By Deb Silverthorn
Jan. 15. 2025
Ilene and Perry Zidow, devoted to one another for more than 42 years, share that same dedication, care and concern for Dallas’ Jewish community and their reach, and outreach, is golden.
The couple, who met at a Dallas JCC Singles’ swim and tennis party, was married at Temple Emanu-El by Rabbi Gerald J. Klein in 1983. They are the parents of Heather (Brian) Wainstein, who lives in Dallas and Chad Zidow, who lives in London, England and the grandparents of Evelyn and Gabriel Wainstein.
Ilene, a Dallas native and graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School and then the University of Texas at Austin, is the daughter of Ellen and Harry Feibel and sister of Carolyn (Bob) Cooper, all of blessed memory, and brother Neal (Tasca) Feibel. For 25 years, she worked as the office manager of her brother’s store – Neal’s Unfinished Furniture.
Perry, the son of Jean and Jack Zidow, he of blessed memory, and the brother of Sharon (Bill) Lee, Barry (Karen) Zidow and Pam (Jim) Klein, was born in Philadelphia and attended high school in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. He moved to Dallas after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University, pursuing an interest in living in a different part of the country. Until his retirement in 2019, Perry spent most of his career working for Triangle Pacific Corp, which was later acquired by Armstrong World Industries, climbing the ladder from staff accountant to the company’s corporate controller.
Over the last seven years, Perry first trained to be a docent, and then a docent educator at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. For many years he has volunteered at Jewish Family Service by stocking the food pantry, delivering Kosher Meals and now packing those meals for homebound community members.
Ilene, co-chair of Temple Shalom’s Caring Congregation group, is an amateur but avid photographer who enjoys capturing community events including many at Temple Shalom, CHAI, Jewish War Veterans Post #256 and its Ladies Auxiliary, and the Israel Now Forum.
CHAI Dallas, Community Homes for Adults Inc, holds a special place in the Zidow’s hearts — they volunteer time and other support — as their niece Lisa has been a resident there for more than 25 years.
Members of Temple Shalom for more than 20 years, the Zidows have been very involved congregants. They are recipients of many accolades including Ilene being honored as Sisterhood Woman of Valor in 2016 and Perry’s induction into the Brotherhood’s Hall of Fame in 2021. Ilene is the chapter’s co-vice president of social events after serving for many years as its Membership VP. Perry is a former Brotherhood treasurer and president. He is co-chairing the 2026 Shalom Award, which will honor Jewish Family Service of Dallas President and CEO Cathy Barker on Feb. 1.
“Perry and Ilene have been engaged since just after they joined us and their fingerprints are everywhere,” said Temple Shalom’s Rabbi Andrew Paley. “It is an absolute joy that they are part of our family.
“They give and care so freely, they bring their friends and family to enjoy all that we have to offer and they truly love being a part of our community,” he continued. “They really are of the kindest, sweetest treasures for us all.”
