at B’nai B’rith’s Jewish Person of the Year Dinner held at Mira Vista Country Club on May 4, especially when Hollace Weiner, who has led a myriad of worthy projects for both our community and Beth-El Congregation, received this year’s award. Also paid tribute to were previous winners including Leon Brachman, (named twice), Jerry Wolens, Lou Barnett, Leon Gachman, Madlyn Barnett, Sandra Freed, Sherwin Rubin, Bernie Appel, Leroy Solomon. Buddy Freed, Karen Brachman, Hortense Deifik, Rabbi Ralph Mecklenburger, Beverly Moses, Dr. Ron Stocker, Stuart and Rebecca Isgur, Miriam Labovitz, Harry Kahn, the father-and-son team of Leslie and Jeff Kaitcer, Dr. Michel Ross, Dr. Al Faigin, Marcia Kornbleet Kurtz (who was honored twice), Al Wexler, Lon Werner, Earl Givant, Al Sankary and David Beckerman. Also recognized were late community leaders who had received the Isadore Garsek Lodge’s high honor during some point in their lifetime. Among them were David Greines, the first honoree in 1951. Additionally, I.E. Horwitz (named twice), Sol Brachman, Ella Brachman, Maurice Rabinowitz, Sophia Miller, Rabbi Isadore Garsek, Dr. Frank Cohen, Rabbi Robert J. Schur, Dr. Abe Greines, Dr. Harold Freed, Mickey Goldman, Sid Raimey, Ben Coplin, Sheldon Labovitz, Charlie Levinson, Burnis Cohen, Larry Kornbleet, Ruby Kantor, Rowena Kimmell, Wally Nass, Herby Berkowitz, Manny Rosenthal, Sam Weisblatt, Cecile and David Echt, Faye Berkowitz and Seymour Kanoff.

We will all think of each one of these rare community servants and the many good tasks they performed for the betterment of our community and city.

The Jewish Person of the Year Committee included Marvin Beleck, Robert Chicotsky, Gerald Hecht, Rich Hollander, Harry Kahn, Jeff Kaitcer, Mike Luskey and Alex Nason.

New officers of the Lodge include Foster Owen, president; Dan Sturman, Scott Cobert, Ebi Lavi, vice presidents; Jeff Kaitcer, secretary; David Hecht, treasurer; Leslie Kaitcer, warden; Charlie Freid, chaplain; and Earl Givant, Gerald Hecht and Harry Kahn, officers at large. Named to the board of directors were Marvin Beleck, Robert Chicotsky, Alvin Daiches, Rich Hollander, Joe Klein, Michael Kuptsin, Dr. Bruce Miller, Dr. Irv Robinson, Dr. Barry Schneider, Leroy Solomon, Dr. Gene Vertkin and Rabbi Alberto Zeilicovich.

We would like to hear from our readers. Send us your news to news@texasjewishpost.com.

Two Beth-El members honored

Beth-El Congregation is celebrating honors accorded to two of their outstanding members. First and foremost, spiritual leader Rabbi Ralph Mecklenburger, who was recently designated as one of the outstanding brilliant personalities by Fort Worth magazine, will be honored again this evening (Thursday) by State of Israel Bonds at their 60th Anniversary Awards Reception hosted by Laurie and Len Roberts at their home. A distinguished theologian, Rabbi Mecklenburger was the 1986 recipient of the Federation’s Leon and Fay Brachman Young Leadership Award. He was also named one of the community’s “Movers and Shakers” by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. In 1988 and in 1992, B’nai B’rith named him “Jewish Man of the Year.”

Co-chairs for the evening are Maddy Lesnick and Roz Rosenthal. Serving on their Tribute Committee are Louise and Gordon Appleman, Sandra and Sol Brody, Sara Betty Gilbert, Sherri and Joseph Gorsd, Judie B. and Bob Greenman, Terri and David Halpern, Eileen and Mort House, Laurie and Howard Kelfer, Diane and Sam Kleinman, Marjorie and Alan Kottler, Louise and Hugh Lamensdorf and Phyllis and Sheldon Levy. Also, Carol and Richard Minker, Shirley and Herman Morris, Joan and Sam Rosen, Beverly and Michael Ross, Kristin and Michael Sankary, Paul Schwartz, Rose-Marie and Len Schweitzer, Cindy and Robert Simon, Natalie Simon, Roger Simon, Jude and Marc Sloter and Dorothy and Harold Winston.

Guest speaker is Ambassador Yoram Ettinger, a veteran Israeli diploma and specialist on U.S. policy in the Middle East.

Added pride for Beth-El: Their president, Marc Sloter, is one of the “Forty Under Forty” to be honored by the Fort Worth Business Press on Wednesday, May 28 at the Fort Worth Club.

B’nai B’rith recognizes Person of the Year and scholarship winners

Last Sunday evening at Mira Vista Country Club, in a total surprise announcement made by last year’s Man of the Year honoree, David Beckerman, he named local author Hollace Weiner as B’nai B’rith’s Person of the Year. An outstanding leader and historian at Beth-El Congregation, Hollace has brought various aspects of Texas Jewry to the forefront with noteworthy success and interest in her well-accepted historic books.

Isadore Garsek Lodge BB leader Charlie Freid, who has done a super job as scholarship chairman for long years, announced that this year’s winners were high school seniors, Ace Factor, son of Kim and Abe Factor and Steven Gershengoren, son of Alex and Oyueor Gershengoren. A National Merit Scholar, Steven expressed his thanks to B’nai B’rith, adding that he was the first member of his family to have the opportunity to go to college and that some day he hoped he would be able to repay this mitzvah. Steven was educated at the Hebrew Day School and Fort Worth public schools. He is the grandson of Ilya and Udel Elgert, members of the JFS Seniors group who were unable to attend the dinner, and the brother of Lena, who was excited to see her younger brother so honored.

Brandon Chicotsky, son of Donna and Robert Chicotsky, spoke about “Hillel on the College Campus.” Foster Owen is president of the Isadore Garsek Lodge. Alex Nason is the retiring president.

‘Daytimers’ to tour Japanese Garden

Next event for the “Daytimers” will be a tour of the 7.5-acre Japanese Garden in the Fort Worth Botanic Garden on Wednesday, May 21. The group will meet at Beth-El at noon for lunch, and then carpool to the garden.

The garden was built in 1970 and many of the plants and construction materials were donated by Fort Worth’s sister city, Nagaoka, Japan. Attractions at the garden include a meditation garden, a moon viewing deck, a pagoda and fish food dispensers to feed the hundreds of koi in the garden’s ponds.

At the heart of the landscape is a system of ponds, surrounded by hills and enclosed by a network of interconnected paths, pavilions, bridges and decks. Built in the tradition of Edo-period (1600–1868) stroll gardens, the Fort Worth Japanese Garden integrates several styles of garden design into a single landscape. Examples of the “Hill-and-Pond,” “Dry Landscape,” “Tea Garden” and “Enclosed-Garden” types are all expressed here. The garden features architectural elements derived from venues historically associated with Japanese gardening. Included are Buddhist temples, Imperial villas, the estates of Samurai lords and the townhouse gardens of wealthy merchants.

Lunch will be catered by Jason’s Deli, and guests have a choice of turkey breast, chicken salad or tuna salad. The $10 charge includes lunch and the garden tour. For persons who wish to attend the tour only, cost is $4. Mike Blanc is arranging car pools for the trip from Beth-El to the garden.

For reservations for “Daytimers” events, call Barbara Rubin, 817-927-2736, or Sylvia Wexler, 817-294-1129, or checks can be mailed to Daytimers, Jewish Federation, 4049 Kingsridge Road, Fort Worth, TX 76109. The Sylvia Wolens “Daytimers” is a program of Congregation Beth-El with financial support from the Jewish Federation.

Fort Worth Hadassah ‘Lunch and Learn’ at Beth-El, June 1

The Fort Worth Chapter of Hadassah is excited to invite all women and their teenage daughters from the Fort Worth and Tarrant County area to a “Lunch and Learn” on the important issue of preventing cervical cancer. Beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, at Beth-El Congregation, Hadassah will present a program dedicated to safeguarding the health of women everywhere through preventive health practices and treatment.

This informative program will empower women of all ages to make informed choices for the improvement of their own, their daughters’, their aunts’ and their families’ personal health and well-being.

Unlike most cancers, cervical cancer can be prevented. However, most women don’t know that the Pap test may not find abnormal cells in the cervix until cancer has already developed. There is now a new test that can be given along with the Pap smear to detect the virus that causes the abnormal cells. It’s called the human papillomavirus test (HPV test). Recent research has shown that HPV is the cause in almost all cases of cervical cancer. The two age groups of women most susceptible to HPV and cervical cancer are between the ages of 15-27 and 55-75. Experts who are qualified to answer all of your questions include:

• Valerie Lowenstein, Hadassah national chair of women’s health and HPV and cervical cancer. Valerie is the immediate past president of the Boston Chapter of Hadassah.

• Nancy Jo Reedy, R.N., CNM, MPH. Recipient of the 2007 Hattie Hemschemeyer Award, the most prestigious award of the American College of Nurse Midwives. Nancy Jo’s many accomplishments include founding the midwifery practice at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, which is the largest midwifery service in the United States. She is currently the director of THC Nurse Midwives in Fort Worth and has a long-standing commitment to underserved women and to the nurse-midwifery profession, caring for women and babies.

• Sue Storry, R.N., CNM, M.S. Sue is a board certified nurse-midwife and is a specialist in HPV and cervical cancer. The mother of two grown children, she is warm, open and approachable, perfect for addressing the concerns of both teenagers and their mothers!

Hadassah has a working luncheon committee of Rhoda Bernstein, Alicia Buescher, Jill Imber, Karen Telschow Johnson, Randee Kaitcer, Lihi Zabari Kamen, Karen Kaplan, Mona Karten, Elyse Kitterman, Posy McMillen, Orit Paytan, Zoë Stein Pierce, Debby Rice, Naomi Rosenfield, Cindy Simon, and Laurie Werner. Mark your calendar now to be at Beth-El Congregation on Sunday, June 1, at 12:30.

For more information, you can contact Debby Rice at 817-332-0022, Lihi Kamen at 817-764-3452 or Jill Imber at 817-926-7968.

Community gala to celebrate Israel at 60

Join in the party on Mother’s Day as we honor Israel at 60! A community birthday gala celebrating 60 years of independence will be held Sunday, May 11, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., at Beth-El Congregation, 4900 Briarhaven.

Step through the doors and find your senses assaulted by the tastes, aromas and sounds of Israel. Listen and dance to modern Israeli, Classic, Yemenite and Chassidic melodies sung by sabra Yoel Sharabi, who will captivate you with his wide repertoire and dynamic style. Be inspired by a short ballet piece performed by Liliya Aronov and Assaf Benchetrit, both Israelis who are now with the Texas Metropolitan Classic Ballet.

Cocktails will be served at 6:30, and dinner will be served at 7:30. Dietary laws will be observed. Cocktail attire is requested.

Tickets are $25 per person and may be purchased with cash at the Federation office; by checks sent to 4049 Kingsridge Road, Fort Worth, TX 76109; or by credit card by calling 817-569-0892.

Babysitting is available by reservation only.

All reservations must be made by May 5.

This event is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County with financial support from the Foundation of the Jewish Federation, Dan Danciger/Fort Worth Hebrew Day School Supporting Foundation, the Molly Roth Fund, the Israeli Community of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, Yad B’Yad/HaShomer, and Ruthy and Eldad Erez; and endorsed by Beth-El Congregation, Congregation Ahavath Sholom, Congregation Beth Israel, Congregation Beth Shalom, the WRJ groups of Beth-El and Beth Shalom, Hadassah, the Jewish Education Agency, Brite Divinity School and TCU Jewish Studies, and UNT Jewish Studies.

‘Daytimers’ enjoy Broadway show tunes

“Always,” “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” and a special version of “My Favorite Things” were only a sample of the greatest show tunes ever written for Broadway. These, and the entire program, were written by Jewish composers, and Genie Long and Brad Volk entertained the “Daytimers” with a wonderful afternoon of their music.

Genie told the group that it was hard to find a hit tune that was not written by a Jewish composer or lyricist. The large crowd responded enthusiastically, and occasionally sang along with a program of old favorites. And Genie was presented with a spray of flowers by Corrine Jacobson.

Next event for the “Daytimers” will be a tour of the Fort Worth Japanese Garden, a 7.5-acre Japanese Garden in the Fort Worth Botanic Garden on Wednesday, May 21. The group will meet at Beth-El at noon for lunch, and then carpool to the garden.

The garden was built in 1970 and many of the plants and construction materials were donated by Fort Worth‘s sister city, Nagaoka, Japan. Attractions at the garden include a meditation garden, a moon viewing deck, a pagoda and fish food dispensers to feed the hundreds of koi in the garden’s ponds.

For reservations for “Daytimers” events, call Barbara Rubin, 817-927-2736, or Sylvia Wexler, 817-294-1129; or checks can be mailed to Daytimers, Jewish Federation, 4049 Kingsridge Road, Fort Worth, TX 76109. The Sylvia Wolens “Daytimers” is a program of Congregation Beth-El with financial support from the Jewish Federation.

Community Yom HaZikaron service at Ahavath Sholom, Tuesday, May 6

A community Yom HaZikaron service will be held at Congregation Ahavath Sholom, Tuesday, May 6, 7 p.m. This service, commemorating Israel’s fallen soldiers, is a time for all Jews to come together to remember the Israeli soldiers who have continued to give their lives defending our homeland. We remember all of the soldiers, those who died in the years preceding the creation of the state of Israel and those who have died since then to ensure its continued existence. This event is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County with financial support from the Dan Danciger/Fort Worth Hebrew Day School Supporting Foundation. For more information, please call the Federation office at 817-569-0892.

Israeli ensemble, child prodigy Alon Petrilin to give concert, June 1

We have all heard of “once in a lifetime” opportunities. Congregation Ahavath Sholom will present one such activity — a concert by the Kiryat Bialik Youth Violin Ensemble, featuring child prodigy pianist, Alon Petrilin, to help celebrate the 60th anniversary of Israel.

The concert will take place Sunday, June 1, 6:15 p.m., at Ahavath Sholom, 4050 S. Hulen. The entire community is invited. A reception with the musicians will follow.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Beth-El seniors celebrate seder

The Senior “Mini” Seder had a record crowd of 150 people to celebrate Passover on Tuesday, April 15. Thanks to the generosity and, of course, the culinary expertise of B’nai B’rith International under the cooking skills of Harry Kahn and his “minyan” of minions, everyone was treated to a wonderful meal. Rabbi Ralph Mecklenburger and Rabbi Baruch Zeilicovich shared in the honor of leading the seder. Prior to the start of the seder, seniors Arianna and Armenek Cherkosov treated the attendees with Jewish music on the violin and piano. A big thank-you to the members of Hadassah and the Sisterhood of the Temple in Colleyville for their generosity. All participating JFS seniors and some community families in need were able to have Pesach “fixin’s” to help them observe the holiday. The senior program is going strong but always has room for new members. It meets every day at Temple Beth-El from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please call Hedy Collins, senior program director, at 817-569-0898 if more information is needed.

Diana Krompass receives awards

On April 17, Diana Krompass received two awards at Tarrant County College’s 2008 Student Salon. The salon is a show of all the artwork for students at TCC.

She received first place in Water Media for her painting of flamingos and another award for her mixed media painting entitled “From Generation to Generation.” The latter was a painting using various mediums in pastel colors which had a menorah and the words l’dor v’dor in Hebrew on it.

Diana has been in our community for 20-plus years and has been a teacher at Lil Goldman preschool for over 10 years. She is married to Mathew Krompass and is the proud mother of Liel, Mayan and Amit. Liel graduated from Duke University and is currently attending Harvard Law School. Mayan attends the University of Texas and is currently in Israel for a year. Amit is currently attending Paschal High School.

Interfaith forum tonight

Dallas Area Interfaith and its Collin County Cluster will host an Integration Forum this evening (Thursday, May 29), beginning at 7:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, 2700 West Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano. Ernesto Cortes, Jr., Martin Luther King visiting professor at MIT, will be the keynoter.

This event is sponsored “by clergy and congregations in Plano calling for civil discussion in support of a comprehensive approach to immigration reform,” according to DAI. Local religious leaders will participate. To be addressed are the historical benefits of, and challenges to, immigration in the United States.

Dallas Area Interfaith presents community conversations for “sharing social, ethical and scriptural teachings from our various faith traditions.” This evening’s forum is open to all.

Rabbi Raskin to speak at Hadassah installation luncheon

The Dallas Chapter of Hadassah will hold its installation luncheon Sunday, June 1, at 11:30 a.m. Rabbi Adam Raskin will be guest speaker on a timely topic concerning recent events at Plano, Dallas and Richardson district schools.

Location is May Dragon Chinese Restaurant, 4848 Beltline Road. Luncheon charge is $25 for adults, $20 for teens. A vegetarian meal will be served family style. (To reserve a kosher meal upon prior request, call the Hadassah office, 214-691-1948.) Because of limited seating, reservations are mandatory.

You can also reserve by e-mail: chapter.dallas@hadassah.org.

Five cantors to be featured in gala Jewish music celebration

Five cantors and three synagogue choirs and youth choirs will perform a spectacular Jewish music concert Sunday, June 1, 7 p.m., at Temple Emanu-El, 8500 Hillcrest Road in Dallas. This concert will mark the conclusion of the 2008 Showcase Series, sponsored by the Temple Emanu-El Music Committee.

The audience will experience the artistry of Cantors Richard Cohn of Temple Emanu-El, Don Alan Croll of Temple Shalom and Itzhak Zhrebker of Congregation Shearith Israel, joined by their adult and youth choirs, along with Cantor Jacob Cohen of Congregation Nishmat Am and Student Cantor David Frommer of Adat Chaverim. Temple Emanu-El is privileged to welcome colleagues from around our community as guest soloists with its own Cantor Cohn on this occasion.

Cantor Cohn has performed as a soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under such conductors as Claudio Abbado, Daniel Barenboim, James Levine and Sir Georg Solti. He has often interpreted the cantor’s part in Ernest Bloch’s “Avodath Hakodesh” (Sacred Service), including performances with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra.

Cantor Croll has performed in Israel and appeared as guest soloist with Kol Echad, the premier Jewish chorale in Los Angeles. He has also performed with the Albuquerque Symphony, as well as in the Kennedy Center’s Fourth of July celebration, “Let Freedom Sing.”

Cantor Zhrebker has served as guest cantor for various synagogues around the world. He has performed with the New Israeli Opera, Walden Piano Quartet, Russian Ensemble Kalinka, String Trio Les Amis, Marvin Hamlisch, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. His latest success was with the Dallas Opera and the cast of “Tales of Hoffmann.”

Cantor Cohen, born and raised in Dallas, is a highly experienced concert artist. He began singing and studying piano at the age of 4 and studied the art of cantorial chanting with his father, Cantor (Rabbi) Yitzchak Cohen. He was privileged to study with Cantor Asher Hainovitz, cantor of the Yeshurun Central Synagogue of Jerusalem, as well as with Aryeh Goldberg, cantor of the Great Synagogue.

David Frommer is a cantorial student at the Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion, School of Sacred Music, in his home town of New York City. He received an honors degree in history from Yale University in May 2004, where he was a member, and later the musical director, of Magevet, the Yale University Jewish a cappella chorus. During his time at Yale, David toured extensively with Magevet throughout the United States and Europe and recorded several CDs with the group.

The five cantors and assembled choirs will sing repertoire emphasizing themes of the festival season, along with a tribute to the 60th anniversary of the modern state of Israel. With an outstanding array of talent on the program, this will be a not-to-be-missed opportunity.

The Showcase Series is produced by the Temple Emanu-El Music Committee, chaired by Sarah Yarrin and advised by Cantor Richard Cohn. The series is celebrating its 18th year as a premier event at Temple Emanu-El.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for senior/student, $7 for youth 13 and under. Order online at www.tedallas.org or call Temple Emanu-El, 214-706-0000; Sarah Yarrin, 214-924-1487; or Rosalee Cohen, 972-233-2001.

Nine-year-old donates profits to MDHA

On May 12, 9-year-old Jacob Wisch came to the offices of Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance (accompanied by his mother, Judy Wisch) to contribute the profits from his neighborhood “Salad Stand.” Jacob and his 9-year-old cousin, Rosie Bernstein, daughter of Jordana and Josh Bernstein, donated $13.50 to benefit the homeless and expressed interest in volunteering to help the homeless at The Bridge either with direct service to clients or by raising awareness and money. What a wonderful thing to have happened at MDHA.

Press notes

Congratulations to Dr. Lionel and Gloria Reiman on the recent graduation of their daughter, Alyssa “Lyssy,” from Washington University in St. Louis. The Reimans are excited that their son, Dr. Steven Reiman, and his bride will soon become Dallas-area residents, which allows all four of the Reiman offspring to be close to their heart and home.

Mitch Goldminz, wiseguy cop

Growing up and thriving in a tough New York environment, Mitch Goldminz moved to Dallas in 1971 and became a cop here. As one of the few Jewish Dallas police officers and as a former New Yorker, he faced many challenges different than those in New York.

When temples or synagogues were desecrated, Mitch was there with other officers bringing sensitivity to the department in the times before laws and hate crime bills were ever dreamt of. Working with the mall task force for over three years, he made holiday shoppers safer in parking lots and stores in Dallas. His idea of setting up a parking lot and home driveway task force took 29 car thieves off the streets, reduced car theft by 26 percent and made our citizens safer.

Mitch has been decorated 26 times with ribbons and medals. Working the police funerals as usher coordinator was his own creation when he saw the need to organize the saddest days on the force. One of his proudest awards was from Explorer Post 68 where Latino, Vietnamese and Cambodian kids honored him for his work with them in safety and giving programs over the years.

With a strong New York accent, Mitch was a natural for undercover work in Dallas. That’s the subject of his novel, “Vice, Wiseguy Cop.”

Seriously injured on the job in October 2000, Mitch and his local Jewish co-author Bennett Litwin put to paper some funny, crazy and dangerous tales in the form of a novel to change the names and give enough poetic license for it to be fiction.

In the book, “Vice, Wiseguy Cop,” protagonist Mike Goldberg served the Dallas community as a highly decorated police officer for 33 years both on patrol and, more adventurously, as an undercover vice officer. Utilizing his rough Brooklyn beginnings, Mike moved to Dallas and, knowing how the bad guys think, he was a natural at stopping criminals in unconventional ways.

As a way to support the troops, several local businessmen have purchased books as a thank-you to the troops and a thank-you to Mitch for his service. These gifts for our rough-and-ready soldiers, who protect us at home and abroad, give them a way to stay in touch with America by enjoying a mostly true and often comedic approach to law enforcement and tax-deductibles (check with your accountant). Carl Sewall, by the way, of Sewall Village Cadillac bought a case of books for the troops.

If you wish to purchase books for yourself, for our troops or Father’s Day or birthdays, you can contact Mitch Goldminz or his co-author Bennett Litwin at sales@vicewc.com or by mail at Vice, WC, P.O. Box 863833, Plano, TX 75086-3833.

Dallas Chapter of Hadassah approves new board officers

New officers of the Dallas Chapter of Hadassah board approved at the May 4 meeting include: president, Susie Avnery; organization vice president, Barbara Moses; treasurer, Jo Zeffren; assistant treasurers, Lisa Bronchetti and Harriet Hollander; and secretary, Sunny Shor.

Other vice presidents include: fund development, Susan Blum Barnett; membership, Suellen Rothschild; co-programming, Susan Stein and Miriam Waltzer; co-education, Leanne Hall and Kathleen Glosser; communications, Linda Steinberg; and directory, Marsha Bakera.

UNT gives Outstanding Service Award to president of North Texas Exes

Congratulations to Phillip Glauben of Dallas, who has received the Outstanding Service Award from the University of North Texas.

The award was presented to Glauben during UNT’s annual Alumni Awards banquet, held April 18. It is presented to individuals who have provided exceptional volunteer service to UNT.

A salesman for Komar Alliance in Dallas, Glauben received his bachelor’s degree in personnel and industrial relations from UNT in 1976 and a Master of Education degree in 1978. He has been on the board of directors for the North Texas Exes alumni association since 2000, and currently serves as its president. He is also on the board of directors for the Dallas Holocaust Museum. Glauben formerly served on the board of directors for the Dallas chapter of B’nai B’rith and was the international president of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. He is a member of Congregation Shearith Israel.

Levine Academy students take first place in Metroplex Stock Market competition

Forget investing with high-priced Wall Street firms and leave your online trading Web sites behind. To make money, all you have to do is follow the lead of the four Levine Academy seventh-grade students who “invested” $100,000, turned it into $135,000 and, as a result, took first place in the Metroplex Stock Market Game, beating out 334 teams in the Dallas area.

Levine Academy uses the Stock Market Game to help students learn important academic and life skills in a fun and innovative way. Working in teams, they begin with a virtual cash account of $100,000 and strive to create the best-performing portfolio using a live, Internet-based trading simulation. As they compete, they utilize their leadership skills, organizational skills and negotiation skills, as well as learn the importance of cooperation and compromise. In addition, they gain knowledge of investing and financial principles, like saving, in the context of the real-world economy, while sharpening critical thinking skills and improving their knowledge in math, language arts and social studies.

‘Alice in Wonderland’ makes Yavneh a wonder land

Yavneh Academy’s theater department recently presented “Alice in Wonderland,” directed by Jamey Jamison.

The stellar cast included Ilan Attar (Knave of Hearts), Brittany Barnett (Ensemble), Michael Bierman (Ensemble), Leigh Bonner (Duchess of Spades), Pemme Emily Brill (Red Queen), Arielle Time Burstein (Mad Hatter/Playbill Design), Sahar David (Caterpillar), Abbie Denemark (Turtle), Melissa Diamond (White Rabbit), Sara Greenberg (Gryphon), Shelbi Karlebach (Duck), Paige Koeppel (Tweedle-Dum), Eve Moel (Cheshire Cat), Daniel Moskowitz (Dormouse), David Naxon (Cook), Libby Panipinto (Margret), Bess Reisberg (Tweedle-Dee), Grace Rosenthal (Duchess of Diamonds), Baruch Shawel (Red King), Tova Stolovitsky (White Queen), Michelle Tanur (Duchess of Hearts), Saralinda Taurog (Dodo), Rachel Zbolon (Alice) and Arye Zucker (March Hare).

Yavneh art teacher Marsha Evans designed and directed the set, and students Daniel Boker, Elizabeth Chatham, Mark Cheirif, Alexander Hirschberg, Matthew Kirby, Sara Levi, Ethan Prescott and Adam Sallmander served as technical crew.

DJCF awards Risch scholarships to four Jewish preschools

Four grants, based on financial need, have been awarded to local Jewish preschools by the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation (DJCF), through the Helen E. Risch Scholarship Fund, in order to increase enrollment for the upcoming 2008–2009 school year. Recipients include the Aaron Family JCC Taglit Preschool, Ann and Nate Levine Academy Preschool, Congregation Anshai Torah Preschool and Temple Shalom Preschool.

“Our foundation is honored to be able to play a small supporting role in helping fulfill Helen and Frank Risch’s wonderful vision of supporting Jewish early childhood education as expressed through the Helen E. Risch Scholarship Fund. We commend all of the local Jewish early childhood education programs for the important work that they do,” said David Agronin, chief executive officer of the foundation.

Temple Shalom Director of Early Childhood Education Bonnie Rubenstein noted: “It feels so wonderful to know that the importance of early childhood education in a Jewish preschool is now being realized. I hope it is just the beginning and that in the future more children will be able to begin their Jewish education in their early childhood years.”

Helen Risch’s passion for early Jewish childhood education is inspiring. A former teacher herself, she says, “We need to be aware that we have to educate our children and their parents to maintain the continuity of Judaism. When parents get together to see what their children are learning, they, too, continue the process of education. We have to go back to the very first school experience, and become committed to teaching preschool-aged children about values and our Jewish traditions.” She is candid about one aspect of the Helen E. Risch Preschool Scholarship Endowment fund: “This is just a start. It can’t be just Frank and Helen, but everyone who needs to be involved in the education of young children. Our hope is that people will start new funds or add to this or other preschool scholarship funds at the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation.”

Increasing Jewish preschool enrollment continues to be the paramount objective of the Helen E. Risch Scholarship Endowment Fund. For more information, contact Deborah Hersh at 214-615-5260 or e-mail Deborah at dhersh@djcf.org.

DJCF was originally established in 1973 as the trust and endowment arm of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas and the organized Jewish community. Now, more than three decades later, the foundation manages more than $150 million in assets. In addition, the number of indivual funds and supporting foundations has grown to approximately 800, and these numbers are growing. DJCF is an independently incorporated, publicly supported charity.

Eli Evans, poet laureate of the South, to be Pollman lecturer at Emanu-El

The Dallas Jewish Historical Society will present its fourth offering of the Harold A. Pollman Lecture Series, now offered four times a year, with acclaimed author and philanthropist, Eli N. Evans. The Evans program is a joint collaboration with the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, the Dallas Chapter of Hadassah and the Dallas Jewish Historical Society. This program will accompany the Dallas Jewish Historical Society’s annual meeting and board installation on Wednesday, May 21, 7:30 p.m. at the Aaron Family Jewish Community Center’s Zale Auditorium.

Eli Evans, born and raised in Durham, N.C., has a distinguished career in the government, education and philanthropic sectors. Most recently, he served as president of the Charles H. Revson Foundation, a $180 million foundation in New York, which makes grants for programs that deal with urban affairs, education, biomedical research and Jewish philanthropy. He served in this capacity from 1977 to 2003. Evans’ remarkable career includes working as a speechwriter for President Lyndon B. Johnson in the mid-1960s, a stint at Duke University and 10 years with the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

He is the author of three books: “The Provincials: A Personal History of Jews in the South”; his biography of Judah P. Benjamin, titled “Judah P. Benjamin: The Jewish Confederate,” described as a “brilliant … study … and superb biography”; and his most recent work, “The Lonely Days Were Sundays: Reflections of a Jewish Southerner,” which resulted in Abba Eban declaring, “The Jews of the South have found their poet laureate.”

Evans was born into a prominent Southern Jewish family with role models serving both the local community and Jewish community as well as involvement in the national scene. His father, E.J. “Mutt” Evans, served as mayor of Durham for five terms. His mother, Sara Evans, was a national vice president of Hadassah, and his maternal grandmother was the first president of Hadassah in North Carolina. His brother, Bob Evans, served as a news correspondent for CBS in Moscow in the early 1960s and covered the civil rights movement in the South during the turbulent ‘60s and ‘70s. His uncle and aunt, well-known Dallas residents, Bill and Elya Naxon, have continued their strong Zionist support.

This program is part of a continuing series graciously sponsored by Harold Pollman for the purpose of bringing to Dallas national experts on topics of interest to the Dallas Jewish community. Admission is free and the program is open to the public. For more information, call 214-239-7120 or e-mail the Society at dtobias@djhs.com.

Akiba Academy will honor faculty at special scholarship event on May 15

Akiba Academy is poised to “Celebrate its Educational Future,” the theme of this year’s scholarship dinner and raffle, on Thursday, May 15, at 7 p.m.

An Israeli-themed dinner will set the mood and will be the backdrop to a special art auction featuring the works of Akiba students. Akiba will honor current faculty and staff members who exemplify best practices by delivering excellence in Judaic and general studies education every day. A special memento will be awarded to Akiba employees who have contributed to Akiba’s success over the last five years and longer.

Raffle Co-chairs Ellen Avraham and Hilary Bernhardt and Board Chairperson Helene Schussler look forward to welcoming Akiba parents and all distinguished guests to this special event organized by director Marilyn Rutner and the entire development department at Akiba.

JCC junior tennis players strike again

The spring USA team tennis season started in January. Some days were cold, some days were sunny and many days were WET. The weather conditions didn’t stop the dedication and determination of our players. On April 27, both of the JCC junior tennis teams, the Shooters and the Bangers, found themselves in the Dallas city championships.

The “JCC Shooters,” the JCC’s 14-and-under intermediate team, beat the Lakes Academy in a close semifinal match. In the finals, the JCC Shooters continued their winning streak by defeating the North West Smashers with a score of 5-3 and won the city championship!

The “JCC Bangers,” the JCC’s 14-and-under beginning team, defeated another Lakes Academy team with a score of 6-2. Unfortunately, the JCC Bangers fell short to the Whatevers of Dallas. The match was very close, with six of eight sets decided by one game. Another interesting fact that made this match notable was that all the JCC players are 11 and 12 years old, and the winning team consisted of players who were all 14 years old. Great tennis was played by all. Coach John Singer said he and the staff are very proud of their players who practice four days a week for 1-1/2 hours each day. They put in the time and their hard work paid off. The championship trophy is on display in the tennis office. Please come by to see it.

Rabbi Andrew M. Paley selected for STAR’s unique leadership program

Beginning this June, Rabbi Andrew M. Paley, senior rabbi at Temple Shalom, will embark on a “journey toward greatness” as one of only 18 rabbis throughout the country participating in the third year of a new program, “STAR Rabbis: From Good To Great.” The program is the first initiative to explore excellence in leadership with rabbis who have at least 10 years’ experience.

Experienced rabbis have many opportunities to attend conferences and meet with colleagues. But, “From Good to Great” provides them with a very different experience. The program offers rabbis at mid-career a unique way to re-energize their dreams and lead their communities with greater impact, along with a select group of colleagues from across the denominational spectrum.

“Rabbis need ways to reconnect with the ideals that called them into the congregation and develop new strategies for bringing those ideals to life,” said Rabbi Hayim Herring, STAR’s executive director. Inspired by the bestselling book, “Good to Great,” by business consultant Jim Collins, the program uses trusted principles of leadership to energize, inspire and support rabbis who compare their current achievements to their future aspirations.

Through participation in two leadership retreats, several “webinars” (learning sessions over the Internet) and mentored project work, rabbis practice the art of leadership and change management within their congregation. The program places special emphasis on building a more vibrant congregation through partnership with lay leadership.

Faculty and guest teachers for “From Good to Great” include some of the leading rabbis and experts from the Jewish world and corporate leaders who also understand synagogues and the Jewish community.

“It is an honor to be a part of such an esteemed group of colleagues brought together by such a wonderful foundation. I am eager to learn and to grow and to bring an even greater passion and vision to my rabbinate, to my congregation and to the Jewish people,” Rabbi Paley said.

Levine Academy students inducted into National Junior Honor Society

On Monday, April 28, Levine Academy inducted 10 new members into the National Junior Honor Society, established over 75 years ago. Levine Academy chartered its first chapter in 2005 with the goal of providing an avenue to further student leadership and commitment to tikkun olam, repairing the world. “We have great expectations of our Honor Society students,” said Wende Weinberg, NJHS advisor. “Those students are expected to take a leadership role in the school community and the greater Dallas community, and take on the obligation of ‘repairing the world.’” The NJHS members organize the Levine Academy Annual Chesed Day and Mitzvah Madness Day, which are both devoted to helping those less fortunate in Dallas, and serve as academic tutors and teacher aids within the academy. “As a result of programs such as Mitzvah Madness Day,” added K–8 Principal Dr. Susie Wolbe, “all of our students see the world beyond their own needs and discover the rewards of helping others in the greater Dallas area.” In the past, the students have organized the entire student body to prepare Thanksgiving dinners for the homeless and work at such agencies as the North Texas Food Bank, Vogel Alcove, Family Gateway, Community Partners of Dallas–Rainbow Room, Geniza Burial at Congregation Shearith Israel Cemetery, and the Ronald McDonald House.

Seventh- and eighth-grade students may be considered for membership in the NJHS only if they have achieved a cumulative grade-point average of 85 or higher. Once that criterion is met, a faculty council evaluates each student based upon the following criteria: service, leadership, character and citizenship. The students selected for membership meet on a regular basis to plan and execute one or more school service projects, in addition to continuing their own social service endeavors.

Congratulations to the following Levine Academy students who were inducted into the NJHS: class of ‘08: Elianah Gorin; class of ‘09: Jeffrey Diamond, Shelby Gadol, Rachel Goodman, Grace Horn, Justin Katz, Liz Livingston, Yosef Presburger, Kayley Romick and Dillon Shipper. They join current members from the class of 2008: Ali Feinstein, Jillian Herstein, Andrew Leffler, Jordan Rudner, Jessica Solls, Alex Weinstein and Tori Weinstein.

The NJHS, with more than 5,000 chapters throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, many U.S. territories and Canada, has become a prestigious organization, ranking high among administrators, faculty members, students, parents and residents of the school community.

‘Religion in Public Schools: New Laws … New Dilemmas’

The American Jewish Congress and Congregation Tiferet Israel will host a panel discussion on Thursday, May 14 at 7 p.m. at Tiferet Israel, 10909 Hillcrest Road.

Have Texas legislators crossed the constitutional line on separation of religion and state? Many believe that recently passed laws regarding teaching of the Bible and freedom of expression in Texas public schools go against the “establishment clause” in the U.S. Constitution. Do they, or is the problem in the implementation? Listen to an expert panel debate on this subject with Professor Lackland Bloom, constitutional law professor at the SMU Dedman School of Law; Kathy Miller, president of the Texas Freedom Network; Hiram Sasser, director of litigation for Free Market Foundation; and Dr. Jim Wussow, Plano ISD executive director for secondary academic services.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information contact Susan Myers at AJCongress, 214-368-2731, or Gary Kahalnik at Tiferet Israel, 214-691-3611, ext. 2.

Installation at closing meeting

Herzl Hadassah will hold its installation of officers for the coming year at its closing meeting on Wednesday, May 14, 10:30 a.m. in the Senior Assembly Room at the Aaron Family JCC.

June Penkar, immediate past president of the Dallas Chapter, will conduct the installation. Mimi Guten, popular and inimitable musician, will present a musical program.

Members and guests are all invited. Please remember to bring a dairy lunch; coffee and desert will be served by Herzl. Remember also to bring your Blue Boxes!

Well-deserved honoree

Congratulations to Ann Margolin, who received the Distinguished Public Service Award from the Women’s Council of Dallas County. This award honors a woman who has had “outstanding accomplishments in public service that have demonstrated leadership and effective advocacy resulting in change.” Ann, who was honored for her years of work with Parkland Hospital, was the first woman to chair the board of Parkland and served on that board for six years. More recently, she has served on the Blue Ribbon Panel appointed by the Dallas County Commissioners to recommend the scope, logistics and financing of a new hospital. Ann, who currently serves on the Dallas Park and Recreation board, is a member of Temple Emanu-El and has served on the boards of ADL and the JCRC. She is currently on the board of the American Jewish Committee.

NCJW Dallas Section closing luncheon

For long years the National Council of Jewish Women, Greater Dallas Section, has been in the communal and civic forefronts, immersed in a myriad of community activities benefiting youngsters, oldsters and those in-between. As a prospective new resident of the Dallas community with my forthcoming move to The Legacy, one of my first tasks will be to reinstate my membership in the NCJW. I was a longtime member for many years in Fort Worth, until the chapter, successful though it was, disbanded because of the lack of young leadership, the bane of many worthy organizations on both the local and national scene. Thankfully, the Greater Dallas Section is in good hands with a large corps of fabulous dedicated volunteers.

Accepting the mantle of the presidency at the 96th Annual Installation Luncheon on Thursday, May 8, 11:15 a.m. will be the very capable Cheryl Pollman, who comes to the post with years of dedication and service to the high principles of NCJW. After her retirement from her law practice, Cheryl dedicated her energy and talents to furthering the mission and goals of the Dallas Section. Her love of advocacy, education and community service is a perfect fit for NCJW.

Also to be installed are vice presidents: Debbie Greene, administration; Nancy Fellman, community service; Stacy Barnett, Robin Zweig, financial development; Cathy Golden, Terry Greenberg, public affairs; Michelle Bassichis, public relations; and Lauren Busch, Amy Hollander, membership. Also, Kristyle Solomon, secretary; Sheryl Bogen, associate secretary; Kay Schachter, treasurer; and Laura Diamond, associate treasurer.

Directors at large for 2008–2009 include Marla Bane, Barbara Berger, Saralynn Busch, Sandy Donsky, Sharan Goldstein, Linnie Katz, Staci Mankoff and Bette Morchower; for 2008-2010, Elizabeth Greif, Nancy Kasten, Katherine Krause, Felise Leidner, Peggy Millheiser, Ellen Silverman, Rhona Streit and Beth Stromberg.

Serving on the Nominating Committee were Sue Tilis, Eileen Kreisler, Jaynie Schultz and Maddy Unterberg.

Keynote speaker will be Becky Sykes, executive director of the Dallas Women’s Foundation.

Luncheon chairs were Barbara Einsohn and Sharan Goldstein. Retiring president of the Section is Sue Tilis, who in her closing statement said: “Our membership numbers continue to climb as do the financial resources available for funding community services educational and advocacy. Under the leadership of Cheryl Pollman, the Section is destined to achieve. The generosity of so any members who have given their time, energy, wisdom and financial resources has enabled us to be so accomplished. I am so proud to be a part of this wonderful organization.”

Expressions 2008 is a smash hit!

For one whole week in April, the Dallas Jewish community was exposed to incredible artwork by more than 100 prominent Israeli artists through Expressions 2008. The exhibition, brought to the U.S. by sculptor Itzhak Assour, was held at Congregation Shearith Israel. It was sponsored by Shearith Israel, the Jewish Community Center of Dallas, the Texas Jewish Post and the state of Israel in celebration of Israel’s 60th!

Expressions was a huge success thanks to Committee Chairs Avra and Andrew Carr and their dedicated committee comprising Stacy Barnett, Sheli Barnett, Lynne Baron, Deidra Cizon, Gordon Cizon, Doron Ilai, Tarron Ilai, Susan Schackman and Jamie Weisbrod. A great big thank-you to them and all of the volunteers who helped at the exhibition and at the various events that took place throughout the week.

Additionally, thanks to all of the people who attended the exhibition, especially those who made purchases. Funds from the sale of the art benefited Israeli artists, Congregation Shearith Israel and the JCC.

Last but not least, kudos to Jamie Weisbrod for making the colorful floor mats directing people into the exhibition. They were fun, cheerful, and indestructible. If anyone is interested in purchasing one, please contact Jamie Weisbrod at jmifredell@swbell.net.

Richard Heinsius will be JWV May speaker

The Jewish War Vets’ Paul H. Lewis tells the TJP that Richard Heinsius will speak to JWV on Sunday, May 11, at 9:30 a.m. at the JCC. His subject hits very close to home. Joel Sheskin, Rhoda’s husband, succumbed to Alzheimer’s. His care during those trying days will be described by our speaker. We hope that none of you will succumb to Alzheimer’s. Rhoda suggested Richard as a speaker so that you may learn some useful tips if you or your loved ones do so.

Richard is VistaCare’s director of business development for Dallas and Collin counties. He has more than 20 years’ experience in health care; has worked in home health and hospice care with the Visiting Nurse Association; was director of business development and a member of the corporate reengineering team with Charter Medical Corp.; worked as a director on a joint venture project with Baylor, Harris Methodist and Presbyterian Healthcare organizations; and directed the corporate employee assistance network for Xerox.

As usual a lox and bagel brunch will be served.

Attention college students

Looking for a great way to spend your summer, fall, spring and holiday breaks? Join the JCC before June 1 and pay only $150 for 12 full months of fitness, fun, classes and more. Simply bring your school ID and get started today. Students must attend a school at least 50 miles away from the J. Fee must be paid in full.

Tuesdays@Central

The Dallas Public Library is pleased to welcome you to Tuesdays@Central, an exciting, new weekly series of free, eclectic and engaging programs providing stimulating, entertaining and educational opportunities for the community. Held on the first floor of the Central Library, the series targets the growing population of people living downtown as well as the surrounding areas.

In honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day and the end of World War II in Europe, the Dallas Public Library invites you to the May 6 Tuesdays@Central program from 7 to 8 p.m., with Elliott Dlin, noted speaker and executive director of the Dallas Holocaust Museum / Center for Education and Tolerance. He will discuss “The Holocaust: Lessons Learned and Lessons Still to Learn.”

We hope you will be able to attend this important event.

‘Diva’ Hadassah program well attended

About 50 Dallas Hadassah members couldn’t resist the siren call of “Sacred Diva,” a special evening program on Tuesday, April 22, in Fruhman Hall of the Aaron Family JCC.

A Passover dessert reception preceded the presentation by Jennifer Brown, Ph.D., who spoke to the women about “Our Bodies, Our Spirits: Rituals of Beauty and Lifecycle Milestones.” Her doctorate is in transpersonal psychology, but she accompanied and enhanced her program with photo slides of ancient goddesses, giving it the aura of an archaeological expedition.

Women’s lives have always fallen into three distinct segments, she explained. The Maiden is the young girl just growing toward womanhood; the Mother is so named because she is in her childbearing years, whether or not she actually has children; the post-menopausal Crone is to be honored and respected for her accumulated wisdom. “Crone” did not come into our language as a disparaging term, according to Brown; it is not the equivalent of the word “witch.” Rather, it is the female form of “crony,” a term often referring to friendships among elderly men.

In life as in the monthly cycle of her body, a woman parallels the phases of the moon, first waxing toward bright fullness, then waning to almost total darkness. After explaining this, Brown added that the woman’s cycle is also like that of the year and its seasons: Spring is the Maiden, coming into first bloom; the Mother is summer, filled with healthy productivity; the Crone is fall, banking her fires as she moves toward the inevitable death that is winter.

Brown, who lives in Phoenix, Ariz., is an educator who often speaks on women’s empowerment and has her own counseling practice, teaching women to recognize and utilize their feminine instincts for the betterment of their lives and those of the people around them. She is a life member of Hadassah, and was presented here by local members of two special Hadassah groups, Chain Society and Builders of the Future. They include Harriet Hollander and Suellen Rothschild, chairs of the event, and Marsha Baker, Janet Coppinger, Miriam Creemer, Maxine Dashefsky, Vered Golan, Leanne Hall, Marcy Helfand, Amy Hollander, Evelyn Margolis, Jo Reingold, Marjorie Shor, Sonia Shor, Lauri Wiss and Jo Zeffren. All have donated at least $360 per year to a variety of Hadassah projects.

More information about Dallas Hadassah and its programming is available by calling the local office, 214-691-1948.

Around the Town with Rene
Hollace Weiner’s newest book a must-read

Fort Worth author and historian Hollace Ava Weiner is on a roll! Her recently published “Jewish ‘Junior League’: The Rise and Demise of the Fort Worth Council of Jewish Women” is expected to reach the heights and popularity of several of Weiner’s previous books.

“From its founding in 1901 through the second half of the twentieth century, the Fort Worth Section of the National Council of Jewish Women fostered the integration of its members into the social and cultural fabric of the greater community. Along the way, it championed important social causes, including an Americanization school for immigrants and literacy initiatives. But by 1999, facing declining membership — and according to some, decreased relevance to the lives of Jewish women — the Council’s national and local leaders found themselves confronting the end of the group’s existence.

“Hollace Ava Weiner has mined the records of this organization at both the local and national levels, interviewed surviving members and examined Fort Worth newspapers and other local historical documents. Her lively and careful study reveals that the Fort Worth Council of Jewish Women was, in fact, so successful that it prepared the way for its own obsolescence. By century’s end, the members and the times had changed more rapidly than the Council.

“While ‘Jewish “Junior League’ focuses on a particular organization in a particular city, it simultaneously serves as a case study for the exploration of important themes of women’s and Jewish history throughout the 20th century.

“Hollace Ava Weiner, a former writer for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, is also the author of ‘Jewish Stars in Texas: Rabbis and Their Work,’ now available in paperback from Texas A&M University Press. She is the editor of ‘Lone Stars of David,’ a coffee table anthology that won the 2006 Deolece Parmelee Award from the Texas Historical Foundation. A native of Washington, D.C., she resides in Fort Worth” with her husband, Dr. Bruce Weiner.

The book is chock-full of photos of well-known women and will bring to mind much of the good deeds done by Council and their dedicated members.

Harry Labovitz joins local MetLife firm

On the business scene, MetLife Financial Group of Texas, an office of MetLife, is pleased to announce that Harry Labovitz has joined the firm as a financial services representative.

Labovitz is a longtime resident of Fort Worth and the past president of Congregation Ahavath Sholom and Mid-Continent Region, USCJ.

MetLife Financial Group of Texas, an office of MetLife, offers a broad array of financial products and services including life, disability income, long-term care insurance and annuities, mutual funds and investment products. The company is located at 6500 West Fwy., Suite 950, Fort Worth, TX 76116, 817-377-5300.

MetLife is a subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), a leading provider of insurance and financial services with operations throughout the United States and Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific regions. Through its domestic and international subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife, Inc. reaches more than 70 million customers around the world. MetLife is the largest life insurer in the United States (based on life insurance in-force). The MetLife companies offer life insurance, annuities, auto and home insurance, retail banking services and other financial services to individuals, as well as group insurance, reinsurance and retirement and savings products and services to corporations and other institutions. For more information, please visit www.metlife.com.

On the political scene

Prominent Republican politico and activist Craig Goldman will manage the southwest operation for Republican presidential contender John McCain. From a recent issue of the Dallas Morning News, we note that Goldman ran McCain’s Straight Talk American political action committee during the 2006 election cycle. It includes Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas, Oklahoma and Nebraska. Goldman was an aide to former U.S. Sen. Phil Gramm. He ran unsuccessfully for the GOP nomination for the Texas House seat to replace Rep. Ann Mowery, who resigned. Raised in Fort Worth, he is the son of Carol and Ronnie Goldman.

Manchester Dance Ensemble to perform for Yom HaShoah program

On Thursday, May 1, 7 p.m. at Beth-El Congregation, the Tarrant County community will commemorate the Holocaust with its annual service and program. This year we are honored to have the Manchester Dance Ensemble perform their “Spirit Unbroken” and “In Anticipation of a New Nation.” Both pieces were choreographed by Lesa Broadhead, who is also the artistic director of the Manchester Dance Ensemble. These two dance works combine contemporary dance and music in order to emphasize the healing aspects, the power and the impact of the Holocaust as well as the formation of the state of Israel. On May 16, 1999, the MDE performed at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the first dance performance in the museum’s existence. The MDE has performed diverse works, from “Cinderella” and “Sleeping Beauty” to “We Shall Stand Tall,” dedicated to the victims of 9/11, and “At Last,” dedicated to Martin Luther King, Jr. The ensemble, which has performed in their native Ohio, in New York and in Washington, D.C. is a pre-professional, not-for-profit company of talented dancers between the ages of 11 and 18.

This program is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County with financial support from the Dan Danciger/Fort Worth Hebrew Day School Supporting Foundation, Brite Divinity School and TCU Jewish Studies Program, Martin Hochster Memorial Post #755–Jewish War Veterans, Multicultural Alliance, TCU Hillel/University Ministries, Congregation Ahavath Sholom, Beth-El Congregation, Congregation Beth Shalom and Congregation Beth Israel. For more information, please call the Federation office at 817-569-0892.

Around the Town with Rene
Fort Worth Hadassah Lunch and Learn: ‘What Women Need to Know about HPV and Cervical Cancer’

The Fort Worth Chapter of Hadassah is excited to invite women from Fort Worth and Tarrant County to a special Lunch and Learn on Sunday, June 1, 2008 at Beth-El Congregation. Beginning at 12:30 p.m., they will present an educational session to teach important facts about cervical cancer and how to prevent it.

The program encourages women to take their health into their own hands, learn the facts and spread the word. Hadassah’s “What Women Need to Know” was designed to empower women with key information and take advantage of one of the most important talents women have: communication.

Unlike most cancers, cervical cancer can be prevented. Did you know that there’s a new test you can have along with your Pap smear to detect the virus that causes HPV? It’s called the human papillomavirus test (HPV test). Recent research has shown that HPV is the cause in almost all cases of cervical cancer. Did you know that the two ages women are most susceptible to HPV and cervical cancer are 15–30 and 55–75?

Come to this luncheon and take control of your cervical cancer risk! Experts on hand to answer questions include Valerie Lowenstein, immediate past president and national chair of “What Women Need to Know about HPV and Cervical Cancer”; Melissa Mendelson, National Hadassah women’s health and advocacy associate specializing in HPV and cervical cancer; and Dr. Douglas Tatum, assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth and the city’s leading expert on HPV and cervical cancer.

Hadassah’s working luncheon committee includes Debby Rice, Lihi Zabari Kamen, Karen Johnson, Elyse Kitterman, Karen Kaplan, Jill Imber, Cindy Simon, Randee Kaitcer, Orit Paytan, Mona Karten, Zoë Stein Pierce, Posy McMillen, Naomi Rosenfield, Laurie Werner and Rhoda Bernstein.

For more information, please call Debby Rice at 817-332-0022 or Lihi Zabari Kamen at 817-764-3452. See you there!

Thirteenth Mitzvah Day more successful than ever

Two hundred people representing Fort Worth’s religious community — Beth-El, Ahavath Sholom, and Arlington’s Beth Shalom — participated in the 13th Mitzvah Day on April 6. Sixteen nonprofit agencies across Tarrant County benefited from the various projects. The Blood Drive collected 27 units of blood, which exceeded the target goal of 20. The mitzvot will even extend beyond Tarrant County since one of the activities was “Cards for Soldiers,” which will be sent to U.S. soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mitzvah Day Co-chairs Dan Halpern and Jenny Solomon from Beth-El, Ben Weiger from Beth Shalom and Elaine Bumpas from Ahavath Sholom are grateful to all the volunteers who helped make the event a success.

The co-chairs thank Rabbi Ralph Mecklenburger, Rabbi Baruch Zeilicovich and Rabbi Ned Soltz for their consistent and unwavering support. Additionally, thanks to the three congregation presidents, Mark Sloter, Al Fagin and Stuart Snow. Thanks also to the wonderfully helpful Beth-El staff, who are always present and know exactly what to do to make an event like this run so smoothly.

Dan Halpern acknowledged men from the two congregations who provided the food for 200 hungry workers. Men’s Club President Marvin Beleck and the Ahavath Sholom Men’s Club provided breakfast. Beth-El MRJ President Mike Kalpin and the Men of Reform Judaism provided the delicious lunch.

Halpern acknowledged Registrars Corrine Jacobson and Ellen Rubinson, as well as Mileyna Razack, who coordinated the T-shirts. Because of some last-minute publicity, there were dozens of people who walked in and wanted to help.

Finally, Halpern expressed his thanks to the team captains: All Church Home for Children, David Levine; Cards for Soldiers, Gloria Sepp; Carter Blood Bank, Genie Long; Friends of the River, Laurie Kelfer; Gladney Center, Joan Katz and Carol Minker; Habitat for Humanity, Marty Rubinson; Hebrew Rest, Jerry Weiner; Hospice, Terri Halpern; Food Bank, Linda Hoffman; Meals On Wheels, Lynell Bond; Ronald McDonald House, Howard Bellet, Faye Slater and Ann Cobert; Oak Park Retirement Center, Monica Braverman; Ellen Rubinson, Linda Hoffman, Angie Kitzman and Sonja Stein.

Brandon Chicotsky to speak about anti-Semitism on campus

Brandon Chicotsky, a young key figure on the local, state and national scene, will be the guest speaker at Fort Worth’s Isadore Garsek Lodge’s B’nai B’rith Jewish Person of the Year Dinner on May 4 at Ridglea Country Club. Born and raised in Fort Worth, he is the son of Donna and Robert Chicotsky.

He will speak on “The New Hate: Defending Israel and The Jewish Identity on College Campuses.”

Brandon Chicotsky is the founder of Texas Ventures, an entrepreneurs’ organization offering early-stage investments to young companies. He is an alumnus of the University of Texas at Austin, where he began acting on his passions for public service and strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship.

He is a champion for Texas Hillel, the center for Jewish student life at his alma mater. On campus, he worked with Texas Hillel as a member of Texans For Israel to battle Israel’s detractors and anti-Semitic academia. In 2006 the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) awarded Brandon and his activist colleagues the Duke Rudman Award, their highest activist award for campus pro-Israel advocacy.

In 2007, Brandon established an Israel Travel Fund, which financed his third study abroad in the Middle East region. He is a member of the Texas Breakfast Club, AIPAC, NORPAC, Hillel International, B’nai B’rith, and Texas Ventures.

During his four years in college, Brandon worked on several national races. As a former president of Austin’s largest political charter, he co-managed a successful U.S. presidential campaign office of 40 interns and hundreds of volunteers. The office gained enough attention to garner a visit and cover story from NBC’s Tom Brokaw.

In the summer of 2006, Brandon organized pro-Israel students along the East Coast to join him in Senator Joe Lieberman’s re-election campaign in Connecticut. Prior to this campaign work, he interned in the Washington, D.C. headquarters of AIPAC. Some of his department work included meetings with candidates running for federal office to educate them on Israeli issues.

Brandon has studied abroad with numerous visits to the Middle East, Mexico and Central America. His trips to the Middle East region have included meetings with the Israeli military, cultural leaders and government officials over issues of Western economic interest, military conflict and counter-terrorism. He is an active advocate for America’s interest in the Middle East and frequents Washington, D.C. to lobby on legislative items concerning the region.

Currently, Brandon runs Texas Ventures in Austin and aids local candidates for public office. He aspires to work in the Jewish Liaison’s Office of the White House in 2009 and will pursue graduate studies in public affairs.

Rabbi Mecklenburger recognized

Congratulations to Beth-El’s Rabbi Ralph Mecklenburger, who was recognized in Fort Worth Texas magazine’s March issue as one of Fort Worth’s “14 Brilliant Minds.” Writer Gail Bennison says that “the 14 gifted and very accomplished individuals recognized … have pushed their life’s work in innovative directions for the good of all mankind.” Mecklenburger was singled out as a “Modern Day Philosopher” for his accomplishments within Beth-El and within the Fort Worth community. He is the only religious leader recognized in this issue.

Mother’s Day party honors Israel at 60

The community is invited to join in a significant event at a party on Mother’s Day honoring Israel at 60. The community birthday gala will celebrate 60 years of Israel’s independence.

The May 11 evening celebration will be held at Beth-El Congregation, 4900 Briarhaven, Fort Worth.

As you step through the doors you’ll find your senses assaulted by the tastes, aromas and sounds of Israel. Listen and dance to modern Israeli, classic, Yemenite and Chassidic melodies sung by sabra Yoel Sharabi, who will captivate you with his wide repertoire and dynamic style. You will be inspired by a short ballet piece performed by Liliya Aronov and Assaf Benchetrit, both Israelis who are now with the Texas Metropolitan Classic Ballet.

Cocktails will be served at 6:30 p.m. and dinner will follow at 7:30 p.m. Dietary laws will be observed. Cocktail attire is suggested.

Tickets are $25 per person and may be purchased with cash at the Federation office; by checks sent to 4049 Kingsridge Road, Fort Worth, TX 76109; or by credit card by calling 817-569-0892. Babysitting is available by reservation only. All reservations must be made by May 5, 2008.

Sponsors include the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County with financial support from the Foundation of the Jewish Federation, Dan Danciger/Fort Worth Hebrew Day School Supporting Foundation, the Molly Roth Fund, the Israeli Community of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, Yad B’Yad/HaShomer, and Ruthy and Eldad Erez.

The gala is endorsed by Congregations Beth-El, Ahavath Sholom, Beth Israel, Beth Shalom, the WRJ groups of Beth-El and Beth Shalom, Hadassah, the Jewish Education Agency, Brite Divinity School and TCU Jewish Studies, and UNT Jewish Studies.

JWI closing luncheon, May 7

Jewish Women International are secure in the choice of their president for the coming year. Ina Singer, who has served as head of the group for the last eight years, will continue leading JWI to greater successes. Ina tells the TJP that the closing luncheon will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 11:30 a.m. at the Olive Garden. Luncheon reservations are $7.50 and should be made with Rita Hoffman, 817-370-7209. JWI makes significant contributions to many local charitable and service organizations.

Around the Town with Rene

Lizzy Michan, Marc Bumpuss, Karen Silverberg, Steven Silverberg, Emily Cobert, and Carly Karten at the Community Purim Carnival.
Rosanne and Billy Rosenthal honored
Fort Worth philanthropists Rosanne and Billy Rosenthal came in for well-deserved added honors last week when the Multicultural Alliance presented their major award to them. Billy is the third member of his immediate family to receive the award. His father, the late Manny Rosenthal, noted community leader, received the award 20 years ago, and his mother, Roz Rosenthal, was recipient of the award nine years ago. The alliance was formerly known for years as the National Conference for Christians and Jews and later as the National Conference for Community and Justice.

In the past 29 years, the Rosenthals have been major benefactors to Cook Children’s Medical Center, Susan Komen for the Cure, Trinity Valley School, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Texas Christian University, Beth-El, Modern Museum, Texas A&M, UT and the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, among others.
Among the past recipients of the award are Rabbi Robert Schur, M.J. Neeley, Dr. Edwin Guinn, Dr. John Richardson, Dr. Frank Cohen, David Beckerman, Van Cliburn, Hazel Harvey Peace and, last year, Tim Sear, Alcon executive.

Dinner chairs were Howard and Joan Katz, longtime friends of the Rosenthals. In acknowledging his friends, Howard said, “The work of the Multicultural Alliance, to teach young people that we can all be different but that our DNA is pretty much the same and that those differences enhance our society — that’s what Billy and Rosanne have demonstrated in their lives.”

Proceeds from the dinner support the Alliance’s programs, such as Camp CommUNITY for high school students and a weeklong retreat for seminary students. Both programs offer opportunities for young people to share life experiences with people of other cultural, racial and religious backgrounds.

Beth-El’s 13th annual Mitzvah Day, Sunday, April 6
Across Tarrant County, members of three Jewish congregations will be engaged in meaningful volunteer activities as part of Beth-El Congregation’s 13th annual Mitzvah Day. Over 200 volunteers will combine their efforts on behalf of 16 community-wide projects on Sunday, April 6. Mitzvah Day originated in Tarrant County at Beth-El Congregation, and congregants from Fort Worth’s Ahavath Sholom and Arlington’s Beth Shalom continue to join in giving back to our community.

A wide array of volunteer projects will meet the needs of almost every volunteer. Planting, building, sorting clothing and food donations, cooking or making cards for American service men and women are a few of the opportunities available, according to Chair Dan Halpern.

A new project for this year is assisting “Friends of the River” in a cleanup of the Trinity River and its banks. Volunteers can also assist Meals on Wheels to assemble and deliver pet food donations for Meals on Wheels clients’ four-legged friends.

Families with children can find child-friendly activities like preparing lunch at Ronald McDonald House for delivery to families staying in the house and at local hospitals. The Tarrant Area Food Bank also provides an opportunity for families to work together to help those less fortunate.

Finally, Halpern encourages everyone to double their mitzvah by giving blood to Carter BloodCare. There is a constant need in Tarrant County for donated blood, as someone needs blood every three seconds. The bloodmobile will be available through the afternoon, and Halpern encourages volunteers to come back for lunch at 12:30 and stay to donate blood.

Agency projects include All Church Home for Children, Friends of the River, Gladney Center for Adoption, Habitat for Humanity, Hebrew Rest Cemetery, Hospice, Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County, Mission Arlington, Mission Metroplex/YWCA, Oak Park Retirement Center, Ronald McDonald House, Tarrant Area Food Bank and Women’s Center.

Mitzvah Day begins with check-in and breakfast, followed by a short prayer service at 9 a.m. in the Great Hall. By 9:30, volunteers will be heading out to agencies throughout the area to work. Lunch will be provided at 12:30 for those finished with their projects.

Pre-registration is not required, although Halpern encourages potential volunteers interested in a particular agency project to let him know in advance.

“But if you just come on April 6, we will find something for you to do,” he says.
For more information or to sign up for a particular project, call Dan Halpern at 817-426-3239.

‘Shushan Idol’ hits Beth-El
Hundreds of people attended the Community Purim Carnival on Sunday, March 23 at Beth-El Congregation. Lunch was served by the Beth-El Brotherhood while the attendees shmoozed and bought tickets for the carnival. The celebration began with Tarrant County’s first annual “Shushan Idol” show, written by award-winning Richard Allen. Although Mordechai, King Ahasuerus, Queen Esther, Vashti and Haman vied for the Idol title, the Jewish community was the winner this year. By the sounds of laughter and clapping, it seems that the contest was a big success.

The carnival was full of fun and even included a station for each of the Purim mitzvot. Children who visited the Mishloach Manot (sending gifts), Reading the Megillah, Seudat Purim (meal of Purim) and Matanot Le’evyonim (gifts for the needy) booths enjoyed giving, getting and eating hamantaschen! In addition, they were rewarded with extra tickets for participating in all four booths. The youngsters also enjoyed face-painting, pie-throwing, ring toss, Mordechai’s Muffin Game, Shushan Shuffleboard, Purim Plinko, Wheel of Purim, Hit Haman’s Hat, and two bounce houses. Everyone enjoyed the sno-cones, popcorn and hamantaschen. The committee — Ilana Knust, Rivka Marco, Ruthy Erez, and Shirley Ben-David — worked very hard to make sure the carnival was both fun and educational. The smiles on the tired faces as they left seemed to say they had succeeded.

Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County with financial support from the Dan Danciger/Fort Worth Hebrew Day School Supporting Foundation, many Tarrant County organizations helped to make the carnival a success. BBYO, FWUSY, FWFTY, the Junior Youth Group of Beth-El, the religious schools of Beth-El and Ahavath Sholom, JEA, Beth-El’s WRJ, Beth-El Brotherhood and TCU Hillel.

From Mona
Hi all,
It’s been a long, busy winter. I don’t know about you, but I sure am glad it’s spring! And we’re having another Girls Night Out. I would love to see all of you there. We’ll be meeting at Lucile’s on Camp Bowie at 7 p.m. next Thursday, April 3. If you can be there, e-mail Cindy Simon at teamsimon@sbcglobal.net.
The Regional Conference is coming up on May 16–18 in McAllen. We’ll be honoring our wonderful Laurie Werner as she steps down as region president. If you’d like to attend, please let me know.
Enjoy this pretty weather before it changes again!
Mona

WRJ breakfast May 4
Women of Reform Judaism will hold a Membership Appreciation Breakfast on May 4.

The menu includes quiche, fresh-fruit salad and coffee as well as good company and a special program.

All Sisterhood members will be honored with a free breakfast and enthralling speakers in Beth-El’s Great Hall. This is your opportunity to mingle with old friends and make some new ones. Members will vote for WRJ’s 2008–2009 executive board at the event of the year! This is the way the WRJ board thanks their membership for their support and dedication in helping the Beth-El Sisterhood reach new heights in 2008. The daughter and granddaughter of the legendary Stanley Marcus (as in “Neiman Marcus”) will speak during the breakfast meeting about their new book, “Reflection of the Man: The Photographs of Stanley Marcus.” In their first Fort Worth appearance, these two women — Jerried Marcus Smith and professional photographer Allison V. Smith — will tell the stories behind the pictures.
We know of Stanley Marcus as the retailing wizard who turned Neiman Marcus into an international shopping destination. However, many of us did not know that he was a gifted photographer who snapped candid shots of the rich and famous. Books will be for sale, and Marcus’s daughter and granddaughter will sign them.

This program is chaired by fellow WRJ “sisters” Carolyn Bauman Cruz, Solace Weiner and Liz Cooper. Questions? Please contact Carolyn Bauman Cruz at carobaucruz@sbcglobal.net, or Liz Cooper at liz.cooper@tx.rr.com. Want to bring a friend? No problem. Non-WRJ members are welcome to attend for a nominal charge of $5. Reservations should be made with Liz Cooper at liz.cooper@tx.rr.com.

‘Dance the Night Away’ to feature Doc Gibbs

Doc Gibbs and his band will headline the “Dance the Night Away” event, Saturday, May 3, 7:30 p.m., at Temple Emanu-El, 8500 Hillcrest Road. This cabaret-style evening, part of the Showcase Series, will include table seating and refreshments.

Doc Gibbs is a multitalented entertainer: singer, comedian, impressionist, songwriter and pianist. He’s a one-man show, but he will appear with his five-piece band for this fun-filled evening of music and dancing. Doc and his band play a variety of musical styles: popular, country, rhythm and blues, jazz and timeless standards. He will also take requests and perform some of his sidesplitting singing impressions of other famous entertainers such as Elvis, Michael Jackson, Louis Armstrong and Willie Nelson.

Doc has been honing his skills as an entertainer since he began self-teaching piano at 8 years old. He continued with formal training through high school and graduated from Brandeis University in 1972. Throughout those years, he served as a church musician in accompanist, singer and director roles. He is a featured artist with Nana Puddin’ and Young Audiences (Big Thought) of Texas, providing inspirational, entertaining and educational shows for youth. He has provided show music for Percy Sledge, Joan Rivers and the Drifters, and has performed throughout the U.S. and internationally including China, Russia, Nigeria, the Caribbean and England. Doc also works as a speaker providing motivational and musical presentations that entertain and inspire.

He says he is blessed to be doing what he enjoys: performing, entertaining and speaking. His goal is to inspire, encourage, and make people laugh, fully living out his motto: “Doc makes you feel good!”

The Showcase Series is produced by the Temple Emanu-El Music Committee, chaired by Sarah Yarrin and advised by Cantor Richard Cohn. The series is celebrating its 18th year as a premier event at Temple Emanu-El.

Tickets are $15/adult; $12/senior/student; $7/youth 13 and under. Order online at www.tedallas.org or call Temple Emanu-El, 214-706-0000; Sarah Yarrin, 214-924-1487; or Rosalee Cohen, 972-233-2001.

‘Silenced Voices’ concert May 1

On Thursday, May 1, 7:30 p.m., at the UTD Conference Center, 800 W. Campbell Road, the Dallas Chamber Orchestra will feature a concert called “Silenced Voices: A Concert of Remembrance” highlighting musical works by composers murdered in the Holocaust. The event is presented by the University of Texas–Dallas Ackerman Center for Holocaust Studies in cooperation with the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Dallas.

Admission is free but reservations are required: 972-883-2100. Take note that the president and chairman of the Dallas Chamber Orchestra is Laura Rosenthal, a member of Chabad of Dallas; and two of its board members are Carol Tobias and Alice Rosen, members of Temple Emanu-El.

Bnai Zion celebrates 100th anniversary

Sunday, May 4, 10 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 14315 Midway Road, Addison, Bnai Zion will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a brunch honoring Patti and Howard Fields and Eli Davidsohn and recognizing Judah Epstein. Special guest speaker will be Alon Carmel, founder and former CEO of JDate. All proceeds from the brunch will be donated to AHAVA, a residential center for children ages 6 to 18 who come from high-risk home situations, where Alon spent a period of his childhood.

Cost of brunch: $50 per person and $40 for persons under 30 years of age.

Space is limited. Please call Avrille at 972-918-9200 or e-mail her at avrille.harris-cohen@bnaizion.org to make reservations.

Holocaust art exhibition at museum

During the month of May, the Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance will present “The Color of Memory: Art by Two Daughters of the Holocaust.” The exhibition consists of the work of two artists, Julie Meetal and Veronique Jonas, whose paintings and sculptures embody the searing effect of the Holocaust on their families and on the Jews of Europe during World War II.

Julie Meetal’s exhibition, “Out of Ashes,” is a series with 11 paintings, one large sculpture and three smaller pieces. The work directly reflects the Holocaust stories of her Hungarian parents and the larger fate of European Jews.

Veronique Jonas’ series of 12 paintings, entitled “The Color of Memory,” poetically envisions the experience of her family and the Jewish community on the Greek island of Rhodes.

The artists employ differing styles to achieve their aims. Meetal paints imaginatively, creating a dreamlike nexus of figures, symbols, and saturated color, while Jonas paints with a heightened realism to depict the buildings of the Jewish quarter of Rhodes.

For Meetal and Jonas, their art expresses the personal and emotional repercussions of the Holocaust for their parents and for themselves. Through their eyes, the viewer is able to understand the Holocaust not just as history, but as the story of real families and specific individuals. These artists give us both the facts of memory and its ineffable color of loss and remembrance. Meetal and Jonas want the testimony of their art to refute those who try to deny the Holocaust, and to awaken all of us to the threat of genocide around the world today.

Both artists live in the Dallas area and created the work in this exhibition independently. In 2005, when they were both participating in an exhibition in Israel, they found each other engaged in the same mission, and joined together to create the exhibition, “The Color of Memory: Art by Two Daughters of the Holocaust.”

Ticket prices are $6 for adults and $4 for students under 18, seniors, active military and groups of 15 or more. Prices include the Holocaust Museum exhibit, audio guide and “Color of Memory” art show. For more information, please contact the Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance at 214-741-7500 or go to www.colorofmemory.com.

Melton alumni to graduate, celebrate

At graduation on June 3, the Honu Frankel chapter of the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School Alumni Association of Dallas will be launched. The celebration will allow family members and graduates to come together to celebrate Honu’s life and commitment to high-quality adult Jewish education. Honoring Honu’s memory and love of learning, her family worked closely with Rachelle Weiss-Crane and Annie Glickman to create this lasting tribute. The funds contributed will provide for tuition assistance, faculty development, guest speakers and other important initiatives in Dallas which will sustain the Mini School for years to come.

For more information, contact Annie Glickman at 214-239-7140 or aglickman@jccdallas.org.

Akiba Academy celebrates its educational future: Mark Stolovitsky signs long-term contract as head of school

Three-and-a-half years ago, Akiba Academy was facing many challenges — moving onto to a new campus and transitioning to a new set of administrators and a newly-hired head of school. While remaining true to its core Modern Orthodox values and mission, Akiba Academy is stronger and more confident than ever before. ”We have seen our academic program, as well as the quality of administrative and teaching staff, rise to levels of excellence unprecedented in our school’s history,” said Elizabeth Liener, president of the board of trustees. “The culture at Akiba is positive, open and constructive. As a result, students and families genuinely enjoy being at our school and understand the value and beauty of the education we are providing. The numbers tell the story — during these past few years, we have grown nearly 30 percent in enrollment, while retention levels are at an all-time high. A recent third-party school assessment affirms the vibrancy and strength of our educational culture.”

The Board of Trustees of Akiba has announced that Mark Stolovitsky signed a long-term contract, remaining at the helm of Akiba Academy for at least another four years.

A law graduate of McGill University in Montreal, “Mar S.”, as he is known to his students, was admitted to the Quebec Bar in 1981. Following graduate studies in history of Jewish interpretation at McGill, he obtained a master’s degree in educational policy and administration from the University of Calgary.

His solid background in administration, financial management, marketing and institutional advancement provide the strength required to build cohesive team unity and integrity. His teaching skills give him the insightful ability to present Judaism meaningfully to students.

Under his direction, Akiba has also recently extended long-term agreements with the following key personnel: business manager Nancy Skinner, a 15-year veteran at Akiba; Dr. Beverly Millican, director of general studies, who came on board at the same time as Mark Stolovitsky; Rabbi Zev Silver, who leads the Judaic studies faculty; and Jordana Bernstein, director of early childhood education.

“The dynamic spirit of Mr. Stolovitsky has moved Akiba from a point of uncertainty and challenge to a position of strength and unlimited possibilities. His comprehensive experience and talents as an educator and a leader serve him well as he continues to effectively grow our school within the framework of our values and our mission. We are incredibly fortunate to have a head of school with his level of commitment, energy and vision,” Mrs. Liener added.

In May, as part of the Scholarship Raffle and Dinner event, Akiba will “Celebrate its Educational Future” with a special tribute to faculty and staff. For more information about Akiba, or to arrange for a tour, please contact Mireille Brisebois-Allen at 214-295-3400, mallen@akibaacademy.org.

Swing into summer with Equity Bank’s End of Schoolyear Bash!

Come show off your putting skills at the first annual Equity Bank End of Schoolyear Bash! Enter in the miniature golf tournament or help sponsor a child player. All proceeds from the tournament and event will go to the Gladys Golman/Faye Dallen Education Fund (GGFDEF), a charitable foundation that provides training for preschool, day-school and religious-school teachers on the educational challenges of teaching children with learning differences. A buffet including kosher offerings will also be featured along with a driving range and batting cages.

The tournament will be held at Top Golf in Dallas, at the northwest corner of Park Lane and Abrams, on Saturday, May 18, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Sponsors include Equity Bank, Waldman Bros., Glazer’s Distributors, Current Energy, the Zweig Family, the Sol Levine Family, Rich Hippie, Ed and Jill Sedacca, Sheila and Jeff Chapman, Bonnie and Jeff Whitman, Michael and Jane Hurst, Kahn Mechanical, Carol and Steve Aaron, Martin and Susan Golman, Stan and Barbara Levenson, Harold and Ida Ann Zweig, David and Lauren Zweig, Bennett and Marion Glazer, Insurance Partners Southwest, Trevor and Elaine Pearlman, Levy and Sons Plumbing, Baxter Brinkmann and Lisa Stout, and Brown McCarroll.

The Gladys Golman/Faye Dallen Education Fund (GGFDEF) was created by Louis and Robin Zweig in honor of their son David, who has Asperger’s syndrome. The GGFDEF was started in September 2007 with the vision to provide educational resources for Dallas-area preschool, day-school, and religious-school teachers so that they, and their students with learning differences, could fulfill their educational responsibilities and needs. The fund finances educational seminars and training days, and focuses on helping teachers and religious-school leaders develop classroom strategies for learning differences such as autism, Asperger’s syndrome, ADD/ADHD, dyslexia and other neurological disorders.

To date, the fund has sponsored and facilitated five training sessions in which 100 area teachers have gone through two-hour training sessions that introduce and explain the neurological disorders which affect our children today.

The fund is establishing a resource center in the Tycher Library at the Jewish Community Center of Dallas, where parents, students, and teachers can access the latest information about neurological disorders, learn best practices and develop strategies to foster success.

Federation’s Jewish Education Department presents scholar Rabbi Marvin Tokayer

The Dallas Jewish community is delighted to welcome scholar Rabbi Marvin Tokayer, an internationally renowned expert on the Jewish experience in the Far East, to our city from May 2 to May 11.

Rabbi Tokayer will speak and teach across a wide swath of Jewish Dallas. Congregational visits include Shaare Tefilla, Temple Emanu-El and Anshai Torah. He will also visit with school-age children as well as adult learners at the Melton Mini School. In the community-at-large, he is scheduled to teach a seminar for teachers at the Holocaust Museum; visit SMU’s Bridwell Library, repository of a 12th-century Torah written by Chinese Jews; and lead a Talmud class, focusing on Asian study of the Talmud.

The author of 33 books in Japanese and a guide for tours of Jewish life in the Far East, Rabbi Tokayer served as rabbi of the Jewish community of Japan from 1968 to 1981, where he also served as vice president of the Jewish communities of East Asia and the Pacific. He is co-author of “The Fugu Plan,” the heroic story of the European Jews who found haven in Japan and China during the Holocaust. He recently retired as rabbi of Cherry Lane Minyan in Great Neck, N.Y.

While in Dallas, Rabbi Tokayer will participate in a diverse array of activities, including Sabbath afternoon study at Shaare Tefilla, an Orthodox synagogue; a Rosh Chodesh observance for women to commemorate the beginning of the month at Anshai Torah, a Conservative synagogue, and giving the Neustadt Lecture at Temple Emanu-El, a Reform temple.

Rabbi Tokayer’s visit is presented by the Jewish Education Department of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas and is sponsored by Frank and Helen Risch.

Those interested in attending one of Rabbi Tokayer’s lectures are asked to contact Melissa Bernstein at 214-239-7134 or mbernstein@jfgd.org.

Akiba Academy honored for noteworthy practices at Conference for Excellence in Jewish Education

A group of Akiba Academy of Dallas’ professional and lay leaders traveled to Boston last week to attend the Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education (PEJE) Assembly for Jewish Day Schools. Over 1300 representatives from 265 schools were “Linked for Learning, Positioned for Growth” over the span of two days of content-rich seminars, enhanced through the use of innovative meeting practices such as World Café Conversations.

Keynote addresses from Pat Bassett, president of the National Association of Independent Schools, and Israeli statesman Natan Sharansky were the highlights of evening programming. Sharansky delivered a passionate message about the importance of one’s identity and the role played by Jewish day schools in this affirmation. Through moving anecdotes culled from pivotal, life-altering events, Sharansky passionately inspired this important gathering of Jewish educators and innovators.

This biennial conference also marked the debut of PEJE’s Marketing Awards initiative, designed to recognize Jewish day schools which have demonstrated exemplary practices in the area of marketing. Over 200 entries were considered and Akiba Academy was recognized for Excellence in Data Collection and Analysis, Responsiveness to Parents’ Needs with its Electronic Newsletter, and materials developed for Fundraising, Annual Campaigns. All winning entries are now part of PEJE’s community of marketing practices, and shared electronically with Jewish day schools across the U.S., Canada and other participating countries.

Revitalized from this infusion of knowledge, expertise and innovative practices in all areas responsible for Jewish day school growth and success, Akiba Academy is now, more than ever, poised to “Celebrate its Educational Future,” the theme of this year’s Scholarship Event and Faculty Tribute on May 15. That evening, Akiba will honor current faculty and staff members who exemplify best practices by delivering excellence in Judaic and general studies education every day. A special memento will be awarded to Akiba employees who have contributed to Akiba’s success for the last five years and longer.
Second Annual Passover Restaurant at the J

The “J” will be the scene of its Second Annual Passover Restaurant on Thursday, April 24, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Zale Auditorium, 7900 Northaven Road. The evening will include a delicious meal, great activities and fun for all the children.

Best of all, there’s no fuss, no muss and no cleaning! Fees for the evening and program are: adults, $15; children (2–12 years old), $10. Reservations and payment must be received by Tuesday, April 22. For more information, or to make a reservation, call 214-739-2737.≠

Daniel Bonner among 250 high school seniors that make a difference
Daniel Bonner, an outstanding senior from Yavneh Academy of Dallas, has demonstrated the academic excellence, school leadership and community involvement to earn a finalist spot in the 20th class of the Coca-Cola Scholars program. Bonner was selected as a finalist from a field of approximately 2,000 semifinalists by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and will start college next fall with the help of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of North Texas and the Coca-Cola Company. Including the 20th class of scholars designated in 2008, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation will have provided more than 4,000 young scholars nationwide with more than $35 million since the Foundation’s inception.

Bonner is one of 250 high school seniors selected nationwide to compete for a cash scholarship from the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. On April 24, he will join other finalists as they travel to Atlanta, the headquarters of the Coca-Cola Company, for the Scholars Weekend to compete for 50 four-year college scholarships of $20,000 and 200 four-year scholarships of $10,000. Over the four-day weekend, the finalists will interview with a National Selection Committee, tour the city, meet with former Coca-Cola Scholars and participate in a range of activities including a community service project. Additionally, the 2008 class of Coca-Cola Scholars will be recognized at a banquet hosted by the Coca-Cola System, educators, local dignitaries and friends of the Scholars Foundation.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is one of the most-recognized and respected corporate-sponsored scholarships in America. The foundation was created in 1986 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Coca-Cola and to establish a legacy for the education of tomorrow’s leaders through college scholarships. The program is open to all high school seniors in the United States from 26,000 high schools. Coca-Cola Scholars come from all 50 states and more than one-third are minorities.

SMU tribute to Simon Sargon
The Meadows Wind Ensemble will present a 70th birthday tribute to Simon Sargon, renowned contemporary composer, pianist and professor at SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts, with guest performers including the Meadows Symphony Orchestra and Dallas Opera baritone John Sauvey. The concert will feature six of Sargon’s original compositions, including the world premiere of a piece written for the occasion. The concert will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, in Caruth Auditorium in the Owen Arts Center, 6101 Bishop Blvd. on the SMU campus. Tickets are $13 for adults, $10 for seniors and $7 for students, SMU faculty and staff. Free parking is available at Hillcrest and Binkley or in the garage under the Meadows Museum. To purchase tickets, call 214-768-2787.

The program will showcase the composer’s musical diversity, from classical to jazz, from comic to serious, based on themes ranging from war memories to nature to fairy tales. The concert opens with the world premiere of “Lift Off,” which was specially commissioned for the Meadows Wind Ensemble by its conductor, Jack Delaney. Inspired by the crashing of waves against a cliff along the Pacific shore, the piece suggests a soaring flight into gravity-less space. The work is followed by “After the Vietnam War,” a cycle of seven songs for baritone and orchestra written in 1984. The text consists of poems written by Vietnam veterans about their experiences. It will be performed by members of the Meadows Symphony Orchestra with John Sauvey.

The pace changes with the next work, “Dusting Around with Scott’s Rag” (1993), a jazzy, humorous variation on Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer.” It will be performed by the Meadows Wind Ensemble and flute soloist Kathryn Martin.

Following a brief intermission, the Wind Ensemble returns for “Rap Sessions,” a showcase for solo trumpet and solo trombone that it commissioned in 2003. Trumpeter Durango Ruiz and trombonist James Layfield will be featured.
This piece is followed by “The World of Anatevka,” based on authentic folk melodies of Jewish villages of Eastern Europe and Russia which were wiped out in the Holocaust. Sargon said, “These melodies express the deep emotions, the profound love of life and the basic universal concerns of the vibrant people who once lived in these communities and are now no more.”

The concert concludes with “The Town Musicians of Bremen,” a breezy and lighthearted work based on the Grimm fairy tale. Sargon composed the piece in 2002 to celebrate the birth of his first grandchild, Juliana. Michael Blayney (Juliana’s father) will serve as narrator, and choreography by SMU dance students will be featured.

Synaplex Shabbat
at Temple Shalom
The community is cordially invited to celebrate Shabbat at Temple Shalom’s Synaplex Shabbat, Saturday, April 5, 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m., and to share in an array of choices including services, classes and activities for every age and every member of the family. The event — free, open to the community, no reservations necessary — will be ushered in with a Synaplex Jewbilee, a coming together of rhythm and song before everyone participates in a myriad of classes and interests.

Beginning at 10, the series of programs includes:
Rabbi Brian Zimmerman will present “Pump Up The Seder: How to Lead a Great Seder with Kids from K-12.”
Dennis Eichelbaum, attorney at law, will discuss: “Parents’ and Students’ Rights in Public Schools.”
“Unlocking the Secrets of our New Prayer Book: Mishkan T’fillah” will be facilitated by Rabbi Jeremy Schneider.
“Baking for Passover” will be demonstrated by Ed Brandt of Ed’s Deli.

Attorney Rich Reister will discuss “Estate Planning: Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail.”

Rabbi Jeffrey Leynor will present “Separating Belief and Fact.” (How do we reconcile tradition and science?)
“A Taste of Rosh Chodesh” will be offered by Rivka Arad, Allison Harding and Jill Weinberg.

“Scrabble” will be available all morning for all ages, supervised by Sandy Poulin.

“Mah Jongg,” teaching and practice, will take place all morning with Pat Jortner.

“Texas Hold’em” will be facilitated by Amir Arad and Aric Stock from 10 to noon.

From 11 a.m. to noon, Rabbi Brian Zimmerman will present “Don’t Just Skip to the End and Eat: Dynamic Discussions for a Great Seder.”

During the same time frame: Dr. Pam Garcy, author, will discuss her newest book, “The Power of Inner Guidance: Seven Steps to Tune In and Turn On.”

Stephanie Comfort will escort participants on “A Journey to the Exotic Land of North Africa.” Your senses will come alive with the taste, aroma, music and art of Morocco.

Azhar Azeez and Rabbi Jeremy Schneider will present “Children of Abraham: Jews and Muslims in Conversation.”
Gil Elan will facilitate “Israel Update,” late-breaking news of Israel.

“Feeding the Jewish 101” is a stand-up comic offering by Ed Brandt.

“Whom Does God Choose and Why?” is the profound question to be posed by Rabbi Jeffrey Leynor.

A festive lunch will be served at noon, followed by additional entertainment:

From 1 to 2 p.m., Rabbi Andrew Paley will review the book, “The Yiddish Policemen’s Union.”

Cantor Don Croll and Eli Davidsohn will perform a program of Chassidic music.

The activity menu for students includes “Jerusalem Jewelry Making,” “Create Your Own Matzah Cover,” “Build a City in Israel with Legos,” “Jewish Guitar Hero,” “Football and Basketball,” “Who Wants To Be A Jewish Millionaire” and “Games, Games, Games.”

For more information on Synaplex Shabbat at Shalom, please contact Rivka Arad, director of Life Long Learning, at rarad@templeshalomdallas.org.

AJCommittee welcomes
Ellen Avraham
Welcome to American Jewish Committee’s newest staff member, Ellen Avraham! Ellen, who recently joined the Dallas chapter, brings with her a wealth of experience. She has served as the deputy director of public relations and later as the regional coordinator with the Join Distribution Committee in Israel, as well as occupied the role of public information officer for the Consulate General of Israel in Boston, Mass. Ellen is in the U.S. with her two children and husband, Eli Avraham, who is the Schusteman visiting professor at the University of North Texas.

Akiba celebrates its
educational future
Three and a half years ago, Akiba Academy was facing many challenges — moving onto to a new campus and transitioning to a new set of administrators and a newly-hired head of school, just to name a few.

“We have seen our academic program, as well as the quality of administrative and teaching staff, rise to levels of excellence unprecedented in our school’s history,” said Elizabeth Liener, president of the board of trustees. “The culture at Akiba is positive, open and constructive. As a result, students and families enjoy being at our school and understand the value and beauty of the education we are providing. The numbers tell the story. During these past few years, we have grown nearly 30 percent in enrollment, while retention levels are at an all-time high. A recent third-party school assessment affirms the vibrancy and strength of our educational culture.”

The board of trustees of Akiba Academy recently announced that Mark Stolovitsky signed a long-term contract, remaining at the helm of Akiba Academy for at least another four years.

A law graduate of McGill University in Montreal, Mark S., as he is known to his students, was admitted to the Quebec Bar in 1981. Following graduate studies in history of Jewish interpretation at McGill, he obtained a master’s degree in educational policy and administration from the University of Calgary.

His solid background in administration, financial management, marketing and institutional advancement provide the strength required to build cohesive team unity and integrity. His teaching skills give him the insightful ability to present Judaism meaningfully to students.

Under his direction, Akiba has also recently extended long-term agreements with the following key personnel: business manager Nancy Skinner, a 15-year veteran at Akiba; Dr. Beverly Millican, director of general studies, who came on board at the same time as Stolovitsky; Rabbi Zev Silver, who leads the Judaic studies faculty; and Jordana Bernstein, director of early childhood education.

“The dynamic spirit of Mr. Stolovitsky has moved Akiba from uncertainty and challenge to strength and unlimited possibilities. His comprehensive experience and talents as an educator and a leader serve him well as he continues to grow our school within the framework of our values and our mission. We are incredibly fortunate to have a head of school with his level of commitment, energy and vision,” Mrs. Liener added.

In May, as part of the Scholarship Raffle and Dinner event, Akiba will celebrate its educational future with a special tribute to faculty and staff. For more information about Akiba, or to arrange for a tour, please contact Mireille Brisebois-Allen at 214-295-3400, mallen@akibaacademy.org.

Hatikva 6 performs at Beth Torah
Congregation Beth Torah was transformed into a Tel Aviv nightclub on Sunday, March 23, as the Israeli rock-reggae band Hatikva 6 performed before an enthusiastic crowd of 250. The popular quartet, whose song “If I Meet God” has been nominated for Song of the Year in Israel, stopped in Richardson as part of a six-week U.S. tour sponsored by Israel at Heart. During their stay in Dallas, band members also toured local attractions, spoke to students at Levine Academy and were guests at a reception sponsored by SMU Hillel. Pictured l-r: Shelly Glikman, Ron Linial, Omri Glikman, Ido Lederman.

Around the Town with Rene
Federation allocates $8,600 to Taglit-birthright israel

Taglit-birthright israel received an allocation of $8,600 from Federation’s 2007 Campaign to ensure the continued existence of the Jewish people by strengthening Jewish identity, Jewish communities and solidarity with Israel. Birthright israel has been increasing the annual number of Jews visiting Israel by providing the gift of first-time educational trips to Israel for thousands of Jewish young adults, mostly unaffiliated with any Jewish community. Thus far, over 150,000 young adults, ages 18–26, have participated in this first-time peer-group educational trip of 10 days.

Research continues to show that a visit to Israel relatively early in life is one of the most effective ways to maintain Jewish identity and continuity. Participants in past birthright trips report consistently stronger feelings about “connection to local Jewish community, to Jewish history, to worldwide Jewry and to Israel.” Major goals being accomplished by birthright israel include:

• Making a significant difference in the lives of young Jews between the ages of 18 and 26

• Making a meaningful difference in the relationship between Israel and Jewish communities

• Offering tools to broaden the basis of Jewish education

On a recent birthright trip, one of our Tarrant County college students, Jared Snow, remarked, “The highlight of the trip had to be our visit to the Western Wall. Returning home, I knew I would always look back at this 10-day journey as one that helped me strengthen my Jewish roots and establish a true affinity towards Israel.”

For more information about Taglit-birthright israel or how to take advantage of this free experience in Israel, contact Federation Executive Director Mort House or Mona Karten at the Federation, 817-569-0892.

Taglit-birthright israel is only one of 47 recipient organizations which received allocations from the Federation’s 2007 Annual Campaign. Please support Campaign 2008 by contacting Mort or Mona at the Federation. Your support makes a difference in the lives of thousands of people and will make a difference in your life as well.

Five previous presidents of University Democrats at UT–Austin open Dobie office for Barack Obama

The past five presidents of University Democrats at UT–Austin have come together to open and manage an office in Dobie Mall for the Barack Obama campaign to help with get-out-the-vote efforts on campus and in student living areas. Recognizing Sen. Obama’s ability to energize the youth and college vote and his willingness to change the political atmosphere in Washington, the presidents are managing this public venue to help win Texas.

The past five presidents (and their presidential terms and contact) represent students from across the state of Texas:

• Marcus Ceniceros, El Paso (Fall 2004–Spring 2005), 915-383-2800

• Alex Hunt, Corpus Christi (Fall 2005), 361-533-1842

• Brandon Chicotsky, Fort Worth (Spring 2006), 817-800-1798

• Nick Chu, Grapevine (Fall 2006–Spring 2007), 817-773-6905

• Ben Trotter, Wichita Falls (Fall 2007), 940-631-0095

“We intend for this office to be the premier venue for students to phone-bank, take on campus visibility and get students to vote,” the past presidents said. “Sen. Obama has done a tremendous amount to mobilize the youth and get them excited about the political process; now it’s our turn to do our part. Barack Obama is a once-in-a-generation kind of politician and has the ability to shape the next generation of voters. We want his vision for America to come to fruition. This office will make that possible.”

University Democrats does not endorse presidential candidates as a group, but this group of student leaders felt it necessary to take their support to campus. The five previous presidents are ready to offer campus the opportunity to help Sen. Obama win the Democratic nomination and help press toward his victory in November.

“All five previous presidents have spent countless hours helping the Democratic Party and we will use our experience and resources to help Barack Obama win the nomination. This is our best effort yet.”

‘Daytimers’ hear Tamás Ungár

Over 60 “Daytimers” were impressed by a performance, last Wednesday, by pianist Tamás Ungár, executive director of Piano Texas Festival and member of the TCU piano faculty.

Dr. Ungár gave the “Daytimers” an intimate look behind the scenes to learn how a piece of classical music is constructed, and the various themes and keys developed. Roz Rosenthal commented at the “Daytimers” committee meeting what an impressive and educational program it was. Committee members thanked Rosanne and Bill Margolis for working the door, and Al and Sylvia Wexler for managing the luncheon buffet table.

Next event for the “Daytimers” will be a trip to the Amon Carter Museum to see the exhibit, “Intimate Modernism: Fort Worth Circle Artists in the 1940s.” Following a docent-guided tour of the exhibit, the group will gather in the Carter Members’ Lounge for lunch catered by Ol’ South Pancake House.

Lunch and museum tour are $8/person. Guests have a choice of kosher salami, turkey breast or tuna salad sandwich. All include chips and cookie, soft drink or bottled water. Or guests may attend for just the tour for $3.

For reservations for “Daytimers” events, call Barbara Rubin, 817-927-2736, or Sylvia Wexler, 817-294-1129, or checks can be mailed to Daytimers, Jewish Federation, 4049 Kingsridge Road, Fort Worth, TX 76109. The Sylvia Wolens “Daytimers” is a program of Congregation Beth-El with financial support from the Jewish Federation.

Lili Feingold presentation set for March 16

Paul H. Lewis tells the TJP that Lili Feingold, who was unable to keep her December commitment, because of an electronics failure, to speak to JWV has been booked for a return engagement on Sunday, March 16 at the JCC at 9:30 a.m. She talked to JWV members and their Ladies’ Auxiliary on June 27, 2004 when she showed ink and watercolor drawings done by her father, à la Bill Mauldin in style.

Lili will show a recording of the historic flight over Auschwitz by the Israeli Air Force in 2004. Among those attending the ceremony on the ground were Al Weber, who bombed one of the Auschwitz buildings in 1944, and Yitzhak Cohen, who was in Auschwitz at the time of the bombing. Cohen is a Holocaust survivor who lives in Israel.

Bernie Dworkin and Sig Liberman recommended Lili.

As usual, a lox and bagel breakfast will be served.

Lifesaver luncheon open to all

Herzl Hadassah will hold its annual Lifesaver Luncheon on Wednesday, March 12 at10 a.m. in the Senior Assembly Room at the Aaron Family JCC.

A delicious baked salmon/noodle kugel Lunch with salad, vegetable and dessert, all for $15, will be served. In addition to lunch, included in the cost is a donation to Hadassah Medical Center and one raffle ticket. Additional raffle tickets for great prizes are priced at six for $5.

Reservations must be made by March 7. Please call Mary Ruback, 972-239-1586

BBYO dedicates Phase 1 of its ‘Bricks for BBYO’ program

The Dallas-area B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO) will culminate Phase 1 of its “Bricks for BBYO” program on Sunday, March 9, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center of Dallas, located at 7900 Northaven Road.

The program will help support Dallas-area BBYO’s annual budget and help continue to provide the quality programming and leadership development that has been a tradition for many years.

“Bricks for BBYO” is an opportunity for parents, alumni, advisors, current members and corporate sponsors to purchase a personally engraved brick that will be mounted on the walls outside the BBYO office area. Sherrie Stalarow, BBYO senior executive regional director, said that “these bricks will serve as a permanent testament to what BBYO has meant to the generations of teens who were and are members of BBYO in addition to the organization’s impact on the entire Dallas area Jewish community.”

Phase 1 raised over $10,000. Alissa Goodman, Dallas area BBYO adult board chair, said that “support for the program has been amazing” and that “Phase 2 is expected to exceed Phase 1’s results in a relatively short amount of time.”

The event will also include recognition of staff member Sharon Baron, who is retiring after 29 years of service. Stalarow added that “Sharon, who was the rock of the organization here in Dallas, will be greatly missed by both the professional staff and the kids.”

Stalarow asks that friends of BBYO who would like to contribute to Phase 2 call the BBYO office at 214-363-4654. The office will e-mail the order form to compose a personalized message. RSVPs for the dedication can be made through Alex Aronoff, Dallas director, at aaronoff@bbyo.org.

BBYO is known as the largest and most effective provider of identity-building and leadership development programs for Jewish teens. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., BBYO encompasses over 40 regions across North America, as well as Central and South America, Europe, Israel, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. It includes more than 130 employees and over 800 volunteer advisors. BBYO has helped thousands of Dallas-area Jewish teens for over 50 years.

Protect yourself against identity theft

Bnai Zion and Congregation Tiferet Israel will be co-hosts when the United States Secret Service (a branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security) presents “How to Avoid Identity Theft in Your Business and Personal Life.” The program will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 7 to 9 p.m., at Tiferet Israel, 10909 Hillcrest Road.

A Q&A will follow the presentation. Those attending will receive a 46-page reference book that includes vital information prepared by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. A $10 donation is requested. To register, call Avrille Harris Cohen, 972-918-9200.

Beth-El Congregation Race for the Cure Education Night to feature Dr. Robyn Young

Beth-El’s Women of Reform Judaism will present experts on the cutting edge of research and treatment for breast cancer to answer your questions at a Race for the Cure Education Night. This panel is free and open to anyone in the Jewish community.

Dr. Robyn Young is a medical oncologist, focusing her practice solely on breast cancer. She is the director of the Breast Center at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders in Fort Worth. WRJ is teaming Dr. Young with Sarah Pirzadeh, MS, CGC, a genetic counselor working at the Moncrief Cancer Resource Center.

If you have a family history of breast cancer or wonder what the genetic risks might be for you and your children, you should know that many women who get breast cancer have no family history of the disease. Education is your best defense against breast cancer!

The program will be held on Wednesday. March 5, 6–8 p.m. at Beth-El, 4900 Briarhaven Road, Fort Worth.

Seating and food are limited to people who RSVP by March 1. RSVPs should be made to Roberta Gerrick, robertasboutique@aol.com.

Women’s event at Ahavath Sholom

I have it on good firsthand authority from my No. 1 daughter, Linda Wisch Davidsohn of Dallas, that you are in for a special treat when Naomi Ackerman presents “Celebrate Jewish Women’s History Month with ‘Flowers Aren’t Enough.’”

The program will be held at Congregation Ahavath Sholom on Monday, March 3. The women’s event is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County with financial support from the Dan Danciger/Fort Worth Hebrew Day School Supporting Foundation.

Lunch will be served at 11:45 a.m. with the program following at 12:15 p.m.

Fees are $18 per person for luncheon and program or $10 per person for program only. Your check or charge is your reservation. Reservations for the lunch, program or babysitting, using your credit card, should be made immediately by calling the Federation office, 817-569-0892. Please make checks payable to the Jewish Federation and send to 4049 Kingsridge, Fort Worth, TX 76109.

“Flowers Aren’t Enough” is the brainchild of Naomi Ackerman. In 1998, she was invited to do a program on domestic violence for a group under the auspices of Israel’s welfare ministry. Instead of a standard lecture on the topic, Naomi created an original monologue based on interviews with abused women at a shelter in Jerusalem. Since that time she has performed this program in Israel, the United States, Australia and many other places.

Ms. Ackerman holds a B.A. from Hebrew University and teaching credentials from the David Yellin Teachers Seminary in Israel. With stage credits in drama and musicals as well as television and film, she is also a professional clown and stilt walker. Currently she specializes in conflict resolution, working to promote peace between Arabs and Israelis. Her most recent project is “Women’s Voices,” a show featuring stories about Middle Eastern women. For more information go to www.naomiackerman.com.

Committee members include Terri Kravetz, Linda Hoffman and Susan Fine.

Busy winter for the Sherwins

For Daniel and Blanca Sherwin and their families, this Chanukah was not only a celebration of lights this winter but also a celebration of the two lives that came into theirs. The arrival of twin boys, Seth Isaac and Matthew Louis, on Nov. 30 ushered in a month of celebration. Blanca delivered her dos candelitas just before Chanukah’s ocho
candelitas.

Earlier that month, on Nov. 16, the Texas A&M University Texas Engineering Extension Service program along with the Mansfield Police Department honored Blanca for being an “Outstanding Instructor.” She is a commissioned peace officer and state certified instructor with the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement, Officer Standards and Education. Her award was sponsored by U.S. Senator John Cornyn, who provided the grant for training, and presented by Director Tom Sheehan of the Texas Engineering Extension Service. Blanca is recognized for providing outstanding training in Spanish for emergency responders and delivering the course to over 800 police officers in the state of Texas. She set up 44 classes throughout Texas. The training has helped police officers learn Spanish and understand the Hispanic community.

As if that wasn’t enough to celebrate, Dan Sherwin was promoted to patrol sergeant by the Mansfield Police Department on Dec. 12. The winter celebrating continued with the brit milah of Matthew and Seth on Dec. 23. Rabbi Alberto Zeilicovich of Congregation Ahavath Sholom officiated and Dr. Al Faigin, president of Ahavath Sholom, was honored as the mohel. The ceremony concluded with a beautiful poem by proud Bubbe Felice Sherwin and a song dedicated to Matthew and Seth by their aunt, Hazzan Robbi Sherwin of Austin. Blanca presented handmade coffee mugs with actual prints of the twins’ feet on them to Richard Ondrizek, M.D. of Burleson, Al Faigin, D.O. of Fort Worth, Dr. Gwen Tang of Arlington, Kevin Doody, M.D. of Bedford and Dr. Carole Rogers of Jewish Family Services in Fort Worth. Blanca recognized all the doctors for having a part in the healthy development and delivery of Matthew and Seth.

Happily kvelling over the twins are grandparents Ken and Felice Sherwin of Fort Worth, and Margo and Cliff Constable of Willow Park.

For more information on Spanish courses or classes, go to Blanca’s Web site, www.blancasherwin.com.

Bogarts in the news

My friend Herbie Bogart tells me that he and Libby made it to their 25th anniversary last Nov. 20; daughter Erin had a second son, James Elliot Scott, last August; and daughter Shawn has moved to Austin and is head cookie decorator for a notable bakery by the name of Quack’s. Shawn has been mentioned in two recent news articles. She was written up in the Austin paper last October for her Halloween cookies, and then again on an Austin American Statesman blog for her election cookies. She is also making cookies for an Obama campaign event sponsored by a women’s group that supports him.

The Austin American Statesman Feb. 19 edition said:

“Shawn Blythe and Art Silver show off the cookies that are serving as ballots in a Hillary/Obama cookie poll being conducted at Quack’s 43rd Street Bakery in Hyde Park. If you like Hillary, you buy a cookie with an H, and if you favor Obama, you buy the O cookie. Blythe, the bakery’s cookie decorator, said that, as of Tuesday afternoon, Obama had a 37-21 cookie lead. Silver, who owns the bakery, says they’re just doing this for fun. There is, however, a cookie poll tax. Each cookie costs $1.50. Vote early and often, and don’t forget to wash it down with milk.

“‘Political shortbread cookies, Hillary or Obama, your choice $1.50,’ says the sign in the cookie case. You’ve got cookies decorated with red or blue H’s or O’s. You vote by buying cookies. The poll started Monday.

“‘We did it really as a fun thing to generate some interest,’ said Art Silver, the bakery’s owner, who isn’t leaning one way or another. ‘We haven’t heard anything negative, and this is an opinionated neighborhood. So if they don’t like something, they’ll let you know.’”

Ahavath Sholom donor dinner a success

The Ladies Auxiliary of Congregation Ahavath Sholom held a very successful donor dinner Friday evening, Feb. 15. Suzie Humphries, a noted Texas celebrity, entertained the audience with anecdotes about her life. She was warm, funny and totally delightful. The Mediterranean-themed dinner, prepared by the hard-working kitchen crew, was delicious. The courses never ended. The dolmas, hummus, soup, kabobs, baked apples, baklava, etc., were all wonderful. For those who requested recipes, they are in the process of being copied and will be made available in the near future. Many thanks to volunteers Elsie Blum, Rose Sankary, Bessie Bodzy, Diane Oberstein, Bootsie Coggan and Graciela Zeilicovich. Their cooking skills and dedication to CAS seem to know no bounds! Thanks also to Maria Loya for her hard work. The new table linens were a beautiful addition and added to the ambience of the Brachman Parlor. Thanks to all for making the event a success.

Jewish soul music

Rabbi Moshe Cotel, who will be presented in “A Jewish Life at the Classical Piano” concert at Congregation Ahavath Sholom, 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28, is a composer/pianist who presents an uplifting, unique mix of classical piano and personal stories. His is unlike any other performance work, sermon or lecture. Rabbi Cotel draws you into his lessons as a masterful storyteller and artist. His presentation is humorous and uplifting. The companion piece to each lesson serves as a reflective pond that embellishes the meaning of the lesson. The music content mirrors each lesson. The accompanying piece is not an afterthought but is equal and integral to the lesson.

Cotel has received annual ASCAP awards since 1975 and is a Fellow of the American Academy in Rome. His works have been produced by major performance organizations in the United States, as well as foreign agencies including Radiotelevisione Italiana and the Israeli Broadcasting Authority. He has been the recipient of numerous awards and grants such as National Endowment for the Arts, American Music Center and Meet the Composer, and his works have been played and broadcast throughout the world. His music has been published by Transcontinental Music and Israeli Music Institute as well as Midbar Music Press, his own imprimatur. For many years he was chair of the Composition Department of the Peabody Conservatory of Music of Johns Hopkins University. He has been listed in “Who’s Who in American Music,” “International Who’s Who in Music” and “Who’s Who in World Jewry.”

A dessert reception will follow the concert. A $3 donation will be appreciated. Children are free.

This event is co-sponsored by Congregation Ahavath Sholom, the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, and Rose and Al Sankary.

Rabbi Cotel will also perform in Dallas on March 1 at 5 p.m.

Beth-El to feature three thought-provoking, entertaining, dynamic speakers on Live from NY’s 92nd St. Y

Beth-El Congregation is pleased to announce the continuation of the Live from NY’s 92nd Street YTM program series for the Tarrant County community. The satellite broadcast program series features engaging, candid and provocative interactive discussions with today’s most compelling leaders, artists and authors. This spring’s speakers are no exception. Each program will feature a speaker and discussion from the local area immediately following the broadcast. And if the speakers are not enough to entice you, a delicious dessert buffet will be served during each program. A $3 suggested donation is appreciated and all are welcome. This program is made possible though the generous support of Beth-El Congregation and the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County.

Starting on March 4 at Beth-El is nationally-syndicated radio talk show host Dennis Prager, described in the Jewish Week as “one of the three most interesting minds in American Jewish life.” Prager offers compelling arguments in favor of Judaism, developed over many years of speaking to people from virtually every religion and culture. A popular radio talk show host since 1982, he is the author of “The Nine Questions People Ask About Judaism,” “Why the Jews?” “The Reason for Anti-Semitism” and “Happiness Is a Serious Problem.” He has been a columnist for Moment magazine for 20 years. Mort House, executive director of Jewish Federation of FWTC, will lead a post-broadcast discussion.

When she speaks on April 8 at Beth-El, political commentator Cokie Roberts will describe remarkable women who helped build our nation by facing challenges and becoming reformers and advocates for education, orphans and abolition. Roberts and her husband Steve write a weekly column syndicated in newspapers across the country. Her books “From This Day Forward,” which she co-wrote with her husband, and “We Are Our Mothers’ Daughters” were best-sellers.

Federation Director Mort House said, “We are excited to have Katie Sherrod, an independent writer, producer and commentator based in Fort Worth, to lead our post-discussion. Sherrod has won several awards in newspapers, radio and TV, including the Dallas Press Club Award for her 2001 PBS documentary “Freedman’s Cemetery Memorial: A Place of Healing,” narrated by Alfre Woodard, and the Exceptional Media Merit Award from the National Women’s Political Caucus. She was inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in 1987 for outstanding contributions in the field of communications, and named one of Fort Worth’s Outstanding Women in 1988 and Texas Woman of the Year in 1989.

Norman Lear, the creator and producer of Emmy Award-winning television series “All In the Family,” “Maude,” “Sanford and Son” and “The Jeffersons,” will be a Fort Worth guest on April 28. Lear is a pioneer of a genre of programming that addresses pressing social issues with unusual candor. He is the founder and chairman of Act III Communications, a multimedia holding company with interests in the recording, motion picture, broadcasting, publishing and licensing industries. In 1980, Lear formed People for the American Way, which defends constitutional freedoms.

Beth-El is proud to welcome two-time Emmy-Award winning writer, Richard Allen, to lead the discussion after the broadcast. Allen also serves as professor and chair of radio-television-film at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. The recipient of Emmy Awards in 2001 and 2002 as associate writer for CBS’s daytime drama, he is also a three-time Writers Guild Award nominee, and winner of a Soap Opera Award, a Media Access Award and the Environmental Media Award.

You can be part of the discussion. Experience community, here and nationally. Learn, listen and question. Together, we are one community dedicated to strengthening Jewish education.

Beth Shalom golf tournament April 29 to benefit Komen Foundation

Scott Sherwin is a proud member of Congregation Beth Shalom in Arlington and serves on its board. Scott tells the TJP: “One of Judaism’s primary requirements is to the devotion of helping those in need through tzedakah (derived from the Hebrew tzedek, meaning “justice” or what is right). So, what better choice than devoting our efforts by way of the Susan G. Komen Foundation? To that end, we are sponsoring a golf tournament on April 29 at Mansfield Country Club. Though you may be involved or participating in other worthwhile events, there are still ways you can participate and support Beth Shalom’s worthy project.

“You might consider playing or gathering others for Shalom’s first-ever benefit golf tournament ($75 per player). Or, you could be a sponsor or a contributor.

“April 7 is the deadline for enrollment and contributions.”

‘JCC Without Walls’

The week of Feb. 3–10 was full of exciting speakers and activities for the “JCC Without Walls” program. On Monday, Feb. 4, David Saul talked to a group of 20 people about “The Split Between Early Christianity and Judaism.” The next evening, Sara Pirzadeh explained “Hereditary Cancer in the Jewish Population: What You Need to Know” to a small group. On Feb. 6, Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker spoke to a group of 15 about “Proving The Bible Through Archaeology or the Development of the Alef-Bet.” Also on Wednesday, Dr. Carole Rogers and Lynell Bond gave “Tips for The Sandwich Generation” to an intimate group. On Feb. 7, Rabbi Sidney Zimelman led 25 people in a discussion about “A Page of Talmud: Unraveling Its Mysteries.” Lastly, on Sunday, Feb. 10, over 30 people gathered to cheer on David Narrett and Louise Vermillion as they competed in “Are You Smarter than a Fifth-Grade Hebrew Student?” hosted by Steve Karten. Seven fifth-graders — Hannah Stansbury, Amanda Leventhal, Sarah Silverberg, Molly Karten, Aaron Lax, Ariella Listig, and Mallory Kleinman — helped both contestants to win an imaginary $1,000,000! Fun was had by all.

It was an informative and entertaining week. The events took place at Beth-El, Ahavath Sholom and Beth Shalom and involved participants from all of Tarrant County. It was truly a community-building experience. One program did have to be canceled — “Great Chefs of Tarrant County.” If you are interested in participating as a “chef” (if you like to cook and share your recipes with others), contact Mona Karten at the Federation at 817-569-0892. They may be able to put on this program later in the year.

This special event was sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County.

50th anniversary celebration of Van Cliburn’s win at the first Tchaikovsky Competition

The Van Cliburn Foundation has announced plans to honor pianist Van Cliburn on the 50th anniversary of his historic win at the first International Tchaikovsky Competition, which was held in Moscow in 1958 at the height of the Cold War. Cliburn’s anniversary will be celebrated on the great lawn of the Kimbell Art Museum on Saturday, March 1. United States President George W. Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin have both agreed to act as honorary chairmen for the gala event.

Van Cliburn was 23 when he traveled to Moscow to participate in the International Tchaikovsky Competition. Despite Cold War tensions, the Russian people received his performances with overwhelming enthusiasm throughout. His final round concert on April 11, 1958, included the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 and the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3. The international audience included Queen Elisabeth of Belgium and her daughter, Marie José, the last Queen of Italy, seated in the imperial box.

The awards were presented by Dmitri Shostakovich on April 14, and Van Cliburn received the coveted gold medal. Premier Nikita Khrushchev himself gave permission for the Soviet judges to award the first prize to Van Cliburn; even though he was an American, they considered him to be the best pianist.

At home, the victory was celebrated throughout the United States, and included the only New York ticker-tape parade ever bestowed on a classical musician, as well as the May 19, 1958, cover of Time magazine. Shortly thereafter,. Cliburn’s recording of the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 became the first classical LP in history to sell more than one million copies.

Van Cliburn has played for every U.S. president in office since 1958. Most famously, in 1987, he was invited to perform at the White House for Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev during their summit meeting to sign the INF Treaty. After the state dinner, he played a formal recital in the East Room, and for his last encore he surprised the political adversaries by playing “Moscow Nights” and singing along with the Soviet president and his wife. Columnist George Will stated that the day would be remembered as “the day the Cold War was lost.”

Cliburn’s position as unofficial cultural ambassador between East and West is further evidenced by the acceptance of Presidents Bush and Putin to serve as honorary chairmen of this year’s historic celebration. In 2003, when Cliburn was honored with the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom, Bush cited his contributions as an artist and unofficial ambassador for the United States, stating that he had “the continued respect of [his] peers and the lasting admiration of the American people.” Putin awarded Cliburn the prestigious Russian Order of Friendship in 2004 as “an acknowledgment of [his] major personal contribution to the development of Russian-American cultural ties.”

The gala celebration on the Kimbell lawn will be held in a conservatory-inspired custom tent, boasting red carpet, chandeliers, damask linens and large floral arrangements to replicate the décor found in one of Russia’s Grand Palaces. Former President and Mrs. George Herbert Walker Bush, former President Bill Clinton and Senator Hillary Clinton, Mrs. Tricia Nixon Cox, Mr. David Eisenhower and Mrs. Julie Nixon Eisenhower, Mrs. Gerald Ford, Ms. Luci Baines Johnson, Mrs. Ronald Reagan and Mrs. Lynda Johnson Robb will make the Presidents’ Honor Circle a distinctive part of the March 1 event.

“I am grateful for the honor my many friends of long standing have bestowed upon me in their desire to remember this 50th anniversary,” Cliburn remarked. “I vividly recall the details of my first trip to Russia as if it were yesterday. It has always been my feeling that great music evokes the same deeply felt emotions that run through all human beings: Americans, Russians and people of the rest of the world. Classical music truly is universal.”

Inspired by Cliburn’s extraordinary dedication and artistry, a group of Fort Worth music teachers and private citizens established the Van Cliburn Foundation and International Piano Competition in 1962. The competition is held every four years and is the most visible expression of the Van Cliburn Foundation’s commitment to the highest standards of musical achievement. Today, the competition is regarded as one of the world’s pre-eminent musical events. Continuing Van Cliburn’s legacy of tireless musical outreach worldwide, the Van Cliburn Foundation arranges for its winners to perform hundreds of engagements throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. It produces nationally and internationally broadcast television documentaries and syndicated radio programs, and streams the entire competition live on the Internet.

Around the Town

Tamás Ungár
FW Symphony a success at Carnegie Hall

One of my very good friends filled me in on the recent highly successful performance of the Fort Worth Symphony’s concert at Carnegie Hall in the Big Apple. The event was very well supported locally, with some 800 tickets purchased by Fort Worthians.

Among those at the Saturday evening performance were Gail Granek, Roz Rosenthal and granddaughter Ashlie and her fiancé, Mary Frances Antweil with her daughter, Julie Silverman of Albuquerque, N.M., and son and family Mark and Suzie Antweil and their daughter, Elexa, of Larchmont, N.Y. Julie, by the way, who had dinner with former ourtowner Becky Victor, brought personal greetings to Becky’s many friends here. Also Melinda and John Hayden (she’s the daughter of Sylvia and Al Wexler, and is a member of the FW Symphony staff). Others were Ellen and Bernie Appel, Marvin and Laurie Blum and daughter, Lizzie, a student at New York University. Marvin is a member of the Symphony board. Also New Yorkers, Michael and Natalya Gilbert, son and daughter-in-law of Cynthia and Burton Gilbert. The young Gilberts were concert guests of grandmother, Sara Betty Gilbert, who will celebrate her 90th birthday in March.

On Sunday, the Fort Worth Symphony performed the much loved “Peter and the Wolf” narrated in both Spanish and English by acclaimed actor John Lithgow. Glimpsed in the audience were Roz, Billy and Rosanne Rosenthal, Gail Granek and Leslie and James Gurland and their 5-year-old son, Ari, who is a special favorite of his Fort Worth “Tante” Dr. Carole Rogers. Welcome guest at the Rogers home earlier this week was mom, Anita Dellal of West Orange, N.J.

Suzie Humphrey on Ahavath Sholom schedule this Friday night

We mentioned last week that the dedicated trio of amazing women, Natalie Cohn, Hanna Hochster and Pearl Rubin, will be honored for their long association with the CAS Gift Shop at the Ladies Auxiliary Donor Dinner this Friday night following 6 p.m. Shabbat services at Ahavath Sholom. The program will also include the very talented and popular Suzie Humphrey, who during her 20 years as a radio and television talk show host has hobnobbed with movie stars and politicians and interviewed the great and “near-great.” One of her greatest accomplishments is that she is a breast cancer survivor and has helped other women go through the journey as she did. Late reservations can possibly still be made with Linda Lavi.

‘Daytimers’ to hear Tamás Ungár

The “Daytimers” are looking forward to a performance by pianist Tamás Ungár, executive director of Piano Texas Festival and member of the TCU piano faculty. The program is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 20, at noon, at Beth-El Congregation.

Dr. Ungár will give the “Daytimers” an intimate look behind the scenes to learn how he and his students prepare for a performance. He has earned worldwide acclaim for his powerful performances and innovative programming. A regular guest artist at numerous music centers in the United States, he also performs and teaches frequently all over the globe. Some of the highlights of recent seasons include performances with the Sacramento Symphony Orchestra, performing as soloist/conductor of Mozart piano concertos at the University of Leeds as artist-in-residence and a return visit to present a solo recital and master class series at the Liszt Academy in Budapest; and this time he is performing for “Daytimers.”

In addition to his performing commitments, Tamás Ungár has become one of United States’ best-known and most respected teachers of the piano. As founder and executive director of the TCU/Cliburn Piano Institute and member of the TCU piano faculty, he attracts students from across America and as far afield as Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, China, England, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Kazakhstan, Korea, Hungary, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, Republic of Georgia, Singapore, Russia and Taiwan. His students have received prizes in national and international competitions, and have performed in prestigious music centers.

Dr. Ungár studied with Alexander Sverjensky at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music; with Lajos Hernádi at the Liszt Academy, Budapest; and with György Sebök at Undiana University, where he earned his D.M. As the first performing musician ever to receive the coveted British Leverhulme Fellowship, he served as artist-in-residence at York University during the 1984–85 season. Dr. Ungár records exclusively for CALA Records. The “Daytimers” committee is indebted to Roz Rosenthal for arranging for this outstanding educator and performer.

Lunch at $8 per person will be catered by Potbelly Sandwich Works. Guests have a choice of turkey breast, pizza sandwich (marinara, provolone, mushrooms), or tuna salad and Swiss. All are on whole-wheat bread with chips and cookie, coffee or tea. Or guests may attend for just the program for $3.

For reservations for “Daytimers” events, call Barbara Rubin, 817-927-2736, or Sylvia Wexler, 817-294-1129, or checks can be mailed to Daytimers, Jewish Federation, 4049 Kingsridge Road, Fort Worth, TX 76109. The Sylvia Wolens “Daytimers” is a program of Congregation Beth-El with financial support from the Jewish Federation.

Shalom Sisterhood to honor Laurel Fisher
Temple Shalom Sisterhood will honor their 2008 Woman of Valor Laurel Fisher and present “In Her Shoes: An Evening with Jennifer Weiner” on Wednesday, March 26, 7:30 p.m. A dessert reception will follow the event. Temple Shalom is located at 6930 Alpha Road.

Be a part of the love/hate affairs of Sisterhood, cleverly told by well-renowned author Jennifer Weiner. Audiences around the world saw “In Her Shoes” come to life on the big screen and now you have the chance to be part of it too, only at Temple Shalom.

You can buy your tickets now! There are three exciting levels:

•$54: Admission to “In Her Shoes” and to the dessert reception

•$118: Join Jennifer Weiner for an exclusive pre-event party starting at 6:30 p.m.; admission to “In Her Shoes” and the dessert reception

•$180: Parking and priority seating in addition to admission to the exclusive pre-event party starting at 6:30 p.m., to “In Her Shoes” and to the dessert reception which follows

Breakfast with Jennifer: Only 100 tickets at $50 each will be sold for the breakfast treat. Ten lucky winners will meet with Jennifer for conversation on Thursday, March 27. The drawing will take place on the evening of the event.

Tickets are now available online. Go to www.templeshalomdallas.org and click on the event link to purchase tickets. If you prefer to purchase tickets by phone, please contact Julie Bradley at 214-417-3367.

For more information on this program, contact Event Co-Chairs Debbie Niederman, debbieniederman@aol.com, or Terri Parker, terrileeparker@sbcglobal.net.

Summer Camp at Akiba: Fun for the Jewish Soul introduces Camp Directors Annette Wolk, Dorit Schonbrunn
Akiba Academy is excited that its third annual Summer Camp: Fun for the Jewish Soul program will run from June 16 to Aug. 1 on its Schultz Rosenberg Campus at 12324 Merit Drive. Both Camp Mazal, for students entering kindergarten through eighth grade (with a half-day sports camp offered for ninth-graders) and Camp Kulanu, for preschoolers, offer quality programming led by professional staff in a warm Jewish environment.

Camp Mazal Director Annette Wolk has been successfully involved in Jewish camps — day and sleep-away — for over 25 years. In 2006, Annette received the Most Creative Teacher Award from the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, Conn. She currently teaches fifth grade at Levine Academy, Ivrit at Yavneh and religious school at Congregation Beth Torah. Her talents and creativity in dance, drama, music and Jewish education will enrich the fun-filled days at Camp Mazal.

Camp Kulanu Director Dorit Schonbrunn has been teaching young children for over 16 years. Currently an early childhood educator at Akiba, Dorit has led toddler and preschool youth programs in synagogues and worked and run day camps. She brings experience, a strong Judaic background and a love of children to Akiba’s summer camp program.

Interested parents are invited to meet Annette Wolk and Dorit Schonbrunn on Sunday, March 9 at the annual Summer Camp Open House, from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. for Kulanu campers, and from 4:15 to 5 p.m. for students interested in Camp Mazal. Early bird specials will be offered!

For more information about Summer Camp at Akiba, please contact 214-295-3400 or info@akibaacademy.org.

Tycher Library calls for Israeli artifacts
To mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the state of Israel, the Tycher Library, located on the second floor of the Aaron Family Jewish Community Center, in cooperation with the Dallas Jewish Historical Society, plans to mount an exhibit of Israeli artifacts and memorabilia. They are asking to borrow personal items which have a special connection to Israel, especially from its early years. They are looking for letters, photos, posters, military paraphernalia and particularly items which have a Dallas-Israel connection. They plan to show the items in the display cases in the west wing corridor of the JCC in May.

Please contact Library Director Joan Gremont at 214-239-7132 if you have items to loan.

Students remember murdered children of Holocaust
State Senator Florence Shapiro addressed the students and teachers from Memorial Preparatory School of Garland on Feb. 4 to praise them for their project “Every Child Had a Name.” Jim Hogue, museum president, and Senator Shapiro thanked the students and teachers for their tireless efforts and support of the Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance. The students also recognized Wachovia Bank and Regional President Julia Wellborn, for her support of the project.

Inspired by the movie “Paperclips” and a class field trip to the Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance, teachers Mary Theobald and Katie Venable and their eighth-grade students decided to collect 1.5 million pennies, one for each child murdered during the Holocaust.

“The students wanted a meaningful project that would benefit the museum as well as a positive learning experience. When they are finished they will donate $15,000 to help build a new museum,” Venable said.

“We had a facility that was storing the pennies but when the task became too daunting, Wachovia Bank stepped in and agreed to help by storing our pennies. The students urgently need assistance now to reach their goal; they are halfway there, with 750,000 pennies collected so far,” Theobald said.

The Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance has plans to build a 35,000-square-foot museum next door to the Sixth Floor Museum. The museum is currently in a temporary space on Record Street in the West End.

Jars to help collect pennies can be placed in businesses, and direct donations can be made to this cause by contacting Katie Venable or Mary Theobald at 972-926-2650 or mstheoba@garlandisd.net.

Individuals interested in supporting the Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance should contact Stephanie Bohan Gandy, 214-741-7500, ext. 103.

Dr. Allan Shulkin appointed to Texas Medical Board
Congratulations to Dr. Allan Shulkin, who was appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to the Texas Medical Board for a term that will end on April 13, 2009. Dr. Shulkin has been a physician in private practice at Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine in Dallas for more than 25 years and currently serves as a member of the board of managers for the Dallas County Hospital District and Parkland Memorial Hospital. The board’s purpose is to protect and enhance public health, safety and welfare by establishing and maintaining standards that will be used to regulate the practice of medicine in Texas.
Syl Benenson, right, at a recent HIPPY presentation in Irving JWV to be serenaded with song
Paul H. Lewis tells the TJP that Diane Benjamin suggested an outstanding program for JWV’s Sunday, Feb. 24 meeting, 9:30 a.m. at the Aaron Family Jewish Community Center. In a departure, instead of a speaker, the JWV and their ladies will hear the very talented Norma Vallis sing for them. Norma, a protégé of Dave Alpert, has made a number of public appearances.

As usual a lox and bagel brunch will be served.

TTI scholarship dinner and auction March 2
Texas Torah Institute will have its fifth annual scholarship dinner and auction on Sunday evening, March 2, at the Brookhaven Country Club.

TTI, founded in 2003 by Rabbis Shlomo Pacht and Eliyahu Kaufman, is a traditional boys’ yeshiva serving Texas and the entire Southwest. The school aims to provide a classic yeshiva education, including Talmudic textual analysis, alongside a competitive college preparatory program. Heavy emphasis is placed on ethics and character development.

The yeshiva, which opened with the two founding rabbis and a pioneer group of eight students, is now in its fifth year with 40 students from 12 cities. Additionally, the staff has grown to six rabbis, an academic dean and six certified general-studies teachers. The yeshiva recently moved into a new educational facility, and plans are under way for the construction of a new dormitory building in the spring.

The scholarship dinner is the yeshiva’s primary fundraiser for the year, raising much-needed scholarship funds for families who cannot afford the full tuition but still want their children to have a traditional Jewish education.

This year’s guests of honor, Mike and Sandy Nathan, are active and committed members of our Jewish community. The Nathans truly value the yeshiva’s efforts in Jewish education and have involved themselves in its continued growth. Mike is one of the yeshiva’s founding board members and continues to help lead the school with his vision, expertise and fantastic commitment to Torah education. They are truly deserving of this honor.

Irvin and Linda Rabinowitz of Atlanta, Ga. will be recognized as Parents of the Year. The Rabinowitzes are pillars of the Atlanta Jewish community, where he is the president of Torah Day School of Atlanta, and both he and Linda are heavily committed to the continued growth of their community. Their sons, Ari and Yaakov, are students at the yeshiva, and Irv and Linda are pleased with their growth and success. TTI is proud to honor the Rabinowitzes as Parents of the Year.

Last year’s dinner was a phenomenal success, bringing together people from across the spectrum of the Dallas Jewish community for an evening of inspiration and enjoyment. This year’s event promises to be the same. For more information, or to make reservations, you can call the main office, 972-250-4888.

NCJW Dallas member Syl Benenson to receive Enduring Pioneer Award
Members of the National Council of Jewish Women, Greater Dallas Section (NCJW) are thrilled that past president and longtime volunteer Syl Benenson has been chosen by NCJW, Inc. as the recipient of the Enduring Pioneer Award, to be presented at the National Convention in Chicago in March. This award honors an individual NCJW member who has been instrumental, in two or more identifiable ways, in moving her section toward accomplishing NCJW’s mission in a pioneering way, over a period of 10 or more years.

This is the highest award given to an individual member by National, bestowed on only one recipient nationwide each year. No one from Dallas has ever received this esteemed recognition, and Syl is certainly deserving of the honor. She has been a member of the Dallas Section for over 40 years, but her contributions to NCJW and the Dallas community reflect a commitment far in excess of that. She serves as a role model to their members and an example of what volunteerism and advocacy should be.

On behalf of the Greater Dallas Section of NCJW, Syl approached the Dallas Independent School District in 1979 about the possibility of initiating the Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program in the district. HIPPY is a parent-involvement, school-readiness program that helps parents prepare their 3-, 4-, and 5-year old children for success in school and beyond, and empower themselves as their children’s first teacher by giving them the tools, skills, and confidence they need to work with their children in the home. The program was developed by NCJW at their research institute in Israel in 1969. After nine years of courting DISD, Syl was successful in launching the program in 1988. She has continued to work tirelessly for the past 20 years, expanding the program to the Grand Prairie, Irving, and Richardson school districts, providing service to more than 1600 families annually.

Among Syl’s many achievements:

• Served as part of the group who lobbied for and got an additional $700 million in federal matching aid for Medicaid in Texas

• Driving force behind their HIPPY program, and succeeded in getting the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Service to help fund four sites for six years in Houston, San Antonio, and Austin, providing a program serving 3-year-olds.

• Been active in the reproductive rights battle in Dallas and throughout the state for many years

• One of the original members of the Women’s Issues Network, advocating for issues affecting women

• Served as president of OWL, the Older Women’s League, advocating for older women’s issues

• Helped start the first neighborhood clinic for indigent health care

• Helped found Foster Child Advocate Services (now Dallas CASA — Court Appointed Special Advocates) — one of only three site recipients of this program from National

• Was a moving force behind the creation of the Family Outreach program that strengthens families by empowering families to break the intergenerational cycle of child abuse and neglect

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of HIPPY in Texas, Syl will be recognized by the Texas Parent Child Initiative at a reception on February 21, 6:30–8 p.m. at the Latino Cultural Center.

She will also be recognized at the Dallas YWCA’s 100 Women/100 Years Centennial Awards gala on May 3. This award is given to women who have made a meaningful and lasting contribution to Dallas in the last 100 years.

NCJW members marvel at Syl and wonder where she conjures up the extra hours and days to do all she does — and how she finds time to identify and draw new young members into her programs — serving as mentor, coach, and friend to all. Syl has announced that as a final act of “giving” she has willed her body to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. We are sure they will find a large and very special heart.

National Council of Jewish Women is a volunteer organization that, for over a century, has been at the forefront of social change — championing the needs of women, children, and families. NCJW has over 3000 members across Texas, including 1200-plus members in the Greater Dallas area, and approximately 100,000 members and supporters nationwide.

Save the date
Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood will celebrate their “Love of Sisterhood” Donor Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 2, at Temple Emanu-El. The first annual Rabbi Gerald J. Klein “Love of Sisterhood” award will be presented to Barbara Zale. Master of ceremonies will be David Schechter, senior reporter at WFAA -TV. Guest speaker will be the nationally-known humorist Janet Sue Rush. For information please contact Susan Chazanow, 972-931-6088.

Jordana Cohen named to honor roll
Jordana Cohen, sister of Trevor Cohen, granddaughter of Lily Harris of South Africa and daughter of Avrille Harris-Cohen, director, Texas Region Bnai Zion, once again has been named to the Dean’s Honor Roll of Scholars at the University of North Texas. Only students who have earned a 3.5 or higher grade-point average on a course load of 12 or more hours during the semester earn the distinction of the Dean’s Honor Roll. Jordi has consistently achieved this academic honor in her studies of forensic psychology. She is currently applying to be the research assistant to the professor of forensic psychology.

The entire faculty and staff of the College of Arts and Sciences who congratulated Jordi on her achievements said: “We are proud of your accomplishments, applaud your academic achievements and encourage you to continue the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of your undergraduate education.”

Jordi graduated from Plano East Senior High in 2005 the same time as her brother, Trevor, graduated from SMU Cox School of Business with a 4.0 GPA. Trevor was recruited four months before graduation to work for Bear Stearns, where he is achieving much success within investment banking. After his marriage to Addison Reed in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, the young couple will live in Dallas. Addison is the daughter of Dan and Martha Reed and sister of Gabe.

Important date change for Camp Gan Israel open house
In the recent TJP camp section, Chabad of Plano’s Camp Gan Israel open house was announced for Feb. 24 at 4 p.m. The date has been changed. The open house will now be on Sunday, March 9 at 4 p.m. It will take place at the Lang Chabad Center, 3904 West Park Blvd. just east of Coit in Plano. There is no RSVP necessary; child care will be available. For more information, call 972-596-8270 or visit www.chabadplano.org.

Jewish War Veterans form Boy Scout Troop 2256

The Dr. Harvey J. Bloom Post 256 of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States has chartered a new Boy Scout troop. Troop 2256 will have an Open House on Sunday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m. at Cong. Beth Torah, 720 Lookout Drive in Richardson. All interested adults and youth are invited. For additional information, please contact troop2256@peoplepc.com.

The Jewish War Veterans of the United States (JWV), established in 1896, is one of the oldest veterans’ organizations in our country. It aims to encourage liberty and justice, to foster love of country and to promote sound minds and bodies. JWV has a long history of cooperating with and supporting existing educational institutions and establishing new ones.

Boy Scouts of America is one of the foremost providers of youth educational programs. For almost a century, it has instilled in youth the values and knowledge they need to become leaders in their communities and country. Scouting helps youth develop self-reliance, strong character, respect for others, good citizenship skills and physical and mental fitness.

The compatibility of these two organizations is clear. JWV sums it up: “We recognize the need to train our youth to be good citizens, and that scouting programs are excellent tools to accomplish this.” Scouting, in turn, has benefited greatly from this association, and the National Jewish Committee on Scouting presented the JWV with the Mortimer I. Schiff Award in recognition of its decades of support and cooperation.

Troop 2256 was organized not only to accomplish all these aims, but to bring fun, adventure and new skills to youth in the Greater Dallas Jewish community.

The Open House will include an introduction to Troop 2256, some “scout skills” instruction, refreshments and door prizes.

‘Guys and Dolls’ at the J

Four performances are scheduled at “the J” for this week’s presentation of “Guys and Dolls.” The stellar cast looks forward to the opening on Thursday night, Feb. 14, at 7:30, another performance Saturday evening at 8 and two on Sunday, at 2 and 8 p.m.

Set in the ‘50s, this romantic musical comedy soars with the spirit of Broadway as a cast of vivid characters takes you from the heart of Times Square, to the cafés of Havana, to the sewers of New York City. This hilarious show is ideal for audiences of all ages. Hear such classics as “Luck Be a Lady Tonight,” “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat,” “A Bushel and a Peck” and “Take Back Your Mink.”

Cast in the role of Sarah Brown is the immensely talented Olivia Kuper Harris, a junior at the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Playing opposite her, in the role of Sky Masterson, is Brian Daniels. With a degree in music from Butler University, Brian has performed many roles including Nanki-Poo in “The Mikado,” Aeneas in “Dido and Aeneas” and Ham and Shem in “The Ark.” He will sing with the Fort Worth Opera Chorus in their upcoming season.

Sherry Etzel makes her debut with the J Players as Adelaide. Sherry has performed with many theater companies throughout the DFW area and is a member of the comedy/improv troupe 4 Out of Doctors. She won a 2006 Column Award for her portrayal of Sister Robert Anne in ICT’s production of “Nunsense.” Michael Vouras returns to the J in the role of Nathan Detroit, Adelaide’s fiancé, after portraying Lt. Cable in “South Pacific” in 2007.

Cast members from the Jewish community include Herb Bennett (Big Julie), Lesley Chudnow (Mission Doll, Dancer), Lori Cohen (General Cartwright, Dancer), Matt Kurtzman (Crapshooter, MC), Melissa Kurtzman (Mission Doll, Dancer), Brian Landa (Rusty Charlie), Casey Cohn Mack (Mission Doll, Dancer), Zelda Mash (Mission Doll, Waitress), Rob Shrell (Harry the Horse), Jerome Stein (Nicely Nicely Johnson) and Jourdan Stein (Mission Doll, Dancer).

Cast members from Dallas’ theater community include Ellen Bond (Hot Box Girl), Amanda Durbin (Dance Captain, Asst. Choreographer), Tracy Nachelle David (Mission Doll), Evan Gabel (Lt. Brannigan, Crapshooter), Howard Hand (Arvide Abernathy), Hal Heath (Scranton Slim, Pickpocket), Elise Libbers (Dancer), Becca Mazzia (Dancer), Phillip Ocampo (Benny Southstreet), Julio Olquin (Liverlips Louis, Joey Biltmore), Katrene Jonas-O’Toole (Mission Doll, Waitress), Bethy Thomas (Dancer) and Shay Thompson (Dancer).

Bring the whole family! You won’t be sorry! It’ll be a BLAST!

Tickets are: adults, $15 in advance/$20 at the door; students and senior adults, $12 in advance/$15 at the door. To order, call 214-739-2737 or purchase online at www.jccdallas.org.

DMN’s Tod Robberson at Beth Torah

Tod Robberson, veteran foreign correspondent and currently an editorial columnist for the Dallas Morning News, will be the guest speaker at Beth Torah Men’s Club monthly breakfast on Sunday, Feb. 24.

Robberson served more than two decades as a foreign correspondent for Reuters news agency, the Washington Post and the Dallas Morning News. At various times he was based in Lebanon, Colombia, Panama, England and Washington, D.C.

As part of his coverage of the Middle East, Europe and Latin America, he has focused in recent years on the Arab-Israeli conflict and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Tod currently is a member of the DMN editorial board, helping formulate the newspaper’s positions and writing editorials and columns on international issues.

The breakfast begins at 9 a.m. at Beth Torah, 720 West Lookout Drive in Richardson. It is open to the public and costs $7 for members, $10 for non-members. For more information, call the synagogue at 972-234-1542.

JCC to hold sneak preview of ‘Bonneville’
A special sneak preview of “Bonneville,” a story about three friends who “come of age” for a second time on a trip across the great American West, will be screened in the Zale Auditorium at the Jewish Community Center of Dallas, 7900 Northaven Road, on Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. The free screening is open to the community. Christine Baranski will be on hand to conduct a Q & A following the screening. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Bonneville opens in theatres on Feb. 29.

Faced with the decision of a lifetime, Arvilla Holden, played by Jessica Lange, loads up her 1966 Bonneville convertible and, with her two friends, sets out from Pocatello, Idaho en route to Santa Barbara. As they detour to spots like Bryce Canyon and Las Vegas, the women realize that Arvilla has something unexpected in store. What they don’t realize is that what began as a simple trip will end up becoming a chance to rediscover themselves, their friendship, the importance of promises — and of letting go. Also starring Tom Skerritt and Christine Baranski, “Bonneville” unites three of the most acclaimed actresses of our time in a story that celebrates fun, adventure and living life to the fullest.

CJW conference on immigrants
On Thursday, Feb. 21, the National Council of Jewish Women, Greater Dallas Section will convene an important community conference: “Nation of Immigrants: 21st Century Challenges.” The conference will explore the complex issues surrounding immigration, highlight the needs of immigrants and promote communication and coordination among area groups that serve immigrants.

Doris Meissner, former commissioner of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and currently senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute, will be the keynote speaker. Also on the agenda is a morning plenary panel discussion on local perspectives followed by two sessions of eight concurrent workshops.

Registration is $40 per person, or $30 per person for three or more from the same organization. After Feb. 11, registration is $50 per registrant.

For more information and to view the conference invitation, please go to www.ncjwdallas.org.

Tycher Library calls for Israeli artifacts
To mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the state of Israel, the Tycher Library, located on the second floor of the Aaron Family Jewish Community Center, in cooperation with the Dallas Jewish Historical Society, plans to mount an exhibit of Israeli artifacts and memorabilia. They seek to borrow personal items which have a special connection to Israel, especially from its early years. They are looking for letters, photos, posters, military paraphernalia and particularly items which have a Dallas-Israel connection. The items will be shown in the display cases in the west wing corridor of the JCC during the month of May.

Please contact Library Director Joan Gremont at 214-239-7132 if you have items to loan.

Fifth-grader Benjamin Allen wins Akiba Spelling Bee competition
Every year, in an effort to help its students improve their spelling, increase their vocabularies and develop correct English usage, Akiba Academy enthusiastically participates in the Dallas County Schools Spelling Bee contest.

On Tuesday, Jan. 29, middle-school teachers Susan Jacobs and Lili Feingold greeted the students chosen to represent grades five through eight at Akiba’s Spelling Bee event. The winner of this competition is subsequently invited to compete against all the other private schools’ winners from Dallas County.

One by one, students attempted, and in some cases failed, to spell their assigned word. Unfortunately, quite a few stumbled over “sombrero” and “chimichanga” but in the end, fifth-grade student Benjamin Allen, son of Mireille and Ira Allen, was the last one standing, thanks to his ability to spell the word “incognito.” “When I heard what my word was, I smiled because I knew immediately how to spell it. I just had to concentrate and not make a mistake,” Benjamin exclaimed shortly after winning the competition. Sixth-grade student and runner-up Shane Appell, son of Mindy and Martin Appell, proved to be a fierce competitor as the final exchange between the two students lasted for what felt like, for audience members, many nail-biting minutes.

Dallas County is the only county in the region permitted to send two representatives to the Regional Bee: one for public schools and another for private schools. The winner of the Regional Spelling Bee is sent to the Scripps Howard National Bee Championship in Washington, D.C.

Benjamin and Shane’s classmates were very proud of their friends’ accomplishments: Congratulatory comments were heard throughout Akiba all week long. Thank you to Ms. Jacobs for “BEEing” Akiba’s Spelling Bee coordinator!

Insurance veteran Tom Callanan promoted to president; Linda Trejo becomes senior vice president
Waldman Bros. LLP, a leading independent insurance and financial services firm, has announced the promotion of Tom Callanan to president of the commercial insurance division and Linda Trejo to senior vice president of the commercial insurance division.

Callanan brings more than 20 years’ insurance experience to his new role as president, expanding upon his current role of managing the commercial insurance operations. He joined Waldman Bros. LLP in 1998 as marketing manager and eventually became senior vice president of the commercial insurance division. Prior to Waldman Bros., he held commercial underwriter positions with Safeco, CNA, Utica and Kemper insurance companies specializing in coverages for all types of businesses. Callanan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the State University of New York at Albany and holds the Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter designation and the Associate in Underwriting designation from the Insurance Institute of America. He is also a member of both the Independent Insurance Agents of Dallas and Independent Insurance Agents of Texas.

“Tom brings a great deal of expertise to his new role with Waldman Bros. LLP,” said Stephen Waldman, managing partner. “His deep knowledge and extensive experience in commercial insurance gives him a solid understanding of our business and our customers. We are excited for Tom’s new position and leadership.”

In Trejo’s new position as senior vice president, she will expand upon her current role as supervisor of the commercial insurance division. She brings more than 30 years of insurance expertise to her new role. Trejo began her insurance career in 1974, providing support as a personal lines/commercial lines account manager and all aspects of insurance accounting. She joined Waldman Bros. LLP in 2000, as a commercial insurance account manager. Trejo is a designated Accredited Customer Service Representative and is a member of both the Independent Insurance Agents of Dallas and Independent Insurance Agents of Texas.

“Linda has extensive knowledge and experience in this industry,” Waldman said. “Her dedication to insurance as well as our clients made her a prime candidate for her new position.”