2012 VOICES Magazine
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Transcript of 2012 VOICES Magazine
VO
ICES Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
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NO PURCHASE NECESSARY NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN OPEN TO LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 17 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER WITH A VALID US DRIVERS LICENSE AND ENROLLED AS A FULL OR PART-TIME STUDENT IN AN ACCREDITED HIGH SCHOOL OR POST-SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION OR PROGRAM VOID WHERE PROHIBITED Sweepstakes starts on 41612 at 1200 am PST and ends on 93012 at 1159 pm PST For Official Rules to enter without signing up for a Wells Fargo College Checkingreg account prize descriptions to opt-out and odds disclosure visit httpwellsfargocombackstage Sponsor Wells Fargo Bank NA 420 Montgomery Street San Francisco CA 94104 copy 2012 Wells Fargo Bank NA All rights reserved Member FDIC Materials expire on 93012 (721909_05290)
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4C
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Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 1
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2 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 3
VO IC E S 2 01 2
WHATrsquoS INSIDE
4 The Arts Editorial BY MICHAEL C DUKE
6 ArtsFest 2012 Promises to Deliver Houston a State- of-the-Art Performance BY MATT SAMUELS
11 A Bend in the Wood Houston sculptor works against the grain BY AARON HOWARD
14 Place Where Jewish Culture Thrives Through Dance ERJCC dance instructor is creative talent behind Dance Month and more BY ALICE ADAMS
18 Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds Special needs group creating original art PHOTOS BY MATT SAMUELS
21 Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction BY JEANNE F SAMUELS
23 A Peachy Cobbler Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American Dream BY MICHAEL C DUKE
29 College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONE
33 Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food BY TED POWERS
36 Marketplace
21
11
6
23
33
29
14
2 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 3
Leora Kahn
7138269109
Betty Bellomy
7133042311
Molly AnnKaplan
2817995553
Ann Lynn Lerner
7132529473
sherylWeinstock7132408444
Lisakornhauser
8322746156
j o h n d a u g h e r t y c o m
THE FINE ART OF SELLINGTHE FINE ART ART A OF SELLINGTHE FINE ART OF SELLINGWe Know
4 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 5
ewish art What is it
Something our grandparents liked Didactic An
expression of Jewish history of Jewish culture of Jewish
identity In a way a form of remembrance Pass it down
ndash lrsquodor vrsquodor
Something a Jew does
Paint Inscribe Shape Vocalize Craft Click Play
An act of creativity Of irresponsibility The Jew
should be responsible Jewish art ndash an oxymoron
Arts is the theme of the 2012 VOICES magazine
Herein is a showcase of some of the artistic talent we have
in greater Houstonrsquos diverse Jewish community in which skillful artists are aplenty
A carpenter crafts divine parade mobiles and enlightening symbols of freedom in
public spaces Russian imports carve up fantastic fruit creations while others are ham-
mering away at an old school trade
The Jrsquos dance instructor ndash shersquos an institution A rabbi makes an art of helping those
in recovery
The next generation of artists ndash in dance theater voice culinary instrumental and
visual ndash is gathering in Houston for summer workshops and performances at ArtsFest
2012
A day schoolrsquos beloved stage master has made his curtain call and special needs
adults have found their calling card through colorful brush strokes
Jewish art in Houston Itrsquos about people experiencing beauty through the arts and
sharing it with family and friends
The Jewish Herald-Voice this communityrsquos paper of record is delighted to share
these arts with its readers This is our art giving voice to our community members
Lrsquodor vrsquodor Recording stories and perspectives from our community that canrsquot be
found anywhere else This is our responsibility
Reading the Jewish Herald-Voice is something your grandparents enjoyed Hopefully
theyrsquove passed it down to you and you will continue the tradition
Published weekly ndash Plus Wedding Passover Voices in Houston Rosh Hashanah and BarBat Mitzvah editions ndash by Herald Publishing Co 3403 Audley St Houston TX 77098 copy2012 with all rights reserved Reproduction or use without permission of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston Texas Subscription rates USA $165 for 3 years $115 for 2 years $60 per year 9 months for $50 Foreign subscriptions upcharged with international first-class postage Single newspaper copies by mail PREPAID $4 Back Issues PREPAID $6 Single VOICES magazine copies by mail PREPAID $8 each Postmaster Send address changes to Jewish Herald-Voice PO Box 153 Houston TX 77001-0153
ISSN 0021-6488 USPS 0275-360
jhvonlinecomThe Arts
V O I C E SVolume CV ndash Number 17
PRESIDENT Vicki Samuels Levy
EDITOR and PUBLISHERJeanne F Samuels
FOUNDING PUBLISHERSEdgar Goldberg 1908-1937David H White and Ida S White 1938-1973Joseph W Samuels 1973-2011
Associate editor | Michael C DukeMultimedia manager | Matt Samuels
Editorial research | Arnold RosenzweigStaff writer | Aaron HowardFood editor | Theodore PowersSports editor |Matt Samuels
COLUMNISTS Alice Adams bull Jonathan Fass Felice and Michael Friedson bull Elliot Gershenson Pam Geyer bull Ed Reitman PhD Bryan Edward Stone bull Teddy Weinberger PRODUCTIONProduction director | Aaron D PoscovskyAsst production manager | Barbara E Hanovich
Magazine designer | Matt SamuelsGraphic designer | Mary Jane JohnstonProofreader | Judy Bluestein-Levin
SUBSCRIPTIONDISTRIBUTIONLawrence S Levy
ADVERTISING SALES
Ad director | Vicki Samuels LevyAdministrative assistant | Joseph Macias
Ad account executivesChuck Green bull Tere Perry Lew Sampson bull Melanie Sherman bull Steve Sherman
ClassifiedSingles | Joseph MaciasDirector of first impressions | Sharon Stoper LivitzAccounts receivable | Huong TonnuController | Myrna AberPayroll | Maurene Bencal
Mailing address
PO Box 153 bull Houston TX 77001-0153
News articlesjhvonlinecomLetters editorjhvonlinecom
Subscriptions subscribejhvonlinecomAdvertising advertisingjhvonlinecom
Telephone 713-630-0391 bull Fax 713-630-0404Web jhvonlinecom Twitter jhvonline
FacebookcomJewishHeraldVoice
Located at 3403 Audley Stbull Houston TX 77098-1923
Michael C Duke
Find the JHV on your smartphone
Michael C Duke Associate Editor
J
4 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 5
BY MATT SAMUELS
This summer more than 100 Jewish teens from across the country will come together to put on a grand performance in Houston There will
be singing there will be dancing there also will be plenty of drama arts food and live music
The big show will be the culmination of all the hard work by teens volunteers and professionals who will converge in Houston in August for the 2012 JCC Maccabi ArtsFest
What began in 2006 as a complement to the annual summer Maccabi Games ArtsFest allows teens to express themselves artistically through skill workshops live performances and art exhibitions while strengthening their bonds to their Jewish heritage community and Israel
Although ArtsFest still is evolving trying
to find its identity 2012rsquos director Brittany Horwitt believes Houston has what it takes to bring it to the next level
ldquoArtsFest is just such a great concept and I love itrdquo Horwitt said ldquoWe are kind of in a building year and I think Houston has done a great job of promoting the program in a positive light I think the teens will have a great time and it will help build the future of ArtsFestrdquo
ArtsFest 2012 will feature 115 teens from 20 cities who will be in artistic-oriented work-shops They then will join forces with the Maccabi Games athletes who are being hosted in Houston for the first time since 2007
Houston is one of three communities host-ing 2012 Maccabi Games but it is the only venue including ArtsFest This is only the sec-ond time ArtsFest is being combined with the US Maccabi Games
ldquoItrsquos a challenge because we are still work-ing out the kinks in putting the two events together But itrsquos a win-win for both teams because everyone is together and it is one great experiencerdquo said Horwitt who was part of the 2010 Houston delegation in Baltimore ldquoTeens that are not into competition or athletics they have a place in ArtsFest This is a great addi-tion to JCC Maccabirdquo
Teens aged 13-16 will arrive Sunday Aug 5 for the opening ceremonies at Rice University Beginning Monday morning they will divide up going into their respective workshops where they will work for most of the week
As part of the program there is a planned mitzvah project to help the community and the final live show which will have all of the arts on display
Part of what allows ArtsFest to be such a success is the participation of the professional
6 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ArtsFest 2012 Promises to Deliver
Teens from across the US came together for the final show of ArtsFest in Northern Virginia in 2008
Houston a State-of-the-Art Performance
instructors Whether from Houston or travel-ing here from around the country they will assume the role of artists in residence for the week to give the ArtsFest teens an experience to paint dance or cook with the best of the best
ldquoThe artists donrsquot all come to Maccabi for the social scene ndash some are really coming for their art workrdquo Horwitt said ldquoThe teens have the opportunity to put on their resume that they worked with some of these great artists in residencerdquo
ArtsFest will be divided into seven special-ties actingimprov culinary dance musical theater visual art vocal music and rockjazz music Each specialty workshop will be led by at least one artist in residence who will work directly with the teens
The 2012 theme ldquoHope and Changerdquo will be celebrated through the seven different areas of concentration
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 7
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ArtsFest 2012 Promises to DeliverHouston a State-of-the-Art Performance
8 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Building up the dramaTeens in the actingimprov group will work
together to form an ensemble exploring vari-ous techniques and traditions of theater and improvisation ranging from Shakespearean theater to American sketch comedy
Native Houstonian and theater artist in residence Stephanie Wittles will bring her vast experience to the ArtsFest stage
ldquoAs a newcomer to ArtsFest I am slightly terrified about creating rehearsing and per-forming a theatrical masterpiece in only four short days but I am up for the challenge and confident that these talented actors will rise to the occasionrdquo Wittles said
Teens will learn about acting script analy-sis and improvisation They also will be chal-lenged to develop material to be part of a larger interdisciplinary performance for the grand finale at ArtsFest
ldquoTheater is something I have been doing myself since childhood and so many of my closest friendships have blossomed as a resultrdquo Wittles said ldquoI hope to give my kids the same enriching opportunity this summer I am eager to get startedrdquo
A culinary delightTeens in the culinary arts specialty will
be engaged ndash choosing the right ingredients learning new cooking techniques and under-standing the history and culture behind many foods
Part of the recipe will be for the teens to go to a local farmerrsquos market to learn how to plan a menu and to understand the process of transforming raw ingredients into deli-
cious dishes Houston-area artists in residence are Sam
Beierbegan currently executive chef at A Fare Extraordinaire and Sarah Brook founder and CEO of Dessert Gallery Bakery amp Cafe
ldquoDesserts have been my passion for as long as I can rememberrdquo Brook said ldquoThere are few things more gratifying than finding something you love making it your lifersquos work and then being given the opportunity to share that magic with a new generation
ldquoThroughout my three decades in the dessert industry in Houston I have been so grateful for the support and devotion I have received from my hometownrsquos Jewish community Being given the chance to give back to that community and reaching oth-ers through this amazing program is a real honorrdquo
The program will conclude with the pres-entation of a menu and the production of catered dishes to be served as part of the
weekrsquos final presentation
Dancing with tomorrowrsquos starsTeens in the dance portion of ArtsFest will
explore dance techniques and develop perform-ance skills such as focus intention dramatic and technical range and expansion of move-ment vocabulary
Participants will be introduced to the ori-gins and history of contemporary dance as an expressive and creative art form and learn its role in transmission of culture expression and storytelling
The artists in residence are Houston native Cat Cogliandro and Nicholas Ross of Nicholas Andre Dance studio in New York Ross has choreographed more than 16 works for his company and has toured all over the country
ldquoI am excited to work with all of the partici-pantsrdquo Ross said ldquoI bring a very athletic style to my choreography and I hope to inspire some future artists I also hope to meet people from all over and share our experiencesrdquo
Dancers will create both solos and group work learning to balance individuality with the work of an ensemble The program will finish with the creation of a new work that will be part of the weekrsquos final presentation
A musical chorusTeens signed up for musical theater will
work on vocal technique dance and move-ment skills and song interpretation abilities
Participants will have the opportunity to explore a vast range of material including musical selections from the standard com-edy drama and musical theater repertoire as well as nondramatic sources
Musical theater artists will express their creativity by developing original individual pieces as well as by performing professional musical numbers as part of an ensemble
The artist in residence is Naomi Ackerman Traveling from Los Angeles she is an experienced actor whose credits include theater musicals films and television
Teens show off their acting skills at ArtsFest 2009 in New Orleans
Teens learn how to fillet a fish during ArtsFest 2009 in New Orleans
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 9
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Creating a masterpieceParticipants in the fine arts will be able to
sharpen their technique while using a variety of art materials to design a series of projects for their portfolio as well as create a piece of public art to be included as a part of the final performance
Public art is an important expanding field within the discipline of visual arts and is relevant to painters sculptors printmakers fabric artists graphic designers and visual artists of all types
The artist in residence is Julie Brook Alex-ander a Houston artist whose work combines original photography collage and mixed media
ldquoI hope to give the students a chance to develop individually and to enjoy the group experience of ArtsFestrdquo Alexander said ldquoThere is nothing more energizing than inspiring creativity and working in the midst of a creative community
ldquoI hope to provide to the kids an opportunity to look at themselves in a new light through photography painting collage and writingrdquo Alexander said ldquoWe will work on a series of self-portraits and on an indi-vidual artist statement that guides this art-making I want each student to prepare work that shares unique insight into themselvesrdquo
The program will end with the creation and sharing of a new work that will be displayed prominently as part of the weekrsquos final presentation
A vocal experienceTeens in vocal music will enhance their onstage performance skills
both as soloists and as part of an ensemble or choir Participants will work on rhythmic skills pitch and harmonization
The artist in residence from Florida is Beth Schafer who has spent her
career redefining Jewish music by combining masterful songwriting with sensitivity to liturgy and unique insight into text She specializes in music for Torah-minded adults looking for an extension to their Jewish lives through music
Schafer will work with ArtsFest teens to examine how differing song styles reflect the identity of the vocal artist Teens also will explore the crafting of performance techniques as well as the emotional authenticity of an artist during a performance
The program will conclude with performing a special piece at the weekrsquos final presentation
Rock onSingers and songwriters will put their talents to the test in the rock
jazz music specialty There will be guitar bass keyboardpiano drums horns and rock-oriented strings Participants will examine the art of song-writing performance techniques and will analyze the changing world of modern Jewish music
Teens will form bands based on style ability and instrumentation The bands will play cover and jam learning from LA-based artist in residence Josh Nelson one of the most popular performers and producers in modern Jewish music
The program will culminate in the creation and sharing of a new work that will be part of the weekrsquos final presentation
The art of caringArtsFest and Maccabi Games teens will come together during the week
for JCC CaresMore than 1200 teens will work with Jacques DrsquoAmboisersquos nonprofit
National Dance Institute to help bring their amazing dance program to underprivileged and special needs youth of greater Houston
The teens will provide supplies activities refreshments and profes-sional instructors at different locations At each venue athletes will be paired with a child and go to a NDI dance class taught by instructors from various Houston dance companies
Houstonian Kathy Parven is coordinating the programldquoOur goal is to provide the teens a personal engaging and reward-
ing experience as they bring and share the activities celebrating the arts to local underserved and special needs children throughout Houstonrdquo Parven said ldquoWhen we developed this program model in 2007 the teens loved the experience the children had a wonderful time and truly felt special and even the volunteers and staff that helped were in tears Itrsquos a win-win for everyonerdquo
Encore performanceThe final victory will be the ArtsFest grand performance All seven
groups will come together and put on a live show that will display every-thing the teens learned
ldquoWe really want to fill the seats and have an audience for these teens because they will be working so hard for the weekrdquo Horwitt said
Horwitt also hopes that the final performance will be the exclamation point the weeklong event needs to bring ArtsFest to the next level
ldquoMy goals and expectations are to really educate the community about the program and what a fantastic program it isrdquo Horwitt said ldquoAnd for the teens I want them to be excited about JCC Maccabi ArtsFest
ldquoMy ultimate goal this year is that this program grows from here on out ndash and I really think it will Itrsquos just such a great concept and draw for teens Itrsquos like my baby ndash I love itrdquo
For the location of the final show contact the ERJCC 713-729-3200 c
EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER5601 S Braeswood | Houston Texas 77096 7137293200
1000 AM ndash 200 PM
10 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
The first ERJCC Houston teens to participate in JCC Maccabi ArtsFest Northern Virginia 2008 Philip Kar-jeker Dorie Mishael Lindsay Kapp Miriam Lavenda with delegation head Brittany Horwitt
BY AARON HOWARD
P liant is not an adjective we nor-mally associate with wood Pliant suggests a capability of being easily bent a yielding nature or
adaptability We usually think of terms like strength and resistance when we think of woodrsquos qualities ndash as in hardwood We think of flat straight lines Thatrsquos because wood typically is used to make items like tables So the wood is flat and straight cut
Wood artist Isaac Cohen goes against the grain His wooden chests curve His bookcases swirl His wooden Star of David bends
Cohen sees wood differently ldquoI love to take wood to the extremerdquo he said ldquoI think
in wood How can I bend it What kind of shapes can I make For me the challenge is to see how far I can push the wood Every species of wood is a different give Some are soft some are hard
ldquoObviously the worst sound you can hear is CRACK the sound when wood refuses to yield anymore One piece can take a bend but the very next piece will not yield It breaksrdquo
Cohen is perhaps best-known locally as the person who designed and built the 12-foot-high steel Magen Shlomo ndash Shield of Solomon (The Lone Star) Chanukah Menorah commissioned by Chabad Lubavitch of Houston which was displayed in The Galleria in December 2011 Others know Cohen as the artist who has designed
and built wooden art cars over the past decade for Houstonrsquos annual Art Car Parade
Cohen won the Mayorrsquos Cup for ldquoBest In Showrdquo in 2004 For 2012rsquos Art Car Parade Cohen constructed something different ldquoHeroesrdquo a model F-18 Navy fighter jet atop a Geo Metro dedicated to the men and women of the US military services
Cohen recently gave the Jewish Herald-Voice a tour through his 85000-foot warehouse in Houstonrsquos East End The warehouse serves as studio and home of his retail art framing business Among the collection are his art cars and ldquoTV Christmas Treerdquo an installation he made for Houstonrsquos Discovery Green with wood and 20 television sets Yet his custom-
Houston sculptor works against the grain
A Bend in the Wood
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohenrsquos wooden gull-winged Splinter creation was showcased in the April 2008 Houston Art Car Parade
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 11
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
made furniture for example includes a chest of drawers whose graceful arched lines are reminiscent of a beautiful sailboat hull And while the top of one of Cohenrsquos book-cases begins in its proper place at the apex on the left side it plummets down to the bot-tom of the piece like an adrenaline-pumping speed slide
During the tour the phone rang ldquoTake this callrdquo Cohen said to his sons in the next room ldquoPeople think I work here I try hard not to give them that impression What I do now I do for funrdquo
Thatrsquos the key to understanding how Cohen creates He plays Hersquos now 60 years
old and hersquos like one of those old lions on the savannah well fed healthy free from stress and roaring ndash simply for the joy of roaring
Cohen came to Houston from Israel in 1979 In Israel he built custom furniture in his youth and later ran a chain of pizzerias In 1985 he opened a wholesale framing business Classy Art Wholesalers
ldquoWe had to struggle for survival at firstrdquo Cohen said ldquoBut by 1990 we were doing well and we moved our business into our current locationrdquo
In 2002 as his 50th birthday approached Cohen decided he wanted to make his own birthday present A car he named Splinter Over the frame of a restored 1989 Honda Accord he envisioned a wooden body using one-quarter-inch thick strips of ash and wal-nut ndash about 5000 feet of wooden strips glued together so they could bend to the shape of the car frame
Cohen has the original simple drawing now framed labeled ldquoFirst Ideardquo He com-pleted Splinter in June 2003
Join us for ldquoan adventure of the spiritrdquo
Cantor Vadim Tunitsky Senior Rabbi Scott Hausman-Weiss Rabbi Pamela Silk Rabbi Samantha Kahn
ldquoCongregation Emanu El is a Reform synagogue firmly rooted in our covenant with God and the Jewish People We are a caring community dedicated to inspiring the love of God teaching the joys of Jewish living and sharing our mission to be a light unto the nationsrdquo
Minyan Next DorMonthly eruv Shabbat for Houstonrsquos young-er adults
Torah Enrichment on ShabbatChoose from a variety of classes with the rabbi
Weekly Meditation Service
EducationAdult educationBecker Early Childhood CenterHelfman Religious School
1500 Sunset Blvd 713-529-5771wwwemanuelhoustonorg
And MoreBrotherhoodSisterhoodEmanu EldersHelfman Religious School PTA Becker Early Childhood PTOYouth GroupCub and Boy Scouts
An adventure of the spirit
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohen was commissioned to build a 12-foot-tall chanukiah that was kindled inside The Galleria Houston in De-cember 2011
JHV AARON HOWARD
The ldquoFirst Ideardquo sketch for Splinter
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
N o r t h B r a e s w o o d a t C h i m N e y r o C kB R A E S W O O D S Q U A R E
B
Trade secrets There are two methods by which
you can get wood to bend wet and dry
You can use steam which dis-solves some of the bonds between wood fibers Steam weakens and stretches the fibers and allows them to reform during the cooling process
Cohen doesnrsquot use steam or water He dry bends Although he will not give away his secrets he does use wood strips which must be glued to something else such as a form
ldquoWhen you bend dry wood it doesnrsquot maintain its shape by itselfrdquo said Cohen ldquoYou must glue the wood pieces to some-thing else even themselves otherwise the wood would spring back to its original flat-nessrdquo
Wood wants to spring back to its origi-nal shape The tighter the bend the more wood wants to spring back And therersquos no formula no pre-set way of telling how much a strip of wood will spring back or break Itrsquos all a matter of trial and error
For example Cohen created a hang-ing Magen David inside a circle by first dry bending two different-colored wooden strips into a perfect circle Then inside the circle he twisted two other strips until he was able to fashion the interlocking star
ldquoI believe in myselfrdquo said Cohen ldquobut I never believe that the wood will cooperate with merdquo
Fresh startTo begin Cohen decides on a project
Then he decides what species of wood would look best for the project
ldquoWhen I decided to create my wooden truck Big J I saw that to my eye rose-wood looked much better than mahogany Rosewood has such a deep color that it
allows you to see the straight lines The design for that vehicle was a basic octa-gon with many straight lines rather than curves All the wood used for that vehicle came from the same tree So therersquos a single design pattern all over the car except for the tiny changes in the spacing of the tree rings You have to examine the wood really closely to see thatrdquo
Of note all hardwoods get more difficult to bend the closer the artist gets to the cen-ter of the tree Thatrsquos because the wood is denser closer to the core
ldquoSo when you get pieces that are near the center ndash you recognize that by looking at the distance between rings from the edge of a piece ndash the wood gives me a run for my moneyrdquo said Cohen
ldquoI never considered myself an artist Irsquove never taken a class I didnrsquot think of myself as an artist until I received the Lifetime Achievement award for Best Artist from the
Art Car Museum Now I guess I can call myself an artistrdquo
Unlike most other artists Cohen rarely sells his pieces although hersquos been offered as much as $16 million for Splinter
ldquoIrsquoll tell you whyrdquo he said ldquoFive years ago I donated Slider to the Orange Show This was another car I created They auc-tioned the car off to benefit the Orange Show I had put in more than 2000 hours creating Slider It was absolutely like one of my children I cannot forget the awful feeling of loss I had when I let the car go It was gone after being in my shop every day for over a year
ldquoToday when I build something on commission I can see it differently But even so itrsquos difficult to let gordquo
We can appreciate Cohenrsquos feelings When yoursquove put as many hours into your ldquochildrenrdquo as he has it is sometimes hard to let them part c
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohenrsquos F-18 Fighter Jet pays tribute to the ldquoheroes of freedomrdquo Cohen drove the car in the May 2010 Houston Art Car Parade
JHV AARON HOWARD
Isaac Cohenrsquos bent woodMagen David
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15 Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2011 | JhVonlinecom | 14
THE BEST ROAD TO RECOVERY GOES THROUGH SEVEN ACRES
The Lou Lewis Skilled Nursing Program at Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services is dedicated to helping your loved one achieve the highest level of recovery following a hospital stay to successfully return home
Give your loved one the best chance for a full recovery with the Lou Lewis Skilled Nursing Program at
6200 North Braeswood Boulevard Houston Texas 770747137785700 - wwwsevenacresorg
n Fulltime medical services with onsite physicians and geriatric nurse practitionersn Customized skilled nursing care and rehabilitation including physical occupational speech and IV therapyn Great facilities and a nurturing environment
ERJCC dance instructor is creative talent behind Dance Month and moreBY ALICE ADAMS
I trsquos a Monday after 7 pm and dance director Maxine Silberstein has yet to finish her day at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center And this particular day is no busier than any other time of the week
Silberstein is responsible not only for coordinating the JCCrsquos dance pro-gram cultural outreach programs and partnerships and the IW Marks Master Classes but also serves as artistic director for Dance Month ndash now in its 33rd season ndash at the Kaplan Theatre In addition she coordinates Maccabi dance for Team Houston and the annual Tirkedu Houston an Israeli folk dance weekend But thatrsquos not all Shersquos been a teacher of dance for more than three decades as well as dance director for the ERJCCrsquos Arts and Culture Department
Yet her love of dance began long before Dance Month began or the Houston Ballet took the stage
ldquoMy father would sit beside me in the darkness of a Galveston auditorium or the old Music Hall in downtown Houston so I could see the leading prima ballerinas of Ballet Russes and other prominent companies dancing in the spotlightrdquo she recalled and as she watched the little girl who grew up in
Place Where Jewish Culture Thrives Through Dance
JHV MATT SAMUELS
ERJCC dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15
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Texas City took notice of every detail ndash from the artistsrsquo finely positioned feet to the curve of their arms and the placement of delicate fin-gers ldquoIt was always magicalrdquo she remembered
ldquoMy mother started me in dance lessons when I was quite young I was probably 5 or 6rdquo said Silberstein taking a rare time out ldquoI was that kid who was hanging by my arms and legs from the barre or in some way not following instructions Needless to say I didnrsquot receive much encouragement from that teacherrdquo she added
ldquoOnly a few weeks into my dance career my teacher commented that she didnrsquot know exactly why my mother was wasting her money on dance lessons for me That was Motherrsquos cue to move me so I could study with Doris Hede in La Marque and that experience is exactly why I would never discourage any child from study-ing dancerdquo Silberstein added ldquoeven the ones using the barre as a jungle gymrdquo
Realizing her passion for dance by her early teens the athletic young dancer eagerly par-ticipated in programs offered by the Houston Youth Symphony and Ballet where dance teachers and students from the area gathered to rehearse performances at the old City Hall across from the Rice Hotel
After high school graduation Silberstein was unable to attend the University of
Oklahoma which had a flourishing dance program at the time under the tutelage of prima ballerina Maria Tallchief Instead she attended the University of Houston where she earned a bachelorrsquos degree in special edu-cation and physical education with a minor
in dance performanceThroughout her college career the tena-
cious dancer took full advantage of every opportunity that presented itself In doing so she was to study and learn various forms of dance with some of the countryrsquos greatest and
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Melissa Darlow Ariel Brown Lauren Liss and Alyssa Cohen work on their 2012 Maccabi Games dance routine with dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
most prolific choreographers including Fred Strobel Anita Dyche Camille Long Hill Patsy Swayze and Rudy Jenkins in Houston In New York her training included the Alvin Ailey Peridance Center Jennifer Mueller Merce Cunningham Jo Jo Smith Broadway Dance Center and Steps
ldquoWhen I was in college I taught andor substituted for absent teachers in the JCCrsquos adult dance program when the center was located on Hermann Driverdquo she recalled She began working part time as a dance teacher at the J in 1974
ldquoI had met and married my husband Bubba Silberstein in the interimrdquo she explained ldquoand after we began our family I decided to teach dance and raise our children Brent and Steffanirdquo
In 1980 Silberstein was named director of the JCCrsquos dance program after director Lisa Rollrsquos exit
ldquoAfter Lisa left the board was not able to
identify someone to take over the position so I said I would be happy to do it until someone is hired Needless to say Irsquom still here todayrdquo laughed the teacherdancerdirector
Silberstein said it was only natural that
the JCC offer a dance program because of its reputation for programming around health wellness sports and physical activities ldquoDance easily fits into this type of program-mingrdquo she pointed out ldquoand classes were a vehicle for bringing Jewish children together in dance Itrsquos for anyone for all denomina-tions and all ages and itrsquos also a United Way-
funded center and open to everyone who wanted to learn to dancerdquo
So it follows that the high point of Silbersteinrsquos career is inspiring student dancers
ldquoAs director Irsquove had the opportunity of doing many things but being able to teach children to build their confi-dence and esteem to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worth-while And now I am teaching my former studentsrsquo children and the grandchil-dren of my peersrdquo
P r o f e s s i o n a l inf luences have included Mikhail Baryshnikov and
Ohad Naharin the latter an Israeli artis-tic directorchoreographer of the Batsheva Dance Company He also is the originator of Gaga an innovative movement language which has emerged as a growing force in the larger field of movement practices for both dancers and non-dancers
ldquoAt the time we brought him to Houston
a symbol of distinction in assisted living
bull 24 Hour Assistance and Personalized Carebull Elegant Dining Servicesbull Medication Supervisionbull Social Cultural and Recreational activitiesbull Wellness Center with Heated Aquatherapy Poolbull A fully equipped socialmedia centerbull Peace of Mind in a Family Oriented Secure Setting
License ID 102491
wwwthemedallionorg6262 North Braeswood Boulevard
Houston Texas 77074(713) 778-5777
Affiliated with Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Lauren Liss Ariel Brown and Ryan Bryandt follow the lead of dance instructor Maxine Silberstein at the ERJCC
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
he had a company in New Yorkrdquo Silberstein remem-bered ldquoIt was very exciting to have him here And when I think of where he is today and the influ-ence on the world of dance That was a highlightrdquo
As artistic director of Dance Month Silberstein said she believed it was extremely important first and foremost to Houstonrsquos Jewish community because audiences have been able to see on stage a number of Israeli and Yemeni dancers like Sara Levi-Tanai ldquoThe choreography of these groups reflects the Jewish culture in that it is powerful and risk taking at its corerdquo she noted ldquoItrsquos how they live their lives on the edge In general itrsquos a wonderful opportunity for Houston audiences to see Judaism in dance and how the culture and Jewish choreographers have phenomenally influenced dance all over the worldrdquo
With more than 35 years of teaching Silberstein said her goal is to continue meeting the day-to-day challenges of the programs she directs while remaining an influence in the lives of her students and and their desire to dance to meet their own goals not to be discour-aged
ldquoGrowing up in Texas City I didnrsquot have the advantages of Jewish children in Houston growing up with large congregations BBYOs or a community center I could be a part ofrdquo she explained ldquoBut I had my dance I feel like I hopefully have been an inspiration to other Jewish artists to go forward with their art form Irsquove always this thing as an artist in that I am Jewish Maybe not everything I do in dance is Jewish but I am influenced by Jewish artists and I think itrsquos important for all artists to hold on to their Jewishness to represent our culture in the various art forms
Along with her teaching Silberstein has found time to perform with numerous dance companies in her career served on cultural arts boards and has promoted dance in Houston especially dance centering on the Jewish culture Currently she serves on the board of Uptown Dance Centre the HCC-Central College World Dance Institute board and Society for the Performing Arts Education Committee
Silberstein also gives credit to her supervisor Marilyn Hassid ldquofor her support encouragement and friendship in supporting me in doing the many things we do through arts and culture and the dance program
ldquoIrsquove been very fortunaterdquo she continued ldquoBeing at the ERJCC wersquove brought in many many groups of people who may have never stepped foot in here and theyrsquore coming because of dance In the pro-cess they have been exposed to the Jewish culture Itrsquos important to me that we through the Kaplan Theatre expose our center to everyone who comes here In doing so our Jewish culture will continue to have a strong presence in the Houston community ndash through dancerdquo c
ldquoBeing able to teach children to build their confidence and esteem
to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worthwhilerdquo
ndash Maxine Silberstein
ldquoWe are proud our family launched the Jewish Family Service Passover program providing assistance for the past 20 yearsAs others are generously stepping forwardto support this effort we took a look at our communityrsquos future needsrdquondashJeanne Mandell
ldquoAlong with the blessings of our seniors living longer comes an added responsibility to accommodate the changing needs of this community We know JFS will be there to help The Deutser Hecht Mandell Fund for Senior Adult Financial Aid seeks to fulfill the basic needs of our seniors help them maintain independence in their own homes and empower them with personal dignity in the coming decadesrdquondashPunkin Hecht
ldquoWe feel good about being a part of100 Names
Wonrsquot you join usrdquo
A simple bequest is the most common way for a family to establish a legacy gift
In partnership withJewish Family Servicersquos100th Year Celebrationand Houston JewishCommunity Foundationrsquos Create a Jewish LegacyHouston Jewish Family Foundation
rdavisjfshoustonorg 7136679336wwwjfshoustonorg100names
Benefitting Jewish Family ServiceA New Fund is Added to100 Names for 100 Years
The Deutser HechtMandell Fund
for Senior Adult Financial Aid
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
The Shlenker SchoolCongregation Beth Israel - Houston Texas
For more information or to schedule a tourcontact Gail Rovinsky Director of Admissions
713-270-6127 grovinskyshlenkerorg5600 N Braeswood Houston Texas 77096 wwwshlenkerorg
Yoursquove alwaYs spent moneY wiselY
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For less than half the price of private duty care you could get
bull 24 hour per day licensed care bull Beautiful personal apartment and
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bull Three restaurant-style meals each day bull Memory care for those living with
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includedbull All the privacy or social interaction
you desire
2555 S Braeswood | Houston TX 77025-2805 elmcroftcom Facility 030414
Schedule a personal visit
share your story and
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Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Gabby Howard paints her cardCari Cowen with Celebration Company volunteer Joyce Rosen
BY MICHAEL C DUKE PHOTOS BY MATT SAMUELS
Jewish adults with special needs have found a creative outlet at Jewish Family Servicersquos Celebration Company
For the past three years Celebration Company participants have produced note-cards featuring original hand-painted artwork and handmade paper The signed artwork is mounted to the front of the cards which are blank inside and are packaged with envelopes sold either individually or in five-card sets
ldquoThe notecards are a great way for the par-ticipants to express themselves artisticallyrdquo said Nick Tofilon Celebration Companyrsquos director
The cards are available at JFS 4131 S Braeswood Blvd or at Three Brothers Bakery 4036 S Braeswood Blvd
Celebration Company provides meaning-ful employment to people with special needs who ndash with joy purpose and self-esteem ndash cre-ate products that celebrate the good in life c
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Linda Lopen makes a floral paintingMax Schaffer works on her masterpiece
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
What a Difference EmeryWeiner Made
wwwemeryweinerorg bull 8322045900
Thank you so much for a wonderful and I do really mean wonderful Emery experience Itrsquos so sad that Nicole will not be there on a daily basis anymore She told me in third grade that she wanted to attend EWS for middle and high school and it was the best decision that we ever made
- Bonnie Winograd (parent of Class of 2012 Graduate)
ldquo
rdquo
Hebrew Free Loanassociation ndashProviding interest
Free Loans to JewisH Houston area residents since 1932
Loans Available for Emergencies
Healthcare Needs Small Business Assistance
and More For more information or to apply for a loan visit our website at
wwwhflanetor call
713-667-9336 ext221
House of Dereacuteon Media Center is one of the best kept secrets in Houston The eclectic special events venue including state-of-the-art media and conference facilities is housed inside a magnifi cent art deacuteco building located in the heart of Houstonrsquos Midtown District and seated perfectly within the worldwide operations of Music World Entertainment ndash the management company of the worldrsquos 1 female recording group Destinyrsquos Child
Let us turn your next function into a social event to remember
Where your functions become social events
2204 Crawford St Houston Texas l 7137725175 l wwwhouseofdereonmediacentercom
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
reg
National Council of Jewish WomenA fAith iN the future A belief iN ACtioN
Help Houstonrsquos women children and families
JOIN NCJW GHSNational Council of Jewish Women a
nationwide organization of 90000 strong and along with the Greater Houston Sectionrsquos
800+ members takes a progressive stance towards
changing lives through advocacy campaigns and social action by helping
bull At-risk children learn to readbull To ensure reproductive freedom
bull Victims of human traffickingbull Victims of domestic violence
and sexual assaultbull Adolescent survivors of
sexual assaultbull Homeless children
bull Foster children
To learn more about NCJW GHS and how you can get involved visit ncjwhoustonorg or contact us at membershipncjwhoustonorg
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery
from AddictionBY JEANNE F SAMUELS
E stablished 12 years ago Chabad of Sugar Land is headed by Brooklyn-born Rabbi Mendel Feigenson who was brought to Houston in 1995 by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff Fulfilling Chabadrsquos mission to serve Jews throughout the Sugar Land Stafford and Missouri City area Rabbi Feigenson has added a
new facet to his work He has opened his heart and Chabadrsquos doors to a completely underserved segment of the Jewish community It is the newly formed Jewish Recovery Celebration Group which provides support for Jewish recovering alcoholics addicts and members of Alcoholics Anonymous
The truth is contrary to general belief ndash and probably community denial ndash there are Jews who are addicts And those who suffer with addiction face a constant struggle to overcome its grasp
Confronting a definite need Rabbi Feigenson facilitates and organizes social and educational events to help JRCG members merge Judaism with recovery Every other Sunday at 7 pm he integrates the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with the timeless lessons of Torah and Kabbalah The meetings are held in complete privacy when no one else is in the two-year-old Chabad facility
The need for support for Jewish addicts was posed to Rabbi Feigenson by Lynn JHV JEANNE F SAMUELS
Rabbi Mendel Feigenson
Donovan of Galveston She is the only individual in the recently organized group who chooses not to remain anonymous believing her story needs to be told
ldquoShe is an inspirationrdquo the rabbi declared ldquoMore than four months ago she called me saying she had something very important to discuss with me She told me that she has been sober for 25 years and that she has friends who are struggling with addiction The reality is that there are Jews who are drug addicts
ldquoBasically addiction is a diseaserdquo Rabbi Feigenson explained ldquoand addicts cannot help themselves They need group support and our mis-sion is to help our Jewish brethrenrdquo So the rabbi studied the Twelve Steps of AA delved into books on the subject and consulted with some psychiatrists From all this the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group was formed
Presently there are four to six people in the group and Rabbi Feigenson said that the meetings are working well ldquoItrsquos about coming from darkness and making a new liferdquo he pointed out
Credited with encouraging the genesis of JRCG Donovan recalled how she became sober in 1986 taking the train from Harrisburg Pa to Baltimore on Sundays to be part of a Twelve Step group that met in a church ldquoIt was very confusing for me having to separate church and recovery hellip There are no rules regarding religion in AA but most of my support was coming from Christian people Did I have to be Christian to recover
ldquoI had been arrested at 18rdquo she confessed ldquoand the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos com-mon belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
When Donovan moved to Texas in 1990 she continued with AA in churches Although the
West Houston Jewish Community Center had an AA meeting it was not a Jewish recovery group
ldquoI visited with the Jewish Family Service to see if they would help start a Jewish recovery group but they were not accepting of me I spoke to one or two rabbis privately but they werenrsquot receptive either so I kind of let it go for a whilerdquo She noted that perseverance is difficult ldquoThe disease of addiction is not something they know how to deal with
ldquoAs a young girl I was molested by a rabbi and when the Penn State [University] scandal broke loose I became very depressedrdquo she reflected having the need for support at that time ldquoI got on the Internet and Googled Jews in recovery where I read about a Rabbi Kessler at Chabad in Boca Raton Fla I called there and the rabbi told me about a retreat [to be held there] and was it possible I could come It took place this past February with addicts from all over including me Rabbi Abraham J Twerski was the keynote speakerrdquo
The convention inspired Donovan to seek the closest Chabad to Galveston which she found in Sugar Land She telephoned there and Rabbi Feigenson invited her to Shabbat where she had lunch with his wife Chaya After hearing Donovanrsquos story Chaya Feigenson said to her husband ldquoMendel we have to help these peoplerdquo
ldquoMost people know very little about addictionrdquo Donovan empha-sized When I first started someone took me to the rabbi who told me to go home and honor my father and my mother and be a good girlrdquo Also she added ldquoIt must be difficult to drop your children off at a church for recovery Therersquos the worry that theyrsquore brainwashing your child
ldquoThere is so much lack of knowledge especially in the Jewish com-munity If you stay with the thought that Jews donrsquot [become addicts] then people die We need to break that stereotype and lack of informa-tion Jews suffer from drug abuse obesity gambling etc like any other grouprdquo
Donovanrsquos brother a rabbi in Israel took her to AA meetings in Jerusalem where she discovered that there are even rabbis who suffer from alcoholism ldquoSome of usrdquo she pointed out ldquohave had bad experi-ences as childrenrdquo
ldquoThere is such naivetyrdquo Donovan a 58-year-old mother of three and grandmother of eight maintained ldquoRabbi Feigenson is the first in Houston who really heard me and understands the importance of helping every Jewish person It was an incredible day that I met him ldquoWe want to reach out to Jews who are confused and are appealing for help Itrsquos a very special experience to be a Jew in recovery and meet with others who are in recovery also And we can talk to parents free of charge to give them support and help Itrsquos an experience I donrsquot want others to missrdquo
For information about the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group call Rabbi Mendel Feigenson at 832-758-0685 email rabbifeigensongmailcom or visit chabadsugarlandcom c
Congregation Beth Rambam is a warm and welcoming Sephardic congregation led by our young and dynamic Rabbi Daniel Masri
We offer morning and evening services on weekdays and Shabbat There are many fascinating classes and learning opportunities both during the day and evenings offered throughout the week in English Spanish and Hebrew
Alex Pfeffer our fun and entertaining Youth Director leads multiple activities for children of various ages each Shabbat
morning and afternoon and trips throughout the year
713-723-3030 | officebethrambamorg11333 Braesridge | wwwbethrambamorg (coming soon)
C O M E J O I N O U R F A M I L Y
bullbull
22 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ldquoI had been arrested at 18 and the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos common
belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
ndash Lynn Donovan
BY MICHAEL C DUKE
W hen Alex Kavalerchik immigrated to the United States in 1979 with his young family the 30-year-old Belorussia-born Jew had no money no education and spoke no English
Nevertheless the bus-iness-minded good-with-his-hands Kavalerchik ndash a dead-ringer for actor Al Pacino during the latterrsquos Hollywood gangster film days ndash was deter-mined to carve out his own little slice of American pie
Make that cobbler for the vocation he would settle into would be the shoe-repair business
ldquoWe came to Houston and the JCC help us to move to apartment and help us for two monthsrdquo said the heavily accented Kavalerchik who picked up conversational English not from taking formal classes like some others who escaped the Soviet Union in the late rsquo70s but by listening to the language his children were learning to read and write and speak in American public schools
Kavalerchik now a Texan pulled himself up by the bootstraps and held down jobs doing maintenance and factory work Then one day in 1981 he met a Jewish man Kalman Witenberg who ran a shoe-repair
businessldquoHe told me Yoursquore going to be a shoemaker And yoursquore going to
make enough money to pay your bills Yoursquore never going to be a mil-lionaire but therersquos going to be enough money to support your familyrdquo Kavalerchik said
He obliged and in 1985 went into the shoe-repair busi-ness himself Feet first
Kavalerchik learned the ins and outs of the time-honored trade for a year and established himself at a storefront at West Bellfort Street and Chimney Rock Road Two years into the business he acquired a second
shop and split his time between the two He then opted to sell the first location and devoted his energies to the second Hersquos managed that loca-tion at 10815 S Post Oak Rd at Willowbend Boulevard since 1990 and today employs two workers
The dusty little shop enjoys a steady stream of loyal customers many from the neighborhood Blacks Jews and Latinos mostly Itrsquos a business built on reputation Kavalerchikrsquos is good Peachy in fact The front door has a little bell that tinkles
ldquoI can do all kind of jobs ndash regular jobs and orthopedic jobsrdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoI have customers who bring ladies shoes that cost
A peachy cobbler
Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American dream
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 23
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymore Itrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you
must have patience This is the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
ndash Alex Kavalerchik
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Alex Kavalerckik is proprietor of an old-school shoe-repair shop in Southwest Houston His hand tools include a hammer that the shoprsquos previous owner used in a Nazi concentration camp
24 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Supporting the needs of the
Jewish Community
CHEVRA KADISHA OF HOUSTON
Jewish Burial Society
Continuing the sacred tradition of preparing thedeceased for burial with
care and respect
(713) 776-2438
Young Israel
of Houston
7823 Ludington DriveHouston Texas 77071
713-729-0719wwwyihoustonorg
hundreds even thousands of dollars They bring cowboy boots that cost $5000-$6000 Very expensive I do it all ndash refinish resole reshape fix completely the shoesrdquo
And itrsquos not just footwear During the interview with the Jewish Herald-Voice a woman came into the shop with a designer leather bag that had a torn strap ldquoAlaska Airlinesrdquo she grumbled Kavalerchik promised to fix it like new A few minutes later a Polish-speaking doctor came in to pick up a repaired leather dog leash Kavalerchik who grew up speaking Russian with his parents and Yiddish with his grandparents was able to converse with the man in his native tongue They shared a few chuck-les The man dressed in blue-green hospital scrubs was pleased with Kavalerchikrsquos work and tipped him 100 percent on the bill Shortly there-after a slow-moving man with a walking stick and a Korean War cap came in with a belt job
Kavalerchik even does the exotic Can he fix a pair of gilded alligator-skin sneakers No problem (Hersquos done three) How about repair-ing a set of chairs made from elephant feet Um sure why not NBA stars who take advan-
tage of his services are asked to call in advance Size 17s require special order
Some of the more challenging yet reward-ing jobs are those to salvage shoes chewed up by the family dog
ldquoThis you must have a talent to fix itrsquos a tough jobrdquo said Kavalerchik holding up a black patent leather stiletto that bore scars on the heel from large canine teeth ldquoYou donrsquot make too much money on this but the cus-tomer is really happy when I make it look like new againrdquo
Tacked to the wall above the front counter of Kavalerchikrsquos shop is an 8-foot diamondback rattlesnake skin Therersquos also a black-and-white portrait of Al Pacino from ldquoScarfacerdquo While vacationing in Las
Vegas and once in Galveston the Belorussian was hounded for an autograph from fans who mis-took him for the Oscar-winning actor Retelling the stories splits Kavalerchikrsquos face into a smile
The storefront gives way to a multi-roomed workshop in back Itrsquos vintage 1950s outfitted with well-used wooden workbenches walls of racks with customersrsquo shoes and boots (each bearing a colorful toe tag) drawers and cubbyholes filled with bits and buckles and all sorts of odds and ends for leather and shoe work Wooden shoe lasts spools of heavy thread and folds of leather
and rubber adorn door frames and corners Metal taps for dance shoes hang from hooks A random assortment of loose shoe and boot heel parts are stockpiled in a divider mounted to a wall ldquoThey donrsquot make these like they used tordquo Kavalerchik said dusting off an orange-and-white-boxed specimen from half a century ago
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Cowboy boots and orthopedic shoes make up a good deal of Kavalerchikrsquos business
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 25
1500 Sunset Boulevard Houston Texas 77005
7135356400 wwwbeckerschoolorg
Accredited by NAEYCrsquos National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Learning through play
bull Ages 15 months through 5 years bull Extended care 8am - 530pm
bull Developmentally appropriate curriculumbull Extra-curricular classes available
bull Bridge to Kindergarten class
Since 1989
Call for a tourNow accepting applications
for 2012-2013
Congregation Emanu El Becker Early Childhood Center
6401 Woodway(in Whole Foods Plaza)
7133344900
Fabulous Womenrsquos Apparel amp Accessories
4048 Bellaire Blvd(in the Whole Foods Plaza)
7136653336FrenchCuffCocom
labeled ldquoCatrsquos PawrdquoBuilt into a corner post of the main work-
bench is a glue reservoir Plugging the well is a half-dollar-sized metal cap with a rod run-ning through it sporting an applicator brush Long dribbles of glue have oozed caked and dried down the edges of the post looking like a model of a volcano from a school sci-ence fair A photographer friend of Kavalerchikrsquos comes by on occasion to shoot close-up pho-tos of the unique formations
There are industrial ma-chines at every elbow turn stitchers sanders cutters tack-ers buffers Something called an Auto Soler and another called a Heel Popper Some are more than a 100 years old Real made-in-America stuff From cities like Chicago and St Louis Art deco in shape and lines Nickel-plated enameled steel and chromed in work grime
ldquoI have one machine made in 1890 It never breaksrdquo Kavalerchik said fondly
Other equipment however has broken down over the years Kavalerchik has learned to do the repairs himself Out of necessity ldquoItrsquos
very important to learn how to fix this equip-ment Itrsquos very old and nobody knows how to fix it I have to do it myself If this part breaks you have to make a new onerdquo he said
The workshoprsquos few modern conveniences
include a small electric box fan a 26-inch TV that seems stuck on Channel 8 and the occa-sional pinup girl wall calendar One room boasts an empty bottle collection on a top shelf ldquoWe Russians drink cognac after work and vodka at homerdquo Kavalerchik explained Therersquos a row of vintage US postage stamps
affixed to a workbench shelf that dates back to the shoprsquos previous owner a man named Sam Sill
The Polish-born Sill was a Holocaust survivor who worked in a factory making
boots for German army officers Kavalerchik said
ldquoThis hammer he brought from the old country Itrsquos from Germany 1942rdquo said Kavalerchik lifting the worn tool from his workbench ldquoThis guy worked with this hammer in con-centration camprdquo He then palmed a second hammer nearby with simi-lar history Though Kavalerchik has owned the business for the past 22 years he has kept the name ldquoSamrsquos Shoe Repairrdquo
The man who gave Kavalerchik his birth into the business Kalman Witenberg also was a Polish Holocaust survivor Edith Mincberg
was a customer of Witenbergrsquos back in the day and remembers him as a friendly and lively man ldquoHe loved to carry on Yiddish conversations with my late husband Joe Mincbergrdquo Edith told the JHV Witenberg a survivor of Auschwitz among other camps according to Holocaust Museum Houston records died in 2003
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
The 1950s-era shop includes equipment thatrsquos more than 100 years old
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Foot and Ankle
Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery
Podiatry Associates of Houston
Michael A Mineo DPM FACFASDavid L Blumfield DPM FACFASKeith L Jacobson DPM FACFAS
Vito Speciale DPM
6699 Chimney Rock 102713-666-0287
18220 Tomball Pkwy 220832-912-7792
705 S Fwy 215281-579-0816
915 Gessner 380713-467-1299
Times have changed over the course of Kavalerchikrsquos career as an old-school cobbler Many of his early customers were high school graduates whose parents wanted to send their kids off to college in a pair of spiffy penny loafers ldquoThese days itrsquos a different life Kids wear sneakersrdquo Kavalerchik said
The cobbler doesnrsquot wax nostalgic however over the profession that many people including himself view as a dying art
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymorerdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoItrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you must have patience This the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
Kavalerchik has entertained the occasional apprentice but none has stuck it out The cobbler predicts that in 15 20 years time the business will be dead save for a few shops here and there
ldquoThis business is like Jewish language [Yiddish]rdquo he said ldquoBefore people speak it fluently Now itrsquos only a few old guysrdquo
The trade has been good to the man who said he stood a 50-50 chance of winding up dead if he had stayed in the Soviet Union Itrsquos given him his American dream
ldquoIf I can afford to put my children through college this was my dream to come to America This was my dream to give my children education because I did not have time in Russia to get education myselfrdquo Kavalerchik said
ldquoOld people died in these shops They worked like dogs I donrsquot do this I work eight hours a day I go to lunch I go on vacationrdquo he said ldquoHere I have easy life I have my family I have place to sleep I go on vacation twice a year Irsquom happy with my children [Michael and Fannett]rdquo Every other year Kavalerchik visits his father in Israel
Sitting in the front room of his workshop ndash the room with the bottle collection ndash is a large cardboard box full of shoes belonging to his wife Roza Kavalerchik promises hersquoll get to them soon Near the box standing upright in the corner is a clutch of fishing poles
ldquoThese here are very important toolsrdquo said Kavalerchik again with that smile ldquoSaturday at 4 I close up and take my tools straight to the boatrdquo c
Shoe-making skills saved Sillrsquos life duringthe HolocaustBY MICHAEL C DUKE
Sam Sill was the previous owner of Samrsquos Shoe Repair in Southwest Houston
When he sold the business to Alex Kavalerchik some 22 years ago he passed along his tools to the new proprietor These included a pair of hammers that helped save Sill from the Nazi death machine in Europe Kavalerchik said that Sill told him that he Sill as a concentration camp prisoner used the hammers to make boots for German army officers during the war
Houstonian Dr David Wolf ndash a podiatrist ndash is first cousin to Samrsquos wife Ruthie Wolf has preserved an original copy of Sillrsquos immigra-tion papers which state that he Sill was born
Calligraphy by Eileen
Envelope AddressingBarBat Mitzvahs
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Temple SinaiThe Reform Jewish Congregation in West Houston
A warm friendly amp vibrant community where friendship
and caring are combined with a religious faith ritual observance social interaction and education
for adults and children
Join Rabbi Annie Belford and the Temple Sinai Congregation
for Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 730 PM
13875 Brimhurst 281-495-5950Houston Tx 77077 wwwtemple-sinaiorg
TEMPLE SINAI
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
Service with a smileGoing beyond the call of duty
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Terry CominskyRealtor Associate713-558-3331
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Simon Printing CompanyFine Lithography
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713-666-1296
Fax 713-666-4111wwwsimonprintingcom
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Tissue PaperSelf Seal BagsCoffee BagsAutomatic Pull BowsShrink Wrap BagsClear Acetate BoxesRibbonShrink Film RollsTheme BoxesRaffi aGift BoxesGift Wrap PaperCurling RibbonOrganza bags
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Hours of OperationMonday - Friday 900 AM to 600 PM
Saturday 1000 AM to 600 PM4404 Richmond Ave bull Houston Texas 77027Phone 713-524-5454 bull Fax 713-524-5450
wwwpalmerpkgcom
Gift Wrap ServiceRetail Packaging Supplies
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EXCLUSI V ELY JEWISH MEMORI ALS
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ASK FOR SA NDY GA ITZ
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For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
Montessori integrated curriculum In a loving caring and safe atmosphere your child will learn and grow with a proven program based on excellence and experience
Registration is now open
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
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HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
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We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
4-Show PackageSStart aS low aS
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A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
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Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
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wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
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34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
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713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
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Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
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ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
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713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
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36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
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Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
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UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
- VOICES covers 2
- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
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Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 1
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ight
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2 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 3
VO IC E S 2 01 2
WHATrsquoS INSIDE
4 The Arts Editorial BY MICHAEL C DUKE
6 ArtsFest 2012 Promises to Deliver Houston a State- of-the-Art Performance BY MATT SAMUELS
11 A Bend in the Wood Houston sculptor works against the grain BY AARON HOWARD
14 Place Where Jewish Culture Thrives Through Dance ERJCC dance instructor is creative talent behind Dance Month and more BY ALICE ADAMS
18 Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds Special needs group creating original art PHOTOS BY MATT SAMUELS
21 Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction BY JEANNE F SAMUELS
23 A Peachy Cobbler Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American Dream BY MICHAEL C DUKE
29 College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONE
33 Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food BY TED POWERS
36 Marketplace
21
11
6
23
33
29
14
2 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 3
Leora Kahn
7138269109
Betty Bellomy
7133042311
Molly AnnKaplan
2817995553
Ann Lynn Lerner
7132529473
sherylWeinstock7132408444
Lisakornhauser
8322746156
j o h n d a u g h e r t y c o m
THE FINE ART OF SELLINGTHE FINE ART ART A OF SELLINGTHE FINE ART OF SELLINGWe Know
4 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 5
ewish art What is it
Something our grandparents liked Didactic An
expression of Jewish history of Jewish culture of Jewish
identity In a way a form of remembrance Pass it down
ndash lrsquodor vrsquodor
Something a Jew does
Paint Inscribe Shape Vocalize Craft Click Play
An act of creativity Of irresponsibility The Jew
should be responsible Jewish art ndash an oxymoron
Arts is the theme of the 2012 VOICES magazine
Herein is a showcase of some of the artistic talent we have
in greater Houstonrsquos diverse Jewish community in which skillful artists are aplenty
A carpenter crafts divine parade mobiles and enlightening symbols of freedom in
public spaces Russian imports carve up fantastic fruit creations while others are ham-
mering away at an old school trade
The Jrsquos dance instructor ndash shersquos an institution A rabbi makes an art of helping those
in recovery
The next generation of artists ndash in dance theater voice culinary instrumental and
visual ndash is gathering in Houston for summer workshops and performances at ArtsFest
2012
A day schoolrsquos beloved stage master has made his curtain call and special needs
adults have found their calling card through colorful brush strokes
Jewish art in Houston Itrsquos about people experiencing beauty through the arts and
sharing it with family and friends
The Jewish Herald-Voice this communityrsquos paper of record is delighted to share
these arts with its readers This is our art giving voice to our community members
Lrsquodor vrsquodor Recording stories and perspectives from our community that canrsquot be
found anywhere else This is our responsibility
Reading the Jewish Herald-Voice is something your grandparents enjoyed Hopefully
theyrsquove passed it down to you and you will continue the tradition
Published weekly ndash Plus Wedding Passover Voices in Houston Rosh Hashanah and BarBat Mitzvah editions ndash by Herald Publishing Co 3403 Audley St Houston TX 77098 copy2012 with all rights reserved Reproduction or use without permission of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston Texas Subscription rates USA $165 for 3 years $115 for 2 years $60 per year 9 months for $50 Foreign subscriptions upcharged with international first-class postage Single newspaper copies by mail PREPAID $4 Back Issues PREPAID $6 Single VOICES magazine copies by mail PREPAID $8 each Postmaster Send address changes to Jewish Herald-Voice PO Box 153 Houston TX 77001-0153
ISSN 0021-6488 USPS 0275-360
jhvonlinecomThe Arts
V O I C E SVolume CV ndash Number 17
PRESIDENT Vicki Samuels Levy
EDITOR and PUBLISHERJeanne F Samuels
FOUNDING PUBLISHERSEdgar Goldberg 1908-1937David H White and Ida S White 1938-1973Joseph W Samuels 1973-2011
Associate editor | Michael C DukeMultimedia manager | Matt Samuels
Editorial research | Arnold RosenzweigStaff writer | Aaron HowardFood editor | Theodore PowersSports editor |Matt Samuels
COLUMNISTS Alice Adams bull Jonathan Fass Felice and Michael Friedson bull Elliot Gershenson Pam Geyer bull Ed Reitman PhD Bryan Edward Stone bull Teddy Weinberger PRODUCTIONProduction director | Aaron D PoscovskyAsst production manager | Barbara E Hanovich
Magazine designer | Matt SamuelsGraphic designer | Mary Jane JohnstonProofreader | Judy Bluestein-Levin
SUBSCRIPTIONDISTRIBUTIONLawrence S Levy
ADVERTISING SALES
Ad director | Vicki Samuels LevyAdministrative assistant | Joseph Macias
Ad account executivesChuck Green bull Tere Perry Lew Sampson bull Melanie Sherman bull Steve Sherman
ClassifiedSingles | Joseph MaciasDirector of first impressions | Sharon Stoper LivitzAccounts receivable | Huong TonnuController | Myrna AberPayroll | Maurene Bencal
Mailing address
PO Box 153 bull Houston TX 77001-0153
News articlesjhvonlinecomLetters editorjhvonlinecom
Subscriptions subscribejhvonlinecomAdvertising advertisingjhvonlinecom
Telephone 713-630-0391 bull Fax 713-630-0404Web jhvonlinecom Twitter jhvonline
FacebookcomJewishHeraldVoice
Located at 3403 Audley Stbull Houston TX 77098-1923
Michael C Duke
Find the JHV on your smartphone
Michael C Duke Associate Editor
J
4 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 5
BY MATT SAMUELS
This summer more than 100 Jewish teens from across the country will come together to put on a grand performance in Houston There will
be singing there will be dancing there also will be plenty of drama arts food and live music
The big show will be the culmination of all the hard work by teens volunteers and professionals who will converge in Houston in August for the 2012 JCC Maccabi ArtsFest
What began in 2006 as a complement to the annual summer Maccabi Games ArtsFest allows teens to express themselves artistically through skill workshops live performances and art exhibitions while strengthening their bonds to their Jewish heritage community and Israel
Although ArtsFest still is evolving trying
to find its identity 2012rsquos director Brittany Horwitt believes Houston has what it takes to bring it to the next level
ldquoArtsFest is just such a great concept and I love itrdquo Horwitt said ldquoWe are kind of in a building year and I think Houston has done a great job of promoting the program in a positive light I think the teens will have a great time and it will help build the future of ArtsFestrdquo
ArtsFest 2012 will feature 115 teens from 20 cities who will be in artistic-oriented work-shops They then will join forces with the Maccabi Games athletes who are being hosted in Houston for the first time since 2007
Houston is one of three communities host-ing 2012 Maccabi Games but it is the only venue including ArtsFest This is only the sec-ond time ArtsFest is being combined with the US Maccabi Games
ldquoItrsquos a challenge because we are still work-ing out the kinks in putting the two events together But itrsquos a win-win for both teams because everyone is together and it is one great experiencerdquo said Horwitt who was part of the 2010 Houston delegation in Baltimore ldquoTeens that are not into competition or athletics they have a place in ArtsFest This is a great addi-tion to JCC Maccabirdquo
Teens aged 13-16 will arrive Sunday Aug 5 for the opening ceremonies at Rice University Beginning Monday morning they will divide up going into their respective workshops where they will work for most of the week
As part of the program there is a planned mitzvah project to help the community and the final live show which will have all of the arts on display
Part of what allows ArtsFest to be such a success is the participation of the professional
6 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ArtsFest 2012 Promises to Deliver
Teens from across the US came together for the final show of ArtsFest in Northern Virginia in 2008
Houston a State-of-the-Art Performance
instructors Whether from Houston or travel-ing here from around the country they will assume the role of artists in residence for the week to give the ArtsFest teens an experience to paint dance or cook with the best of the best
ldquoThe artists donrsquot all come to Maccabi for the social scene ndash some are really coming for their art workrdquo Horwitt said ldquoThe teens have the opportunity to put on their resume that they worked with some of these great artists in residencerdquo
ArtsFest will be divided into seven special-ties actingimprov culinary dance musical theater visual art vocal music and rockjazz music Each specialty workshop will be led by at least one artist in residence who will work directly with the teens
The 2012 theme ldquoHope and Changerdquo will be celebrated through the seven different areas of concentration
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 7
Traditions Onstage And In Real Life
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As an actor I have played many roles over my long career but perhaps the most important has been Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof I performed it more than 2000 times It has meant so much to me to portray this symbol of the struggle to keep the Jewish faith and its traditions alive
I have a deep understanding and apprecia-tion of this struggle and I believe that the Dignity Memorialreg networkrsquos Jewish funeral providers understand this struggle as well
Many of them have been working for generations to preserve Jewish traditions often in the face of tremendous change They understand our needs because they share our history and experiences ndash and our values
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ArtsFest 2012 Promises to DeliverHouston a State-of-the-Art Performance
8 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Building up the dramaTeens in the actingimprov group will work
together to form an ensemble exploring vari-ous techniques and traditions of theater and improvisation ranging from Shakespearean theater to American sketch comedy
Native Houstonian and theater artist in residence Stephanie Wittles will bring her vast experience to the ArtsFest stage
ldquoAs a newcomer to ArtsFest I am slightly terrified about creating rehearsing and per-forming a theatrical masterpiece in only four short days but I am up for the challenge and confident that these talented actors will rise to the occasionrdquo Wittles said
Teens will learn about acting script analy-sis and improvisation They also will be chal-lenged to develop material to be part of a larger interdisciplinary performance for the grand finale at ArtsFest
ldquoTheater is something I have been doing myself since childhood and so many of my closest friendships have blossomed as a resultrdquo Wittles said ldquoI hope to give my kids the same enriching opportunity this summer I am eager to get startedrdquo
A culinary delightTeens in the culinary arts specialty will
be engaged ndash choosing the right ingredients learning new cooking techniques and under-standing the history and culture behind many foods
Part of the recipe will be for the teens to go to a local farmerrsquos market to learn how to plan a menu and to understand the process of transforming raw ingredients into deli-
cious dishes Houston-area artists in residence are Sam
Beierbegan currently executive chef at A Fare Extraordinaire and Sarah Brook founder and CEO of Dessert Gallery Bakery amp Cafe
ldquoDesserts have been my passion for as long as I can rememberrdquo Brook said ldquoThere are few things more gratifying than finding something you love making it your lifersquos work and then being given the opportunity to share that magic with a new generation
ldquoThroughout my three decades in the dessert industry in Houston I have been so grateful for the support and devotion I have received from my hometownrsquos Jewish community Being given the chance to give back to that community and reaching oth-ers through this amazing program is a real honorrdquo
The program will conclude with the pres-entation of a menu and the production of catered dishes to be served as part of the
weekrsquos final presentation
Dancing with tomorrowrsquos starsTeens in the dance portion of ArtsFest will
explore dance techniques and develop perform-ance skills such as focus intention dramatic and technical range and expansion of move-ment vocabulary
Participants will be introduced to the ori-gins and history of contemporary dance as an expressive and creative art form and learn its role in transmission of culture expression and storytelling
The artists in residence are Houston native Cat Cogliandro and Nicholas Ross of Nicholas Andre Dance studio in New York Ross has choreographed more than 16 works for his company and has toured all over the country
ldquoI am excited to work with all of the partici-pantsrdquo Ross said ldquoI bring a very athletic style to my choreography and I hope to inspire some future artists I also hope to meet people from all over and share our experiencesrdquo
Dancers will create both solos and group work learning to balance individuality with the work of an ensemble The program will finish with the creation of a new work that will be part of the weekrsquos final presentation
A musical chorusTeens signed up for musical theater will
work on vocal technique dance and move-ment skills and song interpretation abilities
Participants will have the opportunity to explore a vast range of material including musical selections from the standard com-edy drama and musical theater repertoire as well as nondramatic sources
Musical theater artists will express their creativity by developing original individual pieces as well as by performing professional musical numbers as part of an ensemble
The artist in residence is Naomi Ackerman Traveling from Los Angeles she is an experienced actor whose credits include theater musicals films and television
Teens show off their acting skills at ArtsFest 2009 in New Orleans
Teens learn how to fillet a fish during ArtsFest 2009 in New Orleans
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 9
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Creating a masterpieceParticipants in the fine arts will be able to
sharpen their technique while using a variety of art materials to design a series of projects for their portfolio as well as create a piece of public art to be included as a part of the final performance
Public art is an important expanding field within the discipline of visual arts and is relevant to painters sculptors printmakers fabric artists graphic designers and visual artists of all types
The artist in residence is Julie Brook Alex-ander a Houston artist whose work combines original photography collage and mixed media
ldquoI hope to give the students a chance to develop individually and to enjoy the group experience of ArtsFestrdquo Alexander said ldquoThere is nothing more energizing than inspiring creativity and working in the midst of a creative community
ldquoI hope to provide to the kids an opportunity to look at themselves in a new light through photography painting collage and writingrdquo Alexander said ldquoWe will work on a series of self-portraits and on an indi-vidual artist statement that guides this art-making I want each student to prepare work that shares unique insight into themselvesrdquo
The program will end with the creation and sharing of a new work that will be displayed prominently as part of the weekrsquos final presentation
A vocal experienceTeens in vocal music will enhance their onstage performance skills
both as soloists and as part of an ensemble or choir Participants will work on rhythmic skills pitch and harmonization
The artist in residence from Florida is Beth Schafer who has spent her
career redefining Jewish music by combining masterful songwriting with sensitivity to liturgy and unique insight into text She specializes in music for Torah-minded adults looking for an extension to their Jewish lives through music
Schafer will work with ArtsFest teens to examine how differing song styles reflect the identity of the vocal artist Teens also will explore the crafting of performance techniques as well as the emotional authenticity of an artist during a performance
The program will conclude with performing a special piece at the weekrsquos final presentation
Rock onSingers and songwriters will put their talents to the test in the rock
jazz music specialty There will be guitar bass keyboardpiano drums horns and rock-oriented strings Participants will examine the art of song-writing performance techniques and will analyze the changing world of modern Jewish music
Teens will form bands based on style ability and instrumentation The bands will play cover and jam learning from LA-based artist in residence Josh Nelson one of the most popular performers and producers in modern Jewish music
The program will culminate in the creation and sharing of a new work that will be part of the weekrsquos final presentation
The art of caringArtsFest and Maccabi Games teens will come together during the week
for JCC CaresMore than 1200 teens will work with Jacques DrsquoAmboisersquos nonprofit
National Dance Institute to help bring their amazing dance program to underprivileged and special needs youth of greater Houston
The teens will provide supplies activities refreshments and profes-sional instructors at different locations At each venue athletes will be paired with a child and go to a NDI dance class taught by instructors from various Houston dance companies
Houstonian Kathy Parven is coordinating the programldquoOur goal is to provide the teens a personal engaging and reward-
ing experience as they bring and share the activities celebrating the arts to local underserved and special needs children throughout Houstonrdquo Parven said ldquoWhen we developed this program model in 2007 the teens loved the experience the children had a wonderful time and truly felt special and even the volunteers and staff that helped were in tears Itrsquos a win-win for everyonerdquo
Encore performanceThe final victory will be the ArtsFest grand performance All seven
groups will come together and put on a live show that will display every-thing the teens learned
ldquoWe really want to fill the seats and have an audience for these teens because they will be working so hard for the weekrdquo Horwitt said
Horwitt also hopes that the final performance will be the exclamation point the weeklong event needs to bring ArtsFest to the next level
ldquoMy goals and expectations are to really educate the community about the program and what a fantastic program it isrdquo Horwitt said ldquoAnd for the teens I want them to be excited about JCC Maccabi ArtsFest
ldquoMy ultimate goal this year is that this program grows from here on out ndash and I really think it will Itrsquos just such a great concept and draw for teens Itrsquos like my baby ndash I love itrdquo
For the location of the final show contact the ERJCC 713-729-3200 c
EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER5601 S Braeswood | Houston Texas 77096 7137293200
1000 AM ndash 200 PM
10 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
The first ERJCC Houston teens to participate in JCC Maccabi ArtsFest Northern Virginia 2008 Philip Kar-jeker Dorie Mishael Lindsay Kapp Miriam Lavenda with delegation head Brittany Horwitt
BY AARON HOWARD
P liant is not an adjective we nor-mally associate with wood Pliant suggests a capability of being easily bent a yielding nature or
adaptability We usually think of terms like strength and resistance when we think of woodrsquos qualities ndash as in hardwood We think of flat straight lines Thatrsquos because wood typically is used to make items like tables So the wood is flat and straight cut
Wood artist Isaac Cohen goes against the grain His wooden chests curve His bookcases swirl His wooden Star of David bends
Cohen sees wood differently ldquoI love to take wood to the extremerdquo he said ldquoI think
in wood How can I bend it What kind of shapes can I make For me the challenge is to see how far I can push the wood Every species of wood is a different give Some are soft some are hard
ldquoObviously the worst sound you can hear is CRACK the sound when wood refuses to yield anymore One piece can take a bend but the very next piece will not yield It breaksrdquo
Cohen is perhaps best-known locally as the person who designed and built the 12-foot-high steel Magen Shlomo ndash Shield of Solomon (The Lone Star) Chanukah Menorah commissioned by Chabad Lubavitch of Houston which was displayed in The Galleria in December 2011 Others know Cohen as the artist who has designed
and built wooden art cars over the past decade for Houstonrsquos annual Art Car Parade
Cohen won the Mayorrsquos Cup for ldquoBest In Showrdquo in 2004 For 2012rsquos Art Car Parade Cohen constructed something different ldquoHeroesrdquo a model F-18 Navy fighter jet atop a Geo Metro dedicated to the men and women of the US military services
Cohen recently gave the Jewish Herald-Voice a tour through his 85000-foot warehouse in Houstonrsquos East End The warehouse serves as studio and home of his retail art framing business Among the collection are his art cars and ldquoTV Christmas Treerdquo an installation he made for Houstonrsquos Discovery Green with wood and 20 television sets Yet his custom-
Houston sculptor works against the grain
A Bend in the Wood
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohenrsquos wooden gull-winged Splinter creation was showcased in the April 2008 Houston Art Car Parade
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 11
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
made furniture for example includes a chest of drawers whose graceful arched lines are reminiscent of a beautiful sailboat hull And while the top of one of Cohenrsquos book-cases begins in its proper place at the apex on the left side it plummets down to the bot-tom of the piece like an adrenaline-pumping speed slide
During the tour the phone rang ldquoTake this callrdquo Cohen said to his sons in the next room ldquoPeople think I work here I try hard not to give them that impression What I do now I do for funrdquo
Thatrsquos the key to understanding how Cohen creates He plays Hersquos now 60 years
old and hersquos like one of those old lions on the savannah well fed healthy free from stress and roaring ndash simply for the joy of roaring
Cohen came to Houston from Israel in 1979 In Israel he built custom furniture in his youth and later ran a chain of pizzerias In 1985 he opened a wholesale framing business Classy Art Wholesalers
ldquoWe had to struggle for survival at firstrdquo Cohen said ldquoBut by 1990 we were doing well and we moved our business into our current locationrdquo
In 2002 as his 50th birthday approached Cohen decided he wanted to make his own birthday present A car he named Splinter Over the frame of a restored 1989 Honda Accord he envisioned a wooden body using one-quarter-inch thick strips of ash and wal-nut ndash about 5000 feet of wooden strips glued together so they could bend to the shape of the car frame
Cohen has the original simple drawing now framed labeled ldquoFirst Ideardquo He com-pleted Splinter in June 2003
Join us for ldquoan adventure of the spiritrdquo
Cantor Vadim Tunitsky Senior Rabbi Scott Hausman-Weiss Rabbi Pamela Silk Rabbi Samantha Kahn
ldquoCongregation Emanu El is a Reform synagogue firmly rooted in our covenant with God and the Jewish People We are a caring community dedicated to inspiring the love of God teaching the joys of Jewish living and sharing our mission to be a light unto the nationsrdquo
Minyan Next DorMonthly eruv Shabbat for Houstonrsquos young-er adults
Torah Enrichment on ShabbatChoose from a variety of classes with the rabbi
Weekly Meditation Service
EducationAdult educationBecker Early Childhood CenterHelfman Religious School
1500 Sunset Blvd 713-529-5771wwwemanuelhoustonorg
And MoreBrotherhoodSisterhoodEmanu EldersHelfman Religious School PTA Becker Early Childhood PTOYouth GroupCub and Boy Scouts
An adventure of the spirit
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohen was commissioned to build a 12-foot-tall chanukiah that was kindled inside The Galleria Houston in De-cember 2011
JHV AARON HOWARD
The ldquoFirst Ideardquo sketch for Splinter
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
N o r t h B r a e s w o o d a t C h i m N e y r o C kB R A E S W O O D S Q U A R E
B
Trade secrets There are two methods by which
you can get wood to bend wet and dry
You can use steam which dis-solves some of the bonds between wood fibers Steam weakens and stretches the fibers and allows them to reform during the cooling process
Cohen doesnrsquot use steam or water He dry bends Although he will not give away his secrets he does use wood strips which must be glued to something else such as a form
ldquoWhen you bend dry wood it doesnrsquot maintain its shape by itselfrdquo said Cohen ldquoYou must glue the wood pieces to some-thing else even themselves otherwise the wood would spring back to its original flat-nessrdquo
Wood wants to spring back to its origi-nal shape The tighter the bend the more wood wants to spring back And therersquos no formula no pre-set way of telling how much a strip of wood will spring back or break Itrsquos all a matter of trial and error
For example Cohen created a hang-ing Magen David inside a circle by first dry bending two different-colored wooden strips into a perfect circle Then inside the circle he twisted two other strips until he was able to fashion the interlocking star
ldquoI believe in myselfrdquo said Cohen ldquobut I never believe that the wood will cooperate with merdquo
Fresh startTo begin Cohen decides on a project
Then he decides what species of wood would look best for the project
ldquoWhen I decided to create my wooden truck Big J I saw that to my eye rose-wood looked much better than mahogany Rosewood has such a deep color that it
allows you to see the straight lines The design for that vehicle was a basic octa-gon with many straight lines rather than curves All the wood used for that vehicle came from the same tree So therersquos a single design pattern all over the car except for the tiny changes in the spacing of the tree rings You have to examine the wood really closely to see thatrdquo
Of note all hardwoods get more difficult to bend the closer the artist gets to the cen-ter of the tree Thatrsquos because the wood is denser closer to the core
ldquoSo when you get pieces that are near the center ndash you recognize that by looking at the distance between rings from the edge of a piece ndash the wood gives me a run for my moneyrdquo said Cohen
ldquoI never considered myself an artist Irsquove never taken a class I didnrsquot think of myself as an artist until I received the Lifetime Achievement award for Best Artist from the
Art Car Museum Now I guess I can call myself an artistrdquo
Unlike most other artists Cohen rarely sells his pieces although hersquos been offered as much as $16 million for Splinter
ldquoIrsquoll tell you whyrdquo he said ldquoFive years ago I donated Slider to the Orange Show This was another car I created They auc-tioned the car off to benefit the Orange Show I had put in more than 2000 hours creating Slider It was absolutely like one of my children I cannot forget the awful feeling of loss I had when I let the car go It was gone after being in my shop every day for over a year
ldquoToday when I build something on commission I can see it differently But even so itrsquos difficult to let gordquo
We can appreciate Cohenrsquos feelings When yoursquove put as many hours into your ldquochildrenrdquo as he has it is sometimes hard to let them part c
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohenrsquos F-18 Fighter Jet pays tribute to the ldquoheroes of freedomrdquo Cohen drove the car in the May 2010 Houston Art Car Parade
JHV AARON HOWARD
Isaac Cohenrsquos bent woodMagen David
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15 Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2011 | JhVonlinecom | 14
THE BEST ROAD TO RECOVERY GOES THROUGH SEVEN ACRES
The Lou Lewis Skilled Nursing Program at Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services is dedicated to helping your loved one achieve the highest level of recovery following a hospital stay to successfully return home
Give your loved one the best chance for a full recovery with the Lou Lewis Skilled Nursing Program at
6200 North Braeswood Boulevard Houston Texas 770747137785700 - wwwsevenacresorg
n Fulltime medical services with onsite physicians and geriatric nurse practitionersn Customized skilled nursing care and rehabilitation including physical occupational speech and IV therapyn Great facilities and a nurturing environment
ERJCC dance instructor is creative talent behind Dance Month and moreBY ALICE ADAMS
I trsquos a Monday after 7 pm and dance director Maxine Silberstein has yet to finish her day at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center And this particular day is no busier than any other time of the week
Silberstein is responsible not only for coordinating the JCCrsquos dance pro-gram cultural outreach programs and partnerships and the IW Marks Master Classes but also serves as artistic director for Dance Month ndash now in its 33rd season ndash at the Kaplan Theatre In addition she coordinates Maccabi dance for Team Houston and the annual Tirkedu Houston an Israeli folk dance weekend But thatrsquos not all Shersquos been a teacher of dance for more than three decades as well as dance director for the ERJCCrsquos Arts and Culture Department
Yet her love of dance began long before Dance Month began or the Houston Ballet took the stage
ldquoMy father would sit beside me in the darkness of a Galveston auditorium or the old Music Hall in downtown Houston so I could see the leading prima ballerinas of Ballet Russes and other prominent companies dancing in the spotlightrdquo she recalled and as she watched the little girl who grew up in
Place Where Jewish Culture Thrives Through Dance
JHV MATT SAMUELS
ERJCC dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15
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Texas City took notice of every detail ndash from the artistsrsquo finely positioned feet to the curve of their arms and the placement of delicate fin-gers ldquoIt was always magicalrdquo she remembered
ldquoMy mother started me in dance lessons when I was quite young I was probably 5 or 6rdquo said Silberstein taking a rare time out ldquoI was that kid who was hanging by my arms and legs from the barre or in some way not following instructions Needless to say I didnrsquot receive much encouragement from that teacherrdquo she added
ldquoOnly a few weeks into my dance career my teacher commented that she didnrsquot know exactly why my mother was wasting her money on dance lessons for me That was Motherrsquos cue to move me so I could study with Doris Hede in La Marque and that experience is exactly why I would never discourage any child from study-ing dancerdquo Silberstein added ldquoeven the ones using the barre as a jungle gymrdquo
Realizing her passion for dance by her early teens the athletic young dancer eagerly par-ticipated in programs offered by the Houston Youth Symphony and Ballet where dance teachers and students from the area gathered to rehearse performances at the old City Hall across from the Rice Hotel
After high school graduation Silberstein was unable to attend the University of
Oklahoma which had a flourishing dance program at the time under the tutelage of prima ballerina Maria Tallchief Instead she attended the University of Houston where she earned a bachelorrsquos degree in special edu-cation and physical education with a minor
in dance performanceThroughout her college career the tena-
cious dancer took full advantage of every opportunity that presented itself In doing so she was to study and learn various forms of dance with some of the countryrsquos greatest and
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Melissa Darlow Ariel Brown Lauren Liss and Alyssa Cohen work on their 2012 Maccabi Games dance routine with dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
most prolific choreographers including Fred Strobel Anita Dyche Camille Long Hill Patsy Swayze and Rudy Jenkins in Houston In New York her training included the Alvin Ailey Peridance Center Jennifer Mueller Merce Cunningham Jo Jo Smith Broadway Dance Center and Steps
ldquoWhen I was in college I taught andor substituted for absent teachers in the JCCrsquos adult dance program when the center was located on Hermann Driverdquo she recalled She began working part time as a dance teacher at the J in 1974
ldquoI had met and married my husband Bubba Silberstein in the interimrdquo she explained ldquoand after we began our family I decided to teach dance and raise our children Brent and Steffanirdquo
In 1980 Silberstein was named director of the JCCrsquos dance program after director Lisa Rollrsquos exit
ldquoAfter Lisa left the board was not able to
identify someone to take over the position so I said I would be happy to do it until someone is hired Needless to say Irsquom still here todayrdquo laughed the teacherdancerdirector
Silberstein said it was only natural that
the JCC offer a dance program because of its reputation for programming around health wellness sports and physical activities ldquoDance easily fits into this type of program-mingrdquo she pointed out ldquoand classes were a vehicle for bringing Jewish children together in dance Itrsquos for anyone for all denomina-tions and all ages and itrsquos also a United Way-
funded center and open to everyone who wanted to learn to dancerdquo
So it follows that the high point of Silbersteinrsquos career is inspiring student dancers
ldquoAs director Irsquove had the opportunity of doing many things but being able to teach children to build their confi-dence and esteem to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worth-while And now I am teaching my former studentsrsquo children and the grandchil-dren of my peersrdquo
P r o f e s s i o n a l inf luences have included Mikhail Baryshnikov and
Ohad Naharin the latter an Israeli artis-tic directorchoreographer of the Batsheva Dance Company He also is the originator of Gaga an innovative movement language which has emerged as a growing force in the larger field of movement practices for both dancers and non-dancers
ldquoAt the time we brought him to Houston
a symbol of distinction in assisted living
bull 24 Hour Assistance and Personalized Carebull Elegant Dining Servicesbull Medication Supervisionbull Social Cultural and Recreational activitiesbull Wellness Center with Heated Aquatherapy Poolbull A fully equipped socialmedia centerbull Peace of Mind in a Family Oriented Secure Setting
License ID 102491
wwwthemedallionorg6262 North Braeswood Boulevard
Houston Texas 77074(713) 778-5777
Affiliated with Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Lauren Liss Ariel Brown and Ryan Bryandt follow the lead of dance instructor Maxine Silberstein at the ERJCC
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
he had a company in New Yorkrdquo Silberstein remem-bered ldquoIt was very exciting to have him here And when I think of where he is today and the influ-ence on the world of dance That was a highlightrdquo
As artistic director of Dance Month Silberstein said she believed it was extremely important first and foremost to Houstonrsquos Jewish community because audiences have been able to see on stage a number of Israeli and Yemeni dancers like Sara Levi-Tanai ldquoThe choreography of these groups reflects the Jewish culture in that it is powerful and risk taking at its corerdquo she noted ldquoItrsquos how they live their lives on the edge In general itrsquos a wonderful opportunity for Houston audiences to see Judaism in dance and how the culture and Jewish choreographers have phenomenally influenced dance all over the worldrdquo
With more than 35 years of teaching Silberstein said her goal is to continue meeting the day-to-day challenges of the programs she directs while remaining an influence in the lives of her students and and their desire to dance to meet their own goals not to be discour-aged
ldquoGrowing up in Texas City I didnrsquot have the advantages of Jewish children in Houston growing up with large congregations BBYOs or a community center I could be a part ofrdquo she explained ldquoBut I had my dance I feel like I hopefully have been an inspiration to other Jewish artists to go forward with their art form Irsquove always this thing as an artist in that I am Jewish Maybe not everything I do in dance is Jewish but I am influenced by Jewish artists and I think itrsquos important for all artists to hold on to their Jewishness to represent our culture in the various art forms
Along with her teaching Silberstein has found time to perform with numerous dance companies in her career served on cultural arts boards and has promoted dance in Houston especially dance centering on the Jewish culture Currently she serves on the board of Uptown Dance Centre the HCC-Central College World Dance Institute board and Society for the Performing Arts Education Committee
Silberstein also gives credit to her supervisor Marilyn Hassid ldquofor her support encouragement and friendship in supporting me in doing the many things we do through arts and culture and the dance program
ldquoIrsquove been very fortunaterdquo she continued ldquoBeing at the ERJCC wersquove brought in many many groups of people who may have never stepped foot in here and theyrsquore coming because of dance In the pro-cess they have been exposed to the Jewish culture Itrsquos important to me that we through the Kaplan Theatre expose our center to everyone who comes here In doing so our Jewish culture will continue to have a strong presence in the Houston community ndash through dancerdquo c
ldquoBeing able to teach children to build their confidence and esteem
to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worthwhilerdquo
ndash Maxine Silberstein
ldquoWe are proud our family launched the Jewish Family Service Passover program providing assistance for the past 20 yearsAs others are generously stepping forwardto support this effort we took a look at our communityrsquos future needsrdquondashJeanne Mandell
ldquoAlong with the blessings of our seniors living longer comes an added responsibility to accommodate the changing needs of this community We know JFS will be there to help The Deutser Hecht Mandell Fund for Senior Adult Financial Aid seeks to fulfill the basic needs of our seniors help them maintain independence in their own homes and empower them with personal dignity in the coming decadesrdquondashPunkin Hecht
ldquoWe feel good about being a part of100 Names
Wonrsquot you join usrdquo
A simple bequest is the most common way for a family to establish a legacy gift
In partnership withJewish Family Servicersquos100th Year Celebrationand Houston JewishCommunity Foundationrsquos Create a Jewish LegacyHouston Jewish Family Foundation
rdavisjfshoustonorg 7136679336wwwjfshoustonorg100names
Benefitting Jewish Family ServiceA New Fund is Added to100 Names for 100 Years
The Deutser HechtMandell Fund
for Senior Adult Financial Aid
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
The Shlenker SchoolCongregation Beth Israel - Houston Texas
For more information or to schedule a tourcontact Gail Rovinsky Director of Admissions
713-270-6127 grovinskyshlenkerorg5600 N Braeswood Houston Texas 77096 wwwshlenkerorg
Yoursquove alwaYs spent moneY wiselY
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2555 S Braeswood | Houston TX 77025-2805 elmcroftcom Facility 030414
Schedule a personal visit
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Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Gabby Howard paints her cardCari Cowen with Celebration Company volunteer Joyce Rosen
BY MICHAEL C DUKE PHOTOS BY MATT SAMUELS
Jewish adults with special needs have found a creative outlet at Jewish Family Servicersquos Celebration Company
For the past three years Celebration Company participants have produced note-cards featuring original hand-painted artwork and handmade paper The signed artwork is mounted to the front of the cards which are blank inside and are packaged with envelopes sold either individually or in five-card sets
ldquoThe notecards are a great way for the par-ticipants to express themselves artisticallyrdquo said Nick Tofilon Celebration Companyrsquos director
The cards are available at JFS 4131 S Braeswood Blvd or at Three Brothers Bakery 4036 S Braeswood Blvd
Celebration Company provides meaning-ful employment to people with special needs who ndash with joy purpose and self-esteem ndash cre-ate products that celebrate the good in life c
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Linda Lopen makes a floral paintingMax Schaffer works on her masterpiece
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
What a Difference EmeryWeiner Made
wwwemeryweinerorg bull 8322045900
Thank you so much for a wonderful and I do really mean wonderful Emery experience Itrsquos so sad that Nicole will not be there on a daily basis anymore She told me in third grade that she wanted to attend EWS for middle and high school and it was the best decision that we ever made
- Bonnie Winograd (parent of Class of 2012 Graduate)
ldquo
rdquo
Hebrew Free Loanassociation ndashProviding interest
Free Loans to JewisH Houston area residents since 1932
Loans Available for Emergencies
Healthcare Needs Small Business Assistance
and More For more information or to apply for a loan visit our website at
wwwhflanetor call
713-667-9336 ext221
House of Dereacuteon Media Center is one of the best kept secrets in Houston The eclectic special events venue including state-of-the-art media and conference facilities is housed inside a magnifi cent art deacuteco building located in the heart of Houstonrsquos Midtown District and seated perfectly within the worldwide operations of Music World Entertainment ndash the management company of the worldrsquos 1 female recording group Destinyrsquos Child
Let us turn your next function into a social event to remember
Where your functions become social events
2204 Crawford St Houston Texas l 7137725175 l wwwhouseofdereonmediacentercom
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
reg
National Council of Jewish WomenA fAith iN the future A belief iN ACtioN
Help Houstonrsquos women children and families
JOIN NCJW GHSNational Council of Jewish Women a
nationwide organization of 90000 strong and along with the Greater Houston Sectionrsquos
800+ members takes a progressive stance towards
changing lives through advocacy campaigns and social action by helping
bull At-risk children learn to readbull To ensure reproductive freedom
bull Victims of human traffickingbull Victims of domestic violence
and sexual assaultbull Adolescent survivors of
sexual assaultbull Homeless children
bull Foster children
To learn more about NCJW GHS and how you can get involved visit ncjwhoustonorg or contact us at membershipncjwhoustonorg
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery
from AddictionBY JEANNE F SAMUELS
E stablished 12 years ago Chabad of Sugar Land is headed by Brooklyn-born Rabbi Mendel Feigenson who was brought to Houston in 1995 by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff Fulfilling Chabadrsquos mission to serve Jews throughout the Sugar Land Stafford and Missouri City area Rabbi Feigenson has added a
new facet to his work He has opened his heart and Chabadrsquos doors to a completely underserved segment of the Jewish community It is the newly formed Jewish Recovery Celebration Group which provides support for Jewish recovering alcoholics addicts and members of Alcoholics Anonymous
The truth is contrary to general belief ndash and probably community denial ndash there are Jews who are addicts And those who suffer with addiction face a constant struggle to overcome its grasp
Confronting a definite need Rabbi Feigenson facilitates and organizes social and educational events to help JRCG members merge Judaism with recovery Every other Sunday at 7 pm he integrates the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with the timeless lessons of Torah and Kabbalah The meetings are held in complete privacy when no one else is in the two-year-old Chabad facility
The need for support for Jewish addicts was posed to Rabbi Feigenson by Lynn JHV JEANNE F SAMUELS
Rabbi Mendel Feigenson
Donovan of Galveston She is the only individual in the recently organized group who chooses not to remain anonymous believing her story needs to be told
ldquoShe is an inspirationrdquo the rabbi declared ldquoMore than four months ago she called me saying she had something very important to discuss with me She told me that she has been sober for 25 years and that she has friends who are struggling with addiction The reality is that there are Jews who are drug addicts
ldquoBasically addiction is a diseaserdquo Rabbi Feigenson explained ldquoand addicts cannot help themselves They need group support and our mis-sion is to help our Jewish brethrenrdquo So the rabbi studied the Twelve Steps of AA delved into books on the subject and consulted with some psychiatrists From all this the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group was formed
Presently there are four to six people in the group and Rabbi Feigenson said that the meetings are working well ldquoItrsquos about coming from darkness and making a new liferdquo he pointed out
Credited with encouraging the genesis of JRCG Donovan recalled how she became sober in 1986 taking the train from Harrisburg Pa to Baltimore on Sundays to be part of a Twelve Step group that met in a church ldquoIt was very confusing for me having to separate church and recovery hellip There are no rules regarding religion in AA but most of my support was coming from Christian people Did I have to be Christian to recover
ldquoI had been arrested at 18rdquo she confessed ldquoand the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos com-mon belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
When Donovan moved to Texas in 1990 she continued with AA in churches Although the
West Houston Jewish Community Center had an AA meeting it was not a Jewish recovery group
ldquoI visited with the Jewish Family Service to see if they would help start a Jewish recovery group but they were not accepting of me I spoke to one or two rabbis privately but they werenrsquot receptive either so I kind of let it go for a whilerdquo She noted that perseverance is difficult ldquoThe disease of addiction is not something they know how to deal with
ldquoAs a young girl I was molested by a rabbi and when the Penn State [University] scandal broke loose I became very depressedrdquo she reflected having the need for support at that time ldquoI got on the Internet and Googled Jews in recovery where I read about a Rabbi Kessler at Chabad in Boca Raton Fla I called there and the rabbi told me about a retreat [to be held there] and was it possible I could come It took place this past February with addicts from all over including me Rabbi Abraham J Twerski was the keynote speakerrdquo
The convention inspired Donovan to seek the closest Chabad to Galveston which she found in Sugar Land She telephoned there and Rabbi Feigenson invited her to Shabbat where she had lunch with his wife Chaya After hearing Donovanrsquos story Chaya Feigenson said to her husband ldquoMendel we have to help these peoplerdquo
ldquoMost people know very little about addictionrdquo Donovan empha-sized When I first started someone took me to the rabbi who told me to go home and honor my father and my mother and be a good girlrdquo Also she added ldquoIt must be difficult to drop your children off at a church for recovery Therersquos the worry that theyrsquore brainwashing your child
ldquoThere is so much lack of knowledge especially in the Jewish com-munity If you stay with the thought that Jews donrsquot [become addicts] then people die We need to break that stereotype and lack of informa-tion Jews suffer from drug abuse obesity gambling etc like any other grouprdquo
Donovanrsquos brother a rabbi in Israel took her to AA meetings in Jerusalem where she discovered that there are even rabbis who suffer from alcoholism ldquoSome of usrdquo she pointed out ldquohave had bad experi-ences as childrenrdquo
ldquoThere is such naivetyrdquo Donovan a 58-year-old mother of three and grandmother of eight maintained ldquoRabbi Feigenson is the first in Houston who really heard me and understands the importance of helping every Jewish person It was an incredible day that I met him ldquoWe want to reach out to Jews who are confused and are appealing for help Itrsquos a very special experience to be a Jew in recovery and meet with others who are in recovery also And we can talk to parents free of charge to give them support and help Itrsquos an experience I donrsquot want others to missrdquo
For information about the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group call Rabbi Mendel Feigenson at 832-758-0685 email rabbifeigensongmailcom or visit chabadsugarlandcom c
Congregation Beth Rambam is a warm and welcoming Sephardic congregation led by our young and dynamic Rabbi Daniel Masri
We offer morning and evening services on weekdays and Shabbat There are many fascinating classes and learning opportunities both during the day and evenings offered throughout the week in English Spanish and Hebrew
Alex Pfeffer our fun and entertaining Youth Director leads multiple activities for children of various ages each Shabbat
morning and afternoon and trips throughout the year
713-723-3030 | officebethrambamorg11333 Braesridge | wwwbethrambamorg (coming soon)
C O M E J O I N O U R F A M I L Y
bullbull
22 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ldquoI had been arrested at 18 and the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos common
belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
ndash Lynn Donovan
BY MICHAEL C DUKE
W hen Alex Kavalerchik immigrated to the United States in 1979 with his young family the 30-year-old Belorussia-born Jew had no money no education and spoke no English
Nevertheless the bus-iness-minded good-with-his-hands Kavalerchik ndash a dead-ringer for actor Al Pacino during the latterrsquos Hollywood gangster film days ndash was deter-mined to carve out his own little slice of American pie
Make that cobbler for the vocation he would settle into would be the shoe-repair business
ldquoWe came to Houston and the JCC help us to move to apartment and help us for two monthsrdquo said the heavily accented Kavalerchik who picked up conversational English not from taking formal classes like some others who escaped the Soviet Union in the late rsquo70s but by listening to the language his children were learning to read and write and speak in American public schools
Kavalerchik now a Texan pulled himself up by the bootstraps and held down jobs doing maintenance and factory work Then one day in 1981 he met a Jewish man Kalman Witenberg who ran a shoe-repair
businessldquoHe told me Yoursquore going to be a shoemaker And yoursquore going to
make enough money to pay your bills Yoursquore never going to be a mil-lionaire but therersquos going to be enough money to support your familyrdquo Kavalerchik said
He obliged and in 1985 went into the shoe-repair busi-ness himself Feet first
Kavalerchik learned the ins and outs of the time-honored trade for a year and established himself at a storefront at West Bellfort Street and Chimney Rock Road Two years into the business he acquired a second
shop and split his time between the two He then opted to sell the first location and devoted his energies to the second Hersquos managed that loca-tion at 10815 S Post Oak Rd at Willowbend Boulevard since 1990 and today employs two workers
The dusty little shop enjoys a steady stream of loyal customers many from the neighborhood Blacks Jews and Latinos mostly Itrsquos a business built on reputation Kavalerchikrsquos is good Peachy in fact The front door has a little bell that tinkles
ldquoI can do all kind of jobs ndash regular jobs and orthopedic jobsrdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoI have customers who bring ladies shoes that cost
A peachy cobbler
Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American dream
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 23
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymore Itrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you
must have patience This is the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
ndash Alex Kavalerchik
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Alex Kavalerckik is proprietor of an old-school shoe-repair shop in Southwest Houston His hand tools include a hammer that the shoprsquos previous owner used in a Nazi concentration camp
24 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Supporting the needs of the
Jewish Community
CHEVRA KADISHA OF HOUSTON
Jewish Burial Society
Continuing the sacred tradition of preparing thedeceased for burial with
care and respect
(713) 776-2438
Young Israel
of Houston
7823 Ludington DriveHouston Texas 77071
713-729-0719wwwyihoustonorg
hundreds even thousands of dollars They bring cowboy boots that cost $5000-$6000 Very expensive I do it all ndash refinish resole reshape fix completely the shoesrdquo
And itrsquos not just footwear During the interview with the Jewish Herald-Voice a woman came into the shop with a designer leather bag that had a torn strap ldquoAlaska Airlinesrdquo she grumbled Kavalerchik promised to fix it like new A few minutes later a Polish-speaking doctor came in to pick up a repaired leather dog leash Kavalerchik who grew up speaking Russian with his parents and Yiddish with his grandparents was able to converse with the man in his native tongue They shared a few chuck-les The man dressed in blue-green hospital scrubs was pleased with Kavalerchikrsquos work and tipped him 100 percent on the bill Shortly there-after a slow-moving man with a walking stick and a Korean War cap came in with a belt job
Kavalerchik even does the exotic Can he fix a pair of gilded alligator-skin sneakers No problem (Hersquos done three) How about repair-ing a set of chairs made from elephant feet Um sure why not NBA stars who take advan-
tage of his services are asked to call in advance Size 17s require special order
Some of the more challenging yet reward-ing jobs are those to salvage shoes chewed up by the family dog
ldquoThis you must have a talent to fix itrsquos a tough jobrdquo said Kavalerchik holding up a black patent leather stiletto that bore scars on the heel from large canine teeth ldquoYou donrsquot make too much money on this but the cus-tomer is really happy when I make it look like new againrdquo
Tacked to the wall above the front counter of Kavalerchikrsquos shop is an 8-foot diamondback rattlesnake skin Therersquos also a black-and-white portrait of Al Pacino from ldquoScarfacerdquo While vacationing in Las
Vegas and once in Galveston the Belorussian was hounded for an autograph from fans who mis-took him for the Oscar-winning actor Retelling the stories splits Kavalerchikrsquos face into a smile
The storefront gives way to a multi-roomed workshop in back Itrsquos vintage 1950s outfitted with well-used wooden workbenches walls of racks with customersrsquo shoes and boots (each bearing a colorful toe tag) drawers and cubbyholes filled with bits and buckles and all sorts of odds and ends for leather and shoe work Wooden shoe lasts spools of heavy thread and folds of leather
and rubber adorn door frames and corners Metal taps for dance shoes hang from hooks A random assortment of loose shoe and boot heel parts are stockpiled in a divider mounted to a wall ldquoThey donrsquot make these like they used tordquo Kavalerchik said dusting off an orange-and-white-boxed specimen from half a century ago
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Cowboy boots and orthopedic shoes make up a good deal of Kavalerchikrsquos business
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 25
1500 Sunset Boulevard Houston Texas 77005
7135356400 wwwbeckerschoolorg
Accredited by NAEYCrsquos National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Learning through play
bull Ages 15 months through 5 years bull Extended care 8am - 530pm
bull Developmentally appropriate curriculumbull Extra-curricular classes available
bull Bridge to Kindergarten class
Since 1989
Call for a tourNow accepting applications
for 2012-2013
Congregation Emanu El Becker Early Childhood Center
6401 Woodway(in Whole Foods Plaza)
7133344900
Fabulous Womenrsquos Apparel amp Accessories
4048 Bellaire Blvd(in the Whole Foods Plaza)
7136653336FrenchCuffCocom
labeled ldquoCatrsquos PawrdquoBuilt into a corner post of the main work-
bench is a glue reservoir Plugging the well is a half-dollar-sized metal cap with a rod run-ning through it sporting an applicator brush Long dribbles of glue have oozed caked and dried down the edges of the post looking like a model of a volcano from a school sci-ence fair A photographer friend of Kavalerchikrsquos comes by on occasion to shoot close-up pho-tos of the unique formations
There are industrial ma-chines at every elbow turn stitchers sanders cutters tack-ers buffers Something called an Auto Soler and another called a Heel Popper Some are more than a 100 years old Real made-in-America stuff From cities like Chicago and St Louis Art deco in shape and lines Nickel-plated enameled steel and chromed in work grime
ldquoI have one machine made in 1890 It never breaksrdquo Kavalerchik said fondly
Other equipment however has broken down over the years Kavalerchik has learned to do the repairs himself Out of necessity ldquoItrsquos
very important to learn how to fix this equip-ment Itrsquos very old and nobody knows how to fix it I have to do it myself If this part breaks you have to make a new onerdquo he said
The workshoprsquos few modern conveniences
include a small electric box fan a 26-inch TV that seems stuck on Channel 8 and the occa-sional pinup girl wall calendar One room boasts an empty bottle collection on a top shelf ldquoWe Russians drink cognac after work and vodka at homerdquo Kavalerchik explained Therersquos a row of vintage US postage stamps
affixed to a workbench shelf that dates back to the shoprsquos previous owner a man named Sam Sill
The Polish-born Sill was a Holocaust survivor who worked in a factory making
boots for German army officers Kavalerchik said
ldquoThis hammer he brought from the old country Itrsquos from Germany 1942rdquo said Kavalerchik lifting the worn tool from his workbench ldquoThis guy worked with this hammer in con-centration camprdquo He then palmed a second hammer nearby with simi-lar history Though Kavalerchik has owned the business for the past 22 years he has kept the name ldquoSamrsquos Shoe Repairrdquo
The man who gave Kavalerchik his birth into the business Kalman Witenberg also was a Polish Holocaust survivor Edith Mincberg
was a customer of Witenbergrsquos back in the day and remembers him as a friendly and lively man ldquoHe loved to carry on Yiddish conversations with my late husband Joe Mincbergrdquo Edith told the JHV Witenberg a survivor of Auschwitz among other camps according to Holocaust Museum Houston records died in 2003
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
The 1950s-era shop includes equipment thatrsquos more than 100 years old
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Foot and Ankle
Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery
Podiatry Associates of Houston
Michael A Mineo DPM FACFASDavid L Blumfield DPM FACFASKeith L Jacobson DPM FACFAS
Vito Speciale DPM
6699 Chimney Rock 102713-666-0287
18220 Tomball Pkwy 220832-912-7792
705 S Fwy 215281-579-0816
915 Gessner 380713-467-1299
Times have changed over the course of Kavalerchikrsquos career as an old-school cobbler Many of his early customers were high school graduates whose parents wanted to send their kids off to college in a pair of spiffy penny loafers ldquoThese days itrsquos a different life Kids wear sneakersrdquo Kavalerchik said
The cobbler doesnrsquot wax nostalgic however over the profession that many people including himself view as a dying art
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymorerdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoItrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you must have patience This the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
Kavalerchik has entertained the occasional apprentice but none has stuck it out The cobbler predicts that in 15 20 years time the business will be dead save for a few shops here and there
ldquoThis business is like Jewish language [Yiddish]rdquo he said ldquoBefore people speak it fluently Now itrsquos only a few old guysrdquo
The trade has been good to the man who said he stood a 50-50 chance of winding up dead if he had stayed in the Soviet Union Itrsquos given him his American dream
ldquoIf I can afford to put my children through college this was my dream to come to America This was my dream to give my children education because I did not have time in Russia to get education myselfrdquo Kavalerchik said
ldquoOld people died in these shops They worked like dogs I donrsquot do this I work eight hours a day I go to lunch I go on vacationrdquo he said ldquoHere I have easy life I have my family I have place to sleep I go on vacation twice a year Irsquom happy with my children [Michael and Fannett]rdquo Every other year Kavalerchik visits his father in Israel
Sitting in the front room of his workshop ndash the room with the bottle collection ndash is a large cardboard box full of shoes belonging to his wife Roza Kavalerchik promises hersquoll get to them soon Near the box standing upright in the corner is a clutch of fishing poles
ldquoThese here are very important toolsrdquo said Kavalerchik again with that smile ldquoSaturday at 4 I close up and take my tools straight to the boatrdquo c
Shoe-making skills saved Sillrsquos life duringthe HolocaustBY MICHAEL C DUKE
Sam Sill was the previous owner of Samrsquos Shoe Repair in Southwest Houston
When he sold the business to Alex Kavalerchik some 22 years ago he passed along his tools to the new proprietor These included a pair of hammers that helped save Sill from the Nazi death machine in Europe Kavalerchik said that Sill told him that he Sill as a concentration camp prisoner used the hammers to make boots for German army officers during the war
Houstonian Dr David Wolf ndash a podiatrist ndash is first cousin to Samrsquos wife Ruthie Wolf has preserved an original copy of Sillrsquos immigra-tion papers which state that he Sill was born
Calligraphy by Eileen
Envelope AddressingBarBat Mitzvahs
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Temple SinaiThe Reform Jewish Congregation in West Houston
A warm friendly amp vibrant community where friendship
and caring are combined with a religious faith ritual observance social interaction and education
for adults and children
Join Rabbi Annie Belford and the Temple Sinai Congregation
for Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 730 PM
13875 Brimhurst 281-495-5950Houston Tx 77077 wwwtemple-sinaiorg
TEMPLE SINAI
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
Service with a smileGoing beyond the call of duty
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Terry CominskyRealtor Associate713-558-3331
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Simon Printing CompanyFine Lithography
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Tissue PaperSelf Seal BagsCoffee BagsAutomatic Pull BowsShrink Wrap BagsClear Acetate BoxesRibbonShrink Film RollsTheme BoxesRaffi aGift BoxesGift Wrap PaperCurling RibbonOrganza bags
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Hours of OperationMonday - Friday 900 AM to 600 PM
Saturday 1000 AM to 600 PM4404 Richmond Ave bull Houston Texas 77027Phone 713-524-5454 bull Fax 713-524-5450
wwwpalmerpkgcom
Gift Wrap ServiceRetail Packaging Supplies
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For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
Montessori integrated curriculum In a loving caring and safe atmosphere your child will learn and grow with a proven program based on excellence and experience
Registration is now open
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
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HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
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We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
4-Show PackageSStart aS low aS
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A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
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Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
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Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
CFPreg and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERtrade marks are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Boardrsquos initial and ongoing certification requirements Registered Representative of and offers securities products investment advisory services and financial planning services through MML Investors Services Inc member SIPC Supervisory Office 3 Greenway Plaza Suite 1700 Houston Texas 77046 713402-3800 The K Corporation is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services Inc Insurance offered through Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and other fine companies
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
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wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
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34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
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PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
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ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
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36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
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Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
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UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
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- VOICES covers 3
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Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 1
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VO IC E S 2 01 2
WHATrsquoS INSIDE
4 The Arts Editorial BY MICHAEL C DUKE
6 ArtsFest 2012 Promises to Deliver Houston a State- of-the-Art Performance BY MATT SAMUELS
11 A Bend in the Wood Houston sculptor works against the grain BY AARON HOWARD
14 Place Where Jewish Culture Thrives Through Dance ERJCC dance instructor is creative talent behind Dance Month and more BY ALICE ADAMS
18 Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds Special needs group creating original art PHOTOS BY MATT SAMUELS
21 Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction BY JEANNE F SAMUELS
23 A Peachy Cobbler Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American Dream BY MICHAEL C DUKE
29 College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONE
33 Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food BY TED POWERS
36 Marketplace
21
11
6
23
33
29
14
2 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 3
Leora Kahn
7138269109
Betty Bellomy
7133042311
Molly AnnKaplan
2817995553
Ann Lynn Lerner
7132529473
sherylWeinstock7132408444
Lisakornhauser
8322746156
j o h n d a u g h e r t y c o m
THE FINE ART OF SELLINGTHE FINE ART ART A OF SELLINGTHE FINE ART OF SELLINGWe Know
4 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 5
ewish art What is it
Something our grandparents liked Didactic An
expression of Jewish history of Jewish culture of Jewish
identity In a way a form of remembrance Pass it down
ndash lrsquodor vrsquodor
Something a Jew does
Paint Inscribe Shape Vocalize Craft Click Play
An act of creativity Of irresponsibility The Jew
should be responsible Jewish art ndash an oxymoron
Arts is the theme of the 2012 VOICES magazine
Herein is a showcase of some of the artistic talent we have
in greater Houstonrsquos diverse Jewish community in which skillful artists are aplenty
A carpenter crafts divine parade mobiles and enlightening symbols of freedom in
public spaces Russian imports carve up fantastic fruit creations while others are ham-
mering away at an old school trade
The Jrsquos dance instructor ndash shersquos an institution A rabbi makes an art of helping those
in recovery
The next generation of artists ndash in dance theater voice culinary instrumental and
visual ndash is gathering in Houston for summer workshops and performances at ArtsFest
2012
A day schoolrsquos beloved stage master has made his curtain call and special needs
adults have found their calling card through colorful brush strokes
Jewish art in Houston Itrsquos about people experiencing beauty through the arts and
sharing it with family and friends
The Jewish Herald-Voice this communityrsquos paper of record is delighted to share
these arts with its readers This is our art giving voice to our community members
Lrsquodor vrsquodor Recording stories and perspectives from our community that canrsquot be
found anywhere else This is our responsibility
Reading the Jewish Herald-Voice is something your grandparents enjoyed Hopefully
theyrsquove passed it down to you and you will continue the tradition
Published weekly ndash Plus Wedding Passover Voices in Houston Rosh Hashanah and BarBat Mitzvah editions ndash by Herald Publishing Co 3403 Audley St Houston TX 77098 copy2012 with all rights reserved Reproduction or use without permission of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston Texas Subscription rates USA $165 for 3 years $115 for 2 years $60 per year 9 months for $50 Foreign subscriptions upcharged with international first-class postage Single newspaper copies by mail PREPAID $4 Back Issues PREPAID $6 Single VOICES magazine copies by mail PREPAID $8 each Postmaster Send address changes to Jewish Herald-Voice PO Box 153 Houston TX 77001-0153
ISSN 0021-6488 USPS 0275-360
jhvonlinecomThe Arts
V O I C E SVolume CV ndash Number 17
PRESIDENT Vicki Samuels Levy
EDITOR and PUBLISHERJeanne F Samuels
FOUNDING PUBLISHERSEdgar Goldberg 1908-1937David H White and Ida S White 1938-1973Joseph W Samuels 1973-2011
Associate editor | Michael C DukeMultimedia manager | Matt Samuels
Editorial research | Arnold RosenzweigStaff writer | Aaron HowardFood editor | Theodore PowersSports editor |Matt Samuels
COLUMNISTS Alice Adams bull Jonathan Fass Felice and Michael Friedson bull Elliot Gershenson Pam Geyer bull Ed Reitman PhD Bryan Edward Stone bull Teddy Weinberger PRODUCTIONProduction director | Aaron D PoscovskyAsst production manager | Barbara E Hanovich
Magazine designer | Matt SamuelsGraphic designer | Mary Jane JohnstonProofreader | Judy Bluestein-Levin
SUBSCRIPTIONDISTRIBUTIONLawrence S Levy
ADVERTISING SALES
Ad director | Vicki Samuels LevyAdministrative assistant | Joseph Macias
Ad account executivesChuck Green bull Tere Perry Lew Sampson bull Melanie Sherman bull Steve Sherman
ClassifiedSingles | Joseph MaciasDirector of first impressions | Sharon Stoper LivitzAccounts receivable | Huong TonnuController | Myrna AberPayroll | Maurene Bencal
Mailing address
PO Box 153 bull Houston TX 77001-0153
News articlesjhvonlinecomLetters editorjhvonlinecom
Subscriptions subscribejhvonlinecomAdvertising advertisingjhvonlinecom
Telephone 713-630-0391 bull Fax 713-630-0404Web jhvonlinecom Twitter jhvonline
FacebookcomJewishHeraldVoice
Located at 3403 Audley Stbull Houston TX 77098-1923
Michael C Duke
Find the JHV on your smartphone
Michael C Duke Associate Editor
J
4 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 5
BY MATT SAMUELS
This summer more than 100 Jewish teens from across the country will come together to put on a grand performance in Houston There will
be singing there will be dancing there also will be plenty of drama arts food and live music
The big show will be the culmination of all the hard work by teens volunteers and professionals who will converge in Houston in August for the 2012 JCC Maccabi ArtsFest
What began in 2006 as a complement to the annual summer Maccabi Games ArtsFest allows teens to express themselves artistically through skill workshops live performances and art exhibitions while strengthening their bonds to their Jewish heritage community and Israel
Although ArtsFest still is evolving trying
to find its identity 2012rsquos director Brittany Horwitt believes Houston has what it takes to bring it to the next level
ldquoArtsFest is just such a great concept and I love itrdquo Horwitt said ldquoWe are kind of in a building year and I think Houston has done a great job of promoting the program in a positive light I think the teens will have a great time and it will help build the future of ArtsFestrdquo
ArtsFest 2012 will feature 115 teens from 20 cities who will be in artistic-oriented work-shops They then will join forces with the Maccabi Games athletes who are being hosted in Houston for the first time since 2007
Houston is one of three communities host-ing 2012 Maccabi Games but it is the only venue including ArtsFest This is only the sec-ond time ArtsFest is being combined with the US Maccabi Games
ldquoItrsquos a challenge because we are still work-ing out the kinks in putting the two events together But itrsquos a win-win for both teams because everyone is together and it is one great experiencerdquo said Horwitt who was part of the 2010 Houston delegation in Baltimore ldquoTeens that are not into competition or athletics they have a place in ArtsFest This is a great addi-tion to JCC Maccabirdquo
Teens aged 13-16 will arrive Sunday Aug 5 for the opening ceremonies at Rice University Beginning Monday morning they will divide up going into their respective workshops where they will work for most of the week
As part of the program there is a planned mitzvah project to help the community and the final live show which will have all of the arts on display
Part of what allows ArtsFest to be such a success is the participation of the professional
6 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ArtsFest 2012 Promises to Deliver
Teens from across the US came together for the final show of ArtsFest in Northern Virginia in 2008
Houston a State-of-the-Art Performance
instructors Whether from Houston or travel-ing here from around the country they will assume the role of artists in residence for the week to give the ArtsFest teens an experience to paint dance or cook with the best of the best
ldquoThe artists donrsquot all come to Maccabi for the social scene ndash some are really coming for their art workrdquo Horwitt said ldquoThe teens have the opportunity to put on their resume that they worked with some of these great artists in residencerdquo
ArtsFest will be divided into seven special-ties actingimprov culinary dance musical theater visual art vocal music and rockjazz music Each specialty workshop will be led by at least one artist in residence who will work directly with the teens
The 2012 theme ldquoHope and Changerdquo will be celebrated through the seven different areas of concentration
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 7
Traditions Onstage And In Real Life
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ArtsFest 2012 Promises to DeliverHouston a State-of-the-Art Performance
8 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Building up the dramaTeens in the actingimprov group will work
together to form an ensemble exploring vari-ous techniques and traditions of theater and improvisation ranging from Shakespearean theater to American sketch comedy
Native Houstonian and theater artist in residence Stephanie Wittles will bring her vast experience to the ArtsFest stage
ldquoAs a newcomer to ArtsFest I am slightly terrified about creating rehearsing and per-forming a theatrical masterpiece in only four short days but I am up for the challenge and confident that these talented actors will rise to the occasionrdquo Wittles said
Teens will learn about acting script analy-sis and improvisation They also will be chal-lenged to develop material to be part of a larger interdisciplinary performance for the grand finale at ArtsFest
ldquoTheater is something I have been doing myself since childhood and so many of my closest friendships have blossomed as a resultrdquo Wittles said ldquoI hope to give my kids the same enriching opportunity this summer I am eager to get startedrdquo
A culinary delightTeens in the culinary arts specialty will
be engaged ndash choosing the right ingredients learning new cooking techniques and under-standing the history and culture behind many foods
Part of the recipe will be for the teens to go to a local farmerrsquos market to learn how to plan a menu and to understand the process of transforming raw ingredients into deli-
cious dishes Houston-area artists in residence are Sam
Beierbegan currently executive chef at A Fare Extraordinaire and Sarah Brook founder and CEO of Dessert Gallery Bakery amp Cafe
ldquoDesserts have been my passion for as long as I can rememberrdquo Brook said ldquoThere are few things more gratifying than finding something you love making it your lifersquos work and then being given the opportunity to share that magic with a new generation
ldquoThroughout my three decades in the dessert industry in Houston I have been so grateful for the support and devotion I have received from my hometownrsquos Jewish community Being given the chance to give back to that community and reaching oth-ers through this amazing program is a real honorrdquo
The program will conclude with the pres-entation of a menu and the production of catered dishes to be served as part of the
weekrsquos final presentation
Dancing with tomorrowrsquos starsTeens in the dance portion of ArtsFest will
explore dance techniques and develop perform-ance skills such as focus intention dramatic and technical range and expansion of move-ment vocabulary
Participants will be introduced to the ori-gins and history of contemporary dance as an expressive and creative art form and learn its role in transmission of culture expression and storytelling
The artists in residence are Houston native Cat Cogliandro and Nicholas Ross of Nicholas Andre Dance studio in New York Ross has choreographed more than 16 works for his company and has toured all over the country
ldquoI am excited to work with all of the partici-pantsrdquo Ross said ldquoI bring a very athletic style to my choreography and I hope to inspire some future artists I also hope to meet people from all over and share our experiencesrdquo
Dancers will create both solos and group work learning to balance individuality with the work of an ensemble The program will finish with the creation of a new work that will be part of the weekrsquos final presentation
A musical chorusTeens signed up for musical theater will
work on vocal technique dance and move-ment skills and song interpretation abilities
Participants will have the opportunity to explore a vast range of material including musical selections from the standard com-edy drama and musical theater repertoire as well as nondramatic sources
Musical theater artists will express their creativity by developing original individual pieces as well as by performing professional musical numbers as part of an ensemble
The artist in residence is Naomi Ackerman Traveling from Los Angeles she is an experienced actor whose credits include theater musicals films and television
Teens show off their acting skills at ArtsFest 2009 in New Orleans
Teens learn how to fillet a fish during ArtsFest 2009 in New Orleans
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 9
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Creating a masterpieceParticipants in the fine arts will be able to
sharpen their technique while using a variety of art materials to design a series of projects for their portfolio as well as create a piece of public art to be included as a part of the final performance
Public art is an important expanding field within the discipline of visual arts and is relevant to painters sculptors printmakers fabric artists graphic designers and visual artists of all types
The artist in residence is Julie Brook Alex-ander a Houston artist whose work combines original photography collage and mixed media
ldquoI hope to give the students a chance to develop individually and to enjoy the group experience of ArtsFestrdquo Alexander said ldquoThere is nothing more energizing than inspiring creativity and working in the midst of a creative community
ldquoI hope to provide to the kids an opportunity to look at themselves in a new light through photography painting collage and writingrdquo Alexander said ldquoWe will work on a series of self-portraits and on an indi-vidual artist statement that guides this art-making I want each student to prepare work that shares unique insight into themselvesrdquo
The program will end with the creation and sharing of a new work that will be displayed prominently as part of the weekrsquos final presentation
A vocal experienceTeens in vocal music will enhance their onstage performance skills
both as soloists and as part of an ensemble or choir Participants will work on rhythmic skills pitch and harmonization
The artist in residence from Florida is Beth Schafer who has spent her
career redefining Jewish music by combining masterful songwriting with sensitivity to liturgy and unique insight into text She specializes in music for Torah-minded adults looking for an extension to their Jewish lives through music
Schafer will work with ArtsFest teens to examine how differing song styles reflect the identity of the vocal artist Teens also will explore the crafting of performance techniques as well as the emotional authenticity of an artist during a performance
The program will conclude with performing a special piece at the weekrsquos final presentation
Rock onSingers and songwriters will put their talents to the test in the rock
jazz music specialty There will be guitar bass keyboardpiano drums horns and rock-oriented strings Participants will examine the art of song-writing performance techniques and will analyze the changing world of modern Jewish music
Teens will form bands based on style ability and instrumentation The bands will play cover and jam learning from LA-based artist in residence Josh Nelson one of the most popular performers and producers in modern Jewish music
The program will culminate in the creation and sharing of a new work that will be part of the weekrsquos final presentation
The art of caringArtsFest and Maccabi Games teens will come together during the week
for JCC CaresMore than 1200 teens will work with Jacques DrsquoAmboisersquos nonprofit
National Dance Institute to help bring their amazing dance program to underprivileged and special needs youth of greater Houston
The teens will provide supplies activities refreshments and profes-sional instructors at different locations At each venue athletes will be paired with a child and go to a NDI dance class taught by instructors from various Houston dance companies
Houstonian Kathy Parven is coordinating the programldquoOur goal is to provide the teens a personal engaging and reward-
ing experience as they bring and share the activities celebrating the arts to local underserved and special needs children throughout Houstonrdquo Parven said ldquoWhen we developed this program model in 2007 the teens loved the experience the children had a wonderful time and truly felt special and even the volunteers and staff that helped were in tears Itrsquos a win-win for everyonerdquo
Encore performanceThe final victory will be the ArtsFest grand performance All seven
groups will come together and put on a live show that will display every-thing the teens learned
ldquoWe really want to fill the seats and have an audience for these teens because they will be working so hard for the weekrdquo Horwitt said
Horwitt also hopes that the final performance will be the exclamation point the weeklong event needs to bring ArtsFest to the next level
ldquoMy goals and expectations are to really educate the community about the program and what a fantastic program it isrdquo Horwitt said ldquoAnd for the teens I want them to be excited about JCC Maccabi ArtsFest
ldquoMy ultimate goal this year is that this program grows from here on out ndash and I really think it will Itrsquos just such a great concept and draw for teens Itrsquos like my baby ndash I love itrdquo
For the location of the final show contact the ERJCC 713-729-3200 c
EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER5601 S Braeswood | Houston Texas 77096 7137293200
1000 AM ndash 200 PM
10 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
The first ERJCC Houston teens to participate in JCC Maccabi ArtsFest Northern Virginia 2008 Philip Kar-jeker Dorie Mishael Lindsay Kapp Miriam Lavenda with delegation head Brittany Horwitt
BY AARON HOWARD
P liant is not an adjective we nor-mally associate with wood Pliant suggests a capability of being easily bent a yielding nature or
adaptability We usually think of terms like strength and resistance when we think of woodrsquos qualities ndash as in hardwood We think of flat straight lines Thatrsquos because wood typically is used to make items like tables So the wood is flat and straight cut
Wood artist Isaac Cohen goes against the grain His wooden chests curve His bookcases swirl His wooden Star of David bends
Cohen sees wood differently ldquoI love to take wood to the extremerdquo he said ldquoI think
in wood How can I bend it What kind of shapes can I make For me the challenge is to see how far I can push the wood Every species of wood is a different give Some are soft some are hard
ldquoObviously the worst sound you can hear is CRACK the sound when wood refuses to yield anymore One piece can take a bend but the very next piece will not yield It breaksrdquo
Cohen is perhaps best-known locally as the person who designed and built the 12-foot-high steel Magen Shlomo ndash Shield of Solomon (The Lone Star) Chanukah Menorah commissioned by Chabad Lubavitch of Houston which was displayed in The Galleria in December 2011 Others know Cohen as the artist who has designed
and built wooden art cars over the past decade for Houstonrsquos annual Art Car Parade
Cohen won the Mayorrsquos Cup for ldquoBest In Showrdquo in 2004 For 2012rsquos Art Car Parade Cohen constructed something different ldquoHeroesrdquo a model F-18 Navy fighter jet atop a Geo Metro dedicated to the men and women of the US military services
Cohen recently gave the Jewish Herald-Voice a tour through his 85000-foot warehouse in Houstonrsquos East End The warehouse serves as studio and home of his retail art framing business Among the collection are his art cars and ldquoTV Christmas Treerdquo an installation he made for Houstonrsquos Discovery Green with wood and 20 television sets Yet his custom-
Houston sculptor works against the grain
A Bend in the Wood
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohenrsquos wooden gull-winged Splinter creation was showcased in the April 2008 Houston Art Car Parade
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 11
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
made furniture for example includes a chest of drawers whose graceful arched lines are reminiscent of a beautiful sailboat hull And while the top of one of Cohenrsquos book-cases begins in its proper place at the apex on the left side it plummets down to the bot-tom of the piece like an adrenaline-pumping speed slide
During the tour the phone rang ldquoTake this callrdquo Cohen said to his sons in the next room ldquoPeople think I work here I try hard not to give them that impression What I do now I do for funrdquo
Thatrsquos the key to understanding how Cohen creates He plays Hersquos now 60 years
old and hersquos like one of those old lions on the savannah well fed healthy free from stress and roaring ndash simply for the joy of roaring
Cohen came to Houston from Israel in 1979 In Israel he built custom furniture in his youth and later ran a chain of pizzerias In 1985 he opened a wholesale framing business Classy Art Wholesalers
ldquoWe had to struggle for survival at firstrdquo Cohen said ldquoBut by 1990 we were doing well and we moved our business into our current locationrdquo
In 2002 as his 50th birthday approached Cohen decided he wanted to make his own birthday present A car he named Splinter Over the frame of a restored 1989 Honda Accord he envisioned a wooden body using one-quarter-inch thick strips of ash and wal-nut ndash about 5000 feet of wooden strips glued together so they could bend to the shape of the car frame
Cohen has the original simple drawing now framed labeled ldquoFirst Ideardquo He com-pleted Splinter in June 2003
Join us for ldquoan adventure of the spiritrdquo
Cantor Vadim Tunitsky Senior Rabbi Scott Hausman-Weiss Rabbi Pamela Silk Rabbi Samantha Kahn
ldquoCongregation Emanu El is a Reform synagogue firmly rooted in our covenant with God and the Jewish People We are a caring community dedicated to inspiring the love of God teaching the joys of Jewish living and sharing our mission to be a light unto the nationsrdquo
Minyan Next DorMonthly eruv Shabbat for Houstonrsquos young-er adults
Torah Enrichment on ShabbatChoose from a variety of classes with the rabbi
Weekly Meditation Service
EducationAdult educationBecker Early Childhood CenterHelfman Religious School
1500 Sunset Blvd 713-529-5771wwwemanuelhoustonorg
And MoreBrotherhoodSisterhoodEmanu EldersHelfman Religious School PTA Becker Early Childhood PTOYouth GroupCub and Boy Scouts
An adventure of the spirit
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohen was commissioned to build a 12-foot-tall chanukiah that was kindled inside The Galleria Houston in De-cember 2011
JHV AARON HOWARD
The ldquoFirst Ideardquo sketch for Splinter
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
N o r t h B r a e s w o o d a t C h i m N e y r o C kB R A E S W O O D S Q U A R E
B
Trade secrets There are two methods by which
you can get wood to bend wet and dry
You can use steam which dis-solves some of the bonds between wood fibers Steam weakens and stretches the fibers and allows them to reform during the cooling process
Cohen doesnrsquot use steam or water He dry bends Although he will not give away his secrets he does use wood strips which must be glued to something else such as a form
ldquoWhen you bend dry wood it doesnrsquot maintain its shape by itselfrdquo said Cohen ldquoYou must glue the wood pieces to some-thing else even themselves otherwise the wood would spring back to its original flat-nessrdquo
Wood wants to spring back to its origi-nal shape The tighter the bend the more wood wants to spring back And therersquos no formula no pre-set way of telling how much a strip of wood will spring back or break Itrsquos all a matter of trial and error
For example Cohen created a hang-ing Magen David inside a circle by first dry bending two different-colored wooden strips into a perfect circle Then inside the circle he twisted two other strips until he was able to fashion the interlocking star
ldquoI believe in myselfrdquo said Cohen ldquobut I never believe that the wood will cooperate with merdquo
Fresh startTo begin Cohen decides on a project
Then he decides what species of wood would look best for the project
ldquoWhen I decided to create my wooden truck Big J I saw that to my eye rose-wood looked much better than mahogany Rosewood has such a deep color that it
allows you to see the straight lines The design for that vehicle was a basic octa-gon with many straight lines rather than curves All the wood used for that vehicle came from the same tree So therersquos a single design pattern all over the car except for the tiny changes in the spacing of the tree rings You have to examine the wood really closely to see thatrdquo
Of note all hardwoods get more difficult to bend the closer the artist gets to the cen-ter of the tree Thatrsquos because the wood is denser closer to the core
ldquoSo when you get pieces that are near the center ndash you recognize that by looking at the distance between rings from the edge of a piece ndash the wood gives me a run for my moneyrdquo said Cohen
ldquoI never considered myself an artist Irsquove never taken a class I didnrsquot think of myself as an artist until I received the Lifetime Achievement award for Best Artist from the
Art Car Museum Now I guess I can call myself an artistrdquo
Unlike most other artists Cohen rarely sells his pieces although hersquos been offered as much as $16 million for Splinter
ldquoIrsquoll tell you whyrdquo he said ldquoFive years ago I donated Slider to the Orange Show This was another car I created They auc-tioned the car off to benefit the Orange Show I had put in more than 2000 hours creating Slider It was absolutely like one of my children I cannot forget the awful feeling of loss I had when I let the car go It was gone after being in my shop every day for over a year
ldquoToday when I build something on commission I can see it differently But even so itrsquos difficult to let gordquo
We can appreciate Cohenrsquos feelings When yoursquove put as many hours into your ldquochildrenrdquo as he has it is sometimes hard to let them part c
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohenrsquos F-18 Fighter Jet pays tribute to the ldquoheroes of freedomrdquo Cohen drove the car in the May 2010 Houston Art Car Parade
JHV AARON HOWARD
Isaac Cohenrsquos bent woodMagen David
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15 Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2011 | JhVonlinecom | 14
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6200 North Braeswood Boulevard Houston Texas 770747137785700 - wwwsevenacresorg
n Fulltime medical services with onsite physicians and geriatric nurse practitionersn Customized skilled nursing care and rehabilitation including physical occupational speech and IV therapyn Great facilities and a nurturing environment
ERJCC dance instructor is creative talent behind Dance Month and moreBY ALICE ADAMS
I trsquos a Monday after 7 pm and dance director Maxine Silberstein has yet to finish her day at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center And this particular day is no busier than any other time of the week
Silberstein is responsible not only for coordinating the JCCrsquos dance pro-gram cultural outreach programs and partnerships and the IW Marks Master Classes but also serves as artistic director for Dance Month ndash now in its 33rd season ndash at the Kaplan Theatre In addition she coordinates Maccabi dance for Team Houston and the annual Tirkedu Houston an Israeli folk dance weekend But thatrsquos not all Shersquos been a teacher of dance for more than three decades as well as dance director for the ERJCCrsquos Arts and Culture Department
Yet her love of dance began long before Dance Month began or the Houston Ballet took the stage
ldquoMy father would sit beside me in the darkness of a Galveston auditorium or the old Music Hall in downtown Houston so I could see the leading prima ballerinas of Ballet Russes and other prominent companies dancing in the spotlightrdquo she recalled and as she watched the little girl who grew up in
Place Where Jewish Culture Thrives Through Dance
JHV MATT SAMUELS
ERJCC dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15
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Texas City took notice of every detail ndash from the artistsrsquo finely positioned feet to the curve of their arms and the placement of delicate fin-gers ldquoIt was always magicalrdquo she remembered
ldquoMy mother started me in dance lessons when I was quite young I was probably 5 or 6rdquo said Silberstein taking a rare time out ldquoI was that kid who was hanging by my arms and legs from the barre or in some way not following instructions Needless to say I didnrsquot receive much encouragement from that teacherrdquo she added
ldquoOnly a few weeks into my dance career my teacher commented that she didnrsquot know exactly why my mother was wasting her money on dance lessons for me That was Motherrsquos cue to move me so I could study with Doris Hede in La Marque and that experience is exactly why I would never discourage any child from study-ing dancerdquo Silberstein added ldquoeven the ones using the barre as a jungle gymrdquo
Realizing her passion for dance by her early teens the athletic young dancer eagerly par-ticipated in programs offered by the Houston Youth Symphony and Ballet where dance teachers and students from the area gathered to rehearse performances at the old City Hall across from the Rice Hotel
After high school graduation Silberstein was unable to attend the University of
Oklahoma which had a flourishing dance program at the time under the tutelage of prima ballerina Maria Tallchief Instead she attended the University of Houston where she earned a bachelorrsquos degree in special edu-cation and physical education with a minor
in dance performanceThroughout her college career the tena-
cious dancer took full advantage of every opportunity that presented itself In doing so she was to study and learn various forms of dance with some of the countryrsquos greatest and
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Melissa Darlow Ariel Brown Lauren Liss and Alyssa Cohen work on their 2012 Maccabi Games dance routine with dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
most prolific choreographers including Fred Strobel Anita Dyche Camille Long Hill Patsy Swayze and Rudy Jenkins in Houston In New York her training included the Alvin Ailey Peridance Center Jennifer Mueller Merce Cunningham Jo Jo Smith Broadway Dance Center and Steps
ldquoWhen I was in college I taught andor substituted for absent teachers in the JCCrsquos adult dance program when the center was located on Hermann Driverdquo she recalled She began working part time as a dance teacher at the J in 1974
ldquoI had met and married my husband Bubba Silberstein in the interimrdquo she explained ldquoand after we began our family I decided to teach dance and raise our children Brent and Steffanirdquo
In 1980 Silberstein was named director of the JCCrsquos dance program after director Lisa Rollrsquos exit
ldquoAfter Lisa left the board was not able to
identify someone to take over the position so I said I would be happy to do it until someone is hired Needless to say Irsquom still here todayrdquo laughed the teacherdancerdirector
Silberstein said it was only natural that
the JCC offer a dance program because of its reputation for programming around health wellness sports and physical activities ldquoDance easily fits into this type of program-mingrdquo she pointed out ldquoand classes were a vehicle for bringing Jewish children together in dance Itrsquos for anyone for all denomina-tions and all ages and itrsquos also a United Way-
funded center and open to everyone who wanted to learn to dancerdquo
So it follows that the high point of Silbersteinrsquos career is inspiring student dancers
ldquoAs director Irsquove had the opportunity of doing many things but being able to teach children to build their confi-dence and esteem to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worth-while And now I am teaching my former studentsrsquo children and the grandchil-dren of my peersrdquo
P r o f e s s i o n a l inf luences have included Mikhail Baryshnikov and
Ohad Naharin the latter an Israeli artis-tic directorchoreographer of the Batsheva Dance Company He also is the originator of Gaga an innovative movement language which has emerged as a growing force in the larger field of movement practices for both dancers and non-dancers
ldquoAt the time we brought him to Houston
a symbol of distinction in assisted living
bull 24 Hour Assistance and Personalized Carebull Elegant Dining Servicesbull Medication Supervisionbull Social Cultural and Recreational activitiesbull Wellness Center with Heated Aquatherapy Poolbull A fully equipped socialmedia centerbull Peace of Mind in a Family Oriented Secure Setting
License ID 102491
wwwthemedallionorg6262 North Braeswood Boulevard
Houston Texas 77074(713) 778-5777
Affiliated with Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Lauren Liss Ariel Brown and Ryan Bryandt follow the lead of dance instructor Maxine Silberstein at the ERJCC
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
he had a company in New Yorkrdquo Silberstein remem-bered ldquoIt was very exciting to have him here And when I think of where he is today and the influ-ence on the world of dance That was a highlightrdquo
As artistic director of Dance Month Silberstein said she believed it was extremely important first and foremost to Houstonrsquos Jewish community because audiences have been able to see on stage a number of Israeli and Yemeni dancers like Sara Levi-Tanai ldquoThe choreography of these groups reflects the Jewish culture in that it is powerful and risk taking at its corerdquo she noted ldquoItrsquos how they live their lives on the edge In general itrsquos a wonderful opportunity for Houston audiences to see Judaism in dance and how the culture and Jewish choreographers have phenomenally influenced dance all over the worldrdquo
With more than 35 years of teaching Silberstein said her goal is to continue meeting the day-to-day challenges of the programs she directs while remaining an influence in the lives of her students and and their desire to dance to meet their own goals not to be discour-aged
ldquoGrowing up in Texas City I didnrsquot have the advantages of Jewish children in Houston growing up with large congregations BBYOs or a community center I could be a part ofrdquo she explained ldquoBut I had my dance I feel like I hopefully have been an inspiration to other Jewish artists to go forward with their art form Irsquove always this thing as an artist in that I am Jewish Maybe not everything I do in dance is Jewish but I am influenced by Jewish artists and I think itrsquos important for all artists to hold on to their Jewishness to represent our culture in the various art forms
Along with her teaching Silberstein has found time to perform with numerous dance companies in her career served on cultural arts boards and has promoted dance in Houston especially dance centering on the Jewish culture Currently she serves on the board of Uptown Dance Centre the HCC-Central College World Dance Institute board and Society for the Performing Arts Education Committee
Silberstein also gives credit to her supervisor Marilyn Hassid ldquofor her support encouragement and friendship in supporting me in doing the many things we do through arts and culture and the dance program
ldquoIrsquove been very fortunaterdquo she continued ldquoBeing at the ERJCC wersquove brought in many many groups of people who may have never stepped foot in here and theyrsquore coming because of dance In the pro-cess they have been exposed to the Jewish culture Itrsquos important to me that we through the Kaplan Theatre expose our center to everyone who comes here In doing so our Jewish culture will continue to have a strong presence in the Houston community ndash through dancerdquo c
ldquoBeing able to teach children to build their confidence and esteem
to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worthwhilerdquo
ndash Maxine Silberstein
ldquoWe are proud our family launched the Jewish Family Service Passover program providing assistance for the past 20 yearsAs others are generously stepping forwardto support this effort we took a look at our communityrsquos future needsrdquondashJeanne Mandell
ldquoAlong with the blessings of our seniors living longer comes an added responsibility to accommodate the changing needs of this community We know JFS will be there to help The Deutser Hecht Mandell Fund for Senior Adult Financial Aid seeks to fulfill the basic needs of our seniors help them maintain independence in their own homes and empower them with personal dignity in the coming decadesrdquondashPunkin Hecht
ldquoWe feel good about being a part of100 Names
Wonrsquot you join usrdquo
A simple bequest is the most common way for a family to establish a legacy gift
In partnership withJewish Family Servicersquos100th Year Celebrationand Houston JewishCommunity Foundationrsquos Create a Jewish LegacyHouston Jewish Family Foundation
rdavisjfshoustonorg 7136679336wwwjfshoustonorg100names
Benefitting Jewish Family ServiceA New Fund is Added to100 Names for 100 Years
The Deutser HechtMandell Fund
for Senior Adult Financial Aid
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
The Shlenker SchoolCongregation Beth Israel - Houston Texas
For more information or to schedule a tourcontact Gail Rovinsky Director of Admissions
713-270-6127 grovinskyshlenkerorg5600 N Braeswood Houston Texas 77096 wwwshlenkerorg
Yoursquove alwaYs spent moneY wiselY
Donrsquot stop now
For less than half the price of private duty care you could get
bull 24 hour per day licensed care bull Beautiful personal apartment and
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bull Three restaurant-style meals each day bull Memory care for those living with
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includedbull All the privacy or social interaction
you desire
2555 S Braeswood | Houston TX 77025-2805 elmcroftcom Facility 030414
Schedule a personal visit
share your story and
discover the difference
assisted living will
make Receive a $25
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7138398265
Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Gabby Howard paints her cardCari Cowen with Celebration Company volunteer Joyce Rosen
BY MICHAEL C DUKE PHOTOS BY MATT SAMUELS
Jewish adults with special needs have found a creative outlet at Jewish Family Servicersquos Celebration Company
For the past three years Celebration Company participants have produced note-cards featuring original hand-painted artwork and handmade paper The signed artwork is mounted to the front of the cards which are blank inside and are packaged with envelopes sold either individually or in five-card sets
ldquoThe notecards are a great way for the par-ticipants to express themselves artisticallyrdquo said Nick Tofilon Celebration Companyrsquos director
The cards are available at JFS 4131 S Braeswood Blvd or at Three Brothers Bakery 4036 S Braeswood Blvd
Celebration Company provides meaning-ful employment to people with special needs who ndash with joy purpose and self-esteem ndash cre-ate products that celebrate the good in life c
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Linda Lopen makes a floral paintingMax Schaffer works on her masterpiece
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
What a Difference EmeryWeiner Made
wwwemeryweinerorg bull 8322045900
Thank you so much for a wonderful and I do really mean wonderful Emery experience Itrsquos so sad that Nicole will not be there on a daily basis anymore She told me in third grade that she wanted to attend EWS for middle and high school and it was the best decision that we ever made
- Bonnie Winograd (parent of Class of 2012 Graduate)
ldquo
rdquo
Hebrew Free Loanassociation ndashProviding interest
Free Loans to JewisH Houston area residents since 1932
Loans Available for Emergencies
Healthcare Needs Small Business Assistance
and More For more information or to apply for a loan visit our website at
wwwhflanetor call
713-667-9336 ext221
House of Dereacuteon Media Center is one of the best kept secrets in Houston The eclectic special events venue including state-of-the-art media and conference facilities is housed inside a magnifi cent art deacuteco building located in the heart of Houstonrsquos Midtown District and seated perfectly within the worldwide operations of Music World Entertainment ndash the management company of the worldrsquos 1 female recording group Destinyrsquos Child
Let us turn your next function into a social event to remember
Where your functions become social events
2204 Crawford St Houston Texas l 7137725175 l wwwhouseofdereonmediacentercom
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
reg
National Council of Jewish WomenA fAith iN the future A belief iN ACtioN
Help Houstonrsquos women children and families
JOIN NCJW GHSNational Council of Jewish Women a
nationwide organization of 90000 strong and along with the Greater Houston Sectionrsquos
800+ members takes a progressive stance towards
changing lives through advocacy campaigns and social action by helping
bull At-risk children learn to readbull To ensure reproductive freedom
bull Victims of human traffickingbull Victims of domestic violence
and sexual assaultbull Adolescent survivors of
sexual assaultbull Homeless children
bull Foster children
To learn more about NCJW GHS and how you can get involved visit ncjwhoustonorg or contact us at membershipncjwhoustonorg
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery
from AddictionBY JEANNE F SAMUELS
E stablished 12 years ago Chabad of Sugar Land is headed by Brooklyn-born Rabbi Mendel Feigenson who was brought to Houston in 1995 by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff Fulfilling Chabadrsquos mission to serve Jews throughout the Sugar Land Stafford and Missouri City area Rabbi Feigenson has added a
new facet to his work He has opened his heart and Chabadrsquos doors to a completely underserved segment of the Jewish community It is the newly formed Jewish Recovery Celebration Group which provides support for Jewish recovering alcoholics addicts and members of Alcoholics Anonymous
The truth is contrary to general belief ndash and probably community denial ndash there are Jews who are addicts And those who suffer with addiction face a constant struggle to overcome its grasp
Confronting a definite need Rabbi Feigenson facilitates and organizes social and educational events to help JRCG members merge Judaism with recovery Every other Sunday at 7 pm he integrates the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with the timeless lessons of Torah and Kabbalah The meetings are held in complete privacy when no one else is in the two-year-old Chabad facility
The need for support for Jewish addicts was posed to Rabbi Feigenson by Lynn JHV JEANNE F SAMUELS
Rabbi Mendel Feigenson
Donovan of Galveston She is the only individual in the recently organized group who chooses not to remain anonymous believing her story needs to be told
ldquoShe is an inspirationrdquo the rabbi declared ldquoMore than four months ago she called me saying she had something very important to discuss with me She told me that she has been sober for 25 years and that she has friends who are struggling with addiction The reality is that there are Jews who are drug addicts
ldquoBasically addiction is a diseaserdquo Rabbi Feigenson explained ldquoand addicts cannot help themselves They need group support and our mis-sion is to help our Jewish brethrenrdquo So the rabbi studied the Twelve Steps of AA delved into books on the subject and consulted with some psychiatrists From all this the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group was formed
Presently there are four to six people in the group and Rabbi Feigenson said that the meetings are working well ldquoItrsquos about coming from darkness and making a new liferdquo he pointed out
Credited with encouraging the genesis of JRCG Donovan recalled how she became sober in 1986 taking the train from Harrisburg Pa to Baltimore on Sundays to be part of a Twelve Step group that met in a church ldquoIt was very confusing for me having to separate church and recovery hellip There are no rules regarding religion in AA but most of my support was coming from Christian people Did I have to be Christian to recover
ldquoI had been arrested at 18rdquo she confessed ldquoand the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos com-mon belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
When Donovan moved to Texas in 1990 she continued with AA in churches Although the
West Houston Jewish Community Center had an AA meeting it was not a Jewish recovery group
ldquoI visited with the Jewish Family Service to see if they would help start a Jewish recovery group but they were not accepting of me I spoke to one or two rabbis privately but they werenrsquot receptive either so I kind of let it go for a whilerdquo She noted that perseverance is difficult ldquoThe disease of addiction is not something they know how to deal with
ldquoAs a young girl I was molested by a rabbi and when the Penn State [University] scandal broke loose I became very depressedrdquo she reflected having the need for support at that time ldquoI got on the Internet and Googled Jews in recovery where I read about a Rabbi Kessler at Chabad in Boca Raton Fla I called there and the rabbi told me about a retreat [to be held there] and was it possible I could come It took place this past February with addicts from all over including me Rabbi Abraham J Twerski was the keynote speakerrdquo
The convention inspired Donovan to seek the closest Chabad to Galveston which she found in Sugar Land She telephoned there and Rabbi Feigenson invited her to Shabbat where she had lunch with his wife Chaya After hearing Donovanrsquos story Chaya Feigenson said to her husband ldquoMendel we have to help these peoplerdquo
ldquoMost people know very little about addictionrdquo Donovan empha-sized When I first started someone took me to the rabbi who told me to go home and honor my father and my mother and be a good girlrdquo Also she added ldquoIt must be difficult to drop your children off at a church for recovery Therersquos the worry that theyrsquore brainwashing your child
ldquoThere is so much lack of knowledge especially in the Jewish com-munity If you stay with the thought that Jews donrsquot [become addicts] then people die We need to break that stereotype and lack of informa-tion Jews suffer from drug abuse obesity gambling etc like any other grouprdquo
Donovanrsquos brother a rabbi in Israel took her to AA meetings in Jerusalem where she discovered that there are even rabbis who suffer from alcoholism ldquoSome of usrdquo she pointed out ldquohave had bad experi-ences as childrenrdquo
ldquoThere is such naivetyrdquo Donovan a 58-year-old mother of three and grandmother of eight maintained ldquoRabbi Feigenson is the first in Houston who really heard me and understands the importance of helping every Jewish person It was an incredible day that I met him ldquoWe want to reach out to Jews who are confused and are appealing for help Itrsquos a very special experience to be a Jew in recovery and meet with others who are in recovery also And we can talk to parents free of charge to give them support and help Itrsquos an experience I donrsquot want others to missrdquo
For information about the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group call Rabbi Mendel Feigenson at 832-758-0685 email rabbifeigensongmailcom or visit chabadsugarlandcom c
Congregation Beth Rambam is a warm and welcoming Sephardic congregation led by our young and dynamic Rabbi Daniel Masri
We offer morning and evening services on weekdays and Shabbat There are many fascinating classes and learning opportunities both during the day and evenings offered throughout the week in English Spanish and Hebrew
Alex Pfeffer our fun and entertaining Youth Director leads multiple activities for children of various ages each Shabbat
morning and afternoon and trips throughout the year
713-723-3030 | officebethrambamorg11333 Braesridge | wwwbethrambamorg (coming soon)
C O M E J O I N O U R F A M I L Y
bullbull
22 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ldquoI had been arrested at 18 and the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos common
belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
ndash Lynn Donovan
BY MICHAEL C DUKE
W hen Alex Kavalerchik immigrated to the United States in 1979 with his young family the 30-year-old Belorussia-born Jew had no money no education and spoke no English
Nevertheless the bus-iness-minded good-with-his-hands Kavalerchik ndash a dead-ringer for actor Al Pacino during the latterrsquos Hollywood gangster film days ndash was deter-mined to carve out his own little slice of American pie
Make that cobbler for the vocation he would settle into would be the shoe-repair business
ldquoWe came to Houston and the JCC help us to move to apartment and help us for two monthsrdquo said the heavily accented Kavalerchik who picked up conversational English not from taking formal classes like some others who escaped the Soviet Union in the late rsquo70s but by listening to the language his children were learning to read and write and speak in American public schools
Kavalerchik now a Texan pulled himself up by the bootstraps and held down jobs doing maintenance and factory work Then one day in 1981 he met a Jewish man Kalman Witenberg who ran a shoe-repair
businessldquoHe told me Yoursquore going to be a shoemaker And yoursquore going to
make enough money to pay your bills Yoursquore never going to be a mil-lionaire but therersquos going to be enough money to support your familyrdquo Kavalerchik said
He obliged and in 1985 went into the shoe-repair busi-ness himself Feet first
Kavalerchik learned the ins and outs of the time-honored trade for a year and established himself at a storefront at West Bellfort Street and Chimney Rock Road Two years into the business he acquired a second
shop and split his time between the two He then opted to sell the first location and devoted his energies to the second Hersquos managed that loca-tion at 10815 S Post Oak Rd at Willowbend Boulevard since 1990 and today employs two workers
The dusty little shop enjoys a steady stream of loyal customers many from the neighborhood Blacks Jews and Latinos mostly Itrsquos a business built on reputation Kavalerchikrsquos is good Peachy in fact The front door has a little bell that tinkles
ldquoI can do all kind of jobs ndash regular jobs and orthopedic jobsrdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoI have customers who bring ladies shoes that cost
A peachy cobbler
Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American dream
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 23
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymore Itrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you
must have patience This is the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
ndash Alex Kavalerchik
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Alex Kavalerckik is proprietor of an old-school shoe-repair shop in Southwest Houston His hand tools include a hammer that the shoprsquos previous owner used in a Nazi concentration camp
24 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Supporting the needs of the
Jewish Community
CHEVRA KADISHA OF HOUSTON
Jewish Burial Society
Continuing the sacred tradition of preparing thedeceased for burial with
care and respect
(713) 776-2438
Young Israel
of Houston
7823 Ludington DriveHouston Texas 77071
713-729-0719wwwyihoustonorg
hundreds even thousands of dollars They bring cowboy boots that cost $5000-$6000 Very expensive I do it all ndash refinish resole reshape fix completely the shoesrdquo
And itrsquos not just footwear During the interview with the Jewish Herald-Voice a woman came into the shop with a designer leather bag that had a torn strap ldquoAlaska Airlinesrdquo she grumbled Kavalerchik promised to fix it like new A few minutes later a Polish-speaking doctor came in to pick up a repaired leather dog leash Kavalerchik who grew up speaking Russian with his parents and Yiddish with his grandparents was able to converse with the man in his native tongue They shared a few chuck-les The man dressed in blue-green hospital scrubs was pleased with Kavalerchikrsquos work and tipped him 100 percent on the bill Shortly there-after a slow-moving man with a walking stick and a Korean War cap came in with a belt job
Kavalerchik even does the exotic Can he fix a pair of gilded alligator-skin sneakers No problem (Hersquos done three) How about repair-ing a set of chairs made from elephant feet Um sure why not NBA stars who take advan-
tage of his services are asked to call in advance Size 17s require special order
Some of the more challenging yet reward-ing jobs are those to salvage shoes chewed up by the family dog
ldquoThis you must have a talent to fix itrsquos a tough jobrdquo said Kavalerchik holding up a black patent leather stiletto that bore scars on the heel from large canine teeth ldquoYou donrsquot make too much money on this but the cus-tomer is really happy when I make it look like new againrdquo
Tacked to the wall above the front counter of Kavalerchikrsquos shop is an 8-foot diamondback rattlesnake skin Therersquos also a black-and-white portrait of Al Pacino from ldquoScarfacerdquo While vacationing in Las
Vegas and once in Galveston the Belorussian was hounded for an autograph from fans who mis-took him for the Oscar-winning actor Retelling the stories splits Kavalerchikrsquos face into a smile
The storefront gives way to a multi-roomed workshop in back Itrsquos vintage 1950s outfitted with well-used wooden workbenches walls of racks with customersrsquo shoes and boots (each bearing a colorful toe tag) drawers and cubbyholes filled with bits and buckles and all sorts of odds and ends for leather and shoe work Wooden shoe lasts spools of heavy thread and folds of leather
and rubber adorn door frames and corners Metal taps for dance shoes hang from hooks A random assortment of loose shoe and boot heel parts are stockpiled in a divider mounted to a wall ldquoThey donrsquot make these like they used tordquo Kavalerchik said dusting off an orange-and-white-boxed specimen from half a century ago
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Cowboy boots and orthopedic shoes make up a good deal of Kavalerchikrsquos business
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 25
1500 Sunset Boulevard Houston Texas 77005
7135356400 wwwbeckerschoolorg
Accredited by NAEYCrsquos National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Learning through play
bull Ages 15 months through 5 years bull Extended care 8am - 530pm
bull Developmentally appropriate curriculumbull Extra-curricular classes available
bull Bridge to Kindergarten class
Since 1989
Call for a tourNow accepting applications
for 2012-2013
Congregation Emanu El Becker Early Childhood Center
6401 Woodway(in Whole Foods Plaza)
7133344900
Fabulous Womenrsquos Apparel amp Accessories
4048 Bellaire Blvd(in the Whole Foods Plaza)
7136653336FrenchCuffCocom
labeled ldquoCatrsquos PawrdquoBuilt into a corner post of the main work-
bench is a glue reservoir Plugging the well is a half-dollar-sized metal cap with a rod run-ning through it sporting an applicator brush Long dribbles of glue have oozed caked and dried down the edges of the post looking like a model of a volcano from a school sci-ence fair A photographer friend of Kavalerchikrsquos comes by on occasion to shoot close-up pho-tos of the unique formations
There are industrial ma-chines at every elbow turn stitchers sanders cutters tack-ers buffers Something called an Auto Soler and another called a Heel Popper Some are more than a 100 years old Real made-in-America stuff From cities like Chicago and St Louis Art deco in shape and lines Nickel-plated enameled steel and chromed in work grime
ldquoI have one machine made in 1890 It never breaksrdquo Kavalerchik said fondly
Other equipment however has broken down over the years Kavalerchik has learned to do the repairs himself Out of necessity ldquoItrsquos
very important to learn how to fix this equip-ment Itrsquos very old and nobody knows how to fix it I have to do it myself If this part breaks you have to make a new onerdquo he said
The workshoprsquos few modern conveniences
include a small electric box fan a 26-inch TV that seems stuck on Channel 8 and the occa-sional pinup girl wall calendar One room boasts an empty bottle collection on a top shelf ldquoWe Russians drink cognac after work and vodka at homerdquo Kavalerchik explained Therersquos a row of vintage US postage stamps
affixed to a workbench shelf that dates back to the shoprsquos previous owner a man named Sam Sill
The Polish-born Sill was a Holocaust survivor who worked in a factory making
boots for German army officers Kavalerchik said
ldquoThis hammer he brought from the old country Itrsquos from Germany 1942rdquo said Kavalerchik lifting the worn tool from his workbench ldquoThis guy worked with this hammer in con-centration camprdquo He then palmed a second hammer nearby with simi-lar history Though Kavalerchik has owned the business for the past 22 years he has kept the name ldquoSamrsquos Shoe Repairrdquo
The man who gave Kavalerchik his birth into the business Kalman Witenberg also was a Polish Holocaust survivor Edith Mincberg
was a customer of Witenbergrsquos back in the day and remembers him as a friendly and lively man ldquoHe loved to carry on Yiddish conversations with my late husband Joe Mincbergrdquo Edith told the JHV Witenberg a survivor of Auschwitz among other camps according to Holocaust Museum Houston records died in 2003
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
The 1950s-era shop includes equipment thatrsquos more than 100 years old
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Foot and Ankle
Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery
Podiatry Associates of Houston
Michael A Mineo DPM FACFASDavid L Blumfield DPM FACFASKeith L Jacobson DPM FACFAS
Vito Speciale DPM
6699 Chimney Rock 102713-666-0287
18220 Tomball Pkwy 220832-912-7792
705 S Fwy 215281-579-0816
915 Gessner 380713-467-1299
Times have changed over the course of Kavalerchikrsquos career as an old-school cobbler Many of his early customers were high school graduates whose parents wanted to send their kids off to college in a pair of spiffy penny loafers ldquoThese days itrsquos a different life Kids wear sneakersrdquo Kavalerchik said
The cobbler doesnrsquot wax nostalgic however over the profession that many people including himself view as a dying art
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymorerdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoItrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you must have patience This the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
Kavalerchik has entertained the occasional apprentice but none has stuck it out The cobbler predicts that in 15 20 years time the business will be dead save for a few shops here and there
ldquoThis business is like Jewish language [Yiddish]rdquo he said ldquoBefore people speak it fluently Now itrsquos only a few old guysrdquo
The trade has been good to the man who said he stood a 50-50 chance of winding up dead if he had stayed in the Soviet Union Itrsquos given him his American dream
ldquoIf I can afford to put my children through college this was my dream to come to America This was my dream to give my children education because I did not have time in Russia to get education myselfrdquo Kavalerchik said
ldquoOld people died in these shops They worked like dogs I donrsquot do this I work eight hours a day I go to lunch I go on vacationrdquo he said ldquoHere I have easy life I have my family I have place to sleep I go on vacation twice a year Irsquom happy with my children [Michael and Fannett]rdquo Every other year Kavalerchik visits his father in Israel
Sitting in the front room of his workshop ndash the room with the bottle collection ndash is a large cardboard box full of shoes belonging to his wife Roza Kavalerchik promises hersquoll get to them soon Near the box standing upright in the corner is a clutch of fishing poles
ldquoThese here are very important toolsrdquo said Kavalerchik again with that smile ldquoSaturday at 4 I close up and take my tools straight to the boatrdquo c
Shoe-making skills saved Sillrsquos life duringthe HolocaustBY MICHAEL C DUKE
Sam Sill was the previous owner of Samrsquos Shoe Repair in Southwest Houston
When he sold the business to Alex Kavalerchik some 22 years ago he passed along his tools to the new proprietor These included a pair of hammers that helped save Sill from the Nazi death machine in Europe Kavalerchik said that Sill told him that he Sill as a concentration camp prisoner used the hammers to make boots for German army officers during the war
Houstonian Dr David Wolf ndash a podiatrist ndash is first cousin to Samrsquos wife Ruthie Wolf has preserved an original copy of Sillrsquos immigra-tion papers which state that he Sill was born
Calligraphy by Eileen
Envelope AddressingBarBat Mitzvahs
Weddings Receptions
Any Occasion
We offer Stuffing bull Stamping
Type Styles Custom Colors
72 Hour Service
713bull667bull3939
B B B B B B B B
B B B B B B B B
Temple SinaiThe Reform Jewish Congregation in West Houston
A warm friendly amp vibrant community where friendship
and caring are combined with a religious faith ritual observance social interaction and education
for adults and children
Join Rabbi Annie Belford and the Temple Sinai Congregation
for Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 730 PM
13875 Brimhurst 281-495-5950Houston Tx 77077 wwwtemple-sinaiorg
TEMPLE SINAI
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
Service with a smileGoing beyond the call of duty
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Terry CominskyRealtor Associate713-558-3331
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OyDo We Know PrintingProudly serving the Jewish Commmunity and Houston
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with high quality commercial printing
Simon Printing CompanyFine Lithography
10810 Craighead
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713-666-1296
Fax 713-666-4111wwwsimonprintingcom
28 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Tissue PaperSelf Seal BagsCoffee BagsAutomatic Pull BowsShrink Wrap BagsClear Acetate BoxesRibbonShrink Film RollsTheme BoxesRaffi aGift BoxesGift Wrap PaperCurling RibbonOrganza bags
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Hours of OperationMonday - Friday 900 AM to 600 PM
Saturday 1000 AM to 600 PM4404 Richmond Ave bull Houston Texas 77027Phone 713-524-5454 bull Fax 713-524-5450
wwwpalmerpkgcom
Gift Wrap ServiceRetail Packaging Supplies
HOUSTONrsquoS ONLY JEWISH OWNED
HEADSTONE amp MONUMENT COMPANY
EXCLUSI V ELY JEWISH MEMORI ALS
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ASK FOR SA NDY GA ITZ
713-984-2010A SUBSIDIARY OF 4D SIGN WORX LLC
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
Montessori integrated curriculum In a loving caring and safe atmosphere your child will learn and grow with a proven program based on excellence and experience
Registration is now open
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
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We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
4-Show PackageSStart aS low aS
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TUTSCOM 713558TUTS groups of 15+ call 7135588888
A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
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LERNER AND LOEWErsquoS
Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
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wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
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Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
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36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
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Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
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ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
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JUNI ERSE
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36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
celebrate yourbarbat mitzvah like
a rock star
houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
phone 713-227-1392hardrockcom
UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
- VOICES covers 2
- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
2 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 3
VO IC E S 2 01 2
WHATrsquoS INSIDE
4 The Arts Editorial BY MICHAEL C DUKE
6 ArtsFest 2012 Promises to Deliver Houston a State- of-the-Art Performance BY MATT SAMUELS
11 A Bend in the Wood Houston sculptor works against the grain BY AARON HOWARD
14 Place Where Jewish Culture Thrives Through Dance ERJCC dance instructor is creative talent behind Dance Month and more BY ALICE ADAMS
18 Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds Special needs group creating original art PHOTOS BY MATT SAMUELS
21 Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction BY JEANNE F SAMUELS
23 A Peachy Cobbler Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American Dream BY MICHAEL C DUKE
29 College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONE
33 Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food BY TED POWERS
36 Marketplace
21
11
6
23
33
29
14
2 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 3
Leora Kahn
7138269109
Betty Bellomy
7133042311
Molly AnnKaplan
2817995553
Ann Lynn Lerner
7132529473
sherylWeinstock7132408444
Lisakornhauser
8322746156
j o h n d a u g h e r t y c o m
THE FINE ART OF SELLINGTHE FINE ART ART A OF SELLINGTHE FINE ART OF SELLINGWe Know
4 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 5
ewish art What is it
Something our grandparents liked Didactic An
expression of Jewish history of Jewish culture of Jewish
identity In a way a form of remembrance Pass it down
ndash lrsquodor vrsquodor
Something a Jew does
Paint Inscribe Shape Vocalize Craft Click Play
An act of creativity Of irresponsibility The Jew
should be responsible Jewish art ndash an oxymoron
Arts is the theme of the 2012 VOICES magazine
Herein is a showcase of some of the artistic talent we have
in greater Houstonrsquos diverse Jewish community in which skillful artists are aplenty
A carpenter crafts divine parade mobiles and enlightening symbols of freedom in
public spaces Russian imports carve up fantastic fruit creations while others are ham-
mering away at an old school trade
The Jrsquos dance instructor ndash shersquos an institution A rabbi makes an art of helping those
in recovery
The next generation of artists ndash in dance theater voice culinary instrumental and
visual ndash is gathering in Houston for summer workshops and performances at ArtsFest
2012
A day schoolrsquos beloved stage master has made his curtain call and special needs
adults have found their calling card through colorful brush strokes
Jewish art in Houston Itrsquos about people experiencing beauty through the arts and
sharing it with family and friends
The Jewish Herald-Voice this communityrsquos paper of record is delighted to share
these arts with its readers This is our art giving voice to our community members
Lrsquodor vrsquodor Recording stories and perspectives from our community that canrsquot be
found anywhere else This is our responsibility
Reading the Jewish Herald-Voice is something your grandparents enjoyed Hopefully
theyrsquove passed it down to you and you will continue the tradition
Published weekly ndash Plus Wedding Passover Voices in Houston Rosh Hashanah and BarBat Mitzvah editions ndash by Herald Publishing Co 3403 Audley St Houston TX 77098 copy2012 with all rights reserved Reproduction or use without permission of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston Texas Subscription rates USA $165 for 3 years $115 for 2 years $60 per year 9 months for $50 Foreign subscriptions upcharged with international first-class postage Single newspaper copies by mail PREPAID $4 Back Issues PREPAID $6 Single VOICES magazine copies by mail PREPAID $8 each Postmaster Send address changes to Jewish Herald-Voice PO Box 153 Houston TX 77001-0153
ISSN 0021-6488 USPS 0275-360
jhvonlinecomThe Arts
V O I C E SVolume CV ndash Number 17
PRESIDENT Vicki Samuels Levy
EDITOR and PUBLISHERJeanne F Samuels
FOUNDING PUBLISHERSEdgar Goldberg 1908-1937David H White and Ida S White 1938-1973Joseph W Samuels 1973-2011
Associate editor | Michael C DukeMultimedia manager | Matt Samuels
Editorial research | Arnold RosenzweigStaff writer | Aaron HowardFood editor | Theodore PowersSports editor |Matt Samuels
COLUMNISTS Alice Adams bull Jonathan Fass Felice and Michael Friedson bull Elliot Gershenson Pam Geyer bull Ed Reitman PhD Bryan Edward Stone bull Teddy Weinberger PRODUCTIONProduction director | Aaron D PoscovskyAsst production manager | Barbara E Hanovich
Magazine designer | Matt SamuelsGraphic designer | Mary Jane JohnstonProofreader | Judy Bluestein-Levin
SUBSCRIPTIONDISTRIBUTIONLawrence S Levy
ADVERTISING SALES
Ad director | Vicki Samuels LevyAdministrative assistant | Joseph Macias
Ad account executivesChuck Green bull Tere Perry Lew Sampson bull Melanie Sherman bull Steve Sherman
ClassifiedSingles | Joseph MaciasDirector of first impressions | Sharon Stoper LivitzAccounts receivable | Huong TonnuController | Myrna AberPayroll | Maurene Bencal
Mailing address
PO Box 153 bull Houston TX 77001-0153
News articlesjhvonlinecomLetters editorjhvonlinecom
Subscriptions subscribejhvonlinecomAdvertising advertisingjhvonlinecom
Telephone 713-630-0391 bull Fax 713-630-0404Web jhvonlinecom Twitter jhvonline
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Located at 3403 Audley Stbull Houston TX 77098-1923
Michael C Duke
Find the JHV on your smartphone
Michael C Duke Associate Editor
J
4 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 5
BY MATT SAMUELS
This summer more than 100 Jewish teens from across the country will come together to put on a grand performance in Houston There will
be singing there will be dancing there also will be plenty of drama arts food and live music
The big show will be the culmination of all the hard work by teens volunteers and professionals who will converge in Houston in August for the 2012 JCC Maccabi ArtsFest
What began in 2006 as a complement to the annual summer Maccabi Games ArtsFest allows teens to express themselves artistically through skill workshops live performances and art exhibitions while strengthening their bonds to their Jewish heritage community and Israel
Although ArtsFest still is evolving trying
to find its identity 2012rsquos director Brittany Horwitt believes Houston has what it takes to bring it to the next level
ldquoArtsFest is just such a great concept and I love itrdquo Horwitt said ldquoWe are kind of in a building year and I think Houston has done a great job of promoting the program in a positive light I think the teens will have a great time and it will help build the future of ArtsFestrdquo
ArtsFest 2012 will feature 115 teens from 20 cities who will be in artistic-oriented work-shops They then will join forces with the Maccabi Games athletes who are being hosted in Houston for the first time since 2007
Houston is one of three communities host-ing 2012 Maccabi Games but it is the only venue including ArtsFest This is only the sec-ond time ArtsFest is being combined with the US Maccabi Games
ldquoItrsquos a challenge because we are still work-ing out the kinks in putting the two events together But itrsquos a win-win for both teams because everyone is together and it is one great experiencerdquo said Horwitt who was part of the 2010 Houston delegation in Baltimore ldquoTeens that are not into competition or athletics they have a place in ArtsFest This is a great addi-tion to JCC Maccabirdquo
Teens aged 13-16 will arrive Sunday Aug 5 for the opening ceremonies at Rice University Beginning Monday morning they will divide up going into their respective workshops where they will work for most of the week
As part of the program there is a planned mitzvah project to help the community and the final live show which will have all of the arts on display
Part of what allows ArtsFest to be such a success is the participation of the professional
6 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ArtsFest 2012 Promises to Deliver
Teens from across the US came together for the final show of ArtsFest in Northern Virginia in 2008
Houston a State-of-the-Art Performance
instructors Whether from Houston or travel-ing here from around the country they will assume the role of artists in residence for the week to give the ArtsFest teens an experience to paint dance or cook with the best of the best
ldquoThe artists donrsquot all come to Maccabi for the social scene ndash some are really coming for their art workrdquo Horwitt said ldquoThe teens have the opportunity to put on their resume that they worked with some of these great artists in residencerdquo
ArtsFest will be divided into seven special-ties actingimprov culinary dance musical theater visual art vocal music and rockjazz music Each specialty workshop will be led by at least one artist in residence who will work directly with the teens
The 2012 theme ldquoHope and Changerdquo will be celebrated through the seven different areas of concentration
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 7
Traditions Onstage And In Real Life
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ArtsFest 2012 Promises to DeliverHouston a State-of-the-Art Performance
8 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Building up the dramaTeens in the actingimprov group will work
together to form an ensemble exploring vari-ous techniques and traditions of theater and improvisation ranging from Shakespearean theater to American sketch comedy
Native Houstonian and theater artist in residence Stephanie Wittles will bring her vast experience to the ArtsFest stage
ldquoAs a newcomer to ArtsFest I am slightly terrified about creating rehearsing and per-forming a theatrical masterpiece in only four short days but I am up for the challenge and confident that these talented actors will rise to the occasionrdquo Wittles said
Teens will learn about acting script analy-sis and improvisation They also will be chal-lenged to develop material to be part of a larger interdisciplinary performance for the grand finale at ArtsFest
ldquoTheater is something I have been doing myself since childhood and so many of my closest friendships have blossomed as a resultrdquo Wittles said ldquoI hope to give my kids the same enriching opportunity this summer I am eager to get startedrdquo
A culinary delightTeens in the culinary arts specialty will
be engaged ndash choosing the right ingredients learning new cooking techniques and under-standing the history and culture behind many foods
Part of the recipe will be for the teens to go to a local farmerrsquos market to learn how to plan a menu and to understand the process of transforming raw ingredients into deli-
cious dishes Houston-area artists in residence are Sam
Beierbegan currently executive chef at A Fare Extraordinaire and Sarah Brook founder and CEO of Dessert Gallery Bakery amp Cafe
ldquoDesserts have been my passion for as long as I can rememberrdquo Brook said ldquoThere are few things more gratifying than finding something you love making it your lifersquos work and then being given the opportunity to share that magic with a new generation
ldquoThroughout my three decades in the dessert industry in Houston I have been so grateful for the support and devotion I have received from my hometownrsquos Jewish community Being given the chance to give back to that community and reaching oth-ers through this amazing program is a real honorrdquo
The program will conclude with the pres-entation of a menu and the production of catered dishes to be served as part of the
weekrsquos final presentation
Dancing with tomorrowrsquos starsTeens in the dance portion of ArtsFest will
explore dance techniques and develop perform-ance skills such as focus intention dramatic and technical range and expansion of move-ment vocabulary
Participants will be introduced to the ori-gins and history of contemporary dance as an expressive and creative art form and learn its role in transmission of culture expression and storytelling
The artists in residence are Houston native Cat Cogliandro and Nicholas Ross of Nicholas Andre Dance studio in New York Ross has choreographed more than 16 works for his company and has toured all over the country
ldquoI am excited to work with all of the partici-pantsrdquo Ross said ldquoI bring a very athletic style to my choreography and I hope to inspire some future artists I also hope to meet people from all over and share our experiencesrdquo
Dancers will create both solos and group work learning to balance individuality with the work of an ensemble The program will finish with the creation of a new work that will be part of the weekrsquos final presentation
A musical chorusTeens signed up for musical theater will
work on vocal technique dance and move-ment skills and song interpretation abilities
Participants will have the opportunity to explore a vast range of material including musical selections from the standard com-edy drama and musical theater repertoire as well as nondramatic sources
Musical theater artists will express their creativity by developing original individual pieces as well as by performing professional musical numbers as part of an ensemble
The artist in residence is Naomi Ackerman Traveling from Los Angeles she is an experienced actor whose credits include theater musicals films and television
Teens show off their acting skills at ArtsFest 2009 in New Orleans
Teens learn how to fillet a fish during ArtsFest 2009 in New Orleans
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 9
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Creating a masterpieceParticipants in the fine arts will be able to
sharpen their technique while using a variety of art materials to design a series of projects for their portfolio as well as create a piece of public art to be included as a part of the final performance
Public art is an important expanding field within the discipline of visual arts and is relevant to painters sculptors printmakers fabric artists graphic designers and visual artists of all types
The artist in residence is Julie Brook Alex-ander a Houston artist whose work combines original photography collage and mixed media
ldquoI hope to give the students a chance to develop individually and to enjoy the group experience of ArtsFestrdquo Alexander said ldquoThere is nothing more energizing than inspiring creativity and working in the midst of a creative community
ldquoI hope to provide to the kids an opportunity to look at themselves in a new light through photography painting collage and writingrdquo Alexander said ldquoWe will work on a series of self-portraits and on an indi-vidual artist statement that guides this art-making I want each student to prepare work that shares unique insight into themselvesrdquo
The program will end with the creation and sharing of a new work that will be displayed prominently as part of the weekrsquos final presentation
A vocal experienceTeens in vocal music will enhance their onstage performance skills
both as soloists and as part of an ensemble or choir Participants will work on rhythmic skills pitch and harmonization
The artist in residence from Florida is Beth Schafer who has spent her
career redefining Jewish music by combining masterful songwriting with sensitivity to liturgy and unique insight into text She specializes in music for Torah-minded adults looking for an extension to their Jewish lives through music
Schafer will work with ArtsFest teens to examine how differing song styles reflect the identity of the vocal artist Teens also will explore the crafting of performance techniques as well as the emotional authenticity of an artist during a performance
The program will conclude with performing a special piece at the weekrsquos final presentation
Rock onSingers and songwriters will put their talents to the test in the rock
jazz music specialty There will be guitar bass keyboardpiano drums horns and rock-oriented strings Participants will examine the art of song-writing performance techniques and will analyze the changing world of modern Jewish music
Teens will form bands based on style ability and instrumentation The bands will play cover and jam learning from LA-based artist in residence Josh Nelson one of the most popular performers and producers in modern Jewish music
The program will culminate in the creation and sharing of a new work that will be part of the weekrsquos final presentation
The art of caringArtsFest and Maccabi Games teens will come together during the week
for JCC CaresMore than 1200 teens will work with Jacques DrsquoAmboisersquos nonprofit
National Dance Institute to help bring their amazing dance program to underprivileged and special needs youth of greater Houston
The teens will provide supplies activities refreshments and profes-sional instructors at different locations At each venue athletes will be paired with a child and go to a NDI dance class taught by instructors from various Houston dance companies
Houstonian Kathy Parven is coordinating the programldquoOur goal is to provide the teens a personal engaging and reward-
ing experience as they bring and share the activities celebrating the arts to local underserved and special needs children throughout Houstonrdquo Parven said ldquoWhen we developed this program model in 2007 the teens loved the experience the children had a wonderful time and truly felt special and even the volunteers and staff that helped were in tears Itrsquos a win-win for everyonerdquo
Encore performanceThe final victory will be the ArtsFest grand performance All seven
groups will come together and put on a live show that will display every-thing the teens learned
ldquoWe really want to fill the seats and have an audience for these teens because they will be working so hard for the weekrdquo Horwitt said
Horwitt also hopes that the final performance will be the exclamation point the weeklong event needs to bring ArtsFest to the next level
ldquoMy goals and expectations are to really educate the community about the program and what a fantastic program it isrdquo Horwitt said ldquoAnd for the teens I want them to be excited about JCC Maccabi ArtsFest
ldquoMy ultimate goal this year is that this program grows from here on out ndash and I really think it will Itrsquos just such a great concept and draw for teens Itrsquos like my baby ndash I love itrdquo
For the location of the final show contact the ERJCC 713-729-3200 c
EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER5601 S Braeswood | Houston Texas 77096 7137293200
1000 AM ndash 200 PM
10 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
The first ERJCC Houston teens to participate in JCC Maccabi ArtsFest Northern Virginia 2008 Philip Kar-jeker Dorie Mishael Lindsay Kapp Miriam Lavenda with delegation head Brittany Horwitt
BY AARON HOWARD
P liant is not an adjective we nor-mally associate with wood Pliant suggests a capability of being easily bent a yielding nature or
adaptability We usually think of terms like strength and resistance when we think of woodrsquos qualities ndash as in hardwood We think of flat straight lines Thatrsquos because wood typically is used to make items like tables So the wood is flat and straight cut
Wood artist Isaac Cohen goes against the grain His wooden chests curve His bookcases swirl His wooden Star of David bends
Cohen sees wood differently ldquoI love to take wood to the extremerdquo he said ldquoI think
in wood How can I bend it What kind of shapes can I make For me the challenge is to see how far I can push the wood Every species of wood is a different give Some are soft some are hard
ldquoObviously the worst sound you can hear is CRACK the sound when wood refuses to yield anymore One piece can take a bend but the very next piece will not yield It breaksrdquo
Cohen is perhaps best-known locally as the person who designed and built the 12-foot-high steel Magen Shlomo ndash Shield of Solomon (The Lone Star) Chanukah Menorah commissioned by Chabad Lubavitch of Houston which was displayed in The Galleria in December 2011 Others know Cohen as the artist who has designed
and built wooden art cars over the past decade for Houstonrsquos annual Art Car Parade
Cohen won the Mayorrsquos Cup for ldquoBest In Showrdquo in 2004 For 2012rsquos Art Car Parade Cohen constructed something different ldquoHeroesrdquo a model F-18 Navy fighter jet atop a Geo Metro dedicated to the men and women of the US military services
Cohen recently gave the Jewish Herald-Voice a tour through his 85000-foot warehouse in Houstonrsquos East End The warehouse serves as studio and home of his retail art framing business Among the collection are his art cars and ldquoTV Christmas Treerdquo an installation he made for Houstonrsquos Discovery Green with wood and 20 television sets Yet his custom-
Houston sculptor works against the grain
A Bend in the Wood
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohenrsquos wooden gull-winged Splinter creation was showcased in the April 2008 Houston Art Car Parade
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 11
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
made furniture for example includes a chest of drawers whose graceful arched lines are reminiscent of a beautiful sailboat hull And while the top of one of Cohenrsquos book-cases begins in its proper place at the apex on the left side it plummets down to the bot-tom of the piece like an adrenaline-pumping speed slide
During the tour the phone rang ldquoTake this callrdquo Cohen said to his sons in the next room ldquoPeople think I work here I try hard not to give them that impression What I do now I do for funrdquo
Thatrsquos the key to understanding how Cohen creates He plays Hersquos now 60 years
old and hersquos like one of those old lions on the savannah well fed healthy free from stress and roaring ndash simply for the joy of roaring
Cohen came to Houston from Israel in 1979 In Israel he built custom furniture in his youth and later ran a chain of pizzerias In 1985 he opened a wholesale framing business Classy Art Wholesalers
ldquoWe had to struggle for survival at firstrdquo Cohen said ldquoBut by 1990 we were doing well and we moved our business into our current locationrdquo
In 2002 as his 50th birthday approached Cohen decided he wanted to make his own birthday present A car he named Splinter Over the frame of a restored 1989 Honda Accord he envisioned a wooden body using one-quarter-inch thick strips of ash and wal-nut ndash about 5000 feet of wooden strips glued together so they could bend to the shape of the car frame
Cohen has the original simple drawing now framed labeled ldquoFirst Ideardquo He com-pleted Splinter in June 2003
Join us for ldquoan adventure of the spiritrdquo
Cantor Vadim Tunitsky Senior Rabbi Scott Hausman-Weiss Rabbi Pamela Silk Rabbi Samantha Kahn
ldquoCongregation Emanu El is a Reform synagogue firmly rooted in our covenant with God and the Jewish People We are a caring community dedicated to inspiring the love of God teaching the joys of Jewish living and sharing our mission to be a light unto the nationsrdquo
Minyan Next DorMonthly eruv Shabbat for Houstonrsquos young-er adults
Torah Enrichment on ShabbatChoose from a variety of classes with the rabbi
Weekly Meditation Service
EducationAdult educationBecker Early Childhood CenterHelfman Religious School
1500 Sunset Blvd 713-529-5771wwwemanuelhoustonorg
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An adventure of the spirit
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohen was commissioned to build a 12-foot-tall chanukiah that was kindled inside The Galleria Houston in De-cember 2011
JHV AARON HOWARD
The ldquoFirst Ideardquo sketch for Splinter
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
N o r t h B r a e s w o o d a t C h i m N e y r o C kB R A E S W O O D S Q U A R E
B
Trade secrets There are two methods by which
you can get wood to bend wet and dry
You can use steam which dis-solves some of the bonds between wood fibers Steam weakens and stretches the fibers and allows them to reform during the cooling process
Cohen doesnrsquot use steam or water He dry bends Although he will not give away his secrets he does use wood strips which must be glued to something else such as a form
ldquoWhen you bend dry wood it doesnrsquot maintain its shape by itselfrdquo said Cohen ldquoYou must glue the wood pieces to some-thing else even themselves otherwise the wood would spring back to its original flat-nessrdquo
Wood wants to spring back to its origi-nal shape The tighter the bend the more wood wants to spring back And therersquos no formula no pre-set way of telling how much a strip of wood will spring back or break Itrsquos all a matter of trial and error
For example Cohen created a hang-ing Magen David inside a circle by first dry bending two different-colored wooden strips into a perfect circle Then inside the circle he twisted two other strips until he was able to fashion the interlocking star
ldquoI believe in myselfrdquo said Cohen ldquobut I never believe that the wood will cooperate with merdquo
Fresh startTo begin Cohen decides on a project
Then he decides what species of wood would look best for the project
ldquoWhen I decided to create my wooden truck Big J I saw that to my eye rose-wood looked much better than mahogany Rosewood has such a deep color that it
allows you to see the straight lines The design for that vehicle was a basic octa-gon with many straight lines rather than curves All the wood used for that vehicle came from the same tree So therersquos a single design pattern all over the car except for the tiny changes in the spacing of the tree rings You have to examine the wood really closely to see thatrdquo
Of note all hardwoods get more difficult to bend the closer the artist gets to the cen-ter of the tree Thatrsquos because the wood is denser closer to the core
ldquoSo when you get pieces that are near the center ndash you recognize that by looking at the distance between rings from the edge of a piece ndash the wood gives me a run for my moneyrdquo said Cohen
ldquoI never considered myself an artist Irsquove never taken a class I didnrsquot think of myself as an artist until I received the Lifetime Achievement award for Best Artist from the
Art Car Museum Now I guess I can call myself an artistrdquo
Unlike most other artists Cohen rarely sells his pieces although hersquos been offered as much as $16 million for Splinter
ldquoIrsquoll tell you whyrdquo he said ldquoFive years ago I donated Slider to the Orange Show This was another car I created They auc-tioned the car off to benefit the Orange Show I had put in more than 2000 hours creating Slider It was absolutely like one of my children I cannot forget the awful feeling of loss I had when I let the car go It was gone after being in my shop every day for over a year
ldquoToday when I build something on commission I can see it differently But even so itrsquos difficult to let gordquo
We can appreciate Cohenrsquos feelings When yoursquove put as many hours into your ldquochildrenrdquo as he has it is sometimes hard to let them part c
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohenrsquos F-18 Fighter Jet pays tribute to the ldquoheroes of freedomrdquo Cohen drove the car in the May 2010 Houston Art Car Parade
JHV AARON HOWARD
Isaac Cohenrsquos bent woodMagen David
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15 Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2011 | JhVonlinecom | 14
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ERJCC dance instructor is creative talent behind Dance Month and moreBY ALICE ADAMS
I trsquos a Monday after 7 pm and dance director Maxine Silberstein has yet to finish her day at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center And this particular day is no busier than any other time of the week
Silberstein is responsible not only for coordinating the JCCrsquos dance pro-gram cultural outreach programs and partnerships and the IW Marks Master Classes but also serves as artistic director for Dance Month ndash now in its 33rd season ndash at the Kaplan Theatre In addition she coordinates Maccabi dance for Team Houston and the annual Tirkedu Houston an Israeli folk dance weekend But thatrsquos not all Shersquos been a teacher of dance for more than three decades as well as dance director for the ERJCCrsquos Arts and Culture Department
Yet her love of dance began long before Dance Month began or the Houston Ballet took the stage
ldquoMy father would sit beside me in the darkness of a Galveston auditorium or the old Music Hall in downtown Houston so I could see the leading prima ballerinas of Ballet Russes and other prominent companies dancing in the spotlightrdquo she recalled and as she watched the little girl who grew up in
Place Where Jewish Culture Thrives Through Dance
JHV MATT SAMUELS
ERJCC dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15
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Texas City took notice of every detail ndash from the artistsrsquo finely positioned feet to the curve of their arms and the placement of delicate fin-gers ldquoIt was always magicalrdquo she remembered
ldquoMy mother started me in dance lessons when I was quite young I was probably 5 or 6rdquo said Silberstein taking a rare time out ldquoI was that kid who was hanging by my arms and legs from the barre or in some way not following instructions Needless to say I didnrsquot receive much encouragement from that teacherrdquo she added
ldquoOnly a few weeks into my dance career my teacher commented that she didnrsquot know exactly why my mother was wasting her money on dance lessons for me That was Motherrsquos cue to move me so I could study with Doris Hede in La Marque and that experience is exactly why I would never discourage any child from study-ing dancerdquo Silberstein added ldquoeven the ones using the barre as a jungle gymrdquo
Realizing her passion for dance by her early teens the athletic young dancer eagerly par-ticipated in programs offered by the Houston Youth Symphony and Ballet where dance teachers and students from the area gathered to rehearse performances at the old City Hall across from the Rice Hotel
After high school graduation Silberstein was unable to attend the University of
Oklahoma which had a flourishing dance program at the time under the tutelage of prima ballerina Maria Tallchief Instead she attended the University of Houston where she earned a bachelorrsquos degree in special edu-cation and physical education with a minor
in dance performanceThroughout her college career the tena-
cious dancer took full advantage of every opportunity that presented itself In doing so she was to study and learn various forms of dance with some of the countryrsquos greatest and
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Melissa Darlow Ariel Brown Lauren Liss and Alyssa Cohen work on their 2012 Maccabi Games dance routine with dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
most prolific choreographers including Fred Strobel Anita Dyche Camille Long Hill Patsy Swayze and Rudy Jenkins in Houston In New York her training included the Alvin Ailey Peridance Center Jennifer Mueller Merce Cunningham Jo Jo Smith Broadway Dance Center and Steps
ldquoWhen I was in college I taught andor substituted for absent teachers in the JCCrsquos adult dance program when the center was located on Hermann Driverdquo she recalled She began working part time as a dance teacher at the J in 1974
ldquoI had met and married my husband Bubba Silberstein in the interimrdquo she explained ldquoand after we began our family I decided to teach dance and raise our children Brent and Steffanirdquo
In 1980 Silberstein was named director of the JCCrsquos dance program after director Lisa Rollrsquos exit
ldquoAfter Lisa left the board was not able to
identify someone to take over the position so I said I would be happy to do it until someone is hired Needless to say Irsquom still here todayrdquo laughed the teacherdancerdirector
Silberstein said it was only natural that
the JCC offer a dance program because of its reputation for programming around health wellness sports and physical activities ldquoDance easily fits into this type of program-mingrdquo she pointed out ldquoand classes were a vehicle for bringing Jewish children together in dance Itrsquos for anyone for all denomina-tions and all ages and itrsquos also a United Way-
funded center and open to everyone who wanted to learn to dancerdquo
So it follows that the high point of Silbersteinrsquos career is inspiring student dancers
ldquoAs director Irsquove had the opportunity of doing many things but being able to teach children to build their confi-dence and esteem to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worth-while And now I am teaching my former studentsrsquo children and the grandchil-dren of my peersrdquo
P r o f e s s i o n a l inf luences have included Mikhail Baryshnikov and
Ohad Naharin the latter an Israeli artis-tic directorchoreographer of the Batsheva Dance Company He also is the originator of Gaga an innovative movement language which has emerged as a growing force in the larger field of movement practices for both dancers and non-dancers
ldquoAt the time we brought him to Houston
a symbol of distinction in assisted living
bull 24 Hour Assistance and Personalized Carebull Elegant Dining Servicesbull Medication Supervisionbull Social Cultural and Recreational activitiesbull Wellness Center with Heated Aquatherapy Poolbull A fully equipped socialmedia centerbull Peace of Mind in a Family Oriented Secure Setting
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wwwthemedallionorg6262 North Braeswood Boulevard
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Affiliated with Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Lauren Liss Ariel Brown and Ryan Bryandt follow the lead of dance instructor Maxine Silberstein at the ERJCC
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
he had a company in New Yorkrdquo Silberstein remem-bered ldquoIt was very exciting to have him here And when I think of where he is today and the influ-ence on the world of dance That was a highlightrdquo
As artistic director of Dance Month Silberstein said she believed it was extremely important first and foremost to Houstonrsquos Jewish community because audiences have been able to see on stage a number of Israeli and Yemeni dancers like Sara Levi-Tanai ldquoThe choreography of these groups reflects the Jewish culture in that it is powerful and risk taking at its corerdquo she noted ldquoItrsquos how they live their lives on the edge In general itrsquos a wonderful opportunity for Houston audiences to see Judaism in dance and how the culture and Jewish choreographers have phenomenally influenced dance all over the worldrdquo
With more than 35 years of teaching Silberstein said her goal is to continue meeting the day-to-day challenges of the programs she directs while remaining an influence in the lives of her students and and their desire to dance to meet their own goals not to be discour-aged
ldquoGrowing up in Texas City I didnrsquot have the advantages of Jewish children in Houston growing up with large congregations BBYOs or a community center I could be a part ofrdquo she explained ldquoBut I had my dance I feel like I hopefully have been an inspiration to other Jewish artists to go forward with their art form Irsquove always this thing as an artist in that I am Jewish Maybe not everything I do in dance is Jewish but I am influenced by Jewish artists and I think itrsquos important for all artists to hold on to their Jewishness to represent our culture in the various art forms
Along with her teaching Silberstein has found time to perform with numerous dance companies in her career served on cultural arts boards and has promoted dance in Houston especially dance centering on the Jewish culture Currently she serves on the board of Uptown Dance Centre the HCC-Central College World Dance Institute board and Society for the Performing Arts Education Committee
Silberstein also gives credit to her supervisor Marilyn Hassid ldquofor her support encouragement and friendship in supporting me in doing the many things we do through arts and culture and the dance program
ldquoIrsquove been very fortunaterdquo she continued ldquoBeing at the ERJCC wersquove brought in many many groups of people who may have never stepped foot in here and theyrsquore coming because of dance In the pro-cess they have been exposed to the Jewish culture Itrsquos important to me that we through the Kaplan Theatre expose our center to everyone who comes here In doing so our Jewish culture will continue to have a strong presence in the Houston community ndash through dancerdquo c
ldquoBeing able to teach children to build their confidence and esteem
to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worthwhilerdquo
ndash Maxine Silberstein
ldquoWe are proud our family launched the Jewish Family Service Passover program providing assistance for the past 20 yearsAs others are generously stepping forwardto support this effort we took a look at our communityrsquos future needsrdquondashJeanne Mandell
ldquoAlong with the blessings of our seniors living longer comes an added responsibility to accommodate the changing needs of this community We know JFS will be there to help The Deutser Hecht Mandell Fund for Senior Adult Financial Aid seeks to fulfill the basic needs of our seniors help them maintain independence in their own homes and empower them with personal dignity in the coming decadesrdquondashPunkin Hecht
ldquoWe feel good about being a part of100 Names
Wonrsquot you join usrdquo
A simple bequest is the most common way for a family to establish a legacy gift
In partnership withJewish Family Servicersquos100th Year Celebrationand Houston JewishCommunity Foundationrsquos Create a Jewish LegacyHouston Jewish Family Foundation
rdavisjfshoustonorg 7136679336wwwjfshoustonorg100names
Benefitting Jewish Family ServiceA New Fund is Added to100 Names for 100 Years
The Deutser HechtMandell Fund
for Senior Adult Financial Aid
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
The Shlenker SchoolCongregation Beth Israel - Houston Texas
For more information or to schedule a tourcontact Gail Rovinsky Director of Admissions
713-270-6127 grovinskyshlenkerorg5600 N Braeswood Houston Texas 77096 wwwshlenkerorg
Yoursquove alwaYs spent moneY wiselY
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For less than half the price of private duty care you could get
bull 24 hour per day licensed care bull Beautiful personal apartment and
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bull Three restaurant-style meals each day bull Memory care for those living with
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includedbull All the privacy or social interaction
you desire
2555 S Braeswood | Houston TX 77025-2805 elmcroftcom Facility 030414
Schedule a personal visit
share your story and
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Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Gabby Howard paints her cardCari Cowen with Celebration Company volunteer Joyce Rosen
BY MICHAEL C DUKE PHOTOS BY MATT SAMUELS
Jewish adults with special needs have found a creative outlet at Jewish Family Servicersquos Celebration Company
For the past three years Celebration Company participants have produced note-cards featuring original hand-painted artwork and handmade paper The signed artwork is mounted to the front of the cards which are blank inside and are packaged with envelopes sold either individually or in five-card sets
ldquoThe notecards are a great way for the par-ticipants to express themselves artisticallyrdquo said Nick Tofilon Celebration Companyrsquos director
The cards are available at JFS 4131 S Braeswood Blvd or at Three Brothers Bakery 4036 S Braeswood Blvd
Celebration Company provides meaning-ful employment to people with special needs who ndash with joy purpose and self-esteem ndash cre-ate products that celebrate the good in life c
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Linda Lopen makes a floral paintingMax Schaffer works on her masterpiece
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
What a Difference EmeryWeiner Made
wwwemeryweinerorg bull 8322045900
Thank you so much for a wonderful and I do really mean wonderful Emery experience Itrsquos so sad that Nicole will not be there on a daily basis anymore She told me in third grade that she wanted to attend EWS for middle and high school and it was the best decision that we ever made
- Bonnie Winograd (parent of Class of 2012 Graduate)
ldquo
rdquo
Hebrew Free Loanassociation ndashProviding interest
Free Loans to JewisH Houston area residents since 1932
Loans Available for Emergencies
Healthcare Needs Small Business Assistance
and More For more information or to apply for a loan visit our website at
wwwhflanetor call
713-667-9336 ext221
House of Dereacuteon Media Center is one of the best kept secrets in Houston The eclectic special events venue including state-of-the-art media and conference facilities is housed inside a magnifi cent art deacuteco building located in the heart of Houstonrsquos Midtown District and seated perfectly within the worldwide operations of Music World Entertainment ndash the management company of the worldrsquos 1 female recording group Destinyrsquos Child
Let us turn your next function into a social event to remember
Where your functions become social events
2204 Crawford St Houston Texas l 7137725175 l wwwhouseofdereonmediacentercom
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
reg
National Council of Jewish WomenA fAith iN the future A belief iN ACtioN
Help Houstonrsquos women children and families
JOIN NCJW GHSNational Council of Jewish Women a
nationwide organization of 90000 strong and along with the Greater Houston Sectionrsquos
800+ members takes a progressive stance towards
changing lives through advocacy campaigns and social action by helping
bull At-risk children learn to readbull To ensure reproductive freedom
bull Victims of human traffickingbull Victims of domestic violence
and sexual assaultbull Adolescent survivors of
sexual assaultbull Homeless children
bull Foster children
To learn more about NCJW GHS and how you can get involved visit ncjwhoustonorg or contact us at membershipncjwhoustonorg
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery
from AddictionBY JEANNE F SAMUELS
E stablished 12 years ago Chabad of Sugar Land is headed by Brooklyn-born Rabbi Mendel Feigenson who was brought to Houston in 1995 by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff Fulfilling Chabadrsquos mission to serve Jews throughout the Sugar Land Stafford and Missouri City area Rabbi Feigenson has added a
new facet to his work He has opened his heart and Chabadrsquos doors to a completely underserved segment of the Jewish community It is the newly formed Jewish Recovery Celebration Group which provides support for Jewish recovering alcoholics addicts and members of Alcoholics Anonymous
The truth is contrary to general belief ndash and probably community denial ndash there are Jews who are addicts And those who suffer with addiction face a constant struggle to overcome its grasp
Confronting a definite need Rabbi Feigenson facilitates and organizes social and educational events to help JRCG members merge Judaism with recovery Every other Sunday at 7 pm he integrates the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with the timeless lessons of Torah and Kabbalah The meetings are held in complete privacy when no one else is in the two-year-old Chabad facility
The need for support for Jewish addicts was posed to Rabbi Feigenson by Lynn JHV JEANNE F SAMUELS
Rabbi Mendel Feigenson
Donovan of Galveston She is the only individual in the recently organized group who chooses not to remain anonymous believing her story needs to be told
ldquoShe is an inspirationrdquo the rabbi declared ldquoMore than four months ago she called me saying she had something very important to discuss with me She told me that she has been sober for 25 years and that she has friends who are struggling with addiction The reality is that there are Jews who are drug addicts
ldquoBasically addiction is a diseaserdquo Rabbi Feigenson explained ldquoand addicts cannot help themselves They need group support and our mis-sion is to help our Jewish brethrenrdquo So the rabbi studied the Twelve Steps of AA delved into books on the subject and consulted with some psychiatrists From all this the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group was formed
Presently there are four to six people in the group and Rabbi Feigenson said that the meetings are working well ldquoItrsquos about coming from darkness and making a new liferdquo he pointed out
Credited with encouraging the genesis of JRCG Donovan recalled how she became sober in 1986 taking the train from Harrisburg Pa to Baltimore on Sundays to be part of a Twelve Step group that met in a church ldquoIt was very confusing for me having to separate church and recovery hellip There are no rules regarding religion in AA but most of my support was coming from Christian people Did I have to be Christian to recover
ldquoI had been arrested at 18rdquo she confessed ldquoand the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos com-mon belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
When Donovan moved to Texas in 1990 she continued with AA in churches Although the
West Houston Jewish Community Center had an AA meeting it was not a Jewish recovery group
ldquoI visited with the Jewish Family Service to see if they would help start a Jewish recovery group but they were not accepting of me I spoke to one or two rabbis privately but they werenrsquot receptive either so I kind of let it go for a whilerdquo She noted that perseverance is difficult ldquoThe disease of addiction is not something they know how to deal with
ldquoAs a young girl I was molested by a rabbi and when the Penn State [University] scandal broke loose I became very depressedrdquo she reflected having the need for support at that time ldquoI got on the Internet and Googled Jews in recovery where I read about a Rabbi Kessler at Chabad in Boca Raton Fla I called there and the rabbi told me about a retreat [to be held there] and was it possible I could come It took place this past February with addicts from all over including me Rabbi Abraham J Twerski was the keynote speakerrdquo
The convention inspired Donovan to seek the closest Chabad to Galveston which she found in Sugar Land She telephoned there and Rabbi Feigenson invited her to Shabbat where she had lunch with his wife Chaya After hearing Donovanrsquos story Chaya Feigenson said to her husband ldquoMendel we have to help these peoplerdquo
ldquoMost people know very little about addictionrdquo Donovan empha-sized When I first started someone took me to the rabbi who told me to go home and honor my father and my mother and be a good girlrdquo Also she added ldquoIt must be difficult to drop your children off at a church for recovery Therersquos the worry that theyrsquore brainwashing your child
ldquoThere is so much lack of knowledge especially in the Jewish com-munity If you stay with the thought that Jews donrsquot [become addicts] then people die We need to break that stereotype and lack of informa-tion Jews suffer from drug abuse obesity gambling etc like any other grouprdquo
Donovanrsquos brother a rabbi in Israel took her to AA meetings in Jerusalem where she discovered that there are even rabbis who suffer from alcoholism ldquoSome of usrdquo she pointed out ldquohave had bad experi-ences as childrenrdquo
ldquoThere is such naivetyrdquo Donovan a 58-year-old mother of three and grandmother of eight maintained ldquoRabbi Feigenson is the first in Houston who really heard me and understands the importance of helping every Jewish person It was an incredible day that I met him ldquoWe want to reach out to Jews who are confused and are appealing for help Itrsquos a very special experience to be a Jew in recovery and meet with others who are in recovery also And we can talk to parents free of charge to give them support and help Itrsquos an experience I donrsquot want others to missrdquo
For information about the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group call Rabbi Mendel Feigenson at 832-758-0685 email rabbifeigensongmailcom or visit chabadsugarlandcom c
Congregation Beth Rambam is a warm and welcoming Sephardic congregation led by our young and dynamic Rabbi Daniel Masri
We offer morning and evening services on weekdays and Shabbat There are many fascinating classes and learning opportunities both during the day and evenings offered throughout the week in English Spanish and Hebrew
Alex Pfeffer our fun and entertaining Youth Director leads multiple activities for children of various ages each Shabbat
morning and afternoon and trips throughout the year
713-723-3030 | officebethrambamorg11333 Braesridge | wwwbethrambamorg (coming soon)
C O M E J O I N O U R F A M I L Y
bullbull
22 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ldquoI had been arrested at 18 and the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos common
belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
ndash Lynn Donovan
BY MICHAEL C DUKE
W hen Alex Kavalerchik immigrated to the United States in 1979 with his young family the 30-year-old Belorussia-born Jew had no money no education and spoke no English
Nevertheless the bus-iness-minded good-with-his-hands Kavalerchik ndash a dead-ringer for actor Al Pacino during the latterrsquos Hollywood gangster film days ndash was deter-mined to carve out his own little slice of American pie
Make that cobbler for the vocation he would settle into would be the shoe-repair business
ldquoWe came to Houston and the JCC help us to move to apartment and help us for two monthsrdquo said the heavily accented Kavalerchik who picked up conversational English not from taking formal classes like some others who escaped the Soviet Union in the late rsquo70s but by listening to the language his children were learning to read and write and speak in American public schools
Kavalerchik now a Texan pulled himself up by the bootstraps and held down jobs doing maintenance and factory work Then one day in 1981 he met a Jewish man Kalman Witenberg who ran a shoe-repair
businessldquoHe told me Yoursquore going to be a shoemaker And yoursquore going to
make enough money to pay your bills Yoursquore never going to be a mil-lionaire but therersquos going to be enough money to support your familyrdquo Kavalerchik said
He obliged and in 1985 went into the shoe-repair busi-ness himself Feet first
Kavalerchik learned the ins and outs of the time-honored trade for a year and established himself at a storefront at West Bellfort Street and Chimney Rock Road Two years into the business he acquired a second
shop and split his time between the two He then opted to sell the first location and devoted his energies to the second Hersquos managed that loca-tion at 10815 S Post Oak Rd at Willowbend Boulevard since 1990 and today employs two workers
The dusty little shop enjoys a steady stream of loyal customers many from the neighborhood Blacks Jews and Latinos mostly Itrsquos a business built on reputation Kavalerchikrsquos is good Peachy in fact The front door has a little bell that tinkles
ldquoI can do all kind of jobs ndash regular jobs and orthopedic jobsrdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoI have customers who bring ladies shoes that cost
A peachy cobbler
Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American dream
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 23
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymore Itrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you
must have patience This is the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
ndash Alex Kavalerchik
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Alex Kavalerckik is proprietor of an old-school shoe-repair shop in Southwest Houston His hand tools include a hammer that the shoprsquos previous owner used in a Nazi concentration camp
24 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Supporting the needs of the
Jewish Community
CHEVRA KADISHA OF HOUSTON
Jewish Burial Society
Continuing the sacred tradition of preparing thedeceased for burial with
care and respect
(713) 776-2438
Young Israel
of Houston
7823 Ludington DriveHouston Texas 77071
713-729-0719wwwyihoustonorg
hundreds even thousands of dollars They bring cowboy boots that cost $5000-$6000 Very expensive I do it all ndash refinish resole reshape fix completely the shoesrdquo
And itrsquos not just footwear During the interview with the Jewish Herald-Voice a woman came into the shop with a designer leather bag that had a torn strap ldquoAlaska Airlinesrdquo she grumbled Kavalerchik promised to fix it like new A few minutes later a Polish-speaking doctor came in to pick up a repaired leather dog leash Kavalerchik who grew up speaking Russian with his parents and Yiddish with his grandparents was able to converse with the man in his native tongue They shared a few chuck-les The man dressed in blue-green hospital scrubs was pleased with Kavalerchikrsquos work and tipped him 100 percent on the bill Shortly there-after a slow-moving man with a walking stick and a Korean War cap came in with a belt job
Kavalerchik even does the exotic Can he fix a pair of gilded alligator-skin sneakers No problem (Hersquos done three) How about repair-ing a set of chairs made from elephant feet Um sure why not NBA stars who take advan-
tage of his services are asked to call in advance Size 17s require special order
Some of the more challenging yet reward-ing jobs are those to salvage shoes chewed up by the family dog
ldquoThis you must have a talent to fix itrsquos a tough jobrdquo said Kavalerchik holding up a black patent leather stiletto that bore scars on the heel from large canine teeth ldquoYou donrsquot make too much money on this but the cus-tomer is really happy when I make it look like new againrdquo
Tacked to the wall above the front counter of Kavalerchikrsquos shop is an 8-foot diamondback rattlesnake skin Therersquos also a black-and-white portrait of Al Pacino from ldquoScarfacerdquo While vacationing in Las
Vegas and once in Galveston the Belorussian was hounded for an autograph from fans who mis-took him for the Oscar-winning actor Retelling the stories splits Kavalerchikrsquos face into a smile
The storefront gives way to a multi-roomed workshop in back Itrsquos vintage 1950s outfitted with well-used wooden workbenches walls of racks with customersrsquo shoes and boots (each bearing a colorful toe tag) drawers and cubbyholes filled with bits and buckles and all sorts of odds and ends for leather and shoe work Wooden shoe lasts spools of heavy thread and folds of leather
and rubber adorn door frames and corners Metal taps for dance shoes hang from hooks A random assortment of loose shoe and boot heel parts are stockpiled in a divider mounted to a wall ldquoThey donrsquot make these like they used tordquo Kavalerchik said dusting off an orange-and-white-boxed specimen from half a century ago
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Cowboy boots and orthopedic shoes make up a good deal of Kavalerchikrsquos business
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 25
1500 Sunset Boulevard Houston Texas 77005
7135356400 wwwbeckerschoolorg
Accredited by NAEYCrsquos National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Learning through play
bull Ages 15 months through 5 years bull Extended care 8am - 530pm
bull Developmentally appropriate curriculumbull Extra-curricular classes available
bull Bridge to Kindergarten class
Since 1989
Call for a tourNow accepting applications
for 2012-2013
Congregation Emanu El Becker Early Childhood Center
6401 Woodway(in Whole Foods Plaza)
7133344900
Fabulous Womenrsquos Apparel amp Accessories
4048 Bellaire Blvd(in the Whole Foods Plaza)
7136653336FrenchCuffCocom
labeled ldquoCatrsquos PawrdquoBuilt into a corner post of the main work-
bench is a glue reservoir Plugging the well is a half-dollar-sized metal cap with a rod run-ning through it sporting an applicator brush Long dribbles of glue have oozed caked and dried down the edges of the post looking like a model of a volcano from a school sci-ence fair A photographer friend of Kavalerchikrsquos comes by on occasion to shoot close-up pho-tos of the unique formations
There are industrial ma-chines at every elbow turn stitchers sanders cutters tack-ers buffers Something called an Auto Soler and another called a Heel Popper Some are more than a 100 years old Real made-in-America stuff From cities like Chicago and St Louis Art deco in shape and lines Nickel-plated enameled steel and chromed in work grime
ldquoI have one machine made in 1890 It never breaksrdquo Kavalerchik said fondly
Other equipment however has broken down over the years Kavalerchik has learned to do the repairs himself Out of necessity ldquoItrsquos
very important to learn how to fix this equip-ment Itrsquos very old and nobody knows how to fix it I have to do it myself If this part breaks you have to make a new onerdquo he said
The workshoprsquos few modern conveniences
include a small electric box fan a 26-inch TV that seems stuck on Channel 8 and the occa-sional pinup girl wall calendar One room boasts an empty bottle collection on a top shelf ldquoWe Russians drink cognac after work and vodka at homerdquo Kavalerchik explained Therersquos a row of vintage US postage stamps
affixed to a workbench shelf that dates back to the shoprsquos previous owner a man named Sam Sill
The Polish-born Sill was a Holocaust survivor who worked in a factory making
boots for German army officers Kavalerchik said
ldquoThis hammer he brought from the old country Itrsquos from Germany 1942rdquo said Kavalerchik lifting the worn tool from his workbench ldquoThis guy worked with this hammer in con-centration camprdquo He then palmed a second hammer nearby with simi-lar history Though Kavalerchik has owned the business for the past 22 years he has kept the name ldquoSamrsquos Shoe Repairrdquo
The man who gave Kavalerchik his birth into the business Kalman Witenberg also was a Polish Holocaust survivor Edith Mincberg
was a customer of Witenbergrsquos back in the day and remembers him as a friendly and lively man ldquoHe loved to carry on Yiddish conversations with my late husband Joe Mincbergrdquo Edith told the JHV Witenberg a survivor of Auschwitz among other camps according to Holocaust Museum Houston records died in 2003
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
The 1950s-era shop includes equipment thatrsquos more than 100 years old
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Foot and Ankle
Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery
Podiatry Associates of Houston
Michael A Mineo DPM FACFASDavid L Blumfield DPM FACFASKeith L Jacobson DPM FACFAS
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18220 Tomball Pkwy 220832-912-7792
705 S Fwy 215281-579-0816
915 Gessner 380713-467-1299
Times have changed over the course of Kavalerchikrsquos career as an old-school cobbler Many of his early customers were high school graduates whose parents wanted to send their kids off to college in a pair of spiffy penny loafers ldquoThese days itrsquos a different life Kids wear sneakersrdquo Kavalerchik said
The cobbler doesnrsquot wax nostalgic however over the profession that many people including himself view as a dying art
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymorerdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoItrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you must have patience This the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
Kavalerchik has entertained the occasional apprentice but none has stuck it out The cobbler predicts that in 15 20 years time the business will be dead save for a few shops here and there
ldquoThis business is like Jewish language [Yiddish]rdquo he said ldquoBefore people speak it fluently Now itrsquos only a few old guysrdquo
The trade has been good to the man who said he stood a 50-50 chance of winding up dead if he had stayed in the Soviet Union Itrsquos given him his American dream
ldquoIf I can afford to put my children through college this was my dream to come to America This was my dream to give my children education because I did not have time in Russia to get education myselfrdquo Kavalerchik said
ldquoOld people died in these shops They worked like dogs I donrsquot do this I work eight hours a day I go to lunch I go on vacationrdquo he said ldquoHere I have easy life I have my family I have place to sleep I go on vacation twice a year Irsquom happy with my children [Michael and Fannett]rdquo Every other year Kavalerchik visits his father in Israel
Sitting in the front room of his workshop ndash the room with the bottle collection ndash is a large cardboard box full of shoes belonging to his wife Roza Kavalerchik promises hersquoll get to them soon Near the box standing upright in the corner is a clutch of fishing poles
ldquoThese here are very important toolsrdquo said Kavalerchik again with that smile ldquoSaturday at 4 I close up and take my tools straight to the boatrdquo c
Shoe-making skills saved Sillrsquos life duringthe HolocaustBY MICHAEL C DUKE
Sam Sill was the previous owner of Samrsquos Shoe Repair in Southwest Houston
When he sold the business to Alex Kavalerchik some 22 years ago he passed along his tools to the new proprietor These included a pair of hammers that helped save Sill from the Nazi death machine in Europe Kavalerchik said that Sill told him that he Sill as a concentration camp prisoner used the hammers to make boots for German army officers during the war
Houstonian Dr David Wolf ndash a podiatrist ndash is first cousin to Samrsquos wife Ruthie Wolf has preserved an original copy of Sillrsquos immigra-tion papers which state that he Sill was born
Calligraphy by Eileen
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Temple SinaiThe Reform Jewish Congregation in West Houston
A warm friendly amp vibrant community where friendship
and caring are combined with a religious faith ritual observance social interaction and education
for adults and children
Join Rabbi Annie Belford and the Temple Sinai Congregation
for Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 730 PM
13875 Brimhurst 281-495-5950Houston Tx 77077 wwwtemple-sinaiorg
TEMPLE SINAI
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
Service with a smileGoing beyond the call of duty
For all of your real estate needs
Terry CominskyRealtor Associate713-558-3331
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OyDo We Know PrintingProudly serving the Jewish Commmunity and Houston
for over 3 generations and 70 plus years
with high quality commercial printing
Simon Printing CompanyFine Lithography
10810 Craighead
Houston Texas 77025
713-666-1296
Fax 713-666-4111wwwsimonprintingcom
28 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
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For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
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or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
Montessori integrated curriculum In a loving caring and safe atmosphere your child will learn and grow with a proven program based on excellence and experience
Registration is now open
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
((771133))666666--00225577
We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
4-Show PackageSStart aS low aS
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TUTSCOM 713558TUTS groups of 15+ call 7135588888
A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
May 14 - 26 2013
LERNER AND LOEWErsquoS
Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
CFPreg and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERtrade marks are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Boardrsquos initial and ongoing certification requirements Registered Representative of and offers securities products investment advisory services and financial planning services through MML Investors Services Inc member SIPC Supervisory Office 3 Greenway Plaza Suite 1700 Houston Texas 77046 713402-3800 The K Corporation is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services Inc Insurance offered through Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and other fine companies
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
2830 Hicks StHouston TX 77007
Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
NotNot valid Saturdays in June July or August or with any other offer discount special price prepaid afternoon group two-day or season tickets Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale Prices operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice ExpiExpires September 23 2012
SAVE up to $12YOUR FAMILY WILL BE
DISCOUNT TICKETS ONLINE schlitterbahncom
MOST FUN OVER 33 ATTRACTIONS
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
MARKETPLACE
713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
Mosk amp Mosk LLCCertified Public Accountants5959 West Loop South Suite 340
Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS
EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
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Packing bull Crating bull Freighting bull UnpackingMoving homes bull Offices
Assisted living bull Estate packing
Locally bull Nationally bull Internationally
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull Artwork bull Unusual bull Large amp Small jobs
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
We Keep Houston MovingPacking
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
ACCOUNTANTCPA
PACKING AND SHIPPING SERVICES
ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
Certified American Board of Ophthalmology
Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
wwwucntexascom
Be there when your customers need you
Advertise in
and get your company or organization listed for free
COMPLETE GUIDE to
EVERYTHING JEWISH (and more)
for Greater Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast
713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
JUNI ERSE
JUNI ERSE
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
celebrate yourbarbat mitzvah like
a rock star
houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
phone 713-227-1392hardrockcom
UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
- VOICES covers 2
- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
2 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 3
Leora Kahn
7138269109
Betty Bellomy
7133042311
Molly AnnKaplan
2817995553
Ann Lynn Lerner
7132529473
sherylWeinstock7132408444
Lisakornhauser
8322746156
j o h n d a u g h e r t y c o m
THE FINE ART OF SELLINGTHE FINE ART ART A OF SELLINGTHE FINE ART OF SELLINGWe Know
4 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 5
ewish art What is it
Something our grandparents liked Didactic An
expression of Jewish history of Jewish culture of Jewish
identity In a way a form of remembrance Pass it down
ndash lrsquodor vrsquodor
Something a Jew does
Paint Inscribe Shape Vocalize Craft Click Play
An act of creativity Of irresponsibility The Jew
should be responsible Jewish art ndash an oxymoron
Arts is the theme of the 2012 VOICES magazine
Herein is a showcase of some of the artistic talent we have
in greater Houstonrsquos diverse Jewish community in which skillful artists are aplenty
A carpenter crafts divine parade mobiles and enlightening symbols of freedom in
public spaces Russian imports carve up fantastic fruit creations while others are ham-
mering away at an old school trade
The Jrsquos dance instructor ndash shersquos an institution A rabbi makes an art of helping those
in recovery
The next generation of artists ndash in dance theater voice culinary instrumental and
visual ndash is gathering in Houston for summer workshops and performances at ArtsFest
2012
A day schoolrsquos beloved stage master has made his curtain call and special needs
adults have found their calling card through colorful brush strokes
Jewish art in Houston Itrsquos about people experiencing beauty through the arts and
sharing it with family and friends
The Jewish Herald-Voice this communityrsquos paper of record is delighted to share
these arts with its readers This is our art giving voice to our community members
Lrsquodor vrsquodor Recording stories and perspectives from our community that canrsquot be
found anywhere else This is our responsibility
Reading the Jewish Herald-Voice is something your grandparents enjoyed Hopefully
theyrsquove passed it down to you and you will continue the tradition
Published weekly ndash Plus Wedding Passover Voices in Houston Rosh Hashanah and BarBat Mitzvah editions ndash by Herald Publishing Co 3403 Audley St Houston TX 77098 copy2012 with all rights reserved Reproduction or use without permission of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston Texas Subscription rates USA $165 for 3 years $115 for 2 years $60 per year 9 months for $50 Foreign subscriptions upcharged with international first-class postage Single newspaper copies by mail PREPAID $4 Back Issues PREPAID $6 Single VOICES magazine copies by mail PREPAID $8 each Postmaster Send address changes to Jewish Herald-Voice PO Box 153 Houston TX 77001-0153
ISSN 0021-6488 USPS 0275-360
jhvonlinecomThe Arts
V O I C E SVolume CV ndash Number 17
PRESIDENT Vicki Samuels Levy
EDITOR and PUBLISHERJeanne F Samuels
FOUNDING PUBLISHERSEdgar Goldberg 1908-1937David H White and Ida S White 1938-1973Joseph W Samuels 1973-2011
Associate editor | Michael C DukeMultimedia manager | Matt Samuels
Editorial research | Arnold RosenzweigStaff writer | Aaron HowardFood editor | Theodore PowersSports editor |Matt Samuels
COLUMNISTS Alice Adams bull Jonathan Fass Felice and Michael Friedson bull Elliot Gershenson Pam Geyer bull Ed Reitman PhD Bryan Edward Stone bull Teddy Weinberger PRODUCTIONProduction director | Aaron D PoscovskyAsst production manager | Barbara E Hanovich
Magazine designer | Matt SamuelsGraphic designer | Mary Jane JohnstonProofreader | Judy Bluestein-Levin
SUBSCRIPTIONDISTRIBUTIONLawrence S Levy
ADVERTISING SALES
Ad director | Vicki Samuels LevyAdministrative assistant | Joseph Macias
Ad account executivesChuck Green bull Tere Perry Lew Sampson bull Melanie Sherman bull Steve Sherman
ClassifiedSingles | Joseph MaciasDirector of first impressions | Sharon Stoper LivitzAccounts receivable | Huong TonnuController | Myrna AberPayroll | Maurene Bencal
Mailing address
PO Box 153 bull Houston TX 77001-0153
News articlesjhvonlinecomLetters editorjhvonlinecom
Subscriptions subscribejhvonlinecomAdvertising advertisingjhvonlinecom
Telephone 713-630-0391 bull Fax 713-630-0404Web jhvonlinecom Twitter jhvonline
FacebookcomJewishHeraldVoice
Located at 3403 Audley Stbull Houston TX 77098-1923
Michael C Duke
Find the JHV on your smartphone
Michael C Duke Associate Editor
J
4 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 5
BY MATT SAMUELS
This summer more than 100 Jewish teens from across the country will come together to put on a grand performance in Houston There will
be singing there will be dancing there also will be plenty of drama arts food and live music
The big show will be the culmination of all the hard work by teens volunteers and professionals who will converge in Houston in August for the 2012 JCC Maccabi ArtsFest
What began in 2006 as a complement to the annual summer Maccabi Games ArtsFest allows teens to express themselves artistically through skill workshops live performances and art exhibitions while strengthening their bonds to their Jewish heritage community and Israel
Although ArtsFest still is evolving trying
to find its identity 2012rsquos director Brittany Horwitt believes Houston has what it takes to bring it to the next level
ldquoArtsFest is just such a great concept and I love itrdquo Horwitt said ldquoWe are kind of in a building year and I think Houston has done a great job of promoting the program in a positive light I think the teens will have a great time and it will help build the future of ArtsFestrdquo
ArtsFest 2012 will feature 115 teens from 20 cities who will be in artistic-oriented work-shops They then will join forces with the Maccabi Games athletes who are being hosted in Houston for the first time since 2007
Houston is one of three communities host-ing 2012 Maccabi Games but it is the only venue including ArtsFest This is only the sec-ond time ArtsFest is being combined with the US Maccabi Games
ldquoItrsquos a challenge because we are still work-ing out the kinks in putting the two events together But itrsquos a win-win for both teams because everyone is together and it is one great experiencerdquo said Horwitt who was part of the 2010 Houston delegation in Baltimore ldquoTeens that are not into competition or athletics they have a place in ArtsFest This is a great addi-tion to JCC Maccabirdquo
Teens aged 13-16 will arrive Sunday Aug 5 for the opening ceremonies at Rice University Beginning Monday morning they will divide up going into their respective workshops where they will work for most of the week
As part of the program there is a planned mitzvah project to help the community and the final live show which will have all of the arts on display
Part of what allows ArtsFest to be such a success is the participation of the professional
6 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ArtsFest 2012 Promises to Deliver
Teens from across the US came together for the final show of ArtsFest in Northern Virginia in 2008
Houston a State-of-the-Art Performance
instructors Whether from Houston or travel-ing here from around the country they will assume the role of artists in residence for the week to give the ArtsFest teens an experience to paint dance or cook with the best of the best
ldquoThe artists donrsquot all come to Maccabi for the social scene ndash some are really coming for their art workrdquo Horwitt said ldquoThe teens have the opportunity to put on their resume that they worked with some of these great artists in residencerdquo
ArtsFest will be divided into seven special-ties actingimprov culinary dance musical theater visual art vocal music and rockjazz music Each specialty workshop will be led by at least one artist in residence who will work directly with the teens
The 2012 theme ldquoHope and Changerdquo will be celebrated through the seven different areas of concentration
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 7
Traditions Onstage And In Real Life
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As an actor I have played many roles over my long career but perhaps the most important has been Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof I performed it more than 2000 times It has meant so much to me to portray this symbol of the struggle to keep the Jewish faith and its traditions alive
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ArtsFest 2012 Promises to DeliverHouston a State-of-the-Art Performance
8 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Building up the dramaTeens in the actingimprov group will work
together to form an ensemble exploring vari-ous techniques and traditions of theater and improvisation ranging from Shakespearean theater to American sketch comedy
Native Houstonian and theater artist in residence Stephanie Wittles will bring her vast experience to the ArtsFest stage
ldquoAs a newcomer to ArtsFest I am slightly terrified about creating rehearsing and per-forming a theatrical masterpiece in only four short days but I am up for the challenge and confident that these talented actors will rise to the occasionrdquo Wittles said
Teens will learn about acting script analy-sis and improvisation They also will be chal-lenged to develop material to be part of a larger interdisciplinary performance for the grand finale at ArtsFest
ldquoTheater is something I have been doing myself since childhood and so many of my closest friendships have blossomed as a resultrdquo Wittles said ldquoI hope to give my kids the same enriching opportunity this summer I am eager to get startedrdquo
A culinary delightTeens in the culinary arts specialty will
be engaged ndash choosing the right ingredients learning new cooking techniques and under-standing the history and culture behind many foods
Part of the recipe will be for the teens to go to a local farmerrsquos market to learn how to plan a menu and to understand the process of transforming raw ingredients into deli-
cious dishes Houston-area artists in residence are Sam
Beierbegan currently executive chef at A Fare Extraordinaire and Sarah Brook founder and CEO of Dessert Gallery Bakery amp Cafe
ldquoDesserts have been my passion for as long as I can rememberrdquo Brook said ldquoThere are few things more gratifying than finding something you love making it your lifersquos work and then being given the opportunity to share that magic with a new generation
ldquoThroughout my three decades in the dessert industry in Houston I have been so grateful for the support and devotion I have received from my hometownrsquos Jewish community Being given the chance to give back to that community and reaching oth-ers through this amazing program is a real honorrdquo
The program will conclude with the pres-entation of a menu and the production of catered dishes to be served as part of the
weekrsquos final presentation
Dancing with tomorrowrsquos starsTeens in the dance portion of ArtsFest will
explore dance techniques and develop perform-ance skills such as focus intention dramatic and technical range and expansion of move-ment vocabulary
Participants will be introduced to the ori-gins and history of contemporary dance as an expressive and creative art form and learn its role in transmission of culture expression and storytelling
The artists in residence are Houston native Cat Cogliandro and Nicholas Ross of Nicholas Andre Dance studio in New York Ross has choreographed more than 16 works for his company and has toured all over the country
ldquoI am excited to work with all of the partici-pantsrdquo Ross said ldquoI bring a very athletic style to my choreography and I hope to inspire some future artists I also hope to meet people from all over and share our experiencesrdquo
Dancers will create both solos and group work learning to balance individuality with the work of an ensemble The program will finish with the creation of a new work that will be part of the weekrsquos final presentation
A musical chorusTeens signed up for musical theater will
work on vocal technique dance and move-ment skills and song interpretation abilities
Participants will have the opportunity to explore a vast range of material including musical selections from the standard com-edy drama and musical theater repertoire as well as nondramatic sources
Musical theater artists will express their creativity by developing original individual pieces as well as by performing professional musical numbers as part of an ensemble
The artist in residence is Naomi Ackerman Traveling from Los Angeles she is an experienced actor whose credits include theater musicals films and television
Teens show off their acting skills at ArtsFest 2009 in New Orleans
Teens learn how to fillet a fish during ArtsFest 2009 in New Orleans
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 9
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Creating a masterpieceParticipants in the fine arts will be able to
sharpen their technique while using a variety of art materials to design a series of projects for their portfolio as well as create a piece of public art to be included as a part of the final performance
Public art is an important expanding field within the discipline of visual arts and is relevant to painters sculptors printmakers fabric artists graphic designers and visual artists of all types
The artist in residence is Julie Brook Alex-ander a Houston artist whose work combines original photography collage and mixed media
ldquoI hope to give the students a chance to develop individually and to enjoy the group experience of ArtsFestrdquo Alexander said ldquoThere is nothing more energizing than inspiring creativity and working in the midst of a creative community
ldquoI hope to provide to the kids an opportunity to look at themselves in a new light through photography painting collage and writingrdquo Alexander said ldquoWe will work on a series of self-portraits and on an indi-vidual artist statement that guides this art-making I want each student to prepare work that shares unique insight into themselvesrdquo
The program will end with the creation and sharing of a new work that will be displayed prominently as part of the weekrsquos final presentation
A vocal experienceTeens in vocal music will enhance their onstage performance skills
both as soloists and as part of an ensemble or choir Participants will work on rhythmic skills pitch and harmonization
The artist in residence from Florida is Beth Schafer who has spent her
career redefining Jewish music by combining masterful songwriting with sensitivity to liturgy and unique insight into text She specializes in music for Torah-minded adults looking for an extension to their Jewish lives through music
Schafer will work with ArtsFest teens to examine how differing song styles reflect the identity of the vocal artist Teens also will explore the crafting of performance techniques as well as the emotional authenticity of an artist during a performance
The program will conclude with performing a special piece at the weekrsquos final presentation
Rock onSingers and songwriters will put their talents to the test in the rock
jazz music specialty There will be guitar bass keyboardpiano drums horns and rock-oriented strings Participants will examine the art of song-writing performance techniques and will analyze the changing world of modern Jewish music
Teens will form bands based on style ability and instrumentation The bands will play cover and jam learning from LA-based artist in residence Josh Nelson one of the most popular performers and producers in modern Jewish music
The program will culminate in the creation and sharing of a new work that will be part of the weekrsquos final presentation
The art of caringArtsFest and Maccabi Games teens will come together during the week
for JCC CaresMore than 1200 teens will work with Jacques DrsquoAmboisersquos nonprofit
National Dance Institute to help bring their amazing dance program to underprivileged and special needs youth of greater Houston
The teens will provide supplies activities refreshments and profes-sional instructors at different locations At each venue athletes will be paired with a child and go to a NDI dance class taught by instructors from various Houston dance companies
Houstonian Kathy Parven is coordinating the programldquoOur goal is to provide the teens a personal engaging and reward-
ing experience as they bring and share the activities celebrating the arts to local underserved and special needs children throughout Houstonrdquo Parven said ldquoWhen we developed this program model in 2007 the teens loved the experience the children had a wonderful time and truly felt special and even the volunteers and staff that helped were in tears Itrsquos a win-win for everyonerdquo
Encore performanceThe final victory will be the ArtsFest grand performance All seven
groups will come together and put on a live show that will display every-thing the teens learned
ldquoWe really want to fill the seats and have an audience for these teens because they will be working so hard for the weekrdquo Horwitt said
Horwitt also hopes that the final performance will be the exclamation point the weeklong event needs to bring ArtsFest to the next level
ldquoMy goals and expectations are to really educate the community about the program and what a fantastic program it isrdquo Horwitt said ldquoAnd for the teens I want them to be excited about JCC Maccabi ArtsFest
ldquoMy ultimate goal this year is that this program grows from here on out ndash and I really think it will Itrsquos just such a great concept and draw for teens Itrsquos like my baby ndash I love itrdquo
For the location of the final show contact the ERJCC 713-729-3200 c
EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER5601 S Braeswood | Houston Texas 77096 7137293200
1000 AM ndash 200 PM
10 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
The first ERJCC Houston teens to participate in JCC Maccabi ArtsFest Northern Virginia 2008 Philip Kar-jeker Dorie Mishael Lindsay Kapp Miriam Lavenda with delegation head Brittany Horwitt
BY AARON HOWARD
P liant is not an adjective we nor-mally associate with wood Pliant suggests a capability of being easily bent a yielding nature or
adaptability We usually think of terms like strength and resistance when we think of woodrsquos qualities ndash as in hardwood We think of flat straight lines Thatrsquos because wood typically is used to make items like tables So the wood is flat and straight cut
Wood artist Isaac Cohen goes against the grain His wooden chests curve His bookcases swirl His wooden Star of David bends
Cohen sees wood differently ldquoI love to take wood to the extremerdquo he said ldquoI think
in wood How can I bend it What kind of shapes can I make For me the challenge is to see how far I can push the wood Every species of wood is a different give Some are soft some are hard
ldquoObviously the worst sound you can hear is CRACK the sound when wood refuses to yield anymore One piece can take a bend but the very next piece will not yield It breaksrdquo
Cohen is perhaps best-known locally as the person who designed and built the 12-foot-high steel Magen Shlomo ndash Shield of Solomon (The Lone Star) Chanukah Menorah commissioned by Chabad Lubavitch of Houston which was displayed in The Galleria in December 2011 Others know Cohen as the artist who has designed
and built wooden art cars over the past decade for Houstonrsquos annual Art Car Parade
Cohen won the Mayorrsquos Cup for ldquoBest In Showrdquo in 2004 For 2012rsquos Art Car Parade Cohen constructed something different ldquoHeroesrdquo a model F-18 Navy fighter jet atop a Geo Metro dedicated to the men and women of the US military services
Cohen recently gave the Jewish Herald-Voice a tour through his 85000-foot warehouse in Houstonrsquos East End The warehouse serves as studio and home of his retail art framing business Among the collection are his art cars and ldquoTV Christmas Treerdquo an installation he made for Houstonrsquos Discovery Green with wood and 20 television sets Yet his custom-
Houston sculptor works against the grain
A Bend in the Wood
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohenrsquos wooden gull-winged Splinter creation was showcased in the April 2008 Houston Art Car Parade
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 11
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
made furniture for example includes a chest of drawers whose graceful arched lines are reminiscent of a beautiful sailboat hull And while the top of one of Cohenrsquos book-cases begins in its proper place at the apex on the left side it plummets down to the bot-tom of the piece like an adrenaline-pumping speed slide
During the tour the phone rang ldquoTake this callrdquo Cohen said to his sons in the next room ldquoPeople think I work here I try hard not to give them that impression What I do now I do for funrdquo
Thatrsquos the key to understanding how Cohen creates He plays Hersquos now 60 years
old and hersquos like one of those old lions on the savannah well fed healthy free from stress and roaring ndash simply for the joy of roaring
Cohen came to Houston from Israel in 1979 In Israel he built custom furniture in his youth and later ran a chain of pizzerias In 1985 he opened a wholesale framing business Classy Art Wholesalers
ldquoWe had to struggle for survival at firstrdquo Cohen said ldquoBut by 1990 we were doing well and we moved our business into our current locationrdquo
In 2002 as his 50th birthday approached Cohen decided he wanted to make his own birthday present A car he named Splinter Over the frame of a restored 1989 Honda Accord he envisioned a wooden body using one-quarter-inch thick strips of ash and wal-nut ndash about 5000 feet of wooden strips glued together so they could bend to the shape of the car frame
Cohen has the original simple drawing now framed labeled ldquoFirst Ideardquo He com-pleted Splinter in June 2003
Join us for ldquoan adventure of the spiritrdquo
Cantor Vadim Tunitsky Senior Rabbi Scott Hausman-Weiss Rabbi Pamela Silk Rabbi Samantha Kahn
ldquoCongregation Emanu El is a Reform synagogue firmly rooted in our covenant with God and the Jewish People We are a caring community dedicated to inspiring the love of God teaching the joys of Jewish living and sharing our mission to be a light unto the nationsrdquo
Minyan Next DorMonthly eruv Shabbat for Houstonrsquos young-er adults
Torah Enrichment on ShabbatChoose from a variety of classes with the rabbi
Weekly Meditation Service
EducationAdult educationBecker Early Childhood CenterHelfman Religious School
1500 Sunset Blvd 713-529-5771wwwemanuelhoustonorg
And MoreBrotherhoodSisterhoodEmanu EldersHelfman Religious School PTA Becker Early Childhood PTOYouth GroupCub and Boy Scouts
An adventure of the spirit
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohen was commissioned to build a 12-foot-tall chanukiah that was kindled inside The Galleria Houston in De-cember 2011
JHV AARON HOWARD
The ldquoFirst Ideardquo sketch for Splinter
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
N o r t h B r a e s w o o d a t C h i m N e y r o C kB R A E S W O O D S Q U A R E
B
Trade secrets There are two methods by which
you can get wood to bend wet and dry
You can use steam which dis-solves some of the bonds between wood fibers Steam weakens and stretches the fibers and allows them to reform during the cooling process
Cohen doesnrsquot use steam or water He dry bends Although he will not give away his secrets he does use wood strips which must be glued to something else such as a form
ldquoWhen you bend dry wood it doesnrsquot maintain its shape by itselfrdquo said Cohen ldquoYou must glue the wood pieces to some-thing else even themselves otherwise the wood would spring back to its original flat-nessrdquo
Wood wants to spring back to its origi-nal shape The tighter the bend the more wood wants to spring back And therersquos no formula no pre-set way of telling how much a strip of wood will spring back or break Itrsquos all a matter of trial and error
For example Cohen created a hang-ing Magen David inside a circle by first dry bending two different-colored wooden strips into a perfect circle Then inside the circle he twisted two other strips until he was able to fashion the interlocking star
ldquoI believe in myselfrdquo said Cohen ldquobut I never believe that the wood will cooperate with merdquo
Fresh startTo begin Cohen decides on a project
Then he decides what species of wood would look best for the project
ldquoWhen I decided to create my wooden truck Big J I saw that to my eye rose-wood looked much better than mahogany Rosewood has such a deep color that it
allows you to see the straight lines The design for that vehicle was a basic octa-gon with many straight lines rather than curves All the wood used for that vehicle came from the same tree So therersquos a single design pattern all over the car except for the tiny changes in the spacing of the tree rings You have to examine the wood really closely to see thatrdquo
Of note all hardwoods get more difficult to bend the closer the artist gets to the cen-ter of the tree Thatrsquos because the wood is denser closer to the core
ldquoSo when you get pieces that are near the center ndash you recognize that by looking at the distance between rings from the edge of a piece ndash the wood gives me a run for my moneyrdquo said Cohen
ldquoI never considered myself an artist Irsquove never taken a class I didnrsquot think of myself as an artist until I received the Lifetime Achievement award for Best Artist from the
Art Car Museum Now I guess I can call myself an artistrdquo
Unlike most other artists Cohen rarely sells his pieces although hersquos been offered as much as $16 million for Splinter
ldquoIrsquoll tell you whyrdquo he said ldquoFive years ago I donated Slider to the Orange Show This was another car I created They auc-tioned the car off to benefit the Orange Show I had put in more than 2000 hours creating Slider It was absolutely like one of my children I cannot forget the awful feeling of loss I had when I let the car go It was gone after being in my shop every day for over a year
ldquoToday when I build something on commission I can see it differently But even so itrsquos difficult to let gordquo
We can appreciate Cohenrsquos feelings When yoursquove put as many hours into your ldquochildrenrdquo as he has it is sometimes hard to let them part c
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohenrsquos F-18 Fighter Jet pays tribute to the ldquoheroes of freedomrdquo Cohen drove the car in the May 2010 Houston Art Car Parade
JHV AARON HOWARD
Isaac Cohenrsquos bent woodMagen David
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15 Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2011 | JhVonlinecom | 14
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ERJCC dance instructor is creative talent behind Dance Month and moreBY ALICE ADAMS
I trsquos a Monday after 7 pm and dance director Maxine Silberstein has yet to finish her day at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center And this particular day is no busier than any other time of the week
Silberstein is responsible not only for coordinating the JCCrsquos dance pro-gram cultural outreach programs and partnerships and the IW Marks Master Classes but also serves as artistic director for Dance Month ndash now in its 33rd season ndash at the Kaplan Theatre In addition she coordinates Maccabi dance for Team Houston and the annual Tirkedu Houston an Israeli folk dance weekend But thatrsquos not all Shersquos been a teacher of dance for more than three decades as well as dance director for the ERJCCrsquos Arts and Culture Department
Yet her love of dance began long before Dance Month began or the Houston Ballet took the stage
ldquoMy father would sit beside me in the darkness of a Galveston auditorium or the old Music Hall in downtown Houston so I could see the leading prima ballerinas of Ballet Russes and other prominent companies dancing in the spotlightrdquo she recalled and as she watched the little girl who grew up in
Place Where Jewish Culture Thrives Through Dance
JHV MATT SAMUELS
ERJCC dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15
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Texas City took notice of every detail ndash from the artistsrsquo finely positioned feet to the curve of their arms and the placement of delicate fin-gers ldquoIt was always magicalrdquo she remembered
ldquoMy mother started me in dance lessons when I was quite young I was probably 5 or 6rdquo said Silberstein taking a rare time out ldquoI was that kid who was hanging by my arms and legs from the barre or in some way not following instructions Needless to say I didnrsquot receive much encouragement from that teacherrdquo she added
ldquoOnly a few weeks into my dance career my teacher commented that she didnrsquot know exactly why my mother was wasting her money on dance lessons for me That was Motherrsquos cue to move me so I could study with Doris Hede in La Marque and that experience is exactly why I would never discourage any child from study-ing dancerdquo Silberstein added ldquoeven the ones using the barre as a jungle gymrdquo
Realizing her passion for dance by her early teens the athletic young dancer eagerly par-ticipated in programs offered by the Houston Youth Symphony and Ballet where dance teachers and students from the area gathered to rehearse performances at the old City Hall across from the Rice Hotel
After high school graduation Silberstein was unable to attend the University of
Oklahoma which had a flourishing dance program at the time under the tutelage of prima ballerina Maria Tallchief Instead she attended the University of Houston where she earned a bachelorrsquos degree in special edu-cation and physical education with a minor
in dance performanceThroughout her college career the tena-
cious dancer took full advantage of every opportunity that presented itself In doing so she was to study and learn various forms of dance with some of the countryrsquos greatest and
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Melissa Darlow Ariel Brown Lauren Liss and Alyssa Cohen work on their 2012 Maccabi Games dance routine with dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
most prolific choreographers including Fred Strobel Anita Dyche Camille Long Hill Patsy Swayze and Rudy Jenkins in Houston In New York her training included the Alvin Ailey Peridance Center Jennifer Mueller Merce Cunningham Jo Jo Smith Broadway Dance Center and Steps
ldquoWhen I was in college I taught andor substituted for absent teachers in the JCCrsquos adult dance program when the center was located on Hermann Driverdquo she recalled She began working part time as a dance teacher at the J in 1974
ldquoI had met and married my husband Bubba Silberstein in the interimrdquo she explained ldquoand after we began our family I decided to teach dance and raise our children Brent and Steffanirdquo
In 1980 Silberstein was named director of the JCCrsquos dance program after director Lisa Rollrsquos exit
ldquoAfter Lisa left the board was not able to
identify someone to take over the position so I said I would be happy to do it until someone is hired Needless to say Irsquom still here todayrdquo laughed the teacherdancerdirector
Silberstein said it was only natural that
the JCC offer a dance program because of its reputation for programming around health wellness sports and physical activities ldquoDance easily fits into this type of program-mingrdquo she pointed out ldquoand classes were a vehicle for bringing Jewish children together in dance Itrsquos for anyone for all denomina-tions and all ages and itrsquos also a United Way-
funded center and open to everyone who wanted to learn to dancerdquo
So it follows that the high point of Silbersteinrsquos career is inspiring student dancers
ldquoAs director Irsquove had the opportunity of doing many things but being able to teach children to build their confi-dence and esteem to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worth-while And now I am teaching my former studentsrsquo children and the grandchil-dren of my peersrdquo
P r o f e s s i o n a l inf luences have included Mikhail Baryshnikov and
Ohad Naharin the latter an Israeli artis-tic directorchoreographer of the Batsheva Dance Company He also is the originator of Gaga an innovative movement language which has emerged as a growing force in the larger field of movement practices for both dancers and non-dancers
ldquoAt the time we brought him to Houston
a symbol of distinction in assisted living
bull 24 Hour Assistance and Personalized Carebull Elegant Dining Servicesbull Medication Supervisionbull Social Cultural and Recreational activitiesbull Wellness Center with Heated Aquatherapy Poolbull A fully equipped socialmedia centerbull Peace of Mind in a Family Oriented Secure Setting
License ID 102491
wwwthemedallionorg6262 North Braeswood Boulevard
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Affiliated with Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Lauren Liss Ariel Brown and Ryan Bryandt follow the lead of dance instructor Maxine Silberstein at the ERJCC
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
he had a company in New Yorkrdquo Silberstein remem-bered ldquoIt was very exciting to have him here And when I think of where he is today and the influ-ence on the world of dance That was a highlightrdquo
As artistic director of Dance Month Silberstein said she believed it was extremely important first and foremost to Houstonrsquos Jewish community because audiences have been able to see on stage a number of Israeli and Yemeni dancers like Sara Levi-Tanai ldquoThe choreography of these groups reflects the Jewish culture in that it is powerful and risk taking at its corerdquo she noted ldquoItrsquos how they live their lives on the edge In general itrsquos a wonderful opportunity for Houston audiences to see Judaism in dance and how the culture and Jewish choreographers have phenomenally influenced dance all over the worldrdquo
With more than 35 years of teaching Silberstein said her goal is to continue meeting the day-to-day challenges of the programs she directs while remaining an influence in the lives of her students and and their desire to dance to meet their own goals not to be discour-aged
ldquoGrowing up in Texas City I didnrsquot have the advantages of Jewish children in Houston growing up with large congregations BBYOs or a community center I could be a part ofrdquo she explained ldquoBut I had my dance I feel like I hopefully have been an inspiration to other Jewish artists to go forward with their art form Irsquove always this thing as an artist in that I am Jewish Maybe not everything I do in dance is Jewish but I am influenced by Jewish artists and I think itrsquos important for all artists to hold on to their Jewishness to represent our culture in the various art forms
Along with her teaching Silberstein has found time to perform with numerous dance companies in her career served on cultural arts boards and has promoted dance in Houston especially dance centering on the Jewish culture Currently she serves on the board of Uptown Dance Centre the HCC-Central College World Dance Institute board and Society for the Performing Arts Education Committee
Silberstein also gives credit to her supervisor Marilyn Hassid ldquofor her support encouragement and friendship in supporting me in doing the many things we do through arts and culture and the dance program
ldquoIrsquove been very fortunaterdquo she continued ldquoBeing at the ERJCC wersquove brought in many many groups of people who may have never stepped foot in here and theyrsquore coming because of dance In the pro-cess they have been exposed to the Jewish culture Itrsquos important to me that we through the Kaplan Theatre expose our center to everyone who comes here In doing so our Jewish culture will continue to have a strong presence in the Houston community ndash through dancerdquo c
ldquoBeing able to teach children to build their confidence and esteem
to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worthwhilerdquo
ndash Maxine Silberstein
ldquoWe are proud our family launched the Jewish Family Service Passover program providing assistance for the past 20 yearsAs others are generously stepping forwardto support this effort we took a look at our communityrsquos future needsrdquondashJeanne Mandell
ldquoAlong with the blessings of our seniors living longer comes an added responsibility to accommodate the changing needs of this community We know JFS will be there to help The Deutser Hecht Mandell Fund for Senior Adult Financial Aid seeks to fulfill the basic needs of our seniors help them maintain independence in their own homes and empower them with personal dignity in the coming decadesrdquondashPunkin Hecht
ldquoWe feel good about being a part of100 Names
Wonrsquot you join usrdquo
A simple bequest is the most common way for a family to establish a legacy gift
In partnership withJewish Family Servicersquos100th Year Celebrationand Houston JewishCommunity Foundationrsquos Create a Jewish LegacyHouston Jewish Family Foundation
rdavisjfshoustonorg 7136679336wwwjfshoustonorg100names
Benefitting Jewish Family ServiceA New Fund is Added to100 Names for 100 Years
The Deutser HechtMandell Fund
for Senior Adult Financial Aid
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
The Shlenker SchoolCongregation Beth Israel - Houston Texas
For more information or to schedule a tourcontact Gail Rovinsky Director of Admissions
713-270-6127 grovinskyshlenkerorg5600 N Braeswood Houston Texas 77096 wwwshlenkerorg
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Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Gabby Howard paints her cardCari Cowen with Celebration Company volunteer Joyce Rosen
BY MICHAEL C DUKE PHOTOS BY MATT SAMUELS
Jewish adults with special needs have found a creative outlet at Jewish Family Servicersquos Celebration Company
For the past three years Celebration Company participants have produced note-cards featuring original hand-painted artwork and handmade paper The signed artwork is mounted to the front of the cards which are blank inside and are packaged with envelopes sold either individually or in five-card sets
ldquoThe notecards are a great way for the par-ticipants to express themselves artisticallyrdquo said Nick Tofilon Celebration Companyrsquos director
The cards are available at JFS 4131 S Braeswood Blvd or at Three Brothers Bakery 4036 S Braeswood Blvd
Celebration Company provides meaning-ful employment to people with special needs who ndash with joy purpose and self-esteem ndash cre-ate products that celebrate the good in life c
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Linda Lopen makes a floral paintingMax Schaffer works on her masterpiece
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
What a Difference EmeryWeiner Made
wwwemeryweinerorg bull 8322045900
Thank you so much for a wonderful and I do really mean wonderful Emery experience Itrsquos so sad that Nicole will not be there on a daily basis anymore She told me in third grade that she wanted to attend EWS for middle and high school and it was the best decision that we ever made
- Bonnie Winograd (parent of Class of 2012 Graduate)
ldquo
rdquo
Hebrew Free Loanassociation ndashProviding interest
Free Loans to JewisH Houston area residents since 1932
Loans Available for Emergencies
Healthcare Needs Small Business Assistance
and More For more information or to apply for a loan visit our website at
wwwhflanetor call
713-667-9336 ext221
House of Dereacuteon Media Center is one of the best kept secrets in Houston The eclectic special events venue including state-of-the-art media and conference facilities is housed inside a magnifi cent art deacuteco building located in the heart of Houstonrsquos Midtown District and seated perfectly within the worldwide operations of Music World Entertainment ndash the management company of the worldrsquos 1 female recording group Destinyrsquos Child
Let us turn your next function into a social event to remember
Where your functions become social events
2204 Crawford St Houston Texas l 7137725175 l wwwhouseofdereonmediacentercom
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
reg
National Council of Jewish WomenA fAith iN the future A belief iN ACtioN
Help Houstonrsquos women children and families
JOIN NCJW GHSNational Council of Jewish Women a
nationwide organization of 90000 strong and along with the Greater Houston Sectionrsquos
800+ members takes a progressive stance towards
changing lives through advocacy campaigns and social action by helping
bull At-risk children learn to readbull To ensure reproductive freedom
bull Victims of human traffickingbull Victims of domestic violence
and sexual assaultbull Adolescent survivors of
sexual assaultbull Homeless children
bull Foster children
To learn more about NCJW GHS and how you can get involved visit ncjwhoustonorg or contact us at membershipncjwhoustonorg
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery
from AddictionBY JEANNE F SAMUELS
E stablished 12 years ago Chabad of Sugar Land is headed by Brooklyn-born Rabbi Mendel Feigenson who was brought to Houston in 1995 by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff Fulfilling Chabadrsquos mission to serve Jews throughout the Sugar Land Stafford and Missouri City area Rabbi Feigenson has added a
new facet to his work He has opened his heart and Chabadrsquos doors to a completely underserved segment of the Jewish community It is the newly formed Jewish Recovery Celebration Group which provides support for Jewish recovering alcoholics addicts and members of Alcoholics Anonymous
The truth is contrary to general belief ndash and probably community denial ndash there are Jews who are addicts And those who suffer with addiction face a constant struggle to overcome its grasp
Confronting a definite need Rabbi Feigenson facilitates and organizes social and educational events to help JRCG members merge Judaism with recovery Every other Sunday at 7 pm he integrates the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with the timeless lessons of Torah and Kabbalah The meetings are held in complete privacy when no one else is in the two-year-old Chabad facility
The need for support for Jewish addicts was posed to Rabbi Feigenson by Lynn JHV JEANNE F SAMUELS
Rabbi Mendel Feigenson
Donovan of Galveston She is the only individual in the recently organized group who chooses not to remain anonymous believing her story needs to be told
ldquoShe is an inspirationrdquo the rabbi declared ldquoMore than four months ago she called me saying she had something very important to discuss with me She told me that she has been sober for 25 years and that she has friends who are struggling with addiction The reality is that there are Jews who are drug addicts
ldquoBasically addiction is a diseaserdquo Rabbi Feigenson explained ldquoand addicts cannot help themselves They need group support and our mis-sion is to help our Jewish brethrenrdquo So the rabbi studied the Twelve Steps of AA delved into books on the subject and consulted with some psychiatrists From all this the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group was formed
Presently there are four to six people in the group and Rabbi Feigenson said that the meetings are working well ldquoItrsquos about coming from darkness and making a new liferdquo he pointed out
Credited with encouraging the genesis of JRCG Donovan recalled how she became sober in 1986 taking the train from Harrisburg Pa to Baltimore on Sundays to be part of a Twelve Step group that met in a church ldquoIt was very confusing for me having to separate church and recovery hellip There are no rules regarding religion in AA but most of my support was coming from Christian people Did I have to be Christian to recover
ldquoI had been arrested at 18rdquo she confessed ldquoand the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos com-mon belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
When Donovan moved to Texas in 1990 she continued with AA in churches Although the
West Houston Jewish Community Center had an AA meeting it was not a Jewish recovery group
ldquoI visited with the Jewish Family Service to see if they would help start a Jewish recovery group but they were not accepting of me I spoke to one or two rabbis privately but they werenrsquot receptive either so I kind of let it go for a whilerdquo She noted that perseverance is difficult ldquoThe disease of addiction is not something they know how to deal with
ldquoAs a young girl I was molested by a rabbi and when the Penn State [University] scandal broke loose I became very depressedrdquo she reflected having the need for support at that time ldquoI got on the Internet and Googled Jews in recovery where I read about a Rabbi Kessler at Chabad in Boca Raton Fla I called there and the rabbi told me about a retreat [to be held there] and was it possible I could come It took place this past February with addicts from all over including me Rabbi Abraham J Twerski was the keynote speakerrdquo
The convention inspired Donovan to seek the closest Chabad to Galveston which she found in Sugar Land She telephoned there and Rabbi Feigenson invited her to Shabbat where she had lunch with his wife Chaya After hearing Donovanrsquos story Chaya Feigenson said to her husband ldquoMendel we have to help these peoplerdquo
ldquoMost people know very little about addictionrdquo Donovan empha-sized When I first started someone took me to the rabbi who told me to go home and honor my father and my mother and be a good girlrdquo Also she added ldquoIt must be difficult to drop your children off at a church for recovery Therersquos the worry that theyrsquore brainwashing your child
ldquoThere is so much lack of knowledge especially in the Jewish com-munity If you stay with the thought that Jews donrsquot [become addicts] then people die We need to break that stereotype and lack of informa-tion Jews suffer from drug abuse obesity gambling etc like any other grouprdquo
Donovanrsquos brother a rabbi in Israel took her to AA meetings in Jerusalem where she discovered that there are even rabbis who suffer from alcoholism ldquoSome of usrdquo she pointed out ldquohave had bad experi-ences as childrenrdquo
ldquoThere is such naivetyrdquo Donovan a 58-year-old mother of three and grandmother of eight maintained ldquoRabbi Feigenson is the first in Houston who really heard me and understands the importance of helping every Jewish person It was an incredible day that I met him ldquoWe want to reach out to Jews who are confused and are appealing for help Itrsquos a very special experience to be a Jew in recovery and meet with others who are in recovery also And we can talk to parents free of charge to give them support and help Itrsquos an experience I donrsquot want others to missrdquo
For information about the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group call Rabbi Mendel Feigenson at 832-758-0685 email rabbifeigensongmailcom or visit chabadsugarlandcom c
Congregation Beth Rambam is a warm and welcoming Sephardic congregation led by our young and dynamic Rabbi Daniel Masri
We offer morning and evening services on weekdays and Shabbat There are many fascinating classes and learning opportunities both during the day and evenings offered throughout the week in English Spanish and Hebrew
Alex Pfeffer our fun and entertaining Youth Director leads multiple activities for children of various ages each Shabbat
morning and afternoon and trips throughout the year
713-723-3030 | officebethrambamorg11333 Braesridge | wwwbethrambamorg (coming soon)
C O M E J O I N O U R F A M I L Y
bullbull
22 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ldquoI had been arrested at 18 and the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos common
belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
ndash Lynn Donovan
BY MICHAEL C DUKE
W hen Alex Kavalerchik immigrated to the United States in 1979 with his young family the 30-year-old Belorussia-born Jew had no money no education and spoke no English
Nevertheless the bus-iness-minded good-with-his-hands Kavalerchik ndash a dead-ringer for actor Al Pacino during the latterrsquos Hollywood gangster film days ndash was deter-mined to carve out his own little slice of American pie
Make that cobbler for the vocation he would settle into would be the shoe-repair business
ldquoWe came to Houston and the JCC help us to move to apartment and help us for two monthsrdquo said the heavily accented Kavalerchik who picked up conversational English not from taking formal classes like some others who escaped the Soviet Union in the late rsquo70s but by listening to the language his children were learning to read and write and speak in American public schools
Kavalerchik now a Texan pulled himself up by the bootstraps and held down jobs doing maintenance and factory work Then one day in 1981 he met a Jewish man Kalman Witenberg who ran a shoe-repair
businessldquoHe told me Yoursquore going to be a shoemaker And yoursquore going to
make enough money to pay your bills Yoursquore never going to be a mil-lionaire but therersquos going to be enough money to support your familyrdquo Kavalerchik said
He obliged and in 1985 went into the shoe-repair busi-ness himself Feet first
Kavalerchik learned the ins and outs of the time-honored trade for a year and established himself at a storefront at West Bellfort Street and Chimney Rock Road Two years into the business he acquired a second
shop and split his time between the two He then opted to sell the first location and devoted his energies to the second Hersquos managed that loca-tion at 10815 S Post Oak Rd at Willowbend Boulevard since 1990 and today employs two workers
The dusty little shop enjoys a steady stream of loyal customers many from the neighborhood Blacks Jews and Latinos mostly Itrsquos a business built on reputation Kavalerchikrsquos is good Peachy in fact The front door has a little bell that tinkles
ldquoI can do all kind of jobs ndash regular jobs and orthopedic jobsrdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoI have customers who bring ladies shoes that cost
A peachy cobbler
Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American dream
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 23
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymore Itrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you
must have patience This is the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
ndash Alex Kavalerchik
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Alex Kavalerckik is proprietor of an old-school shoe-repair shop in Southwest Houston His hand tools include a hammer that the shoprsquos previous owner used in a Nazi concentration camp
24 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Supporting the needs of the
Jewish Community
CHEVRA KADISHA OF HOUSTON
Jewish Burial Society
Continuing the sacred tradition of preparing thedeceased for burial with
care and respect
(713) 776-2438
Young Israel
of Houston
7823 Ludington DriveHouston Texas 77071
713-729-0719wwwyihoustonorg
hundreds even thousands of dollars They bring cowboy boots that cost $5000-$6000 Very expensive I do it all ndash refinish resole reshape fix completely the shoesrdquo
And itrsquos not just footwear During the interview with the Jewish Herald-Voice a woman came into the shop with a designer leather bag that had a torn strap ldquoAlaska Airlinesrdquo she grumbled Kavalerchik promised to fix it like new A few minutes later a Polish-speaking doctor came in to pick up a repaired leather dog leash Kavalerchik who grew up speaking Russian with his parents and Yiddish with his grandparents was able to converse with the man in his native tongue They shared a few chuck-les The man dressed in blue-green hospital scrubs was pleased with Kavalerchikrsquos work and tipped him 100 percent on the bill Shortly there-after a slow-moving man with a walking stick and a Korean War cap came in with a belt job
Kavalerchik even does the exotic Can he fix a pair of gilded alligator-skin sneakers No problem (Hersquos done three) How about repair-ing a set of chairs made from elephant feet Um sure why not NBA stars who take advan-
tage of his services are asked to call in advance Size 17s require special order
Some of the more challenging yet reward-ing jobs are those to salvage shoes chewed up by the family dog
ldquoThis you must have a talent to fix itrsquos a tough jobrdquo said Kavalerchik holding up a black patent leather stiletto that bore scars on the heel from large canine teeth ldquoYou donrsquot make too much money on this but the cus-tomer is really happy when I make it look like new againrdquo
Tacked to the wall above the front counter of Kavalerchikrsquos shop is an 8-foot diamondback rattlesnake skin Therersquos also a black-and-white portrait of Al Pacino from ldquoScarfacerdquo While vacationing in Las
Vegas and once in Galveston the Belorussian was hounded for an autograph from fans who mis-took him for the Oscar-winning actor Retelling the stories splits Kavalerchikrsquos face into a smile
The storefront gives way to a multi-roomed workshop in back Itrsquos vintage 1950s outfitted with well-used wooden workbenches walls of racks with customersrsquo shoes and boots (each bearing a colorful toe tag) drawers and cubbyholes filled with bits and buckles and all sorts of odds and ends for leather and shoe work Wooden shoe lasts spools of heavy thread and folds of leather
and rubber adorn door frames and corners Metal taps for dance shoes hang from hooks A random assortment of loose shoe and boot heel parts are stockpiled in a divider mounted to a wall ldquoThey donrsquot make these like they used tordquo Kavalerchik said dusting off an orange-and-white-boxed specimen from half a century ago
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Cowboy boots and orthopedic shoes make up a good deal of Kavalerchikrsquos business
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 25
1500 Sunset Boulevard Houston Texas 77005
7135356400 wwwbeckerschoolorg
Accredited by NAEYCrsquos National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Learning through play
bull Ages 15 months through 5 years bull Extended care 8am - 530pm
bull Developmentally appropriate curriculumbull Extra-curricular classes available
bull Bridge to Kindergarten class
Since 1989
Call for a tourNow accepting applications
for 2012-2013
Congregation Emanu El Becker Early Childhood Center
6401 Woodway(in Whole Foods Plaza)
7133344900
Fabulous Womenrsquos Apparel amp Accessories
4048 Bellaire Blvd(in the Whole Foods Plaza)
7136653336FrenchCuffCocom
labeled ldquoCatrsquos PawrdquoBuilt into a corner post of the main work-
bench is a glue reservoir Plugging the well is a half-dollar-sized metal cap with a rod run-ning through it sporting an applicator brush Long dribbles of glue have oozed caked and dried down the edges of the post looking like a model of a volcano from a school sci-ence fair A photographer friend of Kavalerchikrsquos comes by on occasion to shoot close-up pho-tos of the unique formations
There are industrial ma-chines at every elbow turn stitchers sanders cutters tack-ers buffers Something called an Auto Soler and another called a Heel Popper Some are more than a 100 years old Real made-in-America stuff From cities like Chicago and St Louis Art deco in shape and lines Nickel-plated enameled steel and chromed in work grime
ldquoI have one machine made in 1890 It never breaksrdquo Kavalerchik said fondly
Other equipment however has broken down over the years Kavalerchik has learned to do the repairs himself Out of necessity ldquoItrsquos
very important to learn how to fix this equip-ment Itrsquos very old and nobody knows how to fix it I have to do it myself If this part breaks you have to make a new onerdquo he said
The workshoprsquos few modern conveniences
include a small electric box fan a 26-inch TV that seems stuck on Channel 8 and the occa-sional pinup girl wall calendar One room boasts an empty bottle collection on a top shelf ldquoWe Russians drink cognac after work and vodka at homerdquo Kavalerchik explained Therersquos a row of vintage US postage stamps
affixed to a workbench shelf that dates back to the shoprsquos previous owner a man named Sam Sill
The Polish-born Sill was a Holocaust survivor who worked in a factory making
boots for German army officers Kavalerchik said
ldquoThis hammer he brought from the old country Itrsquos from Germany 1942rdquo said Kavalerchik lifting the worn tool from his workbench ldquoThis guy worked with this hammer in con-centration camprdquo He then palmed a second hammer nearby with simi-lar history Though Kavalerchik has owned the business for the past 22 years he has kept the name ldquoSamrsquos Shoe Repairrdquo
The man who gave Kavalerchik his birth into the business Kalman Witenberg also was a Polish Holocaust survivor Edith Mincberg
was a customer of Witenbergrsquos back in the day and remembers him as a friendly and lively man ldquoHe loved to carry on Yiddish conversations with my late husband Joe Mincbergrdquo Edith told the JHV Witenberg a survivor of Auschwitz among other camps according to Holocaust Museum Houston records died in 2003
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
The 1950s-era shop includes equipment thatrsquos more than 100 years old
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Foot and Ankle
Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery
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Times have changed over the course of Kavalerchikrsquos career as an old-school cobbler Many of his early customers were high school graduates whose parents wanted to send their kids off to college in a pair of spiffy penny loafers ldquoThese days itrsquos a different life Kids wear sneakersrdquo Kavalerchik said
The cobbler doesnrsquot wax nostalgic however over the profession that many people including himself view as a dying art
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymorerdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoItrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you must have patience This the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
Kavalerchik has entertained the occasional apprentice but none has stuck it out The cobbler predicts that in 15 20 years time the business will be dead save for a few shops here and there
ldquoThis business is like Jewish language [Yiddish]rdquo he said ldquoBefore people speak it fluently Now itrsquos only a few old guysrdquo
The trade has been good to the man who said he stood a 50-50 chance of winding up dead if he had stayed in the Soviet Union Itrsquos given him his American dream
ldquoIf I can afford to put my children through college this was my dream to come to America This was my dream to give my children education because I did not have time in Russia to get education myselfrdquo Kavalerchik said
ldquoOld people died in these shops They worked like dogs I donrsquot do this I work eight hours a day I go to lunch I go on vacationrdquo he said ldquoHere I have easy life I have my family I have place to sleep I go on vacation twice a year Irsquom happy with my children [Michael and Fannett]rdquo Every other year Kavalerchik visits his father in Israel
Sitting in the front room of his workshop ndash the room with the bottle collection ndash is a large cardboard box full of shoes belonging to his wife Roza Kavalerchik promises hersquoll get to them soon Near the box standing upright in the corner is a clutch of fishing poles
ldquoThese here are very important toolsrdquo said Kavalerchik again with that smile ldquoSaturday at 4 I close up and take my tools straight to the boatrdquo c
Shoe-making skills saved Sillrsquos life duringthe HolocaustBY MICHAEL C DUKE
Sam Sill was the previous owner of Samrsquos Shoe Repair in Southwest Houston
When he sold the business to Alex Kavalerchik some 22 years ago he passed along his tools to the new proprietor These included a pair of hammers that helped save Sill from the Nazi death machine in Europe Kavalerchik said that Sill told him that he Sill as a concentration camp prisoner used the hammers to make boots for German army officers during the war
Houstonian Dr David Wolf ndash a podiatrist ndash is first cousin to Samrsquos wife Ruthie Wolf has preserved an original copy of Sillrsquos immigra-tion papers which state that he Sill was born
Calligraphy by Eileen
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Temple SinaiThe Reform Jewish Congregation in West Houston
A warm friendly amp vibrant community where friendship
and caring are combined with a religious faith ritual observance social interaction and education
for adults and children
Join Rabbi Annie Belford and the Temple Sinai Congregation
for Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 730 PM
13875 Brimhurst 281-495-5950Houston Tx 77077 wwwtemple-sinaiorg
TEMPLE SINAI
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
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Terry CominskyRealtor Associate713-558-3331
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with high quality commercial printing
Simon Printing CompanyFine Lithography
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713-666-1296
Fax 713-666-4111wwwsimonprintingcom
28 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
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For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
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For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
((771133))666666--00225577
We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
4-Show PackageSStart aS low aS
$108
TUTSCOM 713558TUTS groups of 15+ call 7135588888
A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
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LERNER AND LOEWErsquoS
Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
CFPreg and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERtrade marks are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Boardrsquos initial and ongoing certification requirements Registered Representative of and offers securities products investment advisory services and financial planning services through MML Investors Services Inc member SIPC Supervisory Office 3 Greenway Plaza Suite 1700 Houston Texas 77046 713402-3800 The K Corporation is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services Inc Insurance offered through Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and other fine companies
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
2830 Hicks StHouston TX 77007
Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
NotNot valid Saturdays in June July or August or with any other offer discount special price prepaid afternoon group two-day or season tickets Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale Prices operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice ExpiExpires September 23 2012
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36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
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713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
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Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
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M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
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713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
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ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
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wwwucntexascom
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713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
JUNI ERSE
JUNI ERSE
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
celebrate yourbarbat mitzvah like
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houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
phone 713-227-1392hardrockcom
UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
- VOICES covers 2
- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
4 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 5
ewish art What is it
Something our grandparents liked Didactic An
expression of Jewish history of Jewish culture of Jewish
identity In a way a form of remembrance Pass it down
ndash lrsquodor vrsquodor
Something a Jew does
Paint Inscribe Shape Vocalize Craft Click Play
An act of creativity Of irresponsibility The Jew
should be responsible Jewish art ndash an oxymoron
Arts is the theme of the 2012 VOICES magazine
Herein is a showcase of some of the artistic talent we have
in greater Houstonrsquos diverse Jewish community in which skillful artists are aplenty
A carpenter crafts divine parade mobiles and enlightening symbols of freedom in
public spaces Russian imports carve up fantastic fruit creations while others are ham-
mering away at an old school trade
The Jrsquos dance instructor ndash shersquos an institution A rabbi makes an art of helping those
in recovery
The next generation of artists ndash in dance theater voice culinary instrumental and
visual ndash is gathering in Houston for summer workshops and performances at ArtsFest
2012
A day schoolrsquos beloved stage master has made his curtain call and special needs
adults have found their calling card through colorful brush strokes
Jewish art in Houston Itrsquos about people experiencing beauty through the arts and
sharing it with family and friends
The Jewish Herald-Voice this communityrsquos paper of record is delighted to share
these arts with its readers This is our art giving voice to our community members
Lrsquodor vrsquodor Recording stories and perspectives from our community that canrsquot be
found anywhere else This is our responsibility
Reading the Jewish Herald-Voice is something your grandparents enjoyed Hopefully
theyrsquove passed it down to you and you will continue the tradition
Published weekly ndash Plus Wedding Passover Voices in Houston Rosh Hashanah and BarBat Mitzvah editions ndash by Herald Publishing Co 3403 Audley St Houston TX 77098 copy2012 with all rights reserved Reproduction or use without permission of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston Texas Subscription rates USA $165 for 3 years $115 for 2 years $60 per year 9 months for $50 Foreign subscriptions upcharged with international first-class postage Single newspaper copies by mail PREPAID $4 Back Issues PREPAID $6 Single VOICES magazine copies by mail PREPAID $8 each Postmaster Send address changes to Jewish Herald-Voice PO Box 153 Houston TX 77001-0153
ISSN 0021-6488 USPS 0275-360
jhvonlinecomThe Arts
V O I C E SVolume CV ndash Number 17
PRESIDENT Vicki Samuels Levy
EDITOR and PUBLISHERJeanne F Samuels
FOUNDING PUBLISHERSEdgar Goldberg 1908-1937David H White and Ida S White 1938-1973Joseph W Samuels 1973-2011
Associate editor | Michael C DukeMultimedia manager | Matt Samuels
Editorial research | Arnold RosenzweigStaff writer | Aaron HowardFood editor | Theodore PowersSports editor |Matt Samuels
COLUMNISTS Alice Adams bull Jonathan Fass Felice and Michael Friedson bull Elliot Gershenson Pam Geyer bull Ed Reitman PhD Bryan Edward Stone bull Teddy Weinberger PRODUCTIONProduction director | Aaron D PoscovskyAsst production manager | Barbara E Hanovich
Magazine designer | Matt SamuelsGraphic designer | Mary Jane JohnstonProofreader | Judy Bluestein-Levin
SUBSCRIPTIONDISTRIBUTIONLawrence S Levy
ADVERTISING SALES
Ad director | Vicki Samuels LevyAdministrative assistant | Joseph Macias
Ad account executivesChuck Green bull Tere Perry Lew Sampson bull Melanie Sherman bull Steve Sherman
ClassifiedSingles | Joseph MaciasDirector of first impressions | Sharon Stoper LivitzAccounts receivable | Huong TonnuController | Myrna AberPayroll | Maurene Bencal
Mailing address
PO Box 153 bull Houston TX 77001-0153
News articlesjhvonlinecomLetters editorjhvonlinecom
Subscriptions subscribejhvonlinecomAdvertising advertisingjhvonlinecom
Telephone 713-630-0391 bull Fax 713-630-0404Web jhvonlinecom Twitter jhvonline
FacebookcomJewishHeraldVoice
Located at 3403 Audley Stbull Houston TX 77098-1923
Michael C Duke
Find the JHV on your smartphone
Michael C Duke Associate Editor
J
4 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 5
BY MATT SAMUELS
This summer more than 100 Jewish teens from across the country will come together to put on a grand performance in Houston There will
be singing there will be dancing there also will be plenty of drama arts food and live music
The big show will be the culmination of all the hard work by teens volunteers and professionals who will converge in Houston in August for the 2012 JCC Maccabi ArtsFest
What began in 2006 as a complement to the annual summer Maccabi Games ArtsFest allows teens to express themselves artistically through skill workshops live performances and art exhibitions while strengthening their bonds to their Jewish heritage community and Israel
Although ArtsFest still is evolving trying
to find its identity 2012rsquos director Brittany Horwitt believes Houston has what it takes to bring it to the next level
ldquoArtsFest is just such a great concept and I love itrdquo Horwitt said ldquoWe are kind of in a building year and I think Houston has done a great job of promoting the program in a positive light I think the teens will have a great time and it will help build the future of ArtsFestrdquo
ArtsFest 2012 will feature 115 teens from 20 cities who will be in artistic-oriented work-shops They then will join forces with the Maccabi Games athletes who are being hosted in Houston for the first time since 2007
Houston is one of three communities host-ing 2012 Maccabi Games but it is the only venue including ArtsFest This is only the sec-ond time ArtsFest is being combined with the US Maccabi Games
ldquoItrsquos a challenge because we are still work-ing out the kinks in putting the two events together But itrsquos a win-win for both teams because everyone is together and it is one great experiencerdquo said Horwitt who was part of the 2010 Houston delegation in Baltimore ldquoTeens that are not into competition or athletics they have a place in ArtsFest This is a great addi-tion to JCC Maccabirdquo
Teens aged 13-16 will arrive Sunday Aug 5 for the opening ceremonies at Rice University Beginning Monday morning they will divide up going into their respective workshops where they will work for most of the week
As part of the program there is a planned mitzvah project to help the community and the final live show which will have all of the arts on display
Part of what allows ArtsFest to be such a success is the participation of the professional
6 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ArtsFest 2012 Promises to Deliver
Teens from across the US came together for the final show of ArtsFest in Northern Virginia in 2008
Houston a State-of-the-Art Performance
instructors Whether from Houston or travel-ing here from around the country they will assume the role of artists in residence for the week to give the ArtsFest teens an experience to paint dance or cook with the best of the best
ldquoThe artists donrsquot all come to Maccabi for the social scene ndash some are really coming for their art workrdquo Horwitt said ldquoThe teens have the opportunity to put on their resume that they worked with some of these great artists in residencerdquo
ArtsFest will be divided into seven special-ties actingimprov culinary dance musical theater visual art vocal music and rockjazz music Each specialty workshop will be led by at least one artist in residence who will work directly with the teens
The 2012 theme ldquoHope and Changerdquo will be celebrated through the seven different areas of concentration
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 7
Traditions Onstage And In Real Life
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As an actor I have played many roles over my long career but perhaps the most important has been Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof I performed it more than 2000 times It has meant so much to me to portray this symbol of the struggle to keep the Jewish faith and its traditions alive
I have a deep understanding and apprecia-tion of this struggle and I believe that the Dignity Memorialreg networkrsquos Jewish funeral providers understand this struggle as well
Many of them have been working for generations to preserve Jewish traditions often in the face of tremendous change They understand our needs because they share our history and experiences ndash and our values
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ArtsFest 2012 Promises to DeliverHouston a State-of-the-Art Performance
8 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Building up the dramaTeens in the actingimprov group will work
together to form an ensemble exploring vari-ous techniques and traditions of theater and improvisation ranging from Shakespearean theater to American sketch comedy
Native Houstonian and theater artist in residence Stephanie Wittles will bring her vast experience to the ArtsFest stage
ldquoAs a newcomer to ArtsFest I am slightly terrified about creating rehearsing and per-forming a theatrical masterpiece in only four short days but I am up for the challenge and confident that these talented actors will rise to the occasionrdquo Wittles said
Teens will learn about acting script analy-sis and improvisation They also will be chal-lenged to develop material to be part of a larger interdisciplinary performance for the grand finale at ArtsFest
ldquoTheater is something I have been doing myself since childhood and so many of my closest friendships have blossomed as a resultrdquo Wittles said ldquoI hope to give my kids the same enriching opportunity this summer I am eager to get startedrdquo
A culinary delightTeens in the culinary arts specialty will
be engaged ndash choosing the right ingredients learning new cooking techniques and under-standing the history and culture behind many foods
Part of the recipe will be for the teens to go to a local farmerrsquos market to learn how to plan a menu and to understand the process of transforming raw ingredients into deli-
cious dishes Houston-area artists in residence are Sam
Beierbegan currently executive chef at A Fare Extraordinaire and Sarah Brook founder and CEO of Dessert Gallery Bakery amp Cafe
ldquoDesserts have been my passion for as long as I can rememberrdquo Brook said ldquoThere are few things more gratifying than finding something you love making it your lifersquos work and then being given the opportunity to share that magic with a new generation
ldquoThroughout my three decades in the dessert industry in Houston I have been so grateful for the support and devotion I have received from my hometownrsquos Jewish community Being given the chance to give back to that community and reaching oth-ers through this amazing program is a real honorrdquo
The program will conclude with the pres-entation of a menu and the production of catered dishes to be served as part of the
weekrsquos final presentation
Dancing with tomorrowrsquos starsTeens in the dance portion of ArtsFest will
explore dance techniques and develop perform-ance skills such as focus intention dramatic and technical range and expansion of move-ment vocabulary
Participants will be introduced to the ori-gins and history of contemporary dance as an expressive and creative art form and learn its role in transmission of culture expression and storytelling
The artists in residence are Houston native Cat Cogliandro and Nicholas Ross of Nicholas Andre Dance studio in New York Ross has choreographed more than 16 works for his company and has toured all over the country
ldquoI am excited to work with all of the partici-pantsrdquo Ross said ldquoI bring a very athletic style to my choreography and I hope to inspire some future artists I also hope to meet people from all over and share our experiencesrdquo
Dancers will create both solos and group work learning to balance individuality with the work of an ensemble The program will finish with the creation of a new work that will be part of the weekrsquos final presentation
A musical chorusTeens signed up for musical theater will
work on vocal technique dance and move-ment skills and song interpretation abilities
Participants will have the opportunity to explore a vast range of material including musical selections from the standard com-edy drama and musical theater repertoire as well as nondramatic sources
Musical theater artists will express their creativity by developing original individual pieces as well as by performing professional musical numbers as part of an ensemble
The artist in residence is Naomi Ackerman Traveling from Los Angeles she is an experienced actor whose credits include theater musicals films and television
Teens show off their acting skills at ArtsFest 2009 in New Orleans
Teens learn how to fillet a fish during ArtsFest 2009 in New Orleans
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 9
Your next event or gathering is to becelebrated and cherished with people who
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A convenient location in trendy uptown for the bride and her attendants on the day of the ceremony
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Creating a masterpieceParticipants in the fine arts will be able to
sharpen their technique while using a variety of art materials to design a series of projects for their portfolio as well as create a piece of public art to be included as a part of the final performance
Public art is an important expanding field within the discipline of visual arts and is relevant to painters sculptors printmakers fabric artists graphic designers and visual artists of all types
The artist in residence is Julie Brook Alex-ander a Houston artist whose work combines original photography collage and mixed media
ldquoI hope to give the students a chance to develop individually and to enjoy the group experience of ArtsFestrdquo Alexander said ldquoThere is nothing more energizing than inspiring creativity and working in the midst of a creative community
ldquoI hope to provide to the kids an opportunity to look at themselves in a new light through photography painting collage and writingrdquo Alexander said ldquoWe will work on a series of self-portraits and on an indi-vidual artist statement that guides this art-making I want each student to prepare work that shares unique insight into themselvesrdquo
The program will end with the creation and sharing of a new work that will be displayed prominently as part of the weekrsquos final presentation
A vocal experienceTeens in vocal music will enhance their onstage performance skills
both as soloists and as part of an ensemble or choir Participants will work on rhythmic skills pitch and harmonization
The artist in residence from Florida is Beth Schafer who has spent her
career redefining Jewish music by combining masterful songwriting with sensitivity to liturgy and unique insight into text She specializes in music for Torah-minded adults looking for an extension to their Jewish lives through music
Schafer will work with ArtsFest teens to examine how differing song styles reflect the identity of the vocal artist Teens also will explore the crafting of performance techniques as well as the emotional authenticity of an artist during a performance
The program will conclude with performing a special piece at the weekrsquos final presentation
Rock onSingers and songwriters will put their talents to the test in the rock
jazz music specialty There will be guitar bass keyboardpiano drums horns and rock-oriented strings Participants will examine the art of song-writing performance techniques and will analyze the changing world of modern Jewish music
Teens will form bands based on style ability and instrumentation The bands will play cover and jam learning from LA-based artist in residence Josh Nelson one of the most popular performers and producers in modern Jewish music
The program will culminate in the creation and sharing of a new work that will be part of the weekrsquos final presentation
The art of caringArtsFest and Maccabi Games teens will come together during the week
for JCC CaresMore than 1200 teens will work with Jacques DrsquoAmboisersquos nonprofit
National Dance Institute to help bring their amazing dance program to underprivileged and special needs youth of greater Houston
The teens will provide supplies activities refreshments and profes-sional instructors at different locations At each venue athletes will be paired with a child and go to a NDI dance class taught by instructors from various Houston dance companies
Houstonian Kathy Parven is coordinating the programldquoOur goal is to provide the teens a personal engaging and reward-
ing experience as they bring and share the activities celebrating the arts to local underserved and special needs children throughout Houstonrdquo Parven said ldquoWhen we developed this program model in 2007 the teens loved the experience the children had a wonderful time and truly felt special and even the volunteers and staff that helped were in tears Itrsquos a win-win for everyonerdquo
Encore performanceThe final victory will be the ArtsFest grand performance All seven
groups will come together and put on a live show that will display every-thing the teens learned
ldquoWe really want to fill the seats and have an audience for these teens because they will be working so hard for the weekrdquo Horwitt said
Horwitt also hopes that the final performance will be the exclamation point the weeklong event needs to bring ArtsFest to the next level
ldquoMy goals and expectations are to really educate the community about the program and what a fantastic program it isrdquo Horwitt said ldquoAnd for the teens I want them to be excited about JCC Maccabi ArtsFest
ldquoMy ultimate goal this year is that this program grows from here on out ndash and I really think it will Itrsquos just such a great concept and draw for teens Itrsquos like my baby ndash I love itrdquo
For the location of the final show contact the ERJCC 713-729-3200 c
EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER5601 S Braeswood | Houston Texas 77096 7137293200
1000 AM ndash 200 PM
10 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
The first ERJCC Houston teens to participate in JCC Maccabi ArtsFest Northern Virginia 2008 Philip Kar-jeker Dorie Mishael Lindsay Kapp Miriam Lavenda with delegation head Brittany Horwitt
BY AARON HOWARD
P liant is not an adjective we nor-mally associate with wood Pliant suggests a capability of being easily bent a yielding nature or
adaptability We usually think of terms like strength and resistance when we think of woodrsquos qualities ndash as in hardwood We think of flat straight lines Thatrsquos because wood typically is used to make items like tables So the wood is flat and straight cut
Wood artist Isaac Cohen goes against the grain His wooden chests curve His bookcases swirl His wooden Star of David bends
Cohen sees wood differently ldquoI love to take wood to the extremerdquo he said ldquoI think
in wood How can I bend it What kind of shapes can I make For me the challenge is to see how far I can push the wood Every species of wood is a different give Some are soft some are hard
ldquoObviously the worst sound you can hear is CRACK the sound when wood refuses to yield anymore One piece can take a bend but the very next piece will not yield It breaksrdquo
Cohen is perhaps best-known locally as the person who designed and built the 12-foot-high steel Magen Shlomo ndash Shield of Solomon (The Lone Star) Chanukah Menorah commissioned by Chabad Lubavitch of Houston which was displayed in The Galleria in December 2011 Others know Cohen as the artist who has designed
and built wooden art cars over the past decade for Houstonrsquos annual Art Car Parade
Cohen won the Mayorrsquos Cup for ldquoBest In Showrdquo in 2004 For 2012rsquos Art Car Parade Cohen constructed something different ldquoHeroesrdquo a model F-18 Navy fighter jet atop a Geo Metro dedicated to the men and women of the US military services
Cohen recently gave the Jewish Herald-Voice a tour through his 85000-foot warehouse in Houstonrsquos East End The warehouse serves as studio and home of his retail art framing business Among the collection are his art cars and ldquoTV Christmas Treerdquo an installation he made for Houstonrsquos Discovery Green with wood and 20 television sets Yet his custom-
Houston sculptor works against the grain
A Bend in the Wood
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohenrsquos wooden gull-winged Splinter creation was showcased in the April 2008 Houston Art Car Parade
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 11
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
made furniture for example includes a chest of drawers whose graceful arched lines are reminiscent of a beautiful sailboat hull And while the top of one of Cohenrsquos book-cases begins in its proper place at the apex on the left side it plummets down to the bot-tom of the piece like an adrenaline-pumping speed slide
During the tour the phone rang ldquoTake this callrdquo Cohen said to his sons in the next room ldquoPeople think I work here I try hard not to give them that impression What I do now I do for funrdquo
Thatrsquos the key to understanding how Cohen creates He plays Hersquos now 60 years
old and hersquos like one of those old lions on the savannah well fed healthy free from stress and roaring ndash simply for the joy of roaring
Cohen came to Houston from Israel in 1979 In Israel he built custom furniture in his youth and later ran a chain of pizzerias In 1985 he opened a wholesale framing business Classy Art Wholesalers
ldquoWe had to struggle for survival at firstrdquo Cohen said ldquoBut by 1990 we were doing well and we moved our business into our current locationrdquo
In 2002 as his 50th birthday approached Cohen decided he wanted to make his own birthday present A car he named Splinter Over the frame of a restored 1989 Honda Accord he envisioned a wooden body using one-quarter-inch thick strips of ash and wal-nut ndash about 5000 feet of wooden strips glued together so they could bend to the shape of the car frame
Cohen has the original simple drawing now framed labeled ldquoFirst Ideardquo He com-pleted Splinter in June 2003
Join us for ldquoan adventure of the spiritrdquo
Cantor Vadim Tunitsky Senior Rabbi Scott Hausman-Weiss Rabbi Pamela Silk Rabbi Samantha Kahn
ldquoCongregation Emanu El is a Reform synagogue firmly rooted in our covenant with God and the Jewish People We are a caring community dedicated to inspiring the love of God teaching the joys of Jewish living and sharing our mission to be a light unto the nationsrdquo
Minyan Next DorMonthly eruv Shabbat for Houstonrsquos young-er adults
Torah Enrichment on ShabbatChoose from a variety of classes with the rabbi
Weekly Meditation Service
EducationAdult educationBecker Early Childhood CenterHelfman Religious School
1500 Sunset Blvd 713-529-5771wwwemanuelhoustonorg
And MoreBrotherhoodSisterhoodEmanu EldersHelfman Religious School PTA Becker Early Childhood PTOYouth GroupCub and Boy Scouts
An adventure of the spirit
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohen was commissioned to build a 12-foot-tall chanukiah that was kindled inside The Galleria Houston in De-cember 2011
JHV AARON HOWARD
The ldquoFirst Ideardquo sketch for Splinter
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
N o r t h B r a e s w o o d a t C h i m N e y r o C kB R A E S W O O D S Q U A R E
B
Trade secrets There are two methods by which
you can get wood to bend wet and dry
You can use steam which dis-solves some of the bonds between wood fibers Steam weakens and stretches the fibers and allows them to reform during the cooling process
Cohen doesnrsquot use steam or water He dry bends Although he will not give away his secrets he does use wood strips which must be glued to something else such as a form
ldquoWhen you bend dry wood it doesnrsquot maintain its shape by itselfrdquo said Cohen ldquoYou must glue the wood pieces to some-thing else even themselves otherwise the wood would spring back to its original flat-nessrdquo
Wood wants to spring back to its origi-nal shape The tighter the bend the more wood wants to spring back And therersquos no formula no pre-set way of telling how much a strip of wood will spring back or break Itrsquos all a matter of trial and error
For example Cohen created a hang-ing Magen David inside a circle by first dry bending two different-colored wooden strips into a perfect circle Then inside the circle he twisted two other strips until he was able to fashion the interlocking star
ldquoI believe in myselfrdquo said Cohen ldquobut I never believe that the wood will cooperate with merdquo
Fresh startTo begin Cohen decides on a project
Then he decides what species of wood would look best for the project
ldquoWhen I decided to create my wooden truck Big J I saw that to my eye rose-wood looked much better than mahogany Rosewood has such a deep color that it
allows you to see the straight lines The design for that vehicle was a basic octa-gon with many straight lines rather than curves All the wood used for that vehicle came from the same tree So therersquos a single design pattern all over the car except for the tiny changes in the spacing of the tree rings You have to examine the wood really closely to see thatrdquo
Of note all hardwoods get more difficult to bend the closer the artist gets to the cen-ter of the tree Thatrsquos because the wood is denser closer to the core
ldquoSo when you get pieces that are near the center ndash you recognize that by looking at the distance between rings from the edge of a piece ndash the wood gives me a run for my moneyrdquo said Cohen
ldquoI never considered myself an artist Irsquove never taken a class I didnrsquot think of myself as an artist until I received the Lifetime Achievement award for Best Artist from the
Art Car Museum Now I guess I can call myself an artistrdquo
Unlike most other artists Cohen rarely sells his pieces although hersquos been offered as much as $16 million for Splinter
ldquoIrsquoll tell you whyrdquo he said ldquoFive years ago I donated Slider to the Orange Show This was another car I created They auc-tioned the car off to benefit the Orange Show I had put in more than 2000 hours creating Slider It was absolutely like one of my children I cannot forget the awful feeling of loss I had when I let the car go It was gone after being in my shop every day for over a year
ldquoToday when I build something on commission I can see it differently But even so itrsquos difficult to let gordquo
We can appreciate Cohenrsquos feelings When yoursquove put as many hours into your ldquochildrenrdquo as he has it is sometimes hard to let them part c
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohenrsquos F-18 Fighter Jet pays tribute to the ldquoheroes of freedomrdquo Cohen drove the car in the May 2010 Houston Art Car Parade
JHV AARON HOWARD
Isaac Cohenrsquos bent woodMagen David
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15 Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2011 | JhVonlinecom | 14
THE BEST ROAD TO RECOVERY GOES THROUGH SEVEN ACRES
The Lou Lewis Skilled Nursing Program at Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services is dedicated to helping your loved one achieve the highest level of recovery following a hospital stay to successfully return home
Give your loved one the best chance for a full recovery with the Lou Lewis Skilled Nursing Program at
6200 North Braeswood Boulevard Houston Texas 770747137785700 - wwwsevenacresorg
n Fulltime medical services with onsite physicians and geriatric nurse practitionersn Customized skilled nursing care and rehabilitation including physical occupational speech and IV therapyn Great facilities and a nurturing environment
ERJCC dance instructor is creative talent behind Dance Month and moreBY ALICE ADAMS
I trsquos a Monday after 7 pm and dance director Maxine Silberstein has yet to finish her day at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center And this particular day is no busier than any other time of the week
Silberstein is responsible not only for coordinating the JCCrsquos dance pro-gram cultural outreach programs and partnerships and the IW Marks Master Classes but also serves as artistic director for Dance Month ndash now in its 33rd season ndash at the Kaplan Theatre In addition she coordinates Maccabi dance for Team Houston and the annual Tirkedu Houston an Israeli folk dance weekend But thatrsquos not all Shersquos been a teacher of dance for more than three decades as well as dance director for the ERJCCrsquos Arts and Culture Department
Yet her love of dance began long before Dance Month began or the Houston Ballet took the stage
ldquoMy father would sit beside me in the darkness of a Galveston auditorium or the old Music Hall in downtown Houston so I could see the leading prima ballerinas of Ballet Russes and other prominent companies dancing in the spotlightrdquo she recalled and as she watched the little girl who grew up in
Place Where Jewish Culture Thrives Through Dance
JHV MATT SAMUELS
ERJCC dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15
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Texas City took notice of every detail ndash from the artistsrsquo finely positioned feet to the curve of their arms and the placement of delicate fin-gers ldquoIt was always magicalrdquo she remembered
ldquoMy mother started me in dance lessons when I was quite young I was probably 5 or 6rdquo said Silberstein taking a rare time out ldquoI was that kid who was hanging by my arms and legs from the barre or in some way not following instructions Needless to say I didnrsquot receive much encouragement from that teacherrdquo she added
ldquoOnly a few weeks into my dance career my teacher commented that she didnrsquot know exactly why my mother was wasting her money on dance lessons for me That was Motherrsquos cue to move me so I could study with Doris Hede in La Marque and that experience is exactly why I would never discourage any child from study-ing dancerdquo Silberstein added ldquoeven the ones using the barre as a jungle gymrdquo
Realizing her passion for dance by her early teens the athletic young dancer eagerly par-ticipated in programs offered by the Houston Youth Symphony and Ballet where dance teachers and students from the area gathered to rehearse performances at the old City Hall across from the Rice Hotel
After high school graduation Silberstein was unable to attend the University of
Oklahoma which had a flourishing dance program at the time under the tutelage of prima ballerina Maria Tallchief Instead she attended the University of Houston where she earned a bachelorrsquos degree in special edu-cation and physical education with a minor
in dance performanceThroughout her college career the tena-
cious dancer took full advantage of every opportunity that presented itself In doing so she was to study and learn various forms of dance with some of the countryrsquos greatest and
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Melissa Darlow Ariel Brown Lauren Liss and Alyssa Cohen work on their 2012 Maccabi Games dance routine with dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
most prolific choreographers including Fred Strobel Anita Dyche Camille Long Hill Patsy Swayze and Rudy Jenkins in Houston In New York her training included the Alvin Ailey Peridance Center Jennifer Mueller Merce Cunningham Jo Jo Smith Broadway Dance Center and Steps
ldquoWhen I was in college I taught andor substituted for absent teachers in the JCCrsquos adult dance program when the center was located on Hermann Driverdquo she recalled She began working part time as a dance teacher at the J in 1974
ldquoI had met and married my husband Bubba Silberstein in the interimrdquo she explained ldquoand after we began our family I decided to teach dance and raise our children Brent and Steffanirdquo
In 1980 Silberstein was named director of the JCCrsquos dance program after director Lisa Rollrsquos exit
ldquoAfter Lisa left the board was not able to
identify someone to take over the position so I said I would be happy to do it until someone is hired Needless to say Irsquom still here todayrdquo laughed the teacherdancerdirector
Silberstein said it was only natural that
the JCC offer a dance program because of its reputation for programming around health wellness sports and physical activities ldquoDance easily fits into this type of program-mingrdquo she pointed out ldquoand classes were a vehicle for bringing Jewish children together in dance Itrsquos for anyone for all denomina-tions and all ages and itrsquos also a United Way-
funded center and open to everyone who wanted to learn to dancerdquo
So it follows that the high point of Silbersteinrsquos career is inspiring student dancers
ldquoAs director Irsquove had the opportunity of doing many things but being able to teach children to build their confi-dence and esteem to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worth-while And now I am teaching my former studentsrsquo children and the grandchil-dren of my peersrdquo
P r o f e s s i o n a l inf luences have included Mikhail Baryshnikov and
Ohad Naharin the latter an Israeli artis-tic directorchoreographer of the Batsheva Dance Company He also is the originator of Gaga an innovative movement language which has emerged as a growing force in the larger field of movement practices for both dancers and non-dancers
ldquoAt the time we brought him to Houston
a symbol of distinction in assisted living
bull 24 Hour Assistance and Personalized Carebull Elegant Dining Servicesbull Medication Supervisionbull Social Cultural and Recreational activitiesbull Wellness Center with Heated Aquatherapy Poolbull A fully equipped socialmedia centerbull Peace of Mind in a Family Oriented Secure Setting
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Affiliated with Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Lauren Liss Ariel Brown and Ryan Bryandt follow the lead of dance instructor Maxine Silberstein at the ERJCC
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
he had a company in New Yorkrdquo Silberstein remem-bered ldquoIt was very exciting to have him here And when I think of where he is today and the influ-ence on the world of dance That was a highlightrdquo
As artistic director of Dance Month Silberstein said she believed it was extremely important first and foremost to Houstonrsquos Jewish community because audiences have been able to see on stage a number of Israeli and Yemeni dancers like Sara Levi-Tanai ldquoThe choreography of these groups reflects the Jewish culture in that it is powerful and risk taking at its corerdquo she noted ldquoItrsquos how they live their lives on the edge In general itrsquos a wonderful opportunity for Houston audiences to see Judaism in dance and how the culture and Jewish choreographers have phenomenally influenced dance all over the worldrdquo
With more than 35 years of teaching Silberstein said her goal is to continue meeting the day-to-day challenges of the programs she directs while remaining an influence in the lives of her students and and their desire to dance to meet their own goals not to be discour-aged
ldquoGrowing up in Texas City I didnrsquot have the advantages of Jewish children in Houston growing up with large congregations BBYOs or a community center I could be a part ofrdquo she explained ldquoBut I had my dance I feel like I hopefully have been an inspiration to other Jewish artists to go forward with their art form Irsquove always this thing as an artist in that I am Jewish Maybe not everything I do in dance is Jewish but I am influenced by Jewish artists and I think itrsquos important for all artists to hold on to their Jewishness to represent our culture in the various art forms
Along with her teaching Silberstein has found time to perform with numerous dance companies in her career served on cultural arts boards and has promoted dance in Houston especially dance centering on the Jewish culture Currently she serves on the board of Uptown Dance Centre the HCC-Central College World Dance Institute board and Society for the Performing Arts Education Committee
Silberstein also gives credit to her supervisor Marilyn Hassid ldquofor her support encouragement and friendship in supporting me in doing the many things we do through arts and culture and the dance program
ldquoIrsquove been very fortunaterdquo she continued ldquoBeing at the ERJCC wersquove brought in many many groups of people who may have never stepped foot in here and theyrsquore coming because of dance In the pro-cess they have been exposed to the Jewish culture Itrsquos important to me that we through the Kaplan Theatre expose our center to everyone who comes here In doing so our Jewish culture will continue to have a strong presence in the Houston community ndash through dancerdquo c
ldquoBeing able to teach children to build their confidence and esteem
to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worthwhilerdquo
ndash Maxine Silberstein
ldquoWe are proud our family launched the Jewish Family Service Passover program providing assistance for the past 20 yearsAs others are generously stepping forwardto support this effort we took a look at our communityrsquos future needsrdquondashJeanne Mandell
ldquoAlong with the blessings of our seniors living longer comes an added responsibility to accommodate the changing needs of this community We know JFS will be there to help The Deutser Hecht Mandell Fund for Senior Adult Financial Aid seeks to fulfill the basic needs of our seniors help them maintain independence in their own homes and empower them with personal dignity in the coming decadesrdquondashPunkin Hecht
ldquoWe feel good about being a part of100 Names
Wonrsquot you join usrdquo
A simple bequest is the most common way for a family to establish a legacy gift
In partnership withJewish Family Servicersquos100th Year Celebrationand Houston JewishCommunity Foundationrsquos Create a Jewish LegacyHouston Jewish Family Foundation
rdavisjfshoustonorg 7136679336wwwjfshoustonorg100names
Benefitting Jewish Family ServiceA New Fund is Added to100 Names for 100 Years
The Deutser HechtMandell Fund
for Senior Adult Financial Aid
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
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For more information or to schedule a tourcontact Gail Rovinsky Director of Admissions
713-270-6127 grovinskyshlenkerorg5600 N Braeswood Houston Texas 77096 wwwshlenkerorg
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For less than half the price of private duty care you could get
bull 24 hour per day licensed care bull Beautiful personal apartment and
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Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Gabby Howard paints her cardCari Cowen with Celebration Company volunteer Joyce Rosen
BY MICHAEL C DUKE PHOTOS BY MATT SAMUELS
Jewish adults with special needs have found a creative outlet at Jewish Family Servicersquos Celebration Company
For the past three years Celebration Company participants have produced note-cards featuring original hand-painted artwork and handmade paper The signed artwork is mounted to the front of the cards which are blank inside and are packaged with envelopes sold either individually or in five-card sets
ldquoThe notecards are a great way for the par-ticipants to express themselves artisticallyrdquo said Nick Tofilon Celebration Companyrsquos director
The cards are available at JFS 4131 S Braeswood Blvd or at Three Brothers Bakery 4036 S Braeswood Blvd
Celebration Company provides meaning-ful employment to people with special needs who ndash with joy purpose and self-esteem ndash cre-ate products that celebrate the good in life c
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Linda Lopen makes a floral paintingMax Schaffer works on her masterpiece
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
What a Difference EmeryWeiner Made
wwwemeryweinerorg bull 8322045900
Thank you so much for a wonderful and I do really mean wonderful Emery experience Itrsquos so sad that Nicole will not be there on a daily basis anymore She told me in third grade that she wanted to attend EWS for middle and high school and it was the best decision that we ever made
- Bonnie Winograd (parent of Class of 2012 Graduate)
ldquo
rdquo
Hebrew Free Loanassociation ndashProviding interest
Free Loans to JewisH Houston area residents since 1932
Loans Available for Emergencies
Healthcare Needs Small Business Assistance
and More For more information or to apply for a loan visit our website at
wwwhflanetor call
713-667-9336 ext221
House of Dereacuteon Media Center is one of the best kept secrets in Houston The eclectic special events venue including state-of-the-art media and conference facilities is housed inside a magnifi cent art deacuteco building located in the heart of Houstonrsquos Midtown District and seated perfectly within the worldwide operations of Music World Entertainment ndash the management company of the worldrsquos 1 female recording group Destinyrsquos Child
Let us turn your next function into a social event to remember
Where your functions become social events
2204 Crawford St Houston Texas l 7137725175 l wwwhouseofdereonmediacentercom
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
reg
National Council of Jewish WomenA fAith iN the future A belief iN ACtioN
Help Houstonrsquos women children and families
JOIN NCJW GHSNational Council of Jewish Women a
nationwide organization of 90000 strong and along with the Greater Houston Sectionrsquos
800+ members takes a progressive stance towards
changing lives through advocacy campaigns and social action by helping
bull At-risk children learn to readbull To ensure reproductive freedom
bull Victims of human traffickingbull Victims of domestic violence
and sexual assaultbull Adolescent survivors of
sexual assaultbull Homeless children
bull Foster children
To learn more about NCJW GHS and how you can get involved visit ncjwhoustonorg or contact us at membershipncjwhoustonorg
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery
from AddictionBY JEANNE F SAMUELS
E stablished 12 years ago Chabad of Sugar Land is headed by Brooklyn-born Rabbi Mendel Feigenson who was brought to Houston in 1995 by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff Fulfilling Chabadrsquos mission to serve Jews throughout the Sugar Land Stafford and Missouri City area Rabbi Feigenson has added a
new facet to his work He has opened his heart and Chabadrsquos doors to a completely underserved segment of the Jewish community It is the newly formed Jewish Recovery Celebration Group which provides support for Jewish recovering alcoholics addicts and members of Alcoholics Anonymous
The truth is contrary to general belief ndash and probably community denial ndash there are Jews who are addicts And those who suffer with addiction face a constant struggle to overcome its grasp
Confronting a definite need Rabbi Feigenson facilitates and organizes social and educational events to help JRCG members merge Judaism with recovery Every other Sunday at 7 pm he integrates the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with the timeless lessons of Torah and Kabbalah The meetings are held in complete privacy when no one else is in the two-year-old Chabad facility
The need for support for Jewish addicts was posed to Rabbi Feigenson by Lynn JHV JEANNE F SAMUELS
Rabbi Mendel Feigenson
Donovan of Galveston She is the only individual in the recently organized group who chooses not to remain anonymous believing her story needs to be told
ldquoShe is an inspirationrdquo the rabbi declared ldquoMore than four months ago she called me saying she had something very important to discuss with me She told me that she has been sober for 25 years and that she has friends who are struggling with addiction The reality is that there are Jews who are drug addicts
ldquoBasically addiction is a diseaserdquo Rabbi Feigenson explained ldquoand addicts cannot help themselves They need group support and our mis-sion is to help our Jewish brethrenrdquo So the rabbi studied the Twelve Steps of AA delved into books on the subject and consulted with some psychiatrists From all this the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group was formed
Presently there are four to six people in the group and Rabbi Feigenson said that the meetings are working well ldquoItrsquos about coming from darkness and making a new liferdquo he pointed out
Credited with encouraging the genesis of JRCG Donovan recalled how she became sober in 1986 taking the train from Harrisburg Pa to Baltimore on Sundays to be part of a Twelve Step group that met in a church ldquoIt was very confusing for me having to separate church and recovery hellip There are no rules regarding religion in AA but most of my support was coming from Christian people Did I have to be Christian to recover
ldquoI had been arrested at 18rdquo she confessed ldquoand the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos com-mon belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
When Donovan moved to Texas in 1990 she continued with AA in churches Although the
West Houston Jewish Community Center had an AA meeting it was not a Jewish recovery group
ldquoI visited with the Jewish Family Service to see if they would help start a Jewish recovery group but they were not accepting of me I spoke to one or two rabbis privately but they werenrsquot receptive either so I kind of let it go for a whilerdquo She noted that perseverance is difficult ldquoThe disease of addiction is not something they know how to deal with
ldquoAs a young girl I was molested by a rabbi and when the Penn State [University] scandal broke loose I became very depressedrdquo she reflected having the need for support at that time ldquoI got on the Internet and Googled Jews in recovery where I read about a Rabbi Kessler at Chabad in Boca Raton Fla I called there and the rabbi told me about a retreat [to be held there] and was it possible I could come It took place this past February with addicts from all over including me Rabbi Abraham J Twerski was the keynote speakerrdquo
The convention inspired Donovan to seek the closest Chabad to Galveston which she found in Sugar Land She telephoned there and Rabbi Feigenson invited her to Shabbat where she had lunch with his wife Chaya After hearing Donovanrsquos story Chaya Feigenson said to her husband ldquoMendel we have to help these peoplerdquo
ldquoMost people know very little about addictionrdquo Donovan empha-sized When I first started someone took me to the rabbi who told me to go home and honor my father and my mother and be a good girlrdquo Also she added ldquoIt must be difficult to drop your children off at a church for recovery Therersquos the worry that theyrsquore brainwashing your child
ldquoThere is so much lack of knowledge especially in the Jewish com-munity If you stay with the thought that Jews donrsquot [become addicts] then people die We need to break that stereotype and lack of informa-tion Jews suffer from drug abuse obesity gambling etc like any other grouprdquo
Donovanrsquos brother a rabbi in Israel took her to AA meetings in Jerusalem where she discovered that there are even rabbis who suffer from alcoholism ldquoSome of usrdquo she pointed out ldquohave had bad experi-ences as childrenrdquo
ldquoThere is such naivetyrdquo Donovan a 58-year-old mother of three and grandmother of eight maintained ldquoRabbi Feigenson is the first in Houston who really heard me and understands the importance of helping every Jewish person It was an incredible day that I met him ldquoWe want to reach out to Jews who are confused and are appealing for help Itrsquos a very special experience to be a Jew in recovery and meet with others who are in recovery also And we can talk to parents free of charge to give them support and help Itrsquos an experience I donrsquot want others to missrdquo
For information about the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group call Rabbi Mendel Feigenson at 832-758-0685 email rabbifeigensongmailcom or visit chabadsugarlandcom c
Congregation Beth Rambam is a warm and welcoming Sephardic congregation led by our young and dynamic Rabbi Daniel Masri
We offer morning and evening services on weekdays and Shabbat There are many fascinating classes and learning opportunities both during the day and evenings offered throughout the week in English Spanish and Hebrew
Alex Pfeffer our fun and entertaining Youth Director leads multiple activities for children of various ages each Shabbat
morning and afternoon and trips throughout the year
713-723-3030 | officebethrambamorg11333 Braesridge | wwwbethrambamorg (coming soon)
C O M E J O I N O U R F A M I L Y
bullbull
22 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ldquoI had been arrested at 18 and the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos common
belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
ndash Lynn Donovan
BY MICHAEL C DUKE
W hen Alex Kavalerchik immigrated to the United States in 1979 with his young family the 30-year-old Belorussia-born Jew had no money no education and spoke no English
Nevertheless the bus-iness-minded good-with-his-hands Kavalerchik ndash a dead-ringer for actor Al Pacino during the latterrsquos Hollywood gangster film days ndash was deter-mined to carve out his own little slice of American pie
Make that cobbler for the vocation he would settle into would be the shoe-repair business
ldquoWe came to Houston and the JCC help us to move to apartment and help us for two monthsrdquo said the heavily accented Kavalerchik who picked up conversational English not from taking formal classes like some others who escaped the Soviet Union in the late rsquo70s but by listening to the language his children were learning to read and write and speak in American public schools
Kavalerchik now a Texan pulled himself up by the bootstraps and held down jobs doing maintenance and factory work Then one day in 1981 he met a Jewish man Kalman Witenberg who ran a shoe-repair
businessldquoHe told me Yoursquore going to be a shoemaker And yoursquore going to
make enough money to pay your bills Yoursquore never going to be a mil-lionaire but therersquos going to be enough money to support your familyrdquo Kavalerchik said
He obliged and in 1985 went into the shoe-repair busi-ness himself Feet first
Kavalerchik learned the ins and outs of the time-honored trade for a year and established himself at a storefront at West Bellfort Street and Chimney Rock Road Two years into the business he acquired a second
shop and split his time between the two He then opted to sell the first location and devoted his energies to the second Hersquos managed that loca-tion at 10815 S Post Oak Rd at Willowbend Boulevard since 1990 and today employs two workers
The dusty little shop enjoys a steady stream of loyal customers many from the neighborhood Blacks Jews and Latinos mostly Itrsquos a business built on reputation Kavalerchikrsquos is good Peachy in fact The front door has a little bell that tinkles
ldquoI can do all kind of jobs ndash regular jobs and orthopedic jobsrdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoI have customers who bring ladies shoes that cost
A peachy cobbler
Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American dream
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 23
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymore Itrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you
must have patience This is the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
ndash Alex Kavalerchik
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Alex Kavalerckik is proprietor of an old-school shoe-repair shop in Southwest Houston His hand tools include a hammer that the shoprsquos previous owner used in a Nazi concentration camp
24 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Supporting the needs of the
Jewish Community
CHEVRA KADISHA OF HOUSTON
Jewish Burial Society
Continuing the sacred tradition of preparing thedeceased for burial with
care and respect
(713) 776-2438
Young Israel
of Houston
7823 Ludington DriveHouston Texas 77071
713-729-0719wwwyihoustonorg
hundreds even thousands of dollars They bring cowboy boots that cost $5000-$6000 Very expensive I do it all ndash refinish resole reshape fix completely the shoesrdquo
And itrsquos not just footwear During the interview with the Jewish Herald-Voice a woman came into the shop with a designer leather bag that had a torn strap ldquoAlaska Airlinesrdquo she grumbled Kavalerchik promised to fix it like new A few minutes later a Polish-speaking doctor came in to pick up a repaired leather dog leash Kavalerchik who grew up speaking Russian with his parents and Yiddish with his grandparents was able to converse with the man in his native tongue They shared a few chuck-les The man dressed in blue-green hospital scrubs was pleased with Kavalerchikrsquos work and tipped him 100 percent on the bill Shortly there-after a slow-moving man with a walking stick and a Korean War cap came in with a belt job
Kavalerchik even does the exotic Can he fix a pair of gilded alligator-skin sneakers No problem (Hersquos done three) How about repair-ing a set of chairs made from elephant feet Um sure why not NBA stars who take advan-
tage of his services are asked to call in advance Size 17s require special order
Some of the more challenging yet reward-ing jobs are those to salvage shoes chewed up by the family dog
ldquoThis you must have a talent to fix itrsquos a tough jobrdquo said Kavalerchik holding up a black patent leather stiletto that bore scars on the heel from large canine teeth ldquoYou donrsquot make too much money on this but the cus-tomer is really happy when I make it look like new againrdquo
Tacked to the wall above the front counter of Kavalerchikrsquos shop is an 8-foot diamondback rattlesnake skin Therersquos also a black-and-white portrait of Al Pacino from ldquoScarfacerdquo While vacationing in Las
Vegas and once in Galveston the Belorussian was hounded for an autograph from fans who mis-took him for the Oscar-winning actor Retelling the stories splits Kavalerchikrsquos face into a smile
The storefront gives way to a multi-roomed workshop in back Itrsquos vintage 1950s outfitted with well-used wooden workbenches walls of racks with customersrsquo shoes and boots (each bearing a colorful toe tag) drawers and cubbyholes filled with bits and buckles and all sorts of odds and ends for leather and shoe work Wooden shoe lasts spools of heavy thread and folds of leather
and rubber adorn door frames and corners Metal taps for dance shoes hang from hooks A random assortment of loose shoe and boot heel parts are stockpiled in a divider mounted to a wall ldquoThey donrsquot make these like they used tordquo Kavalerchik said dusting off an orange-and-white-boxed specimen from half a century ago
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Cowboy boots and orthopedic shoes make up a good deal of Kavalerchikrsquos business
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 25
1500 Sunset Boulevard Houston Texas 77005
7135356400 wwwbeckerschoolorg
Accredited by NAEYCrsquos National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Learning through play
bull Ages 15 months through 5 years bull Extended care 8am - 530pm
bull Developmentally appropriate curriculumbull Extra-curricular classes available
bull Bridge to Kindergarten class
Since 1989
Call for a tourNow accepting applications
for 2012-2013
Congregation Emanu El Becker Early Childhood Center
6401 Woodway(in Whole Foods Plaza)
7133344900
Fabulous Womenrsquos Apparel amp Accessories
4048 Bellaire Blvd(in the Whole Foods Plaza)
7136653336FrenchCuffCocom
labeled ldquoCatrsquos PawrdquoBuilt into a corner post of the main work-
bench is a glue reservoir Plugging the well is a half-dollar-sized metal cap with a rod run-ning through it sporting an applicator brush Long dribbles of glue have oozed caked and dried down the edges of the post looking like a model of a volcano from a school sci-ence fair A photographer friend of Kavalerchikrsquos comes by on occasion to shoot close-up pho-tos of the unique formations
There are industrial ma-chines at every elbow turn stitchers sanders cutters tack-ers buffers Something called an Auto Soler and another called a Heel Popper Some are more than a 100 years old Real made-in-America stuff From cities like Chicago and St Louis Art deco in shape and lines Nickel-plated enameled steel and chromed in work grime
ldquoI have one machine made in 1890 It never breaksrdquo Kavalerchik said fondly
Other equipment however has broken down over the years Kavalerchik has learned to do the repairs himself Out of necessity ldquoItrsquos
very important to learn how to fix this equip-ment Itrsquos very old and nobody knows how to fix it I have to do it myself If this part breaks you have to make a new onerdquo he said
The workshoprsquos few modern conveniences
include a small electric box fan a 26-inch TV that seems stuck on Channel 8 and the occa-sional pinup girl wall calendar One room boasts an empty bottle collection on a top shelf ldquoWe Russians drink cognac after work and vodka at homerdquo Kavalerchik explained Therersquos a row of vintage US postage stamps
affixed to a workbench shelf that dates back to the shoprsquos previous owner a man named Sam Sill
The Polish-born Sill was a Holocaust survivor who worked in a factory making
boots for German army officers Kavalerchik said
ldquoThis hammer he brought from the old country Itrsquos from Germany 1942rdquo said Kavalerchik lifting the worn tool from his workbench ldquoThis guy worked with this hammer in con-centration camprdquo He then palmed a second hammer nearby with simi-lar history Though Kavalerchik has owned the business for the past 22 years he has kept the name ldquoSamrsquos Shoe Repairrdquo
The man who gave Kavalerchik his birth into the business Kalman Witenberg also was a Polish Holocaust survivor Edith Mincberg
was a customer of Witenbergrsquos back in the day and remembers him as a friendly and lively man ldquoHe loved to carry on Yiddish conversations with my late husband Joe Mincbergrdquo Edith told the JHV Witenberg a survivor of Auschwitz among other camps according to Holocaust Museum Houston records died in 2003
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
The 1950s-era shop includes equipment thatrsquos more than 100 years old
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Foot and Ankle
Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery
Podiatry Associates of Houston
Michael A Mineo DPM FACFASDavid L Blumfield DPM FACFASKeith L Jacobson DPM FACFAS
Vito Speciale DPM
6699 Chimney Rock 102713-666-0287
18220 Tomball Pkwy 220832-912-7792
705 S Fwy 215281-579-0816
915 Gessner 380713-467-1299
Times have changed over the course of Kavalerchikrsquos career as an old-school cobbler Many of his early customers were high school graduates whose parents wanted to send their kids off to college in a pair of spiffy penny loafers ldquoThese days itrsquos a different life Kids wear sneakersrdquo Kavalerchik said
The cobbler doesnrsquot wax nostalgic however over the profession that many people including himself view as a dying art
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymorerdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoItrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you must have patience This the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
Kavalerchik has entertained the occasional apprentice but none has stuck it out The cobbler predicts that in 15 20 years time the business will be dead save for a few shops here and there
ldquoThis business is like Jewish language [Yiddish]rdquo he said ldquoBefore people speak it fluently Now itrsquos only a few old guysrdquo
The trade has been good to the man who said he stood a 50-50 chance of winding up dead if he had stayed in the Soviet Union Itrsquos given him his American dream
ldquoIf I can afford to put my children through college this was my dream to come to America This was my dream to give my children education because I did not have time in Russia to get education myselfrdquo Kavalerchik said
ldquoOld people died in these shops They worked like dogs I donrsquot do this I work eight hours a day I go to lunch I go on vacationrdquo he said ldquoHere I have easy life I have my family I have place to sleep I go on vacation twice a year Irsquom happy with my children [Michael and Fannett]rdquo Every other year Kavalerchik visits his father in Israel
Sitting in the front room of his workshop ndash the room with the bottle collection ndash is a large cardboard box full of shoes belonging to his wife Roza Kavalerchik promises hersquoll get to them soon Near the box standing upright in the corner is a clutch of fishing poles
ldquoThese here are very important toolsrdquo said Kavalerchik again with that smile ldquoSaturday at 4 I close up and take my tools straight to the boatrdquo c
Shoe-making skills saved Sillrsquos life duringthe HolocaustBY MICHAEL C DUKE
Sam Sill was the previous owner of Samrsquos Shoe Repair in Southwest Houston
When he sold the business to Alex Kavalerchik some 22 years ago he passed along his tools to the new proprietor These included a pair of hammers that helped save Sill from the Nazi death machine in Europe Kavalerchik said that Sill told him that he Sill as a concentration camp prisoner used the hammers to make boots for German army officers during the war
Houstonian Dr David Wolf ndash a podiatrist ndash is first cousin to Samrsquos wife Ruthie Wolf has preserved an original copy of Sillrsquos immigra-tion papers which state that he Sill was born
Calligraphy by Eileen
Envelope AddressingBarBat Mitzvahs
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Temple SinaiThe Reform Jewish Congregation in West Houston
A warm friendly amp vibrant community where friendship
and caring are combined with a religious faith ritual observance social interaction and education
for adults and children
Join Rabbi Annie Belford and the Temple Sinai Congregation
for Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 730 PM
13875 Brimhurst 281-495-5950Houston Tx 77077 wwwtemple-sinaiorg
TEMPLE SINAI
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
Service with a smileGoing beyond the call of duty
For all of your real estate needs
Terry CominskyRealtor Associate713-558-3331
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OyDo We Know PrintingProudly serving the Jewish Commmunity and Houston
for over 3 generations and 70 plus years
with high quality commercial printing
Simon Printing CompanyFine Lithography
10810 Craighead
Houston Texas 77025
713-666-1296
Fax 713-666-4111wwwsimonprintingcom
28 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Tissue PaperSelf Seal BagsCoffee BagsAutomatic Pull BowsShrink Wrap BagsClear Acetate BoxesRibbonShrink Film RollsTheme BoxesRaffi aGift BoxesGift Wrap PaperCurling RibbonOrganza bags
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Hours of OperationMonday - Friday 900 AM to 600 PM
Saturday 1000 AM to 600 PM4404 Richmond Ave bull Houston Texas 77027Phone 713-524-5454 bull Fax 713-524-5450
wwwpalmerpkgcom
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713-984-2010A SUBSIDIARY OF 4D SIGN WORX LLC
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
Montessori integrated curriculum In a loving caring and safe atmosphere your child will learn and grow with a proven program based on excellence and experience
Registration is now open
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
((771133))666666--00225577
We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
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TUTSCOM 713558TUTS groups of 15+ call 7135588888
A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
May 14 - 26 2013
LERNER AND LOEWErsquoS
Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
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Helping People and Their Families Plan for the Best in Their Lives
Tel (713) 840-7300 Fax (713) 840-1747 Web BornToRetirecom
Adam Blumberg | Walter Katz CFPreg | Naomi Duke CFPreg | Larry Katz ChFCreg
12740 S Kirkwood(2 Blocks South of Hwy 59 in Stafford)
(281) 494-4567
OPEN 7 DAYS
The
B DILLIAR
Wanna Play
ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
2830 Hicks StHouston TX 77007
Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
NotNot valid Saturdays in June July or August or with any other offer discount special price prepaid afternoon group two-day or season tickets Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale Prices operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice ExpiExpires September 23 2012
SAVE up to $12YOUR FAMILY WILL BE
DISCOUNT TICKETS ONLINE schlitterbahncom
MOST FUN OVER 33 ATTRACTIONS
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MARKETPLACE
713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
Mosk amp Mosk LLCCertified Public Accountants5959 West Loop South Suite 340
Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS
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713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
ACCOUNTANTCPA
PACKING AND SHIPPING SERVICES
ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
Certified American Board of Ophthalmology
Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
wwwucntexascom
Be there when your customers need you
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JUNI ERSE
JUNI ERSE
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
celebrate yourbarbat mitzvah like
a rock star
houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
phone 713-227-1392hardrockcom
UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
- VOICES covers 2
- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
4 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 5
BY MATT SAMUELS
This summer more than 100 Jewish teens from across the country will come together to put on a grand performance in Houston There will
be singing there will be dancing there also will be plenty of drama arts food and live music
The big show will be the culmination of all the hard work by teens volunteers and professionals who will converge in Houston in August for the 2012 JCC Maccabi ArtsFest
What began in 2006 as a complement to the annual summer Maccabi Games ArtsFest allows teens to express themselves artistically through skill workshops live performances and art exhibitions while strengthening their bonds to their Jewish heritage community and Israel
Although ArtsFest still is evolving trying
to find its identity 2012rsquos director Brittany Horwitt believes Houston has what it takes to bring it to the next level
ldquoArtsFest is just such a great concept and I love itrdquo Horwitt said ldquoWe are kind of in a building year and I think Houston has done a great job of promoting the program in a positive light I think the teens will have a great time and it will help build the future of ArtsFestrdquo
ArtsFest 2012 will feature 115 teens from 20 cities who will be in artistic-oriented work-shops They then will join forces with the Maccabi Games athletes who are being hosted in Houston for the first time since 2007
Houston is one of three communities host-ing 2012 Maccabi Games but it is the only venue including ArtsFest This is only the sec-ond time ArtsFest is being combined with the US Maccabi Games
ldquoItrsquos a challenge because we are still work-ing out the kinks in putting the two events together But itrsquos a win-win for both teams because everyone is together and it is one great experiencerdquo said Horwitt who was part of the 2010 Houston delegation in Baltimore ldquoTeens that are not into competition or athletics they have a place in ArtsFest This is a great addi-tion to JCC Maccabirdquo
Teens aged 13-16 will arrive Sunday Aug 5 for the opening ceremonies at Rice University Beginning Monday morning they will divide up going into their respective workshops where they will work for most of the week
As part of the program there is a planned mitzvah project to help the community and the final live show which will have all of the arts on display
Part of what allows ArtsFest to be such a success is the participation of the professional
6 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ArtsFest 2012 Promises to Deliver
Teens from across the US came together for the final show of ArtsFest in Northern Virginia in 2008
Houston a State-of-the-Art Performance
instructors Whether from Houston or travel-ing here from around the country they will assume the role of artists in residence for the week to give the ArtsFest teens an experience to paint dance or cook with the best of the best
ldquoThe artists donrsquot all come to Maccabi for the social scene ndash some are really coming for their art workrdquo Horwitt said ldquoThe teens have the opportunity to put on their resume that they worked with some of these great artists in residencerdquo
ArtsFest will be divided into seven special-ties actingimprov culinary dance musical theater visual art vocal music and rockjazz music Each specialty workshop will be led by at least one artist in residence who will work directly with the teens
The 2012 theme ldquoHope and Changerdquo will be celebrated through the seven different areas of concentration
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 7
Traditions Onstage And In Real Life
Call today to learn what your Dignity Memorial provider can do for you
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As an actor I have played many roles over my long career but perhaps the most important has been Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof I performed it more than 2000 times It has meant so much to me to portray this symbol of the struggle to keep the Jewish faith and its traditions alive
I have a deep understanding and apprecia-tion of this struggle and I believe that the Dignity Memorialreg networkrsquos Jewish funeral providers understand this struggle as well
Many of them have been working for generations to preserve Jewish traditions often in the face of tremendous change They understand our needs because they share our history and experiences ndash and our values
Thatrsquos why I trusted my Dignity Memorialprovider with my own funeral planning and why you too should trust them with all of your traditional Jewish funeral needs
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Levy Funeral Directors4525 Bissonnet Bellaire TX 77401
(713) 660-6633
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ardo
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enK
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z
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ArtsFest 2012 Promises to DeliverHouston a State-of-the-Art Performance
8 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Building up the dramaTeens in the actingimprov group will work
together to form an ensemble exploring vari-ous techniques and traditions of theater and improvisation ranging from Shakespearean theater to American sketch comedy
Native Houstonian and theater artist in residence Stephanie Wittles will bring her vast experience to the ArtsFest stage
ldquoAs a newcomer to ArtsFest I am slightly terrified about creating rehearsing and per-forming a theatrical masterpiece in only four short days but I am up for the challenge and confident that these talented actors will rise to the occasionrdquo Wittles said
Teens will learn about acting script analy-sis and improvisation They also will be chal-lenged to develop material to be part of a larger interdisciplinary performance for the grand finale at ArtsFest
ldquoTheater is something I have been doing myself since childhood and so many of my closest friendships have blossomed as a resultrdquo Wittles said ldquoI hope to give my kids the same enriching opportunity this summer I am eager to get startedrdquo
A culinary delightTeens in the culinary arts specialty will
be engaged ndash choosing the right ingredients learning new cooking techniques and under-standing the history and culture behind many foods
Part of the recipe will be for the teens to go to a local farmerrsquos market to learn how to plan a menu and to understand the process of transforming raw ingredients into deli-
cious dishes Houston-area artists in residence are Sam
Beierbegan currently executive chef at A Fare Extraordinaire and Sarah Brook founder and CEO of Dessert Gallery Bakery amp Cafe
ldquoDesserts have been my passion for as long as I can rememberrdquo Brook said ldquoThere are few things more gratifying than finding something you love making it your lifersquos work and then being given the opportunity to share that magic with a new generation
ldquoThroughout my three decades in the dessert industry in Houston I have been so grateful for the support and devotion I have received from my hometownrsquos Jewish community Being given the chance to give back to that community and reaching oth-ers through this amazing program is a real honorrdquo
The program will conclude with the pres-entation of a menu and the production of catered dishes to be served as part of the
weekrsquos final presentation
Dancing with tomorrowrsquos starsTeens in the dance portion of ArtsFest will
explore dance techniques and develop perform-ance skills such as focus intention dramatic and technical range and expansion of move-ment vocabulary
Participants will be introduced to the ori-gins and history of contemporary dance as an expressive and creative art form and learn its role in transmission of culture expression and storytelling
The artists in residence are Houston native Cat Cogliandro and Nicholas Ross of Nicholas Andre Dance studio in New York Ross has choreographed more than 16 works for his company and has toured all over the country
ldquoI am excited to work with all of the partici-pantsrdquo Ross said ldquoI bring a very athletic style to my choreography and I hope to inspire some future artists I also hope to meet people from all over and share our experiencesrdquo
Dancers will create both solos and group work learning to balance individuality with the work of an ensemble The program will finish with the creation of a new work that will be part of the weekrsquos final presentation
A musical chorusTeens signed up for musical theater will
work on vocal technique dance and move-ment skills and song interpretation abilities
Participants will have the opportunity to explore a vast range of material including musical selections from the standard com-edy drama and musical theater repertoire as well as nondramatic sources
Musical theater artists will express their creativity by developing original individual pieces as well as by performing professional musical numbers as part of an ensemble
The artist in residence is Naomi Ackerman Traveling from Los Angeles she is an experienced actor whose credits include theater musicals films and television
Teens show off their acting skills at ArtsFest 2009 in New Orleans
Teens learn how to fillet a fish during ArtsFest 2009 in New Orleans
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 9
Your next event or gathering is to becelebrated and cherished with people who
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For more information contact our cateringsales team at (713) 770-6769
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10WHO073-JEWISH_HERALD_WEDDINGSv2indd 1 1710 152 PM
Creating a masterpieceParticipants in the fine arts will be able to
sharpen their technique while using a variety of art materials to design a series of projects for their portfolio as well as create a piece of public art to be included as a part of the final performance
Public art is an important expanding field within the discipline of visual arts and is relevant to painters sculptors printmakers fabric artists graphic designers and visual artists of all types
The artist in residence is Julie Brook Alex-ander a Houston artist whose work combines original photography collage and mixed media
ldquoI hope to give the students a chance to develop individually and to enjoy the group experience of ArtsFestrdquo Alexander said ldquoThere is nothing more energizing than inspiring creativity and working in the midst of a creative community
ldquoI hope to provide to the kids an opportunity to look at themselves in a new light through photography painting collage and writingrdquo Alexander said ldquoWe will work on a series of self-portraits and on an indi-vidual artist statement that guides this art-making I want each student to prepare work that shares unique insight into themselvesrdquo
The program will end with the creation and sharing of a new work that will be displayed prominently as part of the weekrsquos final presentation
A vocal experienceTeens in vocal music will enhance their onstage performance skills
both as soloists and as part of an ensemble or choir Participants will work on rhythmic skills pitch and harmonization
The artist in residence from Florida is Beth Schafer who has spent her
career redefining Jewish music by combining masterful songwriting with sensitivity to liturgy and unique insight into text She specializes in music for Torah-minded adults looking for an extension to their Jewish lives through music
Schafer will work with ArtsFest teens to examine how differing song styles reflect the identity of the vocal artist Teens also will explore the crafting of performance techniques as well as the emotional authenticity of an artist during a performance
The program will conclude with performing a special piece at the weekrsquos final presentation
Rock onSingers and songwriters will put their talents to the test in the rock
jazz music specialty There will be guitar bass keyboardpiano drums horns and rock-oriented strings Participants will examine the art of song-writing performance techniques and will analyze the changing world of modern Jewish music
Teens will form bands based on style ability and instrumentation The bands will play cover and jam learning from LA-based artist in residence Josh Nelson one of the most popular performers and producers in modern Jewish music
The program will culminate in the creation and sharing of a new work that will be part of the weekrsquos final presentation
The art of caringArtsFest and Maccabi Games teens will come together during the week
for JCC CaresMore than 1200 teens will work with Jacques DrsquoAmboisersquos nonprofit
National Dance Institute to help bring their amazing dance program to underprivileged and special needs youth of greater Houston
The teens will provide supplies activities refreshments and profes-sional instructors at different locations At each venue athletes will be paired with a child and go to a NDI dance class taught by instructors from various Houston dance companies
Houstonian Kathy Parven is coordinating the programldquoOur goal is to provide the teens a personal engaging and reward-
ing experience as they bring and share the activities celebrating the arts to local underserved and special needs children throughout Houstonrdquo Parven said ldquoWhen we developed this program model in 2007 the teens loved the experience the children had a wonderful time and truly felt special and even the volunteers and staff that helped were in tears Itrsquos a win-win for everyonerdquo
Encore performanceThe final victory will be the ArtsFest grand performance All seven
groups will come together and put on a live show that will display every-thing the teens learned
ldquoWe really want to fill the seats and have an audience for these teens because they will be working so hard for the weekrdquo Horwitt said
Horwitt also hopes that the final performance will be the exclamation point the weeklong event needs to bring ArtsFest to the next level
ldquoMy goals and expectations are to really educate the community about the program and what a fantastic program it isrdquo Horwitt said ldquoAnd for the teens I want them to be excited about JCC Maccabi ArtsFest
ldquoMy ultimate goal this year is that this program grows from here on out ndash and I really think it will Itrsquos just such a great concept and draw for teens Itrsquos like my baby ndash I love itrdquo
For the location of the final show contact the ERJCC 713-729-3200 c
EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER5601 S Braeswood | Houston Texas 77096 7137293200
1000 AM ndash 200 PM
10 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
The first ERJCC Houston teens to participate in JCC Maccabi ArtsFest Northern Virginia 2008 Philip Kar-jeker Dorie Mishael Lindsay Kapp Miriam Lavenda with delegation head Brittany Horwitt
BY AARON HOWARD
P liant is not an adjective we nor-mally associate with wood Pliant suggests a capability of being easily bent a yielding nature or
adaptability We usually think of terms like strength and resistance when we think of woodrsquos qualities ndash as in hardwood We think of flat straight lines Thatrsquos because wood typically is used to make items like tables So the wood is flat and straight cut
Wood artist Isaac Cohen goes against the grain His wooden chests curve His bookcases swirl His wooden Star of David bends
Cohen sees wood differently ldquoI love to take wood to the extremerdquo he said ldquoI think
in wood How can I bend it What kind of shapes can I make For me the challenge is to see how far I can push the wood Every species of wood is a different give Some are soft some are hard
ldquoObviously the worst sound you can hear is CRACK the sound when wood refuses to yield anymore One piece can take a bend but the very next piece will not yield It breaksrdquo
Cohen is perhaps best-known locally as the person who designed and built the 12-foot-high steel Magen Shlomo ndash Shield of Solomon (The Lone Star) Chanukah Menorah commissioned by Chabad Lubavitch of Houston which was displayed in The Galleria in December 2011 Others know Cohen as the artist who has designed
and built wooden art cars over the past decade for Houstonrsquos annual Art Car Parade
Cohen won the Mayorrsquos Cup for ldquoBest In Showrdquo in 2004 For 2012rsquos Art Car Parade Cohen constructed something different ldquoHeroesrdquo a model F-18 Navy fighter jet atop a Geo Metro dedicated to the men and women of the US military services
Cohen recently gave the Jewish Herald-Voice a tour through his 85000-foot warehouse in Houstonrsquos East End The warehouse serves as studio and home of his retail art framing business Among the collection are his art cars and ldquoTV Christmas Treerdquo an installation he made for Houstonrsquos Discovery Green with wood and 20 television sets Yet his custom-
Houston sculptor works against the grain
A Bend in the Wood
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohenrsquos wooden gull-winged Splinter creation was showcased in the April 2008 Houston Art Car Parade
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 11
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
made furniture for example includes a chest of drawers whose graceful arched lines are reminiscent of a beautiful sailboat hull And while the top of one of Cohenrsquos book-cases begins in its proper place at the apex on the left side it plummets down to the bot-tom of the piece like an adrenaline-pumping speed slide
During the tour the phone rang ldquoTake this callrdquo Cohen said to his sons in the next room ldquoPeople think I work here I try hard not to give them that impression What I do now I do for funrdquo
Thatrsquos the key to understanding how Cohen creates He plays Hersquos now 60 years
old and hersquos like one of those old lions on the savannah well fed healthy free from stress and roaring ndash simply for the joy of roaring
Cohen came to Houston from Israel in 1979 In Israel he built custom furniture in his youth and later ran a chain of pizzerias In 1985 he opened a wholesale framing business Classy Art Wholesalers
ldquoWe had to struggle for survival at firstrdquo Cohen said ldquoBut by 1990 we were doing well and we moved our business into our current locationrdquo
In 2002 as his 50th birthday approached Cohen decided he wanted to make his own birthday present A car he named Splinter Over the frame of a restored 1989 Honda Accord he envisioned a wooden body using one-quarter-inch thick strips of ash and wal-nut ndash about 5000 feet of wooden strips glued together so they could bend to the shape of the car frame
Cohen has the original simple drawing now framed labeled ldquoFirst Ideardquo He com-pleted Splinter in June 2003
Join us for ldquoan adventure of the spiritrdquo
Cantor Vadim Tunitsky Senior Rabbi Scott Hausman-Weiss Rabbi Pamela Silk Rabbi Samantha Kahn
ldquoCongregation Emanu El is a Reform synagogue firmly rooted in our covenant with God and the Jewish People We are a caring community dedicated to inspiring the love of God teaching the joys of Jewish living and sharing our mission to be a light unto the nationsrdquo
Minyan Next DorMonthly eruv Shabbat for Houstonrsquos young-er adults
Torah Enrichment on ShabbatChoose from a variety of classes with the rabbi
Weekly Meditation Service
EducationAdult educationBecker Early Childhood CenterHelfman Religious School
1500 Sunset Blvd 713-529-5771wwwemanuelhoustonorg
And MoreBrotherhoodSisterhoodEmanu EldersHelfman Religious School PTA Becker Early Childhood PTOYouth GroupCub and Boy Scouts
An adventure of the spirit
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohen was commissioned to build a 12-foot-tall chanukiah that was kindled inside The Galleria Houston in De-cember 2011
JHV AARON HOWARD
The ldquoFirst Ideardquo sketch for Splinter
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
N o r t h B r a e s w o o d a t C h i m N e y r o C kB R A E S W O O D S Q U A R E
B
Trade secrets There are two methods by which
you can get wood to bend wet and dry
You can use steam which dis-solves some of the bonds between wood fibers Steam weakens and stretches the fibers and allows them to reform during the cooling process
Cohen doesnrsquot use steam or water He dry bends Although he will not give away his secrets he does use wood strips which must be glued to something else such as a form
ldquoWhen you bend dry wood it doesnrsquot maintain its shape by itselfrdquo said Cohen ldquoYou must glue the wood pieces to some-thing else even themselves otherwise the wood would spring back to its original flat-nessrdquo
Wood wants to spring back to its origi-nal shape The tighter the bend the more wood wants to spring back And therersquos no formula no pre-set way of telling how much a strip of wood will spring back or break Itrsquos all a matter of trial and error
For example Cohen created a hang-ing Magen David inside a circle by first dry bending two different-colored wooden strips into a perfect circle Then inside the circle he twisted two other strips until he was able to fashion the interlocking star
ldquoI believe in myselfrdquo said Cohen ldquobut I never believe that the wood will cooperate with merdquo
Fresh startTo begin Cohen decides on a project
Then he decides what species of wood would look best for the project
ldquoWhen I decided to create my wooden truck Big J I saw that to my eye rose-wood looked much better than mahogany Rosewood has such a deep color that it
allows you to see the straight lines The design for that vehicle was a basic octa-gon with many straight lines rather than curves All the wood used for that vehicle came from the same tree So therersquos a single design pattern all over the car except for the tiny changes in the spacing of the tree rings You have to examine the wood really closely to see thatrdquo
Of note all hardwoods get more difficult to bend the closer the artist gets to the cen-ter of the tree Thatrsquos because the wood is denser closer to the core
ldquoSo when you get pieces that are near the center ndash you recognize that by looking at the distance between rings from the edge of a piece ndash the wood gives me a run for my moneyrdquo said Cohen
ldquoI never considered myself an artist Irsquove never taken a class I didnrsquot think of myself as an artist until I received the Lifetime Achievement award for Best Artist from the
Art Car Museum Now I guess I can call myself an artistrdquo
Unlike most other artists Cohen rarely sells his pieces although hersquos been offered as much as $16 million for Splinter
ldquoIrsquoll tell you whyrdquo he said ldquoFive years ago I donated Slider to the Orange Show This was another car I created They auc-tioned the car off to benefit the Orange Show I had put in more than 2000 hours creating Slider It was absolutely like one of my children I cannot forget the awful feeling of loss I had when I let the car go It was gone after being in my shop every day for over a year
ldquoToday when I build something on commission I can see it differently But even so itrsquos difficult to let gordquo
We can appreciate Cohenrsquos feelings When yoursquove put as many hours into your ldquochildrenrdquo as he has it is sometimes hard to let them part c
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohenrsquos F-18 Fighter Jet pays tribute to the ldquoheroes of freedomrdquo Cohen drove the car in the May 2010 Houston Art Car Parade
JHV AARON HOWARD
Isaac Cohenrsquos bent woodMagen David
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15 Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2011 | JhVonlinecom | 14
THE BEST ROAD TO RECOVERY GOES THROUGH SEVEN ACRES
The Lou Lewis Skilled Nursing Program at Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services is dedicated to helping your loved one achieve the highest level of recovery following a hospital stay to successfully return home
Give your loved one the best chance for a full recovery with the Lou Lewis Skilled Nursing Program at
6200 North Braeswood Boulevard Houston Texas 770747137785700 - wwwsevenacresorg
n Fulltime medical services with onsite physicians and geriatric nurse practitionersn Customized skilled nursing care and rehabilitation including physical occupational speech and IV therapyn Great facilities and a nurturing environment
ERJCC dance instructor is creative talent behind Dance Month and moreBY ALICE ADAMS
I trsquos a Monday after 7 pm and dance director Maxine Silberstein has yet to finish her day at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center And this particular day is no busier than any other time of the week
Silberstein is responsible not only for coordinating the JCCrsquos dance pro-gram cultural outreach programs and partnerships and the IW Marks Master Classes but also serves as artistic director for Dance Month ndash now in its 33rd season ndash at the Kaplan Theatre In addition she coordinates Maccabi dance for Team Houston and the annual Tirkedu Houston an Israeli folk dance weekend But thatrsquos not all Shersquos been a teacher of dance for more than three decades as well as dance director for the ERJCCrsquos Arts and Culture Department
Yet her love of dance began long before Dance Month began or the Houston Ballet took the stage
ldquoMy father would sit beside me in the darkness of a Galveston auditorium or the old Music Hall in downtown Houston so I could see the leading prima ballerinas of Ballet Russes and other prominent companies dancing in the spotlightrdquo she recalled and as she watched the little girl who grew up in
Place Where Jewish Culture Thrives Through Dance
JHV MATT SAMUELS
ERJCC dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15
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Call 7136675389 I AdvertisingDesignSystemsnetordf
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Texas City took notice of every detail ndash from the artistsrsquo finely positioned feet to the curve of their arms and the placement of delicate fin-gers ldquoIt was always magicalrdquo she remembered
ldquoMy mother started me in dance lessons when I was quite young I was probably 5 or 6rdquo said Silberstein taking a rare time out ldquoI was that kid who was hanging by my arms and legs from the barre or in some way not following instructions Needless to say I didnrsquot receive much encouragement from that teacherrdquo she added
ldquoOnly a few weeks into my dance career my teacher commented that she didnrsquot know exactly why my mother was wasting her money on dance lessons for me That was Motherrsquos cue to move me so I could study with Doris Hede in La Marque and that experience is exactly why I would never discourage any child from study-ing dancerdquo Silberstein added ldquoeven the ones using the barre as a jungle gymrdquo
Realizing her passion for dance by her early teens the athletic young dancer eagerly par-ticipated in programs offered by the Houston Youth Symphony and Ballet where dance teachers and students from the area gathered to rehearse performances at the old City Hall across from the Rice Hotel
After high school graduation Silberstein was unable to attend the University of
Oklahoma which had a flourishing dance program at the time under the tutelage of prima ballerina Maria Tallchief Instead she attended the University of Houston where she earned a bachelorrsquos degree in special edu-cation and physical education with a minor
in dance performanceThroughout her college career the tena-
cious dancer took full advantage of every opportunity that presented itself In doing so she was to study and learn various forms of dance with some of the countryrsquos greatest and
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Melissa Darlow Ariel Brown Lauren Liss and Alyssa Cohen work on their 2012 Maccabi Games dance routine with dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
most prolific choreographers including Fred Strobel Anita Dyche Camille Long Hill Patsy Swayze and Rudy Jenkins in Houston In New York her training included the Alvin Ailey Peridance Center Jennifer Mueller Merce Cunningham Jo Jo Smith Broadway Dance Center and Steps
ldquoWhen I was in college I taught andor substituted for absent teachers in the JCCrsquos adult dance program when the center was located on Hermann Driverdquo she recalled She began working part time as a dance teacher at the J in 1974
ldquoI had met and married my husband Bubba Silberstein in the interimrdquo she explained ldquoand after we began our family I decided to teach dance and raise our children Brent and Steffanirdquo
In 1980 Silberstein was named director of the JCCrsquos dance program after director Lisa Rollrsquos exit
ldquoAfter Lisa left the board was not able to
identify someone to take over the position so I said I would be happy to do it until someone is hired Needless to say Irsquom still here todayrdquo laughed the teacherdancerdirector
Silberstein said it was only natural that
the JCC offer a dance program because of its reputation for programming around health wellness sports and physical activities ldquoDance easily fits into this type of program-mingrdquo she pointed out ldquoand classes were a vehicle for bringing Jewish children together in dance Itrsquos for anyone for all denomina-tions and all ages and itrsquos also a United Way-
funded center and open to everyone who wanted to learn to dancerdquo
So it follows that the high point of Silbersteinrsquos career is inspiring student dancers
ldquoAs director Irsquove had the opportunity of doing many things but being able to teach children to build their confi-dence and esteem to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worth-while And now I am teaching my former studentsrsquo children and the grandchil-dren of my peersrdquo
P r o f e s s i o n a l inf luences have included Mikhail Baryshnikov and
Ohad Naharin the latter an Israeli artis-tic directorchoreographer of the Batsheva Dance Company He also is the originator of Gaga an innovative movement language which has emerged as a growing force in the larger field of movement practices for both dancers and non-dancers
ldquoAt the time we brought him to Houston
a symbol of distinction in assisted living
bull 24 Hour Assistance and Personalized Carebull Elegant Dining Servicesbull Medication Supervisionbull Social Cultural and Recreational activitiesbull Wellness Center with Heated Aquatherapy Poolbull A fully equipped socialmedia centerbull Peace of Mind in a Family Oriented Secure Setting
License ID 102491
wwwthemedallionorg6262 North Braeswood Boulevard
Houston Texas 77074(713) 778-5777
Affiliated with Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Lauren Liss Ariel Brown and Ryan Bryandt follow the lead of dance instructor Maxine Silberstein at the ERJCC
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
he had a company in New Yorkrdquo Silberstein remem-bered ldquoIt was very exciting to have him here And when I think of where he is today and the influ-ence on the world of dance That was a highlightrdquo
As artistic director of Dance Month Silberstein said she believed it was extremely important first and foremost to Houstonrsquos Jewish community because audiences have been able to see on stage a number of Israeli and Yemeni dancers like Sara Levi-Tanai ldquoThe choreography of these groups reflects the Jewish culture in that it is powerful and risk taking at its corerdquo she noted ldquoItrsquos how they live their lives on the edge In general itrsquos a wonderful opportunity for Houston audiences to see Judaism in dance and how the culture and Jewish choreographers have phenomenally influenced dance all over the worldrdquo
With more than 35 years of teaching Silberstein said her goal is to continue meeting the day-to-day challenges of the programs she directs while remaining an influence in the lives of her students and and their desire to dance to meet their own goals not to be discour-aged
ldquoGrowing up in Texas City I didnrsquot have the advantages of Jewish children in Houston growing up with large congregations BBYOs or a community center I could be a part ofrdquo she explained ldquoBut I had my dance I feel like I hopefully have been an inspiration to other Jewish artists to go forward with their art form Irsquove always this thing as an artist in that I am Jewish Maybe not everything I do in dance is Jewish but I am influenced by Jewish artists and I think itrsquos important for all artists to hold on to their Jewishness to represent our culture in the various art forms
Along with her teaching Silberstein has found time to perform with numerous dance companies in her career served on cultural arts boards and has promoted dance in Houston especially dance centering on the Jewish culture Currently she serves on the board of Uptown Dance Centre the HCC-Central College World Dance Institute board and Society for the Performing Arts Education Committee
Silberstein also gives credit to her supervisor Marilyn Hassid ldquofor her support encouragement and friendship in supporting me in doing the many things we do through arts and culture and the dance program
ldquoIrsquove been very fortunaterdquo she continued ldquoBeing at the ERJCC wersquove brought in many many groups of people who may have never stepped foot in here and theyrsquore coming because of dance In the pro-cess they have been exposed to the Jewish culture Itrsquos important to me that we through the Kaplan Theatre expose our center to everyone who comes here In doing so our Jewish culture will continue to have a strong presence in the Houston community ndash through dancerdquo c
ldquoBeing able to teach children to build their confidence and esteem
to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worthwhilerdquo
ndash Maxine Silberstein
ldquoWe are proud our family launched the Jewish Family Service Passover program providing assistance for the past 20 yearsAs others are generously stepping forwardto support this effort we took a look at our communityrsquos future needsrdquondashJeanne Mandell
ldquoAlong with the blessings of our seniors living longer comes an added responsibility to accommodate the changing needs of this community We know JFS will be there to help The Deutser Hecht Mandell Fund for Senior Adult Financial Aid seeks to fulfill the basic needs of our seniors help them maintain independence in their own homes and empower them with personal dignity in the coming decadesrdquondashPunkin Hecht
ldquoWe feel good about being a part of100 Names
Wonrsquot you join usrdquo
A simple bequest is the most common way for a family to establish a legacy gift
In partnership withJewish Family Servicersquos100th Year Celebrationand Houston JewishCommunity Foundationrsquos Create a Jewish LegacyHouston Jewish Family Foundation
rdavisjfshoustonorg 7136679336wwwjfshoustonorg100names
Benefitting Jewish Family ServiceA New Fund is Added to100 Names for 100 Years
The Deutser HechtMandell Fund
for Senior Adult Financial Aid
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
The Shlenker SchoolCongregation Beth Israel - Houston Texas
For more information or to schedule a tourcontact Gail Rovinsky Director of Admissions
713-270-6127 grovinskyshlenkerorg5600 N Braeswood Houston Texas 77096 wwwshlenkerorg
Yoursquove alwaYs spent moneY wiselY
Donrsquot stop now
For less than half the price of private duty care you could get
bull 24 hour per day licensed care bull Beautiful personal apartment and
private bath in our newly renovated community
bull Three restaurant-style meals each day bull Memory care for those living with
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includedbull All the privacy or social interaction
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2555 S Braeswood | Houston TX 77025-2805 elmcroftcom Facility 030414
Schedule a personal visit
share your story and
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Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Gabby Howard paints her cardCari Cowen with Celebration Company volunteer Joyce Rosen
BY MICHAEL C DUKE PHOTOS BY MATT SAMUELS
Jewish adults with special needs have found a creative outlet at Jewish Family Servicersquos Celebration Company
For the past three years Celebration Company participants have produced note-cards featuring original hand-painted artwork and handmade paper The signed artwork is mounted to the front of the cards which are blank inside and are packaged with envelopes sold either individually or in five-card sets
ldquoThe notecards are a great way for the par-ticipants to express themselves artisticallyrdquo said Nick Tofilon Celebration Companyrsquos director
The cards are available at JFS 4131 S Braeswood Blvd or at Three Brothers Bakery 4036 S Braeswood Blvd
Celebration Company provides meaning-ful employment to people with special needs who ndash with joy purpose and self-esteem ndash cre-ate products that celebrate the good in life c
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Linda Lopen makes a floral paintingMax Schaffer works on her masterpiece
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
What a Difference EmeryWeiner Made
wwwemeryweinerorg bull 8322045900
Thank you so much for a wonderful and I do really mean wonderful Emery experience Itrsquos so sad that Nicole will not be there on a daily basis anymore She told me in third grade that she wanted to attend EWS for middle and high school and it was the best decision that we ever made
- Bonnie Winograd (parent of Class of 2012 Graduate)
ldquo
rdquo
Hebrew Free Loanassociation ndashProviding interest
Free Loans to JewisH Houston area residents since 1932
Loans Available for Emergencies
Healthcare Needs Small Business Assistance
and More For more information or to apply for a loan visit our website at
wwwhflanetor call
713-667-9336 ext221
House of Dereacuteon Media Center is one of the best kept secrets in Houston The eclectic special events venue including state-of-the-art media and conference facilities is housed inside a magnifi cent art deacuteco building located in the heart of Houstonrsquos Midtown District and seated perfectly within the worldwide operations of Music World Entertainment ndash the management company of the worldrsquos 1 female recording group Destinyrsquos Child
Let us turn your next function into a social event to remember
Where your functions become social events
2204 Crawford St Houston Texas l 7137725175 l wwwhouseofdereonmediacentercom
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
reg
National Council of Jewish WomenA fAith iN the future A belief iN ACtioN
Help Houstonrsquos women children and families
JOIN NCJW GHSNational Council of Jewish Women a
nationwide organization of 90000 strong and along with the Greater Houston Sectionrsquos
800+ members takes a progressive stance towards
changing lives through advocacy campaigns and social action by helping
bull At-risk children learn to readbull To ensure reproductive freedom
bull Victims of human traffickingbull Victims of domestic violence
and sexual assaultbull Adolescent survivors of
sexual assaultbull Homeless children
bull Foster children
To learn more about NCJW GHS and how you can get involved visit ncjwhoustonorg or contact us at membershipncjwhoustonorg
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery
from AddictionBY JEANNE F SAMUELS
E stablished 12 years ago Chabad of Sugar Land is headed by Brooklyn-born Rabbi Mendel Feigenson who was brought to Houston in 1995 by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff Fulfilling Chabadrsquos mission to serve Jews throughout the Sugar Land Stafford and Missouri City area Rabbi Feigenson has added a
new facet to his work He has opened his heart and Chabadrsquos doors to a completely underserved segment of the Jewish community It is the newly formed Jewish Recovery Celebration Group which provides support for Jewish recovering alcoholics addicts and members of Alcoholics Anonymous
The truth is contrary to general belief ndash and probably community denial ndash there are Jews who are addicts And those who suffer with addiction face a constant struggle to overcome its grasp
Confronting a definite need Rabbi Feigenson facilitates and organizes social and educational events to help JRCG members merge Judaism with recovery Every other Sunday at 7 pm he integrates the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with the timeless lessons of Torah and Kabbalah The meetings are held in complete privacy when no one else is in the two-year-old Chabad facility
The need for support for Jewish addicts was posed to Rabbi Feigenson by Lynn JHV JEANNE F SAMUELS
Rabbi Mendel Feigenson
Donovan of Galveston She is the only individual in the recently organized group who chooses not to remain anonymous believing her story needs to be told
ldquoShe is an inspirationrdquo the rabbi declared ldquoMore than four months ago she called me saying she had something very important to discuss with me She told me that she has been sober for 25 years and that she has friends who are struggling with addiction The reality is that there are Jews who are drug addicts
ldquoBasically addiction is a diseaserdquo Rabbi Feigenson explained ldquoand addicts cannot help themselves They need group support and our mis-sion is to help our Jewish brethrenrdquo So the rabbi studied the Twelve Steps of AA delved into books on the subject and consulted with some psychiatrists From all this the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group was formed
Presently there are four to six people in the group and Rabbi Feigenson said that the meetings are working well ldquoItrsquos about coming from darkness and making a new liferdquo he pointed out
Credited with encouraging the genesis of JRCG Donovan recalled how she became sober in 1986 taking the train from Harrisburg Pa to Baltimore on Sundays to be part of a Twelve Step group that met in a church ldquoIt was very confusing for me having to separate church and recovery hellip There are no rules regarding religion in AA but most of my support was coming from Christian people Did I have to be Christian to recover
ldquoI had been arrested at 18rdquo she confessed ldquoand the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos com-mon belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
When Donovan moved to Texas in 1990 she continued with AA in churches Although the
West Houston Jewish Community Center had an AA meeting it was not a Jewish recovery group
ldquoI visited with the Jewish Family Service to see if they would help start a Jewish recovery group but they were not accepting of me I spoke to one or two rabbis privately but they werenrsquot receptive either so I kind of let it go for a whilerdquo She noted that perseverance is difficult ldquoThe disease of addiction is not something they know how to deal with
ldquoAs a young girl I was molested by a rabbi and when the Penn State [University] scandal broke loose I became very depressedrdquo she reflected having the need for support at that time ldquoI got on the Internet and Googled Jews in recovery where I read about a Rabbi Kessler at Chabad in Boca Raton Fla I called there and the rabbi told me about a retreat [to be held there] and was it possible I could come It took place this past February with addicts from all over including me Rabbi Abraham J Twerski was the keynote speakerrdquo
The convention inspired Donovan to seek the closest Chabad to Galveston which she found in Sugar Land She telephoned there and Rabbi Feigenson invited her to Shabbat where she had lunch with his wife Chaya After hearing Donovanrsquos story Chaya Feigenson said to her husband ldquoMendel we have to help these peoplerdquo
ldquoMost people know very little about addictionrdquo Donovan empha-sized When I first started someone took me to the rabbi who told me to go home and honor my father and my mother and be a good girlrdquo Also she added ldquoIt must be difficult to drop your children off at a church for recovery Therersquos the worry that theyrsquore brainwashing your child
ldquoThere is so much lack of knowledge especially in the Jewish com-munity If you stay with the thought that Jews donrsquot [become addicts] then people die We need to break that stereotype and lack of informa-tion Jews suffer from drug abuse obesity gambling etc like any other grouprdquo
Donovanrsquos brother a rabbi in Israel took her to AA meetings in Jerusalem where she discovered that there are even rabbis who suffer from alcoholism ldquoSome of usrdquo she pointed out ldquohave had bad experi-ences as childrenrdquo
ldquoThere is such naivetyrdquo Donovan a 58-year-old mother of three and grandmother of eight maintained ldquoRabbi Feigenson is the first in Houston who really heard me and understands the importance of helping every Jewish person It was an incredible day that I met him ldquoWe want to reach out to Jews who are confused and are appealing for help Itrsquos a very special experience to be a Jew in recovery and meet with others who are in recovery also And we can talk to parents free of charge to give them support and help Itrsquos an experience I donrsquot want others to missrdquo
For information about the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group call Rabbi Mendel Feigenson at 832-758-0685 email rabbifeigensongmailcom or visit chabadsugarlandcom c
Congregation Beth Rambam is a warm and welcoming Sephardic congregation led by our young and dynamic Rabbi Daniel Masri
We offer morning and evening services on weekdays and Shabbat There are many fascinating classes and learning opportunities both during the day and evenings offered throughout the week in English Spanish and Hebrew
Alex Pfeffer our fun and entertaining Youth Director leads multiple activities for children of various ages each Shabbat
morning and afternoon and trips throughout the year
713-723-3030 | officebethrambamorg11333 Braesridge | wwwbethrambamorg (coming soon)
C O M E J O I N O U R F A M I L Y
bullbull
22 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ldquoI had been arrested at 18 and the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos common
belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
ndash Lynn Donovan
BY MICHAEL C DUKE
W hen Alex Kavalerchik immigrated to the United States in 1979 with his young family the 30-year-old Belorussia-born Jew had no money no education and spoke no English
Nevertheless the bus-iness-minded good-with-his-hands Kavalerchik ndash a dead-ringer for actor Al Pacino during the latterrsquos Hollywood gangster film days ndash was deter-mined to carve out his own little slice of American pie
Make that cobbler for the vocation he would settle into would be the shoe-repair business
ldquoWe came to Houston and the JCC help us to move to apartment and help us for two monthsrdquo said the heavily accented Kavalerchik who picked up conversational English not from taking formal classes like some others who escaped the Soviet Union in the late rsquo70s but by listening to the language his children were learning to read and write and speak in American public schools
Kavalerchik now a Texan pulled himself up by the bootstraps and held down jobs doing maintenance and factory work Then one day in 1981 he met a Jewish man Kalman Witenberg who ran a shoe-repair
businessldquoHe told me Yoursquore going to be a shoemaker And yoursquore going to
make enough money to pay your bills Yoursquore never going to be a mil-lionaire but therersquos going to be enough money to support your familyrdquo Kavalerchik said
He obliged and in 1985 went into the shoe-repair busi-ness himself Feet first
Kavalerchik learned the ins and outs of the time-honored trade for a year and established himself at a storefront at West Bellfort Street and Chimney Rock Road Two years into the business he acquired a second
shop and split his time between the two He then opted to sell the first location and devoted his energies to the second Hersquos managed that loca-tion at 10815 S Post Oak Rd at Willowbend Boulevard since 1990 and today employs two workers
The dusty little shop enjoys a steady stream of loyal customers many from the neighborhood Blacks Jews and Latinos mostly Itrsquos a business built on reputation Kavalerchikrsquos is good Peachy in fact The front door has a little bell that tinkles
ldquoI can do all kind of jobs ndash regular jobs and orthopedic jobsrdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoI have customers who bring ladies shoes that cost
A peachy cobbler
Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American dream
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 23
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymore Itrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you
must have patience This is the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
ndash Alex Kavalerchik
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Alex Kavalerckik is proprietor of an old-school shoe-repair shop in Southwest Houston His hand tools include a hammer that the shoprsquos previous owner used in a Nazi concentration camp
24 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Supporting the needs of the
Jewish Community
CHEVRA KADISHA OF HOUSTON
Jewish Burial Society
Continuing the sacred tradition of preparing thedeceased for burial with
care and respect
(713) 776-2438
Young Israel
of Houston
7823 Ludington DriveHouston Texas 77071
713-729-0719wwwyihoustonorg
hundreds even thousands of dollars They bring cowboy boots that cost $5000-$6000 Very expensive I do it all ndash refinish resole reshape fix completely the shoesrdquo
And itrsquos not just footwear During the interview with the Jewish Herald-Voice a woman came into the shop with a designer leather bag that had a torn strap ldquoAlaska Airlinesrdquo she grumbled Kavalerchik promised to fix it like new A few minutes later a Polish-speaking doctor came in to pick up a repaired leather dog leash Kavalerchik who grew up speaking Russian with his parents and Yiddish with his grandparents was able to converse with the man in his native tongue They shared a few chuck-les The man dressed in blue-green hospital scrubs was pleased with Kavalerchikrsquos work and tipped him 100 percent on the bill Shortly there-after a slow-moving man with a walking stick and a Korean War cap came in with a belt job
Kavalerchik even does the exotic Can he fix a pair of gilded alligator-skin sneakers No problem (Hersquos done three) How about repair-ing a set of chairs made from elephant feet Um sure why not NBA stars who take advan-
tage of his services are asked to call in advance Size 17s require special order
Some of the more challenging yet reward-ing jobs are those to salvage shoes chewed up by the family dog
ldquoThis you must have a talent to fix itrsquos a tough jobrdquo said Kavalerchik holding up a black patent leather stiletto that bore scars on the heel from large canine teeth ldquoYou donrsquot make too much money on this but the cus-tomer is really happy when I make it look like new againrdquo
Tacked to the wall above the front counter of Kavalerchikrsquos shop is an 8-foot diamondback rattlesnake skin Therersquos also a black-and-white portrait of Al Pacino from ldquoScarfacerdquo While vacationing in Las
Vegas and once in Galveston the Belorussian was hounded for an autograph from fans who mis-took him for the Oscar-winning actor Retelling the stories splits Kavalerchikrsquos face into a smile
The storefront gives way to a multi-roomed workshop in back Itrsquos vintage 1950s outfitted with well-used wooden workbenches walls of racks with customersrsquo shoes and boots (each bearing a colorful toe tag) drawers and cubbyholes filled with bits and buckles and all sorts of odds and ends for leather and shoe work Wooden shoe lasts spools of heavy thread and folds of leather
and rubber adorn door frames and corners Metal taps for dance shoes hang from hooks A random assortment of loose shoe and boot heel parts are stockpiled in a divider mounted to a wall ldquoThey donrsquot make these like they used tordquo Kavalerchik said dusting off an orange-and-white-boxed specimen from half a century ago
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Cowboy boots and orthopedic shoes make up a good deal of Kavalerchikrsquos business
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 25
1500 Sunset Boulevard Houston Texas 77005
7135356400 wwwbeckerschoolorg
Accredited by NAEYCrsquos National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Learning through play
bull Ages 15 months through 5 years bull Extended care 8am - 530pm
bull Developmentally appropriate curriculumbull Extra-curricular classes available
bull Bridge to Kindergarten class
Since 1989
Call for a tourNow accepting applications
for 2012-2013
Congregation Emanu El Becker Early Childhood Center
6401 Woodway(in Whole Foods Plaza)
7133344900
Fabulous Womenrsquos Apparel amp Accessories
4048 Bellaire Blvd(in the Whole Foods Plaza)
7136653336FrenchCuffCocom
labeled ldquoCatrsquos PawrdquoBuilt into a corner post of the main work-
bench is a glue reservoir Plugging the well is a half-dollar-sized metal cap with a rod run-ning through it sporting an applicator brush Long dribbles of glue have oozed caked and dried down the edges of the post looking like a model of a volcano from a school sci-ence fair A photographer friend of Kavalerchikrsquos comes by on occasion to shoot close-up pho-tos of the unique formations
There are industrial ma-chines at every elbow turn stitchers sanders cutters tack-ers buffers Something called an Auto Soler and another called a Heel Popper Some are more than a 100 years old Real made-in-America stuff From cities like Chicago and St Louis Art deco in shape and lines Nickel-plated enameled steel and chromed in work grime
ldquoI have one machine made in 1890 It never breaksrdquo Kavalerchik said fondly
Other equipment however has broken down over the years Kavalerchik has learned to do the repairs himself Out of necessity ldquoItrsquos
very important to learn how to fix this equip-ment Itrsquos very old and nobody knows how to fix it I have to do it myself If this part breaks you have to make a new onerdquo he said
The workshoprsquos few modern conveniences
include a small electric box fan a 26-inch TV that seems stuck on Channel 8 and the occa-sional pinup girl wall calendar One room boasts an empty bottle collection on a top shelf ldquoWe Russians drink cognac after work and vodka at homerdquo Kavalerchik explained Therersquos a row of vintage US postage stamps
affixed to a workbench shelf that dates back to the shoprsquos previous owner a man named Sam Sill
The Polish-born Sill was a Holocaust survivor who worked in a factory making
boots for German army officers Kavalerchik said
ldquoThis hammer he brought from the old country Itrsquos from Germany 1942rdquo said Kavalerchik lifting the worn tool from his workbench ldquoThis guy worked with this hammer in con-centration camprdquo He then palmed a second hammer nearby with simi-lar history Though Kavalerchik has owned the business for the past 22 years he has kept the name ldquoSamrsquos Shoe Repairrdquo
The man who gave Kavalerchik his birth into the business Kalman Witenberg also was a Polish Holocaust survivor Edith Mincberg
was a customer of Witenbergrsquos back in the day and remembers him as a friendly and lively man ldquoHe loved to carry on Yiddish conversations with my late husband Joe Mincbergrdquo Edith told the JHV Witenberg a survivor of Auschwitz among other camps according to Holocaust Museum Houston records died in 2003
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
The 1950s-era shop includes equipment thatrsquos more than 100 years old
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Foot and Ankle
Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery
Podiatry Associates of Houston
Michael A Mineo DPM FACFASDavid L Blumfield DPM FACFASKeith L Jacobson DPM FACFAS
Vito Speciale DPM
6699 Chimney Rock 102713-666-0287
18220 Tomball Pkwy 220832-912-7792
705 S Fwy 215281-579-0816
915 Gessner 380713-467-1299
Times have changed over the course of Kavalerchikrsquos career as an old-school cobbler Many of his early customers were high school graduates whose parents wanted to send their kids off to college in a pair of spiffy penny loafers ldquoThese days itrsquos a different life Kids wear sneakersrdquo Kavalerchik said
The cobbler doesnrsquot wax nostalgic however over the profession that many people including himself view as a dying art
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymorerdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoItrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you must have patience This the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
Kavalerchik has entertained the occasional apprentice but none has stuck it out The cobbler predicts that in 15 20 years time the business will be dead save for a few shops here and there
ldquoThis business is like Jewish language [Yiddish]rdquo he said ldquoBefore people speak it fluently Now itrsquos only a few old guysrdquo
The trade has been good to the man who said he stood a 50-50 chance of winding up dead if he had stayed in the Soviet Union Itrsquos given him his American dream
ldquoIf I can afford to put my children through college this was my dream to come to America This was my dream to give my children education because I did not have time in Russia to get education myselfrdquo Kavalerchik said
ldquoOld people died in these shops They worked like dogs I donrsquot do this I work eight hours a day I go to lunch I go on vacationrdquo he said ldquoHere I have easy life I have my family I have place to sleep I go on vacation twice a year Irsquom happy with my children [Michael and Fannett]rdquo Every other year Kavalerchik visits his father in Israel
Sitting in the front room of his workshop ndash the room with the bottle collection ndash is a large cardboard box full of shoes belonging to his wife Roza Kavalerchik promises hersquoll get to them soon Near the box standing upright in the corner is a clutch of fishing poles
ldquoThese here are very important toolsrdquo said Kavalerchik again with that smile ldquoSaturday at 4 I close up and take my tools straight to the boatrdquo c
Shoe-making skills saved Sillrsquos life duringthe HolocaustBY MICHAEL C DUKE
Sam Sill was the previous owner of Samrsquos Shoe Repair in Southwest Houston
When he sold the business to Alex Kavalerchik some 22 years ago he passed along his tools to the new proprietor These included a pair of hammers that helped save Sill from the Nazi death machine in Europe Kavalerchik said that Sill told him that he Sill as a concentration camp prisoner used the hammers to make boots for German army officers during the war
Houstonian Dr David Wolf ndash a podiatrist ndash is first cousin to Samrsquos wife Ruthie Wolf has preserved an original copy of Sillrsquos immigra-tion papers which state that he Sill was born
Calligraphy by Eileen
Envelope AddressingBarBat Mitzvahs
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Temple SinaiThe Reform Jewish Congregation in West Houston
A warm friendly amp vibrant community where friendship
and caring are combined with a religious faith ritual observance social interaction and education
for adults and children
Join Rabbi Annie Belford and the Temple Sinai Congregation
for Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 730 PM
13875 Brimhurst 281-495-5950Houston Tx 77077 wwwtemple-sinaiorg
TEMPLE SINAI
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
Service with a smileGoing beyond the call of duty
For all of your real estate needs
Terry CominskyRealtor Associate713-558-3331
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OyDo We Know PrintingProudly serving the Jewish Commmunity and Houston
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with high quality commercial printing
Simon Printing CompanyFine Lithography
10810 Craighead
Houston Texas 77025
713-666-1296
Fax 713-666-4111wwwsimonprintingcom
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Tissue PaperSelf Seal BagsCoffee BagsAutomatic Pull BowsShrink Wrap BagsClear Acetate BoxesRibbonShrink Film RollsTheme BoxesRaffi aGift BoxesGift Wrap PaperCurling RibbonOrganza bags
TulleShredded Paper FillerShipping BoxesMerchandise BagsBubble WrapShopping BagsNewsprintGift BagsKraft Rolls of PaperPoly Frosted BagsCellophane RollsHigh-Density Poly Merchandise BagsCellophane Bags
Hours of OperationMonday - Friday 900 AM to 600 PM
Saturday 1000 AM to 600 PM4404 Richmond Ave bull Houston Texas 77027Phone 713-524-5454 bull Fax 713-524-5450
wwwpalmerpkgcom
Gift Wrap ServiceRetail Packaging Supplies
HOUSTONrsquoS ONLY JEWISH OWNED
HEADSTONE amp MONUMENT COMPANY
EXCLUSI V ELY JEWISH MEMORI ALS
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ASK FOR SA NDY GA ITZ
713-984-2010A SUBSIDIARY OF 4D SIGN WORX LLC
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
Montessori integrated curriculum In a loving caring and safe atmosphere your child will learn and grow with a proven program based on excellence and experience
Registration is now open
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
((771133))666666--00225577
We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
4-Show PackageSStart aS low aS
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TUTSCOM 713558TUTS groups of 15+ call 7135588888
A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
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LERNER AND LOEWErsquoS
Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
CFPreg and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERtrade marks are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Boardrsquos initial and ongoing certification requirements Registered Representative of and offers securities products investment advisory services and financial planning services through MML Investors Services Inc member SIPC Supervisory Office 3 Greenway Plaza Suite 1700 Houston Texas 77046 713402-3800 The K Corporation is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services Inc Insurance offered through Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and other fine companies
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
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Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
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713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
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Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
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ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
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Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
wwwucntexascom
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COMPLETE GUIDE to
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for Greater Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast
713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
JUNI ERSE
JUNI ERSE
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
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Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
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April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
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TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
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Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
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2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
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UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
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- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
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-
BY MATT SAMUELS
This summer more than 100 Jewish teens from across the country will come together to put on a grand performance in Houston There will
be singing there will be dancing there also will be plenty of drama arts food and live music
The big show will be the culmination of all the hard work by teens volunteers and professionals who will converge in Houston in August for the 2012 JCC Maccabi ArtsFest
What began in 2006 as a complement to the annual summer Maccabi Games ArtsFest allows teens to express themselves artistically through skill workshops live performances and art exhibitions while strengthening their bonds to their Jewish heritage community and Israel
Although ArtsFest still is evolving trying
to find its identity 2012rsquos director Brittany Horwitt believes Houston has what it takes to bring it to the next level
ldquoArtsFest is just such a great concept and I love itrdquo Horwitt said ldquoWe are kind of in a building year and I think Houston has done a great job of promoting the program in a positive light I think the teens will have a great time and it will help build the future of ArtsFestrdquo
ArtsFest 2012 will feature 115 teens from 20 cities who will be in artistic-oriented work-shops They then will join forces with the Maccabi Games athletes who are being hosted in Houston for the first time since 2007
Houston is one of three communities host-ing 2012 Maccabi Games but it is the only venue including ArtsFest This is only the sec-ond time ArtsFest is being combined with the US Maccabi Games
ldquoItrsquos a challenge because we are still work-ing out the kinks in putting the two events together But itrsquos a win-win for both teams because everyone is together and it is one great experiencerdquo said Horwitt who was part of the 2010 Houston delegation in Baltimore ldquoTeens that are not into competition or athletics they have a place in ArtsFest This is a great addi-tion to JCC Maccabirdquo
Teens aged 13-16 will arrive Sunday Aug 5 for the opening ceremonies at Rice University Beginning Monday morning they will divide up going into their respective workshops where they will work for most of the week
As part of the program there is a planned mitzvah project to help the community and the final live show which will have all of the arts on display
Part of what allows ArtsFest to be such a success is the participation of the professional
6 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ArtsFest 2012 Promises to Deliver
Teens from across the US came together for the final show of ArtsFest in Northern Virginia in 2008
Houston a State-of-the-Art Performance
instructors Whether from Houston or travel-ing here from around the country they will assume the role of artists in residence for the week to give the ArtsFest teens an experience to paint dance or cook with the best of the best
ldquoThe artists donrsquot all come to Maccabi for the social scene ndash some are really coming for their art workrdquo Horwitt said ldquoThe teens have the opportunity to put on their resume that they worked with some of these great artists in residencerdquo
ArtsFest will be divided into seven special-ties actingimprov culinary dance musical theater visual art vocal music and rockjazz music Each specialty workshop will be led by at least one artist in residence who will work directly with the teens
The 2012 theme ldquoHope and Changerdquo will be celebrated through the seven different areas of concentration
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 7
Traditions Onstage And In Real Life
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ArtsFest 2012 Promises to DeliverHouston a State-of-the-Art Performance
8 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Building up the dramaTeens in the actingimprov group will work
together to form an ensemble exploring vari-ous techniques and traditions of theater and improvisation ranging from Shakespearean theater to American sketch comedy
Native Houstonian and theater artist in residence Stephanie Wittles will bring her vast experience to the ArtsFest stage
ldquoAs a newcomer to ArtsFest I am slightly terrified about creating rehearsing and per-forming a theatrical masterpiece in only four short days but I am up for the challenge and confident that these talented actors will rise to the occasionrdquo Wittles said
Teens will learn about acting script analy-sis and improvisation They also will be chal-lenged to develop material to be part of a larger interdisciplinary performance for the grand finale at ArtsFest
ldquoTheater is something I have been doing myself since childhood and so many of my closest friendships have blossomed as a resultrdquo Wittles said ldquoI hope to give my kids the same enriching opportunity this summer I am eager to get startedrdquo
A culinary delightTeens in the culinary arts specialty will
be engaged ndash choosing the right ingredients learning new cooking techniques and under-standing the history and culture behind many foods
Part of the recipe will be for the teens to go to a local farmerrsquos market to learn how to plan a menu and to understand the process of transforming raw ingredients into deli-
cious dishes Houston-area artists in residence are Sam
Beierbegan currently executive chef at A Fare Extraordinaire and Sarah Brook founder and CEO of Dessert Gallery Bakery amp Cafe
ldquoDesserts have been my passion for as long as I can rememberrdquo Brook said ldquoThere are few things more gratifying than finding something you love making it your lifersquos work and then being given the opportunity to share that magic with a new generation
ldquoThroughout my three decades in the dessert industry in Houston I have been so grateful for the support and devotion I have received from my hometownrsquos Jewish community Being given the chance to give back to that community and reaching oth-ers through this amazing program is a real honorrdquo
The program will conclude with the pres-entation of a menu and the production of catered dishes to be served as part of the
weekrsquos final presentation
Dancing with tomorrowrsquos starsTeens in the dance portion of ArtsFest will
explore dance techniques and develop perform-ance skills such as focus intention dramatic and technical range and expansion of move-ment vocabulary
Participants will be introduced to the ori-gins and history of contemporary dance as an expressive and creative art form and learn its role in transmission of culture expression and storytelling
The artists in residence are Houston native Cat Cogliandro and Nicholas Ross of Nicholas Andre Dance studio in New York Ross has choreographed more than 16 works for his company and has toured all over the country
ldquoI am excited to work with all of the partici-pantsrdquo Ross said ldquoI bring a very athletic style to my choreography and I hope to inspire some future artists I also hope to meet people from all over and share our experiencesrdquo
Dancers will create both solos and group work learning to balance individuality with the work of an ensemble The program will finish with the creation of a new work that will be part of the weekrsquos final presentation
A musical chorusTeens signed up for musical theater will
work on vocal technique dance and move-ment skills and song interpretation abilities
Participants will have the opportunity to explore a vast range of material including musical selections from the standard com-edy drama and musical theater repertoire as well as nondramatic sources
Musical theater artists will express their creativity by developing original individual pieces as well as by performing professional musical numbers as part of an ensemble
The artist in residence is Naomi Ackerman Traveling from Los Angeles she is an experienced actor whose credits include theater musicals films and television
Teens show off their acting skills at ArtsFest 2009 in New Orleans
Teens learn how to fillet a fish during ArtsFest 2009 in New Orleans
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 9
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Creating a masterpieceParticipants in the fine arts will be able to
sharpen their technique while using a variety of art materials to design a series of projects for their portfolio as well as create a piece of public art to be included as a part of the final performance
Public art is an important expanding field within the discipline of visual arts and is relevant to painters sculptors printmakers fabric artists graphic designers and visual artists of all types
The artist in residence is Julie Brook Alex-ander a Houston artist whose work combines original photography collage and mixed media
ldquoI hope to give the students a chance to develop individually and to enjoy the group experience of ArtsFestrdquo Alexander said ldquoThere is nothing more energizing than inspiring creativity and working in the midst of a creative community
ldquoI hope to provide to the kids an opportunity to look at themselves in a new light through photography painting collage and writingrdquo Alexander said ldquoWe will work on a series of self-portraits and on an indi-vidual artist statement that guides this art-making I want each student to prepare work that shares unique insight into themselvesrdquo
The program will end with the creation and sharing of a new work that will be displayed prominently as part of the weekrsquos final presentation
A vocal experienceTeens in vocal music will enhance their onstage performance skills
both as soloists and as part of an ensemble or choir Participants will work on rhythmic skills pitch and harmonization
The artist in residence from Florida is Beth Schafer who has spent her
career redefining Jewish music by combining masterful songwriting with sensitivity to liturgy and unique insight into text She specializes in music for Torah-minded adults looking for an extension to their Jewish lives through music
Schafer will work with ArtsFest teens to examine how differing song styles reflect the identity of the vocal artist Teens also will explore the crafting of performance techniques as well as the emotional authenticity of an artist during a performance
The program will conclude with performing a special piece at the weekrsquos final presentation
Rock onSingers and songwriters will put their talents to the test in the rock
jazz music specialty There will be guitar bass keyboardpiano drums horns and rock-oriented strings Participants will examine the art of song-writing performance techniques and will analyze the changing world of modern Jewish music
Teens will form bands based on style ability and instrumentation The bands will play cover and jam learning from LA-based artist in residence Josh Nelson one of the most popular performers and producers in modern Jewish music
The program will culminate in the creation and sharing of a new work that will be part of the weekrsquos final presentation
The art of caringArtsFest and Maccabi Games teens will come together during the week
for JCC CaresMore than 1200 teens will work with Jacques DrsquoAmboisersquos nonprofit
National Dance Institute to help bring their amazing dance program to underprivileged and special needs youth of greater Houston
The teens will provide supplies activities refreshments and profes-sional instructors at different locations At each venue athletes will be paired with a child and go to a NDI dance class taught by instructors from various Houston dance companies
Houstonian Kathy Parven is coordinating the programldquoOur goal is to provide the teens a personal engaging and reward-
ing experience as they bring and share the activities celebrating the arts to local underserved and special needs children throughout Houstonrdquo Parven said ldquoWhen we developed this program model in 2007 the teens loved the experience the children had a wonderful time and truly felt special and even the volunteers and staff that helped were in tears Itrsquos a win-win for everyonerdquo
Encore performanceThe final victory will be the ArtsFest grand performance All seven
groups will come together and put on a live show that will display every-thing the teens learned
ldquoWe really want to fill the seats and have an audience for these teens because they will be working so hard for the weekrdquo Horwitt said
Horwitt also hopes that the final performance will be the exclamation point the weeklong event needs to bring ArtsFest to the next level
ldquoMy goals and expectations are to really educate the community about the program and what a fantastic program it isrdquo Horwitt said ldquoAnd for the teens I want them to be excited about JCC Maccabi ArtsFest
ldquoMy ultimate goal this year is that this program grows from here on out ndash and I really think it will Itrsquos just such a great concept and draw for teens Itrsquos like my baby ndash I love itrdquo
For the location of the final show contact the ERJCC 713-729-3200 c
EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER5601 S Braeswood | Houston Texas 77096 7137293200
1000 AM ndash 200 PM
10 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
The first ERJCC Houston teens to participate in JCC Maccabi ArtsFest Northern Virginia 2008 Philip Kar-jeker Dorie Mishael Lindsay Kapp Miriam Lavenda with delegation head Brittany Horwitt
BY AARON HOWARD
P liant is not an adjective we nor-mally associate with wood Pliant suggests a capability of being easily bent a yielding nature or
adaptability We usually think of terms like strength and resistance when we think of woodrsquos qualities ndash as in hardwood We think of flat straight lines Thatrsquos because wood typically is used to make items like tables So the wood is flat and straight cut
Wood artist Isaac Cohen goes against the grain His wooden chests curve His bookcases swirl His wooden Star of David bends
Cohen sees wood differently ldquoI love to take wood to the extremerdquo he said ldquoI think
in wood How can I bend it What kind of shapes can I make For me the challenge is to see how far I can push the wood Every species of wood is a different give Some are soft some are hard
ldquoObviously the worst sound you can hear is CRACK the sound when wood refuses to yield anymore One piece can take a bend but the very next piece will not yield It breaksrdquo
Cohen is perhaps best-known locally as the person who designed and built the 12-foot-high steel Magen Shlomo ndash Shield of Solomon (The Lone Star) Chanukah Menorah commissioned by Chabad Lubavitch of Houston which was displayed in The Galleria in December 2011 Others know Cohen as the artist who has designed
and built wooden art cars over the past decade for Houstonrsquos annual Art Car Parade
Cohen won the Mayorrsquos Cup for ldquoBest In Showrdquo in 2004 For 2012rsquos Art Car Parade Cohen constructed something different ldquoHeroesrdquo a model F-18 Navy fighter jet atop a Geo Metro dedicated to the men and women of the US military services
Cohen recently gave the Jewish Herald-Voice a tour through his 85000-foot warehouse in Houstonrsquos East End The warehouse serves as studio and home of his retail art framing business Among the collection are his art cars and ldquoTV Christmas Treerdquo an installation he made for Houstonrsquos Discovery Green with wood and 20 television sets Yet his custom-
Houston sculptor works against the grain
A Bend in the Wood
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohenrsquos wooden gull-winged Splinter creation was showcased in the April 2008 Houston Art Car Parade
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 11
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
made furniture for example includes a chest of drawers whose graceful arched lines are reminiscent of a beautiful sailboat hull And while the top of one of Cohenrsquos book-cases begins in its proper place at the apex on the left side it plummets down to the bot-tom of the piece like an adrenaline-pumping speed slide
During the tour the phone rang ldquoTake this callrdquo Cohen said to his sons in the next room ldquoPeople think I work here I try hard not to give them that impression What I do now I do for funrdquo
Thatrsquos the key to understanding how Cohen creates He plays Hersquos now 60 years
old and hersquos like one of those old lions on the savannah well fed healthy free from stress and roaring ndash simply for the joy of roaring
Cohen came to Houston from Israel in 1979 In Israel he built custom furniture in his youth and later ran a chain of pizzerias In 1985 he opened a wholesale framing business Classy Art Wholesalers
ldquoWe had to struggle for survival at firstrdquo Cohen said ldquoBut by 1990 we were doing well and we moved our business into our current locationrdquo
In 2002 as his 50th birthday approached Cohen decided he wanted to make his own birthday present A car he named Splinter Over the frame of a restored 1989 Honda Accord he envisioned a wooden body using one-quarter-inch thick strips of ash and wal-nut ndash about 5000 feet of wooden strips glued together so they could bend to the shape of the car frame
Cohen has the original simple drawing now framed labeled ldquoFirst Ideardquo He com-pleted Splinter in June 2003
Join us for ldquoan adventure of the spiritrdquo
Cantor Vadim Tunitsky Senior Rabbi Scott Hausman-Weiss Rabbi Pamela Silk Rabbi Samantha Kahn
ldquoCongregation Emanu El is a Reform synagogue firmly rooted in our covenant with God and the Jewish People We are a caring community dedicated to inspiring the love of God teaching the joys of Jewish living and sharing our mission to be a light unto the nationsrdquo
Minyan Next DorMonthly eruv Shabbat for Houstonrsquos young-er adults
Torah Enrichment on ShabbatChoose from a variety of classes with the rabbi
Weekly Meditation Service
EducationAdult educationBecker Early Childhood CenterHelfman Religious School
1500 Sunset Blvd 713-529-5771wwwemanuelhoustonorg
And MoreBrotherhoodSisterhoodEmanu EldersHelfman Religious School PTA Becker Early Childhood PTOYouth GroupCub and Boy Scouts
An adventure of the spirit
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohen was commissioned to build a 12-foot-tall chanukiah that was kindled inside The Galleria Houston in De-cember 2011
JHV AARON HOWARD
The ldquoFirst Ideardquo sketch for Splinter
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
N o r t h B r a e s w o o d a t C h i m N e y r o C kB R A E S W O O D S Q U A R E
B
Trade secrets There are two methods by which
you can get wood to bend wet and dry
You can use steam which dis-solves some of the bonds between wood fibers Steam weakens and stretches the fibers and allows them to reform during the cooling process
Cohen doesnrsquot use steam or water He dry bends Although he will not give away his secrets he does use wood strips which must be glued to something else such as a form
ldquoWhen you bend dry wood it doesnrsquot maintain its shape by itselfrdquo said Cohen ldquoYou must glue the wood pieces to some-thing else even themselves otherwise the wood would spring back to its original flat-nessrdquo
Wood wants to spring back to its origi-nal shape The tighter the bend the more wood wants to spring back And therersquos no formula no pre-set way of telling how much a strip of wood will spring back or break Itrsquos all a matter of trial and error
For example Cohen created a hang-ing Magen David inside a circle by first dry bending two different-colored wooden strips into a perfect circle Then inside the circle he twisted two other strips until he was able to fashion the interlocking star
ldquoI believe in myselfrdquo said Cohen ldquobut I never believe that the wood will cooperate with merdquo
Fresh startTo begin Cohen decides on a project
Then he decides what species of wood would look best for the project
ldquoWhen I decided to create my wooden truck Big J I saw that to my eye rose-wood looked much better than mahogany Rosewood has such a deep color that it
allows you to see the straight lines The design for that vehicle was a basic octa-gon with many straight lines rather than curves All the wood used for that vehicle came from the same tree So therersquos a single design pattern all over the car except for the tiny changes in the spacing of the tree rings You have to examine the wood really closely to see thatrdquo
Of note all hardwoods get more difficult to bend the closer the artist gets to the cen-ter of the tree Thatrsquos because the wood is denser closer to the core
ldquoSo when you get pieces that are near the center ndash you recognize that by looking at the distance between rings from the edge of a piece ndash the wood gives me a run for my moneyrdquo said Cohen
ldquoI never considered myself an artist Irsquove never taken a class I didnrsquot think of myself as an artist until I received the Lifetime Achievement award for Best Artist from the
Art Car Museum Now I guess I can call myself an artistrdquo
Unlike most other artists Cohen rarely sells his pieces although hersquos been offered as much as $16 million for Splinter
ldquoIrsquoll tell you whyrdquo he said ldquoFive years ago I donated Slider to the Orange Show This was another car I created They auc-tioned the car off to benefit the Orange Show I had put in more than 2000 hours creating Slider It was absolutely like one of my children I cannot forget the awful feeling of loss I had when I let the car go It was gone after being in my shop every day for over a year
ldquoToday when I build something on commission I can see it differently But even so itrsquos difficult to let gordquo
We can appreciate Cohenrsquos feelings When yoursquove put as many hours into your ldquochildrenrdquo as he has it is sometimes hard to let them part c
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohenrsquos F-18 Fighter Jet pays tribute to the ldquoheroes of freedomrdquo Cohen drove the car in the May 2010 Houston Art Car Parade
JHV AARON HOWARD
Isaac Cohenrsquos bent woodMagen David
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15 Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2011 | JhVonlinecom | 14
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6200 North Braeswood Boulevard Houston Texas 770747137785700 - wwwsevenacresorg
n Fulltime medical services with onsite physicians and geriatric nurse practitionersn Customized skilled nursing care and rehabilitation including physical occupational speech and IV therapyn Great facilities and a nurturing environment
ERJCC dance instructor is creative talent behind Dance Month and moreBY ALICE ADAMS
I trsquos a Monday after 7 pm and dance director Maxine Silberstein has yet to finish her day at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center And this particular day is no busier than any other time of the week
Silberstein is responsible not only for coordinating the JCCrsquos dance pro-gram cultural outreach programs and partnerships and the IW Marks Master Classes but also serves as artistic director for Dance Month ndash now in its 33rd season ndash at the Kaplan Theatre In addition she coordinates Maccabi dance for Team Houston and the annual Tirkedu Houston an Israeli folk dance weekend But thatrsquos not all Shersquos been a teacher of dance for more than three decades as well as dance director for the ERJCCrsquos Arts and Culture Department
Yet her love of dance began long before Dance Month began or the Houston Ballet took the stage
ldquoMy father would sit beside me in the darkness of a Galveston auditorium or the old Music Hall in downtown Houston so I could see the leading prima ballerinas of Ballet Russes and other prominent companies dancing in the spotlightrdquo she recalled and as she watched the little girl who grew up in
Place Where Jewish Culture Thrives Through Dance
JHV MATT SAMUELS
ERJCC dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15
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Texas City took notice of every detail ndash from the artistsrsquo finely positioned feet to the curve of their arms and the placement of delicate fin-gers ldquoIt was always magicalrdquo she remembered
ldquoMy mother started me in dance lessons when I was quite young I was probably 5 or 6rdquo said Silberstein taking a rare time out ldquoI was that kid who was hanging by my arms and legs from the barre or in some way not following instructions Needless to say I didnrsquot receive much encouragement from that teacherrdquo she added
ldquoOnly a few weeks into my dance career my teacher commented that she didnrsquot know exactly why my mother was wasting her money on dance lessons for me That was Motherrsquos cue to move me so I could study with Doris Hede in La Marque and that experience is exactly why I would never discourage any child from study-ing dancerdquo Silberstein added ldquoeven the ones using the barre as a jungle gymrdquo
Realizing her passion for dance by her early teens the athletic young dancer eagerly par-ticipated in programs offered by the Houston Youth Symphony and Ballet where dance teachers and students from the area gathered to rehearse performances at the old City Hall across from the Rice Hotel
After high school graduation Silberstein was unable to attend the University of
Oklahoma which had a flourishing dance program at the time under the tutelage of prima ballerina Maria Tallchief Instead she attended the University of Houston where she earned a bachelorrsquos degree in special edu-cation and physical education with a minor
in dance performanceThroughout her college career the tena-
cious dancer took full advantage of every opportunity that presented itself In doing so she was to study and learn various forms of dance with some of the countryrsquos greatest and
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Melissa Darlow Ariel Brown Lauren Liss and Alyssa Cohen work on their 2012 Maccabi Games dance routine with dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
most prolific choreographers including Fred Strobel Anita Dyche Camille Long Hill Patsy Swayze and Rudy Jenkins in Houston In New York her training included the Alvin Ailey Peridance Center Jennifer Mueller Merce Cunningham Jo Jo Smith Broadway Dance Center and Steps
ldquoWhen I was in college I taught andor substituted for absent teachers in the JCCrsquos adult dance program when the center was located on Hermann Driverdquo she recalled She began working part time as a dance teacher at the J in 1974
ldquoI had met and married my husband Bubba Silberstein in the interimrdquo she explained ldquoand after we began our family I decided to teach dance and raise our children Brent and Steffanirdquo
In 1980 Silberstein was named director of the JCCrsquos dance program after director Lisa Rollrsquos exit
ldquoAfter Lisa left the board was not able to
identify someone to take over the position so I said I would be happy to do it until someone is hired Needless to say Irsquom still here todayrdquo laughed the teacherdancerdirector
Silberstein said it was only natural that
the JCC offer a dance program because of its reputation for programming around health wellness sports and physical activities ldquoDance easily fits into this type of program-mingrdquo she pointed out ldquoand classes were a vehicle for bringing Jewish children together in dance Itrsquos for anyone for all denomina-tions and all ages and itrsquos also a United Way-
funded center and open to everyone who wanted to learn to dancerdquo
So it follows that the high point of Silbersteinrsquos career is inspiring student dancers
ldquoAs director Irsquove had the opportunity of doing many things but being able to teach children to build their confi-dence and esteem to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worth-while And now I am teaching my former studentsrsquo children and the grandchil-dren of my peersrdquo
P r o f e s s i o n a l inf luences have included Mikhail Baryshnikov and
Ohad Naharin the latter an Israeli artis-tic directorchoreographer of the Batsheva Dance Company He also is the originator of Gaga an innovative movement language which has emerged as a growing force in the larger field of movement practices for both dancers and non-dancers
ldquoAt the time we brought him to Houston
a symbol of distinction in assisted living
bull 24 Hour Assistance and Personalized Carebull Elegant Dining Servicesbull Medication Supervisionbull Social Cultural and Recreational activitiesbull Wellness Center with Heated Aquatherapy Poolbull A fully equipped socialmedia centerbull Peace of Mind in a Family Oriented Secure Setting
License ID 102491
wwwthemedallionorg6262 North Braeswood Boulevard
Houston Texas 77074(713) 778-5777
Affiliated with Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Lauren Liss Ariel Brown and Ryan Bryandt follow the lead of dance instructor Maxine Silberstein at the ERJCC
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
he had a company in New Yorkrdquo Silberstein remem-bered ldquoIt was very exciting to have him here And when I think of where he is today and the influ-ence on the world of dance That was a highlightrdquo
As artistic director of Dance Month Silberstein said she believed it was extremely important first and foremost to Houstonrsquos Jewish community because audiences have been able to see on stage a number of Israeli and Yemeni dancers like Sara Levi-Tanai ldquoThe choreography of these groups reflects the Jewish culture in that it is powerful and risk taking at its corerdquo she noted ldquoItrsquos how they live their lives on the edge In general itrsquos a wonderful opportunity for Houston audiences to see Judaism in dance and how the culture and Jewish choreographers have phenomenally influenced dance all over the worldrdquo
With more than 35 years of teaching Silberstein said her goal is to continue meeting the day-to-day challenges of the programs she directs while remaining an influence in the lives of her students and and their desire to dance to meet their own goals not to be discour-aged
ldquoGrowing up in Texas City I didnrsquot have the advantages of Jewish children in Houston growing up with large congregations BBYOs or a community center I could be a part ofrdquo she explained ldquoBut I had my dance I feel like I hopefully have been an inspiration to other Jewish artists to go forward with their art form Irsquove always this thing as an artist in that I am Jewish Maybe not everything I do in dance is Jewish but I am influenced by Jewish artists and I think itrsquos important for all artists to hold on to their Jewishness to represent our culture in the various art forms
Along with her teaching Silberstein has found time to perform with numerous dance companies in her career served on cultural arts boards and has promoted dance in Houston especially dance centering on the Jewish culture Currently she serves on the board of Uptown Dance Centre the HCC-Central College World Dance Institute board and Society for the Performing Arts Education Committee
Silberstein also gives credit to her supervisor Marilyn Hassid ldquofor her support encouragement and friendship in supporting me in doing the many things we do through arts and culture and the dance program
ldquoIrsquove been very fortunaterdquo she continued ldquoBeing at the ERJCC wersquove brought in many many groups of people who may have never stepped foot in here and theyrsquore coming because of dance In the pro-cess they have been exposed to the Jewish culture Itrsquos important to me that we through the Kaplan Theatre expose our center to everyone who comes here In doing so our Jewish culture will continue to have a strong presence in the Houston community ndash through dancerdquo c
ldquoBeing able to teach children to build their confidence and esteem
to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worthwhilerdquo
ndash Maxine Silberstein
ldquoWe are proud our family launched the Jewish Family Service Passover program providing assistance for the past 20 yearsAs others are generously stepping forwardto support this effort we took a look at our communityrsquos future needsrdquondashJeanne Mandell
ldquoAlong with the blessings of our seniors living longer comes an added responsibility to accommodate the changing needs of this community We know JFS will be there to help The Deutser Hecht Mandell Fund for Senior Adult Financial Aid seeks to fulfill the basic needs of our seniors help them maintain independence in their own homes and empower them with personal dignity in the coming decadesrdquondashPunkin Hecht
ldquoWe feel good about being a part of100 Names
Wonrsquot you join usrdquo
A simple bequest is the most common way for a family to establish a legacy gift
In partnership withJewish Family Servicersquos100th Year Celebrationand Houston JewishCommunity Foundationrsquos Create a Jewish LegacyHouston Jewish Family Foundation
rdavisjfshoustonorg 7136679336wwwjfshoustonorg100names
Benefitting Jewish Family ServiceA New Fund is Added to100 Names for 100 Years
The Deutser HechtMandell Fund
for Senior Adult Financial Aid
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
The Shlenker SchoolCongregation Beth Israel - Houston Texas
For more information or to schedule a tourcontact Gail Rovinsky Director of Admissions
713-270-6127 grovinskyshlenkerorg5600 N Braeswood Houston Texas 77096 wwwshlenkerorg
Yoursquove alwaYs spent moneY wiselY
Donrsquot stop now
For less than half the price of private duty care you could get
bull 24 hour per day licensed care bull Beautiful personal apartment and
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bull Three restaurant-style meals each day bull Memory care for those living with
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includedbull All the privacy or social interaction
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2555 S Braeswood | Houston TX 77025-2805 elmcroftcom Facility 030414
Schedule a personal visit
share your story and
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make Receive a $25
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7138398265
Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Gabby Howard paints her cardCari Cowen with Celebration Company volunteer Joyce Rosen
BY MICHAEL C DUKE PHOTOS BY MATT SAMUELS
Jewish adults with special needs have found a creative outlet at Jewish Family Servicersquos Celebration Company
For the past three years Celebration Company participants have produced note-cards featuring original hand-painted artwork and handmade paper The signed artwork is mounted to the front of the cards which are blank inside and are packaged with envelopes sold either individually or in five-card sets
ldquoThe notecards are a great way for the par-ticipants to express themselves artisticallyrdquo said Nick Tofilon Celebration Companyrsquos director
The cards are available at JFS 4131 S Braeswood Blvd or at Three Brothers Bakery 4036 S Braeswood Blvd
Celebration Company provides meaning-ful employment to people with special needs who ndash with joy purpose and self-esteem ndash cre-ate products that celebrate the good in life c
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Linda Lopen makes a floral paintingMax Schaffer works on her masterpiece
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
What a Difference EmeryWeiner Made
wwwemeryweinerorg bull 8322045900
Thank you so much for a wonderful and I do really mean wonderful Emery experience Itrsquos so sad that Nicole will not be there on a daily basis anymore She told me in third grade that she wanted to attend EWS for middle and high school and it was the best decision that we ever made
- Bonnie Winograd (parent of Class of 2012 Graduate)
ldquo
rdquo
Hebrew Free Loanassociation ndashProviding interest
Free Loans to JewisH Houston area residents since 1932
Loans Available for Emergencies
Healthcare Needs Small Business Assistance
and More For more information or to apply for a loan visit our website at
wwwhflanetor call
713-667-9336 ext221
House of Dereacuteon Media Center is one of the best kept secrets in Houston The eclectic special events venue including state-of-the-art media and conference facilities is housed inside a magnifi cent art deacuteco building located in the heart of Houstonrsquos Midtown District and seated perfectly within the worldwide operations of Music World Entertainment ndash the management company of the worldrsquos 1 female recording group Destinyrsquos Child
Let us turn your next function into a social event to remember
Where your functions become social events
2204 Crawford St Houston Texas l 7137725175 l wwwhouseofdereonmediacentercom
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
reg
National Council of Jewish WomenA fAith iN the future A belief iN ACtioN
Help Houstonrsquos women children and families
JOIN NCJW GHSNational Council of Jewish Women a
nationwide organization of 90000 strong and along with the Greater Houston Sectionrsquos
800+ members takes a progressive stance towards
changing lives through advocacy campaigns and social action by helping
bull At-risk children learn to readbull To ensure reproductive freedom
bull Victims of human traffickingbull Victims of domestic violence
and sexual assaultbull Adolescent survivors of
sexual assaultbull Homeless children
bull Foster children
To learn more about NCJW GHS and how you can get involved visit ncjwhoustonorg or contact us at membershipncjwhoustonorg
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery
from AddictionBY JEANNE F SAMUELS
E stablished 12 years ago Chabad of Sugar Land is headed by Brooklyn-born Rabbi Mendel Feigenson who was brought to Houston in 1995 by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff Fulfilling Chabadrsquos mission to serve Jews throughout the Sugar Land Stafford and Missouri City area Rabbi Feigenson has added a
new facet to his work He has opened his heart and Chabadrsquos doors to a completely underserved segment of the Jewish community It is the newly formed Jewish Recovery Celebration Group which provides support for Jewish recovering alcoholics addicts and members of Alcoholics Anonymous
The truth is contrary to general belief ndash and probably community denial ndash there are Jews who are addicts And those who suffer with addiction face a constant struggle to overcome its grasp
Confronting a definite need Rabbi Feigenson facilitates and organizes social and educational events to help JRCG members merge Judaism with recovery Every other Sunday at 7 pm he integrates the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with the timeless lessons of Torah and Kabbalah The meetings are held in complete privacy when no one else is in the two-year-old Chabad facility
The need for support for Jewish addicts was posed to Rabbi Feigenson by Lynn JHV JEANNE F SAMUELS
Rabbi Mendel Feigenson
Donovan of Galveston She is the only individual in the recently organized group who chooses not to remain anonymous believing her story needs to be told
ldquoShe is an inspirationrdquo the rabbi declared ldquoMore than four months ago she called me saying she had something very important to discuss with me She told me that she has been sober for 25 years and that she has friends who are struggling with addiction The reality is that there are Jews who are drug addicts
ldquoBasically addiction is a diseaserdquo Rabbi Feigenson explained ldquoand addicts cannot help themselves They need group support and our mis-sion is to help our Jewish brethrenrdquo So the rabbi studied the Twelve Steps of AA delved into books on the subject and consulted with some psychiatrists From all this the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group was formed
Presently there are four to six people in the group and Rabbi Feigenson said that the meetings are working well ldquoItrsquos about coming from darkness and making a new liferdquo he pointed out
Credited with encouraging the genesis of JRCG Donovan recalled how she became sober in 1986 taking the train from Harrisburg Pa to Baltimore on Sundays to be part of a Twelve Step group that met in a church ldquoIt was very confusing for me having to separate church and recovery hellip There are no rules regarding religion in AA but most of my support was coming from Christian people Did I have to be Christian to recover
ldquoI had been arrested at 18rdquo she confessed ldquoand the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos com-mon belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
When Donovan moved to Texas in 1990 she continued with AA in churches Although the
West Houston Jewish Community Center had an AA meeting it was not a Jewish recovery group
ldquoI visited with the Jewish Family Service to see if they would help start a Jewish recovery group but they were not accepting of me I spoke to one or two rabbis privately but they werenrsquot receptive either so I kind of let it go for a whilerdquo She noted that perseverance is difficult ldquoThe disease of addiction is not something they know how to deal with
ldquoAs a young girl I was molested by a rabbi and when the Penn State [University] scandal broke loose I became very depressedrdquo she reflected having the need for support at that time ldquoI got on the Internet and Googled Jews in recovery where I read about a Rabbi Kessler at Chabad in Boca Raton Fla I called there and the rabbi told me about a retreat [to be held there] and was it possible I could come It took place this past February with addicts from all over including me Rabbi Abraham J Twerski was the keynote speakerrdquo
The convention inspired Donovan to seek the closest Chabad to Galveston which she found in Sugar Land She telephoned there and Rabbi Feigenson invited her to Shabbat where she had lunch with his wife Chaya After hearing Donovanrsquos story Chaya Feigenson said to her husband ldquoMendel we have to help these peoplerdquo
ldquoMost people know very little about addictionrdquo Donovan empha-sized When I first started someone took me to the rabbi who told me to go home and honor my father and my mother and be a good girlrdquo Also she added ldquoIt must be difficult to drop your children off at a church for recovery Therersquos the worry that theyrsquore brainwashing your child
ldquoThere is so much lack of knowledge especially in the Jewish com-munity If you stay with the thought that Jews donrsquot [become addicts] then people die We need to break that stereotype and lack of informa-tion Jews suffer from drug abuse obesity gambling etc like any other grouprdquo
Donovanrsquos brother a rabbi in Israel took her to AA meetings in Jerusalem where she discovered that there are even rabbis who suffer from alcoholism ldquoSome of usrdquo she pointed out ldquohave had bad experi-ences as childrenrdquo
ldquoThere is such naivetyrdquo Donovan a 58-year-old mother of three and grandmother of eight maintained ldquoRabbi Feigenson is the first in Houston who really heard me and understands the importance of helping every Jewish person It was an incredible day that I met him ldquoWe want to reach out to Jews who are confused and are appealing for help Itrsquos a very special experience to be a Jew in recovery and meet with others who are in recovery also And we can talk to parents free of charge to give them support and help Itrsquos an experience I donrsquot want others to missrdquo
For information about the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group call Rabbi Mendel Feigenson at 832-758-0685 email rabbifeigensongmailcom or visit chabadsugarlandcom c
Congregation Beth Rambam is a warm and welcoming Sephardic congregation led by our young and dynamic Rabbi Daniel Masri
We offer morning and evening services on weekdays and Shabbat There are many fascinating classes and learning opportunities both during the day and evenings offered throughout the week in English Spanish and Hebrew
Alex Pfeffer our fun and entertaining Youth Director leads multiple activities for children of various ages each Shabbat
morning and afternoon and trips throughout the year
713-723-3030 | officebethrambamorg11333 Braesridge | wwwbethrambamorg (coming soon)
C O M E J O I N O U R F A M I L Y
bullbull
22 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ldquoI had been arrested at 18 and the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos common
belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
ndash Lynn Donovan
BY MICHAEL C DUKE
W hen Alex Kavalerchik immigrated to the United States in 1979 with his young family the 30-year-old Belorussia-born Jew had no money no education and spoke no English
Nevertheless the bus-iness-minded good-with-his-hands Kavalerchik ndash a dead-ringer for actor Al Pacino during the latterrsquos Hollywood gangster film days ndash was deter-mined to carve out his own little slice of American pie
Make that cobbler for the vocation he would settle into would be the shoe-repair business
ldquoWe came to Houston and the JCC help us to move to apartment and help us for two monthsrdquo said the heavily accented Kavalerchik who picked up conversational English not from taking formal classes like some others who escaped the Soviet Union in the late rsquo70s but by listening to the language his children were learning to read and write and speak in American public schools
Kavalerchik now a Texan pulled himself up by the bootstraps and held down jobs doing maintenance and factory work Then one day in 1981 he met a Jewish man Kalman Witenberg who ran a shoe-repair
businessldquoHe told me Yoursquore going to be a shoemaker And yoursquore going to
make enough money to pay your bills Yoursquore never going to be a mil-lionaire but therersquos going to be enough money to support your familyrdquo Kavalerchik said
He obliged and in 1985 went into the shoe-repair busi-ness himself Feet first
Kavalerchik learned the ins and outs of the time-honored trade for a year and established himself at a storefront at West Bellfort Street and Chimney Rock Road Two years into the business he acquired a second
shop and split his time between the two He then opted to sell the first location and devoted his energies to the second Hersquos managed that loca-tion at 10815 S Post Oak Rd at Willowbend Boulevard since 1990 and today employs two workers
The dusty little shop enjoys a steady stream of loyal customers many from the neighborhood Blacks Jews and Latinos mostly Itrsquos a business built on reputation Kavalerchikrsquos is good Peachy in fact The front door has a little bell that tinkles
ldquoI can do all kind of jobs ndash regular jobs and orthopedic jobsrdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoI have customers who bring ladies shoes that cost
A peachy cobbler
Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American dream
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 23
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymore Itrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you
must have patience This is the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
ndash Alex Kavalerchik
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Alex Kavalerckik is proprietor of an old-school shoe-repair shop in Southwest Houston His hand tools include a hammer that the shoprsquos previous owner used in a Nazi concentration camp
24 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Supporting the needs of the
Jewish Community
CHEVRA KADISHA OF HOUSTON
Jewish Burial Society
Continuing the sacred tradition of preparing thedeceased for burial with
care and respect
(713) 776-2438
Young Israel
of Houston
7823 Ludington DriveHouston Texas 77071
713-729-0719wwwyihoustonorg
hundreds even thousands of dollars They bring cowboy boots that cost $5000-$6000 Very expensive I do it all ndash refinish resole reshape fix completely the shoesrdquo
And itrsquos not just footwear During the interview with the Jewish Herald-Voice a woman came into the shop with a designer leather bag that had a torn strap ldquoAlaska Airlinesrdquo she grumbled Kavalerchik promised to fix it like new A few minutes later a Polish-speaking doctor came in to pick up a repaired leather dog leash Kavalerchik who grew up speaking Russian with his parents and Yiddish with his grandparents was able to converse with the man in his native tongue They shared a few chuck-les The man dressed in blue-green hospital scrubs was pleased with Kavalerchikrsquos work and tipped him 100 percent on the bill Shortly there-after a slow-moving man with a walking stick and a Korean War cap came in with a belt job
Kavalerchik even does the exotic Can he fix a pair of gilded alligator-skin sneakers No problem (Hersquos done three) How about repair-ing a set of chairs made from elephant feet Um sure why not NBA stars who take advan-
tage of his services are asked to call in advance Size 17s require special order
Some of the more challenging yet reward-ing jobs are those to salvage shoes chewed up by the family dog
ldquoThis you must have a talent to fix itrsquos a tough jobrdquo said Kavalerchik holding up a black patent leather stiletto that bore scars on the heel from large canine teeth ldquoYou donrsquot make too much money on this but the cus-tomer is really happy when I make it look like new againrdquo
Tacked to the wall above the front counter of Kavalerchikrsquos shop is an 8-foot diamondback rattlesnake skin Therersquos also a black-and-white portrait of Al Pacino from ldquoScarfacerdquo While vacationing in Las
Vegas and once in Galveston the Belorussian was hounded for an autograph from fans who mis-took him for the Oscar-winning actor Retelling the stories splits Kavalerchikrsquos face into a smile
The storefront gives way to a multi-roomed workshop in back Itrsquos vintage 1950s outfitted with well-used wooden workbenches walls of racks with customersrsquo shoes and boots (each bearing a colorful toe tag) drawers and cubbyholes filled with bits and buckles and all sorts of odds and ends for leather and shoe work Wooden shoe lasts spools of heavy thread and folds of leather
and rubber adorn door frames and corners Metal taps for dance shoes hang from hooks A random assortment of loose shoe and boot heel parts are stockpiled in a divider mounted to a wall ldquoThey donrsquot make these like they used tordquo Kavalerchik said dusting off an orange-and-white-boxed specimen from half a century ago
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Cowboy boots and orthopedic shoes make up a good deal of Kavalerchikrsquos business
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 25
1500 Sunset Boulevard Houston Texas 77005
7135356400 wwwbeckerschoolorg
Accredited by NAEYCrsquos National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Learning through play
bull Ages 15 months through 5 years bull Extended care 8am - 530pm
bull Developmentally appropriate curriculumbull Extra-curricular classes available
bull Bridge to Kindergarten class
Since 1989
Call for a tourNow accepting applications
for 2012-2013
Congregation Emanu El Becker Early Childhood Center
6401 Woodway(in Whole Foods Plaza)
7133344900
Fabulous Womenrsquos Apparel amp Accessories
4048 Bellaire Blvd(in the Whole Foods Plaza)
7136653336FrenchCuffCocom
labeled ldquoCatrsquos PawrdquoBuilt into a corner post of the main work-
bench is a glue reservoir Plugging the well is a half-dollar-sized metal cap with a rod run-ning through it sporting an applicator brush Long dribbles of glue have oozed caked and dried down the edges of the post looking like a model of a volcano from a school sci-ence fair A photographer friend of Kavalerchikrsquos comes by on occasion to shoot close-up pho-tos of the unique formations
There are industrial ma-chines at every elbow turn stitchers sanders cutters tack-ers buffers Something called an Auto Soler and another called a Heel Popper Some are more than a 100 years old Real made-in-America stuff From cities like Chicago and St Louis Art deco in shape and lines Nickel-plated enameled steel and chromed in work grime
ldquoI have one machine made in 1890 It never breaksrdquo Kavalerchik said fondly
Other equipment however has broken down over the years Kavalerchik has learned to do the repairs himself Out of necessity ldquoItrsquos
very important to learn how to fix this equip-ment Itrsquos very old and nobody knows how to fix it I have to do it myself If this part breaks you have to make a new onerdquo he said
The workshoprsquos few modern conveniences
include a small electric box fan a 26-inch TV that seems stuck on Channel 8 and the occa-sional pinup girl wall calendar One room boasts an empty bottle collection on a top shelf ldquoWe Russians drink cognac after work and vodka at homerdquo Kavalerchik explained Therersquos a row of vintage US postage stamps
affixed to a workbench shelf that dates back to the shoprsquos previous owner a man named Sam Sill
The Polish-born Sill was a Holocaust survivor who worked in a factory making
boots for German army officers Kavalerchik said
ldquoThis hammer he brought from the old country Itrsquos from Germany 1942rdquo said Kavalerchik lifting the worn tool from his workbench ldquoThis guy worked with this hammer in con-centration camprdquo He then palmed a second hammer nearby with simi-lar history Though Kavalerchik has owned the business for the past 22 years he has kept the name ldquoSamrsquos Shoe Repairrdquo
The man who gave Kavalerchik his birth into the business Kalman Witenberg also was a Polish Holocaust survivor Edith Mincberg
was a customer of Witenbergrsquos back in the day and remembers him as a friendly and lively man ldquoHe loved to carry on Yiddish conversations with my late husband Joe Mincbergrdquo Edith told the JHV Witenberg a survivor of Auschwitz among other camps according to Holocaust Museum Houston records died in 2003
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
The 1950s-era shop includes equipment thatrsquos more than 100 years old
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Foot and Ankle
Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery
Podiatry Associates of Houston
Michael A Mineo DPM FACFASDavid L Blumfield DPM FACFASKeith L Jacobson DPM FACFAS
Vito Speciale DPM
6699 Chimney Rock 102713-666-0287
18220 Tomball Pkwy 220832-912-7792
705 S Fwy 215281-579-0816
915 Gessner 380713-467-1299
Times have changed over the course of Kavalerchikrsquos career as an old-school cobbler Many of his early customers were high school graduates whose parents wanted to send their kids off to college in a pair of spiffy penny loafers ldquoThese days itrsquos a different life Kids wear sneakersrdquo Kavalerchik said
The cobbler doesnrsquot wax nostalgic however over the profession that many people including himself view as a dying art
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymorerdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoItrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you must have patience This the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
Kavalerchik has entertained the occasional apprentice but none has stuck it out The cobbler predicts that in 15 20 years time the business will be dead save for a few shops here and there
ldquoThis business is like Jewish language [Yiddish]rdquo he said ldquoBefore people speak it fluently Now itrsquos only a few old guysrdquo
The trade has been good to the man who said he stood a 50-50 chance of winding up dead if he had stayed in the Soviet Union Itrsquos given him his American dream
ldquoIf I can afford to put my children through college this was my dream to come to America This was my dream to give my children education because I did not have time in Russia to get education myselfrdquo Kavalerchik said
ldquoOld people died in these shops They worked like dogs I donrsquot do this I work eight hours a day I go to lunch I go on vacationrdquo he said ldquoHere I have easy life I have my family I have place to sleep I go on vacation twice a year Irsquom happy with my children [Michael and Fannett]rdquo Every other year Kavalerchik visits his father in Israel
Sitting in the front room of his workshop ndash the room with the bottle collection ndash is a large cardboard box full of shoes belonging to his wife Roza Kavalerchik promises hersquoll get to them soon Near the box standing upright in the corner is a clutch of fishing poles
ldquoThese here are very important toolsrdquo said Kavalerchik again with that smile ldquoSaturday at 4 I close up and take my tools straight to the boatrdquo c
Shoe-making skills saved Sillrsquos life duringthe HolocaustBY MICHAEL C DUKE
Sam Sill was the previous owner of Samrsquos Shoe Repair in Southwest Houston
When he sold the business to Alex Kavalerchik some 22 years ago he passed along his tools to the new proprietor These included a pair of hammers that helped save Sill from the Nazi death machine in Europe Kavalerchik said that Sill told him that he Sill as a concentration camp prisoner used the hammers to make boots for German army officers during the war
Houstonian Dr David Wolf ndash a podiatrist ndash is first cousin to Samrsquos wife Ruthie Wolf has preserved an original copy of Sillrsquos immigra-tion papers which state that he Sill was born
Calligraphy by Eileen
Envelope AddressingBarBat Mitzvahs
Weddings Receptions
Any Occasion
We offer Stuffing bull Stamping
Type Styles Custom Colors
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713bull667bull3939
B B B B B B B B
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Temple SinaiThe Reform Jewish Congregation in West Houston
A warm friendly amp vibrant community where friendship
and caring are combined with a religious faith ritual observance social interaction and education
for adults and children
Join Rabbi Annie Belford and the Temple Sinai Congregation
for Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 730 PM
13875 Brimhurst 281-495-5950Houston Tx 77077 wwwtemple-sinaiorg
TEMPLE SINAI
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
Service with a smileGoing beyond the call of duty
For all of your real estate needs
Terry CominskyRealtor Associate713-558-3331
tcominskymarthaturnercom
wwwmarthaturnercom
OyDo We Know PrintingProudly serving the Jewish Commmunity and Houston
for over 3 generations and 70 plus years
with high quality commercial printing
Simon Printing CompanyFine Lithography
10810 Craighead
Houston Texas 77025
713-666-1296
Fax 713-666-4111wwwsimonprintingcom
28 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Tissue PaperSelf Seal BagsCoffee BagsAutomatic Pull BowsShrink Wrap BagsClear Acetate BoxesRibbonShrink Film RollsTheme BoxesRaffi aGift BoxesGift Wrap PaperCurling RibbonOrganza bags
TulleShredded Paper FillerShipping BoxesMerchandise BagsBubble WrapShopping BagsNewsprintGift BagsKraft Rolls of PaperPoly Frosted BagsCellophane RollsHigh-Density Poly Merchandise BagsCellophane Bags
Hours of OperationMonday - Friday 900 AM to 600 PM
Saturday 1000 AM to 600 PM4404 Richmond Ave bull Houston Texas 77027Phone 713-524-5454 bull Fax 713-524-5450
wwwpalmerpkgcom
Gift Wrap ServiceRetail Packaging Supplies
HOUSTONrsquoS ONLY JEWISH OWNED
HEADSTONE amp MONUMENT COMPANY
EXCLUSI V ELY JEWISH MEMORI ALS
3RD GENER ATION HOUSTONI A N
ASK FOR SA NDY GA ITZ
713-984-2010A SUBSIDIARY OF 4D SIGN WORX LLC
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
Montessori integrated curriculum In a loving caring and safe atmosphere your child will learn and grow with a proven program based on excellence and experience
Registration is now open
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
((771133))666666--00225577
We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
4-Show PackageSStart aS low aS
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A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
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Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
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Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
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wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
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Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
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713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
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PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
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ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
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36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
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houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
phone 713-227-1392hardrockcom
UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
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- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
instructors Whether from Houston or travel-ing here from around the country they will assume the role of artists in residence for the week to give the ArtsFest teens an experience to paint dance or cook with the best of the best
ldquoThe artists donrsquot all come to Maccabi for the social scene ndash some are really coming for their art workrdquo Horwitt said ldquoThe teens have the opportunity to put on their resume that they worked with some of these great artists in residencerdquo
ArtsFest will be divided into seven special-ties actingimprov culinary dance musical theater visual art vocal music and rockjazz music Each specialty workshop will be led by at least one artist in residence who will work directly with the teens
The 2012 theme ldquoHope and Changerdquo will be celebrated through the seven different areas of concentration
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 7
Traditions Onstage And In Real Life
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As an actor I have played many roles over my long career but perhaps the most important has been Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof I performed it more than 2000 times It has meant so much to me to portray this symbol of the struggle to keep the Jewish faith and its traditions alive
I have a deep understanding and apprecia-tion of this struggle and I believe that the Dignity Memorialreg networkrsquos Jewish funeral providers understand this struggle as well
Many of them have been working for generations to preserve Jewish traditions often in the face of tremendous change They understand our needs because they share our history and experiences ndash and our values
Thatrsquos why I trusted my Dignity Memorialprovider with my own funeral planning and why you too should trust them with all of your traditional Jewish funeral needs
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ArtsFest 2012 Promises to DeliverHouston a State-of-the-Art Performance
8 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Building up the dramaTeens in the actingimprov group will work
together to form an ensemble exploring vari-ous techniques and traditions of theater and improvisation ranging from Shakespearean theater to American sketch comedy
Native Houstonian and theater artist in residence Stephanie Wittles will bring her vast experience to the ArtsFest stage
ldquoAs a newcomer to ArtsFest I am slightly terrified about creating rehearsing and per-forming a theatrical masterpiece in only four short days but I am up for the challenge and confident that these talented actors will rise to the occasionrdquo Wittles said
Teens will learn about acting script analy-sis and improvisation They also will be chal-lenged to develop material to be part of a larger interdisciplinary performance for the grand finale at ArtsFest
ldquoTheater is something I have been doing myself since childhood and so many of my closest friendships have blossomed as a resultrdquo Wittles said ldquoI hope to give my kids the same enriching opportunity this summer I am eager to get startedrdquo
A culinary delightTeens in the culinary arts specialty will
be engaged ndash choosing the right ingredients learning new cooking techniques and under-standing the history and culture behind many foods
Part of the recipe will be for the teens to go to a local farmerrsquos market to learn how to plan a menu and to understand the process of transforming raw ingredients into deli-
cious dishes Houston-area artists in residence are Sam
Beierbegan currently executive chef at A Fare Extraordinaire and Sarah Brook founder and CEO of Dessert Gallery Bakery amp Cafe
ldquoDesserts have been my passion for as long as I can rememberrdquo Brook said ldquoThere are few things more gratifying than finding something you love making it your lifersquos work and then being given the opportunity to share that magic with a new generation
ldquoThroughout my three decades in the dessert industry in Houston I have been so grateful for the support and devotion I have received from my hometownrsquos Jewish community Being given the chance to give back to that community and reaching oth-ers through this amazing program is a real honorrdquo
The program will conclude with the pres-entation of a menu and the production of catered dishes to be served as part of the
weekrsquos final presentation
Dancing with tomorrowrsquos starsTeens in the dance portion of ArtsFest will
explore dance techniques and develop perform-ance skills such as focus intention dramatic and technical range and expansion of move-ment vocabulary
Participants will be introduced to the ori-gins and history of contemporary dance as an expressive and creative art form and learn its role in transmission of culture expression and storytelling
The artists in residence are Houston native Cat Cogliandro and Nicholas Ross of Nicholas Andre Dance studio in New York Ross has choreographed more than 16 works for his company and has toured all over the country
ldquoI am excited to work with all of the partici-pantsrdquo Ross said ldquoI bring a very athletic style to my choreography and I hope to inspire some future artists I also hope to meet people from all over and share our experiencesrdquo
Dancers will create both solos and group work learning to balance individuality with the work of an ensemble The program will finish with the creation of a new work that will be part of the weekrsquos final presentation
A musical chorusTeens signed up for musical theater will
work on vocal technique dance and move-ment skills and song interpretation abilities
Participants will have the opportunity to explore a vast range of material including musical selections from the standard com-edy drama and musical theater repertoire as well as nondramatic sources
Musical theater artists will express their creativity by developing original individual pieces as well as by performing professional musical numbers as part of an ensemble
The artist in residence is Naomi Ackerman Traveling from Los Angeles she is an experienced actor whose credits include theater musicals films and television
Teens show off their acting skills at ArtsFest 2009 in New Orleans
Teens learn how to fillet a fish during ArtsFest 2009 in New Orleans
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 9
Your next event or gathering is to becelebrated and cherished with people who
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For more information contact our cateringsales team at (713) 770-6769
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The toasts will be inspiring But the feelings will be indescribable Begin your journey at The Westin Galleria amp Westin Oaks where new beginnings are always celebrated
Lavish surroundings with a refreshing variety of venues including newly renovated ballrooms boasting stylish sophisticated interiors and distinctive state-of-the-art amenities
A convenient location in trendy uptown for the bride and her attendants on the day of the ceremony
Ask about our unique new wedding packages designed to accommodate weddings and receptions of all types and sizes
For more information or to make a reservation please visit westincomhoustonweddings or call 7139608100
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10WHO073-JEWISH_HERALD_WEDDINGSv2indd 1 1710 152 PM
Creating a masterpieceParticipants in the fine arts will be able to
sharpen their technique while using a variety of art materials to design a series of projects for their portfolio as well as create a piece of public art to be included as a part of the final performance
Public art is an important expanding field within the discipline of visual arts and is relevant to painters sculptors printmakers fabric artists graphic designers and visual artists of all types
The artist in residence is Julie Brook Alex-ander a Houston artist whose work combines original photography collage and mixed media
ldquoI hope to give the students a chance to develop individually and to enjoy the group experience of ArtsFestrdquo Alexander said ldquoThere is nothing more energizing than inspiring creativity and working in the midst of a creative community
ldquoI hope to provide to the kids an opportunity to look at themselves in a new light through photography painting collage and writingrdquo Alexander said ldquoWe will work on a series of self-portraits and on an indi-vidual artist statement that guides this art-making I want each student to prepare work that shares unique insight into themselvesrdquo
The program will end with the creation and sharing of a new work that will be displayed prominently as part of the weekrsquos final presentation
A vocal experienceTeens in vocal music will enhance their onstage performance skills
both as soloists and as part of an ensemble or choir Participants will work on rhythmic skills pitch and harmonization
The artist in residence from Florida is Beth Schafer who has spent her
career redefining Jewish music by combining masterful songwriting with sensitivity to liturgy and unique insight into text She specializes in music for Torah-minded adults looking for an extension to their Jewish lives through music
Schafer will work with ArtsFest teens to examine how differing song styles reflect the identity of the vocal artist Teens also will explore the crafting of performance techniques as well as the emotional authenticity of an artist during a performance
The program will conclude with performing a special piece at the weekrsquos final presentation
Rock onSingers and songwriters will put their talents to the test in the rock
jazz music specialty There will be guitar bass keyboardpiano drums horns and rock-oriented strings Participants will examine the art of song-writing performance techniques and will analyze the changing world of modern Jewish music
Teens will form bands based on style ability and instrumentation The bands will play cover and jam learning from LA-based artist in residence Josh Nelson one of the most popular performers and producers in modern Jewish music
The program will culminate in the creation and sharing of a new work that will be part of the weekrsquos final presentation
The art of caringArtsFest and Maccabi Games teens will come together during the week
for JCC CaresMore than 1200 teens will work with Jacques DrsquoAmboisersquos nonprofit
National Dance Institute to help bring their amazing dance program to underprivileged and special needs youth of greater Houston
The teens will provide supplies activities refreshments and profes-sional instructors at different locations At each venue athletes will be paired with a child and go to a NDI dance class taught by instructors from various Houston dance companies
Houstonian Kathy Parven is coordinating the programldquoOur goal is to provide the teens a personal engaging and reward-
ing experience as they bring and share the activities celebrating the arts to local underserved and special needs children throughout Houstonrdquo Parven said ldquoWhen we developed this program model in 2007 the teens loved the experience the children had a wonderful time and truly felt special and even the volunteers and staff that helped were in tears Itrsquos a win-win for everyonerdquo
Encore performanceThe final victory will be the ArtsFest grand performance All seven
groups will come together and put on a live show that will display every-thing the teens learned
ldquoWe really want to fill the seats and have an audience for these teens because they will be working so hard for the weekrdquo Horwitt said
Horwitt also hopes that the final performance will be the exclamation point the weeklong event needs to bring ArtsFest to the next level
ldquoMy goals and expectations are to really educate the community about the program and what a fantastic program it isrdquo Horwitt said ldquoAnd for the teens I want them to be excited about JCC Maccabi ArtsFest
ldquoMy ultimate goal this year is that this program grows from here on out ndash and I really think it will Itrsquos just such a great concept and draw for teens Itrsquos like my baby ndash I love itrdquo
For the location of the final show contact the ERJCC 713-729-3200 c
EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER5601 S Braeswood | Houston Texas 77096 7137293200
1000 AM ndash 200 PM
10 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
The first ERJCC Houston teens to participate in JCC Maccabi ArtsFest Northern Virginia 2008 Philip Kar-jeker Dorie Mishael Lindsay Kapp Miriam Lavenda with delegation head Brittany Horwitt
BY AARON HOWARD
P liant is not an adjective we nor-mally associate with wood Pliant suggests a capability of being easily bent a yielding nature or
adaptability We usually think of terms like strength and resistance when we think of woodrsquos qualities ndash as in hardwood We think of flat straight lines Thatrsquos because wood typically is used to make items like tables So the wood is flat and straight cut
Wood artist Isaac Cohen goes against the grain His wooden chests curve His bookcases swirl His wooden Star of David bends
Cohen sees wood differently ldquoI love to take wood to the extremerdquo he said ldquoI think
in wood How can I bend it What kind of shapes can I make For me the challenge is to see how far I can push the wood Every species of wood is a different give Some are soft some are hard
ldquoObviously the worst sound you can hear is CRACK the sound when wood refuses to yield anymore One piece can take a bend but the very next piece will not yield It breaksrdquo
Cohen is perhaps best-known locally as the person who designed and built the 12-foot-high steel Magen Shlomo ndash Shield of Solomon (The Lone Star) Chanukah Menorah commissioned by Chabad Lubavitch of Houston which was displayed in The Galleria in December 2011 Others know Cohen as the artist who has designed
and built wooden art cars over the past decade for Houstonrsquos annual Art Car Parade
Cohen won the Mayorrsquos Cup for ldquoBest In Showrdquo in 2004 For 2012rsquos Art Car Parade Cohen constructed something different ldquoHeroesrdquo a model F-18 Navy fighter jet atop a Geo Metro dedicated to the men and women of the US military services
Cohen recently gave the Jewish Herald-Voice a tour through his 85000-foot warehouse in Houstonrsquos East End The warehouse serves as studio and home of his retail art framing business Among the collection are his art cars and ldquoTV Christmas Treerdquo an installation he made for Houstonrsquos Discovery Green with wood and 20 television sets Yet his custom-
Houston sculptor works against the grain
A Bend in the Wood
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohenrsquos wooden gull-winged Splinter creation was showcased in the April 2008 Houston Art Car Parade
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 11
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
made furniture for example includes a chest of drawers whose graceful arched lines are reminiscent of a beautiful sailboat hull And while the top of one of Cohenrsquos book-cases begins in its proper place at the apex on the left side it plummets down to the bot-tom of the piece like an adrenaline-pumping speed slide
During the tour the phone rang ldquoTake this callrdquo Cohen said to his sons in the next room ldquoPeople think I work here I try hard not to give them that impression What I do now I do for funrdquo
Thatrsquos the key to understanding how Cohen creates He plays Hersquos now 60 years
old and hersquos like one of those old lions on the savannah well fed healthy free from stress and roaring ndash simply for the joy of roaring
Cohen came to Houston from Israel in 1979 In Israel he built custom furniture in his youth and later ran a chain of pizzerias In 1985 he opened a wholesale framing business Classy Art Wholesalers
ldquoWe had to struggle for survival at firstrdquo Cohen said ldquoBut by 1990 we were doing well and we moved our business into our current locationrdquo
In 2002 as his 50th birthday approached Cohen decided he wanted to make his own birthday present A car he named Splinter Over the frame of a restored 1989 Honda Accord he envisioned a wooden body using one-quarter-inch thick strips of ash and wal-nut ndash about 5000 feet of wooden strips glued together so they could bend to the shape of the car frame
Cohen has the original simple drawing now framed labeled ldquoFirst Ideardquo He com-pleted Splinter in June 2003
Join us for ldquoan adventure of the spiritrdquo
Cantor Vadim Tunitsky Senior Rabbi Scott Hausman-Weiss Rabbi Pamela Silk Rabbi Samantha Kahn
ldquoCongregation Emanu El is a Reform synagogue firmly rooted in our covenant with God and the Jewish People We are a caring community dedicated to inspiring the love of God teaching the joys of Jewish living and sharing our mission to be a light unto the nationsrdquo
Minyan Next DorMonthly eruv Shabbat for Houstonrsquos young-er adults
Torah Enrichment on ShabbatChoose from a variety of classes with the rabbi
Weekly Meditation Service
EducationAdult educationBecker Early Childhood CenterHelfman Religious School
1500 Sunset Blvd 713-529-5771wwwemanuelhoustonorg
And MoreBrotherhoodSisterhoodEmanu EldersHelfman Religious School PTA Becker Early Childhood PTOYouth GroupCub and Boy Scouts
An adventure of the spirit
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohen was commissioned to build a 12-foot-tall chanukiah that was kindled inside The Galleria Houston in De-cember 2011
JHV AARON HOWARD
The ldquoFirst Ideardquo sketch for Splinter
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
N o r t h B r a e s w o o d a t C h i m N e y r o C kB R A E S W O O D S Q U A R E
B
Trade secrets There are two methods by which
you can get wood to bend wet and dry
You can use steam which dis-solves some of the bonds between wood fibers Steam weakens and stretches the fibers and allows them to reform during the cooling process
Cohen doesnrsquot use steam or water He dry bends Although he will not give away his secrets he does use wood strips which must be glued to something else such as a form
ldquoWhen you bend dry wood it doesnrsquot maintain its shape by itselfrdquo said Cohen ldquoYou must glue the wood pieces to some-thing else even themselves otherwise the wood would spring back to its original flat-nessrdquo
Wood wants to spring back to its origi-nal shape The tighter the bend the more wood wants to spring back And therersquos no formula no pre-set way of telling how much a strip of wood will spring back or break Itrsquos all a matter of trial and error
For example Cohen created a hang-ing Magen David inside a circle by first dry bending two different-colored wooden strips into a perfect circle Then inside the circle he twisted two other strips until he was able to fashion the interlocking star
ldquoI believe in myselfrdquo said Cohen ldquobut I never believe that the wood will cooperate with merdquo
Fresh startTo begin Cohen decides on a project
Then he decides what species of wood would look best for the project
ldquoWhen I decided to create my wooden truck Big J I saw that to my eye rose-wood looked much better than mahogany Rosewood has such a deep color that it
allows you to see the straight lines The design for that vehicle was a basic octa-gon with many straight lines rather than curves All the wood used for that vehicle came from the same tree So therersquos a single design pattern all over the car except for the tiny changes in the spacing of the tree rings You have to examine the wood really closely to see thatrdquo
Of note all hardwoods get more difficult to bend the closer the artist gets to the cen-ter of the tree Thatrsquos because the wood is denser closer to the core
ldquoSo when you get pieces that are near the center ndash you recognize that by looking at the distance between rings from the edge of a piece ndash the wood gives me a run for my moneyrdquo said Cohen
ldquoI never considered myself an artist Irsquove never taken a class I didnrsquot think of myself as an artist until I received the Lifetime Achievement award for Best Artist from the
Art Car Museum Now I guess I can call myself an artistrdquo
Unlike most other artists Cohen rarely sells his pieces although hersquos been offered as much as $16 million for Splinter
ldquoIrsquoll tell you whyrdquo he said ldquoFive years ago I donated Slider to the Orange Show This was another car I created They auc-tioned the car off to benefit the Orange Show I had put in more than 2000 hours creating Slider It was absolutely like one of my children I cannot forget the awful feeling of loss I had when I let the car go It was gone after being in my shop every day for over a year
ldquoToday when I build something on commission I can see it differently But even so itrsquos difficult to let gordquo
We can appreciate Cohenrsquos feelings When yoursquove put as many hours into your ldquochildrenrdquo as he has it is sometimes hard to let them part c
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohenrsquos F-18 Fighter Jet pays tribute to the ldquoheroes of freedomrdquo Cohen drove the car in the May 2010 Houston Art Car Parade
JHV AARON HOWARD
Isaac Cohenrsquos bent woodMagen David
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15 Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2011 | JhVonlinecom | 14
THE BEST ROAD TO RECOVERY GOES THROUGH SEVEN ACRES
The Lou Lewis Skilled Nursing Program at Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services is dedicated to helping your loved one achieve the highest level of recovery following a hospital stay to successfully return home
Give your loved one the best chance for a full recovery with the Lou Lewis Skilled Nursing Program at
6200 North Braeswood Boulevard Houston Texas 770747137785700 - wwwsevenacresorg
n Fulltime medical services with onsite physicians and geriatric nurse practitionersn Customized skilled nursing care and rehabilitation including physical occupational speech and IV therapyn Great facilities and a nurturing environment
ERJCC dance instructor is creative talent behind Dance Month and moreBY ALICE ADAMS
I trsquos a Monday after 7 pm and dance director Maxine Silberstein has yet to finish her day at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center And this particular day is no busier than any other time of the week
Silberstein is responsible not only for coordinating the JCCrsquos dance pro-gram cultural outreach programs and partnerships and the IW Marks Master Classes but also serves as artistic director for Dance Month ndash now in its 33rd season ndash at the Kaplan Theatre In addition she coordinates Maccabi dance for Team Houston and the annual Tirkedu Houston an Israeli folk dance weekend But thatrsquos not all Shersquos been a teacher of dance for more than three decades as well as dance director for the ERJCCrsquos Arts and Culture Department
Yet her love of dance began long before Dance Month began or the Houston Ballet took the stage
ldquoMy father would sit beside me in the darkness of a Galveston auditorium or the old Music Hall in downtown Houston so I could see the leading prima ballerinas of Ballet Russes and other prominent companies dancing in the spotlightrdquo she recalled and as she watched the little girl who grew up in
Place Where Jewish Culture Thrives Through Dance
JHV MATT SAMUELS
ERJCC dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15
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Texas City took notice of every detail ndash from the artistsrsquo finely positioned feet to the curve of their arms and the placement of delicate fin-gers ldquoIt was always magicalrdquo she remembered
ldquoMy mother started me in dance lessons when I was quite young I was probably 5 or 6rdquo said Silberstein taking a rare time out ldquoI was that kid who was hanging by my arms and legs from the barre or in some way not following instructions Needless to say I didnrsquot receive much encouragement from that teacherrdquo she added
ldquoOnly a few weeks into my dance career my teacher commented that she didnrsquot know exactly why my mother was wasting her money on dance lessons for me That was Motherrsquos cue to move me so I could study with Doris Hede in La Marque and that experience is exactly why I would never discourage any child from study-ing dancerdquo Silberstein added ldquoeven the ones using the barre as a jungle gymrdquo
Realizing her passion for dance by her early teens the athletic young dancer eagerly par-ticipated in programs offered by the Houston Youth Symphony and Ballet where dance teachers and students from the area gathered to rehearse performances at the old City Hall across from the Rice Hotel
After high school graduation Silberstein was unable to attend the University of
Oklahoma which had a flourishing dance program at the time under the tutelage of prima ballerina Maria Tallchief Instead she attended the University of Houston where she earned a bachelorrsquos degree in special edu-cation and physical education with a minor
in dance performanceThroughout her college career the tena-
cious dancer took full advantage of every opportunity that presented itself In doing so she was to study and learn various forms of dance with some of the countryrsquos greatest and
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Melissa Darlow Ariel Brown Lauren Liss and Alyssa Cohen work on their 2012 Maccabi Games dance routine with dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
most prolific choreographers including Fred Strobel Anita Dyche Camille Long Hill Patsy Swayze and Rudy Jenkins in Houston In New York her training included the Alvin Ailey Peridance Center Jennifer Mueller Merce Cunningham Jo Jo Smith Broadway Dance Center and Steps
ldquoWhen I was in college I taught andor substituted for absent teachers in the JCCrsquos adult dance program when the center was located on Hermann Driverdquo she recalled She began working part time as a dance teacher at the J in 1974
ldquoI had met and married my husband Bubba Silberstein in the interimrdquo she explained ldquoand after we began our family I decided to teach dance and raise our children Brent and Steffanirdquo
In 1980 Silberstein was named director of the JCCrsquos dance program after director Lisa Rollrsquos exit
ldquoAfter Lisa left the board was not able to
identify someone to take over the position so I said I would be happy to do it until someone is hired Needless to say Irsquom still here todayrdquo laughed the teacherdancerdirector
Silberstein said it was only natural that
the JCC offer a dance program because of its reputation for programming around health wellness sports and physical activities ldquoDance easily fits into this type of program-mingrdquo she pointed out ldquoand classes were a vehicle for bringing Jewish children together in dance Itrsquos for anyone for all denomina-tions and all ages and itrsquos also a United Way-
funded center and open to everyone who wanted to learn to dancerdquo
So it follows that the high point of Silbersteinrsquos career is inspiring student dancers
ldquoAs director Irsquove had the opportunity of doing many things but being able to teach children to build their confi-dence and esteem to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worth-while And now I am teaching my former studentsrsquo children and the grandchil-dren of my peersrdquo
P r o f e s s i o n a l inf luences have included Mikhail Baryshnikov and
Ohad Naharin the latter an Israeli artis-tic directorchoreographer of the Batsheva Dance Company He also is the originator of Gaga an innovative movement language which has emerged as a growing force in the larger field of movement practices for both dancers and non-dancers
ldquoAt the time we brought him to Houston
a symbol of distinction in assisted living
bull 24 Hour Assistance and Personalized Carebull Elegant Dining Servicesbull Medication Supervisionbull Social Cultural and Recreational activitiesbull Wellness Center with Heated Aquatherapy Poolbull A fully equipped socialmedia centerbull Peace of Mind in a Family Oriented Secure Setting
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wwwthemedallionorg6262 North Braeswood Boulevard
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Affiliated with Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Lauren Liss Ariel Brown and Ryan Bryandt follow the lead of dance instructor Maxine Silberstein at the ERJCC
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
he had a company in New Yorkrdquo Silberstein remem-bered ldquoIt was very exciting to have him here And when I think of where he is today and the influ-ence on the world of dance That was a highlightrdquo
As artistic director of Dance Month Silberstein said she believed it was extremely important first and foremost to Houstonrsquos Jewish community because audiences have been able to see on stage a number of Israeli and Yemeni dancers like Sara Levi-Tanai ldquoThe choreography of these groups reflects the Jewish culture in that it is powerful and risk taking at its corerdquo she noted ldquoItrsquos how they live their lives on the edge In general itrsquos a wonderful opportunity for Houston audiences to see Judaism in dance and how the culture and Jewish choreographers have phenomenally influenced dance all over the worldrdquo
With more than 35 years of teaching Silberstein said her goal is to continue meeting the day-to-day challenges of the programs she directs while remaining an influence in the lives of her students and and their desire to dance to meet their own goals not to be discour-aged
ldquoGrowing up in Texas City I didnrsquot have the advantages of Jewish children in Houston growing up with large congregations BBYOs or a community center I could be a part ofrdquo she explained ldquoBut I had my dance I feel like I hopefully have been an inspiration to other Jewish artists to go forward with their art form Irsquove always this thing as an artist in that I am Jewish Maybe not everything I do in dance is Jewish but I am influenced by Jewish artists and I think itrsquos important for all artists to hold on to their Jewishness to represent our culture in the various art forms
Along with her teaching Silberstein has found time to perform with numerous dance companies in her career served on cultural arts boards and has promoted dance in Houston especially dance centering on the Jewish culture Currently she serves on the board of Uptown Dance Centre the HCC-Central College World Dance Institute board and Society for the Performing Arts Education Committee
Silberstein also gives credit to her supervisor Marilyn Hassid ldquofor her support encouragement and friendship in supporting me in doing the many things we do through arts and culture and the dance program
ldquoIrsquove been very fortunaterdquo she continued ldquoBeing at the ERJCC wersquove brought in many many groups of people who may have never stepped foot in here and theyrsquore coming because of dance In the pro-cess they have been exposed to the Jewish culture Itrsquos important to me that we through the Kaplan Theatre expose our center to everyone who comes here In doing so our Jewish culture will continue to have a strong presence in the Houston community ndash through dancerdquo c
ldquoBeing able to teach children to build their confidence and esteem
to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worthwhilerdquo
ndash Maxine Silberstein
ldquoWe are proud our family launched the Jewish Family Service Passover program providing assistance for the past 20 yearsAs others are generously stepping forwardto support this effort we took a look at our communityrsquos future needsrdquondashJeanne Mandell
ldquoAlong with the blessings of our seniors living longer comes an added responsibility to accommodate the changing needs of this community We know JFS will be there to help The Deutser Hecht Mandell Fund for Senior Adult Financial Aid seeks to fulfill the basic needs of our seniors help them maintain independence in their own homes and empower them with personal dignity in the coming decadesrdquondashPunkin Hecht
ldquoWe feel good about being a part of100 Names
Wonrsquot you join usrdquo
A simple bequest is the most common way for a family to establish a legacy gift
In partnership withJewish Family Servicersquos100th Year Celebrationand Houston JewishCommunity Foundationrsquos Create a Jewish LegacyHouston Jewish Family Foundation
rdavisjfshoustonorg 7136679336wwwjfshoustonorg100names
Benefitting Jewish Family ServiceA New Fund is Added to100 Names for 100 Years
The Deutser HechtMandell Fund
for Senior Adult Financial Aid
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
The Shlenker SchoolCongregation Beth Israel - Houston Texas
For more information or to schedule a tourcontact Gail Rovinsky Director of Admissions
713-270-6127 grovinskyshlenkerorg5600 N Braeswood Houston Texas 77096 wwwshlenkerorg
Yoursquove alwaYs spent moneY wiselY
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For less than half the price of private duty care you could get
bull 24 hour per day licensed care bull Beautiful personal apartment and
private bath in our newly renovated community
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2555 S Braeswood | Houston TX 77025-2805 elmcroftcom Facility 030414
Schedule a personal visit
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Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Gabby Howard paints her cardCari Cowen with Celebration Company volunteer Joyce Rosen
BY MICHAEL C DUKE PHOTOS BY MATT SAMUELS
Jewish adults with special needs have found a creative outlet at Jewish Family Servicersquos Celebration Company
For the past three years Celebration Company participants have produced note-cards featuring original hand-painted artwork and handmade paper The signed artwork is mounted to the front of the cards which are blank inside and are packaged with envelopes sold either individually or in five-card sets
ldquoThe notecards are a great way for the par-ticipants to express themselves artisticallyrdquo said Nick Tofilon Celebration Companyrsquos director
The cards are available at JFS 4131 S Braeswood Blvd or at Three Brothers Bakery 4036 S Braeswood Blvd
Celebration Company provides meaning-ful employment to people with special needs who ndash with joy purpose and self-esteem ndash cre-ate products that celebrate the good in life c
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Linda Lopen makes a floral paintingMax Schaffer works on her masterpiece
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
What a Difference EmeryWeiner Made
wwwemeryweinerorg bull 8322045900
Thank you so much for a wonderful and I do really mean wonderful Emery experience Itrsquos so sad that Nicole will not be there on a daily basis anymore She told me in third grade that she wanted to attend EWS for middle and high school and it was the best decision that we ever made
- Bonnie Winograd (parent of Class of 2012 Graduate)
ldquo
rdquo
Hebrew Free Loanassociation ndashProviding interest
Free Loans to JewisH Houston area residents since 1932
Loans Available for Emergencies
Healthcare Needs Small Business Assistance
and More For more information or to apply for a loan visit our website at
wwwhflanetor call
713-667-9336 ext221
House of Dereacuteon Media Center is one of the best kept secrets in Houston The eclectic special events venue including state-of-the-art media and conference facilities is housed inside a magnifi cent art deacuteco building located in the heart of Houstonrsquos Midtown District and seated perfectly within the worldwide operations of Music World Entertainment ndash the management company of the worldrsquos 1 female recording group Destinyrsquos Child
Let us turn your next function into a social event to remember
Where your functions become social events
2204 Crawford St Houston Texas l 7137725175 l wwwhouseofdereonmediacentercom
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
reg
National Council of Jewish WomenA fAith iN the future A belief iN ACtioN
Help Houstonrsquos women children and families
JOIN NCJW GHSNational Council of Jewish Women a
nationwide organization of 90000 strong and along with the Greater Houston Sectionrsquos
800+ members takes a progressive stance towards
changing lives through advocacy campaigns and social action by helping
bull At-risk children learn to readbull To ensure reproductive freedom
bull Victims of human traffickingbull Victims of domestic violence
and sexual assaultbull Adolescent survivors of
sexual assaultbull Homeless children
bull Foster children
To learn more about NCJW GHS and how you can get involved visit ncjwhoustonorg or contact us at membershipncjwhoustonorg
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery
from AddictionBY JEANNE F SAMUELS
E stablished 12 years ago Chabad of Sugar Land is headed by Brooklyn-born Rabbi Mendel Feigenson who was brought to Houston in 1995 by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff Fulfilling Chabadrsquos mission to serve Jews throughout the Sugar Land Stafford and Missouri City area Rabbi Feigenson has added a
new facet to his work He has opened his heart and Chabadrsquos doors to a completely underserved segment of the Jewish community It is the newly formed Jewish Recovery Celebration Group which provides support for Jewish recovering alcoholics addicts and members of Alcoholics Anonymous
The truth is contrary to general belief ndash and probably community denial ndash there are Jews who are addicts And those who suffer with addiction face a constant struggle to overcome its grasp
Confronting a definite need Rabbi Feigenson facilitates and organizes social and educational events to help JRCG members merge Judaism with recovery Every other Sunday at 7 pm he integrates the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with the timeless lessons of Torah and Kabbalah The meetings are held in complete privacy when no one else is in the two-year-old Chabad facility
The need for support for Jewish addicts was posed to Rabbi Feigenson by Lynn JHV JEANNE F SAMUELS
Rabbi Mendel Feigenson
Donovan of Galveston She is the only individual in the recently organized group who chooses not to remain anonymous believing her story needs to be told
ldquoShe is an inspirationrdquo the rabbi declared ldquoMore than four months ago she called me saying she had something very important to discuss with me She told me that she has been sober for 25 years and that she has friends who are struggling with addiction The reality is that there are Jews who are drug addicts
ldquoBasically addiction is a diseaserdquo Rabbi Feigenson explained ldquoand addicts cannot help themselves They need group support and our mis-sion is to help our Jewish brethrenrdquo So the rabbi studied the Twelve Steps of AA delved into books on the subject and consulted with some psychiatrists From all this the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group was formed
Presently there are four to six people in the group and Rabbi Feigenson said that the meetings are working well ldquoItrsquos about coming from darkness and making a new liferdquo he pointed out
Credited with encouraging the genesis of JRCG Donovan recalled how she became sober in 1986 taking the train from Harrisburg Pa to Baltimore on Sundays to be part of a Twelve Step group that met in a church ldquoIt was very confusing for me having to separate church and recovery hellip There are no rules regarding religion in AA but most of my support was coming from Christian people Did I have to be Christian to recover
ldquoI had been arrested at 18rdquo she confessed ldquoand the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos com-mon belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
When Donovan moved to Texas in 1990 she continued with AA in churches Although the
West Houston Jewish Community Center had an AA meeting it was not a Jewish recovery group
ldquoI visited with the Jewish Family Service to see if they would help start a Jewish recovery group but they were not accepting of me I spoke to one or two rabbis privately but they werenrsquot receptive either so I kind of let it go for a whilerdquo She noted that perseverance is difficult ldquoThe disease of addiction is not something they know how to deal with
ldquoAs a young girl I was molested by a rabbi and when the Penn State [University] scandal broke loose I became very depressedrdquo she reflected having the need for support at that time ldquoI got on the Internet and Googled Jews in recovery where I read about a Rabbi Kessler at Chabad in Boca Raton Fla I called there and the rabbi told me about a retreat [to be held there] and was it possible I could come It took place this past February with addicts from all over including me Rabbi Abraham J Twerski was the keynote speakerrdquo
The convention inspired Donovan to seek the closest Chabad to Galveston which she found in Sugar Land She telephoned there and Rabbi Feigenson invited her to Shabbat where she had lunch with his wife Chaya After hearing Donovanrsquos story Chaya Feigenson said to her husband ldquoMendel we have to help these peoplerdquo
ldquoMost people know very little about addictionrdquo Donovan empha-sized When I first started someone took me to the rabbi who told me to go home and honor my father and my mother and be a good girlrdquo Also she added ldquoIt must be difficult to drop your children off at a church for recovery Therersquos the worry that theyrsquore brainwashing your child
ldquoThere is so much lack of knowledge especially in the Jewish com-munity If you stay with the thought that Jews donrsquot [become addicts] then people die We need to break that stereotype and lack of informa-tion Jews suffer from drug abuse obesity gambling etc like any other grouprdquo
Donovanrsquos brother a rabbi in Israel took her to AA meetings in Jerusalem where she discovered that there are even rabbis who suffer from alcoholism ldquoSome of usrdquo she pointed out ldquohave had bad experi-ences as childrenrdquo
ldquoThere is such naivetyrdquo Donovan a 58-year-old mother of three and grandmother of eight maintained ldquoRabbi Feigenson is the first in Houston who really heard me and understands the importance of helping every Jewish person It was an incredible day that I met him ldquoWe want to reach out to Jews who are confused and are appealing for help Itrsquos a very special experience to be a Jew in recovery and meet with others who are in recovery also And we can talk to parents free of charge to give them support and help Itrsquos an experience I donrsquot want others to missrdquo
For information about the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group call Rabbi Mendel Feigenson at 832-758-0685 email rabbifeigensongmailcom or visit chabadsugarlandcom c
Congregation Beth Rambam is a warm and welcoming Sephardic congregation led by our young and dynamic Rabbi Daniel Masri
We offer morning and evening services on weekdays and Shabbat There are many fascinating classes and learning opportunities both during the day and evenings offered throughout the week in English Spanish and Hebrew
Alex Pfeffer our fun and entertaining Youth Director leads multiple activities for children of various ages each Shabbat
morning and afternoon and trips throughout the year
713-723-3030 | officebethrambamorg11333 Braesridge | wwwbethrambamorg (coming soon)
C O M E J O I N O U R F A M I L Y
bullbull
22 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ldquoI had been arrested at 18 and the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos common
belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
ndash Lynn Donovan
BY MICHAEL C DUKE
W hen Alex Kavalerchik immigrated to the United States in 1979 with his young family the 30-year-old Belorussia-born Jew had no money no education and spoke no English
Nevertheless the bus-iness-minded good-with-his-hands Kavalerchik ndash a dead-ringer for actor Al Pacino during the latterrsquos Hollywood gangster film days ndash was deter-mined to carve out his own little slice of American pie
Make that cobbler for the vocation he would settle into would be the shoe-repair business
ldquoWe came to Houston and the JCC help us to move to apartment and help us for two monthsrdquo said the heavily accented Kavalerchik who picked up conversational English not from taking formal classes like some others who escaped the Soviet Union in the late rsquo70s but by listening to the language his children were learning to read and write and speak in American public schools
Kavalerchik now a Texan pulled himself up by the bootstraps and held down jobs doing maintenance and factory work Then one day in 1981 he met a Jewish man Kalman Witenberg who ran a shoe-repair
businessldquoHe told me Yoursquore going to be a shoemaker And yoursquore going to
make enough money to pay your bills Yoursquore never going to be a mil-lionaire but therersquos going to be enough money to support your familyrdquo Kavalerchik said
He obliged and in 1985 went into the shoe-repair busi-ness himself Feet first
Kavalerchik learned the ins and outs of the time-honored trade for a year and established himself at a storefront at West Bellfort Street and Chimney Rock Road Two years into the business he acquired a second
shop and split his time between the two He then opted to sell the first location and devoted his energies to the second Hersquos managed that loca-tion at 10815 S Post Oak Rd at Willowbend Boulevard since 1990 and today employs two workers
The dusty little shop enjoys a steady stream of loyal customers many from the neighborhood Blacks Jews and Latinos mostly Itrsquos a business built on reputation Kavalerchikrsquos is good Peachy in fact The front door has a little bell that tinkles
ldquoI can do all kind of jobs ndash regular jobs and orthopedic jobsrdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoI have customers who bring ladies shoes that cost
A peachy cobbler
Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American dream
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 23
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymore Itrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you
must have patience This is the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
ndash Alex Kavalerchik
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Alex Kavalerckik is proprietor of an old-school shoe-repair shop in Southwest Houston His hand tools include a hammer that the shoprsquos previous owner used in a Nazi concentration camp
24 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Supporting the needs of the
Jewish Community
CHEVRA KADISHA OF HOUSTON
Jewish Burial Society
Continuing the sacred tradition of preparing thedeceased for burial with
care and respect
(713) 776-2438
Young Israel
of Houston
7823 Ludington DriveHouston Texas 77071
713-729-0719wwwyihoustonorg
hundreds even thousands of dollars They bring cowboy boots that cost $5000-$6000 Very expensive I do it all ndash refinish resole reshape fix completely the shoesrdquo
And itrsquos not just footwear During the interview with the Jewish Herald-Voice a woman came into the shop with a designer leather bag that had a torn strap ldquoAlaska Airlinesrdquo she grumbled Kavalerchik promised to fix it like new A few minutes later a Polish-speaking doctor came in to pick up a repaired leather dog leash Kavalerchik who grew up speaking Russian with his parents and Yiddish with his grandparents was able to converse with the man in his native tongue They shared a few chuck-les The man dressed in blue-green hospital scrubs was pleased with Kavalerchikrsquos work and tipped him 100 percent on the bill Shortly there-after a slow-moving man with a walking stick and a Korean War cap came in with a belt job
Kavalerchik even does the exotic Can he fix a pair of gilded alligator-skin sneakers No problem (Hersquos done three) How about repair-ing a set of chairs made from elephant feet Um sure why not NBA stars who take advan-
tage of his services are asked to call in advance Size 17s require special order
Some of the more challenging yet reward-ing jobs are those to salvage shoes chewed up by the family dog
ldquoThis you must have a talent to fix itrsquos a tough jobrdquo said Kavalerchik holding up a black patent leather stiletto that bore scars on the heel from large canine teeth ldquoYou donrsquot make too much money on this but the cus-tomer is really happy when I make it look like new againrdquo
Tacked to the wall above the front counter of Kavalerchikrsquos shop is an 8-foot diamondback rattlesnake skin Therersquos also a black-and-white portrait of Al Pacino from ldquoScarfacerdquo While vacationing in Las
Vegas and once in Galveston the Belorussian was hounded for an autograph from fans who mis-took him for the Oscar-winning actor Retelling the stories splits Kavalerchikrsquos face into a smile
The storefront gives way to a multi-roomed workshop in back Itrsquos vintage 1950s outfitted with well-used wooden workbenches walls of racks with customersrsquo shoes and boots (each bearing a colorful toe tag) drawers and cubbyholes filled with bits and buckles and all sorts of odds and ends for leather and shoe work Wooden shoe lasts spools of heavy thread and folds of leather
and rubber adorn door frames and corners Metal taps for dance shoes hang from hooks A random assortment of loose shoe and boot heel parts are stockpiled in a divider mounted to a wall ldquoThey donrsquot make these like they used tordquo Kavalerchik said dusting off an orange-and-white-boxed specimen from half a century ago
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Cowboy boots and orthopedic shoes make up a good deal of Kavalerchikrsquos business
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 25
1500 Sunset Boulevard Houston Texas 77005
7135356400 wwwbeckerschoolorg
Accredited by NAEYCrsquos National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Learning through play
bull Ages 15 months through 5 years bull Extended care 8am - 530pm
bull Developmentally appropriate curriculumbull Extra-curricular classes available
bull Bridge to Kindergarten class
Since 1989
Call for a tourNow accepting applications
for 2012-2013
Congregation Emanu El Becker Early Childhood Center
6401 Woodway(in Whole Foods Plaza)
7133344900
Fabulous Womenrsquos Apparel amp Accessories
4048 Bellaire Blvd(in the Whole Foods Plaza)
7136653336FrenchCuffCocom
labeled ldquoCatrsquos PawrdquoBuilt into a corner post of the main work-
bench is a glue reservoir Plugging the well is a half-dollar-sized metal cap with a rod run-ning through it sporting an applicator brush Long dribbles of glue have oozed caked and dried down the edges of the post looking like a model of a volcano from a school sci-ence fair A photographer friend of Kavalerchikrsquos comes by on occasion to shoot close-up pho-tos of the unique formations
There are industrial ma-chines at every elbow turn stitchers sanders cutters tack-ers buffers Something called an Auto Soler and another called a Heel Popper Some are more than a 100 years old Real made-in-America stuff From cities like Chicago and St Louis Art deco in shape and lines Nickel-plated enameled steel and chromed in work grime
ldquoI have one machine made in 1890 It never breaksrdquo Kavalerchik said fondly
Other equipment however has broken down over the years Kavalerchik has learned to do the repairs himself Out of necessity ldquoItrsquos
very important to learn how to fix this equip-ment Itrsquos very old and nobody knows how to fix it I have to do it myself If this part breaks you have to make a new onerdquo he said
The workshoprsquos few modern conveniences
include a small electric box fan a 26-inch TV that seems stuck on Channel 8 and the occa-sional pinup girl wall calendar One room boasts an empty bottle collection on a top shelf ldquoWe Russians drink cognac after work and vodka at homerdquo Kavalerchik explained Therersquos a row of vintage US postage stamps
affixed to a workbench shelf that dates back to the shoprsquos previous owner a man named Sam Sill
The Polish-born Sill was a Holocaust survivor who worked in a factory making
boots for German army officers Kavalerchik said
ldquoThis hammer he brought from the old country Itrsquos from Germany 1942rdquo said Kavalerchik lifting the worn tool from his workbench ldquoThis guy worked with this hammer in con-centration camprdquo He then palmed a second hammer nearby with simi-lar history Though Kavalerchik has owned the business for the past 22 years he has kept the name ldquoSamrsquos Shoe Repairrdquo
The man who gave Kavalerchik his birth into the business Kalman Witenberg also was a Polish Holocaust survivor Edith Mincberg
was a customer of Witenbergrsquos back in the day and remembers him as a friendly and lively man ldquoHe loved to carry on Yiddish conversations with my late husband Joe Mincbergrdquo Edith told the JHV Witenberg a survivor of Auschwitz among other camps according to Holocaust Museum Houston records died in 2003
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
The 1950s-era shop includes equipment thatrsquos more than 100 years old
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Foot and Ankle
Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery
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6699 Chimney Rock 102713-666-0287
18220 Tomball Pkwy 220832-912-7792
705 S Fwy 215281-579-0816
915 Gessner 380713-467-1299
Times have changed over the course of Kavalerchikrsquos career as an old-school cobbler Many of his early customers were high school graduates whose parents wanted to send their kids off to college in a pair of spiffy penny loafers ldquoThese days itrsquos a different life Kids wear sneakersrdquo Kavalerchik said
The cobbler doesnrsquot wax nostalgic however over the profession that many people including himself view as a dying art
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymorerdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoItrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you must have patience This the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
Kavalerchik has entertained the occasional apprentice but none has stuck it out The cobbler predicts that in 15 20 years time the business will be dead save for a few shops here and there
ldquoThis business is like Jewish language [Yiddish]rdquo he said ldquoBefore people speak it fluently Now itrsquos only a few old guysrdquo
The trade has been good to the man who said he stood a 50-50 chance of winding up dead if he had stayed in the Soviet Union Itrsquos given him his American dream
ldquoIf I can afford to put my children through college this was my dream to come to America This was my dream to give my children education because I did not have time in Russia to get education myselfrdquo Kavalerchik said
ldquoOld people died in these shops They worked like dogs I donrsquot do this I work eight hours a day I go to lunch I go on vacationrdquo he said ldquoHere I have easy life I have my family I have place to sleep I go on vacation twice a year Irsquom happy with my children [Michael and Fannett]rdquo Every other year Kavalerchik visits his father in Israel
Sitting in the front room of his workshop ndash the room with the bottle collection ndash is a large cardboard box full of shoes belonging to his wife Roza Kavalerchik promises hersquoll get to them soon Near the box standing upright in the corner is a clutch of fishing poles
ldquoThese here are very important toolsrdquo said Kavalerchik again with that smile ldquoSaturday at 4 I close up and take my tools straight to the boatrdquo c
Shoe-making skills saved Sillrsquos life duringthe HolocaustBY MICHAEL C DUKE
Sam Sill was the previous owner of Samrsquos Shoe Repair in Southwest Houston
When he sold the business to Alex Kavalerchik some 22 years ago he passed along his tools to the new proprietor These included a pair of hammers that helped save Sill from the Nazi death machine in Europe Kavalerchik said that Sill told him that he Sill as a concentration camp prisoner used the hammers to make boots for German army officers during the war
Houstonian Dr David Wolf ndash a podiatrist ndash is first cousin to Samrsquos wife Ruthie Wolf has preserved an original copy of Sillrsquos immigra-tion papers which state that he Sill was born
Calligraphy by Eileen
Envelope AddressingBarBat Mitzvahs
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Temple SinaiThe Reform Jewish Congregation in West Houston
A warm friendly amp vibrant community where friendship
and caring are combined with a religious faith ritual observance social interaction and education
for adults and children
Join Rabbi Annie Belford and the Temple Sinai Congregation
for Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 730 PM
13875 Brimhurst 281-495-5950Houston Tx 77077 wwwtemple-sinaiorg
TEMPLE SINAI
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
Service with a smileGoing beyond the call of duty
For all of your real estate needs
Terry CominskyRealtor Associate713-558-3331
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wwwmarthaturnercom
OyDo We Know PrintingProudly serving the Jewish Commmunity and Houston
for over 3 generations and 70 plus years
with high quality commercial printing
Simon Printing CompanyFine Lithography
10810 Craighead
Houston Texas 77025
713-666-1296
Fax 713-666-4111wwwsimonprintingcom
28 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Tissue PaperSelf Seal BagsCoffee BagsAutomatic Pull BowsShrink Wrap BagsClear Acetate BoxesRibbonShrink Film RollsTheme BoxesRaffi aGift BoxesGift Wrap PaperCurling RibbonOrganza bags
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Saturday 1000 AM to 600 PM4404 Richmond Ave bull Houston Texas 77027Phone 713-524-5454 bull Fax 713-524-5450
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713-984-2010A SUBSIDIARY OF 4D SIGN WORX LLC
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
Montessori integrated curriculum In a loving caring and safe atmosphere your child will learn and grow with a proven program based on excellence and experience
Registration is now open
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
((771133))666666--00225577
We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
4-Show PackageSStart aS low aS
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TUTSCOM 713558TUTS groups of 15+ call 7135588888
A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
May 14 - 26 2013
LERNER AND LOEWErsquoS
Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
2830 Hicks StHouston TX 77007
Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
NotNot valid Saturdays in June July or August or with any other offer discount special price prepaid afternoon group two-day or season tickets Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale Prices operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice ExpiExpires September 23 2012
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MOST FUN OVER 33 ATTRACTIONS
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MARKETPLACE
713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
Mosk amp Mosk LLCCertified Public Accountants5959 West Loop South Suite 340
Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS
EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
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Locally bull Nationally bull Internationally
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull Artwork bull Unusual bull Large amp Small jobs
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
We Keep Houston MovingPacking
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713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
ACCOUNTANTCPA
PACKING AND SHIPPING SERVICES
ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
Certified American Board of Ophthalmology
Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
wwwucntexascom
Be there when your customers need you
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COMPLETE GUIDE to
EVERYTHING JEWISH (and more)
for Greater Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast
713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
JUNI ERSE
JUNI ERSE
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
celebrate yourbarbat mitzvah like
a rock star
houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
phone 713-227-1392hardrockcom
UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
- VOICES covers 2
- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
8 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Building up the dramaTeens in the actingimprov group will work
together to form an ensemble exploring vari-ous techniques and traditions of theater and improvisation ranging from Shakespearean theater to American sketch comedy
Native Houstonian and theater artist in residence Stephanie Wittles will bring her vast experience to the ArtsFest stage
ldquoAs a newcomer to ArtsFest I am slightly terrified about creating rehearsing and per-forming a theatrical masterpiece in only four short days but I am up for the challenge and confident that these talented actors will rise to the occasionrdquo Wittles said
Teens will learn about acting script analy-sis and improvisation They also will be chal-lenged to develop material to be part of a larger interdisciplinary performance for the grand finale at ArtsFest
ldquoTheater is something I have been doing myself since childhood and so many of my closest friendships have blossomed as a resultrdquo Wittles said ldquoI hope to give my kids the same enriching opportunity this summer I am eager to get startedrdquo
A culinary delightTeens in the culinary arts specialty will
be engaged ndash choosing the right ingredients learning new cooking techniques and under-standing the history and culture behind many foods
Part of the recipe will be for the teens to go to a local farmerrsquos market to learn how to plan a menu and to understand the process of transforming raw ingredients into deli-
cious dishes Houston-area artists in residence are Sam
Beierbegan currently executive chef at A Fare Extraordinaire and Sarah Brook founder and CEO of Dessert Gallery Bakery amp Cafe
ldquoDesserts have been my passion for as long as I can rememberrdquo Brook said ldquoThere are few things more gratifying than finding something you love making it your lifersquos work and then being given the opportunity to share that magic with a new generation
ldquoThroughout my three decades in the dessert industry in Houston I have been so grateful for the support and devotion I have received from my hometownrsquos Jewish community Being given the chance to give back to that community and reaching oth-ers through this amazing program is a real honorrdquo
The program will conclude with the pres-entation of a menu and the production of catered dishes to be served as part of the
weekrsquos final presentation
Dancing with tomorrowrsquos starsTeens in the dance portion of ArtsFest will
explore dance techniques and develop perform-ance skills such as focus intention dramatic and technical range and expansion of move-ment vocabulary
Participants will be introduced to the ori-gins and history of contemporary dance as an expressive and creative art form and learn its role in transmission of culture expression and storytelling
The artists in residence are Houston native Cat Cogliandro and Nicholas Ross of Nicholas Andre Dance studio in New York Ross has choreographed more than 16 works for his company and has toured all over the country
ldquoI am excited to work with all of the partici-pantsrdquo Ross said ldquoI bring a very athletic style to my choreography and I hope to inspire some future artists I also hope to meet people from all over and share our experiencesrdquo
Dancers will create both solos and group work learning to balance individuality with the work of an ensemble The program will finish with the creation of a new work that will be part of the weekrsquos final presentation
A musical chorusTeens signed up for musical theater will
work on vocal technique dance and move-ment skills and song interpretation abilities
Participants will have the opportunity to explore a vast range of material including musical selections from the standard com-edy drama and musical theater repertoire as well as nondramatic sources
Musical theater artists will express their creativity by developing original individual pieces as well as by performing professional musical numbers as part of an ensemble
The artist in residence is Naomi Ackerman Traveling from Los Angeles she is an experienced actor whose credits include theater musicals films and television
Teens show off their acting skills at ArtsFest 2009 in New Orleans
Teens learn how to fillet a fish during ArtsFest 2009 in New Orleans
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 9
Your next event or gathering is to becelebrated and cherished with people who
are special Let our team of professionalexperts make that a reality Our newly
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For more information contact our cateringsales team at (713) 770-6769
westincomgalleriawestincomoaks
The toasts will be inspiring But the feelings will be indescribable Begin your journey at The Westin Galleria amp Westin Oaks where new beginnings are always celebrated
Lavish surroundings with a refreshing variety of venues including newly renovated ballrooms boasting stylish sophisticated interiors and distinctive state-of-the-art amenities
A convenient location in trendy uptown for the bride and her attendants on the day of the ceremony
Ask about our unique new wedding packages designed to accommodate weddings and receptions of all types and sizes
For more information or to make a reservation please visit westincomhoustonweddings or call 7139608100
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10WHO073-JEWISH_HERALD_WEDDINGSv2indd 1 1710 152 PM
Creating a masterpieceParticipants in the fine arts will be able to
sharpen their technique while using a variety of art materials to design a series of projects for their portfolio as well as create a piece of public art to be included as a part of the final performance
Public art is an important expanding field within the discipline of visual arts and is relevant to painters sculptors printmakers fabric artists graphic designers and visual artists of all types
The artist in residence is Julie Brook Alex-ander a Houston artist whose work combines original photography collage and mixed media
ldquoI hope to give the students a chance to develop individually and to enjoy the group experience of ArtsFestrdquo Alexander said ldquoThere is nothing more energizing than inspiring creativity and working in the midst of a creative community
ldquoI hope to provide to the kids an opportunity to look at themselves in a new light through photography painting collage and writingrdquo Alexander said ldquoWe will work on a series of self-portraits and on an indi-vidual artist statement that guides this art-making I want each student to prepare work that shares unique insight into themselvesrdquo
The program will end with the creation and sharing of a new work that will be displayed prominently as part of the weekrsquos final presentation
A vocal experienceTeens in vocal music will enhance their onstage performance skills
both as soloists and as part of an ensemble or choir Participants will work on rhythmic skills pitch and harmonization
The artist in residence from Florida is Beth Schafer who has spent her
career redefining Jewish music by combining masterful songwriting with sensitivity to liturgy and unique insight into text She specializes in music for Torah-minded adults looking for an extension to their Jewish lives through music
Schafer will work with ArtsFest teens to examine how differing song styles reflect the identity of the vocal artist Teens also will explore the crafting of performance techniques as well as the emotional authenticity of an artist during a performance
The program will conclude with performing a special piece at the weekrsquos final presentation
Rock onSingers and songwriters will put their talents to the test in the rock
jazz music specialty There will be guitar bass keyboardpiano drums horns and rock-oriented strings Participants will examine the art of song-writing performance techniques and will analyze the changing world of modern Jewish music
Teens will form bands based on style ability and instrumentation The bands will play cover and jam learning from LA-based artist in residence Josh Nelson one of the most popular performers and producers in modern Jewish music
The program will culminate in the creation and sharing of a new work that will be part of the weekrsquos final presentation
The art of caringArtsFest and Maccabi Games teens will come together during the week
for JCC CaresMore than 1200 teens will work with Jacques DrsquoAmboisersquos nonprofit
National Dance Institute to help bring their amazing dance program to underprivileged and special needs youth of greater Houston
The teens will provide supplies activities refreshments and profes-sional instructors at different locations At each venue athletes will be paired with a child and go to a NDI dance class taught by instructors from various Houston dance companies
Houstonian Kathy Parven is coordinating the programldquoOur goal is to provide the teens a personal engaging and reward-
ing experience as they bring and share the activities celebrating the arts to local underserved and special needs children throughout Houstonrdquo Parven said ldquoWhen we developed this program model in 2007 the teens loved the experience the children had a wonderful time and truly felt special and even the volunteers and staff that helped were in tears Itrsquos a win-win for everyonerdquo
Encore performanceThe final victory will be the ArtsFest grand performance All seven
groups will come together and put on a live show that will display every-thing the teens learned
ldquoWe really want to fill the seats and have an audience for these teens because they will be working so hard for the weekrdquo Horwitt said
Horwitt also hopes that the final performance will be the exclamation point the weeklong event needs to bring ArtsFest to the next level
ldquoMy goals and expectations are to really educate the community about the program and what a fantastic program it isrdquo Horwitt said ldquoAnd for the teens I want them to be excited about JCC Maccabi ArtsFest
ldquoMy ultimate goal this year is that this program grows from here on out ndash and I really think it will Itrsquos just such a great concept and draw for teens Itrsquos like my baby ndash I love itrdquo
For the location of the final show contact the ERJCC 713-729-3200 c
EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER5601 S Braeswood | Houston Texas 77096 7137293200
1000 AM ndash 200 PM
10 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
The first ERJCC Houston teens to participate in JCC Maccabi ArtsFest Northern Virginia 2008 Philip Kar-jeker Dorie Mishael Lindsay Kapp Miriam Lavenda with delegation head Brittany Horwitt
BY AARON HOWARD
P liant is not an adjective we nor-mally associate with wood Pliant suggests a capability of being easily bent a yielding nature or
adaptability We usually think of terms like strength and resistance when we think of woodrsquos qualities ndash as in hardwood We think of flat straight lines Thatrsquos because wood typically is used to make items like tables So the wood is flat and straight cut
Wood artist Isaac Cohen goes against the grain His wooden chests curve His bookcases swirl His wooden Star of David bends
Cohen sees wood differently ldquoI love to take wood to the extremerdquo he said ldquoI think
in wood How can I bend it What kind of shapes can I make For me the challenge is to see how far I can push the wood Every species of wood is a different give Some are soft some are hard
ldquoObviously the worst sound you can hear is CRACK the sound when wood refuses to yield anymore One piece can take a bend but the very next piece will not yield It breaksrdquo
Cohen is perhaps best-known locally as the person who designed and built the 12-foot-high steel Magen Shlomo ndash Shield of Solomon (The Lone Star) Chanukah Menorah commissioned by Chabad Lubavitch of Houston which was displayed in The Galleria in December 2011 Others know Cohen as the artist who has designed
and built wooden art cars over the past decade for Houstonrsquos annual Art Car Parade
Cohen won the Mayorrsquos Cup for ldquoBest In Showrdquo in 2004 For 2012rsquos Art Car Parade Cohen constructed something different ldquoHeroesrdquo a model F-18 Navy fighter jet atop a Geo Metro dedicated to the men and women of the US military services
Cohen recently gave the Jewish Herald-Voice a tour through his 85000-foot warehouse in Houstonrsquos East End The warehouse serves as studio and home of his retail art framing business Among the collection are his art cars and ldquoTV Christmas Treerdquo an installation he made for Houstonrsquos Discovery Green with wood and 20 television sets Yet his custom-
Houston sculptor works against the grain
A Bend in the Wood
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohenrsquos wooden gull-winged Splinter creation was showcased in the April 2008 Houston Art Car Parade
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 11
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
made furniture for example includes a chest of drawers whose graceful arched lines are reminiscent of a beautiful sailboat hull And while the top of one of Cohenrsquos book-cases begins in its proper place at the apex on the left side it plummets down to the bot-tom of the piece like an adrenaline-pumping speed slide
During the tour the phone rang ldquoTake this callrdquo Cohen said to his sons in the next room ldquoPeople think I work here I try hard not to give them that impression What I do now I do for funrdquo
Thatrsquos the key to understanding how Cohen creates He plays Hersquos now 60 years
old and hersquos like one of those old lions on the savannah well fed healthy free from stress and roaring ndash simply for the joy of roaring
Cohen came to Houston from Israel in 1979 In Israel he built custom furniture in his youth and later ran a chain of pizzerias In 1985 he opened a wholesale framing business Classy Art Wholesalers
ldquoWe had to struggle for survival at firstrdquo Cohen said ldquoBut by 1990 we were doing well and we moved our business into our current locationrdquo
In 2002 as his 50th birthday approached Cohen decided he wanted to make his own birthday present A car he named Splinter Over the frame of a restored 1989 Honda Accord he envisioned a wooden body using one-quarter-inch thick strips of ash and wal-nut ndash about 5000 feet of wooden strips glued together so they could bend to the shape of the car frame
Cohen has the original simple drawing now framed labeled ldquoFirst Ideardquo He com-pleted Splinter in June 2003
Join us for ldquoan adventure of the spiritrdquo
Cantor Vadim Tunitsky Senior Rabbi Scott Hausman-Weiss Rabbi Pamela Silk Rabbi Samantha Kahn
ldquoCongregation Emanu El is a Reform synagogue firmly rooted in our covenant with God and the Jewish People We are a caring community dedicated to inspiring the love of God teaching the joys of Jewish living and sharing our mission to be a light unto the nationsrdquo
Minyan Next DorMonthly eruv Shabbat for Houstonrsquos young-er adults
Torah Enrichment on ShabbatChoose from a variety of classes with the rabbi
Weekly Meditation Service
EducationAdult educationBecker Early Childhood CenterHelfman Religious School
1500 Sunset Blvd 713-529-5771wwwemanuelhoustonorg
And MoreBrotherhoodSisterhoodEmanu EldersHelfman Religious School PTA Becker Early Childhood PTOYouth GroupCub and Boy Scouts
An adventure of the spirit
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohen was commissioned to build a 12-foot-tall chanukiah that was kindled inside The Galleria Houston in De-cember 2011
JHV AARON HOWARD
The ldquoFirst Ideardquo sketch for Splinter
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
N o r t h B r a e s w o o d a t C h i m N e y r o C kB R A E S W O O D S Q U A R E
B
Trade secrets There are two methods by which
you can get wood to bend wet and dry
You can use steam which dis-solves some of the bonds between wood fibers Steam weakens and stretches the fibers and allows them to reform during the cooling process
Cohen doesnrsquot use steam or water He dry bends Although he will not give away his secrets he does use wood strips which must be glued to something else such as a form
ldquoWhen you bend dry wood it doesnrsquot maintain its shape by itselfrdquo said Cohen ldquoYou must glue the wood pieces to some-thing else even themselves otherwise the wood would spring back to its original flat-nessrdquo
Wood wants to spring back to its origi-nal shape The tighter the bend the more wood wants to spring back And therersquos no formula no pre-set way of telling how much a strip of wood will spring back or break Itrsquos all a matter of trial and error
For example Cohen created a hang-ing Magen David inside a circle by first dry bending two different-colored wooden strips into a perfect circle Then inside the circle he twisted two other strips until he was able to fashion the interlocking star
ldquoI believe in myselfrdquo said Cohen ldquobut I never believe that the wood will cooperate with merdquo
Fresh startTo begin Cohen decides on a project
Then he decides what species of wood would look best for the project
ldquoWhen I decided to create my wooden truck Big J I saw that to my eye rose-wood looked much better than mahogany Rosewood has such a deep color that it
allows you to see the straight lines The design for that vehicle was a basic octa-gon with many straight lines rather than curves All the wood used for that vehicle came from the same tree So therersquos a single design pattern all over the car except for the tiny changes in the spacing of the tree rings You have to examine the wood really closely to see thatrdquo
Of note all hardwoods get more difficult to bend the closer the artist gets to the cen-ter of the tree Thatrsquos because the wood is denser closer to the core
ldquoSo when you get pieces that are near the center ndash you recognize that by looking at the distance between rings from the edge of a piece ndash the wood gives me a run for my moneyrdquo said Cohen
ldquoI never considered myself an artist Irsquove never taken a class I didnrsquot think of myself as an artist until I received the Lifetime Achievement award for Best Artist from the
Art Car Museum Now I guess I can call myself an artistrdquo
Unlike most other artists Cohen rarely sells his pieces although hersquos been offered as much as $16 million for Splinter
ldquoIrsquoll tell you whyrdquo he said ldquoFive years ago I donated Slider to the Orange Show This was another car I created They auc-tioned the car off to benefit the Orange Show I had put in more than 2000 hours creating Slider It was absolutely like one of my children I cannot forget the awful feeling of loss I had when I let the car go It was gone after being in my shop every day for over a year
ldquoToday when I build something on commission I can see it differently But even so itrsquos difficult to let gordquo
We can appreciate Cohenrsquos feelings When yoursquove put as many hours into your ldquochildrenrdquo as he has it is sometimes hard to let them part c
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohenrsquos F-18 Fighter Jet pays tribute to the ldquoheroes of freedomrdquo Cohen drove the car in the May 2010 Houston Art Car Parade
JHV AARON HOWARD
Isaac Cohenrsquos bent woodMagen David
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15 Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2011 | JhVonlinecom | 14
THE BEST ROAD TO RECOVERY GOES THROUGH SEVEN ACRES
The Lou Lewis Skilled Nursing Program at Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services is dedicated to helping your loved one achieve the highest level of recovery following a hospital stay to successfully return home
Give your loved one the best chance for a full recovery with the Lou Lewis Skilled Nursing Program at
6200 North Braeswood Boulevard Houston Texas 770747137785700 - wwwsevenacresorg
n Fulltime medical services with onsite physicians and geriatric nurse practitionersn Customized skilled nursing care and rehabilitation including physical occupational speech and IV therapyn Great facilities and a nurturing environment
ERJCC dance instructor is creative talent behind Dance Month and moreBY ALICE ADAMS
I trsquos a Monday after 7 pm and dance director Maxine Silberstein has yet to finish her day at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center And this particular day is no busier than any other time of the week
Silberstein is responsible not only for coordinating the JCCrsquos dance pro-gram cultural outreach programs and partnerships and the IW Marks Master Classes but also serves as artistic director for Dance Month ndash now in its 33rd season ndash at the Kaplan Theatre In addition she coordinates Maccabi dance for Team Houston and the annual Tirkedu Houston an Israeli folk dance weekend But thatrsquos not all Shersquos been a teacher of dance for more than three decades as well as dance director for the ERJCCrsquos Arts and Culture Department
Yet her love of dance began long before Dance Month began or the Houston Ballet took the stage
ldquoMy father would sit beside me in the darkness of a Galveston auditorium or the old Music Hall in downtown Houston so I could see the leading prima ballerinas of Ballet Russes and other prominent companies dancing in the spotlightrdquo she recalled and as she watched the little girl who grew up in
Place Where Jewish Culture Thrives Through Dance
JHV MATT SAMUELS
ERJCC dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15
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Texas City took notice of every detail ndash from the artistsrsquo finely positioned feet to the curve of their arms and the placement of delicate fin-gers ldquoIt was always magicalrdquo she remembered
ldquoMy mother started me in dance lessons when I was quite young I was probably 5 or 6rdquo said Silberstein taking a rare time out ldquoI was that kid who was hanging by my arms and legs from the barre or in some way not following instructions Needless to say I didnrsquot receive much encouragement from that teacherrdquo she added
ldquoOnly a few weeks into my dance career my teacher commented that she didnrsquot know exactly why my mother was wasting her money on dance lessons for me That was Motherrsquos cue to move me so I could study with Doris Hede in La Marque and that experience is exactly why I would never discourage any child from study-ing dancerdquo Silberstein added ldquoeven the ones using the barre as a jungle gymrdquo
Realizing her passion for dance by her early teens the athletic young dancer eagerly par-ticipated in programs offered by the Houston Youth Symphony and Ballet where dance teachers and students from the area gathered to rehearse performances at the old City Hall across from the Rice Hotel
After high school graduation Silberstein was unable to attend the University of
Oklahoma which had a flourishing dance program at the time under the tutelage of prima ballerina Maria Tallchief Instead she attended the University of Houston where she earned a bachelorrsquos degree in special edu-cation and physical education with a minor
in dance performanceThroughout her college career the tena-
cious dancer took full advantage of every opportunity that presented itself In doing so she was to study and learn various forms of dance with some of the countryrsquos greatest and
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Melissa Darlow Ariel Brown Lauren Liss and Alyssa Cohen work on their 2012 Maccabi Games dance routine with dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
most prolific choreographers including Fred Strobel Anita Dyche Camille Long Hill Patsy Swayze and Rudy Jenkins in Houston In New York her training included the Alvin Ailey Peridance Center Jennifer Mueller Merce Cunningham Jo Jo Smith Broadway Dance Center and Steps
ldquoWhen I was in college I taught andor substituted for absent teachers in the JCCrsquos adult dance program when the center was located on Hermann Driverdquo she recalled She began working part time as a dance teacher at the J in 1974
ldquoI had met and married my husband Bubba Silberstein in the interimrdquo she explained ldquoand after we began our family I decided to teach dance and raise our children Brent and Steffanirdquo
In 1980 Silberstein was named director of the JCCrsquos dance program after director Lisa Rollrsquos exit
ldquoAfter Lisa left the board was not able to
identify someone to take over the position so I said I would be happy to do it until someone is hired Needless to say Irsquom still here todayrdquo laughed the teacherdancerdirector
Silberstein said it was only natural that
the JCC offer a dance program because of its reputation for programming around health wellness sports and physical activities ldquoDance easily fits into this type of program-mingrdquo she pointed out ldquoand classes were a vehicle for bringing Jewish children together in dance Itrsquos for anyone for all denomina-tions and all ages and itrsquos also a United Way-
funded center and open to everyone who wanted to learn to dancerdquo
So it follows that the high point of Silbersteinrsquos career is inspiring student dancers
ldquoAs director Irsquove had the opportunity of doing many things but being able to teach children to build their confi-dence and esteem to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worth-while And now I am teaching my former studentsrsquo children and the grandchil-dren of my peersrdquo
P r o f e s s i o n a l inf luences have included Mikhail Baryshnikov and
Ohad Naharin the latter an Israeli artis-tic directorchoreographer of the Batsheva Dance Company He also is the originator of Gaga an innovative movement language which has emerged as a growing force in the larger field of movement practices for both dancers and non-dancers
ldquoAt the time we brought him to Houston
a symbol of distinction in assisted living
bull 24 Hour Assistance and Personalized Carebull Elegant Dining Servicesbull Medication Supervisionbull Social Cultural and Recreational activitiesbull Wellness Center with Heated Aquatherapy Poolbull A fully equipped socialmedia centerbull Peace of Mind in a Family Oriented Secure Setting
License ID 102491
wwwthemedallionorg6262 North Braeswood Boulevard
Houston Texas 77074(713) 778-5777
Affiliated with Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Lauren Liss Ariel Brown and Ryan Bryandt follow the lead of dance instructor Maxine Silberstein at the ERJCC
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
he had a company in New Yorkrdquo Silberstein remem-bered ldquoIt was very exciting to have him here And when I think of where he is today and the influ-ence on the world of dance That was a highlightrdquo
As artistic director of Dance Month Silberstein said she believed it was extremely important first and foremost to Houstonrsquos Jewish community because audiences have been able to see on stage a number of Israeli and Yemeni dancers like Sara Levi-Tanai ldquoThe choreography of these groups reflects the Jewish culture in that it is powerful and risk taking at its corerdquo she noted ldquoItrsquos how they live their lives on the edge In general itrsquos a wonderful opportunity for Houston audiences to see Judaism in dance and how the culture and Jewish choreographers have phenomenally influenced dance all over the worldrdquo
With more than 35 years of teaching Silberstein said her goal is to continue meeting the day-to-day challenges of the programs she directs while remaining an influence in the lives of her students and and their desire to dance to meet their own goals not to be discour-aged
ldquoGrowing up in Texas City I didnrsquot have the advantages of Jewish children in Houston growing up with large congregations BBYOs or a community center I could be a part ofrdquo she explained ldquoBut I had my dance I feel like I hopefully have been an inspiration to other Jewish artists to go forward with their art form Irsquove always this thing as an artist in that I am Jewish Maybe not everything I do in dance is Jewish but I am influenced by Jewish artists and I think itrsquos important for all artists to hold on to their Jewishness to represent our culture in the various art forms
Along with her teaching Silberstein has found time to perform with numerous dance companies in her career served on cultural arts boards and has promoted dance in Houston especially dance centering on the Jewish culture Currently she serves on the board of Uptown Dance Centre the HCC-Central College World Dance Institute board and Society for the Performing Arts Education Committee
Silberstein also gives credit to her supervisor Marilyn Hassid ldquofor her support encouragement and friendship in supporting me in doing the many things we do through arts and culture and the dance program
ldquoIrsquove been very fortunaterdquo she continued ldquoBeing at the ERJCC wersquove brought in many many groups of people who may have never stepped foot in here and theyrsquore coming because of dance In the pro-cess they have been exposed to the Jewish culture Itrsquos important to me that we through the Kaplan Theatre expose our center to everyone who comes here In doing so our Jewish culture will continue to have a strong presence in the Houston community ndash through dancerdquo c
ldquoBeing able to teach children to build their confidence and esteem
to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worthwhilerdquo
ndash Maxine Silberstein
ldquoWe are proud our family launched the Jewish Family Service Passover program providing assistance for the past 20 yearsAs others are generously stepping forwardto support this effort we took a look at our communityrsquos future needsrdquondashJeanne Mandell
ldquoAlong with the blessings of our seniors living longer comes an added responsibility to accommodate the changing needs of this community We know JFS will be there to help The Deutser Hecht Mandell Fund for Senior Adult Financial Aid seeks to fulfill the basic needs of our seniors help them maintain independence in their own homes and empower them with personal dignity in the coming decadesrdquondashPunkin Hecht
ldquoWe feel good about being a part of100 Names
Wonrsquot you join usrdquo
A simple bequest is the most common way for a family to establish a legacy gift
In partnership withJewish Family Servicersquos100th Year Celebrationand Houston JewishCommunity Foundationrsquos Create a Jewish LegacyHouston Jewish Family Foundation
rdavisjfshoustonorg 7136679336wwwjfshoustonorg100names
Benefitting Jewish Family ServiceA New Fund is Added to100 Names for 100 Years
The Deutser HechtMandell Fund
for Senior Adult Financial Aid
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
The Shlenker SchoolCongregation Beth Israel - Houston Texas
For more information or to schedule a tourcontact Gail Rovinsky Director of Admissions
713-270-6127 grovinskyshlenkerorg5600 N Braeswood Houston Texas 77096 wwwshlenkerorg
Yoursquove alwaYs spent moneY wiselY
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2555 S Braeswood | Houston TX 77025-2805 elmcroftcom Facility 030414
Schedule a personal visit
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Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Gabby Howard paints her cardCari Cowen with Celebration Company volunteer Joyce Rosen
BY MICHAEL C DUKE PHOTOS BY MATT SAMUELS
Jewish adults with special needs have found a creative outlet at Jewish Family Servicersquos Celebration Company
For the past three years Celebration Company participants have produced note-cards featuring original hand-painted artwork and handmade paper The signed artwork is mounted to the front of the cards which are blank inside and are packaged with envelopes sold either individually or in five-card sets
ldquoThe notecards are a great way for the par-ticipants to express themselves artisticallyrdquo said Nick Tofilon Celebration Companyrsquos director
The cards are available at JFS 4131 S Braeswood Blvd or at Three Brothers Bakery 4036 S Braeswood Blvd
Celebration Company provides meaning-ful employment to people with special needs who ndash with joy purpose and self-esteem ndash cre-ate products that celebrate the good in life c
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Linda Lopen makes a floral paintingMax Schaffer works on her masterpiece
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
What a Difference EmeryWeiner Made
wwwemeryweinerorg bull 8322045900
Thank you so much for a wonderful and I do really mean wonderful Emery experience Itrsquos so sad that Nicole will not be there on a daily basis anymore She told me in third grade that she wanted to attend EWS for middle and high school and it was the best decision that we ever made
- Bonnie Winograd (parent of Class of 2012 Graduate)
ldquo
rdquo
Hebrew Free Loanassociation ndashProviding interest
Free Loans to JewisH Houston area residents since 1932
Loans Available for Emergencies
Healthcare Needs Small Business Assistance
and More For more information or to apply for a loan visit our website at
wwwhflanetor call
713-667-9336 ext221
House of Dereacuteon Media Center is one of the best kept secrets in Houston The eclectic special events venue including state-of-the-art media and conference facilities is housed inside a magnifi cent art deacuteco building located in the heart of Houstonrsquos Midtown District and seated perfectly within the worldwide operations of Music World Entertainment ndash the management company of the worldrsquos 1 female recording group Destinyrsquos Child
Let us turn your next function into a social event to remember
Where your functions become social events
2204 Crawford St Houston Texas l 7137725175 l wwwhouseofdereonmediacentercom
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
reg
National Council of Jewish WomenA fAith iN the future A belief iN ACtioN
Help Houstonrsquos women children and families
JOIN NCJW GHSNational Council of Jewish Women a
nationwide organization of 90000 strong and along with the Greater Houston Sectionrsquos
800+ members takes a progressive stance towards
changing lives through advocacy campaigns and social action by helping
bull At-risk children learn to readbull To ensure reproductive freedom
bull Victims of human traffickingbull Victims of domestic violence
and sexual assaultbull Adolescent survivors of
sexual assaultbull Homeless children
bull Foster children
To learn more about NCJW GHS and how you can get involved visit ncjwhoustonorg or contact us at membershipncjwhoustonorg
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery
from AddictionBY JEANNE F SAMUELS
E stablished 12 years ago Chabad of Sugar Land is headed by Brooklyn-born Rabbi Mendel Feigenson who was brought to Houston in 1995 by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff Fulfilling Chabadrsquos mission to serve Jews throughout the Sugar Land Stafford and Missouri City area Rabbi Feigenson has added a
new facet to his work He has opened his heart and Chabadrsquos doors to a completely underserved segment of the Jewish community It is the newly formed Jewish Recovery Celebration Group which provides support for Jewish recovering alcoholics addicts and members of Alcoholics Anonymous
The truth is contrary to general belief ndash and probably community denial ndash there are Jews who are addicts And those who suffer with addiction face a constant struggle to overcome its grasp
Confronting a definite need Rabbi Feigenson facilitates and organizes social and educational events to help JRCG members merge Judaism with recovery Every other Sunday at 7 pm he integrates the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with the timeless lessons of Torah and Kabbalah The meetings are held in complete privacy when no one else is in the two-year-old Chabad facility
The need for support for Jewish addicts was posed to Rabbi Feigenson by Lynn JHV JEANNE F SAMUELS
Rabbi Mendel Feigenson
Donovan of Galveston She is the only individual in the recently organized group who chooses not to remain anonymous believing her story needs to be told
ldquoShe is an inspirationrdquo the rabbi declared ldquoMore than four months ago she called me saying she had something very important to discuss with me She told me that she has been sober for 25 years and that she has friends who are struggling with addiction The reality is that there are Jews who are drug addicts
ldquoBasically addiction is a diseaserdquo Rabbi Feigenson explained ldquoand addicts cannot help themselves They need group support and our mis-sion is to help our Jewish brethrenrdquo So the rabbi studied the Twelve Steps of AA delved into books on the subject and consulted with some psychiatrists From all this the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group was formed
Presently there are four to six people in the group and Rabbi Feigenson said that the meetings are working well ldquoItrsquos about coming from darkness and making a new liferdquo he pointed out
Credited with encouraging the genesis of JRCG Donovan recalled how she became sober in 1986 taking the train from Harrisburg Pa to Baltimore on Sundays to be part of a Twelve Step group that met in a church ldquoIt was very confusing for me having to separate church and recovery hellip There are no rules regarding religion in AA but most of my support was coming from Christian people Did I have to be Christian to recover
ldquoI had been arrested at 18rdquo she confessed ldquoand the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos com-mon belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
When Donovan moved to Texas in 1990 she continued with AA in churches Although the
West Houston Jewish Community Center had an AA meeting it was not a Jewish recovery group
ldquoI visited with the Jewish Family Service to see if they would help start a Jewish recovery group but they were not accepting of me I spoke to one or two rabbis privately but they werenrsquot receptive either so I kind of let it go for a whilerdquo She noted that perseverance is difficult ldquoThe disease of addiction is not something they know how to deal with
ldquoAs a young girl I was molested by a rabbi and when the Penn State [University] scandal broke loose I became very depressedrdquo she reflected having the need for support at that time ldquoI got on the Internet and Googled Jews in recovery where I read about a Rabbi Kessler at Chabad in Boca Raton Fla I called there and the rabbi told me about a retreat [to be held there] and was it possible I could come It took place this past February with addicts from all over including me Rabbi Abraham J Twerski was the keynote speakerrdquo
The convention inspired Donovan to seek the closest Chabad to Galveston which she found in Sugar Land She telephoned there and Rabbi Feigenson invited her to Shabbat where she had lunch with his wife Chaya After hearing Donovanrsquos story Chaya Feigenson said to her husband ldquoMendel we have to help these peoplerdquo
ldquoMost people know very little about addictionrdquo Donovan empha-sized When I first started someone took me to the rabbi who told me to go home and honor my father and my mother and be a good girlrdquo Also she added ldquoIt must be difficult to drop your children off at a church for recovery Therersquos the worry that theyrsquore brainwashing your child
ldquoThere is so much lack of knowledge especially in the Jewish com-munity If you stay with the thought that Jews donrsquot [become addicts] then people die We need to break that stereotype and lack of informa-tion Jews suffer from drug abuse obesity gambling etc like any other grouprdquo
Donovanrsquos brother a rabbi in Israel took her to AA meetings in Jerusalem where she discovered that there are even rabbis who suffer from alcoholism ldquoSome of usrdquo she pointed out ldquohave had bad experi-ences as childrenrdquo
ldquoThere is such naivetyrdquo Donovan a 58-year-old mother of three and grandmother of eight maintained ldquoRabbi Feigenson is the first in Houston who really heard me and understands the importance of helping every Jewish person It was an incredible day that I met him ldquoWe want to reach out to Jews who are confused and are appealing for help Itrsquos a very special experience to be a Jew in recovery and meet with others who are in recovery also And we can talk to parents free of charge to give them support and help Itrsquos an experience I donrsquot want others to missrdquo
For information about the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group call Rabbi Mendel Feigenson at 832-758-0685 email rabbifeigensongmailcom or visit chabadsugarlandcom c
Congregation Beth Rambam is a warm and welcoming Sephardic congregation led by our young and dynamic Rabbi Daniel Masri
We offer morning and evening services on weekdays and Shabbat There are many fascinating classes and learning opportunities both during the day and evenings offered throughout the week in English Spanish and Hebrew
Alex Pfeffer our fun and entertaining Youth Director leads multiple activities for children of various ages each Shabbat
morning and afternoon and trips throughout the year
713-723-3030 | officebethrambamorg11333 Braesridge | wwwbethrambamorg (coming soon)
C O M E J O I N O U R F A M I L Y
bullbull
22 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ldquoI had been arrested at 18 and the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos common
belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
ndash Lynn Donovan
BY MICHAEL C DUKE
W hen Alex Kavalerchik immigrated to the United States in 1979 with his young family the 30-year-old Belorussia-born Jew had no money no education and spoke no English
Nevertheless the bus-iness-minded good-with-his-hands Kavalerchik ndash a dead-ringer for actor Al Pacino during the latterrsquos Hollywood gangster film days ndash was deter-mined to carve out his own little slice of American pie
Make that cobbler for the vocation he would settle into would be the shoe-repair business
ldquoWe came to Houston and the JCC help us to move to apartment and help us for two monthsrdquo said the heavily accented Kavalerchik who picked up conversational English not from taking formal classes like some others who escaped the Soviet Union in the late rsquo70s but by listening to the language his children were learning to read and write and speak in American public schools
Kavalerchik now a Texan pulled himself up by the bootstraps and held down jobs doing maintenance and factory work Then one day in 1981 he met a Jewish man Kalman Witenberg who ran a shoe-repair
businessldquoHe told me Yoursquore going to be a shoemaker And yoursquore going to
make enough money to pay your bills Yoursquore never going to be a mil-lionaire but therersquos going to be enough money to support your familyrdquo Kavalerchik said
He obliged and in 1985 went into the shoe-repair busi-ness himself Feet first
Kavalerchik learned the ins and outs of the time-honored trade for a year and established himself at a storefront at West Bellfort Street and Chimney Rock Road Two years into the business he acquired a second
shop and split his time between the two He then opted to sell the first location and devoted his energies to the second Hersquos managed that loca-tion at 10815 S Post Oak Rd at Willowbend Boulevard since 1990 and today employs two workers
The dusty little shop enjoys a steady stream of loyal customers many from the neighborhood Blacks Jews and Latinos mostly Itrsquos a business built on reputation Kavalerchikrsquos is good Peachy in fact The front door has a little bell that tinkles
ldquoI can do all kind of jobs ndash regular jobs and orthopedic jobsrdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoI have customers who bring ladies shoes that cost
A peachy cobbler
Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American dream
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 23
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymore Itrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you
must have patience This is the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
ndash Alex Kavalerchik
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Alex Kavalerckik is proprietor of an old-school shoe-repair shop in Southwest Houston His hand tools include a hammer that the shoprsquos previous owner used in a Nazi concentration camp
24 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Supporting the needs of the
Jewish Community
CHEVRA KADISHA OF HOUSTON
Jewish Burial Society
Continuing the sacred tradition of preparing thedeceased for burial with
care and respect
(713) 776-2438
Young Israel
of Houston
7823 Ludington DriveHouston Texas 77071
713-729-0719wwwyihoustonorg
hundreds even thousands of dollars They bring cowboy boots that cost $5000-$6000 Very expensive I do it all ndash refinish resole reshape fix completely the shoesrdquo
And itrsquos not just footwear During the interview with the Jewish Herald-Voice a woman came into the shop with a designer leather bag that had a torn strap ldquoAlaska Airlinesrdquo she grumbled Kavalerchik promised to fix it like new A few minutes later a Polish-speaking doctor came in to pick up a repaired leather dog leash Kavalerchik who grew up speaking Russian with his parents and Yiddish with his grandparents was able to converse with the man in his native tongue They shared a few chuck-les The man dressed in blue-green hospital scrubs was pleased with Kavalerchikrsquos work and tipped him 100 percent on the bill Shortly there-after a slow-moving man with a walking stick and a Korean War cap came in with a belt job
Kavalerchik even does the exotic Can he fix a pair of gilded alligator-skin sneakers No problem (Hersquos done three) How about repair-ing a set of chairs made from elephant feet Um sure why not NBA stars who take advan-
tage of his services are asked to call in advance Size 17s require special order
Some of the more challenging yet reward-ing jobs are those to salvage shoes chewed up by the family dog
ldquoThis you must have a talent to fix itrsquos a tough jobrdquo said Kavalerchik holding up a black patent leather stiletto that bore scars on the heel from large canine teeth ldquoYou donrsquot make too much money on this but the cus-tomer is really happy when I make it look like new againrdquo
Tacked to the wall above the front counter of Kavalerchikrsquos shop is an 8-foot diamondback rattlesnake skin Therersquos also a black-and-white portrait of Al Pacino from ldquoScarfacerdquo While vacationing in Las
Vegas and once in Galveston the Belorussian was hounded for an autograph from fans who mis-took him for the Oscar-winning actor Retelling the stories splits Kavalerchikrsquos face into a smile
The storefront gives way to a multi-roomed workshop in back Itrsquos vintage 1950s outfitted with well-used wooden workbenches walls of racks with customersrsquo shoes and boots (each bearing a colorful toe tag) drawers and cubbyholes filled with bits and buckles and all sorts of odds and ends for leather and shoe work Wooden shoe lasts spools of heavy thread and folds of leather
and rubber adorn door frames and corners Metal taps for dance shoes hang from hooks A random assortment of loose shoe and boot heel parts are stockpiled in a divider mounted to a wall ldquoThey donrsquot make these like they used tordquo Kavalerchik said dusting off an orange-and-white-boxed specimen from half a century ago
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Cowboy boots and orthopedic shoes make up a good deal of Kavalerchikrsquos business
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 25
1500 Sunset Boulevard Houston Texas 77005
7135356400 wwwbeckerschoolorg
Accredited by NAEYCrsquos National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Learning through play
bull Ages 15 months through 5 years bull Extended care 8am - 530pm
bull Developmentally appropriate curriculumbull Extra-curricular classes available
bull Bridge to Kindergarten class
Since 1989
Call for a tourNow accepting applications
for 2012-2013
Congregation Emanu El Becker Early Childhood Center
6401 Woodway(in Whole Foods Plaza)
7133344900
Fabulous Womenrsquos Apparel amp Accessories
4048 Bellaire Blvd(in the Whole Foods Plaza)
7136653336FrenchCuffCocom
labeled ldquoCatrsquos PawrdquoBuilt into a corner post of the main work-
bench is a glue reservoir Plugging the well is a half-dollar-sized metal cap with a rod run-ning through it sporting an applicator brush Long dribbles of glue have oozed caked and dried down the edges of the post looking like a model of a volcano from a school sci-ence fair A photographer friend of Kavalerchikrsquos comes by on occasion to shoot close-up pho-tos of the unique formations
There are industrial ma-chines at every elbow turn stitchers sanders cutters tack-ers buffers Something called an Auto Soler and another called a Heel Popper Some are more than a 100 years old Real made-in-America stuff From cities like Chicago and St Louis Art deco in shape and lines Nickel-plated enameled steel and chromed in work grime
ldquoI have one machine made in 1890 It never breaksrdquo Kavalerchik said fondly
Other equipment however has broken down over the years Kavalerchik has learned to do the repairs himself Out of necessity ldquoItrsquos
very important to learn how to fix this equip-ment Itrsquos very old and nobody knows how to fix it I have to do it myself If this part breaks you have to make a new onerdquo he said
The workshoprsquos few modern conveniences
include a small electric box fan a 26-inch TV that seems stuck on Channel 8 and the occa-sional pinup girl wall calendar One room boasts an empty bottle collection on a top shelf ldquoWe Russians drink cognac after work and vodka at homerdquo Kavalerchik explained Therersquos a row of vintage US postage stamps
affixed to a workbench shelf that dates back to the shoprsquos previous owner a man named Sam Sill
The Polish-born Sill was a Holocaust survivor who worked in a factory making
boots for German army officers Kavalerchik said
ldquoThis hammer he brought from the old country Itrsquos from Germany 1942rdquo said Kavalerchik lifting the worn tool from his workbench ldquoThis guy worked with this hammer in con-centration camprdquo He then palmed a second hammer nearby with simi-lar history Though Kavalerchik has owned the business for the past 22 years he has kept the name ldquoSamrsquos Shoe Repairrdquo
The man who gave Kavalerchik his birth into the business Kalman Witenberg also was a Polish Holocaust survivor Edith Mincberg
was a customer of Witenbergrsquos back in the day and remembers him as a friendly and lively man ldquoHe loved to carry on Yiddish conversations with my late husband Joe Mincbergrdquo Edith told the JHV Witenberg a survivor of Auschwitz among other camps according to Holocaust Museum Houston records died in 2003
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
The 1950s-era shop includes equipment thatrsquos more than 100 years old
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Foot and Ankle
Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery
Podiatry Associates of Houston
Michael A Mineo DPM FACFASDavid L Blumfield DPM FACFASKeith L Jacobson DPM FACFAS
Vito Speciale DPM
6699 Chimney Rock 102713-666-0287
18220 Tomball Pkwy 220832-912-7792
705 S Fwy 215281-579-0816
915 Gessner 380713-467-1299
Times have changed over the course of Kavalerchikrsquos career as an old-school cobbler Many of his early customers were high school graduates whose parents wanted to send their kids off to college in a pair of spiffy penny loafers ldquoThese days itrsquos a different life Kids wear sneakersrdquo Kavalerchik said
The cobbler doesnrsquot wax nostalgic however over the profession that many people including himself view as a dying art
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymorerdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoItrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you must have patience This the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
Kavalerchik has entertained the occasional apprentice but none has stuck it out The cobbler predicts that in 15 20 years time the business will be dead save for a few shops here and there
ldquoThis business is like Jewish language [Yiddish]rdquo he said ldquoBefore people speak it fluently Now itrsquos only a few old guysrdquo
The trade has been good to the man who said he stood a 50-50 chance of winding up dead if he had stayed in the Soviet Union Itrsquos given him his American dream
ldquoIf I can afford to put my children through college this was my dream to come to America This was my dream to give my children education because I did not have time in Russia to get education myselfrdquo Kavalerchik said
ldquoOld people died in these shops They worked like dogs I donrsquot do this I work eight hours a day I go to lunch I go on vacationrdquo he said ldquoHere I have easy life I have my family I have place to sleep I go on vacation twice a year Irsquom happy with my children [Michael and Fannett]rdquo Every other year Kavalerchik visits his father in Israel
Sitting in the front room of his workshop ndash the room with the bottle collection ndash is a large cardboard box full of shoes belonging to his wife Roza Kavalerchik promises hersquoll get to them soon Near the box standing upright in the corner is a clutch of fishing poles
ldquoThese here are very important toolsrdquo said Kavalerchik again with that smile ldquoSaturday at 4 I close up and take my tools straight to the boatrdquo c
Shoe-making skills saved Sillrsquos life duringthe HolocaustBY MICHAEL C DUKE
Sam Sill was the previous owner of Samrsquos Shoe Repair in Southwest Houston
When he sold the business to Alex Kavalerchik some 22 years ago he passed along his tools to the new proprietor These included a pair of hammers that helped save Sill from the Nazi death machine in Europe Kavalerchik said that Sill told him that he Sill as a concentration camp prisoner used the hammers to make boots for German army officers during the war
Houstonian Dr David Wolf ndash a podiatrist ndash is first cousin to Samrsquos wife Ruthie Wolf has preserved an original copy of Sillrsquos immigra-tion papers which state that he Sill was born
Calligraphy by Eileen
Envelope AddressingBarBat Mitzvahs
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Temple SinaiThe Reform Jewish Congregation in West Houston
A warm friendly amp vibrant community where friendship
and caring are combined with a religious faith ritual observance social interaction and education
for adults and children
Join Rabbi Annie Belford and the Temple Sinai Congregation
for Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 730 PM
13875 Brimhurst 281-495-5950Houston Tx 77077 wwwtemple-sinaiorg
TEMPLE SINAI
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
Service with a smileGoing beyond the call of duty
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Terry CominskyRealtor Associate713-558-3331
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with high quality commercial printing
Simon Printing CompanyFine Lithography
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713-666-1296
Fax 713-666-4111wwwsimonprintingcom
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Tissue PaperSelf Seal BagsCoffee BagsAutomatic Pull BowsShrink Wrap BagsClear Acetate BoxesRibbonShrink Film RollsTheme BoxesRaffi aGift BoxesGift Wrap PaperCurling RibbonOrganza bags
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Hours of OperationMonday - Friday 900 AM to 600 PM
Saturday 1000 AM to 600 PM4404 Richmond Ave bull Houston Texas 77027Phone 713-524-5454 bull Fax 713-524-5450
wwwpalmerpkgcom
Gift Wrap ServiceRetail Packaging Supplies
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EXCLUSI V ELY JEWISH MEMORI ALS
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ASK FOR SA NDY GA ITZ
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For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
Montessori integrated curriculum In a loving caring and safe atmosphere your child will learn and grow with a proven program based on excellence and experience
Registration is now open
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
((771133))666666--00225577
We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
4-Show PackageSStart aS low aS
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A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
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Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
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Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
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Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
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Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
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36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
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2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
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Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
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UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
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- VOICES covers 3
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Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 9
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10WHO073-JEWISH_HERALD_WEDDINGSv2indd 1 1710 152 PM
Creating a masterpieceParticipants in the fine arts will be able to
sharpen their technique while using a variety of art materials to design a series of projects for their portfolio as well as create a piece of public art to be included as a part of the final performance
Public art is an important expanding field within the discipline of visual arts and is relevant to painters sculptors printmakers fabric artists graphic designers and visual artists of all types
The artist in residence is Julie Brook Alex-ander a Houston artist whose work combines original photography collage and mixed media
ldquoI hope to give the students a chance to develop individually and to enjoy the group experience of ArtsFestrdquo Alexander said ldquoThere is nothing more energizing than inspiring creativity and working in the midst of a creative community
ldquoI hope to provide to the kids an opportunity to look at themselves in a new light through photography painting collage and writingrdquo Alexander said ldquoWe will work on a series of self-portraits and on an indi-vidual artist statement that guides this art-making I want each student to prepare work that shares unique insight into themselvesrdquo
The program will end with the creation and sharing of a new work that will be displayed prominently as part of the weekrsquos final presentation
A vocal experienceTeens in vocal music will enhance their onstage performance skills
both as soloists and as part of an ensemble or choir Participants will work on rhythmic skills pitch and harmonization
The artist in residence from Florida is Beth Schafer who has spent her
career redefining Jewish music by combining masterful songwriting with sensitivity to liturgy and unique insight into text She specializes in music for Torah-minded adults looking for an extension to their Jewish lives through music
Schafer will work with ArtsFest teens to examine how differing song styles reflect the identity of the vocal artist Teens also will explore the crafting of performance techniques as well as the emotional authenticity of an artist during a performance
The program will conclude with performing a special piece at the weekrsquos final presentation
Rock onSingers and songwriters will put their talents to the test in the rock
jazz music specialty There will be guitar bass keyboardpiano drums horns and rock-oriented strings Participants will examine the art of song-writing performance techniques and will analyze the changing world of modern Jewish music
Teens will form bands based on style ability and instrumentation The bands will play cover and jam learning from LA-based artist in residence Josh Nelson one of the most popular performers and producers in modern Jewish music
The program will culminate in the creation and sharing of a new work that will be part of the weekrsquos final presentation
The art of caringArtsFest and Maccabi Games teens will come together during the week
for JCC CaresMore than 1200 teens will work with Jacques DrsquoAmboisersquos nonprofit
National Dance Institute to help bring their amazing dance program to underprivileged and special needs youth of greater Houston
The teens will provide supplies activities refreshments and profes-sional instructors at different locations At each venue athletes will be paired with a child and go to a NDI dance class taught by instructors from various Houston dance companies
Houstonian Kathy Parven is coordinating the programldquoOur goal is to provide the teens a personal engaging and reward-
ing experience as they bring and share the activities celebrating the arts to local underserved and special needs children throughout Houstonrdquo Parven said ldquoWhen we developed this program model in 2007 the teens loved the experience the children had a wonderful time and truly felt special and even the volunteers and staff that helped were in tears Itrsquos a win-win for everyonerdquo
Encore performanceThe final victory will be the ArtsFest grand performance All seven
groups will come together and put on a live show that will display every-thing the teens learned
ldquoWe really want to fill the seats and have an audience for these teens because they will be working so hard for the weekrdquo Horwitt said
Horwitt also hopes that the final performance will be the exclamation point the weeklong event needs to bring ArtsFest to the next level
ldquoMy goals and expectations are to really educate the community about the program and what a fantastic program it isrdquo Horwitt said ldquoAnd for the teens I want them to be excited about JCC Maccabi ArtsFest
ldquoMy ultimate goal this year is that this program grows from here on out ndash and I really think it will Itrsquos just such a great concept and draw for teens Itrsquos like my baby ndash I love itrdquo
For the location of the final show contact the ERJCC 713-729-3200 c
EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER5601 S Braeswood | Houston Texas 77096 7137293200
1000 AM ndash 200 PM
10 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
The first ERJCC Houston teens to participate in JCC Maccabi ArtsFest Northern Virginia 2008 Philip Kar-jeker Dorie Mishael Lindsay Kapp Miriam Lavenda with delegation head Brittany Horwitt
BY AARON HOWARD
P liant is not an adjective we nor-mally associate with wood Pliant suggests a capability of being easily bent a yielding nature or
adaptability We usually think of terms like strength and resistance when we think of woodrsquos qualities ndash as in hardwood We think of flat straight lines Thatrsquos because wood typically is used to make items like tables So the wood is flat and straight cut
Wood artist Isaac Cohen goes against the grain His wooden chests curve His bookcases swirl His wooden Star of David bends
Cohen sees wood differently ldquoI love to take wood to the extremerdquo he said ldquoI think
in wood How can I bend it What kind of shapes can I make For me the challenge is to see how far I can push the wood Every species of wood is a different give Some are soft some are hard
ldquoObviously the worst sound you can hear is CRACK the sound when wood refuses to yield anymore One piece can take a bend but the very next piece will not yield It breaksrdquo
Cohen is perhaps best-known locally as the person who designed and built the 12-foot-high steel Magen Shlomo ndash Shield of Solomon (The Lone Star) Chanukah Menorah commissioned by Chabad Lubavitch of Houston which was displayed in The Galleria in December 2011 Others know Cohen as the artist who has designed
and built wooden art cars over the past decade for Houstonrsquos annual Art Car Parade
Cohen won the Mayorrsquos Cup for ldquoBest In Showrdquo in 2004 For 2012rsquos Art Car Parade Cohen constructed something different ldquoHeroesrdquo a model F-18 Navy fighter jet atop a Geo Metro dedicated to the men and women of the US military services
Cohen recently gave the Jewish Herald-Voice a tour through his 85000-foot warehouse in Houstonrsquos East End The warehouse serves as studio and home of his retail art framing business Among the collection are his art cars and ldquoTV Christmas Treerdquo an installation he made for Houstonrsquos Discovery Green with wood and 20 television sets Yet his custom-
Houston sculptor works against the grain
A Bend in the Wood
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohenrsquos wooden gull-winged Splinter creation was showcased in the April 2008 Houston Art Car Parade
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 11
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
made furniture for example includes a chest of drawers whose graceful arched lines are reminiscent of a beautiful sailboat hull And while the top of one of Cohenrsquos book-cases begins in its proper place at the apex on the left side it plummets down to the bot-tom of the piece like an adrenaline-pumping speed slide
During the tour the phone rang ldquoTake this callrdquo Cohen said to his sons in the next room ldquoPeople think I work here I try hard not to give them that impression What I do now I do for funrdquo
Thatrsquos the key to understanding how Cohen creates He plays Hersquos now 60 years
old and hersquos like one of those old lions on the savannah well fed healthy free from stress and roaring ndash simply for the joy of roaring
Cohen came to Houston from Israel in 1979 In Israel he built custom furniture in his youth and later ran a chain of pizzerias In 1985 he opened a wholesale framing business Classy Art Wholesalers
ldquoWe had to struggle for survival at firstrdquo Cohen said ldquoBut by 1990 we were doing well and we moved our business into our current locationrdquo
In 2002 as his 50th birthday approached Cohen decided he wanted to make his own birthday present A car he named Splinter Over the frame of a restored 1989 Honda Accord he envisioned a wooden body using one-quarter-inch thick strips of ash and wal-nut ndash about 5000 feet of wooden strips glued together so they could bend to the shape of the car frame
Cohen has the original simple drawing now framed labeled ldquoFirst Ideardquo He com-pleted Splinter in June 2003
Join us for ldquoan adventure of the spiritrdquo
Cantor Vadim Tunitsky Senior Rabbi Scott Hausman-Weiss Rabbi Pamela Silk Rabbi Samantha Kahn
ldquoCongregation Emanu El is a Reform synagogue firmly rooted in our covenant with God and the Jewish People We are a caring community dedicated to inspiring the love of God teaching the joys of Jewish living and sharing our mission to be a light unto the nationsrdquo
Minyan Next DorMonthly eruv Shabbat for Houstonrsquos young-er adults
Torah Enrichment on ShabbatChoose from a variety of classes with the rabbi
Weekly Meditation Service
EducationAdult educationBecker Early Childhood CenterHelfman Religious School
1500 Sunset Blvd 713-529-5771wwwemanuelhoustonorg
And MoreBrotherhoodSisterhoodEmanu EldersHelfman Religious School PTA Becker Early Childhood PTOYouth GroupCub and Boy Scouts
An adventure of the spirit
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohen was commissioned to build a 12-foot-tall chanukiah that was kindled inside The Galleria Houston in De-cember 2011
JHV AARON HOWARD
The ldquoFirst Ideardquo sketch for Splinter
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
N o r t h B r a e s w o o d a t C h i m N e y r o C kB R A E S W O O D S Q U A R E
B
Trade secrets There are two methods by which
you can get wood to bend wet and dry
You can use steam which dis-solves some of the bonds between wood fibers Steam weakens and stretches the fibers and allows them to reform during the cooling process
Cohen doesnrsquot use steam or water He dry bends Although he will not give away his secrets he does use wood strips which must be glued to something else such as a form
ldquoWhen you bend dry wood it doesnrsquot maintain its shape by itselfrdquo said Cohen ldquoYou must glue the wood pieces to some-thing else even themselves otherwise the wood would spring back to its original flat-nessrdquo
Wood wants to spring back to its origi-nal shape The tighter the bend the more wood wants to spring back And therersquos no formula no pre-set way of telling how much a strip of wood will spring back or break Itrsquos all a matter of trial and error
For example Cohen created a hang-ing Magen David inside a circle by first dry bending two different-colored wooden strips into a perfect circle Then inside the circle he twisted two other strips until he was able to fashion the interlocking star
ldquoI believe in myselfrdquo said Cohen ldquobut I never believe that the wood will cooperate with merdquo
Fresh startTo begin Cohen decides on a project
Then he decides what species of wood would look best for the project
ldquoWhen I decided to create my wooden truck Big J I saw that to my eye rose-wood looked much better than mahogany Rosewood has such a deep color that it
allows you to see the straight lines The design for that vehicle was a basic octa-gon with many straight lines rather than curves All the wood used for that vehicle came from the same tree So therersquos a single design pattern all over the car except for the tiny changes in the spacing of the tree rings You have to examine the wood really closely to see thatrdquo
Of note all hardwoods get more difficult to bend the closer the artist gets to the cen-ter of the tree Thatrsquos because the wood is denser closer to the core
ldquoSo when you get pieces that are near the center ndash you recognize that by looking at the distance between rings from the edge of a piece ndash the wood gives me a run for my moneyrdquo said Cohen
ldquoI never considered myself an artist Irsquove never taken a class I didnrsquot think of myself as an artist until I received the Lifetime Achievement award for Best Artist from the
Art Car Museum Now I guess I can call myself an artistrdquo
Unlike most other artists Cohen rarely sells his pieces although hersquos been offered as much as $16 million for Splinter
ldquoIrsquoll tell you whyrdquo he said ldquoFive years ago I donated Slider to the Orange Show This was another car I created They auc-tioned the car off to benefit the Orange Show I had put in more than 2000 hours creating Slider It was absolutely like one of my children I cannot forget the awful feeling of loss I had when I let the car go It was gone after being in my shop every day for over a year
ldquoToday when I build something on commission I can see it differently But even so itrsquos difficult to let gordquo
We can appreciate Cohenrsquos feelings When yoursquove put as many hours into your ldquochildrenrdquo as he has it is sometimes hard to let them part c
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohenrsquos F-18 Fighter Jet pays tribute to the ldquoheroes of freedomrdquo Cohen drove the car in the May 2010 Houston Art Car Parade
JHV AARON HOWARD
Isaac Cohenrsquos bent woodMagen David
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15 Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2011 | JhVonlinecom | 14
THE BEST ROAD TO RECOVERY GOES THROUGH SEVEN ACRES
The Lou Lewis Skilled Nursing Program at Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services is dedicated to helping your loved one achieve the highest level of recovery following a hospital stay to successfully return home
Give your loved one the best chance for a full recovery with the Lou Lewis Skilled Nursing Program at
6200 North Braeswood Boulevard Houston Texas 770747137785700 - wwwsevenacresorg
n Fulltime medical services with onsite physicians and geriatric nurse practitionersn Customized skilled nursing care and rehabilitation including physical occupational speech and IV therapyn Great facilities and a nurturing environment
ERJCC dance instructor is creative talent behind Dance Month and moreBY ALICE ADAMS
I trsquos a Monday after 7 pm and dance director Maxine Silberstein has yet to finish her day at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center And this particular day is no busier than any other time of the week
Silberstein is responsible not only for coordinating the JCCrsquos dance pro-gram cultural outreach programs and partnerships and the IW Marks Master Classes but also serves as artistic director for Dance Month ndash now in its 33rd season ndash at the Kaplan Theatre In addition she coordinates Maccabi dance for Team Houston and the annual Tirkedu Houston an Israeli folk dance weekend But thatrsquos not all Shersquos been a teacher of dance for more than three decades as well as dance director for the ERJCCrsquos Arts and Culture Department
Yet her love of dance began long before Dance Month began or the Houston Ballet took the stage
ldquoMy father would sit beside me in the darkness of a Galveston auditorium or the old Music Hall in downtown Houston so I could see the leading prima ballerinas of Ballet Russes and other prominent companies dancing in the spotlightrdquo she recalled and as she watched the little girl who grew up in
Place Where Jewish Culture Thrives Through Dance
JHV MATT SAMUELS
ERJCC dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15
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Texas City took notice of every detail ndash from the artistsrsquo finely positioned feet to the curve of their arms and the placement of delicate fin-gers ldquoIt was always magicalrdquo she remembered
ldquoMy mother started me in dance lessons when I was quite young I was probably 5 or 6rdquo said Silberstein taking a rare time out ldquoI was that kid who was hanging by my arms and legs from the barre or in some way not following instructions Needless to say I didnrsquot receive much encouragement from that teacherrdquo she added
ldquoOnly a few weeks into my dance career my teacher commented that she didnrsquot know exactly why my mother was wasting her money on dance lessons for me That was Motherrsquos cue to move me so I could study with Doris Hede in La Marque and that experience is exactly why I would never discourage any child from study-ing dancerdquo Silberstein added ldquoeven the ones using the barre as a jungle gymrdquo
Realizing her passion for dance by her early teens the athletic young dancer eagerly par-ticipated in programs offered by the Houston Youth Symphony and Ballet where dance teachers and students from the area gathered to rehearse performances at the old City Hall across from the Rice Hotel
After high school graduation Silberstein was unable to attend the University of
Oklahoma which had a flourishing dance program at the time under the tutelage of prima ballerina Maria Tallchief Instead she attended the University of Houston where she earned a bachelorrsquos degree in special edu-cation and physical education with a minor
in dance performanceThroughout her college career the tena-
cious dancer took full advantage of every opportunity that presented itself In doing so she was to study and learn various forms of dance with some of the countryrsquos greatest and
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Melissa Darlow Ariel Brown Lauren Liss and Alyssa Cohen work on their 2012 Maccabi Games dance routine with dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
most prolific choreographers including Fred Strobel Anita Dyche Camille Long Hill Patsy Swayze and Rudy Jenkins in Houston In New York her training included the Alvin Ailey Peridance Center Jennifer Mueller Merce Cunningham Jo Jo Smith Broadway Dance Center and Steps
ldquoWhen I was in college I taught andor substituted for absent teachers in the JCCrsquos adult dance program when the center was located on Hermann Driverdquo she recalled She began working part time as a dance teacher at the J in 1974
ldquoI had met and married my husband Bubba Silberstein in the interimrdquo she explained ldquoand after we began our family I decided to teach dance and raise our children Brent and Steffanirdquo
In 1980 Silberstein was named director of the JCCrsquos dance program after director Lisa Rollrsquos exit
ldquoAfter Lisa left the board was not able to
identify someone to take over the position so I said I would be happy to do it until someone is hired Needless to say Irsquom still here todayrdquo laughed the teacherdancerdirector
Silberstein said it was only natural that
the JCC offer a dance program because of its reputation for programming around health wellness sports and physical activities ldquoDance easily fits into this type of program-mingrdquo she pointed out ldquoand classes were a vehicle for bringing Jewish children together in dance Itrsquos for anyone for all denomina-tions and all ages and itrsquos also a United Way-
funded center and open to everyone who wanted to learn to dancerdquo
So it follows that the high point of Silbersteinrsquos career is inspiring student dancers
ldquoAs director Irsquove had the opportunity of doing many things but being able to teach children to build their confi-dence and esteem to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worth-while And now I am teaching my former studentsrsquo children and the grandchil-dren of my peersrdquo
P r o f e s s i o n a l inf luences have included Mikhail Baryshnikov and
Ohad Naharin the latter an Israeli artis-tic directorchoreographer of the Batsheva Dance Company He also is the originator of Gaga an innovative movement language which has emerged as a growing force in the larger field of movement practices for both dancers and non-dancers
ldquoAt the time we brought him to Houston
a symbol of distinction in assisted living
bull 24 Hour Assistance and Personalized Carebull Elegant Dining Servicesbull Medication Supervisionbull Social Cultural and Recreational activitiesbull Wellness Center with Heated Aquatherapy Poolbull A fully equipped socialmedia centerbull Peace of Mind in a Family Oriented Secure Setting
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Affiliated with Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Lauren Liss Ariel Brown and Ryan Bryandt follow the lead of dance instructor Maxine Silberstein at the ERJCC
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
he had a company in New Yorkrdquo Silberstein remem-bered ldquoIt was very exciting to have him here And when I think of where he is today and the influ-ence on the world of dance That was a highlightrdquo
As artistic director of Dance Month Silberstein said she believed it was extremely important first and foremost to Houstonrsquos Jewish community because audiences have been able to see on stage a number of Israeli and Yemeni dancers like Sara Levi-Tanai ldquoThe choreography of these groups reflects the Jewish culture in that it is powerful and risk taking at its corerdquo she noted ldquoItrsquos how they live their lives on the edge In general itrsquos a wonderful opportunity for Houston audiences to see Judaism in dance and how the culture and Jewish choreographers have phenomenally influenced dance all over the worldrdquo
With more than 35 years of teaching Silberstein said her goal is to continue meeting the day-to-day challenges of the programs she directs while remaining an influence in the lives of her students and and their desire to dance to meet their own goals not to be discour-aged
ldquoGrowing up in Texas City I didnrsquot have the advantages of Jewish children in Houston growing up with large congregations BBYOs or a community center I could be a part ofrdquo she explained ldquoBut I had my dance I feel like I hopefully have been an inspiration to other Jewish artists to go forward with their art form Irsquove always this thing as an artist in that I am Jewish Maybe not everything I do in dance is Jewish but I am influenced by Jewish artists and I think itrsquos important for all artists to hold on to their Jewishness to represent our culture in the various art forms
Along with her teaching Silberstein has found time to perform with numerous dance companies in her career served on cultural arts boards and has promoted dance in Houston especially dance centering on the Jewish culture Currently she serves on the board of Uptown Dance Centre the HCC-Central College World Dance Institute board and Society for the Performing Arts Education Committee
Silberstein also gives credit to her supervisor Marilyn Hassid ldquofor her support encouragement and friendship in supporting me in doing the many things we do through arts and culture and the dance program
ldquoIrsquove been very fortunaterdquo she continued ldquoBeing at the ERJCC wersquove brought in many many groups of people who may have never stepped foot in here and theyrsquore coming because of dance In the pro-cess they have been exposed to the Jewish culture Itrsquos important to me that we through the Kaplan Theatre expose our center to everyone who comes here In doing so our Jewish culture will continue to have a strong presence in the Houston community ndash through dancerdquo c
ldquoBeing able to teach children to build their confidence and esteem
to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worthwhilerdquo
ndash Maxine Silberstein
ldquoWe are proud our family launched the Jewish Family Service Passover program providing assistance for the past 20 yearsAs others are generously stepping forwardto support this effort we took a look at our communityrsquos future needsrdquondashJeanne Mandell
ldquoAlong with the blessings of our seniors living longer comes an added responsibility to accommodate the changing needs of this community We know JFS will be there to help The Deutser Hecht Mandell Fund for Senior Adult Financial Aid seeks to fulfill the basic needs of our seniors help them maintain independence in their own homes and empower them with personal dignity in the coming decadesrdquondashPunkin Hecht
ldquoWe feel good about being a part of100 Names
Wonrsquot you join usrdquo
A simple bequest is the most common way for a family to establish a legacy gift
In partnership withJewish Family Servicersquos100th Year Celebrationand Houston JewishCommunity Foundationrsquos Create a Jewish LegacyHouston Jewish Family Foundation
rdavisjfshoustonorg 7136679336wwwjfshoustonorg100names
Benefitting Jewish Family ServiceA New Fund is Added to100 Names for 100 Years
The Deutser HechtMandell Fund
for Senior Adult Financial Aid
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
The Shlenker SchoolCongregation Beth Israel - Houston Texas
For more information or to schedule a tourcontact Gail Rovinsky Director of Admissions
713-270-6127 grovinskyshlenkerorg5600 N Braeswood Houston Texas 77096 wwwshlenkerorg
Yoursquove alwaYs spent moneY wiselY
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For less than half the price of private duty care you could get
bull 24 hour per day licensed care bull Beautiful personal apartment and
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Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Gabby Howard paints her cardCari Cowen with Celebration Company volunteer Joyce Rosen
BY MICHAEL C DUKE PHOTOS BY MATT SAMUELS
Jewish adults with special needs have found a creative outlet at Jewish Family Servicersquos Celebration Company
For the past three years Celebration Company participants have produced note-cards featuring original hand-painted artwork and handmade paper The signed artwork is mounted to the front of the cards which are blank inside and are packaged with envelopes sold either individually or in five-card sets
ldquoThe notecards are a great way for the par-ticipants to express themselves artisticallyrdquo said Nick Tofilon Celebration Companyrsquos director
The cards are available at JFS 4131 S Braeswood Blvd or at Three Brothers Bakery 4036 S Braeswood Blvd
Celebration Company provides meaning-ful employment to people with special needs who ndash with joy purpose and self-esteem ndash cre-ate products that celebrate the good in life c
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Linda Lopen makes a floral paintingMax Schaffer works on her masterpiece
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
What a Difference EmeryWeiner Made
wwwemeryweinerorg bull 8322045900
Thank you so much for a wonderful and I do really mean wonderful Emery experience Itrsquos so sad that Nicole will not be there on a daily basis anymore She told me in third grade that she wanted to attend EWS for middle and high school and it was the best decision that we ever made
- Bonnie Winograd (parent of Class of 2012 Graduate)
ldquo
rdquo
Hebrew Free Loanassociation ndashProviding interest
Free Loans to JewisH Houston area residents since 1932
Loans Available for Emergencies
Healthcare Needs Small Business Assistance
and More For more information or to apply for a loan visit our website at
wwwhflanetor call
713-667-9336 ext221
House of Dereacuteon Media Center is one of the best kept secrets in Houston The eclectic special events venue including state-of-the-art media and conference facilities is housed inside a magnifi cent art deacuteco building located in the heart of Houstonrsquos Midtown District and seated perfectly within the worldwide operations of Music World Entertainment ndash the management company of the worldrsquos 1 female recording group Destinyrsquos Child
Let us turn your next function into a social event to remember
Where your functions become social events
2204 Crawford St Houston Texas l 7137725175 l wwwhouseofdereonmediacentercom
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
reg
National Council of Jewish WomenA fAith iN the future A belief iN ACtioN
Help Houstonrsquos women children and families
JOIN NCJW GHSNational Council of Jewish Women a
nationwide organization of 90000 strong and along with the Greater Houston Sectionrsquos
800+ members takes a progressive stance towards
changing lives through advocacy campaigns and social action by helping
bull At-risk children learn to readbull To ensure reproductive freedom
bull Victims of human traffickingbull Victims of domestic violence
and sexual assaultbull Adolescent survivors of
sexual assaultbull Homeless children
bull Foster children
To learn more about NCJW GHS and how you can get involved visit ncjwhoustonorg or contact us at membershipncjwhoustonorg
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery
from AddictionBY JEANNE F SAMUELS
E stablished 12 years ago Chabad of Sugar Land is headed by Brooklyn-born Rabbi Mendel Feigenson who was brought to Houston in 1995 by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff Fulfilling Chabadrsquos mission to serve Jews throughout the Sugar Land Stafford and Missouri City area Rabbi Feigenson has added a
new facet to his work He has opened his heart and Chabadrsquos doors to a completely underserved segment of the Jewish community It is the newly formed Jewish Recovery Celebration Group which provides support for Jewish recovering alcoholics addicts and members of Alcoholics Anonymous
The truth is contrary to general belief ndash and probably community denial ndash there are Jews who are addicts And those who suffer with addiction face a constant struggle to overcome its grasp
Confronting a definite need Rabbi Feigenson facilitates and organizes social and educational events to help JRCG members merge Judaism with recovery Every other Sunday at 7 pm he integrates the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with the timeless lessons of Torah and Kabbalah The meetings are held in complete privacy when no one else is in the two-year-old Chabad facility
The need for support for Jewish addicts was posed to Rabbi Feigenson by Lynn JHV JEANNE F SAMUELS
Rabbi Mendel Feigenson
Donovan of Galveston She is the only individual in the recently organized group who chooses not to remain anonymous believing her story needs to be told
ldquoShe is an inspirationrdquo the rabbi declared ldquoMore than four months ago she called me saying she had something very important to discuss with me She told me that she has been sober for 25 years and that she has friends who are struggling with addiction The reality is that there are Jews who are drug addicts
ldquoBasically addiction is a diseaserdquo Rabbi Feigenson explained ldquoand addicts cannot help themselves They need group support and our mis-sion is to help our Jewish brethrenrdquo So the rabbi studied the Twelve Steps of AA delved into books on the subject and consulted with some psychiatrists From all this the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group was formed
Presently there are four to six people in the group and Rabbi Feigenson said that the meetings are working well ldquoItrsquos about coming from darkness and making a new liferdquo he pointed out
Credited with encouraging the genesis of JRCG Donovan recalled how she became sober in 1986 taking the train from Harrisburg Pa to Baltimore on Sundays to be part of a Twelve Step group that met in a church ldquoIt was very confusing for me having to separate church and recovery hellip There are no rules regarding religion in AA but most of my support was coming from Christian people Did I have to be Christian to recover
ldquoI had been arrested at 18rdquo she confessed ldquoand the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos com-mon belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
When Donovan moved to Texas in 1990 she continued with AA in churches Although the
West Houston Jewish Community Center had an AA meeting it was not a Jewish recovery group
ldquoI visited with the Jewish Family Service to see if they would help start a Jewish recovery group but they were not accepting of me I spoke to one or two rabbis privately but they werenrsquot receptive either so I kind of let it go for a whilerdquo She noted that perseverance is difficult ldquoThe disease of addiction is not something they know how to deal with
ldquoAs a young girl I was molested by a rabbi and when the Penn State [University] scandal broke loose I became very depressedrdquo she reflected having the need for support at that time ldquoI got on the Internet and Googled Jews in recovery where I read about a Rabbi Kessler at Chabad in Boca Raton Fla I called there and the rabbi told me about a retreat [to be held there] and was it possible I could come It took place this past February with addicts from all over including me Rabbi Abraham J Twerski was the keynote speakerrdquo
The convention inspired Donovan to seek the closest Chabad to Galveston which she found in Sugar Land She telephoned there and Rabbi Feigenson invited her to Shabbat where she had lunch with his wife Chaya After hearing Donovanrsquos story Chaya Feigenson said to her husband ldquoMendel we have to help these peoplerdquo
ldquoMost people know very little about addictionrdquo Donovan empha-sized When I first started someone took me to the rabbi who told me to go home and honor my father and my mother and be a good girlrdquo Also she added ldquoIt must be difficult to drop your children off at a church for recovery Therersquos the worry that theyrsquore brainwashing your child
ldquoThere is so much lack of knowledge especially in the Jewish com-munity If you stay with the thought that Jews donrsquot [become addicts] then people die We need to break that stereotype and lack of informa-tion Jews suffer from drug abuse obesity gambling etc like any other grouprdquo
Donovanrsquos brother a rabbi in Israel took her to AA meetings in Jerusalem where she discovered that there are even rabbis who suffer from alcoholism ldquoSome of usrdquo she pointed out ldquohave had bad experi-ences as childrenrdquo
ldquoThere is such naivetyrdquo Donovan a 58-year-old mother of three and grandmother of eight maintained ldquoRabbi Feigenson is the first in Houston who really heard me and understands the importance of helping every Jewish person It was an incredible day that I met him ldquoWe want to reach out to Jews who are confused and are appealing for help Itrsquos a very special experience to be a Jew in recovery and meet with others who are in recovery also And we can talk to parents free of charge to give them support and help Itrsquos an experience I donrsquot want others to missrdquo
For information about the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group call Rabbi Mendel Feigenson at 832-758-0685 email rabbifeigensongmailcom or visit chabadsugarlandcom c
Congregation Beth Rambam is a warm and welcoming Sephardic congregation led by our young and dynamic Rabbi Daniel Masri
We offer morning and evening services on weekdays and Shabbat There are many fascinating classes and learning opportunities both during the day and evenings offered throughout the week in English Spanish and Hebrew
Alex Pfeffer our fun and entertaining Youth Director leads multiple activities for children of various ages each Shabbat
morning and afternoon and trips throughout the year
713-723-3030 | officebethrambamorg11333 Braesridge | wwwbethrambamorg (coming soon)
C O M E J O I N O U R F A M I L Y
bullbull
22 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ldquoI had been arrested at 18 and the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos common
belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
ndash Lynn Donovan
BY MICHAEL C DUKE
W hen Alex Kavalerchik immigrated to the United States in 1979 with his young family the 30-year-old Belorussia-born Jew had no money no education and spoke no English
Nevertheless the bus-iness-minded good-with-his-hands Kavalerchik ndash a dead-ringer for actor Al Pacino during the latterrsquos Hollywood gangster film days ndash was deter-mined to carve out his own little slice of American pie
Make that cobbler for the vocation he would settle into would be the shoe-repair business
ldquoWe came to Houston and the JCC help us to move to apartment and help us for two monthsrdquo said the heavily accented Kavalerchik who picked up conversational English not from taking formal classes like some others who escaped the Soviet Union in the late rsquo70s but by listening to the language his children were learning to read and write and speak in American public schools
Kavalerchik now a Texan pulled himself up by the bootstraps and held down jobs doing maintenance and factory work Then one day in 1981 he met a Jewish man Kalman Witenberg who ran a shoe-repair
businessldquoHe told me Yoursquore going to be a shoemaker And yoursquore going to
make enough money to pay your bills Yoursquore never going to be a mil-lionaire but therersquos going to be enough money to support your familyrdquo Kavalerchik said
He obliged and in 1985 went into the shoe-repair busi-ness himself Feet first
Kavalerchik learned the ins and outs of the time-honored trade for a year and established himself at a storefront at West Bellfort Street and Chimney Rock Road Two years into the business he acquired a second
shop and split his time between the two He then opted to sell the first location and devoted his energies to the second Hersquos managed that loca-tion at 10815 S Post Oak Rd at Willowbend Boulevard since 1990 and today employs two workers
The dusty little shop enjoys a steady stream of loyal customers many from the neighborhood Blacks Jews and Latinos mostly Itrsquos a business built on reputation Kavalerchikrsquos is good Peachy in fact The front door has a little bell that tinkles
ldquoI can do all kind of jobs ndash regular jobs and orthopedic jobsrdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoI have customers who bring ladies shoes that cost
A peachy cobbler
Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American dream
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 23
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymore Itrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you
must have patience This is the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
ndash Alex Kavalerchik
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Alex Kavalerckik is proprietor of an old-school shoe-repair shop in Southwest Houston His hand tools include a hammer that the shoprsquos previous owner used in a Nazi concentration camp
24 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Supporting the needs of the
Jewish Community
CHEVRA KADISHA OF HOUSTON
Jewish Burial Society
Continuing the sacred tradition of preparing thedeceased for burial with
care and respect
(713) 776-2438
Young Israel
of Houston
7823 Ludington DriveHouston Texas 77071
713-729-0719wwwyihoustonorg
hundreds even thousands of dollars They bring cowboy boots that cost $5000-$6000 Very expensive I do it all ndash refinish resole reshape fix completely the shoesrdquo
And itrsquos not just footwear During the interview with the Jewish Herald-Voice a woman came into the shop with a designer leather bag that had a torn strap ldquoAlaska Airlinesrdquo she grumbled Kavalerchik promised to fix it like new A few minutes later a Polish-speaking doctor came in to pick up a repaired leather dog leash Kavalerchik who grew up speaking Russian with his parents and Yiddish with his grandparents was able to converse with the man in his native tongue They shared a few chuck-les The man dressed in blue-green hospital scrubs was pleased with Kavalerchikrsquos work and tipped him 100 percent on the bill Shortly there-after a slow-moving man with a walking stick and a Korean War cap came in with a belt job
Kavalerchik even does the exotic Can he fix a pair of gilded alligator-skin sneakers No problem (Hersquos done three) How about repair-ing a set of chairs made from elephant feet Um sure why not NBA stars who take advan-
tage of his services are asked to call in advance Size 17s require special order
Some of the more challenging yet reward-ing jobs are those to salvage shoes chewed up by the family dog
ldquoThis you must have a talent to fix itrsquos a tough jobrdquo said Kavalerchik holding up a black patent leather stiletto that bore scars on the heel from large canine teeth ldquoYou donrsquot make too much money on this but the cus-tomer is really happy when I make it look like new againrdquo
Tacked to the wall above the front counter of Kavalerchikrsquos shop is an 8-foot diamondback rattlesnake skin Therersquos also a black-and-white portrait of Al Pacino from ldquoScarfacerdquo While vacationing in Las
Vegas and once in Galveston the Belorussian was hounded for an autograph from fans who mis-took him for the Oscar-winning actor Retelling the stories splits Kavalerchikrsquos face into a smile
The storefront gives way to a multi-roomed workshop in back Itrsquos vintage 1950s outfitted with well-used wooden workbenches walls of racks with customersrsquo shoes and boots (each bearing a colorful toe tag) drawers and cubbyholes filled with bits and buckles and all sorts of odds and ends for leather and shoe work Wooden shoe lasts spools of heavy thread and folds of leather
and rubber adorn door frames and corners Metal taps for dance shoes hang from hooks A random assortment of loose shoe and boot heel parts are stockpiled in a divider mounted to a wall ldquoThey donrsquot make these like they used tordquo Kavalerchik said dusting off an orange-and-white-boxed specimen from half a century ago
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Cowboy boots and orthopedic shoes make up a good deal of Kavalerchikrsquos business
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 25
1500 Sunset Boulevard Houston Texas 77005
7135356400 wwwbeckerschoolorg
Accredited by NAEYCrsquos National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Learning through play
bull Ages 15 months through 5 years bull Extended care 8am - 530pm
bull Developmentally appropriate curriculumbull Extra-curricular classes available
bull Bridge to Kindergarten class
Since 1989
Call for a tourNow accepting applications
for 2012-2013
Congregation Emanu El Becker Early Childhood Center
6401 Woodway(in Whole Foods Plaza)
7133344900
Fabulous Womenrsquos Apparel amp Accessories
4048 Bellaire Blvd(in the Whole Foods Plaza)
7136653336FrenchCuffCocom
labeled ldquoCatrsquos PawrdquoBuilt into a corner post of the main work-
bench is a glue reservoir Plugging the well is a half-dollar-sized metal cap with a rod run-ning through it sporting an applicator brush Long dribbles of glue have oozed caked and dried down the edges of the post looking like a model of a volcano from a school sci-ence fair A photographer friend of Kavalerchikrsquos comes by on occasion to shoot close-up pho-tos of the unique formations
There are industrial ma-chines at every elbow turn stitchers sanders cutters tack-ers buffers Something called an Auto Soler and another called a Heel Popper Some are more than a 100 years old Real made-in-America stuff From cities like Chicago and St Louis Art deco in shape and lines Nickel-plated enameled steel and chromed in work grime
ldquoI have one machine made in 1890 It never breaksrdquo Kavalerchik said fondly
Other equipment however has broken down over the years Kavalerchik has learned to do the repairs himself Out of necessity ldquoItrsquos
very important to learn how to fix this equip-ment Itrsquos very old and nobody knows how to fix it I have to do it myself If this part breaks you have to make a new onerdquo he said
The workshoprsquos few modern conveniences
include a small electric box fan a 26-inch TV that seems stuck on Channel 8 and the occa-sional pinup girl wall calendar One room boasts an empty bottle collection on a top shelf ldquoWe Russians drink cognac after work and vodka at homerdquo Kavalerchik explained Therersquos a row of vintage US postage stamps
affixed to a workbench shelf that dates back to the shoprsquos previous owner a man named Sam Sill
The Polish-born Sill was a Holocaust survivor who worked in a factory making
boots for German army officers Kavalerchik said
ldquoThis hammer he brought from the old country Itrsquos from Germany 1942rdquo said Kavalerchik lifting the worn tool from his workbench ldquoThis guy worked with this hammer in con-centration camprdquo He then palmed a second hammer nearby with simi-lar history Though Kavalerchik has owned the business for the past 22 years he has kept the name ldquoSamrsquos Shoe Repairrdquo
The man who gave Kavalerchik his birth into the business Kalman Witenberg also was a Polish Holocaust survivor Edith Mincberg
was a customer of Witenbergrsquos back in the day and remembers him as a friendly and lively man ldquoHe loved to carry on Yiddish conversations with my late husband Joe Mincbergrdquo Edith told the JHV Witenberg a survivor of Auschwitz among other camps according to Holocaust Museum Houston records died in 2003
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
The 1950s-era shop includes equipment thatrsquos more than 100 years old
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Foot and Ankle
Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery
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6699 Chimney Rock 102713-666-0287
18220 Tomball Pkwy 220832-912-7792
705 S Fwy 215281-579-0816
915 Gessner 380713-467-1299
Times have changed over the course of Kavalerchikrsquos career as an old-school cobbler Many of his early customers were high school graduates whose parents wanted to send their kids off to college in a pair of spiffy penny loafers ldquoThese days itrsquos a different life Kids wear sneakersrdquo Kavalerchik said
The cobbler doesnrsquot wax nostalgic however over the profession that many people including himself view as a dying art
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymorerdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoItrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you must have patience This the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
Kavalerchik has entertained the occasional apprentice but none has stuck it out The cobbler predicts that in 15 20 years time the business will be dead save for a few shops here and there
ldquoThis business is like Jewish language [Yiddish]rdquo he said ldquoBefore people speak it fluently Now itrsquos only a few old guysrdquo
The trade has been good to the man who said he stood a 50-50 chance of winding up dead if he had stayed in the Soviet Union Itrsquos given him his American dream
ldquoIf I can afford to put my children through college this was my dream to come to America This was my dream to give my children education because I did not have time in Russia to get education myselfrdquo Kavalerchik said
ldquoOld people died in these shops They worked like dogs I donrsquot do this I work eight hours a day I go to lunch I go on vacationrdquo he said ldquoHere I have easy life I have my family I have place to sleep I go on vacation twice a year Irsquom happy with my children [Michael and Fannett]rdquo Every other year Kavalerchik visits his father in Israel
Sitting in the front room of his workshop ndash the room with the bottle collection ndash is a large cardboard box full of shoes belonging to his wife Roza Kavalerchik promises hersquoll get to them soon Near the box standing upright in the corner is a clutch of fishing poles
ldquoThese here are very important toolsrdquo said Kavalerchik again with that smile ldquoSaturday at 4 I close up and take my tools straight to the boatrdquo c
Shoe-making skills saved Sillrsquos life duringthe HolocaustBY MICHAEL C DUKE
Sam Sill was the previous owner of Samrsquos Shoe Repair in Southwest Houston
When he sold the business to Alex Kavalerchik some 22 years ago he passed along his tools to the new proprietor These included a pair of hammers that helped save Sill from the Nazi death machine in Europe Kavalerchik said that Sill told him that he Sill as a concentration camp prisoner used the hammers to make boots for German army officers during the war
Houstonian Dr David Wolf ndash a podiatrist ndash is first cousin to Samrsquos wife Ruthie Wolf has preserved an original copy of Sillrsquos immigra-tion papers which state that he Sill was born
Calligraphy by Eileen
Envelope AddressingBarBat Mitzvahs
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Temple SinaiThe Reform Jewish Congregation in West Houston
A warm friendly amp vibrant community where friendship
and caring are combined with a religious faith ritual observance social interaction and education
for adults and children
Join Rabbi Annie Belford and the Temple Sinai Congregation
for Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 730 PM
13875 Brimhurst 281-495-5950Houston Tx 77077 wwwtemple-sinaiorg
TEMPLE SINAI
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
Service with a smileGoing beyond the call of duty
For all of your real estate needs
Terry CominskyRealtor Associate713-558-3331
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wwwmarthaturnercom
OyDo We Know PrintingProudly serving the Jewish Commmunity and Houston
for over 3 generations and 70 plus years
with high quality commercial printing
Simon Printing CompanyFine Lithography
10810 Craighead
Houston Texas 77025
713-666-1296
Fax 713-666-4111wwwsimonprintingcom
28 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Tissue PaperSelf Seal BagsCoffee BagsAutomatic Pull BowsShrink Wrap BagsClear Acetate BoxesRibbonShrink Film RollsTheme BoxesRaffi aGift BoxesGift Wrap PaperCurling RibbonOrganza bags
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Hours of OperationMonday - Friday 900 AM to 600 PM
Saturday 1000 AM to 600 PM4404 Richmond Ave bull Houston Texas 77027Phone 713-524-5454 bull Fax 713-524-5450
wwwpalmerpkgcom
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713-984-2010A SUBSIDIARY OF 4D SIGN WORX LLC
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
Montessori integrated curriculum In a loving caring and safe atmosphere your child will learn and grow with a proven program based on excellence and experience
Registration is now open
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
((771133))666666--00225577
We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
4-Show PackageSStart aS low aS
$108
TUTSCOM 713558TUTS groups of 15+ call 7135588888
A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
May 14 - 26 2013
LERNER AND LOEWErsquoS
Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
2830 Hicks StHouston TX 77007
Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
NotNot valid Saturdays in June July or August or with any other offer discount special price prepaid afternoon group two-day or season tickets Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale Prices operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice ExpiExpires September 23 2012
SAVE up to $12YOUR FAMILY WILL BE
DISCOUNT TICKETS ONLINE schlitterbahncom
MOST FUN OVER 33 ATTRACTIONS
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
MARKETPLACE
713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
Mosk amp Mosk LLCCertified Public Accountants5959 West Loop South Suite 340
Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS
EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
COUNSELING
Packing bull Crating bull Freighting bull UnpackingMoving homes bull Offices
Assisted living bull Estate packing
Locally bull Nationally bull Internationally
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull Artwork bull Unusual bull Large amp Small jobs
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
We Keep Houston MovingPacking
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
ACCOUNTANTCPA
PACKING AND SHIPPING SERVICES
ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
Certified American Board of Ophthalmology
Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
wwwucntexascom
Be there when your customers need you
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and get your company or organization listed for free
COMPLETE GUIDE to
EVERYTHING JEWISH (and more)
for Greater Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast
713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
JUNI ERSE
JUNI ERSE
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
celebrate yourbarbat mitzvah like
a rock star
houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
phone 713-227-1392hardrockcom
UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
- VOICES covers 2
- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
Creating a masterpieceParticipants in the fine arts will be able to
sharpen their technique while using a variety of art materials to design a series of projects for their portfolio as well as create a piece of public art to be included as a part of the final performance
Public art is an important expanding field within the discipline of visual arts and is relevant to painters sculptors printmakers fabric artists graphic designers and visual artists of all types
The artist in residence is Julie Brook Alex-ander a Houston artist whose work combines original photography collage and mixed media
ldquoI hope to give the students a chance to develop individually and to enjoy the group experience of ArtsFestrdquo Alexander said ldquoThere is nothing more energizing than inspiring creativity and working in the midst of a creative community
ldquoI hope to provide to the kids an opportunity to look at themselves in a new light through photography painting collage and writingrdquo Alexander said ldquoWe will work on a series of self-portraits and on an indi-vidual artist statement that guides this art-making I want each student to prepare work that shares unique insight into themselvesrdquo
The program will end with the creation and sharing of a new work that will be displayed prominently as part of the weekrsquos final presentation
A vocal experienceTeens in vocal music will enhance their onstage performance skills
both as soloists and as part of an ensemble or choir Participants will work on rhythmic skills pitch and harmonization
The artist in residence from Florida is Beth Schafer who has spent her
career redefining Jewish music by combining masterful songwriting with sensitivity to liturgy and unique insight into text She specializes in music for Torah-minded adults looking for an extension to their Jewish lives through music
Schafer will work with ArtsFest teens to examine how differing song styles reflect the identity of the vocal artist Teens also will explore the crafting of performance techniques as well as the emotional authenticity of an artist during a performance
The program will conclude with performing a special piece at the weekrsquos final presentation
Rock onSingers and songwriters will put their talents to the test in the rock
jazz music specialty There will be guitar bass keyboardpiano drums horns and rock-oriented strings Participants will examine the art of song-writing performance techniques and will analyze the changing world of modern Jewish music
Teens will form bands based on style ability and instrumentation The bands will play cover and jam learning from LA-based artist in residence Josh Nelson one of the most popular performers and producers in modern Jewish music
The program will culminate in the creation and sharing of a new work that will be part of the weekrsquos final presentation
The art of caringArtsFest and Maccabi Games teens will come together during the week
for JCC CaresMore than 1200 teens will work with Jacques DrsquoAmboisersquos nonprofit
National Dance Institute to help bring their amazing dance program to underprivileged and special needs youth of greater Houston
The teens will provide supplies activities refreshments and profes-sional instructors at different locations At each venue athletes will be paired with a child and go to a NDI dance class taught by instructors from various Houston dance companies
Houstonian Kathy Parven is coordinating the programldquoOur goal is to provide the teens a personal engaging and reward-
ing experience as they bring and share the activities celebrating the arts to local underserved and special needs children throughout Houstonrdquo Parven said ldquoWhen we developed this program model in 2007 the teens loved the experience the children had a wonderful time and truly felt special and even the volunteers and staff that helped were in tears Itrsquos a win-win for everyonerdquo
Encore performanceThe final victory will be the ArtsFest grand performance All seven
groups will come together and put on a live show that will display every-thing the teens learned
ldquoWe really want to fill the seats and have an audience for these teens because they will be working so hard for the weekrdquo Horwitt said
Horwitt also hopes that the final performance will be the exclamation point the weeklong event needs to bring ArtsFest to the next level
ldquoMy goals and expectations are to really educate the community about the program and what a fantastic program it isrdquo Horwitt said ldquoAnd for the teens I want them to be excited about JCC Maccabi ArtsFest
ldquoMy ultimate goal this year is that this program grows from here on out ndash and I really think it will Itrsquos just such a great concept and draw for teens Itrsquos like my baby ndash I love itrdquo
For the location of the final show contact the ERJCC 713-729-3200 c
EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER5601 S Braeswood | Houston Texas 77096 7137293200
1000 AM ndash 200 PM
10 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
The first ERJCC Houston teens to participate in JCC Maccabi ArtsFest Northern Virginia 2008 Philip Kar-jeker Dorie Mishael Lindsay Kapp Miriam Lavenda with delegation head Brittany Horwitt
BY AARON HOWARD
P liant is not an adjective we nor-mally associate with wood Pliant suggests a capability of being easily bent a yielding nature or
adaptability We usually think of terms like strength and resistance when we think of woodrsquos qualities ndash as in hardwood We think of flat straight lines Thatrsquos because wood typically is used to make items like tables So the wood is flat and straight cut
Wood artist Isaac Cohen goes against the grain His wooden chests curve His bookcases swirl His wooden Star of David bends
Cohen sees wood differently ldquoI love to take wood to the extremerdquo he said ldquoI think
in wood How can I bend it What kind of shapes can I make For me the challenge is to see how far I can push the wood Every species of wood is a different give Some are soft some are hard
ldquoObviously the worst sound you can hear is CRACK the sound when wood refuses to yield anymore One piece can take a bend but the very next piece will not yield It breaksrdquo
Cohen is perhaps best-known locally as the person who designed and built the 12-foot-high steel Magen Shlomo ndash Shield of Solomon (The Lone Star) Chanukah Menorah commissioned by Chabad Lubavitch of Houston which was displayed in The Galleria in December 2011 Others know Cohen as the artist who has designed
and built wooden art cars over the past decade for Houstonrsquos annual Art Car Parade
Cohen won the Mayorrsquos Cup for ldquoBest In Showrdquo in 2004 For 2012rsquos Art Car Parade Cohen constructed something different ldquoHeroesrdquo a model F-18 Navy fighter jet atop a Geo Metro dedicated to the men and women of the US military services
Cohen recently gave the Jewish Herald-Voice a tour through his 85000-foot warehouse in Houstonrsquos East End The warehouse serves as studio and home of his retail art framing business Among the collection are his art cars and ldquoTV Christmas Treerdquo an installation he made for Houstonrsquos Discovery Green with wood and 20 television sets Yet his custom-
Houston sculptor works against the grain
A Bend in the Wood
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohenrsquos wooden gull-winged Splinter creation was showcased in the April 2008 Houston Art Car Parade
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 11
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
made furniture for example includes a chest of drawers whose graceful arched lines are reminiscent of a beautiful sailboat hull And while the top of one of Cohenrsquos book-cases begins in its proper place at the apex on the left side it plummets down to the bot-tom of the piece like an adrenaline-pumping speed slide
During the tour the phone rang ldquoTake this callrdquo Cohen said to his sons in the next room ldquoPeople think I work here I try hard not to give them that impression What I do now I do for funrdquo
Thatrsquos the key to understanding how Cohen creates He plays Hersquos now 60 years
old and hersquos like one of those old lions on the savannah well fed healthy free from stress and roaring ndash simply for the joy of roaring
Cohen came to Houston from Israel in 1979 In Israel he built custom furniture in his youth and later ran a chain of pizzerias In 1985 he opened a wholesale framing business Classy Art Wholesalers
ldquoWe had to struggle for survival at firstrdquo Cohen said ldquoBut by 1990 we were doing well and we moved our business into our current locationrdquo
In 2002 as his 50th birthday approached Cohen decided he wanted to make his own birthday present A car he named Splinter Over the frame of a restored 1989 Honda Accord he envisioned a wooden body using one-quarter-inch thick strips of ash and wal-nut ndash about 5000 feet of wooden strips glued together so they could bend to the shape of the car frame
Cohen has the original simple drawing now framed labeled ldquoFirst Ideardquo He com-pleted Splinter in June 2003
Join us for ldquoan adventure of the spiritrdquo
Cantor Vadim Tunitsky Senior Rabbi Scott Hausman-Weiss Rabbi Pamela Silk Rabbi Samantha Kahn
ldquoCongregation Emanu El is a Reform synagogue firmly rooted in our covenant with God and the Jewish People We are a caring community dedicated to inspiring the love of God teaching the joys of Jewish living and sharing our mission to be a light unto the nationsrdquo
Minyan Next DorMonthly eruv Shabbat for Houstonrsquos young-er adults
Torah Enrichment on ShabbatChoose from a variety of classes with the rabbi
Weekly Meditation Service
EducationAdult educationBecker Early Childhood CenterHelfman Religious School
1500 Sunset Blvd 713-529-5771wwwemanuelhoustonorg
And MoreBrotherhoodSisterhoodEmanu EldersHelfman Religious School PTA Becker Early Childhood PTOYouth GroupCub and Boy Scouts
An adventure of the spirit
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohen was commissioned to build a 12-foot-tall chanukiah that was kindled inside The Galleria Houston in De-cember 2011
JHV AARON HOWARD
The ldquoFirst Ideardquo sketch for Splinter
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
N o r t h B r a e s w o o d a t C h i m N e y r o C kB R A E S W O O D S Q U A R E
B
Trade secrets There are two methods by which
you can get wood to bend wet and dry
You can use steam which dis-solves some of the bonds between wood fibers Steam weakens and stretches the fibers and allows them to reform during the cooling process
Cohen doesnrsquot use steam or water He dry bends Although he will not give away his secrets he does use wood strips which must be glued to something else such as a form
ldquoWhen you bend dry wood it doesnrsquot maintain its shape by itselfrdquo said Cohen ldquoYou must glue the wood pieces to some-thing else even themselves otherwise the wood would spring back to its original flat-nessrdquo
Wood wants to spring back to its origi-nal shape The tighter the bend the more wood wants to spring back And therersquos no formula no pre-set way of telling how much a strip of wood will spring back or break Itrsquos all a matter of trial and error
For example Cohen created a hang-ing Magen David inside a circle by first dry bending two different-colored wooden strips into a perfect circle Then inside the circle he twisted two other strips until he was able to fashion the interlocking star
ldquoI believe in myselfrdquo said Cohen ldquobut I never believe that the wood will cooperate with merdquo
Fresh startTo begin Cohen decides on a project
Then he decides what species of wood would look best for the project
ldquoWhen I decided to create my wooden truck Big J I saw that to my eye rose-wood looked much better than mahogany Rosewood has such a deep color that it
allows you to see the straight lines The design for that vehicle was a basic octa-gon with many straight lines rather than curves All the wood used for that vehicle came from the same tree So therersquos a single design pattern all over the car except for the tiny changes in the spacing of the tree rings You have to examine the wood really closely to see thatrdquo
Of note all hardwoods get more difficult to bend the closer the artist gets to the cen-ter of the tree Thatrsquos because the wood is denser closer to the core
ldquoSo when you get pieces that are near the center ndash you recognize that by looking at the distance between rings from the edge of a piece ndash the wood gives me a run for my moneyrdquo said Cohen
ldquoI never considered myself an artist Irsquove never taken a class I didnrsquot think of myself as an artist until I received the Lifetime Achievement award for Best Artist from the
Art Car Museum Now I guess I can call myself an artistrdquo
Unlike most other artists Cohen rarely sells his pieces although hersquos been offered as much as $16 million for Splinter
ldquoIrsquoll tell you whyrdquo he said ldquoFive years ago I donated Slider to the Orange Show This was another car I created They auc-tioned the car off to benefit the Orange Show I had put in more than 2000 hours creating Slider It was absolutely like one of my children I cannot forget the awful feeling of loss I had when I let the car go It was gone after being in my shop every day for over a year
ldquoToday when I build something on commission I can see it differently But even so itrsquos difficult to let gordquo
We can appreciate Cohenrsquos feelings When yoursquove put as many hours into your ldquochildrenrdquo as he has it is sometimes hard to let them part c
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohenrsquos F-18 Fighter Jet pays tribute to the ldquoheroes of freedomrdquo Cohen drove the car in the May 2010 Houston Art Car Parade
JHV AARON HOWARD
Isaac Cohenrsquos bent woodMagen David
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15 Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2011 | JhVonlinecom | 14
THE BEST ROAD TO RECOVERY GOES THROUGH SEVEN ACRES
The Lou Lewis Skilled Nursing Program at Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services is dedicated to helping your loved one achieve the highest level of recovery following a hospital stay to successfully return home
Give your loved one the best chance for a full recovery with the Lou Lewis Skilled Nursing Program at
6200 North Braeswood Boulevard Houston Texas 770747137785700 - wwwsevenacresorg
n Fulltime medical services with onsite physicians and geriatric nurse practitionersn Customized skilled nursing care and rehabilitation including physical occupational speech and IV therapyn Great facilities and a nurturing environment
ERJCC dance instructor is creative talent behind Dance Month and moreBY ALICE ADAMS
I trsquos a Monday after 7 pm and dance director Maxine Silberstein has yet to finish her day at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center And this particular day is no busier than any other time of the week
Silberstein is responsible not only for coordinating the JCCrsquos dance pro-gram cultural outreach programs and partnerships and the IW Marks Master Classes but also serves as artistic director for Dance Month ndash now in its 33rd season ndash at the Kaplan Theatre In addition she coordinates Maccabi dance for Team Houston and the annual Tirkedu Houston an Israeli folk dance weekend But thatrsquos not all Shersquos been a teacher of dance for more than three decades as well as dance director for the ERJCCrsquos Arts and Culture Department
Yet her love of dance began long before Dance Month began or the Houston Ballet took the stage
ldquoMy father would sit beside me in the darkness of a Galveston auditorium or the old Music Hall in downtown Houston so I could see the leading prima ballerinas of Ballet Russes and other prominent companies dancing in the spotlightrdquo she recalled and as she watched the little girl who grew up in
Place Where Jewish Culture Thrives Through Dance
JHV MATT SAMUELS
ERJCC dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15
growgrowbusiness
Call 7136675389 I AdvertisingDesignSystemsnetordf
Choose The Service ToChoose The Service ToChoose The Service ToChoose The Service To
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Help YouHelp YouHelp YouGIFT CARD
Texas City took notice of every detail ndash from the artistsrsquo finely positioned feet to the curve of their arms and the placement of delicate fin-gers ldquoIt was always magicalrdquo she remembered
ldquoMy mother started me in dance lessons when I was quite young I was probably 5 or 6rdquo said Silberstein taking a rare time out ldquoI was that kid who was hanging by my arms and legs from the barre or in some way not following instructions Needless to say I didnrsquot receive much encouragement from that teacherrdquo she added
ldquoOnly a few weeks into my dance career my teacher commented that she didnrsquot know exactly why my mother was wasting her money on dance lessons for me That was Motherrsquos cue to move me so I could study with Doris Hede in La Marque and that experience is exactly why I would never discourage any child from study-ing dancerdquo Silberstein added ldquoeven the ones using the barre as a jungle gymrdquo
Realizing her passion for dance by her early teens the athletic young dancer eagerly par-ticipated in programs offered by the Houston Youth Symphony and Ballet where dance teachers and students from the area gathered to rehearse performances at the old City Hall across from the Rice Hotel
After high school graduation Silberstein was unable to attend the University of
Oklahoma which had a flourishing dance program at the time under the tutelage of prima ballerina Maria Tallchief Instead she attended the University of Houston where she earned a bachelorrsquos degree in special edu-cation and physical education with a minor
in dance performanceThroughout her college career the tena-
cious dancer took full advantage of every opportunity that presented itself In doing so she was to study and learn various forms of dance with some of the countryrsquos greatest and
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Melissa Darlow Ariel Brown Lauren Liss and Alyssa Cohen work on their 2012 Maccabi Games dance routine with dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
most prolific choreographers including Fred Strobel Anita Dyche Camille Long Hill Patsy Swayze and Rudy Jenkins in Houston In New York her training included the Alvin Ailey Peridance Center Jennifer Mueller Merce Cunningham Jo Jo Smith Broadway Dance Center and Steps
ldquoWhen I was in college I taught andor substituted for absent teachers in the JCCrsquos adult dance program when the center was located on Hermann Driverdquo she recalled She began working part time as a dance teacher at the J in 1974
ldquoI had met and married my husband Bubba Silberstein in the interimrdquo she explained ldquoand after we began our family I decided to teach dance and raise our children Brent and Steffanirdquo
In 1980 Silberstein was named director of the JCCrsquos dance program after director Lisa Rollrsquos exit
ldquoAfter Lisa left the board was not able to
identify someone to take over the position so I said I would be happy to do it until someone is hired Needless to say Irsquom still here todayrdquo laughed the teacherdancerdirector
Silberstein said it was only natural that
the JCC offer a dance program because of its reputation for programming around health wellness sports and physical activities ldquoDance easily fits into this type of program-mingrdquo she pointed out ldquoand classes were a vehicle for bringing Jewish children together in dance Itrsquos for anyone for all denomina-tions and all ages and itrsquos also a United Way-
funded center and open to everyone who wanted to learn to dancerdquo
So it follows that the high point of Silbersteinrsquos career is inspiring student dancers
ldquoAs director Irsquove had the opportunity of doing many things but being able to teach children to build their confi-dence and esteem to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worth-while And now I am teaching my former studentsrsquo children and the grandchil-dren of my peersrdquo
P r o f e s s i o n a l inf luences have included Mikhail Baryshnikov and
Ohad Naharin the latter an Israeli artis-tic directorchoreographer of the Batsheva Dance Company He also is the originator of Gaga an innovative movement language which has emerged as a growing force in the larger field of movement practices for both dancers and non-dancers
ldquoAt the time we brought him to Houston
a symbol of distinction in assisted living
bull 24 Hour Assistance and Personalized Carebull Elegant Dining Servicesbull Medication Supervisionbull Social Cultural and Recreational activitiesbull Wellness Center with Heated Aquatherapy Poolbull A fully equipped socialmedia centerbull Peace of Mind in a Family Oriented Secure Setting
License ID 102491
wwwthemedallionorg6262 North Braeswood Boulevard
Houston Texas 77074(713) 778-5777
Affiliated with Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Lauren Liss Ariel Brown and Ryan Bryandt follow the lead of dance instructor Maxine Silberstein at the ERJCC
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
he had a company in New Yorkrdquo Silberstein remem-bered ldquoIt was very exciting to have him here And when I think of where he is today and the influ-ence on the world of dance That was a highlightrdquo
As artistic director of Dance Month Silberstein said she believed it was extremely important first and foremost to Houstonrsquos Jewish community because audiences have been able to see on stage a number of Israeli and Yemeni dancers like Sara Levi-Tanai ldquoThe choreography of these groups reflects the Jewish culture in that it is powerful and risk taking at its corerdquo she noted ldquoItrsquos how they live their lives on the edge In general itrsquos a wonderful opportunity for Houston audiences to see Judaism in dance and how the culture and Jewish choreographers have phenomenally influenced dance all over the worldrdquo
With more than 35 years of teaching Silberstein said her goal is to continue meeting the day-to-day challenges of the programs she directs while remaining an influence in the lives of her students and and their desire to dance to meet their own goals not to be discour-aged
ldquoGrowing up in Texas City I didnrsquot have the advantages of Jewish children in Houston growing up with large congregations BBYOs or a community center I could be a part ofrdquo she explained ldquoBut I had my dance I feel like I hopefully have been an inspiration to other Jewish artists to go forward with their art form Irsquove always this thing as an artist in that I am Jewish Maybe not everything I do in dance is Jewish but I am influenced by Jewish artists and I think itrsquos important for all artists to hold on to their Jewishness to represent our culture in the various art forms
Along with her teaching Silberstein has found time to perform with numerous dance companies in her career served on cultural arts boards and has promoted dance in Houston especially dance centering on the Jewish culture Currently she serves on the board of Uptown Dance Centre the HCC-Central College World Dance Institute board and Society for the Performing Arts Education Committee
Silberstein also gives credit to her supervisor Marilyn Hassid ldquofor her support encouragement and friendship in supporting me in doing the many things we do through arts and culture and the dance program
ldquoIrsquove been very fortunaterdquo she continued ldquoBeing at the ERJCC wersquove brought in many many groups of people who may have never stepped foot in here and theyrsquore coming because of dance In the pro-cess they have been exposed to the Jewish culture Itrsquos important to me that we through the Kaplan Theatre expose our center to everyone who comes here In doing so our Jewish culture will continue to have a strong presence in the Houston community ndash through dancerdquo c
ldquoBeing able to teach children to build their confidence and esteem
to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worthwhilerdquo
ndash Maxine Silberstein
ldquoWe are proud our family launched the Jewish Family Service Passover program providing assistance for the past 20 yearsAs others are generously stepping forwardto support this effort we took a look at our communityrsquos future needsrdquondashJeanne Mandell
ldquoAlong with the blessings of our seniors living longer comes an added responsibility to accommodate the changing needs of this community We know JFS will be there to help The Deutser Hecht Mandell Fund for Senior Adult Financial Aid seeks to fulfill the basic needs of our seniors help them maintain independence in their own homes and empower them with personal dignity in the coming decadesrdquondashPunkin Hecht
ldquoWe feel good about being a part of100 Names
Wonrsquot you join usrdquo
A simple bequest is the most common way for a family to establish a legacy gift
In partnership withJewish Family Servicersquos100th Year Celebrationand Houston JewishCommunity Foundationrsquos Create a Jewish LegacyHouston Jewish Family Foundation
rdavisjfshoustonorg 7136679336wwwjfshoustonorg100names
Benefitting Jewish Family ServiceA New Fund is Added to100 Names for 100 Years
The Deutser HechtMandell Fund
for Senior Adult Financial Aid
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
The Shlenker SchoolCongregation Beth Israel - Houston Texas
For more information or to schedule a tourcontact Gail Rovinsky Director of Admissions
713-270-6127 grovinskyshlenkerorg5600 N Braeswood Houston Texas 77096 wwwshlenkerorg
Yoursquove alwaYs spent moneY wiselY
Donrsquot stop now
For less than half the price of private duty care you could get
bull 24 hour per day licensed care bull Beautiful personal apartment and
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bull Three restaurant-style meals each day bull Memory care for those living with
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includedbull All the privacy or social interaction
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2555 S Braeswood | Houston TX 77025-2805 elmcroftcom Facility 030414
Schedule a personal visit
share your story and
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make Receive a $25
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7138398265
Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Gabby Howard paints her cardCari Cowen with Celebration Company volunteer Joyce Rosen
BY MICHAEL C DUKE PHOTOS BY MATT SAMUELS
Jewish adults with special needs have found a creative outlet at Jewish Family Servicersquos Celebration Company
For the past three years Celebration Company participants have produced note-cards featuring original hand-painted artwork and handmade paper The signed artwork is mounted to the front of the cards which are blank inside and are packaged with envelopes sold either individually or in five-card sets
ldquoThe notecards are a great way for the par-ticipants to express themselves artisticallyrdquo said Nick Tofilon Celebration Companyrsquos director
The cards are available at JFS 4131 S Braeswood Blvd or at Three Brothers Bakery 4036 S Braeswood Blvd
Celebration Company provides meaning-ful employment to people with special needs who ndash with joy purpose and self-esteem ndash cre-ate products that celebrate the good in life c
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Linda Lopen makes a floral paintingMax Schaffer works on her masterpiece
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
What a Difference EmeryWeiner Made
wwwemeryweinerorg bull 8322045900
Thank you so much for a wonderful and I do really mean wonderful Emery experience Itrsquos so sad that Nicole will not be there on a daily basis anymore She told me in third grade that she wanted to attend EWS for middle and high school and it was the best decision that we ever made
- Bonnie Winograd (parent of Class of 2012 Graduate)
ldquo
rdquo
Hebrew Free Loanassociation ndashProviding interest
Free Loans to JewisH Houston area residents since 1932
Loans Available for Emergencies
Healthcare Needs Small Business Assistance
and More For more information or to apply for a loan visit our website at
wwwhflanetor call
713-667-9336 ext221
House of Dereacuteon Media Center is one of the best kept secrets in Houston The eclectic special events venue including state-of-the-art media and conference facilities is housed inside a magnifi cent art deacuteco building located in the heart of Houstonrsquos Midtown District and seated perfectly within the worldwide operations of Music World Entertainment ndash the management company of the worldrsquos 1 female recording group Destinyrsquos Child
Let us turn your next function into a social event to remember
Where your functions become social events
2204 Crawford St Houston Texas l 7137725175 l wwwhouseofdereonmediacentercom
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
reg
National Council of Jewish WomenA fAith iN the future A belief iN ACtioN
Help Houstonrsquos women children and families
JOIN NCJW GHSNational Council of Jewish Women a
nationwide organization of 90000 strong and along with the Greater Houston Sectionrsquos
800+ members takes a progressive stance towards
changing lives through advocacy campaigns and social action by helping
bull At-risk children learn to readbull To ensure reproductive freedom
bull Victims of human traffickingbull Victims of domestic violence
and sexual assaultbull Adolescent survivors of
sexual assaultbull Homeless children
bull Foster children
To learn more about NCJW GHS and how you can get involved visit ncjwhoustonorg or contact us at membershipncjwhoustonorg
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery
from AddictionBY JEANNE F SAMUELS
E stablished 12 years ago Chabad of Sugar Land is headed by Brooklyn-born Rabbi Mendel Feigenson who was brought to Houston in 1995 by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff Fulfilling Chabadrsquos mission to serve Jews throughout the Sugar Land Stafford and Missouri City area Rabbi Feigenson has added a
new facet to his work He has opened his heart and Chabadrsquos doors to a completely underserved segment of the Jewish community It is the newly formed Jewish Recovery Celebration Group which provides support for Jewish recovering alcoholics addicts and members of Alcoholics Anonymous
The truth is contrary to general belief ndash and probably community denial ndash there are Jews who are addicts And those who suffer with addiction face a constant struggle to overcome its grasp
Confronting a definite need Rabbi Feigenson facilitates and organizes social and educational events to help JRCG members merge Judaism with recovery Every other Sunday at 7 pm he integrates the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with the timeless lessons of Torah and Kabbalah The meetings are held in complete privacy when no one else is in the two-year-old Chabad facility
The need for support for Jewish addicts was posed to Rabbi Feigenson by Lynn JHV JEANNE F SAMUELS
Rabbi Mendel Feigenson
Donovan of Galveston She is the only individual in the recently organized group who chooses not to remain anonymous believing her story needs to be told
ldquoShe is an inspirationrdquo the rabbi declared ldquoMore than four months ago she called me saying she had something very important to discuss with me She told me that she has been sober for 25 years and that she has friends who are struggling with addiction The reality is that there are Jews who are drug addicts
ldquoBasically addiction is a diseaserdquo Rabbi Feigenson explained ldquoand addicts cannot help themselves They need group support and our mis-sion is to help our Jewish brethrenrdquo So the rabbi studied the Twelve Steps of AA delved into books on the subject and consulted with some psychiatrists From all this the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group was formed
Presently there are four to six people in the group and Rabbi Feigenson said that the meetings are working well ldquoItrsquos about coming from darkness and making a new liferdquo he pointed out
Credited with encouraging the genesis of JRCG Donovan recalled how she became sober in 1986 taking the train from Harrisburg Pa to Baltimore on Sundays to be part of a Twelve Step group that met in a church ldquoIt was very confusing for me having to separate church and recovery hellip There are no rules regarding religion in AA but most of my support was coming from Christian people Did I have to be Christian to recover
ldquoI had been arrested at 18rdquo she confessed ldquoand the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos com-mon belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
When Donovan moved to Texas in 1990 she continued with AA in churches Although the
West Houston Jewish Community Center had an AA meeting it was not a Jewish recovery group
ldquoI visited with the Jewish Family Service to see if they would help start a Jewish recovery group but they were not accepting of me I spoke to one or two rabbis privately but they werenrsquot receptive either so I kind of let it go for a whilerdquo She noted that perseverance is difficult ldquoThe disease of addiction is not something they know how to deal with
ldquoAs a young girl I was molested by a rabbi and when the Penn State [University] scandal broke loose I became very depressedrdquo she reflected having the need for support at that time ldquoI got on the Internet and Googled Jews in recovery where I read about a Rabbi Kessler at Chabad in Boca Raton Fla I called there and the rabbi told me about a retreat [to be held there] and was it possible I could come It took place this past February with addicts from all over including me Rabbi Abraham J Twerski was the keynote speakerrdquo
The convention inspired Donovan to seek the closest Chabad to Galveston which she found in Sugar Land She telephoned there and Rabbi Feigenson invited her to Shabbat where she had lunch with his wife Chaya After hearing Donovanrsquos story Chaya Feigenson said to her husband ldquoMendel we have to help these peoplerdquo
ldquoMost people know very little about addictionrdquo Donovan empha-sized When I first started someone took me to the rabbi who told me to go home and honor my father and my mother and be a good girlrdquo Also she added ldquoIt must be difficult to drop your children off at a church for recovery Therersquos the worry that theyrsquore brainwashing your child
ldquoThere is so much lack of knowledge especially in the Jewish com-munity If you stay with the thought that Jews donrsquot [become addicts] then people die We need to break that stereotype and lack of informa-tion Jews suffer from drug abuse obesity gambling etc like any other grouprdquo
Donovanrsquos brother a rabbi in Israel took her to AA meetings in Jerusalem where she discovered that there are even rabbis who suffer from alcoholism ldquoSome of usrdquo she pointed out ldquohave had bad experi-ences as childrenrdquo
ldquoThere is such naivetyrdquo Donovan a 58-year-old mother of three and grandmother of eight maintained ldquoRabbi Feigenson is the first in Houston who really heard me and understands the importance of helping every Jewish person It was an incredible day that I met him ldquoWe want to reach out to Jews who are confused and are appealing for help Itrsquos a very special experience to be a Jew in recovery and meet with others who are in recovery also And we can talk to parents free of charge to give them support and help Itrsquos an experience I donrsquot want others to missrdquo
For information about the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group call Rabbi Mendel Feigenson at 832-758-0685 email rabbifeigensongmailcom or visit chabadsugarlandcom c
Congregation Beth Rambam is a warm and welcoming Sephardic congregation led by our young and dynamic Rabbi Daniel Masri
We offer morning and evening services on weekdays and Shabbat There are many fascinating classes and learning opportunities both during the day and evenings offered throughout the week in English Spanish and Hebrew
Alex Pfeffer our fun and entertaining Youth Director leads multiple activities for children of various ages each Shabbat
morning and afternoon and trips throughout the year
713-723-3030 | officebethrambamorg11333 Braesridge | wwwbethrambamorg (coming soon)
C O M E J O I N O U R F A M I L Y
bullbull
22 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ldquoI had been arrested at 18 and the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos common
belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
ndash Lynn Donovan
BY MICHAEL C DUKE
W hen Alex Kavalerchik immigrated to the United States in 1979 with his young family the 30-year-old Belorussia-born Jew had no money no education and spoke no English
Nevertheless the bus-iness-minded good-with-his-hands Kavalerchik ndash a dead-ringer for actor Al Pacino during the latterrsquos Hollywood gangster film days ndash was deter-mined to carve out his own little slice of American pie
Make that cobbler for the vocation he would settle into would be the shoe-repair business
ldquoWe came to Houston and the JCC help us to move to apartment and help us for two monthsrdquo said the heavily accented Kavalerchik who picked up conversational English not from taking formal classes like some others who escaped the Soviet Union in the late rsquo70s but by listening to the language his children were learning to read and write and speak in American public schools
Kavalerchik now a Texan pulled himself up by the bootstraps and held down jobs doing maintenance and factory work Then one day in 1981 he met a Jewish man Kalman Witenberg who ran a shoe-repair
businessldquoHe told me Yoursquore going to be a shoemaker And yoursquore going to
make enough money to pay your bills Yoursquore never going to be a mil-lionaire but therersquos going to be enough money to support your familyrdquo Kavalerchik said
He obliged and in 1985 went into the shoe-repair busi-ness himself Feet first
Kavalerchik learned the ins and outs of the time-honored trade for a year and established himself at a storefront at West Bellfort Street and Chimney Rock Road Two years into the business he acquired a second
shop and split his time between the two He then opted to sell the first location and devoted his energies to the second Hersquos managed that loca-tion at 10815 S Post Oak Rd at Willowbend Boulevard since 1990 and today employs two workers
The dusty little shop enjoys a steady stream of loyal customers many from the neighborhood Blacks Jews and Latinos mostly Itrsquos a business built on reputation Kavalerchikrsquos is good Peachy in fact The front door has a little bell that tinkles
ldquoI can do all kind of jobs ndash regular jobs and orthopedic jobsrdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoI have customers who bring ladies shoes that cost
A peachy cobbler
Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American dream
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 23
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymore Itrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you
must have patience This is the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
ndash Alex Kavalerchik
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Alex Kavalerckik is proprietor of an old-school shoe-repair shop in Southwest Houston His hand tools include a hammer that the shoprsquos previous owner used in a Nazi concentration camp
24 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Supporting the needs of the
Jewish Community
CHEVRA KADISHA OF HOUSTON
Jewish Burial Society
Continuing the sacred tradition of preparing thedeceased for burial with
care and respect
(713) 776-2438
Young Israel
of Houston
7823 Ludington DriveHouston Texas 77071
713-729-0719wwwyihoustonorg
hundreds even thousands of dollars They bring cowboy boots that cost $5000-$6000 Very expensive I do it all ndash refinish resole reshape fix completely the shoesrdquo
And itrsquos not just footwear During the interview with the Jewish Herald-Voice a woman came into the shop with a designer leather bag that had a torn strap ldquoAlaska Airlinesrdquo she grumbled Kavalerchik promised to fix it like new A few minutes later a Polish-speaking doctor came in to pick up a repaired leather dog leash Kavalerchik who grew up speaking Russian with his parents and Yiddish with his grandparents was able to converse with the man in his native tongue They shared a few chuck-les The man dressed in blue-green hospital scrubs was pleased with Kavalerchikrsquos work and tipped him 100 percent on the bill Shortly there-after a slow-moving man with a walking stick and a Korean War cap came in with a belt job
Kavalerchik even does the exotic Can he fix a pair of gilded alligator-skin sneakers No problem (Hersquos done three) How about repair-ing a set of chairs made from elephant feet Um sure why not NBA stars who take advan-
tage of his services are asked to call in advance Size 17s require special order
Some of the more challenging yet reward-ing jobs are those to salvage shoes chewed up by the family dog
ldquoThis you must have a talent to fix itrsquos a tough jobrdquo said Kavalerchik holding up a black patent leather stiletto that bore scars on the heel from large canine teeth ldquoYou donrsquot make too much money on this but the cus-tomer is really happy when I make it look like new againrdquo
Tacked to the wall above the front counter of Kavalerchikrsquos shop is an 8-foot diamondback rattlesnake skin Therersquos also a black-and-white portrait of Al Pacino from ldquoScarfacerdquo While vacationing in Las
Vegas and once in Galveston the Belorussian was hounded for an autograph from fans who mis-took him for the Oscar-winning actor Retelling the stories splits Kavalerchikrsquos face into a smile
The storefront gives way to a multi-roomed workshop in back Itrsquos vintage 1950s outfitted with well-used wooden workbenches walls of racks with customersrsquo shoes and boots (each bearing a colorful toe tag) drawers and cubbyholes filled with bits and buckles and all sorts of odds and ends for leather and shoe work Wooden shoe lasts spools of heavy thread and folds of leather
and rubber adorn door frames and corners Metal taps for dance shoes hang from hooks A random assortment of loose shoe and boot heel parts are stockpiled in a divider mounted to a wall ldquoThey donrsquot make these like they used tordquo Kavalerchik said dusting off an orange-and-white-boxed specimen from half a century ago
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Cowboy boots and orthopedic shoes make up a good deal of Kavalerchikrsquos business
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 25
1500 Sunset Boulevard Houston Texas 77005
7135356400 wwwbeckerschoolorg
Accredited by NAEYCrsquos National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Learning through play
bull Ages 15 months through 5 years bull Extended care 8am - 530pm
bull Developmentally appropriate curriculumbull Extra-curricular classes available
bull Bridge to Kindergarten class
Since 1989
Call for a tourNow accepting applications
for 2012-2013
Congregation Emanu El Becker Early Childhood Center
6401 Woodway(in Whole Foods Plaza)
7133344900
Fabulous Womenrsquos Apparel amp Accessories
4048 Bellaire Blvd(in the Whole Foods Plaza)
7136653336FrenchCuffCocom
labeled ldquoCatrsquos PawrdquoBuilt into a corner post of the main work-
bench is a glue reservoir Plugging the well is a half-dollar-sized metal cap with a rod run-ning through it sporting an applicator brush Long dribbles of glue have oozed caked and dried down the edges of the post looking like a model of a volcano from a school sci-ence fair A photographer friend of Kavalerchikrsquos comes by on occasion to shoot close-up pho-tos of the unique formations
There are industrial ma-chines at every elbow turn stitchers sanders cutters tack-ers buffers Something called an Auto Soler and another called a Heel Popper Some are more than a 100 years old Real made-in-America stuff From cities like Chicago and St Louis Art deco in shape and lines Nickel-plated enameled steel and chromed in work grime
ldquoI have one machine made in 1890 It never breaksrdquo Kavalerchik said fondly
Other equipment however has broken down over the years Kavalerchik has learned to do the repairs himself Out of necessity ldquoItrsquos
very important to learn how to fix this equip-ment Itrsquos very old and nobody knows how to fix it I have to do it myself If this part breaks you have to make a new onerdquo he said
The workshoprsquos few modern conveniences
include a small electric box fan a 26-inch TV that seems stuck on Channel 8 and the occa-sional pinup girl wall calendar One room boasts an empty bottle collection on a top shelf ldquoWe Russians drink cognac after work and vodka at homerdquo Kavalerchik explained Therersquos a row of vintage US postage stamps
affixed to a workbench shelf that dates back to the shoprsquos previous owner a man named Sam Sill
The Polish-born Sill was a Holocaust survivor who worked in a factory making
boots for German army officers Kavalerchik said
ldquoThis hammer he brought from the old country Itrsquos from Germany 1942rdquo said Kavalerchik lifting the worn tool from his workbench ldquoThis guy worked with this hammer in con-centration camprdquo He then palmed a second hammer nearby with simi-lar history Though Kavalerchik has owned the business for the past 22 years he has kept the name ldquoSamrsquos Shoe Repairrdquo
The man who gave Kavalerchik his birth into the business Kalman Witenberg also was a Polish Holocaust survivor Edith Mincberg
was a customer of Witenbergrsquos back in the day and remembers him as a friendly and lively man ldquoHe loved to carry on Yiddish conversations with my late husband Joe Mincbergrdquo Edith told the JHV Witenberg a survivor of Auschwitz among other camps according to Holocaust Museum Houston records died in 2003
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
The 1950s-era shop includes equipment thatrsquos more than 100 years old
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Foot and Ankle
Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery
Podiatry Associates of Houston
Michael A Mineo DPM FACFASDavid L Blumfield DPM FACFASKeith L Jacobson DPM FACFAS
Vito Speciale DPM
6699 Chimney Rock 102713-666-0287
18220 Tomball Pkwy 220832-912-7792
705 S Fwy 215281-579-0816
915 Gessner 380713-467-1299
Times have changed over the course of Kavalerchikrsquos career as an old-school cobbler Many of his early customers were high school graduates whose parents wanted to send their kids off to college in a pair of spiffy penny loafers ldquoThese days itrsquos a different life Kids wear sneakersrdquo Kavalerchik said
The cobbler doesnrsquot wax nostalgic however over the profession that many people including himself view as a dying art
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymorerdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoItrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you must have patience This the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
Kavalerchik has entertained the occasional apprentice but none has stuck it out The cobbler predicts that in 15 20 years time the business will be dead save for a few shops here and there
ldquoThis business is like Jewish language [Yiddish]rdquo he said ldquoBefore people speak it fluently Now itrsquos only a few old guysrdquo
The trade has been good to the man who said he stood a 50-50 chance of winding up dead if he had stayed in the Soviet Union Itrsquos given him his American dream
ldquoIf I can afford to put my children through college this was my dream to come to America This was my dream to give my children education because I did not have time in Russia to get education myselfrdquo Kavalerchik said
ldquoOld people died in these shops They worked like dogs I donrsquot do this I work eight hours a day I go to lunch I go on vacationrdquo he said ldquoHere I have easy life I have my family I have place to sleep I go on vacation twice a year Irsquom happy with my children [Michael and Fannett]rdquo Every other year Kavalerchik visits his father in Israel
Sitting in the front room of his workshop ndash the room with the bottle collection ndash is a large cardboard box full of shoes belonging to his wife Roza Kavalerchik promises hersquoll get to them soon Near the box standing upright in the corner is a clutch of fishing poles
ldquoThese here are very important toolsrdquo said Kavalerchik again with that smile ldquoSaturday at 4 I close up and take my tools straight to the boatrdquo c
Shoe-making skills saved Sillrsquos life duringthe HolocaustBY MICHAEL C DUKE
Sam Sill was the previous owner of Samrsquos Shoe Repair in Southwest Houston
When he sold the business to Alex Kavalerchik some 22 years ago he passed along his tools to the new proprietor These included a pair of hammers that helped save Sill from the Nazi death machine in Europe Kavalerchik said that Sill told him that he Sill as a concentration camp prisoner used the hammers to make boots for German army officers during the war
Houstonian Dr David Wolf ndash a podiatrist ndash is first cousin to Samrsquos wife Ruthie Wolf has preserved an original copy of Sillrsquos immigra-tion papers which state that he Sill was born
Calligraphy by Eileen
Envelope AddressingBarBat Mitzvahs
Weddings Receptions
Any Occasion
We offer Stuffing bull Stamping
Type Styles Custom Colors
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713bull667bull3939
B B B B B B B B
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Temple SinaiThe Reform Jewish Congregation in West Houston
A warm friendly amp vibrant community where friendship
and caring are combined with a religious faith ritual observance social interaction and education
for adults and children
Join Rabbi Annie Belford and the Temple Sinai Congregation
for Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 730 PM
13875 Brimhurst 281-495-5950Houston Tx 77077 wwwtemple-sinaiorg
TEMPLE SINAI
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
Service with a smileGoing beyond the call of duty
For all of your real estate needs
Terry CominskyRealtor Associate713-558-3331
tcominskymarthaturnercom
wwwmarthaturnercom
OyDo We Know PrintingProudly serving the Jewish Commmunity and Houston
for over 3 generations and 70 plus years
with high quality commercial printing
Simon Printing CompanyFine Lithography
10810 Craighead
Houston Texas 77025
713-666-1296
Fax 713-666-4111wwwsimonprintingcom
28 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Tissue PaperSelf Seal BagsCoffee BagsAutomatic Pull BowsShrink Wrap BagsClear Acetate BoxesRibbonShrink Film RollsTheme BoxesRaffi aGift BoxesGift Wrap PaperCurling RibbonOrganza bags
TulleShredded Paper FillerShipping BoxesMerchandise BagsBubble WrapShopping BagsNewsprintGift BagsKraft Rolls of PaperPoly Frosted BagsCellophane RollsHigh-Density Poly Merchandise BagsCellophane Bags
Hours of OperationMonday - Friday 900 AM to 600 PM
Saturday 1000 AM to 600 PM4404 Richmond Ave bull Houston Texas 77027Phone 713-524-5454 bull Fax 713-524-5450
wwwpalmerpkgcom
Gift Wrap ServiceRetail Packaging Supplies
HOUSTONrsquoS ONLY JEWISH OWNED
HEADSTONE amp MONUMENT COMPANY
EXCLUSI V ELY JEWISH MEMORI ALS
3RD GENER ATION HOUSTONI A N
ASK FOR SA NDY GA ITZ
713-984-2010A SUBSIDIARY OF 4D SIGN WORX LLC
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
Montessori integrated curriculum In a loving caring and safe atmosphere your child will learn and grow with a proven program based on excellence and experience
Registration is now open
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
((771133))666666--00225577
We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
4-Show PackageSStart aS low aS
$108
TUTSCOM 713558TUTS groups of 15+ call 7135588888
A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
May 14 - 26 2013
LERNER AND LOEWErsquoS
Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
CFPreg and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERtrade marks are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Boardrsquos initial and ongoing certification requirements Registered Representative of and offers securities products investment advisory services and financial planning services through MML Investors Services Inc member SIPC Supervisory Office 3 Greenway Plaza Suite 1700 Houston Texas 77046 713402-3800 The K Corporation is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services Inc Insurance offered through Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and other fine companies
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OPEN 7 DAYS
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
2830 Hicks StHouston TX 77007
Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
NotNot valid Saturdays in June July or August or with any other offer discount special price prepaid afternoon group two-day or season tickets Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale Prices operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice ExpiExpires September 23 2012
SAVE up to $12YOUR FAMILY WILL BE
DISCOUNT TICKETS ONLINE schlitterbahncom
MOST FUN OVER 33 ATTRACTIONS
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
MARKETPLACE
713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
Mosk amp Mosk LLCCertified Public Accountants5959 West Loop South Suite 340
Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS
EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
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Packing bull Crating bull Freighting bull UnpackingMoving homes bull Offices
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Locally bull Nationally bull Internationally
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713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
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ACCOUNTANTCPA
PACKING AND SHIPPING SERVICES
ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
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Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
wwwucntexascom
Be there when your customers need you
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713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
JUNI ERSE
JUNI ERSE
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
celebrate yourbarbat mitzvah like
a rock star
houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
phone 713-227-1392hardrockcom
UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
- VOICES covers 2
- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
BY AARON HOWARD
P liant is not an adjective we nor-mally associate with wood Pliant suggests a capability of being easily bent a yielding nature or
adaptability We usually think of terms like strength and resistance when we think of woodrsquos qualities ndash as in hardwood We think of flat straight lines Thatrsquos because wood typically is used to make items like tables So the wood is flat and straight cut
Wood artist Isaac Cohen goes against the grain His wooden chests curve His bookcases swirl His wooden Star of David bends
Cohen sees wood differently ldquoI love to take wood to the extremerdquo he said ldquoI think
in wood How can I bend it What kind of shapes can I make For me the challenge is to see how far I can push the wood Every species of wood is a different give Some are soft some are hard
ldquoObviously the worst sound you can hear is CRACK the sound when wood refuses to yield anymore One piece can take a bend but the very next piece will not yield It breaksrdquo
Cohen is perhaps best-known locally as the person who designed and built the 12-foot-high steel Magen Shlomo ndash Shield of Solomon (The Lone Star) Chanukah Menorah commissioned by Chabad Lubavitch of Houston which was displayed in The Galleria in December 2011 Others know Cohen as the artist who has designed
and built wooden art cars over the past decade for Houstonrsquos annual Art Car Parade
Cohen won the Mayorrsquos Cup for ldquoBest In Showrdquo in 2004 For 2012rsquos Art Car Parade Cohen constructed something different ldquoHeroesrdquo a model F-18 Navy fighter jet atop a Geo Metro dedicated to the men and women of the US military services
Cohen recently gave the Jewish Herald-Voice a tour through his 85000-foot warehouse in Houstonrsquos East End The warehouse serves as studio and home of his retail art framing business Among the collection are his art cars and ldquoTV Christmas Treerdquo an installation he made for Houstonrsquos Discovery Green with wood and 20 television sets Yet his custom-
Houston sculptor works against the grain
A Bend in the Wood
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohenrsquos wooden gull-winged Splinter creation was showcased in the April 2008 Houston Art Car Parade
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 11
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
made furniture for example includes a chest of drawers whose graceful arched lines are reminiscent of a beautiful sailboat hull And while the top of one of Cohenrsquos book-cases begins in its proper place at the apex on the left side it plummets down to the bot-tom of the piece like an adrenaline-pumping speed slide
During the tour the phone rang ldquoTake this callrdquo Cohen said to his sons in the next room ldquoPeople think I work here I try hard not to give them that impression What I do now I do for funrdquo
Thatrsquos the key to understanding how Cohen creates He plays Hersquos now 60 years
old and hersquos like one of those old lions on the savannah well fed healthy free from stress and roaring ndash simply for the joy of roaring
Cohen came to Houston from Israel in 1979 In Israel he built custom furniture in his youth and later ran a chain of pizzerias In 1985 he opened a wholesale framing business Classy Art Wholesalers
ldquoWe had to struggle for survival at firstrdquo Cohen said ldquoBut by 1990 we were doing well and we moved our business into our current locationrdquo
In 2002 as his 50th birthday approached Cohen decided he wanted to make his own birthday present A car he named Splinter Over the frame of a restored 1989 Honda Accord he envisioned a wooden body using one-quarter-inch thick strips of ash and wal-nut ndash about 5000 feet of wooden strips glued together so they could bend to the shape of the car frame
Cohen has the original simple drawing now framed labeled ldquoFirst Ideardquo He com-pleted Splinter in June 2003
Join us for ldquoan adventure of the spiritrdquo
Cantor Vadim Tunitsky Senior Rabbi Scott Hausman-Weiss Rabbi Pamela Silk Rabbi Samantha Kahn
ldquoCongregation Emanu El is a Reform synagogue firmly rooted in our covenant with God and the Jewish People We are a caring community dedicated to inspiring the love of God teaching the joys of Jewish living and sharing our mission to be a light unto the nationsrdquo
Minyan Next DorMonthly eruv Shabbat for Houstonrsquos young-er adults
Torah Enrichment on ShabbatChoose from a variety of classes with the rabbi
Weekly Meditation Service
EducationAdult educationBecker Early Childhood CenterHelfman Religious School
1500 Sunset Blvd 713-529-5771wwwemanuelhoustonorg
And MoreBrotherhoodSisterhoodEmanu EldersHelfman Religious School PTA Becker Early Childhood PTOYouth GroupCub and Boy Scouts
An adventure of the spirit
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohen was commissioned to build a 12-foot-tall chanukiah that was kindled inside The Galleria Houston in De-cember 2011
JHV AARON HOWARD
The ldquoFirst Ideardquo sketch for Splinter
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
N o r t h B r a e s w o o d a t C h i m N e y r o C kB R A E S W O O D S Q U A R E
B
Trade secrets There are two methods by which
you can get wood to bend wet and dry
You can use steam which dis-solves some of the bonds between wood fibers Steam weakens and stretches the fibers and allows them to reform during the cooling process
Cohen doesnrsquot use steam or water He dry bends Although he will not give away his secrets he does use wood strips which must be glued to something else such as a form
ldquoWhen you bend dry wood it doesnrsquot maintain its shape by itselfrdquo said Cohen ldquoYou must glue the wood pieces to some-thing else even themselves otherwise the wood would spring back to its original flat-nessrdquo
Wood wants to spring back to its origi-nal shape The tighter the bend the more wood wants to spring back And therersquos no formula no pre-set way of telling how much a strip of wood will spring back or break Itrsquos all a matter of trial and error
For example Cohen created a hang-ing Magen David inside a circle by first dry bending two different-colored wooden strips into a perfect circle Then inside the circle he twisted two other strips until he was able to fashion the interlocking star
ldquoI believe in myselfrdquo said Cohen ldquobut I never believe that the wood will cooperate with merdquo
Fresh startTo begin Cohen decides on a project
Then he decides what species of wood would look best for the project
ldquoWhen I decided to create my wooden truck Big J I saw that to my eye rose-wood looked much better than mahogany Rosewood has such a deep color that it
allows you to see the straight lines The design for that vehicle was a basic octa-gon with many straight lines rather than curves All the wood used for that vehicle came from the same tree So therersquos a single design pattern all over the car except for the tiny changes in the spacing of the tree rings You have to examine the wood really closely to see thatrdquo
Of note all hardwoods get more difficult to bend the closer the artist gets to the cen-ter of the tree Thatrsquos because the wood is denser closer to the core
ldquoSo when you get pieces that are near the center ndash you recognize that by looking at the distance between rings from the edge of a piece ndash the wood gives me a run for my moneyrdquo said Cohen
ldquoI never considered myself an artist Irsquove never taken a class I didnrsquot think of myself as an artist until I received the Lifetime Achievement award for Best Artist from the
Art Car Museum Now I guess I can call myself an artistrdquo
Unlike most other artists Cohen rarely sells his pieces although hersquos been offered as much as $16 million for Splinter
ldquoIrsquoll tell you whyrdquo he said ldquoFive years ago I donated Slider to the Orange Show This was another car I created They auc-tioned the car off to benefit the Orange Show I had put in more than 2000 hours creating Slider It was absolutely like one of my children I cannot forget the awful feeling of loss I had when I let the car go It was gone after being in my shop every day for over a year
ldquoToday when I build something on commission I can see it differently But even so itrsquos difficult to let gordquo
We can appreciate Cohenrsquos feelings When yoursquove put as many hours into your ldquochildrenrdquo as he has it is sometimes hard to let them part c
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohenrsquos F-18 Fighter Jet pays tribute to the ldquoheroes of freedomrdquo Cohen drove the car in the May 2010 Houston Art Car Parade
JHV AARON HOWARD
Isaac Cohenrsquos bent woodMagen David
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15 Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2011 | JhVonlinecom | 14
THE BEST ROAD TO RECOVERY GOES THROUGH SEVEN ACRES
The Lou Lewis Skilled Nursing Program at Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services is dedicated to helping your loved one achieve the highest level of recovery following a hospital stay to successfully return home
Give your loved one the best chance for a full recovery with the Lou Lewis Skilled Nursing Program at
6200 North Braeswood Boulevard Houston Texas 770747137785700 - wwwsevenacresorg
n Fulltime medical services with onsite physicians and geriatric nurse practitionersn Customized skilled nursing care and rehabilitation including physical occupational speech and IV therapyn Great facilities and a nurturing environment
ERJCC dance instructor is creative talent behind Dance Month and moreBY ALICE ADAMS
I trsquos a Monday after 7 pm and dance director Maxine Silberstein has yet to finish her day at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center And this particular day is no busier than any other time of the week
Silberstein is responsible not only for coordinating the JCCrsquos dance pro-gram cultural outreach programs and partnerships and the IW Marks Master Classes but also serves as artistic director for Dance Month ndash now in its 33rd season ndash at the Kaplan Theatre In addition she coordinates Maccabi dance for Team Houston and the annual Tirkedu Houston an Israeli folk dance weekend But thatrsquos not all Shersquos been a teacher of dance for more than three decades as well as dance director for the ERJCCrsquos Arts and Culture Department
Yet her love of dance began long before Dance Month began or the Houston Ballet took the stage
ldquoMy father would sit beside me in the darkness of a Galveston auditorium or the old Music Hall in downtown Houston so I could see the leading prima ballerinas of Ballet Russes and other prominent companies dancing in the spotlightrdquo she recalled and as she watched the little girl who grew up in
Place Where Jewish Culture Thrives Through Dance
JHV MATT SAMUELS
ERJCC dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15
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Texas City took notice of every detail ndash from the artistsrsquo finely positioned feet to the curve of their arms and the placement of delicate fin-gers ldquoIt was always magicalrdquo she remembered
ldquoMy mother started me in dance lessons when I was quite young I was probably 5 or 6rdquo said Silberstein taking a rare time out ldquoI was that kid who was hanging by my arms and legs from the barre or in some way not following instructions Needless to say I didnrsquot receive much encouragement from that teacherrdquo she added
ldquoOnly a few weeks into my dance career my teacher commented that she didnrsquot know exactly why my mother was wasting her money on dance lessons for me That was Motherrsquos cue to move me so I could study with Doris Hede in La Marque and that experience is exactly why I would never discourage any child from study-ing dancerdquo Silberstein added ldquoeven the ones using the barre as a jungle gymrdquo
Realizing her passion for dance by her early teens the athletic young dancer eagerly par-ticipated in programs offered by the Houston Youth Symphony and Ballet where dance teachers and students from the area gathered to rehearse performances at the old City Hall across from the Rice Hotel
After high school graduation Silberstein was unable to attend the University of
Oklahoma which had a flourishing dance program at the time under the tutelage of prima ballerina Maria Tallchief Instead she attended the University of Houston where she earned a bachelorrsquos degree in special edu-cation and physical education with a minor
in dance performanceThroughout her college career the tena-
cious dancer took full advantage of every opportunity that presented itself In doing so she was to study and learn various forms of dance with some of the countryrsquos greatest and
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Melissa Darlow Ariel Brown Lauren Liss and Alyssa Cohen work on their 2012 Maccabi Games dance routine with dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
most prolific choreographers including Fred Strobel Anita Dyche Camille Long Hill Patsy Swayze and Rudy Jenkins in Houston In New York her training included the Alvin Ailey Peridance Center Jennifer Mueller Merce Cunningham Jo Jo Smith Broadway Dance Center and Steps
ldquoWhen I was in college I taught andor substituted for absent teachers in the JCCrsquos adult dance program when the center was located on Hermann Driverdquo she recalled She began working part time as a dance teacher at the J in 1974
ldquoI had met and married my husband Bubba Silberstein in the interimrdquo she explained ldquoand after we began our family I decided to teach dance and raise our children Brent and Steffanirdquo
In 1980 Silberstein was named director of the JCCrsquos dance program after director Lisa Rollrsquos exit
ldquoAfter Lisa left the board was not able to
identify someone to take over the position so I said I would be happy to do it until someone is hired Needless to say Irsquom still here todayrdquo laughed the teacherdancerdirector
Silberstein said it was only natural that
the JCC offer a dance program because of its reputation for programming around health wellness sports and physical activities ldquoDance easily fits into this type of program-mingrdquo she pointed out ldquoand classes were a vehicle for bringing Jewish children together in dance Itrsquos for anyone for all denomina-tions and all ages and itrsquos also a United Way-
funded center and open to everyone who wanted to learn to dancerdquo
So it follows that the high point of Silbersteinrsquos career is inspiring student dancers
ldquoAs director Irsquove had the opportunity of doing many things but being able to teach children to build their confi-dence and esteem to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worth-while And now I am teaching my former studentsrsquo children and the grandchil-dren of my peersrdquo
P r o f e s s i o n a l inf luences have included Mikhail Baryshnikov and
Ohad Naharin the latter an Israeli artis-tic directorchoreographer of the Batsheva Dance Company He also is the originator of Gaga an innovative movement language which has emerged as a growing force in the larger field of movement practices for both dancers and non-dancers
ldquoAt the time we brought him to Houston
a symbol of distinction in assisted living
bull 24 Hour Assistance and Personalized Carebull Elegant Dining Servicesbull Medication Supervisionbull Social Cultural and Recreational activitiesbull Wellness Center with Heated Aquatherapy Poolbull A fully equipped socialmedia centerbull Peace of Mind in a Family Oriented Secure Setting
License ID 102491
wwwthemedallionorg6262 North Braeswood Boulevard
Houston Texas 77074(713) 778-5777
Affiliated with Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Lauren Liss Ariel Brown and Ryan Bryandt follow the lead of dance instructor Maxine Silberstein at the ERJCC
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
he had a company in New Yorkrdquo Silberstein remem-bered ldquoIt was very exciting to have him here And when I think of where he is today and the influ-ence on the world of dance That was a highlightrdquo
As artistic director of Dance Month Silberstein said she believed it was extremely important first and foremost to Houstonrsquos Jewish community because audiences have been able to see on stage a number of Israeli and Yemeni dancers like Sara Levi-Tanai ldquoThe choreography of these groups reflects the Jewish culture in that it is powerful and risk taking at its corerdquo she noted ldquoItrsquos how they live their lives on the edge In general itrsquos a wonderful opportunity for Houston audiences to see Judaism in dance and how the culture and Jewish choreographers have phenomenally influenced dance all over the worldrdquo
With more than 35 years of teaching Silberstein said her goal is to continue meeting the day-to-day challenges of the programs she directs while remaining an influence in the lives of her students and and their desire to dance to meet their own goals not to be discour-aged
ldquoGrowing up in Texas City I didnrsquot have the advantages of Jewish children in Houston growing up with large congregations BBYOs or a community center I could be a part ofrdquo she explained ldquoBut I had my dance I feel like I hopefully have been an inspiration to other Jewish artists to go forward with their art form Irsquove always this thing as an artist in that I am Jewish Maybe not everything I do in dance is Jewish but I am influenced by Jewish artists and I think itrsquos important for all artists to hold on to their Jewishness to represent our culture in the various art forms
Along with her teaching Silberstein has found time to perform with numerous dance companies in her career served on cultural arts boards and has promoted dance in Houston especially dance centering on the Jewish culture Currently she serves on the board of Uptown Dance Centre the HCC-Central College World Dance Institute board and Society for the Performing Arts Education Committee
Silberstein also gives credit to her supervisor Marilyn Hassid ldquofor her support encouragement and friendship in supporting me in doing the many things we do through arts and culture and the dance program
ldquoIrsquove been very fortunaterdquo she continued ldquoBeing at the ERJCC wersquove brought in many many groups of people who may have never stepped foot in here and theyrsquore coming because of dance In the pro-cess they have been exposed to the Jewish culture Itrsquos important to me that we through the Kaplan Theatre expose our center to everyone who comes here In doing so our Jewish culture will continue to have a strong presence in the Houston community ndash through dancerdquo c
ldquoBeing able to teach children to build their confidence and esteem
to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worthwhilerdquo
ndash Maxine Silberstein
ldquoWe are proud our family launched the Jewish Family Service Passover program providing assistance for the past 20 yearsAs others are generously stepping forwardto support this effort we took a look at our communityrsquos future needsrdquondashJeanne Mandell
ldquoAlong with the blessings of our seniors living longer comes an added responsibility to accommodate the changing needs of this community We know JFS will be there to help The Deutser Hecht Mandell Fund for Senior Adult Financial Aid seeks to fulfill the basic needs of our seniors help them maintain independence in their own homes and empower them with personal dignity in the coming decadesrdquondashPunkin Hecht
ldquoWe feel good about being a part of100 Names
Wonrsquot you join usrdquo
A simple bequest is the most common way for a family to establish a legacy gift
In partnership withJewish Family Servicersquos100th Year Celebrationand Houston JewishCommunity Foundationrsquos Create a Jewish LegacyHouston Jewish Family Foundation
rdavisjfshoustonorg 7136679336wwwjfshoustonorg100names
Benefitting Jewish Family ServiceA New Fund is Added to100 Names for 100 Years
The Deutser HechtMandell Fund
for Senior Adult Financial Aid
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
The Shlenker SchoolCongregation Beth Israel - Houston Texas
For more information or to schedule a tourcontact Gail Rovinsky Director of Admissions
713-270-6127 grovinskyshlenkerorg5600 N Braeswood Houston Texas 77096 wwwshlenkerorg
Yoursquove alwaYs spent moneY wiselY
Donrsquot stop now
For less than half the price of private duty care you could get
bull 24 hour per day licensed care bull Beautiful personal apartment and
private bath in our newly renovated community
bull Three restaurant-style meals each day bull Memory care for those living with
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includedbull All the privacy or social interaction
you desire
2555 S Braeswood | Houston TX 77025-2805 elmcroftcom Facility 030414
Schedule a personal visit
share your story and
discover the difference
assisted living will
make Receive a $25
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7138398265
Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Gabby Howard paints her cardCari Cowen with Celebration Company volunteer Joyce Rosen
BY MICHAEL C DUKE PHOTOS BY MATT SAMUELS
Jewish adults with special needs have found a creative outlet at Jewish Family Servicersquos Celebration Company
For the past three years Celebration Company participants have produced note-cards featuring original hand-painted artwork and handmade paper The signed artwork is mounted to the front of the cards which are blank inside and are packaged with envelopes sold either individually or in five-card sets
ldquoThe notecards are a great way for the par-ticipants to express themselves artisticallyrdquo said Nick Tofilon Celebration Companyrsquos director
The cards are available at JFS 4131 S Braeswood Blvd or at Three Brothers Bakery 4036 S Braeswood Blvd
Celebration Company provides meaning-ful employment to people with special needs who ndash with joy purpose and self-esteem ndash cre-ate products that celebrate the good in life c
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Linda Lopen makes a floral paintingMax Schaffer works on her masterpiece
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
What a Difference EmeryWeiner Made
wwwemeryweinerorg bull 8322045900
Thank you so much for a wonderful and I do really mean wonderful Emery experience Itrsquos so sad that Nicole will not be there on a daily basis anymore She told me in third grade that she wanted to attend EWS for middle and high school and it was the best decision that we ever made
- Bonnie Winograd (parent of Class of 2012 Graduate)
ldquo
rdquo
Hebrew Free Loanassociation ndashProviding interest
Free Loans to JewisH Houston area residents since 1932
Loans Available for Emergencies
Healthcare Needs Small Business Assistance
and More For more information or to apply for a loan visit our website at
wwwhflanetor call
713-667-9336 ext221
House of Dereacuteon Media Center is one of the best kept secrets in Houston The eclectic special events venue including state-of-the-art media and conference facilities is housed inside a magnifi cent art deacuteco building located in the heart of Houstonrsquos Midtown District and seated perfectly within the worldwide operations of Music World Entertainment ndash the management company of the worldrsquos 1 female recording group Destinyrsquos Child
Let us turn your next function into a social event to remember
Where your functions become social events
2204 Crawford St Houston Texas l 7137725175 l wwwhouseofdereonmediacentercom
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
reg
National Council of Jewish WomenA fAith iN the future A belief iN ACtioN
Help Houstonrsquos women children and families
JOIN NCJW GHSNational Council of Jewish Women a
nationwide organization of 90000 strong and along with the Greater Houston Sectionrsquos
800+ members takes a progressive stance towards
changing lives through advocacy campaigns and social action by helping
bull At-risk children learn to readbull To ensure reproductive freedom
bull Victims of human traffickingbull Victims of domestic violence
and sexual assaultbull Adolescent survivors of
sexual assaultbull Homeless children
bull Foster children
To learn more about NCJW GHS and how you can get involved visit ncjwhoustonorg or contact us at membershipncjwhoustonorg
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery
from AddictionBY JEANNE F SAMUELS
E stablished 12 years ago Chabad of Sugar Land is headed by Brooklyn-born Rabbi Mendel Feigenson who was brought to Houston in 1995 by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff Fulfilling Chabadrsquos mission to serve Jews throughout the Sugar Land Stafford and Missouri City area Rabbi Feigenson has added a
new facet to his work He has opened his heart and Chabadrsquos doors to a completely underserved segment of the Jewish community It is the newly formed Jewish Recovery Celebration Group which provides support for Jewish recovering alcoholics addicts and members of Alcoholics Anonymous
The truth is contrary to general belief ndash and probably community denial ndash there are Jews who are addicts And those who suffer with addiction face a constant struggle to overcome its grasp
Confronting a definite need Rabbi Feigenson facilitates and organizes social and educational events to help JRCG members merge Judaism with recovery Every other Sunday at 7 pm he integrates the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with the timeless lessons of Torah and Kabbalah The meetings are held in complete privacy when no one else is in the two-year-old Chabad facility
The need for support for Jewish addicts was posed to Rabbi Feigenson by Lynn JHV JEANNE F SAMUELS
Rabbi Mendel Feigenson
Donovan of Galveston She is the only individual in the recently organized group who chooses not to remain anonymous believing her story needs to be told
ldquoShe is an inspirationrdquo the rabbi declared ldquoMore than four months ago she called me saying she had something very important to discuss with me She told me that she has been sober for 25 years and that she has friends who are struggling with addiction The reality is that there are Jews who are drug addicts
ldquoBasically addiction is a diseaserdquo Rabbi Feigenson explained ldquoand addicts cannot help themselves They need group support and our mis-sion is to help our Jewish brethrenrdquo So the rabbi studied the Twelve Steps of AA delved into books on the subject and consulted with some psychiatrists From all this the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group was formed
Presently there are four to six people in the group and Rabbi Feigenson said that the meetings are working well ldquoItrsquos about coming from darkness and making a new liferdquo he pointed out
Credited with encouraging the genesis of JRCG Donovan recalled how she became sober in 1986 taking the train from Harrisburg Pa to Baltimore on Sundays to be part of a Twelve Step group that met in a church ldquoIt was very confusing for me having to separate church and recovery hellip There are no rules regarding religion in AA but most of my support was coming from Christian people Did I have to be Christian to recover
ldquoI had been arrested at 18rdquo she confessed ldquoand the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos com-mon belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
When Donovan moved to Texas in 1990 she continued with AA in churches Although the
West Houston Jewish Community Center had an AA meeting it was not a Jewish recovery group
ldquoI visited with the Jewish Family Service to see if they would help start a Jewish recovery group but they were not accepting of me I spoke to one or two rabbis privately but they werenrsquot receptive either so I kind of let it go for a whilerdquo She noted that perseverance is difficult ldquoThe disease of addiction is not something they know how to deal with
ldquoAs a young girl I was molested by a rabbi and when the Penn State [University] scandal broke loose I became very depressedrdquo she reflected having the need for support at that time ldquoI got on the Internet and Googled Jews in recovery where I read about a Rabbi Kessler at Chabad in Boca Raton Fla I called there and the rabbi told me about a retreat [to be held there] and was it possible I could come It took place this past February with addicts from all over including me Rabbi Abraham J Twerski was the keynote speakerrdquo
The convention inspired Donovan to seek the closest Chabad to Galveston which she found in Sugar Land She telephoned there and Rabbi Feigenson invited her to Shabbat where she had lunch with his wife Chaya After hearing Donovanrsquos story Chaya Feigenson said to her husband ldquoMendel we have to help these peoplerdquo
ldquoMost people know very little about addictionrdquo Donovan empha-sized When I first started someone took me to the rabbi who told me to go home and honor my father and my mother and be a good girlrdquo Also she added ldquoIt must be difficult to drop your children off at a church for recovery Therersquos the worry that theyrsquore brainwashing your child
ldquoThere is so much lack of knowledge especially in the Jewish com-munity If you stay with the thought that Jews donrsquot [become addicts] then people die We need to break that stereotype and lack of informa-tion Jews suffer from drug abuse obesity gambling etc like any other grouprdquo
Donovanrsquos brother a rabbi in Israel took her to AA meetings in Jerusalem where she discovered that there are even rabbis who suffer from alcoholism ldquoSome of usrdquo she pointed out ldquohave had bad experi-ences as childrenrdquo
ldquoThere is such naivetyrdquo Donovan a 58-year-old mother of three and grandmother of eight maintained ldquoRabbi Feigenson is the first in Houston who really heard me and understands the importance of helping every Jewish person It was an incredible day that I met him ldquoWe want to reach out to Jews who are confused and are appealing for help Itrsquos a very special experience to be a Jew in recovery and meet with others who are in recovery also And we can talk to parents free of charge to give them support and help Itrsquos an experience I donrsquot want others to missrdquo
For information about the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group call Rabbi Mendel Feigenson at 832-758-0685 email rabbifeigensongmailcom or visit chabadsugarlandcom c
Congregation Beth Rambam is a warm and welcoming Sephardic congregation led by our young and dynamic Rabbi Daniel Masri
We offer morning and evening services on weekdays and Shabbat There are many fascinating classes and learning opportunities both during the day and evenings offered throughout the week in English Spanish and Hebrew
Alex Pfeffer our fun and entertaining Youth Director leads multiple activities for children of various ages each Shabbat
morning and afternoon and trips throughout the year
713-723-3030 | officebethrambamorg11333 Braesridge | wwwbethrambamorg (coming soon)
C O M E J O I N O U R F A M I L Y
bullbull
22 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ldquoI had been arrested at 18 and the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos common
belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
ndash Lynn Donovan
BY MICHAEL C DUKE
W hen Alex Kavalerchik immigrated to the United States in 1979 with his young family the 30-year-old Belorussia-born Jew had no money no education and spoke no English
Nevertheless the bus-iness-minded good-with-his-hands Kavalerchik ndash a dead-ringer for actor Al Pacino during the latterrsquos Hollywood gangster film days ndash was deter-mined to carve out his own little slice of American pie
Make that cobbler for the vocation he would settle into would be the shoe-repair business
ldquoWe came to Houston and the JCC help us to move to apartment and help us for two monthsrdquo said the heavily accented Kavalerchik who picked up conversational English not from taking formal classes like some others who escaped the Soviet Union in the late rsquo70s but by listening to the language his children were learning to read and write and speak in American public schools
Kavalerchik now a Texan pulled himself up by the bootstraps and held down jobs doing maintenance and factory work Then one day in 1981 he met a Jewish man Kalman Witenberg who ran a shoe-repair
businessldquoHe told me Yoursquore going to be a shoemaker And yoursquore going to
make enough money to pay your bills Yoursquore never going to be a mil-lionaire but therersquos going to be enough money to support your familyrdquo Kavalerchik said
He obliged and in 1985 went into the shoe-repair busi-ness himself Feet first
Kavalerchik learned the ins and outs of the time-honored trade for a year and established himself at a storefront at West Bellfort Street and Chimney Rock Road Two years into the business he acquired a second
shop and split his time between the two He then opted to sell the first location and devoted his energies to the second Hersquos managed that loca-tion at 10815 S Post Oak Rd at Willowbend Boulevard since 1990 and today employs two workers
The dusty little shop enjoys a steady stream of loyal customers many from the neighborhood Blacks Jews and Latinos mostly Itrsquos a business built on reputation Kavalerchikrsquos is good Peachy in fact The front door has a little bell that tinkles
ldquoI can do all kind of jobs ndash regular jobs and orthopedic jobsrdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoI have customers who bring ladies shoes that cost
A peachy cobbler
Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American dream
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 23
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymore Itrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you
must have patience This is the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
ndash Alex Kavalerchik
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Alex Kavalerckik is proprietor of an old-school shoe-repair shop in Southwest Houston His hand tools include a hammer that the shoprsquos previous owner used in a Nazi concentration camp
24 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Supporting the needs of the
Jewish Community
CHEVRA KADISHA OF HOUSTON
Jewish Burial Society
Continuing the sacred tradition of preparing thedeceased for burial with
care and respect
(713) 776-2438
Young Israel
of Houston
7823 Ludington DriveHouston Texas 77071
713-729-0719wwwyihoustonorg
hundreds even thousands of dollars They bring cowboy boots that cost $5000-$6000 Very expensive I do it all ndash refinish resole reshape fix completely the shoesrdquo
And itrsquos not just footwear During the interview with the Jewish Herald-Voice a woman came into the shop with a designer leather bag that had a torn strap ldquoAlaska Airlinesrdquo she grumbled Kavalerchik promised to fix it like new A few minutes later a Polish-speaking doctor came in to pick up a repaired leather dog leash Kavalerchik who grew up speaking Russian with his parents and Yiddish with his grandparents was able to converse with the man in his native tongue They shared a few chuck-les The man dressed in blue-green hospital scrubs was pleased with Kavalerchikrsquos work and tipped him 100 percent on the bill Shortly there-after a slow-moving man with a walking stick and a Korean War cap came in with a belt job
Kavalerchik even does the exotic Can he fix a pair of gilded alligator-skin sneakers No problem (Hersquos done three) How about repair-ing a set of chairs made from elephant feet Um sure why not NBA stars who take advan-
tage of his services are asked to call in advance Size 17s require special order
Some of the more challenging yet reward-ing jobs are those to salvage shoes chewed up by the family dog
ldquoThis you must have a talent to fix itrsquos a tough jobrdquo said Kavalerchik holding up a black patent leather stiletto that bore scars on the heel from large canine teeth ldquoYou donrsquot make too much money on this but the cus-tomer is really happy when I make it look like new againrdquo
Tacked to the wall above the front counter of Kavalerchikrsquos shop is an 8-foot diamondback rattlesnake skin Therersquos also a black-and-white portrait of Al Pacino from ldquoScarfacerdquo While vacationing in Las
Vegas and once in Galveston the Belorussian was hounded for an autograph from fans who mis-took him for the Oscar-winning actor Retelling the stories splits Kavalerchikrsquos face into a smile
The storefront gives way to a multi-roomed workshop in back Itrsquos vintage 1950s outfitted with well-used wooden workbenches walls of racks with customersrsquo shoes and boots (each bearing a colorful toe tag) drawers and cubbyholes filled with bits and buckles and all sorts of odds and ends for leather and shoe work Wooden shoe lasts spools of heavy thread and folds of leather
and rubber adorn door frames and corners Metal taps for dance shoes hang from hooks A random assortment of loose shoe and boot heel parts are stockpiled in a divider mounted to a wall ldquoThey donrsquot make these like they used tordquo Kavalerchik said dusting off an orange-and-white-boxed specimen from half a century ago
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Cowboy boots and orthopedic shoes make up a good deal of Kavalerchikrsquos business
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 25
1500 Sunset Boulevard Houston Texas 77005
7135356400 wwwbeckerschoolorg
Accredited by NAEYCrsquos National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Learning through play
bull Ages 15 months through 5 years bull Extended care 8am - 530pm
bull Developmentally appropriate curriculumbull Extra-curricular classes available
bull Bridge to Kindergarten class
Since 1989
Call for a tourNow accepting applications
for 2012-2013
Congregation Emanu El Becker Early Childhood Center
6401 Woodway(in Whole Foods Plaza)
7133344900
Fabulous Womenrsquos Apparel amp Accessories
4048 Bellaire Blvd(in the Whole Foods Plaza)
7136653336FrenchCuffCocom
labeled ldquoCatrsquos PawrdquoBuilt into a corner post of the main work-
bench is a glue reservoir Plugging the well is a half-dollar-sized metal cap with a rod run-ning through it sporting an applicator brush Long dribbles of glue have oozed caked and dried down the edges of the post looking like a model of a volcano from a school sci-ence fair A photographer friend of Kavalerchikrsquos comes by on occasion to shoot close-up pho-tos of the unique formations
There are industrial ma-chines at every elbow turn stitchers sanders cutters tack-ers buffers Something called an Auto Soler and another called a Heel Popper Some are more than a 100 years old Real made-in-America stuff From cities like Chicago and St Louis Art deco in shape and lines Nickel-plated enameled steel and chromed in work grime
ldquoI have one machine made in 1890 It never breaksrdquo Kavalerchik said fondly
Other equipment however has broken down over the years Kavalerchik has learned to do the repairs himself Out of necessity ldquoItrsquos
very important to learn how to fix this equip-ment Itrsquos very old and nobody knows how to fix it I have to do it myself If this part breaks you have to make a new onerdquo he said
The workshoprsquos few modern conveniences
include a small electric box fan a 26-inch TV that seems stuck on Channel 8 and the occa-sional pinup girl wall calendar One room boasts an empty bottle collection on a top shelf ldquoWe Russians drink cognac after work and vodka at homerdquo Kavalerchik explained Therersquos a row of vintage US postage stamps
affixed to a workbench shelf that dates back to the shoprsquos previous owner a man named Sam Sill
The Polish-born Sill was a Holocaust survivor who worked in a factory making
boots for German army officers Kavalerchik said
ldquoThis hammer he brought from the old country Itrsquos from Germany 1942rdquo said Kavalerchik lifting the worn tool from his workbench ldquoThis guy worked with this hammer in con-centration camprdquo He then palmed a second hammer nearby with simi-lar history Though Kavalerchik has owned the business for the past 22 years he has kept the name ldquoSamrsquos Shoe Repairrdquo
The man who gave Kavalerchik his birth into the business Kalman Witenberg also was a Polish Holocaust survivor Edith Mincberg
was a customer of Witenbergrsquos back in the day and remembers him as a friendly and lively man ldquoHe loved to carry on Yiddish conversations with my late husband Joe Mincbergrdquo Edith told the JHV Witenberg a survivor of Auschwitz among other camps according to Holocaust Museum Houston records died in 2003
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
The 1950s-era shop includes equipment thatrsquos more than 100 years old
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Foot and Ankle
Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery
Podiatry Associates of Houston
Michael A Mineo DPM FACFASDavid L Blumfield DPM FACFASKeith L Jacobson DPM FACFAS
Vito Speciale DPM
6699 Chimney Rock 102713-666-0287
18220 Tomball Pkwy 220832-912-7792
705 S Fwy 215281-579-0816
915 Gessner 380713-467-1299
Times have changed over the course of Kavalerchikrsquos career as an old-school cobbler Many of his early customers were high school graduates whose parents wanted to send their kids off to college in a pair of spiffy penny loafers ldquoThese days itrsquos a different life Kids wear sneakersrdquo Kavalerchik said
The cobbler doesnrsquot wax nostalgic however over the profession that many people including himself view as a dying art
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymorerdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoItrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you must have patience This the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
Kavalerchik has entertained the occasional apprentice but none has stuck it out The cobbler predicts that in 15 20 years time the business will be dead save for a few shops here and there
ldquoThis business is like Jewish language [Yiddish]rdquo he said ldquoBefore people speak it fluently Now itrsquos only a few old guysrdquo
The trade has been good to the man who said he stood a 50-50 chance of winding up dead if he had stayed in the Soviet Union Itrsquos given him his American dream
ldquoIf I can afford to put my children through college this was my dream to come to America This was my dream to give my children education because I did not have time in Russia to get education myselfrdquo Kavalerchik said
ldquoOld people died in these shops They worked like dogs I donrsquot do this I work eight hours a day I go to lunch I go on vacationrdquo he said ldquoHere I have easy life I have my family I have place to sleep I go on vacation twice a year Irsquom happy with my children [Michael and Fannett]rdquo Every other year Kavalerchik visits his father in Israel
Sitting in the front room of his workshop ndash the room with the bottle collection ndash is a large cardboard box full of shoes belonging to his wife Roza Kavalerchik promises hersquoll get to them soon Near the box standing upright in the corner is a clutch of fishing poles
ldquoThese here are very important toolsrdquo said Kavalerchik again with that smile ldquoSaturday at 4 I close up and take my tools straight to the boatrdquo c
Shoe-making skills saved Sillrsquos life duringthe HolocaustBY MICHAEL C DUKE
Sam Sill was the previous owner of Samrsquos Shoe Repair in Southwest Houston
When he sold the business to Alex Kavalerchik some 22 years ago he passed along his tools to the new proprietor These included a pair of hammers that helped save Sill from the Nazi death machine in Europe Kavalerchik said that Sill told him that he Sill as a concentration camp prisoner used the hammers to make boots for German army officers during the war
Houstonian Dr David Wolf ndash a podiatrist ndash is first cousin to Samrsquos wife Ruthie Wolf has preserved an original copy of Sillrsquos immigra-tion papers which state that he Sill was born
Calligraphy by Eileen
Envelope AddressingBarBat Mitzvahs
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Temple SinaiThe Reform Jewish Congregation in West Houston
A warm friendly amp vibrant community where friendship
and caring are combined with a religious faith ritual observance social interaction and education
for adults and children
Join Rabbi Annie Belford and the Temple Sinai Congregation
for Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 730 PM
13875 Brimhurst 281-495-5950Houston Tx 77077 wwwtemple-sinaiorg
TEMPLE SINAI
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
Service with a smileGoing beyond the call of duty
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Terry CominskyRealtor Associate713-558-3331
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OyDo We Know PrintingProudly serving the Jewish Commmunity and Houston
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with high quality commercial printing
Simon Printing CompanyFine Lithography
10810 Craighead
Houston Texas 77025
713-666-1296
Fax 713-666-4111wwwsimonprintingcom
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Tissue PaperSelf Seal BagsCoffee BagsAutomatic Pull BowsShrink Wrap BagsClear Acetate BoxesRibbonShrink Film RollsTheme BoxesRaffi aGift BoxesGift Wrap PaperCurling RibbonOrganza bags
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Hours of OperationMonday - Friday 900 AM to 600 PM
Saturday 1000 AM to 600 PM4404 Richmond Ave bull Houston Texas 77027Phone 713-524-5454 bull Fax 713-524-5450
wwwpalmerpkgcom
Gift Wrap ServiceRetail Packaging Supplies
HOUSTONrsquoS ONLY JEWISH OWNED
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EXCLUSI V ELY JEWISH MEMORI ALS
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ASK FOR SA NDY GA ITZ
713-984-2010A SUBSIDIARY OF 4D SIGN WORX LLC
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
Montessori integrated curriculum In a loving caring and safe atmosphere your child will learn and grow with a proven program based on excellence and experience
Registration is now open
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
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We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
4-Show PackageSStart aS low aS
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A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
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Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
CFPreg and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERtrade marks are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Boardrsquos initial and ongoing certification requirements Registered Representative of and offers securities products investment advisory services and financial planning services through MML Investors Services Inc member SIPC Supervisory Office 3 Greenway Plaza Suite 1700 Houston Texas 77046 713402-3800 The K Corporation is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services Inc Insurance offered through Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and other fine companies
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
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wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
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34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
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713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
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Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
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4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
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36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
celebrate yourbarbat mitzvah like
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houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
phone 713-227-1392hardrockcom
UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
- VOICES covers 2
- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
made furniture for example includes a chest of drawers whose graceful arched lines are reminiscent of a beautiful sailboat hull And while the top of one of Cohenrsquos book-cases begins in its proper place at the apex on the left side it plummets down to the bot-tom of the piece like an adrenaline-pumping speed slide
During the tour the phone rang ldquoTake this callrdquo Cohen said to his sons in the next room ldquoPeople think I work here I try hard not to give them that impression What I do now I do for funrdquo
Thatrsquos the key to understanding how Cohen creates He plays Hersquos now 60 years
old and hersquos like one of those old lions on the savannah well fed healthy free from stress and roaring ndash simply for the joy of roaring
Cohen came to Houston from Israel in 1979 In Israel he built custom furniture in his youth and later ran a chain of pizzerias In 1985 he opened a wholesale framing business Classy Art Wholesalers
ldquoWe had to struggle for survival at firstrdquo Cohen said ldquoBut by 1990 we were doing well and we moved our business into our current locationrdquo
In 2002 as his 50th birthday approached Cohen decided he wanted to make his own birthday present A car he named Splinter Over the frame of a restored 1989 Honda Accord he envisioned a wooden body using one-quarter-inch thick strips of ash and wal-nut ndash about 5000 feet of wooden strips glued together so they could bend to the shape of the car frame
Cohen has the original simple drawing now framed labeled ldquoFirst Ideardquo He com-pleted Splinter in June 2003
Join us for ldquoan adventure of the spiritrdquo
Cantor Vadim Tunitsky Senior Rabbi Scott Hausman-Weiss Rabbi Pamela Silk Rabbi Samantha Kahn
ldquoCongregation Emanu El is a Reform synagogue firmly rooted in our covenant with God and the Jewish People We are a caring community dedicated to inspiring the love of God teaching the joys of Jewish living and sharing our mission to be a light unto the nationsrdquo
Minyan Next DorMonthly eruv Shabbat for Houstonrsquos young-er adults
Torah Enrichment on ShabbatChoose from a variety of classes with the rabbi
Weekly Meditation Service
EducationAdult educationBecker Early Childhood CenterHelfman Religious School
1500 Sunset Blvd 713-529-5771wwwemanuelhoustonorg
And MoreBrotherhoodSisterhoodEmanu EldersHelfman Religious School PTA Becker Early Childhood PTOYouth GroupCub and Boy Scouts
An adventure of the spirit
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohen was commissioned to build a 12-foot-tall chanukiah that was kindled inside The Galleria Houston in De-cember 2011
JHV AARON HOWARD
The ldquoFirst Ideardquo sketch for Splinter
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
N o r t h B r a e s w o o d a t C h i m N e y r o C kB R A E S W O O D S Q U A R E
B
Trade secrets There are two methods by which
you can get wood to bend wet and dry
You can use steam which dis-solves some of the bonds between wood fibers Steam weakens and stretches the fibers and allows them to reform during the cooling process
Cohen doesnrsquot use steam or water He dry bends Although he will not give away his secrets he does use wood strips which must be glued to something else such as a form
ldquoWhen you bend dry wood it doesnrsquot maintain its shape by itselfrdquo said Cohen ldquoYou must glue the wood pieces to some-thing else even themselves otherwise the wood would spring back to its original flat-nessrdquo
Wood wants to spring back to its origi-nal shape The tighter the bend the more wood wants to spring back And therersquos no formula no pre-set way of telling how much a strip of wood will spring back or break Itrsquos all a matter of trial and error
For example Cohen created a hang-ing Magen David inside a circle by first dry bending two different-colored wooden strips into a perfect circle Then inside the circle he twisted two other strips until he was able to fashion the interlocking star
ldquoI believe in myselfrdquo said Cohen ldquobut I never believe that the wood will cooperate with merdquo
Fresh startTo begin Cohen decides on a project
Then he decides what species of wood would look best for the project
ldquoWhen I decided to create my wooden truck Big J I saw that to my eye rose-wood looked much better than mahogany Rosewood has such a deep color that it
allows you to see the straight lines The design for that vehicle was a basic octa-gon with many straight lines rather than curves All the wood used for that vehicle came from the same tree So therersquos a single design pattern all over the car except for the tiny changes in the spacing of the tree rings You have to examine the wood really closely to see thatrdquo
Of note all hardwoods get more difficult to bend the closer the artist gets to the cen-ter of the tree Thatrsquos because the wood is denser closer to the core
ldquoSo when you get pieces that are near the center ndash you recognize that by looking at the distance between rings from the edge of a piece ndash the wood gives me a run for my moneyrdquo said Cohen
ldquoI never considered myself an artist Irsquove never taken a class I didnrsquot think of myself as an artist until I received the Lifetime Achievement award for Best Artist from the
Art Car Museum Now I guess I can call myself an artistrdquo
Unlike most other artists Cohen rarely sells his pieces although hersquos been offered as much as $16 million for Splinter
ldquoIrsquoll tell you whyrdquo he said ldquoFive years ago I donated Slider to the Orange Show This was another car I created They auc-tioned the car off to benefit the Orange Show I had put in more than 2000 hours creating Slider It was absolutely like one of my children I cannot forget the awful feeling of loss I had when I let the car go It was gone after being in my shop every day for over a year
ldquoToday when I build something on commission I can see it differently But even so itrsquos difficult to let gordquo
We can appreciate Cohenrsquos feelings When yoursquove put as many hours into your ldquochildrenrdquo as he has it is sometimes hard to let them part c
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohenrsquos F-18 Fighter Jet pays tribute to the ldquoheroes of freedomrdquo Cohen drove the car in the May 2010 Houston Art Car Parade
JHV AARON HOWARD
Isaac Cohenrsquos bent woodMagen David
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15 Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2011 | JhVonlinecom | 14
THE BEST ROAD TO RECOVERY GOES THROUGH SEVEN ACRES
The Lou Lewis Skilled Nursing Program at Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services is dedicated to helping your loved one achieve the highest level of recovery following a hospital stay to successfully return home
Give your loved one the best chance for a full recovery with the Lou Lewis Skilled Nursing Program at
6200 North Braeswood Boulevard Houston Texas 770747137785700 - wwwsevenacresorg
n Fulltime medical services with onsite physicians and geriatric nurse practitionersn Customized skilled nursing care and rehabilitation including physical occupational speech and IV therapyn Great facilities and a nurturing environment
ERJCC dance instructor is creative talent behind Dance Month and moreBY ALICE ADAMS
I trsquos a Monday after 7 pm and dance director Maxine Silberstein has yet to finish her day at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center And this particular day is no busier than any other time of the week
Silberstein is responsible not only for coordinating the JCCrsquos dance pro-gram cultural outreach programs and partnerships and the IW Marks Master Classes but also serves as artistic director for Dance Month ndash now in its 33rd season ndash at the Kaplan Theatre In addition she coordinates Maccabi dance for Team Houston and the annual Tirkedu Houston an Israeli folk dance weekend But thatrsquos not all Shersquos been a teacher of dance for more than three decades as well as dance director for the ERJCCrsquos Arts and Culture Department
Yet her love of dance began long before Dance Month began or the Houston Ballet took the stage
ldquoMy father would sit beside me in the darkness of a Galveston auditorium or the old Music Hall in downtown Houston so I could see the leading prima ballerinas of Ballet Russes and other prominent companies dancing in the spotlightrdquo she recalled and as she watched the little girl who grew up in
Place Where Jewish Culture Thrives Through Dance
JHV MATT SAMUELS
ERJCC dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15
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Texas City took notice of every detail ndash from the artistsrsquo finely positioned feet to the curve of their arms and the placement of delicate fin-gers ldquoIt was always magicalrdquo she remembered
ldquoMy mother started me in dance lessons when I was quite young I was probably 5 or 6rdquo said Silberstein taking a rare time out ldquoI was that kid who was hanging by my arms and legs from the barre or in some way not following instructions Needless to say I didnrsquot receive much encouragement from that teacherrdquo she added
ldquoOnly a few weeks into my dance career my teacher commented that she didnrsquot know exactly why my mother was wasting her money on dance lessons for me That was Motherrsquos cue to move me so I could study with Doris Hede in La Marque and that experience is exactly why I would never discourage any child from study-ing dancerdquo Silberstein added ldquoeven the ones using the barre as a jungle gymrdquo
Realizing her passion for dance by her early teens the athletic young dancer eagerly par-ticipated in programs offered by the Houston Youth Symphony and Ballet where dance teachers and students from the area gathered to rehearse performances at the old City Hall across from the Rice Hotel
After high school graduation Silberstein was unable to attend the University of
Oklahoma which had a flourishing dance program at the time under the tutelage of prima ballerina Maria Tallchief Instead she attended the University of Houston where she earned a bachelorrsquos degree in special edu-cation and physical education with a minor
in dance performanceThroughout her college career the tena-
cious dancer took full advantage of every opportunity that presented itself In doing so she was to study and learn various forms of dance with some of the countryrsquos greatest and
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Melissa Darlow Ariel Brown Lauren Liss and Alyssa Cohen work on their 2012 Maccabi Games dance routine with dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
most prolific choreographers including Fred Strobel Anita Dyche Camille Long Hill Patsy Swayze and Rudy Jenkins in Houston In New York her training included the Alvin Ailey Peridance Center Jennifer Mueller Merce Cunningham Jo Jo Smith Broadway Dance Center and Steps
ldquoWhen I was in college I taught andor substituted for absent teachers in the JCCrsquos adult dance program when the center was located on Hermann Driverdquo she recalled She began working part time as a dance teacher at the J in 1974
ldquoI had met and married my husband Bubba Silberstein in the interimrdquo she explained ldquoand after we began our family I decided to teach dance and raise our children Brent and Steffanirdquo
In 1980 Silberstein was named director of the JCCrsquos dance program after director Lisa Rollrsquos exit
ldquoAfter Lisa left the board was not able to
identify someone to take over the position so I said I would be happy to do it until someone is hired Needless to say Irsquom still here todayrdquo laughed the teacherdancerdirector
Silberstein said it was only natural that
the JCC offer a dance program because of its reputation for programming around health wellness sports and physical activities ldquoDance easily fits into this type of program-mingrdquo she pointed out ldquoand classes were a vehicle for bringing Jewish children together in dance Itrsquos for anyone for all denomina-tions and all ages and itrsquos also a United Way-
funded center and open to everyone who wanted to learn to dancerdquo
So it follows that the high point of Silbersteinrsquos career is inspiring student dancers
ldquoAs director Irsquove had the opportunity of doing many things but being able to teach children to build their confi-dence and esteem to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worth-while And now I am teaching my former studentsrsquo children and the grandchil-dren of my peersrdquo
P r o f e s s i o n a l inf luences have included Mikhail Baryshnikov and
Ohad Naharin the latter an Israeli artis-tic directorchoreographer of the Batsheva Dance Company He also is the originator of Gaga an innovative movement language which has emerged as a growing force in the larger field of movement practices for both dancers and non-dancers
ldquoAt the time we brought him to Houston
a symbol of distinction in assisted living
bull 24 Hour Assistance and Personalized Carebull Elegant Dining Servicesbull Medication Supervisionbull Social Cultural and Recreational activitiesbull Wellness Center with Heated Aquatherapy Poolbull A fully equipped socialmedia centerbull Peace of Mind in a Family Oriented Secure Setting
License ID 102491
wwwthemedallionorg6262 North Braeswood Boulevard
Houston Texas 77074(713) 778-5777
Affiliated with Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Lauren Liss Ariel Brown and Ryan Bryandt follow the lead of dance instructor Maxine Silberstein at the ERJCC
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
he had a company in New Yorkrdquo Silberstein remem-bered ldquoIt was very exciting to have him here And when I think of where he is today and the influ-ence on the world of dance That was a highlightrdquo
As artistic director of Dance Month Silberstein said she believed it was extremely important first and foremost to Houstonrsquos Jewish community because audiences have been able to see on stage a number of Israeli and Yemeni dancers like Sara Levi-Tanai ldquoThe choreography of these groups reflects the Jewish culture in that it is powerful and risk taking at its corerdquo she noted ldquoItrsquos how they live their lives on the edge In general itrsquos a wonderful opportunity for Houston audiences to see Judaism in dance and how the culture and Jewish choreographers have phenomenally influenced dance all over the worldrdquo
With more than 35 years of teaching Silberstein said her goal is to continue meeting the day-to-day challenges of the programs she directs while remaining an influence in the lives of her students and and their desire to dance to meet their own goals not to be discour-aged
ldquoGrowing up in Texas City I didnrsquot have the advantages of Jewish children in Houston growing up with large congregations BBYOs or a community center I could be a part ofrdquo she explained ldquoBut I had my dance I feel like I hopefully have been an inspiration to other Jewish artists to go forward with their art form Irsquove always this thing as an artist in that I am Jewish Maybe not everything I do in dance is Jewish but I am influenced by Jewish artists and I think itrsquos important for all artists to hold on to their Jewishness to represent our culture in the various art forms
Along with her teaching Silberstein has found time to perform with numerous dance companies in her career served on cultural arts boards and has promoted dance in Houston especially dance centering on the Jewish culture Currently she serves on the board of Uptown Dance Centre the HCC-Central College World Dance Institute board and Society for the Performing Arts Education Committee
Silberstein also gives credit to her supervisor Marilyn Hassid ldquofor her support encouragement and friendship in supporting me in doing the many things we do through arts and culture and the dance program
ldquoIrsquove been very fortunaterdquo she continued ldquoBeing at the ERJCC wersquove brought in many many groups of people who may have never stepped foot in here and theyrsquore coming because of dance In the pro-cess they have been exposed to the Jewish culture Itrsquos important to me that we through the Kaplan Theatre expose our center to everyone who comes here In doing so our Jewish culture will continue to have a strong presence in the Houston community ndash through dancerdquo c
ldquoBeing able to teach children to build their confidence and esteem
to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worthwhilerdquo
ndash Maxine Silberstein
ldquoWe are proud our family launched the Jewish Family Service Passover program providing assistance for the past 20 yearsAs others are generously stepping forwardto support this effort we took a look at our communityrsquos future needsrdquondashJeanne Mandell
ldquoAlong with the blessings of our seniors living longer comes an added responsibility to accommodate the changing needs of this community We know JFS will be there to help The Deutser Hecht Mandell Fund for Senior Adult Financial Aid seeks to fulfill the basic needs of our seniors help them maintain independence in their own homes and empower them with personal dignity in the coming decadesrdquondashPunkin Hecht
ldquoWe feel good about being a part of100 Names
Wonrsquot you join usrdquo
A simple bequest is the most common way for a family to establish a legacy gift
In partnership withJewish Family Servicersquos100th Year Celebrationand Houston JewishCommunity Foundationrsquos Create a Jewish LegacyHouston Jewish Family Foundation
rdavisjfshoustonorg 7136679336wwwjfshoustonorg100names
Benefitting Jewish Family ServiceA New Fund is Added to100 Names for 100 Years
The Deutser HechtMandell Fund
for Senior Adult Financial Aid
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
The Shlenker SchoolCongregation Beth Israel - Houston Texas
For more information or to schedule a tourcontact Gail Rovinsky Director of Admissions
713-270-6127 grovinskyshlenkerorg5600 N Braeswood Houston Texas 77096 wwwshlenkerorg
Yoursquove alwaYs spent moneY wiselY
Donrsquot stop now
For less than half the price of private duty care you could get
bull 24 hour per day licensed care bull Beautiful personal apartment and
private bath in our newly renovated community
bull Three restaurant-style meals each day bull Memory care for those living with
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includedbull All the privacy or social interaction
you desire
2555 S Braeswood | Houston TX 77025-2805 elmcroftcom Facility 030414
Schedule a personal visit
share your story and
discover the difference
assisted living will
make Receive a $25
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Brothers Bakery
7138398265
Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Gabby Howard paints her cardCari Cowen with Celebration Company volunteer Joyce Rosen
BY MICHAEL C DUKE PHOTOS BY MATT SAMUELS
Jewish adults with special needs have found a creative outlet at Jewish Family Servicersquos Celebration Company
For the past three years Celebration Company participants have produced note-cards featuring original hand-painted artwork and handmade paper The signed artwork is mounted to the front of the cards which are blank inside and are packaged with envelopes sold either individually or in five-card sets
ldquoThe notecards are a great way for the par-ticipants to express themselves artisticallyrdquo said Nick Tofilon Celebration Companyrsquos director
The cards are available at JFS 4131 S Braeswood Blvd or at Three Brothers Bakery 4036 S Braeswood Blvd
Celebration Company provides meaning-ful employment to people with special needs who ndash with joy purpose and self-esteem ndash cre-ate products that celebrate the good in life c
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Linda Lopen makes a floral paintingMax Schaffer works on her masterpiece
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
What a Difference EmeryWeiner Made
wwwemeryweinerorg bull 8322045900
Thank you so much for a wonderful and I do really mean wonderful Emery experience Itrsquos so sad that Nicole will not be there on a daily basis anymore She told me in third grade that she wanted to attend EWS for middle and high school and it was the best decision that we ever made
- Bonnie Winograd (parent of Class of 2012 Graduate)
ldquo
rdquo
Hebrew Free Loanassociation ndashProviding interest
Free Loans to JewisH Houston area residents since 1932
Loans Available for Emergencies
Healthcare Needs Small Business Assistance
and More For more information or to apply for a loan visit our website at
wwwhflanetor call
713-667-9336 ext221
House of Dereacuteon Media Center is one of the best kept secrets in Houston The eclectic special events venue including state-of-the-art media and conference facilities is housed inside a magnifi cent art deacuteco building located in the heart of Houstonrsquos Midtown District and seated perfectly within the worldwide operations of Music World Entertainment ndash the management company of the worldrsquos 1 female recording group Destinyrsquos Child
Let us turn your next function into a social event to remember
Where your functions become social events
2204 Crawford St Houston Texas l 7137725175 l wwwhouseofdereonmediacentercom
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
reg
National Council of Jewish WomenA fAith iN the future A belief iN ACtioN
Help Houstonrsquos women children and families
JOIN NCJW GHSNational Council of Jewish Women a
nationwide organization of 90000 strong and along with the Greater Houston Sectionrsquos
800+ members takes a progressive stance towards
changing lives through advocacy campaigns and social action by helping
bull At-risk children learn to readbull To ensure reproductive freedom
bull Victims of human traffickingbull Victims of domestic violence
and sexual assaultbull Adolescent survivors of
sexual assaultbull Homeless children
bull Foster children
To learn more about NCJW GHS and how you can get involved visit ncjwhoustonorg or contact us at membershipncjwhoustonorg
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery
from AddictionBY JEANNE F SAMUELS
E stablished 12 years ago Chabad of Sugar Land is headed by Brooklyn-born Rabbi Mendel Feigenson who was brought to Houston in 1995 by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff Fulfilling Chabadrsquos mission to serve Jews throughout the Sugar Land Stafford and Missouri City area Rabbi Feigenson has added a
new facet to his work He has opened his heart and Chabadrsquos doors to a completely underserved segment of the Jewish community It is the newly formed Jewish Recovery Celebration Group which provides support for Jewish recovering alcoholics addicts and members of Alcoholics Anonymous
The truth is contrary to general belief ndash and probably community denial ndash there are Jews who are addicts And those who suffer with addiction face a constant struggle to overcome its grasp
Confronting a definite need Rabbi Feigenson facilitates and organizes social and educational events to help JRCG members merge Judaism with recovery Every other Sunday at 7 pm he integrates the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with the timeless lessons of Torah and Kabbalah The meetings are held in complete privacy when no one else is in the two-year-old Chabad facility
The need for support for Jewish addicts was posed to Rabbi Feigenson by Lynn JHV JEANNE F SAMUELS
Rabbi Mendel Feigenson
Donovan of Galveston She is the only individual in the recently organized group who chooses not to remain anonymous believing her story needs to be told
ldquoShe is an inspirationrdquo the rabbi declared ldquoMore than four months ago she called me saying she had something very important to discuss with me She told me that she has been sober for 25 years and that she has friends who are struggling with addiction The reality is that there are Jews who are drug addicts
ldquoBasically addiction is a diseaserdquo Rabbi Feigenson explained ldquoand addicts cannot help themselves They need group support and our mis-sion is to help our Jewish brethrenrdquo So the rabbi studied the Twelve Steps of AA delved into books on the subject and consulted with some psychiatrists From all this the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group was formed
Presently there are four to six people in the group and Rabbi Feigenson said that the meetings are working well ldquoItrsquos about coming from darkness and making a new liferdquo he pointed out
Credited with encouraging the genesis of JRCG Donovan recalled how she became sober in 1986 taking the train from Harrisburg Pa to Baltimore on Sundays to be part of a Twelve Step group that met in a church ldquoIt was very confusing for me having to separate church and recovery hellip There are no rules regarding religion in AA but most of my support was coming from Christian people Did I have to be Christian to recover
ldquoI had been arrested at 18rdquo she confessed ldquoand the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos com-mon belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
When Donovan moved to Texas in 1990 she continued with AA in churches Although the
West Houston Jewish Community Center had an AA meeting it was not a Jewish recovery group
ldquoI visited with the Jewish Family Service to see if they would help start a Jewish recovery group but they were not accepting of me I spoke to one or two rabbis privately but they werenrsquot receptive either so I kind of let it go for a whilerdquo She noted that perseverance is difficult ldquoThe disease of addiction is not something they know how to deal with
ldquoAs a young girl I was molested by a rabbi and when the Penn State [University] scandal broke loose I became very depressedrdquo she reflected having the need for support at that time ldquoI got on the Internet and Googled Jews in recovery where I read about a Rabbi Kessler at Chabad in Boca Raton Fla I called there and the rabbi told me about a retreat [to be held there] and was it possible I could come It took place this past February with addicts from all over including me Rabbi Abraham J Twerski was the keynote speakerrdquo
The convention inspired Donovan to seek the closest Chabad to Galveston which she found in Sugar Land She telephoned there and Rabbi Feigenson invited her to Shabbat where she had lunch with his wife Chaya After hearing Donovanrsquos story Chaya Feigenson said to her husband ldquoMendel we have to help these peoplerdquo
ldquoMost people know very little about addictionrdquo Donovan empha-sized When I first started someone took me to the rabbi who told me to go home and honor my father and my mother and be a good girlrdquo Also she added ldquoIt must be difficult to drop your children off at a church for recovery Therersquos the worry that theyrsquore brainwashing your child
ldquoThere is so much lack of knowledge especially in the Jewish com-munity If you stay with the thought that Jews donrsquot [become addicts] then people die We need to break that stereotype and lack of informa-tion Jews suffer from drug abuse obesity gambling etc like any other grouprdquo
Donovanrsquos brother a rabbi in Israel took her to AA meetings in Jerusalem where she discovered that there are even rabbis who suffer from alcoholism ldquoSome of usrdquo she pointed out ldquohave had bad experi-ences as childrenrdquo
ldquoThere is such naivetyrdquo Donovan a 58-year-old mother of three and grandmother of eight maintained ldquoRabbi Feigenson is the first in Houston who really heard me and understands the importance of helping every Jewish person It was an incredible day that I met him ldquoWe want to reach out to Jews who are confused and are appealing for help Itrsquos a very special experience to be a Jew in recovery and meet with others who are in recovery also And we can talk to parents free of charge to give them support and help Itrsquos an experience I donrsquot want others to missrdquo
For information about the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group call Rabbi Mendel Feigenson at 832-758-0685 email rabbifeigensongmailcom or visit chabadsugarlandcom c
Congregation Beth Rambam is a warm and welcoming Sephardic congregation led by our young and dynamic Rabbi Daniel Masri
We offer morning and evening services on weekdays and Shabbat There are many fascinating classes and learning opportunities both during the day and evenings offered throughout the week in English Spanish and Hebrew
Alex Pfeffer our fun and entertaining Youth Director leads multiple activities for children of various ages each Shabbat
morning and afternoon and trips throughout the year
713-723-3030 | officebethrambamorg11333 Braesridge | wwwbethrambamorg (coming soon)
C O M E J O I N O U R F A M I L Y
bullbull
22 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ldquoI had been arrested at 18 and the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos common
belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
ndash Lynn Donovan
BY MICHAEL C DUKE
W hen Alex Kavalerchik immigrated to the United States in 1979 with his young family the 30-year-old Belorussia-born Jew had no money no education and spoke no English
Nevertheless the bus-iness-minded good-with-his-hands Kavalerchik ndash a dead-ringer for actor Al Pacino during the latterrsquos Hollywood gangster film days ndash was deter-mined to carve out his own little slice of American pie
Make that cobbler for the vocation he would settle into would be the shoe-repair business
ldquoWe came to Houston and the JCC help us to move to apartment and help us for two monthsrdquo said the heavily accented Kavalerchik who picked up conversational English not from taking formal classes like some others who escaped the Soviet Union in the late rsquo70s but by listening to the language his children were learning to read and write and speak in American public schools
Kavalerchik now a Texan pulled himself up by the bootstraps and held down jobs doing maintenance and factory work Then one day in 1981 he met a Jewish man Kalman Witenberg who ran a shoe-repair
businessldquoHe told me Yoursquore going to be a shoemaker And yoursquore going to
make enough money to pay your bills Yoursquore never going to be a mil-lionaire but therersquos going to be enough money to support your familyrdquo Kavalerchik said
He obliged and in 1985 went into the shoe-repair busi-ness himself Feet first
Kavalerchik learned the ins and outs of the time-honored trade for a year and established himself at a storefront at West Bellfort Street and Chimney Rock Road Two years into the business he acquired a second
shop and split his time between the two He then opted to sell the first location and devoted his energies to the second Hersquos managed that loca-tion at 10815 S Post Oak Rd at Willowbend Boulevard since 1990 and today employs two workers
The dusty little shop enjoys a steady stream of loyal customers many from the neighborhood Blacks Jews and Latinos mostly Itrsquos a business built on reputation Kavalerchikrsquos is good Peachy in fact The front door has a little bell that tinkles
ldquoI can do all kind of jobs ndash regular jobs and orthopedic jobsrdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoI have customers who bring ladies shoes that cost
A peachy cobbler
Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American dream
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 23
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymore Itrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you
must have patience This is the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
ndash Alex Kavalerchik
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Alex Kavalerckik is proprietor of an old-school shoe-repair shop in Southwest Houston His hand tools include a hammer that the shoprsquos previous owner used in a Nazi concentration camp
24 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Supporting the needs of the
Jewish Community
CHEVRA KADISHA OF HOUSTON
Jewish Burial Society
Continuing the sacred tradition of preparing thedeceased for burial with
care and respect
(713) 776-2438
Young Israel
of Houston
7823 Ludington DriveHouston Texas 77071
713-729-0719wwwyihoustonorg
hundreds even thousands of dollars They bring cowboy boots that cost $5000-$6000 Very expensive I do it all ndash refinish resole reshape fix completely the shoesrdquo
And itrsquos not just footwear During the interview with the Jewish Herald-Voice a woman came into the shop with a designer leather bag that had a torn strap ldquoAlaska Airlinesrdquo she grumbled Kavalerchik promised to fix it like new A few minutes later a Polish-speaking doctor came in to pick up a repaired leather dog leash Kavalerchik who grew up speaking Russian with his parents and Yiddish with his grandparents was able to converse with the man in his native tongue They shared a few chuck-les The man dressed in blue-green hospital scrubs was pleased with Kavalerchikrsquos work and tipped him 100 percent on the bill Shortly there-after a slow-moving man with a walking stick and a Korean War cap came in with a belt job
Kavalerchik even does the exotic Can he fix a pair of gilded alligator-skin sneakers No problem (Hersquos done three) How about repair-ing a set of chairs made from elephant feet Um sure why not NBA stars who take advan-
tage of his services are asked to call in advance Size 17s require special order
Some of the more challenging yet reward-ing jobs are those to salvage shoes chewed up by the family dog
ldquoThis you must have a talent to fix itrsquos a tough jobrdquo said Kavalerchik holding up a black patent leather stiletto that bore scars on the heel from large canine teeth ldquoYou donrsquot make too much money on this but the cus-tomer is really happy when I make it look like new againrdquo
Tacked to the wall above the front counter of Kavalerchikrsquos shop is an 8-foot diamondback rattlesnake skin Therersquos also a black-and-white portrait of Al Pacino from ldquoScarfacerdquo While vacationing in Las
Vegas and once in Galveston the Belorussian was hounded for an autograph from fans who mis-took him for the Oscar-winning actor Retelling the stories splits Kavalerchikrsquos face into a smile
The storefront gives way to a multi-roomed workshop in back Itrsquos vintage 1950s outfitted with well-used wooden workbenches walls of racks with customersrsquo shoes and boots (each bearing a colorful toe tag) drawers and cubbyholes filled with bits and buckles and all sorts of odds and ends for leather and shoe work Wooden shoe lasts spools of heavy thread and folds of leather
and rubber adorn door frames and corners Metal taps for dance shoes hang from hooks A random assortment of loose shoe and boot heel parts are stockpiled in a divider mounted to a wall ldquoThey donrsquot make these like they used tordquo Kavalerchik said dusting off an orange-and-white-boxed specimen from half a century ago
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Cowboy boots and orthopedic shoes make up a good deal of Kavalerchikrsquos business
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 25
1500 Sunset Boulevard Houston Texas 77005
7135356400 wwwbeckerschoolorg
Accredited by NAEYCrsquos National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Learning through play
bull Ages 15 months through 5 years bull Extended care 8am - 530pm
bull Developmentally appropriate curriculumbull Extra-curricular classes available
bull Bridge to Kindergarten class
Since 1989
Call for a tourNow accepting applications
for 2012-2013
Congregation Emanu El Becker Early Childhood Center
6401 Woodway(in Whole Foods Plaza)
7133344900
Fabulous Womenrsquos Apparel amp Accessories
4048 Bellaire Blvd(in the Whole Foods Plaza)
7136653336FrenchCuffCocom
labeled ldquoCatrsquos PawrdquoBuilt into a corner post of the main work-
bench is a glue reservoir Plugging the well is a half-dollar-sized metal cap with a rod run-ning through it sporting an applicator brush Long dribbles of glue have oozed caked and dried down the edges of the post looking like a model of a volcano from a school sci-ence fair A photographer friend of Kavalerchikrsquos comes by on occasion to shoot close-up pho-tos of the unique formations
There are industrial ma-chines at every elbow turn stitchers sanders cutters tack-ers buffers Something called an Auto Soler and another called a Heel Popper Some are more than a 100 years old Real made-in-America stuff From cities like Chicago and St Louis Art deco in shape and lines Nickel-plated enameled steel and chromed in work grime
ldquoI have one machine made in 1890 It never breaksrdquo Kavalerchik said fondly
Other equipment however has broken down over the years Kavalerchik has learned to do the repairs himself Out of necessity ldquoItrsquos
very important to learn how to fix this equip-ment Itrsquos very old and nobody knows how to fix it I have to do it myself If this part breaks you have to make a new onerdquo he said
The workshoprsquos few modern conveniences
include a small electric box fan a 26-inch TV that seems stuck on Channel 8 and the occa-sional pinup girl wall calendar One room boasts an empty bottle collection on a top shelf ldquoWe Russians drink cognac after work and vodka at homerdquo Kavalerchik explained Therersquos a row of vintage US postage stamps
affixed to a workbench shelf that dates back to the shoprsquos previous owner a man named Sam Sill
The Polish-born Sill was a Holocaust survivor who worked in a factory making
boots for German army officers Kavalerchik said
ldquoThis hammer he brought from the old country Itrsquos from Germany 1942rdquo said Kavalerchik lifting the worn tool from his workbench ldquoThis guy worked with this hammer in con-centration camprdquo He then palmed a second hammer nearby with simi-lar history Though Kavalerchik has owned the business for the past 22 years he has kept the name ldquoSamrsquos Shoe Repairrdquo
The man who gave Kavalerchik his birth into the business Kalman Witenberg also was a Polish Holocaust survivor Edith Mincberg
was a customer of Witenbergrsquos back in the day and remembers him as a friendly and lively man ldquoHe loved to carry on Yiddish conversations with my late husband Joe Mincbergrdquo Edith told the JHV Witenberg a survivor of Auschwitz among other camps according to Holocaust Museum Houston records died in 2003
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
The 1950s-era shop includes equipment thatrsquos more than 100 years old
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Foot and Ankle
Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery
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Michael A Mineo DPM FACFASDavid L Blumfield DPM FACFASKeith L Jacobson DPM FACFAS
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6699 Chimney Rock 102713-666-0287
18220 Tomball Pkwy 220832-912-7792
705 S Fwy 215281-579-0816
915 Gessner 380713-467-1299
Times have changed over the course of Kavalerchikrsquos career as an old-school cobbler Many of his early customers were high school graduates whose parents wanted to send their kids off to college in a pair of spiffy penny loafers ldquoThese days itrsquos a different life Kids wear sneakersrdquo Kavalerchik said
The cobbler doesnrsquot wax nostalgic however over the profession that many people including himself view as a dying art
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymorerdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoItrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you must have patience This the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
Kavalerchik has entertained the occasional apprentice but none has stuck it out The cobbler predicts that in 15 20 years time the business will be dead save for a few shops here and there
ldquoThis business is like Jewish language [Yiddish]rdquo he said ldquoBefore people speak it fluently Now itrsquos only a few old guysrdquo
The trade has been good to the man who said he stood a 50-50 chance of winding up dead if he had stayed in the Soviet Union Itrsquos given him his American dream
ldquoIf I can afford to put my children through college this was my dream to come to America This was my dream to give my children education because I did not have time in Russia to get education myselfrdquo Kavalerchik said
ldquoOld people died in these shops They worked like dogs I donrsquot do this I work eight hours a day I go to lunch I go on vacationrdquo he said ldquoHere I have easy life I have my family I have place to sleep I go on vacation twice a year Irsquom happy with my children [Michael and Fannett]rdquo Every other year Kavalerchik visits his father in Israel
Sitting in the front room of his workshop ndash the room with the bottle collection ndash is a large cardboard box full of shoes belonging to his wife Roza Kavalerchik promises hersquoll get to them soon Near the box standing upright in the corner is a clutch of fishing poles
ldquoThese here are very important toolsrdquo said Kavalerchik again with that smile ldquoSaturday at 4 I close up and take my tools straight to the boatrdquo c
Shoe-making skills saved Sillrsquos life duringthe HolocaustBY MICHAEL C DUKE
Sam Sill was the previous owner of Samrsquos Shoe Repair in Southwest Houston
When he sold the business to Alex Kavalerchik some 22 years ago he passed along his tools to the new proprietor These included a pair of hammers that helped save Sill from the Nazi death machine in Europe Kavalerchik said that Sill told him that he Sill as a concentration camp prisoner used the hammers to make boots for German army officers during the war
Houstonian Dr David Wolf ndash a podiatrist ndash is first cousin to Samrsquos wife Ruthie Wolf has preserved an original copy of Sillrsquos immigra-tion papers which state that he Sill was born
Calligraphy by Eileen
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A warm friendly amp vibrant community where friendship
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for adults and children
Join Rabbi Annie Belford and the Temple Sinai Congregation
for Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 730 PM
13875 Brimhurst 281-495-5950Houston Tx 77077 wwwtemple-sinaiorg
TEMPLE SINAI
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
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Simon Printing CompanyFine Lithography
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713-666-1296
Fax 713-666-4111wwwsimonprintingcom
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Saturday 1000 AM to 600 PM4404 Richmond Ave bull Houston Texas 77027Phone 713-524-5454 bull Fax 713-524-5450
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713-984-2010A SUBSIDIARY OF 4D SIGN WORX LLC
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
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Registration is now open
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
((771133))666666--00225577
We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
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TUTSCOM 713558TUTS groups of 15+ call 7135588888
A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
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LERNER AND LOEWErsquoS
Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
2830 Hicks StHouston TX 77007
Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
NotNot valid Saturdays in June July or August or with any other offer discount special price prepaid afternoon group two-day or season tickets Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale Prices operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice ExpiExpires September 23 2012
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36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
MARKETPLACE
713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
Mosk amp Mosk LLCCertified Public Accountants5959 West Loop South Suite 340
Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
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Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS
EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
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ACCOUNTANTCPA
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ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
Certified American Board of Ophthalmology
Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
wwwucntexascom
Be there when your customers need you
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and get your company or organization listed for free
COMPLETE GUIDE to
EVERYTHING JEWISH (and more)
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713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
JUNI ERSE
JUNI ERSE
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
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Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
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UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
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- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
12 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 13
N o r t h B r a e s w o o d a t C h i m N e y r o C kB R A E S W O O D S Q U A R E
B
Trade secrets There are two methods by which
you can get wood to bend wet and dry
You can use steam which dis-solves some of the bonds between wood fibers Steam weakens and stretches the fibers and allows them to reform during the cooling process
Cohen doesnrsquot use steam or water He dry bends Although he will not give away his secrets he does use wood strips which must be glued to something else such as a form
ldquoWhen you bend dry wood it doesnrsquot maintain its shape by itselfrdquo said Cohen ldquoYou must glue the wood pieces to some-thing else even themselves otherwise the wood would spring back to its original flat-nessrdquo
Wood wants to spring back to its origi-nal shape The tighter the bend the more wood wants to spring back And therersquos no formula no pre-set way of telling how much a strip of wood will spring back or break Itrsquos all a matter of trial and error
For example Cohen created a hang-ing Magen David inside a circle by first dry bending two different-colored wooden strips into a perfect circle Then inside the circle he twisted two other strips until he was able to fashion the interlocking star
ldquoI believe in myselfrdquo said Cohen ldquobut I never believe that the wood will cooperate with merdquo
Fresh startTo begin Cohen decides on a project
Then he decides what species of wood would look best for the project
ldquoWhen I decided to create my wooden truck Big J I saw that to my eye rose-wood looked much better than mahogany Rosewood has such a deep color that it
allows you to see the straight lines The design for that vehicle was a basic octa-gon with many straight lines rather than curves All the wood used for that vehicle came from the same tree So therersquos a single design pattern all over the car except for the tiny changes in the spacing of the tree rings You have to examine the wood really closely to see thatrdquo
Of note all hardwoods get more difficult to bend the closer the artist gets to the cen-ter of the tree Thatrsquos because the wood is denser closer to the core
ldquoSo when you get pieces that are near the center ndash you recognize that by looking at the distance between rings from the edge of a piece ndash the wood gives me a run for my moneyrdquo said Cohen
ldquoI never considered myself an artist Irsquove never taken a class I didnrsquot think of myself as an artist until I received the Lifetime Achievement award for Best Artist from the
Art Car Museum Now I guess I can call myself an artistrdquo
Unlike most other artists Cohen rarely sells his pieces although hersquos been offered as much as $16 million for Splinter
ldquoIrsquoll tell you whyrdquo he said ldquoFive years ago I donated Slider to the Orange Show This was another car I created They auc-tioned the car off to benefit the Orange Show I had put in more than 2000 hours creating Slider It was absolutely like one of my children I cannot forget the awful feeling of loss I had when I let the car go It was gone after being in my shop every day for over a year
ldquoToday when I build something on commission I can see it differently But even so itrsquos difficult to let gordquo
We can appreciate Cohenrsquos feelings When yoursquove put as many hours into your ldquochildrenrdquo as he has it is sometimes hard to let them part c
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Isaac Cohenrsquos F-18 Fighter Jet pays tribute to the ldquoheroes of freedomrdquo Cohen drove the car in the May 2010 Houston Art Car Parade
JHV AARON HOWARD
Isaac Cohenrsquos bent woodMagen David
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15 Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2011 | JhVonlinecom | 14
THE BEST ROAD TO RECOVERY GOES THROUGH SEVEN ACRES
The Lou Lewis Skilled Nursing Program at Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services is dedicated to helping your loved one achieve the highest level of recovery following a hospital stay to successfully return home
Give your loved one the best chance for a full recovery with the Lou Lewis Skilled Nursing Program at
6200 North Braeswood Boulevard Houston Texas 770747137785700 - wwwsevenacresorg
n Fulltime medical services with onsite physicians and geriatric nurse practitionersn Customized skilled nursing care and rehabilitation including physical occupational speech and IV therapyn Great facilities and a nurturing environment
ERJCC dance instructor is creative talent behind Dance Month and moreBY ALICE ADAMS
I trsquos a Monday after 7 pm and dance director Maxine Silberstein has yet to finish her day at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center And this particular day is no busier than any other time of the week
Silberstein is responsible not only for coordinating the JCCrsquos dance pro-gram cultural outreach programs and partnerships and the IW Marks Master Classes but also serves as artistic director for Dance Month ndash now in its 33rd season ndash at the Kaplan Theatre In addition she coordinates Maccabi dance for Team Houston and the annual Tirkedu Houston an Israeli folk dance weekend But thatrsquos not all Shersquos been a teacher of dance for more than three decades as well as dance director for the ERJCCrsquos Arts and Culture Department
Yet her love of dance began long before Dance Month began or the Houston Ballet took the stage
ldquoMy father would sit beside me in the darkness of a Galveston auditorium or the old Music Hall in downtown Houston so I could see the leading prima ballerinas of Ballet Russes and other prominent companies dancing in the spotlightrdquo she recalled and as she watched the little girl who grew up in
Place Where Jewish Culture Thrives Through Dance
JHV MATT SAMUELS
ERJCC dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15
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Call 7136675389 I AdvertisingDesignSystemsnetordf
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Texas City took notice of every detail ndash from the artistsrsquo finely positioned feet to the curve of their arms and the placement of delicate fin-gers ldquoIt was always magicalrdquo she remembered
ldquoMy mother started me in dance lessons when I was quite young I was probably 5 or 6rdquo said Silberstein taking a rare time out ldquoI was that kid who was hanging by my arms and legs from the barre or in some way not following instructions Needless to say I didnrsquot receive much encouragement from that teacherrdquo she added
ldquoOnly a few weeks into my dance career my teacher commented that she didnrsquot know exactly why my mother was wasting her money on dance lessons for me That was Motherrsquos cue to move me so I could study with Doris Hede in La Marque and that experience is exactly why I would never discourage any child from study-ing dancerdquo Silberstein added ldquoeven the ones using the barre as a jungle gymrdquo
Realizing her passion for dance by her early teens the athletic young dancer eagerly par-ticipated in programs offered by the Houston Youth Symphony and Ballet where dance teachers and students from the area gathered to rehearse performances at the old City Hall across from the Rice Hotel
After high school graduation Silberstein was unable to attend the University of
Oklahoma which had a flourishing dance program at the time under the tutelage of prima ballerina Maria Tallchief Instead she attended the University of Houston where she earned a bachelorrsquos degree in special edu-cation and physical education with a minor
in dance performanceThroughout her college career the tena-
cious dancer took full advantage of every opportunity that presented itself In doing so she was to study and learn various forms of dance with some of the countryrsquos greatest and
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Melissa Darlow Ariel Brown Lauren Liss and Alyssa Cohen work on their 2012 Maccabi Games dance routine with dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
most prolific choreographers including Fred Strobel Anita Dyche Camille Long Hill Patsy Swayze and Rudy Jenkins in Houston In New York her training included the Alvin Ailey Peridance Center Jennifer Mueller Merce Cunningham Jo Jo Smith Broadway Dance Center and Steps
ldquoWhen I was in college I taught andor substituted for absent teachers in the JCCrsquos adult dance program when the center was located on Hermann Driverdquo she recalled She began working part time as a dance teacher at the J in 1974
ldquoI had met and married my husband Bubba Silberstein in the interimrdquo she explained ldquoand after we began our family I decided to teach dance and raise our children Brent and Steffanirdquo
In 1980 Silberstein was named director of the JCCrsquos dance program after director Lisa Rollrsquos exit
ldquoAfter Lisa left the board was not able to
identify someone to take over the position so I said I would be happy to do it until someone is hired Needless to say Irsquom still here todayrdquo laughed the teacherdancerdirector
Silberstein said it was only natural that
the JCC offer a dance program because of its reputation for programming around health wellness sports and physical activities ldquoDance easily fits into this type of program-mingrdquo she pointed out ldquoand classes were a vehicle for bringing Jewish children together in dance Itrsquos for anyone for all denomina-tions and all ages and itrsquos also a United Way-
funded center and open to everyone who wanted to learn to dancerdquo
So it follows that the high point of Silbersteinrsquos career is inspiring student dancers
ldquoAs director Irsquove had the opportunity of doing many things but being able to teach children to build their confi-dence and esteem to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worth-while And now I am teaching my former studentsrsquo children and the grandchil-dren of my peersrdquo
P r o f e s s i o n a l inf luences have included Mikhail Baryshnikov and
Ohad Naharin the latter an Israeli artis-tic directorchoreographer of the Batsheva Dance Company He also is the originator of Gaga an innovative movement language which has emerged as a growing force in the larger field of movement practices for both dancers and non-dancers
ldquoAt the time we brought him to Houston
a symbol of distinction in assisted living
bull 24 Hour Assistance and Personalized Carebull Elegant Dining Servicesbull Medication Supervisionbull Social Cultural and Recreational activitiesbull Wellness Center with Heated Aquatherapy Poolbull A fully equipped socialmedia centerbull Peace of Mind in a Family Oriented Secure Setting
License ID 102491
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Affiliated with Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Lauren Liss Ariel Brown and Ryan Bryandt follow the lead of dance instructor Maxine Silberstein at the ERJCC
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
he had a company in New Yorkrdquo Silberstein remem-bered ldquoIt was very exciting to have him here And when I think of where he is today and the influ-ence on the world of dance That was a highlightrdquo
As artistic director of Dance Month Silberstein said she believed it was extremely important first and foremost to Houstonrsquos Jewish community because audiences have been able to see on stage a number of Israeli and Yemeni dancers like Sara Levi-Tanai ldquoThe choreography of these groups reflects the Jewish culture in that it is powerful and risk taking at its corerdquo she noted ldquoItrsquos how they live their lives on the edge In general itrsquos a wonderful opportunity for Houston audiences to see Judaism in dance and how the culture and Jewish choreographers have phenomenally influenced dance all over the worldrdquo
With more than 35 years of teaching Silberstein said her goal is to continue meeting the day-to-day challenges of the programs she directs while remaining an influence in the lives of her students and and their desire to dance to meet their own goals not to be discour-aged
ldquoGrowing up in Texas City I didnrsquot have the advantages of Jewish children in Houston growing up with large congregations BBYOs or a community center I could be a part ofrdquo she explained ldquoBut I had my dance I feel like I hopefully have been an inspiration to other Jewish artists to go forward with their art form Irsquove always this thing as an artist in that I am Jewish Maybe not everything I do in dance is Jewish but I am influenced by Jewish artists and I think itrsquos important for all artists to hold on to their Jewishness to represent our culture in the various art forms
Along with her teaching Silberstein has found time to perform with numerous dance companies in her career served on cultural arts boards and has promoted dance in Houston especially dance centering on the Jewish culture Currently she serves on the board of Uptown Dance Centre the HCC-Central College World Dance Institute board and Society for the Performing Arts Education Committee
Silberstein also gives credit to her supervisor Marilyn Hassid ldquofor her support encouragement and friendship in supporting me in doing the many things we do through arts and culture and the dance program
ldquoIrsquove been very fortunaterdquo she continued ldquoBeing at the ERJCC wersquove brought in many many groups of people who may have never stepped foot in here and theyrsquore coming because of dance In the pro-cess they have been exposed to the Jewish culture Itrsquos important to me that we through the Kaplan Theatre expose our center to everyone who comes here In doing so our Jewish culture will continue to have a strong presence in the Houston community ndash through dancerdquo c
ldquoBeing able to teach children to build their confidence and esteem
to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worthwhilerdquo
ndash Maxine Silberstein
ldquoWe are proud our family launched the Jewish Family Service Passover program providing assistance for the past 20 yearsAs others are generously stepping forwardto support this effort we took a look at our communityrsquos future needsrdquondashJeanne Mandell
ldquoAlong with the blessings of our seniors living longer comes an added responsibility to accommodate the changing needs of this community We know JFS will be there to help The Deutser Hecht Mandell Fund for Senior Adult Financial Aid seeks to fulfill the basic needs of our seniors help them maintain independence in their own homes and empower them with personal dignity in the coming decadesrdquondashPunkin Hecht
ldquoWe feel good about being a part of100 Names
Wonrsquot you join usrdquo
A simple bequest is the most common way for a family to establish a legacy gift
In partnership withJewish Family Servicersquos100th Year Celebrationand Houston JewishCommunity Foundationrsquos Create a Jewish LegacyHouston Jewish Family Foundation
rdavisjfshoustonorg 7136679336wwwjfshoustonorg100names
Benefitting Jewish Family ServiceA New Fund is Added to100 Names for 100 Years
The Deutser HechtMandell Fund
for Senior Adult Financial Aid
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
The Shlenker SchoolCongregation Beth Israel - Houston Texas
For more information or to schedule a tourcontact Gail Rovinsky Director of Admissions
713-270-6127 grovinskyshlenkerorg5600 N Braeswood Houston Texas 77096 wwwshlenkerorg
Yoursquove alwaYs spent moneY wiselY
Donrsquot stop now
For less than half the price of private duty care you could get
bull 24 hour per day licensed care bull Beautiful personal apartment and
private bath in our newly renovated community
bull Three restaurant-style meals each day bull Memory care for those living with
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2555 S Braeswood | Houston TX 77025-2805 elmcroftcom Facility 030414
Schedule a personal visit
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Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Gabby Howard paints her cardCari Cowen with Celebration Company volunteer Joyce Rosen
BY MICHAEL C DUKE PHOTOS BY MATT SAMUELS
Jewish adults with special needs have found a creative outlet at Jewish Family Servicersquos Celebration Company
For the past three years Celebration Company participants have produced note-cards featuring original hand-painted artwork and handmade paper The signed artwork is mounted to the front of the cards which are blank inside and are packaged with envelopes sold either individually or in five-card sets
ldquoThe notecards are a great way for the par-ticipants to express themselves artisticallyrdquo said Nick Tofilon Celebration Companyrsquos director
The cards are available at JFS 4131 S Braeswood Blvd or at Three Brothers Bakery 4036 S Braeswood Blvd
Celebration Company provides meaning-ful employment to people with special needs who ndash with joy purpose and self-esteem ndash cre-ate products that celebrate the good in life c
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Linda Lopen makes a floral paintingMax Schaffer works on her masterpiece
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
What a Difference EmeryWeiner Made
wwwemeryweinerorg bull 8322045900
Thank you so much for a wonderful and I do really mean wonderful Emery experience Itrsquos so sad that Nicole will not be there on a daily basis anymore She told me in third grade that she wanted to attend EWS for middle and high school and it was the best decision that we ever made
- Bonnie Winograd (parent of Class of 2012 Graduate)
ldquo
rdquo
Hebrew Free Loanassociation ndashProviding interest
Free Loans to JewisH Houston area residents since 1932
Loans Available for Emergencies
Healthcare Needs Small Business Assistance
and More For more information or to apply for a loan visit our website at
wwwhflanetor call
713-667-9336 ext221
House of Dereacuteon Media Center is one of the best kept secrets in Houston The eclectic special events venue including state-of-the-art media and conference facilities is housed inside a magnifi cent art deacuteco building located in the heart of Houstonrsquos Midtown District and seated perfectly within the worldwide operations of Music World Entertainment ndash the management company of the worldrsquos 1 female recording group Destinyrsquos Child
Let us turn your next function into a social event to remember
Where your functions become social events
2204 Crawford St Houston Texas l 7137725175 l wwwhouseofdereonmediacentercom
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
reg
National Council of Jewish WomenA fAith iN the future A belief iN ACtioN
Help Houstonrsquos women children and families
JOIN NCJW GHSNational Council of Jewish Women a
nationwide organization of 90000 strong and along with the Greater Houston Sectionrsquos
800+ members takes a progressive stance towards
changing lives through advocacy campaigns and social action by helping
bull At-risk children learn to readbull To ensure reproductive freedom
bull Victims of human traffickingbull Victims of domestic violence
and sexual assaultbull Adolescent survivors of
sexual assaultbull Homeless children
bull Foster children
To learn more about NCJW GHS and how you can get involved visit ncjwhoustonorg or contact us at membershipncjwhoustonorg
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery
from AddictionBY JEANNE F SAMUELS
E stablished 12 years ago Chabad of Sugar Land is headed by Brooklyn-born Rabbi Mendel Feigenson who was brought to Houston in 1995 by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff Fulfilling Chabadrsquos mission to serve Jews throughout the Sugar Land Stafford and Missouri City area Rabbi Feigenson has added a
new facet to his work He has opened his heart and Chabadrsquos doors to a completely underserved segment of the Jewish community It is the newly formed Jewish Recovery Celebration Group which provides support for Jewish recovering alcoholics addicts and members of Alcoholics Anonymous
The truth is contrary to general belief ndash and probably community denial ndash there are Jews who are addicts And those who suffer with addiction face a constant struggle to overcome its grasp
Confronting a definite need Rabbi Feigenson facilitates and organizes social and educational events to help JRCG members merge Judaism with recovery Every other Sunday at 7 pm he integrates the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with the timeless lessons of Torah and Kabbalah The meetings are held in complete privacy when no one else is in the two-year-old Chabad facility
The need for support for Jewish addicts was posed to Rabbi Feigenson by Lynn JHV JEANNE F SAMUELS
Rabbi Mendel Feigenson
Donovan of Galveston She is the only individual in the recently organized group who chooses not to remain anonymous believing her story needs to be told
ldquoShe is an inspirationrdquo the rabbi declared ldquoMore than four months ago she called me saying she had something very important to discuss with me She told me that she has been sober for 25 years and that she has friends who are struggling with addiction The reality is that there are Jews who are drug addicts
ldquoBasically addiction is a diseaserdquo Rabbi Feigenson explained ldquoand addicts cannot help themselves They need group support and our mis-sion is to help our Jewish brethrenrdquo So the rabbi studied the Twelve Steps of AA delved into books on the subject and consulted with some psychiatrists From all this the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group was formed
Presently there are four to six people in the group and Rabbi Feigenson said that the meetings are working well ldquoItrsquos about coming from darkness and making a new liferdquo he pointed out
Credited with encouraging the genesis of JRCG Donovan recalled how she became sober in 1986 taking the train from Harrisburg Pa to Baltimore on Sundays to be part of a Twelve Step group that met in a church ldquoIt was very confusing for me having to separate church and recovery hellip There are no rules regarding religion in AA but most of my support was coming from Christian people Did I have to be Christian to recover
ldquoI had been arrested at 18rdquo she confessed ldquoand the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos com-mon belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
When Donovan moved to Texas in 1990 she continued with AA in churches Although the
West Houston Jewish Community Center had an AA meeting it was not a Jewish recovery group
ldquoI visited with the Jewish Family Service to see if they would help start a Jewish recovery group but they were not accepting of me I spoke to one or two rabbis privately but they werenrsquot receptive either so I kind of let it go for a whilerdquo She noted that perseverance is difficult ldquoThe disease of addiction is not something they know how to deal with
ldquoAs a young girl I was molested by a rabbi and when the Penn State [University] scandal broke loose I became very depressedrdquo she reflected having the need for support at that time ldquoI got on the Internet and Googled Jews in recovery where I read about a Rabbi Kessler at Chabad in Boca Raton Fla I called there and the rabbi told me about a retreat [to be held there] and was it possible I could come It took place this past February with addicts from all over including me Rabbi Abraham J Twerski was the keynote speakerrdquo
The convention inspired Donovan to seek the closest Chabad to Galveston which she found in Sugar Land She telephoned there and Rabbi Feigenson invited her to Shabbat where she had lunch with his wife Chaya After hearing Donovanrsquos story Chaya Feigenson said to her husband ldquoMendel we have to help these peoplerdquo
ldquoMost people know very little about addictionrdquo Donovan empha-sized When I first started someone took me to the rabbi who told me to go home and honor my father and my mother and be a good girlrdquo Also she added ldquoIt must be difficult to drop your children off at a church for recovery Therersquos the worry that theyrsquore brainwashing your child
ldquoThere is so much lack of knowledge especially in the Jewish com-munity If you stay with the thought that Jews donrsquot [become addicts] then people die We need to break that stereotype and lack of informa-tion Jews suffer from drug abuse obesity gambling etc like any other grouprdquo
Donovanrsquos brother a rabbi in Israel took her to AA meetings in Jerusalem where she discovered that there are even rabbis who suffer from alcoholism ldquoSome of usrdquo she pointed out ldquohave had bad experi-ences as childrenrdquo
ldquoThere is such naivetyrdquo Donovan a 58-year-old mother of three and grandmother of eight maintained ldquoRabbi Feigenson is the first in Houston who really heard me and understands the importance of helping every Jewish person It was an incredible day that I met him ldquoWe want to reach out to Jews who are confused and are appealing for help Itrsquos a very special experience to be a Jew in recovery and meet with others who are in recovery also And we can talk to parents free of charge to give them support and help Itrsquos an experience I donrsquot want others to missrdquo
For information about the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group call Rabbi Mendel Feigenson at 832-758-0685 email rabbifeigensongmailcom or visit chabadsugarlandcom c
Congregation Beth Rambam is a warm and welcoming Sephardic congregation led by our young and dynamic Rabbi Daniel Masri
We offer morning and evening services on weekdays and Shabbat There are many fascinating classes and learning opportunities both during the day and evenings offered throughout the week in English Spanish and Hebrew
Alex Pfeffer our fun and entertaining Youth Director leads multiple activities for children of various ages each Shabbat
morning and afternoon and trips throughout the year
713-723-3030 | officebethrambamorg11333 Braesridge | wwwbethrambamorg (coming soon)
C O M E J O I N O U R F A M I L Y
bullbull
22 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ldquoI had been arrested at 18 and the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos common
belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
ndash Lynn Donovan
BY MICHAEL C DUKE
W hen Alex Kavalerchik immigrated to the United States in 1979 with his young family the 30-year-old Belorussia-born Jew had no money no education and spoke no English
Nevertheless the bus-iness-minded good-with-his-hands Kavalerchik ndash a dead-ringer for actor Al Pacino during the latterrsquos Hollywood gangster film days ndash was deter-mined to carve out his own little slice of American pie
Make that cobbler for the vocation he would settle into would be the shoe-repair business
ldquoWe came to Houston and the JCC help us to move to apartment and help us for two monthsrdquo said the heavily accented Kavalerchik who picked up conversational English not from taking formal classes like some others who escaped the Soviet Union in the late rsquo70s but by listening to the language his children were learning to read and write and speak in American public schools
Kavalerchik now a Texan pulled himself up by the bootstraps and held down jobs doing maintenance and factory work Then one day in 1981 he met a Jewish man Kalman Witenberg who ran a shoe-repair
businessldquoHe told me Yoursquore going to be a shoemaker And yoursquore going to
make enough money to pay your bills Yoursquore never going to be a mil-lionaire but therersquos going to be enough money to support your familyrdquo Kavalerchik said
He obliged and in 1985 went into the shoe-repair busi-ness himself Feet first
Kavalerchik learned the ins and outs of the time-honored trade for a year and established himself at a storefront at West Bellfort Street and Chimney Rock Road Two years into the business he acquired a second
shop and split his time between the two He then opted to sell the first location and devoted his energies to the second Hersquos managed that loca-tion at 10815 S Post Oak Rd at Willowbend Boulevard since 1990 and today employs two workers
The dusty little shop enjoys a steady stream of loyal customers many from the neighborhood Blacks Jews and Latinos mostly Itrsquos a business built on reputation Kavalerchikrsquos is good Peachy in fact The front door has a little bell that tinkles
ldquoI can do all kind of jobs ndash regular jobs and orthopedic jobsrdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoI have customers who bring ladies shoes that cost
A peachy cobbler
Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American dream
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 23
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymore Itrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you
must have patience This is the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
ndash Alex Kavalerchik
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Alex Kavalerckik is proprietor of an old-school shoe-repair shop in Southwest Houston His hand tools include a hammer that the shoprsquos previous owner used in a Nazi concentration camp
24 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Supporting the needs of the
Jewish Community
CHEVRA KADISHA OF HOUSTON
Jewish Burial Society
Continuing the sacred tradition of preparing thedeceased for burial with
care and respect
(713) 776-2438
Young Israel
of Houston
7823 Ludington DriveHouston Texas 77071
713-729-0719wwwyihoustonorg
hundreds even thousands of dollars They bring cowboy boots that cost $5000-$6000 Very expensive I do it all ndash refinish resole reshape fix completely the shoesrdquo
And itrsquos not just footwear During the interview with the Jewish Herald-Voice a woman came into the shop with a designer leather bag that had a torn strap ldquoAlaska Airlinesrdquo she grumbled Kavalerchik promised to fix it like new A few minutes later a Polish-speaking doctor came in to pick up a repaired leather dog leash Kavalerchik who grew up speaking Russian with his parents and Yiddish with his grandparents was able to converse with the man in his native tongue They shared a few chuck-les The man dressed in blue-green hospital scrubs was pleased with Kavalerchikrsquos work and tipped him 100 percent on the bill Shortly there-after a slow-moving man with a walking stick and a Korean War cap came in with a belt job
Kavalerchik even does the exotic Can he fix a pair of gilded alligator-skin sneakers No problem (Hersquos done three) How about repair-ing a set of chairs made from elephant feet Um sure why not NBA stars who take advan-
tage of his services are asked to call in advance Size 17s require special order
Some of the more challenging yet reward-ing jobs are those to salvage shoes chewed up by the family dog
ldquoThis you must have a talent to fix itrsquos a tough jobrdquo said Kavalerchik holding up a black patent leather stiletto that bore scars on the heel from large canine teeth ldquoYou donrsquot make too much money on this but the cus-tomer is really happy when I make it look like new againrdquo
Tacked to the wall above the front counter of Kavalerchikrsquos shop is an 8-foot diamondback rattlesnake skin Therersquos also a black-and-white portrait of Al Pacino from ldquoScarfacerdquo While vacationing in Las
Vegas and once in Galveston the Belorussian was hounded for an autograph from fans who mis-took him for the Oscar-winning actor Retelling the stories splits Kavalerchikrsquos face into a smile
The storefront gives way to a multi-roomed workshop in back Itrsquos vintage 1950s outfitted with well-used wooden workbenches walls of racks with customersrsquo shoes and boots (each bearing a colorful toe tag) drawers and cubbyholes filled with bits and buckles and all sorts of odds and ends for leather and shoe work Wooden shoe lasts spools of heavy thread and folds of leather
and rubber adorn door frames and corners Metal taps for dance shoes hang from hooks A random assortment of loose shoe and boot heel parts are stockpiled in a divider mounted to a wall ldquoThey donrsquot make these like they used tordquo Kavalerchik said dusting off an orange-and-white-boxed specimen from half a century ago
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Cowboy boots and orthopedic shoes make up a good deal of Kavalerchikrsquos business
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 25
1500 Sunset Boulevard Houston Texas 77005
7135356400 wwwbeckerschoolorg
Accredited by NAEYCrsquos National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Learning through play
bull Ages 15 months through 5 years bull Extended care 8am - 530pm
bull Developmentally appropriate curriculumbull Extra-curricular classes available
bull Bridge to Kindergarten class
Since 1989
Call for a tourNow accepting applications
for 2012-2013
Congregation Emanu El Becker Early Childhood Center
6401 Woodway(in Whole Foods Plaza)
7133344900
Fabulous Womenrsquos Apparel amp Accessories
4048 Bellaire Blvd(in the Whole Foods Plaza)
7136653336FrenchCuffCocom
labeled ldquoCatrsquos PawrdquoBuilt into a corner post of the main work-
bench is a glue reservoir Plugging the well is a half-dollar-sized metal cap with a rod run-ning through it sporting an applicator brush Long dribbles of glue have oozed caked and dried down the edges of the post looking like a model of a volcano from a school sci-ence fair A photographer friend of Kavalerchikrsquos comes by on occasion to shoot close-up pho-tos of the unique formations
There are industrial ma-chines at every elbow turn stitchers sanders cutters tack-ers buffers Something called an Auto Soler and another called a Heel Popper Some are more than a 100 years old Real made-in-America stuff From cities like Chicago and St Louis Art deco in shape and lines Nickel-plated enameled steel and chromed in work grime
ldquoI have one machine made in 1890 It never breaksrdquo Kavalerchik said fondly
Other equipment however has broken down over the years Kavalerchik has learned to do the repairs himself Out of necessity ldquoItrsquos
very important to learn how to fix this equip-ment Itrsquos very old and nobody knows how to fix it I have to do it myself If this part breaks you have to make a new onerdquo he said
The workshoprsquos few modern conveniences
include a small electric box fan a 26-inch TV that seems stuck on Channel 8 and the occa-sional pinup girl wall calendar One room boasts an empty bottle collection on a top shelf ldquoWe Russians drink cognac after work and vodka at homerdquo Kavalerchik explained Therersquos a row of vintage US postage stamps
affixed to a workbench shelf that dates back to the shoprsquos previous owner a man named Sam Sill
The Polish-born Sill was a Holocaust survivor who worked in a factory making
boots for German army officers Kavalerchik said
ldquoThis hammer he brought from the old country Itrsquos from Germany 1942rdquo said Kavalerchik lifting the worn tool from his workbench ldquoThis guy worked with this hammer in con-centration camprdquo He then palmed a second hammer nearby with simi-lar history Though Kavalerchik has owned the business for the past 22 years he has kept the name ldquoSamrsquos Shoe Repairrdquo
The man who gave Kavalerchik his birth into the business Kalman Witenberg also was a Polish Holocaust survivor Edith Mincberg
was a customer of Witenbergrsquos back in the day and remembers him as a friendly and lively man ldquoHe loved to carry on Yiddish conversations with my late husband Joe Mincbergrdquo Edith told the JHV Witenberg a survivor of Auschwitz among other camps according to Holocaust Museum Houston records died in 2003
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
The 1950s-era shop includes equipment thatrsquos more than 100 years old
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Foot and Ankle
Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery
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Michael A Mineo DPM FACFASDavid L Blumfield DPM FACFASKeith L Jacobson DPM FACFAS
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6699 Chimney Rock 102713-666-0287
18220 Tomball Pkwy 220832-912-7792
705 S Fwy 215281-579-0816
915 Gessner 380713-467-1299
Times have changed over the course of Kavalerchikrsquos career as an old-school cobbler Many of his early customers were high school graduates whose parents wanted to send their kids off to college in a pair of spiffy penny loafers ldquoThese days itrsquos a different life Kids wear sneakersrdquo Kavalerchik said
The cobbler doesnrsquot wax nostalgic however over the profession that many people including himself view as a dying art
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymorerdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoItrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you must have patience This the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
Kavalerchik has entertained the occasional apprentice but none has stuck it out The cobbler predicts that in 15 20 years time the business will be dead save for a few shops here and there
ldquoThis business is like Jewish language [Yiddish]rdquo he said ldquoBefore people speak it fluently Now itrsquos only a few old guysrdquo
The trade has been good to the man who said he stood a 50-50 chance of winding up dead if he had stayed in the Soviet Union Itrsquos given him his American dream
ldquoIf I can afford to put my children through college this was my dream to come to America This was my dream to give my children education because I did not have time in Russia to get education myselfrdquo Kavalerchik said
ldquoOld people died in these shops They worked like dogs I donrsquot do this I work eight hours a day I go to lunch I go on vacationrdquo he said ldquoHere I have easy life I have my family I have place to sleep I go on vacation twice a year Irsquom happy with my children [Michael and Fannett]rdquo Every other year Kavalerchik visits his father in Israel
Sitting in the front room of his workshop ndash the room with the bottle collection ndash is a large cardboard box full of shoes belonging to his wife Roza Kavalerchik promises hersquoll get to them soon Near the box standing upright in the corner is a clutch of fishing poles
ldquoThese here are very important toolsrdquo said Kavalerchik again with that smile ldquoSaturday at 4 I close up and take my tools straight to the boatrdquo c
Shoe-making skills saved Sillrsquos life duringthe HolocaustBY MICHAEL C DUKE
Sam Sill was the previous owner of Samrsquos Shoe Repair in Southwest Houston
When he sold the business to Alex Kavalerchik some 22 years ago he passed along his tools to the new proprietor These included a pair of hammers that helped save Sill from the Nazi death machine in Europe Kavalerchik said that Sill told him that he Sill as a concentration camp prisoner used the hammers to make boots for German army officers during the war
Houstonian Dr David Wolf ndash a podiatrist ndash is first cousin to Samrsquos wife Ruthie Wolf has preserved an original copy of Sillrsquos immigra-tion papers which state that he Sill was born
Calligraphy by Eileen
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Temple SinaiThe Reform Jewish Congregation in West Houston
A warm friendly amp vibrant community where friendship
and caring are combined with a religious faith ritual observance social interaction and education
for adults and children
Join Rabbi Annie Belford and the Temple Sinai Congregation
for Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 730 PM
13875 Brimhurst 281-495-5950Houston Tx 77077 wwwtemple-sinaiorg
TEMPLE SINAI
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
Service with a smileGoing beyond the call of duty
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Terry CominskyRealtor Associate713-558-3331
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OyDo We Know PrintingProudly serving the Jewish Commmunity and Houston
for over 3 generations and 70 plus years
with high quality commercial printing
Simon Printing CompanyFine Lithography
10810 Craighead
Houston Texas 77025
713-666-1296
Fax 713-666-4111wwwsimonprintingcom
28 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Tissue PaperSelf Seal BagsCoffee BagsAutomatic Pull BowsShrink Wrap BagsClear Acetate BoxesRibbonShrink Film RollsTheme BoxesRaffi aGift BoxesGift Wrap PaperCurling RibbonOrganza bags
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Hours of OperationMonday - Friday 900 AM to 600 PM
Saturday 1000 AM to 600 PM4404 Richmond Ave bull Houston Texas 77027Phone 713-524-5454 bull Fax 713-524-5450
wwwpalmerpkgcom
Gift Wrap ServiceRetail Packaging Supplies
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713-984-2010A SUBSIDIARY OF 4D SIGN WORX LLC
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
Montessori integrated curriculum In a loving caring and safe atmosphere your child will learn and grow with a proven program based on excellence and experience
Registration is now open
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
((771133))666666--00225577
We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
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TUTSCOM 713558TUTS groups of 15+ call 7135588888
A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
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LERNER AND LOEWErsquoS
Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
2830 Hicks StHouston TX 77007
Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
NotNot valid Saturdays in June July or August or with any other offer discount special price prepaid afternoon group two-day or season tickets Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale Prices operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice ExpiExpires September 23 2012
SAVE up to $12YOUR FAMILY WILL BE
DISCOUNT TICKETS ONLINE schlitterbahncom
MOST FUN OVER 33 ATTRACTIONS
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
MARKETPLACE
713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
Mosk amp Mosk LLCCertified Public Accountants5959 West Loop South Suite 340
Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS
EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
COUNSELING
Packing bull Crating bull Freighting bull UnpackingMoving homes bull Offices
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Locally bull Nationally bull Internationally
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull Artwork bull Unusual bull Large amp Small jobs
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
We Keep Houston MovingPacking
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
ACCOUNTANTCPA
PACKING AND SHIPPING SERVICES
ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
Certified American Board of Ophthalmology
Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
wwwucntexascom
Be there when your customers need you
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and get your company or organization listed for free
COMPLETE GUIDE to
EVERYTHING JEWISH (and more)
for Greater Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast
713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
JUNI ERSE
JUNI ERSE
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
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houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
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UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
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- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15 Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2011 | JhVonlinecom | 14
THE BEST ROAD TO RECOVERY GOES THROUGH SEVEN ACRES
The Lou Lewis Skilled Nursing Program at Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services is dedicated to helping your loved one achieve the highest level of recovery following a hospital stay to successfully return home
Give your loved one the best chance for a full recovery with the Lou Lewis Skilled Nursing Program at
6200 North Braeswood Boulevard Houston Texas 770747137785700 - wwwsevenacresorg
n Fulltime medical services with onsite physicians and geriatric nurse practitionersn Customized skilled nursing care and rehabilitation including physical occupational speech and IV therapyn Great facilities and a nurturing environment
ERJCC dance instructor is creative talent behind Dance Month and moreBY ALICE ADAMS
I trsquos a Monday after 7 pm and dance director Maxine Silberstein has yet to finish her day at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center And this particular day is no busier than any other time of the week
Silberstein is responsible not only for coordinating the JCCrsquos dance pro-gram cultural outreach programs and partnerships and the IW Marks Master Classes but also serves as artistic director for Dance Month ndash now in its 33rd season ndash at the Kaplan Theatre In addition she coordinates Maccabi dance for Team Houston and the annual Tirkedu Houston an Israeli folk dance weekend But thatrsquos not all Shersquos been a teacher of dance for more than three decades as well as dance director for the ERJCCrsquos Arts and Culture Department
Yet her love of dance began long before Dance Month began or the Houston Ballet took the stage
ldquoMy father would sit beside me in the darkness of a Galveston auditorium or the old Music Hall in downtown Houston so I could see the leading prima ballerinas of Ballet Russes and other prominent companies dancing in the spotlightrdquo she recalled and as she watched the little girl who grew up in
Place Where Jewish Culture Thrives Through Dance
JHV MATT SAMUELS
ERJCC dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
14 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 15
growgrowbusiness
Call 7136675389 I AdvertisingDesignSystemsnetordf
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Help YouHelp YouHelp YouGIFT CARD
Texas City took notice of every detail ndash from the artistsrsquo finely positioned feet to the curve of their arms and the placement of delicate fin-gers ldquoIt was always magicalrdquo she remembered
ldquoMy mother started me in dance lessons when I was quite young I was probably 5 or 6rdquo said Silberstein taking a rare time out ldquoI was that kid who was hanging by my arms and legs from the barre or in some way not following instructions Needless to say I didnrsquot receive much encouragement from that teacherrdquo she added
ldquoOnly a few weeks into my dance career my teacher commented that she didnrsquot know exactly why my mother was wasting her money on dance lessons for me That was Motherrsquos cue to move me so I could study with Doris Hede in La Marque and that experience is exactly why I would never discourage any child from study-ing dancerdquo Silberstein added ldquoeven the ones using the barre as a jungle gymrdquo
Realizing her passion for dance by her early teens the athletic young dancer eagerly par-ticipated in programs offered by the Houston Youth Symphony and Ballet where dance teachers and students from the area gathered to rehearse performances at the old City Hall across from the Rice Hotel
After high school graduation Silberstein was unable to attend the University of
Oklahoma which had a flourishing dance program at the time under the tutelage of prima ballerina Maria Tallchief Instead she attended the University of Houston where she earned a bachelorrsquos degree in special edu-cation and physical education with a minor
in dance performanceThroughout her college career the tena-
cious dancer took full advantage of every opportunity that presented itself In doing so she was to study and learn various forms of dance with some of the countryrsquos greatest and
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Melissa Darlow Ariel Brown Lauren Liss and Alyssa Cohen work on their 2012 Maccabi Games dance routine with dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
most prolific choreographers including Fred Strobel Anita Dyche Camille Long Hill Patsy Swayze and Rudy Jenkins in Houston In New York her training included the Alvin Ailey Peridance Center Jennifer Mueller Merce Cunningham Jo Jo Smith Broadway Dance Center and Steps
ldquoWhen I was in college I taught andor substituted for absent teachers in the JCCrsquos adult dance program when the center was located on Hermann Driverdquo she recalled She began working part time as a dance teacher at the J in 1974
ldquoI had met and married my husband Bubba Silberstein in the interimrdquo she explained ldquoand after we began our family I decided to teach dance and raise our children Brent and Steffanirdquo
In 1980 Silberstein was named director of the JCCrsquos dance program after director Lisa Rollrsquos exit
ldquoAfter Lisa left the board was not able to
identify someone to take over the position so I said I would be happy to do it until someone is hired Needless to say Irsquom still here todayrdquo laughed the teacherdancerdirector
Silberstein said it was only natural that
the JCC offer a dance program because of its reputation for programming around health wellness sports and physical activities ldquoDance easily fits into this type of program-mingrdquo she pointed out ldquoand classes were a vehicle for bringing Jewish children together in dance Itrsquos for anyone for all denomina-tions and all ages and itrsquos also a United Way-
funded center and open to everyone who wanted to learn to dancerdquo
So it follows that the high point of Silbersteinrsquos career is inspiring student dancers
ldquoAs director Irsquove had the opportunity of doing many things but being able to teach children to build their confi-dence and esteem to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worth-while And now I am teaching my former studentsrsquo children and the grandchil-dren of my peersrdquo
P r o f e s s i o n a l inf luences have included Mikhail Baryshnikov and
Ohad Naharin the latter an Israeli artis-tic directorchoreographer of the Batsheva Dance Company He also is the originator of Gaga an innovative movement language which has emerged as a growing force in the larger field of movement practices for both dancers and non-dancers
ldquoAt the time we brought him to Houston
a symbol of distinction in assisted living
bull 24 Hour Assistance and Personalized Carebull Elegant Dining Servicesbull Medication Supervisionbull Social Cultural and Recreational activitiesbull Wellness Center with Heated Aquatherapy Poolbull A fully equipped socialmedia centerbull Peace of Mind in a Family Oriented Secure Setting
License ID 102491
wwwthemedallionorg6262 North Braeswood Boulevard
Houston Texas 77074(713) 778-5777
Affiliated with Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Lauren Liss Ariel Brown and Ryan Bryandt follow the lead of dance instructor Maxine Silberstein at the ERJCC
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
he had a company in New Yorkrdquo Silberstein remem-bered ldquoIt was very exciting to have him here And when I think of where he is today and the influ-ence on the world of dance That was a highlightrdquo
As artistic director of Dance Month Silberstein said she believed it was extremely important first and foremost to Houstonrsquos Jewish community because audiences have been able to see on stage a number of Israeli and Yemeni dancers like Sara Levi-Tanai ldquoThe choreography of these groups reflects the Jewish culture in that it is powerful and risk taking at its corerdquo she noted ldquoItrsquos how they live their lives on the edge In general itrsquos a wonderful opportunity for Houston audiences to see Judaism in dance and how the culture and Jewish choreographers have phenomenally influenced dance all over the worldrdquo
With more than 35 years of teaching Silberstein said her goal is to continue meeting the day-to-day challenges of the programs she directs while remaining an influence in the lives of her students and and their desire to dance to meet their own goals not to be discour-aged
ldquoGrowing up in Texas City I didnrsquot have the advantages of Jewish children in Houston growing up with large congregations BBYOs or a community center I could be a part ofrdquo she explained ldquoBut I had my dance I feel like I hopefully have been an inspiration to other Jewish artists to go forward with their art form Irsquove always this thing as an artist in that I am Jewish Maybe not everything I do in dance is Jewish but I am influenced by Jewish artists and I think itrsquos important for all artists to hold on to their Jewishness to represent our culture in the various art forms
Along with her teaching Silberstein has found time to perform with numerous dance companies in her career served on cultural arts boards and has promoted dance in Houston especially dance centering on the Jewish culture Currently she serves on the board of Uptown Dance Centre the HCC-Central College World Dance Institute board and Society for the Performing Arts Education Committee
Silberstein also gives credit to her supervisor Marilyn Hassid ldquofor her support encouragement and friendship in supporting me in doing the many things we do through arts and culture and the dance program
ldquoIrsquove been very fortunaterdquo she continued ldquoBeing at the ERJCC wersquove brought in many many groups of people who may have never stepped foot in here and theyrsquore coming because of dance In the pro-cess they have been exposed to the Jewish culture Itrsquos important to me that we through the Kaplan Theatre expose our center to everyone who comes here In doing so our Jewish culture will continue to have a strong presence in the Houston community ndash through dancerdquo c
ldquoBeing able to teach children to build their confidence and esteem
to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worthwhilerdquo
ndash Maxine Silberstein
ldquoWe are proud our family launched the Jewish Family Service Passover program providing assistance for the past 20 yearsAs others are generously stepping forwardto support this effort we took a look at our communityrsquos future needsrdquondashJeanne Mandell
ldquoAlong with the blessings of our seniors living longer comes an added responsibility to accommodate the changing needs of this community We know JFS will be there to help The Deutser Hecht Mandell Fund for Senior Adult Financial Aid seeks to fulfill the basic needs of our seniors help them maintain independence in their own homes and empower them with personal dignity in the coming decadesrdquondashPunkin Hecht
ldquoWe feel good about being a part of100 Names
Wonrsquot you join usrdquo
A simple bequest is the most common way for a family to establish a legacy gift
In partnership withJewish Family Servicersquos100th Year Celebrationand Houston JewishCommunity Foundationrsquos Create a Jewish LegacyHouston Jewish Family Foundation
rdavisjfshoustonorg 7136679336wwwjfshoustonorg100names
Benefitting Jewish Family ServiceA New Fund is Added to100 Names for 100 Years
The Deutser HechtMandell Fund
for Senior Adult Financial Aid
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
The Shlenker SchoolCongregation Beth Israel - Houston Texas
For more information or to schedule a tourcontact Gail Rovinsky Director of Admissions
713-270-6127 grovinskyshlenkerorg5600 N Braeswood Houston Texas 77096 wwwshlenkerorg
Yoursquove alwaYs spent moneY wiselY
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For less than half the price of private duty care you could get
bull 24 hour per day licensed care bull Beautiful personal apartment and
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2555 S Braeswood | Houston TX 77025-2805 elmcroftcom Facility 030414
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Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Gabby Howard paints her cardCari Cowen with Celebration Company volunteer Joyce Rosen
BY MICHAEL C DUKE PHOTOS BY MATT SAMUELS
Jewish adults with special needs have found a creative outlet at Jewish Family Servicersquos Celebration Company
For the past three years Celebration Company participants have produced note-cards featuring original hand-painted artwork and handmade paper The signed artwork is mounted to the front of the cards which are blank inside and are packaged with envelopes sold either individually or in five-card sets
ldquoThe notecards are a great way for the par-ticipants to express themselves artisticallyrdquo said Nick Tofilon Celebration Companyrsquos director
The cards are available at JFS 4131 S Braeswood Blvd or at Three Brothers Bakery 4036 S Braeswood Blvd
Celebration Company provides meaning-ful employment to people with special needs who ndash with joy purpose and self-esteem ndash cre-ate products that celebrate the good in life c
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Linda Lopen makes a floral paintingMax Schaffer works on her masterpiece
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
What a Difference EmeryWeiner Made
wwwemeryweinerorg bull 8322045900
Thank you so much for a wonderful and I do really mean wonderful Emery experience Itrsquos so sad that Nicole will not be there on a daily basis anymore She told me in third grade that she wanted to attend EWS for middle and high school and it was the best decision that we ever made
- Bonnie Winograd (parent of Class of 2012 Graduate)
ldquo
rdquo
Hebrew Free Loanassociation ndashProviding interest
Free Loans to JewisH Houston area residents since 1932
Loans Available for Emergencies
Healthcare Needs Small Business Assistance
and More For more information or to apply for a loan visit our website at
wwwhflanetor call
713-667-9336 ext221
House of Dereacuteon Media Center is one of the best kept secrets in Houston The eclectic special events venue including state-of-the-art media and conference facilities is housed inside a magnifi cent art deacuteco building located in the heart of Houstonrsquos Midtown District and seated perfectly within the worldwide operations of Music World Entertainment ndash the management company of the worldrsquos 1 female recording group Destinyrsquos Child
Let us turn your next function into a social event to remember
Where your functions become social events
2204 Crawford St Houston Texas l 7137725175 l wwwhouseofdereonmediacentercom
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
reg
National Council of Jewish WomenA fAith iN the future A belief iN ACtioN
Help Houstonrsquos women children and families
JOIN NCJW GHSNational Council of Jewish Women a
nationwide organization of 90000 strong and along with the Greater Houston Sectionrsquos
800+ members takes a progressive stance towards
changing lives through advocacy campaigns and social action by helping
bull At-risk children learn to readbull To ensure reproductive freedom
bull Victims of human traffickingbull Victims of domestic violence
and sexual assaultbull Adolescent survivors of
sexual assaultbull Homeless children
bull Foster children
To learn more about NCJW GHS and how you can get involved visit ncjwhoustonorg or contact us at membershipncjwhoustonorg
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery
from AddictionBY JEANNE F SAMUELS
E stablished 12 years ago Chabad of Sugar Land is headed by Brooklyn-born Rabbi Mendel Feigenson who was brought to Houston in 1995 by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff Fulfilling Chabadrsquos mission to serve Jews throughout the Sugar Land Stafford and Missouri City area Rabbi Feigenson has added a
new facet to his work He has opened his heart and Chabadrsquos doors to a completely underserved segment of the Jewish community It is the newly formed Jewish Recovery Celebration Group which provides support for Jewish recovering alcoholics addicts and members of Alcoholics Anonymous
The truth is contrary to general belief ndash and probably community denial ndash there are Jews who are addicts And those who suffer with addiction face a constant struggle to overcome its grasp
Confronting a definite need Rabbi Feigenson facilitates and organizes social and educational events to help JRCG members merge Judaism with recovery Every other Sunday at 7 pm he integrates the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with the timeless lessons of Torah and Kabbalah The meetings are held in complete privacy when no one else is in the two-year-old Chabad facility
The need for support for Jewish addicts was posed to Rabbi Feigenson by Lynn JHV JEANNE F SAMUELS
Rabbi Mendel Feigenson
Donovan of Galveston She is the only individual in the recently organized group who chooses not to remain anonymous believing her story needs to be told
ldquoShe is an inspirationrdquo the rabbi declared ldquoMore than four months ago she called me saying she had something very important to discuss with me She told me that she has been sober for 25 years and that she has friends who are struggling with addiction The reality is that there are Jews who are drug addicts
ldquoBasically addiction is a diseaserdquo Rabbi Feigenson explained ldquoand addicts cannot help themselves They need group support and our mis-sion is to help our Jewish brethrenrdquo So the rabbi studied the Twelve Steps of AA delved into books on the subject and consulted with some psychiatrists From all this the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group was formed
Presently there are four to six people in the group and Rabbi Feigenson said that the meetings are working well ldquoItrsquos about coming from darkness and making a new liferdquo he pointed out
Credited with encouraging the genesis of JRCG Donovan recalled how she became sober in 1986 taking the train from Harrisburg Pa to Baltimore on Sundays to be part of a Twelve Step group that met in a church ldquoIt was very confusing for me having to separate church and recovery hellip There are no rules regarding religion in AA but most of my support was coming from Christian people Did I have to be Christian to recover
ldquoI had been arrested at 18rdquo she confessed ldquoand the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos com-mon belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
When Donovan moved to Texas in 1990 she continued with AA in churches Although the
West Houston Jewish Community Center had an AA meeting it was not a Jewish recovery group
ldquoI visited with the Jewish Family Service to see if they would help start a Jewish recovery group but they were not accepting of me I spoke to one or two rabbis privately but they werenrsquot receptive either so I kind of let it go for a whilerdquo She noted that perseverance is difficult ldquoThe disease of addiction is not something they know how to deal with
ldquoAs a young girl I was molested by a rabbi and when the Penn State [University] scandal broke loose I became very depressedrdquo she reflected having the need for support at that time ldquoI got on the Internet and Googled Jews in recovery where I read about a Rabbi Kessler at Chabad in Boca Raton Fla I called there and the rabbi told me about a retreat [to be held there] and was it possible I could come It took place this past February with addicts from all over including me Rabbi Abraham J Twerski was the keynote speakerrdquo
The convention inspired Donovan to seek the closest Chabad to Galveston which she found in Sugar Land She telephoned there and Rabbi Feigenson invited her to Shabbat where she had lunch with his wife Chaya After hearing Donovanrsquos story Chaya Feigenson said to her husband ldquoMendel we have to help these peoplerdquo
ldquoMost people know very little about addictionrdquo Donovan empha-sized When I first started someone took me to the rabbi who told me to go home and honor my father and my mother and be a good girlrdquo Also she added ldquoIt must be difficult to drop your children off at a church for recovery Therersquos the worry that theyrsquore brainwashing your child
ldquoThere is so much lack of knowledge especially in the Jewish com-munity If you stay with the thought that Jews donrsquot [become addicts] then people die We need to break that stereotype and lack of informa-tion Jews suffer from drug abuse obesity gambling etc like any other grouprdquo
Donovanrsquos brother a rabbi in Israel took her to AA meetings in Jerusalem where she discovered that there are even rabbis who suffer from alcoholism ldquoSome of usrdquo she pointed out ldquohave had bad experi-ences as childrenrdquo
ldquoThere is such naivetyrdquo Donovan a 58-year-old mother of three and grandmother of eight maintained ldquoRabbi Feigenson is the first in Houston who really heard me and understands the importance of helping every Jewish person It was an incredible day that I met him ldquoWe want to reach out to Jews who are confused and are appealing for help Itrsquos a very special experience to be a Jew in recovery and meet with others who are in recovery also And we can talk to parents free of charge to give them support and help Itrsquos an experience I donrsquot want others to missrdquo
For information about the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group call Rabbi Mendel Feigenson at 832-758-0685 email rabbifeigensongmailcom or visit chabadsugarlandcom c
Congregation Beth Rambam is a warm and welcoming Sephardic congregation led by our young and dynamic Rabbi Daniel Masri
We offer morning and evening services on weekdays and Shabbat There are many fascinating classes and learning opportunities both during the day and evenings offered throughout the week in English Spanish and Hebrew
Alex Pfeffer our fun and entertaining Youth Director leads multiple activities for children of various ages each Shabbat
morning and afternoon and trips throughout the year
713-723-3030 | officebethrambamorg11333 Braesridge | wwwbethrambamorg (coming soon)
C O M E J O I N O U R F A M I L Y
bullbull
22 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ldquoI had been arrested at 18 and the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos common
belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
ndash Lynn Donovan
BY MICHAEL C DUKE
W hen Alex Kavalerchik immigrated to the United States in 1979 with his young family the 30-year-old Belorussia-born Jew had no money no education and spoke no English
Nevertheless the bus-iness-minded good-with-his-hands Kavalerchik ndash a dead-ringer for actor Al Pacino during the latterrsquos Hollywood gangster film days ndash was deter-mined to carve out his own little slice of American pie
Make that cobbler for the vocation he would settle into would be the shoe-repair business
ldquoWe came to Houston and the JCC help us to move to apartment and help us for two monthsrdquo said the heavily accented Kavalerchik who picked up conversational English not from taking formal classes like some others who escaped the Soviet Union in the late rsquo70s but by listening to the language his children were learning to read and write and speak in American public schools
Kavalerchik now a Texan pulled himself up by the bootstraps and held down jobs doing maintenance and factory work Then one day in 1981 he met a Jewish man Kalman Witenberg who ran a shoe-repair
businessldquoHe told me Yoursquore going to be a shoemaker And yoursquore going to
make enough money to pay your bills Yoursquore never going to be a mil-lionaire but therersquos going to be enough money to support your familyrdquo Kavalerchik said
He obliged and in 1985 went into the shoe-repair busi-ness himself Feet first
Kavalerchik learned the ins and outs of the time-honored trade for a year and established himself at a storefront at West Bellfort Street and Chimney Rock Road Two years into the business he acquired a second
shop and split his time between the two He then opted to sell the first location and devoted his energies to the second Hersquos managed that loca-tion at 10815 S Post Oak Rd at Willowbend Boulevard since 1990 and today employs two workers
The dusty little shop enjoys a steady stream of loyal customers many from the neighborhood Blacks Jews and Latinos mostly Itrsquos a business built on reputation Kavalerchikrsquos is good Peachy in fact The front door has a little bell that tinkles
ldquoI can do all kind of jobs ndash regular jobs and orthopedic jobsrdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoI have customers who bring ladies shoes that cost
A peachy cobbler
Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American dream
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 23
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymore Itrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you
must have patience This is the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
ndash Alex Kavalerchik
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Alex Kavalerckik is proprietor of an old-school shoe-repair shop in Southwest Houston His hand tools include a hammer that the shoprsquos previous owner used in a Nazi concentration camp
24 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Supporting the needs of the
Jewish Community
CHEVRA KADISHA OF HOUSTON
Jewish Burial Society
Continuing the sacred tradition of preparing thedeceased for burial with
care and respect
(713) 776-2438
Young Israel
of Houston
7823 Ludington DriveHouston Texas 77071
713-729-0719wwwyihoustonorg
hundreds even thousands of dollars They bring cowboy boots that cost $5000-$6000 Very expensive I do it all ndash refinish resole reshape fix completely the shoesrdquo
And itrsquos not just footwear During the interview with the Jewish Herald-Voice a woman came into the shop with a designer leather bag that had a torn strap ldquoAlaska Airlinesrdquo she grumbled Kavalerchik promised to fix it like new A few minutes later a Polish-speaking doctor came in to pick up a repaired leather dog leash Kavalerchik who grew up speaking Russian with his parents and Yiddish with his grandparents was able to converse with the man in his native tongue They shared a few chuck-les The man dressed in blue-green hospital scrubs was pleased with Kavalerchikrsquos work and tipped him 100 percent on the bill Shortly there-after a slow-moving man with a walking stick and a Korean War cap came in with a belt job
Kavalerchik even does the exotic Can he fix a pair of gilded alligator-skin sneakers No problem (Hersquos done three) How about repair-ing a set of chairs made from elephant feet Um sure why not NBA stars who take advan-
tage of his services are asked to call in advance Size 17s require special order
Some of the more challenging yet reward-ing jobs are those to salvage shoes chewed up by the family dog
ldquoThis you must have a talent to fix itrsquos a tough jobrdquo said Kavalerchik holding up a black patent leather stiletto that bore scars on the heel from large canine teeth ldquoYou donrsquot make too much money on this but the cus-tomer is really happy when I make it look like new againrdquo
Tacked to the wall above the front counter of Kavalerchikrsquos shop is an 8-foot diamondback rattlesnake skin Therersquos also a black-and-white portrait of Al Pacino from ldquoScarfacerdquo While vacationing in Las
Vegas and once in Galveston the Belorussian was hounded for an autograph from fans who mis-took him for the Oscar-winning actor Retelling the stories splits Kavalerchikrsquos face into a smile
The storefront gives way to a multi-roomed workshop in back Itrsquos vintage 1950s outfitted with well-used wooden workbenches walls of racks with customersrsquo shoes and boots (each bearing a colorful toe tag) drawers and cubbyholes filled with bits and buckles and all sorts of odds and ends for leather and shoe work Wooden shoe lasts spools of heavy thread and folds of leather
and rubber adorn door frames and corners Metal taps for dance shoes hang from hooks A random assortment of loose shoe and boot heel parts are stockpiled in a divider mounted to a wall ldquoThey donrsquot make these like they used tordquo Kavalerchik said dusting off an orange-and-white-boxed specimen from half a century ago
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Cowboy boots and orthopedic shoes make up a good deal of Kavalerchikrsquos business
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 25
1500 Sunset Boulevard Houston Texas 77005
7135356400 wwwbeckerschoolorg
Accredited by NAEYCrsquos National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Learning through play
bull Ages 15 months through 5 years bull Extended care 8am - 530pm
bull Developmentally appropriate curriculumbull Extra-curricular classes available
bull Bridge to Kindergarten class
Since 1989
Call for a tourNow accepting applications
for 2012-2013
Congregation Emanu El Becker Early Childhood Center
6401 Woodway(in Whole Foods Plaza)
7133344900
Fabulous Womenrsquos Apparel amp Accessories
4048 Bellaire Blvd(in the Whole Foods Plaza)
7136653336FrenchCuffCocom
labeled ldquoCatrsquos PawrdquoBuilt into a corner post of the main work-
bench is a glue reservoir Plugging the well is a half-dollar-sized metal cap with a rod run-ning through it sporting an applicator brush Long dribbles of glue have oozed caked and dried down the edges of the post looking like a model of a volcano from a school sci-ence fair A photographer friend of Kavalerchikrsquos comes by on occasion to shoot close-up pho-tos of the unique formations
There are industrial ma-chines at every elbow turn stitchers sanders cutters tack-ers buffers Something called an Auto Soler and another called a Heel Popper Some are more than a 100 years old Real made-in-America stuff From cities like Chicago and St Louis Art deco in shape and lines Nickel-plated enameled steel and chromed in work grime
ldquoI have one machine made in 1890 It never breaksrdquo Kavalerchik said fondly
Other equipment however has broken down over the years Kavalerchik has learned to do the repairs himself Out of necessity ldquoItrsquos
very important to learn how to fix this equip-ment Itrsquos very old and nobody knows how to fix it I have to do it myself If this part breaks you have to make a new onerdquo he said
The workshoprsquos few modern conveniences
include a small electric box fan a 26-inch TV that seems stuck on Channel 8 and the occa-sional pinup girl wall calendar One room boasts an empty bottle collection on a top shelf ldquoWe Russians drink cognac after work and vodka at homerdquo Kavalerchik explained Therersquos a row of vintage US postage stamps
affixed to a workbench shelf that dates back to the shoprsquos previous owner a man named Sam Sill
The Polish-born Sill was a Holocaust survivor who worked in a factory making
boots for German army officers Kavalerchik said
ldquoThis hammer he brought from the old country Itrsquos from Germany 1942rdquo said Kavalerchik lifting the worn tool from his workbench ldquoThis guy worked with this hammer in con-centration camprdquo He then palmed a second hammer nearby with simi-lar history Though Kavalerchik has owned the business for the past 22 years he has kept the name ldquoSamrsquos Shoe Repairrdquo
The man who gave Kavalerchik his birth into the business Kalman Witenberg also was a Polish Holocaust survivor Edith Mincberg
was a customer of Witenbergrsquos back in the day and remembers him as a friendly and lively man ldquoHe loved to carry on Yiddish conversations with my late husband Joe Mincbergrdquo Edith told the JHV Witenberg a survivor of Auschwitz among other camps according to Holocaust Museum Houston records died in 2003
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
The 1950s-era shop includes equipment thatrsquos more than 100 years old
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Foot and Ankle
Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery
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Michael A Mineo DPM FACFASDavid L Blumfield DPM FACFASKeith L Jacobson DPM FACFAS
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6699 Chimney Rock 102713-666-0287
18220 Tomball Pkwy 220832-912-7792
705 S Fwy 215281-579-0816
915 Gessner 380713-467-1299
Times have changed over the course of Kavalerchikrsquos career as an old-school cobbler Many of his early customers were high school graduates whose parents wanted to send their kids off to college in a pair of spiffy penny loafers ldquoThese days itrsquos a different life Kids wear sneakersrdquo Kavalerchik said
The cobbler doesnrsquot wax nostalgic however over the profession that many people including himself view as a dying art
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymorerdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoItrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you must have patience This the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
Kavalerchik has entertained the occasional apprentice but none has stuck it out The cobbler predicts that in 15 20 years time the business will be dead save for a few shops here and there
ldquoThis business is like Jewish language [Yiddish]rdquo he said ldquoBefore people speak it fluently Now itrsquos only a few old guysrdquo
The trade has been good to the man who said he stood a 50-50 chance of winding up dead if he had stayed in the Soviet Union Itrsquos given him his American dream
ldquoIf I can afford to put my children through college this was my dream to come to America This was my dream to give my children education because I did not have time in Russia to get education myselfrdquo Kavalerchik said
ldquoOld people died in these shops They worked like dogs I donrsquot do this I work eight hours a day I go to lunch I go on vacationrdquo he said ldquoHere I have easy life I have my family I have place to sleep I go on vacation twice a year Irsquom happy with my children [Michael and Fannett]rdquo Every other year Kavalerchik visits his father in Israel
Sitting in the front room of his workshop ndash the room with the bottle collection ndash is a large cardboard box full of shoes belonging to his wife Roza Kavalerchik promises hersquoll get to them soon Near the box standing upright in the corner is a clutch of fishing poles
ldquoThese here are very important toolsrdquo said Kavalerchik again with that smile ldquoSaturday at 4 I close up and take my tools straight to the boatrdquo c
Shoe-making skills saved Sillrsquos life duringthe HolocaustBY MICHAEL C DUKE
Sam Sill was the previous owner of Samrsquos Shoe Repair in Southwest Houston
When he sold the business to Alex Kavalerchik some 22 years ago he passed along his tools to the new proprietor These included a pair of hammers that helped save Sill from the Nazi death machine in Europe Kavalerchik said that Sill told him that he Sill as a concentration camp prisoner used the hammers to make boots for German army officers during the war
Houstonian Dr David Wolf ndash a podiatrist ndash is first cousin to Samrsquos wife Ruthie Wolf has preserved an original copy of Sillrsquos immigra-tion papers which state that he Sill was born
Calligraphy by Eileen
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Temple SinaiThe Reform Jewish Congregation in West Houston
A warm friendly amp vibrant community where friendship
and caring are combined with a religious faith ritual observance social interaction and education
for adults and children
Join Rabbi Annie Belford and the Temple Sinai Congregation
for Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 730 PM
13875 Brimhurst 281-495-5950Houston Tx 77077 wwwtemple-sinaiorg
TEMPLE SINAI
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
Service with a smileGoing beyond the call of duty
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Terry CominskyRealtor Associate713-558-3331
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OyDo We Know PrintingProudly serving the Jewish Commmunity and Houston
for over 3 generations and 70 plus years
with high quality commercial printing
Simon Printing CompanyFine Lithography
10810 Craighead
Houston Texas 77025
713-666-1296
Fax 713-666-4111wwwsimonprintingcom
28 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Tissue PaperSelf Seal BagsCoffee BagsAutomatic Pull BowsShrink Wrap BagsClear Acetate BoxesRibbonShrink Film RollsTheme BoxesRaffi aGift BoxesGift Wrap PaperCurling RibbonOrganza bags
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Hours of OperationMonday - Friday 900 AM to 600 PM
Saturday 1000 AM to 600 PM4404 Richmond Ave bull Houston Texas 77027Phone 713-524-5454 bull Fax 713-524-5450
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Gift Wrap ServiceRetail Packaging Supplies
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713-984-2010A SUBSIDIARY OF 4D SIGN WORX LLC
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
Montessori integrated curriculum In a loving caring and safe atmosphere your child will learn and grow with a proven program based on excellence and experience
Registration is now open
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
((771133))666666--00225577
We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
4-Show PackageSStart aS low aS
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TUTSCOM 713558TUTS groups of 15+ call 7135588888
A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
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LERNER AND LOEWErsquoS
Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
2830 Hicks StHouston TX 77007
Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
NotNot valid Saturdays in June July or August or with any other offer discount special price prepaid afternoon group two-day or season tickets Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale Prices operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice ExpiExpires September 23 2012
SAVE up to $12YOUR FAMILY WILL BE
DISCOUNT TICKETS ONLINE schlitterbahncom
MOST FUN OVER 33 ATTRACTIONS
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
MARKETPLACE
713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
Mosk amp Mosk LLCCertified Public Accountants5959 West Loop South Suite 340
Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS
EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
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713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
We Keep Houston MovingPacking
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713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
ACCOUNTANTCPA
PACKING AND SHIPPING SERVICES
ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
Certified American Board of Ophthalmology
Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
wwwucntexascom
Be there when your customers need you
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and get your company or organization listed for free
COMPLETE GUIDE to
EVERYTHING JEWISH (and more)
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713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
JUNI ERSE
JUNI ERSE
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
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houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
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UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
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- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
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Texas City took notice of every detail ndash from the artistsrsquo finely positioned feet to the curve of their arms and the placement of delicate fin-gers ldquoIt was always magicalrdquo she remembered
ldquoMy mother started me in dance lessons when I was quite young I was probably 5 or 6rdquo said Silberstein taking a rare time out ldquoI was that kid who was hanging by my arms and legs from the barre or in some way not following instructions Needless to say I didnrsquot receive much encouragement from that teacherrdquo she added
ldquoOnly a few weeks into my dance career my teacher commented that she didnrsquot know exactly why my mother was wasting her money on dance lessons for me That was Motherrsquos cue to move me so I could study with Doris Hede in La Marque and that experience is exactly why I would never discourage any child from study-ing dancerdquo Silberstein added ldquoeven the ones using the barre as a jungle gymrdquo
Realizing her passion for dance by her early teens the athletic young dancer eagerly par-ticipated in programs offered by the Houston Youth Symphony and Ballet where dance teachers and students from the area gathered to rehearse performances at the old City Hall across from the Rice Hotel
After high school graduation Silberstein was unable to attend the University of
Oklahoma which had a flourishing dance program at the time under the tutelage of prima ballerina Maria Tallchief Instead she attended the University of Houston where she earned a bachelorrsquos degree in special edu-cation and physical education with a minor
in dance performanceThroughout her college career the tena-
cious dancer took full advantage of every opportunity that presented itself In doing so she was to study and learn various forms of dance with some of the countryrsquos greatest and
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Melissa Darlow Ariel Brown Lauren Liss and Alyssa Cohen work on their 2012 Maccabi Games dance routine with dance instructor Maxine Silberstein
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
most prolific choreographers including Fred Strobel Anita Dyche Camille Long Hill Patsy Swayze and Rudy Jenkins in Houston In New York her training included the Alvin Ailey Peridance Center Jennifer Mueller Merce Cunningham Jo Jo Smith Broadway Dance Center and Steps
ldquoWhen I was in college I taught andor substituted for absent teachers in the JCCrsquos adult dance program when the center was located on Hermann Driverdquo she recalled She began working part time as a dance teacher at the J in 1974
ldquoI had met and married my husband Bubba Silberstein in the interimrdquo she explained ldquoand after we began our family I decided to teach dance and raise our children Brent and Steffanirdquo
In 1980 Silberstein was named director of the JCCrsquos dance program after director Lisa Rollrsquos exit
ldquoAfter Lisa left the board was not able to
identify someone to take over the position so I said I would be happy to do it until someone is hired Needless to say Irsquom still here todayrdquo laughed the teacherdancerdirector
Silberstein said it was only natural that
the JCC offer a dance program because of its reputation for programming around health wellness sports and physical activities ldquoDance easily fits into this type of program-mingrdquo she pointed out ldquoand classes were a vehicle for bringing Jewish children together in dance Itrsquos for anyone for all denomina-tions and all ages and itrsquos also a United Way-
funded center and open to everyone who wanted to learn to dancerdquo
So it follows that the high point of Silbersteinrsquos career is inspiring student dancers
ldquoAs director Irsquove had the opportunity of doing many things but being able to teach children to build their confi-dence and esteem to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worth-while And now I am teaching my former studentsrsquo children and the grandchil-dren of my peersrdquo
P r o f e s s i o n a l inf luences have included Mikhail Baryshnikov and
Ohad Naharin the latter an Israeli artis-tic directorchoreographer of the Batsheva Dance Company He also is the originator of Gaga an innovative movement language which has emerged as a growing force in the larger field of movement practices for both dancers and non-dancers
ldquoAt the time we brought him to Houston
a symbol of distinction in assisted living
bull 24 Hour Assistance and Personalized Carebull Elegant Dining Servicesbull Medication Supervisionbull Social Cultural and Recreational activitiesbull Wellness Center with Heated Aquatherapy Poolbull A fully equipped socialmedia centerbull Peace of Mind in a Family Oriented Secure Setting
License ID 102491
wwwthemedallionorg6262 North Braeswood Boulevard
Houston Texas 77074(713) 778-5777
Affiliated with Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Lauren Liss Ariel Brown and Ryan Bryandt follow the lead of dance instructor Maxine Silberstein at the ERJCC
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
he had a company in New Yorkrdquo Silberstein remem-bered ldquoIt was very exciting to have him here And when I think of where he is today and the influ-ence on the world of dance That was a highlightrdquo
As artistic director of Dance Month Silberstein said she believed it was extremely important first and foremost to Houstonrsquos Jewish community because audiences have been able to see on stage a number of Israeli and Yemeni dancers like Sara Levi-Tanai ldquoThe choreography of these groups reflects the Jewish culture in that it is powerful and risk taking at its corerdquo she noted ldquoItrsquos how they live their lives on the edge In general itrsquos a wonderful opportunity for Houston audiences to see Judaism in dance and how the culture and Jewish choreographers have phenomenally influenced dance all over the worldrdquo
With more than 35 years of teaching Silberstein said her goal is to continue meeting the day-to-day challenges of the programs she directs while remaining an influence in the lives of her students and and their desire to dance to meet their own goals not to be discour-aged
ldquoGrowing up in Texas City I didnrsquot have the advantages of Jewish children in Houston growing up with large congregations BBYOs or a community center I could be a part ofrdquo she explained ldquoBut I had my dance I feel like I hopefully have been an inspiration to other Jewish artists to go forward with their art form Irsquove always this thing as an artist in that I am Jewish Maybe not everything I do in dance is Jewish but I am influenced by Jewish artists and I think itrsquos important for all artists to hold on to their Jewishness to represent our culture in the various art forms
Along with her teaching Silberstein has found time to perform with numerous dance companies in her career served on cultural arts boards and has promoted dance in Houston especially dance centering on the Jewish culture Currently she serves on the board of Uptown Dance Centre the HCC-Central College World Dance Institute board and Society for the Performing Arts Education Committee
Silberstein also gives credit to her supervisor Marilyn Hassid ldquofor her support encouragement and friendship in supporting me in doing the many things we do through arts and culture and the dance program
ldquoIrsquove been very fortunaterdquo she continued ldquoBeing at the ERJCC wersquove brought in many many groups of people who may have never stepped foot in here and theyrsquore coming because of dance In the pro-cess they have been exposed to the Jewish culture Itrsquos important to me that we through the Kaplan Theatre expose our center to everyone who comes here In doing so our Jewish culture will continue to have a strong presence in the Houston community ndash through dancerdquo c
ldquoBeing able to teach children to build their confidence and esteem
to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worthwhilerdquo
ndash Maxine Silberstein
ldquoWe are proud our family launched the Jewish Family Service Passover program providing assistance for the past 20 yearsAs others are generously stepping forwardto support this effort we took a look at our communityrsquos future needsrdquondashJeanne Mandell
ldquoAlong with the blessings of our seniors living longer comes an added responsibility to accommodate the changing needs of this community We know JFS will be there to help The Deutser Hecht Mandell Fund for Senior Adult Financial Aid seeks to fulfill the basic needs of our seniors help them maintain independence in their own homes and empower them with personal dignity in the coming decadesrdquondashPunkin Hecht
ldquoWe feel good about being a part of100 Names
Wonrsquot you join usrdquo
A simple bequest is the most common way for a family to establish a legacy gift
In partnership withJewish Family Servicersquos100th Year Celebrationand Houston JewishCommunity Foundationrsquos Create a Jewish LegacyHouston Jewish Family Foundation
rdavisjfshoustonorg 7136679336wwwjfshoustonorg100names
Benefitting Jewish Family ServiceA New Fund is Added to100 Names for 100 Years
The Deutser HechtMandell Fund
for Senior Adult Financial Aid
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
The Shlenker SchoolCongregation Beth Israel - Houston Texas
For more information or to schedule a tourcontact Gail Rovinsky Director of Admissions
713-270-6127 grovinskyshlenkerorg5600 N Braeswood Houston Texas 77096 wwwshlenkerorg
Yoursquove alwaYs spent moneY wiselY
Donrsquot stop now
For less than half the price of private duty care you could get
bull 24 hour per day licensed care bull Beautiful personal apartment and
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2555 S Braeswood | Houston TX 77025-2805 elmcroftcom Facility 030414
Schedule a personal visit
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Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Gabby Howard paints her cardCari Cowen with Celebration Company volunteer Joyce Rosen
BY MICHAEL C DUKE PHOTOS BY MATT SAMUELS
Jewish adults with special needs have found a creative outlet at Jewish Family Servicersquos Celebration Company
For the past three years Celebration Company participants have produced note-cards featuring original hand-painted artwork and handmade paper The signed artwork is mounted to the front of the cards which are blank inside and are packaged with envelopes sold either individually or in five-card sets
ldquoThe notecards are a great way for the par-ticipants to express themselves artisticallyrdquo said Nick Tofilon Celebration Companyrsquos director
The cards are available at JFS 4131 S Braeswood Blvd or at Three Brothers Bakery 4036 S Braeswood Blvd
Celebration Company provides meaning-ful employment to people with special needs who ndash with joy purpose and self-esteem ndash cre-ate products that celebrate the good in life c
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Linda Lopen makes a floral paintingMax Schaffer works on her masterpiece
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
What a Difference EmeryWeiner Made
wwwemeryweinerorg bull 8322045900
Thank you so much for a wonderful and I do really mean wonderful Emery experience Itrsquos so sad that Nicole will not be there on a daily basis anymore She told me in third grade that she wanted to attend EWS for middle and high school and it was the best decision that we ever made
- Bonnie Winograd (parent of Class of 2012 Graduate)
ldquo
rdquo
Hebrew Free Loanassociation ndashProviding interest
Free Loans to JewisH Houston area residents since 1932
Loans Available for Emergencies
Healthcare Needs Small Business Assistance
and More For more information or to apply for a loan visit our website at
wwwhflanetor call
713-667-9336 ext221
House of Dereacuteon Media Center is one of the best kept secrets in Houston The eclectic special events venue including state-of-the-art media and conference facilities is housed inside a magnifi cent art deacuteco building located in the heart of Houstonrsquos Midtown District and seated perfectly within the worldwide operations of Music World Entertainment ndash the management company of the worldrsquos 1 female recording group Destinyrsquos Child
Let us turn your next function into a social event to remember
Where your functions become social events
2204 Crawford St Houston Texas l 7137725175 l wwwhouseofdereonmediacentercom
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
reg
National Council of Jewish WomenA fAith iN the future A belief iN ACtioN
Help Houstonrsquos women children and families
JOIN NCJW GHSNational Council of Jewish Women a
nationwide organization of 90000 strong and along with the Greater Houston Sectionrsquos
800+ members takes a progressive stance towards
changing lives through advocacy campaigns and social action by helping
bull At-risk children learn to readbull To ensure reproductive freedom
bull Victims of human traffickingbull Victims of domestic violence
and sexual assaultbull Adolescent survivors of
sexual assaultbull Homeless children
bull Foster children
To learn more about NCJW GHS and how you can get involved visit ncjwhoustonorg or contact us at membershipncjwhoustonorg
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery
from AddictionBY JEANNE F SAMUELS
E stablished 12 years ago Chabad of Sugar Land is headed by Brooklyn-born Rabbi Mendel Feigenson who was brought to Houston in 1995 by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff Fulfilling Chabadrsquos mission to serve Jews throughout the Sugar Land Stafford and Missouri City area Rabbi Feigenson has added a
new facet to his work He has opened his heart and Chabadrsquos doors to a completely underserved segment of the Jewish community It is the newly formed Jewish Recovery Celebration Group which provides support for Jewish recovering alcoholics addicts and members of Alcoholics Anonymous
The truth is contrary to general belief ndash and probably community denial ndash there are Jews who are addicts And those who suffer with addiction face a constant struggle to overcome its grasp
Confronting a definite need Rabbi Feigenson facilitates and organizes social and educational events to help JRCG members merge Judaism with recovery Every other Sunday at 7 pm he integrates the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with the timeless lessons of Torah and Kabbalah The meetings are held in complete privacy when no one else is in the two-year-old Chabad facility
The need for support for Jewish addicts was posed to Rabbi Feigenson by Lynn JHV JEANNE F SAMUELS
Rabbi Mendel Feigenson
Donovan of Galveston She is the only individual in the recently organized group who chooses not to remain anonymous believing her story needs to be told
ldquoShe is an inspirationrdquo the rabbi declared ldquoMore than four months ago she called me saying she had something very important to discuss with me She told me that she has been sober for 25 years and that she has friends who are struggling with addiction The reality is that there are Jews who are drug addicts
ldquoBasically addiction is a diseaserdquo Rabbi Feigenson explained ldquoand addicts cannot help themselves They need group support and our mis-sion is to help our Jewish brethrenrdquo So the rabbi studied the Twelve Steps of AA delved into books on the subject and consulted with some psychiatrists From all this the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group was formed
Presently there are four to six people in the group and Rabbi Feigenson said that the meetings are working well ldquoItrsquos about coming from darkness and making a new liferdquo he pointed out
Credited with encouraging the genesis of JRCG Donovan recalled how she became sober in 1986 taking the train from Harrisburg Pa to Baltimore on Sundays to be part of a Twelve Step group that met in a church ldquoIt was very confusing for me having to separate church and recovery hellip There are no rules regarding religion in AA but most of my support was coming from Christian people Did I have to be Christian to recover
ldquoI had been arrested at 18rdquo she confessed ldquoand the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos com-mon belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
When Donovan moved to Texas in 1990 she continued with AA in churches Although the
West Houston Jewish Community Center had an AA meeting it was not a Jewish recovery group
ldquoI visited with the Jewish Family Service to see if they would help start a Jewish recovery group but they were not accepting of me I spoke to one or two rabbis privately but they werenrsquot receptive either so I kind of let it go for a whilerdquo She noted that perseverance is difficult ldquoThe disease of addiction is not something they know how to deal with
ldquoAs a young girl I was molested by a rabbi and when the Penn State [University] scandal broke loose I became very depressedrdquo she reflected having the need for support at that time ldquoI got on the Internet and Googled Jews in recovery where I read about a Rabbi Kessler at Chabad in Boca Raton Fla I called there and the rabbi told me about a retreat [to be held there] and was it possible I could come It took place this past February with addicts from all over including me Rabbi Abraham J Twerski was the keynote speakerrdquo
The convention inspired Donovan to seek the closest Chabad to Galveston which she found in Sugar Land She telephoned there and Rabbi Feigenson invited her to Shabbat where she had lunch with his wife Chaya After hearing Donovanrsquos story Chaya Feigenson said to her husband ldquoMendel we have to help these peoplerdquo
ldquoMost people know very little about addictionrdquo Donovan empha-sized When I first started someone took me to the rabbi who told me to go home and honor my father and my mother and be a good girlrdquo Also she added ldquoIt must be difficult to drop your children off at a church for recovery Therersquos the worry that theyrsquore brainwashing your child
ldquoThere is so much lack of knowledge especially in the Jewish com-munity If you stay with the thought that Jews donrsquot [become addicts] then people die We need to break that stereotype and lack of informa-tion Jews suffer from drug abuse obesity gambling etc like any other grouprdquo
Donovanrsquos brother a rabbi in Israel took her to AA meetings in Jerusalem where she discovered that there are even rabbis who suffer from alcoholism ldquoSome of usrdquo she pointed out ldquohave had bad experi-ences as childrenrdquo
ldquoThere is such naivetyrdquo Donovan a 58-year-old mother of three and grandmother of eight maintained ldquoRabbi Feigenson is the first in Houston who really heard me and understands the importance of helping every Jewish person It was an incredible day that I met him ldquoWe want to reach out to Jews who are confused and are appealing for help Itrsquos a very special experience to be a Jew in recovery and meet with others who are in recovery also And we can talk to parents free of charge to give them support and help Itrsquos an experience I donrsquot want others to missrdquo
For information about the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group call Rabbi Mendel Feigenson at 832-758-0685 email rabbifeigensongmailcom or visit chabadsugarlandcom c
Congregation Beth Rambam is a warm and welcoming Sephardic congregation led by our young and dynamic Rabbi Daniel Masri
We offer morning and evening services on weekdays and Shabbat There are many fascinating classes and learning opportunities both during the day and evenings offered throughout the week in English Spanish and Hebrew
Alex Pfeffer our fun and entertaining Youth Director leads multiple activities for children of various ages each Shabbat
morning and afternoon and trips throughout the year
713-723-3030 | officebethrambamorg11333 Braesridge | wwwbethrambamorg (coming soon)
C O M E J O I N O U R F A M I L Y
bullbull
22 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ldquoI had been arrested at 18 and the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos common
belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
ndash Lynn Donovan
BY MICHAEL C DUKE
W hen Alex Kavalerchik immigrated to the United States in 1979 with his young family the 30-year-old Belorussia-born Jew had no money no education and spoke no English
Nevertheless the bus-iness-minded good-with-his-hands Kavalerchik ndash a dead-ringer for actor Al Pacino during the latterrsquos Hollywood gangster film days ndash was deter-mined to carve out his own little slice of American pie
Make that cobbler for the vocation he would settle into would be the shoe-repair business
ldquoWe came to Houston and the JCC help us to move to apartment and help us for two monthsrdquo said the heavily accented Kavalerchik who picked up conversational English not from taking formal classes like some others who escaped the Soviet Union in the late rsquo70s but by listening to the language his children were learning to read and write and speak in American public schools
Kavalerchik now a Texan pulled himself up by the bootstraps and held down jobs doing maintenance and factory work Then one day in 1981 he met a Jewish man Kalman Witenberg who ran a shoe-repair
businessldquoHe told me Yoursquore going to be a shoemaker And yoursquore going to
make enough money to pay your bills Yoursquore never going to be a mil-lionaire but therersquos going to be enough money to support your familyrdquo Kavalerchik said
He obliged and in 1985 went into the shoe-repair busi-ness himself Feet first
Kavalerchik learned the ins and outs of the time-honored trade for a year and established himself at a storefront at West Bellfort Street and Chimney Rock Road Two years into the business he acquired a second
shop and split his time between the two He then opted to sell the first location and devoted his energies to the second Hersquos managed that loca-tion at 10815 S Post Oak Rd at Willowbend Boulevard since 1990 and today employs two workers
The dusty little shop enjoys a steady stream of loyal customers many from the neighborhood Blacks Jews and Latinos mostly Itrsquos a business built on reputation Kavalerchikrsquos is good Peachy in fact The front door has a little bell that tinkles
ldquoI can do all kind of jobs ndash regular jobs and orthopedic jobsrdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoI have customers who bring ladies shoes that cost
A peachy cobbler
Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American dream
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 23
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymore Itrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you
must have patience This is the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
ndash Alex Kavalerchik
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Alex Kavalerckik is proprietor of an old-school shoe-repair shop in Southwest Houston His hand tools include a hammer that the shoprsquos previous owner used in a Nazi concentration camp
24 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Supporting the needs of the
Jewish Community
CHEVRA KADISHA OF HOUSTON
Jewish Burial Society
Continuing the sacred tradition of preparing thedeceased for burial with
care and respect
(713) 776-2438
Young Israel
of Houston
7823 Ludington DriveHouston Texas 77071
713-729-0719wwwyihoustonorg
hundreds even thousands of dollars They bring cowboy boots that cost $5000-$6000 Very expensive I do it all ndash refinish resole reshape fix completely the shoesrdquo
And itrsquos not just footwear During the interview with the Jewish Herald-Voice a woman came into the shop with a designer leather bag that had a torn strap ldquoAlaska Airlinesrdquo she grumbled Kavalerchik promised to fix it like new A few minutes later a Polish-speaking doctor came in to pick up a repaired leather dog leash Kavalerchik who grew up speaking Russian with his parents and Yiddish with his grandparents was able to converse with the man in his native tongue They shared a few chuck-les The man dressed in blue-green hospital scrubs was pleased with Kavalerchikrsquos work and tipped him 100 percent on the bill Shortly there-after a slow-moving man with a walking stick and a Korean War cap came in with a belt job
Kavalerchik even does the exotic Can he fix a pair of gilded alligator-skin sneakers No problem (Hersquos done three) How about repair-ing a set of chairs made from elephant feet Um sure why not NBA stars who take advan-
tage of his services are asked to call in advance Size 17s require special order
Some of the more challenging yet reward-ing jobs are those to salvage shoes chewed up by the family dog
ldquoThis you must have a talent to fix itrsquos a tough jobrdquo said Kavalerchik holding up a black patent leather stiletto that bore scars on the heel from large canine teeth ldquoYou donrsquot make too much money on this but the cus-tomer is really happy when I make it look like new againrdquo
Tacked to the wall above the front counter of Kavalerchikrsquos shop is an 8-foot diamondback rattlesnake skin Therersquos also a black-and-white portrait of Al Pacino from ldquoScarfacerdquo While vacationing in Las
Vegas and once in Galveston the Belorussian was hounded for an autograph from fans who mis-took him for the Oscar-winning actor Retelling the stories splits Kavalerchikrsquos face into a smile
The storefront gives way to a multi-roomed workshop in back Itrsquos vintage 1950s outfitted with well-used wooden workbenches walls of racks with customersrsquo shoes and boots (each bearing a colorful toe tag) drawers and cubbyholes filled with bits and buckles and all sorts of odds and ends for leather and shoe work Wooden shoe lasts spools of heavy thread and folds of leather
and rubber adorn door frames and corners Metal taps for dance shoes hang from hooks A random assortment of loose shoe and boot heel parts are stockpiled in a divider mounted to a wall ldquoThey donrsquot make these like they used tordquo Kavalerchik said dusting off an orange-and-white-boxed specimen from half a century ago
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Cowboy boots and orthopedic shoes make up a good deal of Kavalerchikrsquos business
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 25
1500 Sunset Boulevard Houston Texas 77005
7135356400 wwwbeckerschoolorg
Accredited by NAEYCrsquos National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Learning through play
bull Ages 15 months through 5 years bull Extended care 8am - 530pm
bull Developmentally appropriate curriculumbull Extra-curricular classes available
bull Bridge to Kindergarten class
Since 1989
Call for a tourNow accepting applications
for 2012-2013
Congregation Emanu El Becker Early Childhood Center
6401 Woodway(in Whole Foods Plaza)
7133344900
Fabulous Womenrsquos Apparel amp Accessories
4048 Bellaire Blvd(in the Whole Foods Plaza)
7136653336FrenchCuffCocom
labeled ldquoCatrsquos PawrdquoBuilt into a corner post of the main work-
bench is a glue reservoir Plugging the well is a half-dollar-sized metal cap with a rod run-ning through it sporting an applicator brush Long dribbles of glue have oozed caked and dried down the edges of the post looking like a model of a volcano from a school sci-ence fair A photographer friend of Kavalerchikrsquos comes by on occasion to shoot close-up pho-tos of the unique formations
There are industrial ma-chines at every elbow turn stitchers sanders cutters tack-ers buffers Something called an Auto Soler and another called a Heel Popper Some are more than a 100 years old Real made-in-America stuff From cities like Chicago and St Louis Art deco in shape and lines Nickel-plated enameled steel and chromed in work grime
ldquoI have one machine made in 1890 It never breaksrdquo Kavalerchik said fondly
Other equipment however has broken down over the years Kavalerchik has learned to do the repairs himself Out of necessity ldquoItrsquos
very important to learn how to fix this equip-ment Itrsquos very old and nobody knows how to fix it I have to do it myself If this part breaks you have to make a new onerdquo he said
The workshoprsquos few modern conveniences
include a small electric box fan a 26-inch TV that seems stuck on Channel 8 and the occa-sional pinup girl wall calendar One room boasts an empty bottle collection on a top shelf ldquoWe Russians drink cognac after work and vodka at homerdquo Kavalerchik explained Therersquos a row of vintage US postage stamps
affixed to a workbench shelf that dates back to the shoprsquos previous owner a man named Sam Sill
The Polish-born Sill was a Holocaust survivor who worked in a factory making
boots for German army officers Kavalerchik said
ldquoThis hammer he brought from the old country Itrsquos from Germany 1942rdquo said Kavalerchik lifting the worn tool from his workbench ldquoThis guy worked with this hammer in con-centration camprdquo He then palmed a second hammer nearby with simi-lar history Though Kavalerchik has owned the business for the past 22 years he has kept the name ldquoSamrsquos Shoe Repairrdquo
The man who gave Kavalerchik his birth into the business Kalman Witenberg also was a Polish Holocaust survivor Edith Mincberg
was a customer of Witenbergrsquos back in the day and remembers him as a friendly and lively man ldquoHe loved to carry on Yiddish conversations with my late husband Joe Mincbergrdquo Edith told the JHV Witenberg a survivor of Auschwitz among other camps according to Holocaust Museum Houston records died in 2003
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
The 1950s-era shop includes equipment thatrsquos more than 100 years old
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Foot and Ankle
Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery
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6699 Chimney Rock 102713-666-0287
18220 Tomball Pkwy 220832-912-7792
705 S Fwy 215281-579-0816
915 Gessner 380713-467-1299
Times have changed over the course of Kavalerchikrsquos career as an old-school cobbler Many of his early customers were high school graduates whose parents wanted to send their kids off to college in a pair of spiffy penny loafers ldquoThese days itrsquos a different life Kids wear sneakersrdquo Kavalerchik said
The cobbler doesnrsquot wax nostalgic however over the profession that many people including himself view as a dying art
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymorerdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoItrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you must have patience This the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
Kavalerchik has entertained the occasional apprentice but none has stuck it out The cobbler predicts that in 15 20 years time the business will be dead save for a few shops here and there
ldquoThis business is like Jewish language [Yiddish]rdquo he said ldquoBefore people speak it fluently Now itrsquos only a few old guysrdquo
The trade has been good to the man who said he stood a 50-50 chance of winding up dead if he had stayed in the Soviet Union Itrsquos given him his American dream
ldquoIf I can afford to put my children through college this was my dream to come to America This was my dream to give my children education because I did not have time in Russia to get education myselfrdquo Kavalerchik said
ldquoOld people died in these shops They worked like dogs I donrsquot do this I work eight hours a day I go to lunch I go on vacationrdquo he said ldquoHere I have easy life I have my family I have place to sleep I go on vacation twice a year Irsquom happy with my children [Michael and Fannett]rdquo Every other year Kavalerchik visits his father in Israel
Sitting in the front room of his workshop ndash the room with the bottle collection ndash is a large cardboard box full of shoes belonging to his wife Roza Kavalerchik promises hersquoll get to them soon Near the box standing upright in the corner is a clutch of fishing poles
ldquoThese here are very important toolsrdquo said Kavalerchik again with that smile ldquoSaturday at 4 I close up and take my tools straight to the boatrdquo c
Shoe-making skills saved Sillrsquos life duringthe HolocaustBY MICHAEL C DUKE
Sam Sill was the previous owner of Samrsquos Shoe Repair in Southwest Houston
When he sold the business to Alex Kavalerchik some 22 years ago he passed along his tools to the new proprietor These included a pair of hammers that helped save Sill from the Nazi death machine in Europe Kavalerchik said that Sill told him that he Sill as a concentration camp prisoner used the hammers to make boots for German army officers during the war
Houstonian Dr David Wolf ndash a podiatrist ndash is first cousin to Samrsquos wife Ruthie Wolf has preserved an original copy of Sillrsquos immigra-tion papers which state that he Sill was born
Calligraphy by Eileen
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A warm friendly amp vibrant community where friendship
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for adults and children
Join Rabbi Annie Belford and the Temple Sinai Congregation
for Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 730 PM
13875 Brimhurst 281-495-5950Houston Tx 77077 wwwtemple-sinaiorg
TEMPLE SINAI
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
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Terry CominskyRealtor Associate713-558-3331
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Simon Printing CompanyFine Lithography
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713-666-1296
Fax 713-666-4111wwwsimonprintingcom
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Saturday 1000 AM to 600 PM4404 Richmond Ave bull Houston Texas 77027Phone 713-524-5454 bull Fax 713-524-5450
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713-984-2010A SUBSIDIARY OF 4D SIGN WORX LLC
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
Montessori integrated curriculum In a loving caring and safe atmosphere your child will learn and grow with a proven program based on excellence and experience
Registration is now open
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
((771133))666666--00225577
We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
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TUTSCOM 713558TUTS groups of 15+ call 7135588888
A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
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LERNER AND LOEWErsquoS
Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
2830 Hicks StHouston TX 77007
Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
NotNot valid Saturdays in June July or August or with any other offer discount special price prepaid afternoon group two-day or season tickets Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale Prices operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice ExpiExpires September 23 2012
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36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
MARKETPLACE
713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
Mosk amp Mosk LLCCertified Public Accountants5959 West Loop South Suite 340
Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS
EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
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Packing bull Crating bull Freighting bull UnpackingMoving homes bull Offices
Assisted living bull Estate packing
Locally bull Nationally bull Internationally
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull Artwork bull Unusual bull Large amp Small jobs
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
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ACCOUNTANTCPA
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ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
Certified American Board of Ophthalmology
Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
wwwucntexascom
Be there when your customers need you
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and get your company or organization listed for free
COMPLETE GUIDE to
EVERYTHING JEWISH (and more)
for Greater Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast
713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
JUNI ERSE
JUNI ERSE
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
celebrate yourbarbat mitzvah like
a rock star
houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
phone 713-227-1392hardrockcom
UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
- VOICES covers 2
- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
most prolific choreographers including Fred Strobel Anita Dyche Camille Long Hill Patsy Swayze and Rudy Jenkins in Houston In New York her training included the Alvin Ailey Peridance Center Jennifer Mueller Merce Cunningham Jo Jo Smith Broadway Dance Center and Steps
ldquoWhen I was in college I taught andor substituted for absent teachers in the JCCrsquos adult dance program when the center was located on Hermann Driverdquo she recalled She began working part time as a dance teacher at the J in 1974
ldquoI had met and married my husband Bubba Silberstein in the interimrdquo she explained ldquoand after we began our family I decided to teach dance and raise our children Brent and Steffanirdquo
In 1980 Silberstein was named director of the JCCrsquos dance program after director Lisa Rollrsquos exit
ldquoAfter Lisa left the board was not able to
identify someone to take over the position so I said I would be happy to do it until someone is hired Needless to say Irsquom still here todayrdquo laughed the teacherdancerdirector
Silberstein said it was only natural that
the JCC offer a dance program because of its reputation for programming around health wellness sports and physical activities ldquoDance easily fits into this type of program-mingrdquo she pointed out ldquoand classes were a vehicle for bringing Jewish children together in dance Itrsquos for anyone for all denomina-tions and all ages and itrsquos also a United Way-
funded center and open to everyone who wanted to learn to dancerdquo
So it follows that the high point of Silbersteinrsquos career is inspiring student dancers
ldquoAs director Irsquove had the opportunity of doing many things but being able to teach children to build their confi-dence and esteem to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worth-while And now I am teaching my former studentsrsquo children and the grandchil-dren of my peersrdquo
P r o f e s s i o n a l inf luences have included Mikhail Baryshnikov and
Ohad Naharin the latter an Israeli artis-tic directorchoreographer of the Batsheva Dance Company He also is the originator of Gaga an innovative movement language which has emerged as a growing force in the larger field of movement practices for both dancers and non-dancers
ldquoAt the time we brought him to Houston
a symbol of distinction in assisted living
bull 24 Hour Assistance and Personalized Carebull Elegant Dining Servicesbull Medication Supervisionbull Social Cultural and Recreational activitiesbull Wellness Center with Heated Aquatherapy Poolbull A fully equipped socialmedia centerbull Peace of Mind in a Family Oriented Secure Setting
License ID 102491
wwwthemedallionorg6262 North Braeswood Boulevard
Houston Texas 77074(713) 778-5777
Affiliated with Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services
JHV MATT SAMUELS
Lauren Liss Ariel Brown and Ryan Bryandt follow the lead of dance instructor Maxine Silberstein at the ERJCC
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
he had a company in New Yorkrdquo Silberstein remem-bered ldquoIt was very exciting to have him here And when I think of where he is today and the influ-ence on the world of dance That was a highlightrdquo
As artistic director of Dance Month Silberstein said she believed it was extremely important first and foremost to Houstonrsquos Jewish community because audiences have been able to see on stage a number of Israeli and Yemeni dancers like Sara Levi-Tanai ldquoThe choreography of these groups reflects the Jewish culture in that it is powerful and risk taking at its corerdquo she noted ldquoItrsquos how they live their lives on the edge In general itrsquos a wonderful opportunity for Houston audiences to see Judaism in dance and how the culture and Jewish choreographers have phenomenally influenced dance all over the worldrdquo
With more than 35 years of teaching Silberstein said her goal is to continue meeting the day-to-day challenges of the programs she directs while remaining an influence in the lives of her students and and their desire to dance to meet their own goals not to be discour-aged
ldquoGrowing up in Texas City I didnrsquot have the advantages of Jewish children in Houston growing up with large congregations BBYOs or a community center I could be a part ofrdquo she explained ldquoBut I had my dance I feel like I hopefully have been an inspiration to other Jewish artists to go forward with their art form Irsquove always this thing as an artist in that I am Jewish Maybe not everything I do in dance is Jewish but I am influenced by Jewish artists and I think itrsquos important for all artists to hold on to their Jewishness to represent our culture in the various art forms
Along with her teaching Silberstein has found time to perform with numerous dance companies in her career served on cultural arts boards and has promoted dance in Houston especially dance centering on the Jewish culture Currently she serves on the board of Uptown Dance Centre the HCC-Central College World Dance Institute board and Society for the Performing Arts Education Committee
Silberstein also gives credit to her supervisor Marilyn Hassid ldquofor her support encouragement and friendship in supporting me in doing the many things we do through arts and culture and the dance program
ldquoIrsquove been very fortunaterdquo she continued ldquoBeing at the ERJCC wersquove brought in many many groups of people who may have never stepped foot in here and theyrsquore coming because of dance In the pro-cess they have been exposed to the Jewish culture Itrsquos important to me that we through the Kaplan Theatre expose our center to everyone who comes here In doing so our Jewish culture will continue to have a strong presence in the Houston community ndash through dancerdquo c
ldquoBeing able to teach children to build their confidence and esteem
to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worthwhilerdquo
ndash Maxine Silberstein
ldquoWe are proud our family launched the Jewish Family Service Passover program providing assistance for the past 20 yearsAs others are generously stepping forwardto support this effort we took a look at our communityrsquos future needsrdquondashJeanne Mandell
ldquoAlong with the blessings of our seniors living longer comes an added responsibility to accommodate the changing needs of this community We know JFS will be there to help The Deutser Hecht Mandell Fund for Senior Adult Financial Aid seeks to fulfill the basic needs of our seniors help them maintain independence in their own homes and empower them with personal dignity in the coming decadesrdquondashPunkin Hecht
ldquoWe feel good about being a part of100 Names
Wonrsquot you join usrdquo
A simple bequest is the most common way for a family to establish a legacy gift
In partnership withJewish Family Servicersquos100th Year Celebrationand Houston JewishCommunity Foundationrsquos Create a Jewish LegacyHouston Jewish Family Foundation
rdavisjfshoustonorg 7136679336wwwjfshoustonorg100names
Benefitting Jewish Family ServiceA New Fund is Added to100 Names for 100 Years
The Deutser HechtMandell Fund
for Senior Adult Financial Aid
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
The Shlenker SchoolCongregation Beth Israel - Houston Texas
For more information or to schedule a tourcontact Gail Rovinsky Director of Admissions
713-270-6127 grovinskyshlenkerorg5600 N Braeswood Houston Texas 77096 wwwshlenkerorg
Yoursquove alwaYs spent moneY wiselY
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For less than half the price of private duty care you could get
bull 24 hour per day licensed care bull Beautiful personal apartment and
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2555 S Braeswood | Houston TX 77025-2805 elmcroftcom Facility 030414
Schedule a personal visit
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Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Gabby Howard paints her cardCari Cowen with Celebration Company volunteer Joyce Rosen
BY MICHAEL C DUKE PHOTOS BY MATT SAMUELS
Jewish adults with special needs have found a creative outlet at Jewish Family Servicersquos Celebration Company
For the past three years Celebration Company participants have produced note-cards featuring original hand-painted artwork and handmade paper The signed artwork is mounted to the front of the cards which are blank inside and are packaged with envelopes sold either individually or in five-card sets
ldquoThe notecards are a great way for the par-ticipants to express themselves artisticallyrdquo said Nick Tofilon Celebration Companyrsquos director
The cards are available at JFS 4131 S Braeswood Blvd or at Three Brothers Bakery 4036 S Braeswood Blvd
Celebration Company provides meaning-ful employment to people with special needs who ndash with joy purpose and self-esteem ndash cre-ate products that celebrate the good in life c
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Linda Lopen makes a floral paintingMax Schaffer works on her masterpiece
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
What a Difference EmeryWeiner Made
wwwemeryweinerorg bull 8322045900
Thank you so much for a wonderful and I do really mean wonderful Emery experience Itrsquos so sad that Nicole will not be there on a daily basis anymore She told me in third grade that she wanted to attend EWS for middle and high school and it was the best decision that we ever made
- Bonnie Winograd (parent of Class of 2012 Graduate)
ldquo
rdquo
Hebrew Free Loanassociation ndashProviding interest
Free Loans to JewisH Houston area residents since 1932
Loans Available for Emergencies
Healthcare Needs Small Business Assistance
and More For more information or to apply for a loan visit our website at
wwwhflanetor call
713-667-9336 ext221
House of Dereacuteon Media Center is one of the best kept secrets in Houston The eclectic special events venue including state-of-the-art media and conference facilities is housed inside a magnifi cent art deacuteco building located in the heart of Houstonrsquos Midtown District and seated perfectly within the worldwide operations of Music World Entertainment ndash the management company of the worldrsquos 1 female recording group Destinyrsquos Child
Let us turn your next function into a social event to remember
Where your functions become social events
2204 Crawford St Houston Texas l 7137725175 l wwwhouseofdereonmediacentercom
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
reg
National Council of Jewish WomenA fAith iN the future A belief iN ACtioN
Help Houstonrsquos women children and families
JOIN NCJW GHSNational Council of Jewish Women a
nationwide organization of 90000 strong and along with the Greater Houston Sectionrsquos
800+ members takes a progressive stance towards
changing lives through advocacy campaigns and social action by helping
bull At-risk children learn to readbull To ensure reproductive freedom
bull Victims of human traffickingbull Victims of domestic violence
and sexual assaultbull Adolescent survivors of
sexual assaultbull Homeless children
bull Foster children
To learn more about NCJW GHS and how you can get involved visit ncjwhoustonorg or contact us at membershipncjwhoustonorg
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery
from AddictionBY JEANNE F SAMUELS
E stablished 12 years ago Chabad of Sugar Land is headed by Brooklyn-born Rabbi Mendel Feigenson who was brought to Houston in 1995 by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff Fulfilling Chabadrsquos mission to serve Jews throughout the Sugar Land Stafford and Missouri City area Rabbi Feigenson has added a
new facet to his work He has opened his heart and Chabadrsquos doors to a completely underserved segment of the Jewish community It is the newly formed Jewish Recovery Celebration Group which provides support for Jewish recovering alcoholics addicts and members of Alcoholics Anonymous
The truth is contrary to general belief ndash and probably community denial ndash there are Jews who are addicts And those who suffer with addiction face a constant struggle to overcome its grasp
Confronting a definite need Rabbi Feigenson facilitates and organizes social and educational events to help JRCG members merge Judaism with recovery Every other Sunday at 7 pm he integrates the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with the timeless lessons of Torah and Kabbalah The meetings are held in complete privacy when no one else is in the two-year-old Chabad facility
The need for support for Jewish addicts was posed to Rabbi Feigenson by Lynn JHV JEANNE F SAMUELS
Rabbi Mendel Feigenson
Donovan of Galveston She is the only individual in the recently organized group who chooses not to remain anonymous believing her story needs to be told
ldquoShe is an inspirationrdquo the rabbi declared ldquoMore than four months ago she called me saying she had something very important to discuss with me She told me that she has been sober for 25 years and that she has friends who are struggling with addiction The reality is that there are Jews who are drug addicts
ldquoBasically addiction is a diseaserdquo Rabbi Feigenson explained ldquoand addicts cannot help themselves They need group support and our mis-sion is to help our Jewish brethrenrdquo So the rabbi studied the Twelve Steps of AA delved into books on the subject and consulted with some psychiatrists From all this the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group was formed
Presently there are four to six people in the group and Rabbi Feigenson said that the meetings are working well ldquoItrsquos about coming from darkness and making a new liferdquo he pointed out
Credited with encouraging the genesis of JRCG Donovan recalled how she became sober in 1986 taking the train from Harrisburg Pa to Baltimore on Sundays to be part of a Twelve Step group that met in a church ldquoIt was very confusing for me having to separate church and recovery hellip There are no rules regarding religion in AA but most of my support was coming from Christian people Did I have to be Christian to recover
ldquoI had been arrested at 18rdquo she confessed ldquoand the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos com-mon belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
When Donovan moved to Texas in 1990 she continued with AA in churches Although the
West Houston Jewish Community Center had an AA meeting it was not a Jewish recovery group
ldquoI visited with the Jewish Family Service to see if they would help start a Jewish recovery group but they were not accepting of me I spoke to one or two rabbis privately but they werenrsquot receptive either so I kind of let it go for a whilerdquo She noted that perseverance is difficult ldquoThe disease of addiction is not something they know how to deal with
ldquoAs a young girl I was molested by a rabbi and when the Penn State [University] scandal broke loose I became very depressedrdquo she reflected having the need for support at that time ldquoI got on the Internet and Googled Jews in recovery where I read about a Rabbi Kessler at Chabad in Boca Raton Fla I called there and the rabbi told me about a retreat [to be held there] and was it possible I could come It took place this past February with addicts from all over including me Rabbi Abraham J Twerski was the keynote speakerrdquo
The convention inspired Donovan to seek the closest Chabad to Galveston which she found in Sugar Land She telephoned there and Rabbi Feigenson invited her to Shabbat where she had lunch with his wife Chaya After hearing Donovanrsquos story Chaya Feigenson said to her husband ldquoMendel we have to help these peoplerdquo
ldquoMost people know very little about addictionrdquo Donovan empha-sized When I first started someone took me to the rabbi who told me to go home and honor my father and my mother and be a good girlrdquo Also she added ldquoIt must be difficult to drop your children off at a church for recovery Therersquos the worry that theyrsquore brainwashing your child
ldquoThere is so much lack of knowledge especially in the Jewish com-munity If you stay with the thought that Jews donrsquot [become addicts] then people die We need to break that stereotype and lack of informa-tion Jews suffer from drug abuse obesity gambling etc like any other grouprdquo
Donovanrsquos brother a rabbi in Israel took her to AA meetings in Jerusalem where she discovered that there are even rabbis who suffer from alcoholism ldquoSome of usrdquo she pointed out ldquohave had bad experi-ences as childrenrdquo
ldquoThere is such naivetyrdquo Donovan a 58-year-old mother of three and grandmother of eight maintained ldquoRabbi Feigenson is the first in Houston who really heard me and understands the importance of helping every Jewish person It was an incredible day that I met him ldquoWe want to reach out to Jews who are confused and are appealing for help Itrsquos a very special experience to be a Jew in recovery and meet with others who are in recovery also And we can talk to parents free of charge to give them support and help Itrsquos an experience I donrsquot want others to missrdquo
For information about the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group call Rabbi Mendel Feigenson at 832-758-0685 email rabbifeigensongmailcom or visit chabadsugarlandcom c
Congregation Beth Rambam is a warm and welcoming Sephardic congregation led by our young and dynamic Rabbi Daniel Masri
We offer morning and evening services on weekdays and Shabbat There are many fascinating classes and learning opportunities both during the day and evenings offered throughout the week in English Spanish and Hebrew
Alex Pfeffer our fun and entertaining Youth Director leads multiple activities for children of various ages each Shabbat
morning and afternoon and trips throughout the year
713-723-3030 | officebethrambamorg11333 Braesridge | wwwbethrambamorg (coming soon)
C O M E J O I N O U R F A M I L Y
bullbull
22 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ldquoI had been arrested at 18 and the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos common
belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
ndash Lynn Donovan
BY MICHAEL C DUKE
W hen Alex Kavalerchik immigrated to the United States in 1979 with his young family the 30-year-old Belorussia-born Jew had no money no education and spoke no English
Nevertheless the bus-iness-minded good-with-his-hands Kavalerchik ndash a dead-ringer for actor Al Pacino during the latterrsquos Hollywood gangster film days ndash was deter-mined to carve out his own little slice of American pie
Make that cobbler for the vocation he would settle into would be the shoe-repair business
ldquoWe came to Houston and the JCC help us to move to apartment and help us for two monthsrdquo said the heavily accented Kavalerchik who picked up conversational English not from taking formal classes like some others who escaped the Soviet Union in the late rsquo70s but by listening to the language his children were learning to read and write and speak in American public schools
Kavalerchik now a Texan pulled himself up by the bootstraps and held down jobs doing maintenance and factory work Then one day in 1981 he met a Jewish man Kalman Witenberg who ran a shoe-repair
businessldquoHe told me Yoursquore going to be a shoemaker And yoursquore going to
make enough money to pay your bills Yoursquore never going to be a mil-lionaire but therersquos going to be enough money to support your familyrdquo Kavalerchik said
He obliged and in 1985 went into the shoe-repair busi-ness himself Feet first
Kavalerchik learned the ins and outs of the time-honored trade for a year and established himself at a storefront at West Bellfort Street and Chimney Rock Road Two years into the business he acquired a second
shop and split his time between the two He then opted to sell the first location and devoted his energies to the second Hersquos managed that loca-tion at 10815 S Post Oak Rd at Willowbend Boulevard since 1990 and today employs two workers
The dusty little shop enjoys a steady stream of loyal customers many from the neighborhood Blacks Jews and Latinos mostly Itrsquos a business built on reputation Kavalerchikrsquos is good Peachy in fact The front door has a little bell that tinkles
ldquoI can do all kind of jobs ndash regular jobs and orthopedic jobsrdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoI have customers who bring ladies shoes that cost
A peachy cobbler
Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American dream
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 23
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymore Itrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you
must have patience This is the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
ndash Alex Kavalerchik
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Alex Kavalerckik is proprietor of an old-school shoe-repair shop in Southwest Houston His hand tools include a hammer that the shoprsquos previous owner used in a Nazi concentration camp
24 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Supporting the needs of the
Jewish Community
CHEVRA KADISHA OF HOUSTON
Jewish Burial Society
Continuing the sacred tradition of preparing thedeceased for burial with
care and respect
(713) 776-2438
Young Israel
of Houston
7823 Ludington DriveHouston Texas 77071
713-729-0719wwwyihoustonorg
hundreds even thousands of dollars They bring cowboy boots that cost $5000-$6000 Very expensive I do it all ndash refinish resole reshape fix completely the shoesrdquo
And itrsquos not just footwear During the interview with the Jewish Herald-Voice a woman came into the shop with a designer leather bag that had a torn strap ldquoAlaska Airlinesrdquo she grumbled Kavalerchik promised to fix it like new A few minutes later a Polish-speaking doctor came in to pick up a repaired leather dog leash Kavalerchik who grew up speaking Russian with his parents and Yiddish with his grandparents was able to converse with the man in his native tongue They shared a few chuck-les The man dressed in blue-green hospital scrubs was pleased with Kavalerchikrsquos work and tipped him 100 percent on the bill Shortly there-after a slow-moving man with a walking stick and a Korean War cap came in with a belt job
Kavalerchik even does the exotic Can he fix a pair of gilded alligator-skin sneakers No problem (Hersquos done three) How about repair-ing a set of chairs made from elephant feet Um sure why not NBA stars who take advan-
tage of his services are asked to call in advance Size 17s require special order
Some of the more challenging yet reward-ing jobs are those to salvage shoes chewed up by the family dog
ldquoThis you must have a talent to fix itrsquos a tough jobrdquo said Kavalerchik holding up a black patent leather stiletto that bore scars on the heel from large canine teeth ldquoYou donrsquot make too much money on this but the cus-tomer is really happy when I make it look like new againrdquo
Tacked to the wall above the front counter of Kavalerchikrsquos shop is an 8-foot diamondback rattlesnake skin Therersquos also a black-and-white portrait of Al Pacino from ldquoScarfacerdquo While vacationing in Las
Vegas and once in Galveston the Belorussian was hounded for an autograph from fans who mis-took him for the Oscar-winning actor Retelling the stories splits Kavalerchikrsquos face into a smile
The storefront gives way to a multi-roomed workshop in back Itrsquos vintage 1950s outfitted with well-used wooden workbenches walls of racks with customersrsquo shoes and boots (each bearing a colorful toe tag) drawers and cubbyholes filled with bits and buckles and all sorts of odds and ends for leather and shoe work Wooden shoe lasts spools of heavy thread and folds of leather
and rubber adorn door frames and corners Metal taps for dance shoes hang from hooks A random assortment of loose shoe and boot heel parts are stockpiled in a divider mounted to a wall ldquoThey donrsquot make these like they used tordquo Kavalerchik said dusting off an orange-and-white-boxed specimen from half a century ago
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Cowboy boots and orthopedic shoes make up a good deal of Kavalerchikrsquos business
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 25
1500 Sunset Boulevard Houston Texas 77005
7135356400 wwwbeckerschoolorg
Accredited by NAEYCrsquos National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Learning through play
bull Ages 15 months through 5 years bull Extended care 8am - 530pm
bull Developmentally appropriate curriculumbull Extra-curricular classes available
bull Bridge to Kindergarten class
Since 1989
Call for a tourNow accepting applications
for 2012-2013
Congregation Emanu El Becker Early Childhood Center
6401 Woodway(in Whole Foods Plaza)
7133344900
Fabulous Womenrsquos Apparel amp Accessories
4048 Bellaire Blvd(in the Whole Foods Plaza)
7136653336FrenchCuffCocom
labeled ldquoCatrsquos PawrdquoBuilt into a corner post of the main work-
bench is a glue reservoir Plugging the well is a half-dollar-sized metal cap with a rod run-ning through it sporting an applicator brush Long dribbles of glue have oozed caked and dried down the edges of the post looking like a model of a volcano from a school sci-ence fair A photographer friend of Kavalerchikrsquos comes by on occasion to shoot close-up pho-tos of the unique formations
There are industrial ma-chines at every elbow turn stitchers sanders cutters tack-ers buffers Something called an Auto Soler and another called a Heel Popper Some are more than a 100 years old Real made-in-America stuff From cities like Chicago and St Louis Art deco in shape and lines Nickel-plated enameled steel and chromed in work grime
ldquoI have one machine made in 1890 It never breaksrdquo Kavalerchik said fondly
Other equipment however has broken down over the years Kavalerchik has learned to do the repairs himself Out of necessity ldquoItrsquos
very important to learn how to fix this equip-ment Itrsquos very old and nobody knows how to fix it I have to do it myself If this part breaks you have to make a new onerdquo he said
The workshoprsquos few modern conveniences
include a small electric box fan a 26-inch TV that seems stuck on Channel 8 and the occa-sional pinup girl wall calendar One room boasts an empty bottle collection on a top shelf ldquoWe Russians drink cognac after work and vodka at homerdquo Kavalerchik explained Therersquos a row of vintage US postage stamps
affixed to a workbench shelf that dates back to the shoprsquos previous owner a man named Sam Sill
The Polish-born Sill was a Holocaust survivor who worked in a factory making
boots for German army officers Kavalerchik said
ldquoThis hammer he brought from the old country Itrsquos from Germany 1942rdquo said Kavalerchik lifting the worn tool from his workbench ldquoThis guy worked with this hammer in con-centration camprdquo He then palmed a second hammer nearby with simi-lar history Though Kavalerchik has owned the business for the past 22 years he has kept the name ldquoSamrsquos Shoe Repairrdquo
The man who gave Kavalerchik his birth into the business Kalman Witenberg also was a Polish Holocaust survivor Edith Mincberg
was a customer of Witenbergrsquos back in the day and remembers him as a friendly and lively man ldquoHe loved to carry on Yiddish conversations with my late husband Joe Mincbergrdquo Edith told the JHV Witenberg a survivor of Auschwitz among other camps according to Holocaust Museum Houston records died in 2003
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
The 1950s-era shop includes equipment thatrsquos more than 100 years old
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Foot and Ankle
Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery
Podiatry Associates of Houston
Michael A Mineo DPM FACFASDavid L Blumfield DPM FACFASKeith L Jacobson DPM FACFAS
Vito Speciale DPM
6699 Chimney Rock 102713-666-0287
18220 Tomball Pkwy 220832-912-7792
705 S Fwy 215281-579-0816
915 Gessner 380713-467-1299
Times have changed over the course of Kavalerchikrsquos career as an old-school cobbler Many of his early customers were high school graduates whose parents wanted to send their kids off to college in a pair of spiffy penny loafers ldquoThese days itrsquos a different life Kids wear sneakersrdquo Kavalerchik said
The cobbler doesnrsquot wax nostalgic however over the profession that many people including himself view as a dying art
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymorerdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoItrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you must have patience This the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
Kavalerchik has entertained the occasional apprentice but none has stuck it out The cobbler predicts that in 15 20 years time the business will be dead save for a few shops here and there
ldquoThis business is like Jewish language [Yiddish]rdquo he said ldquoBefore people speak it fluently Now itrsquos only a few old guysrdquo
The trade has been good to the man who said he stood a 50-50 chance of winding up dead if he had stayed in the Soviet Union Itrsquos given him his American dream
ldquoIf I can afford to put my children through college this was my dream to come to America This was my dream to give my children education because I did not have time in Russia to get education myselfrdquo Kavalerchik said
ldquoOld people died in these shops They worked like dogs I donrsquot do this I work eight hours a day I go to lunch I go on vacationrdquo he said ldquoHere I have easy life I have my family I have place to sleep I go on vacation twice a year Irsquom happy with my children [Michael and Fannett]rdquo Every other year Kavalerchik visits his father in Israel
Sitting in the front room of his workshop ndash the room with the bottle collection ndash is a large cardboard box full of shoes belonging to his wife Roza Kavalerchik promises hersquoll get to them soon Near the box standing upright in the corner is a clutch of fishing poles
ldquoThese here are very important toolsrdquo said Kavalerchik again with that smile ldquoSaturday at 4 I close up and take my tools straight to the boatrdquo c
Shoe-making skills saved Sillrsquos life duringthe HolocaustBY MICHAEL C DUKE
Sam Sill was the previous owner of Samrsquos Shoe Repair in Southwest Houston
When he sold the business to Alex Kavalerchik some 22 years ago he passed along his tools to the new proprietor These included a pair of hammers that helped save Sill from the Nazi death machine in Europe Kavalerchik said that Sill told him that he Sill as a concentration camp prisoner used the hammers to make boots for German army officers during the war
Houstonian Dr David Wolf ndash a podiatrist ndash is first cousin to Samrsquos wife Ruthie Wolf has preserved an original copy of Sillrsquos immigra-tion papers which state that he Sill was born
Calligraphy by Eileen
Envelope AddressingBarBat Mitzvahs
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Temple SinaiThe Reform Jewish Congregation in West Houston
A warm friendly amp vibrant community where friendship
and caring are combined with a religious faith ritual observance social interaction and education
for adults and children
Join Rabbi Annie Belford and the Temple Sinai Congregation
for Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 730 PM
13875 Brimhurst 281-495-5950Houston Tx 77077 wwwtemple-sinaiorg
TEMPLE SINAI
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
Service with a smileGoing beyond the call of duty
For all of your real estate needs
Terry CominskyRealtor Associate713-558-3331
tcominskymarthaturnercom
wwwmarthaturnercom
OyDo We Know PrintingProudly serving the Jewish Commmunity and Houston
for over 3 generations and 70 plus years
with high quality commercial printing
Simon Printing CompanyFine Lithography
10810 Craighead
Houston Texas 77025
713-666-1296
Fax 713-666-4111wwwsimonprintingcom
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Tissue PaperSelf Seal BagsCoffee BagsAutomatic Pull BowsShrink Wrap BagsClear Acetate BoxesRibbonShrink Film RollsTheme BoxesRaffi aGift BoxesGift Wrap PaperCurling RibbonOrganza bags
TulleShredded Paper FillerShipping BoxesMerchandise BagsBubble WrapShopping BagsNewsprintGift BagsKraft Rolls of PaperPoly Frosted BagsCellophane RollsHigh-Density Poly Merchandise BagsCellophane Bags
Hours of OperationMonday - Friday 900 AM to 600 PM
Saturday 1000 AM to 600 PM4404 Richmond Ave bull Houston Texas 77027Phone 713-524-5454 bull Fax 713-524-5450
wwwpalmerpkgcom
Gift Wrap ServiceRetail Packaging Supplies
HOUSTONrsquoS ONLY JEWISH OWNED
HEADSTONE amp MONUMENT COMPANY
EXCLUSI V ELY JEWISH MEMORI ALS
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ASK FOR SA NDY GA ITZ
713-984-2010A SUBSIDIARY OF 4D SIGN WORX LLC
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
Montessori integrated curriculum In a loving caring and safe atmosphere your child will learn and grow with a proven program based on excellence and experience
Registration is now open
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
((771133))666666--00225577
We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
4-Show PackageSStart aS low aS
$108
TUTSCOM 713558TUTS groups of 15+ call 7135588888
A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
May 14 - 26 2013
LERNER AND LOEWErsquoS
Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
CFPreg and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERtrade marks are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Boardrsquos initial and ongoing certification requirements Registered Representative of and offers securities products investment advisory services and financial planning services through MML Investors Services Inc member SIPC Supervisory Office 3 Greenway Plaza Suite 1700 Houston Texas 77046 713402-3800 The K Corporation is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services Inc Insurance offered through Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and other fine companies
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
2830 Hicks StHouston TX 77007
Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
NotNot valid Saturdays in June July or August or with any other offer discount special price prepaid afternoon group two-day or season tickets Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale Prices operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice ExpiExpires September 23 2012
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36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
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713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
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PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
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ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
Certified American Board of Ophthalmology
Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
wwwucntexascom
Be there when your customers need you
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and get your company or organization listed for free
COMPLETE GUIDE to
EVERYTHING JEWISH (and more)
for Greater Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast
713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
JUNI ERSE
JUNI ERSE
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
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UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
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- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
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-
16 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 17
he had a company in New Yorkrdquo Silberstein remem-bered ldquoIt was very exciting to have him here And when I think of where he is today and the influ-ence on the world of dance That was a highlightrdquo
As artistic director of Dance Month Silberstein said she believed it was extremely important first and foremost to Houstonrsquos Jewish community because audiences have been able to see on stage a number of Israeli and Yemeni dancers like Sara Levi-Tanai ldquoThe choreography of these groups reflects the Jewish culture in that it is powerful and risk taking at its corerdquo she noted ldquoItrsquos how they live their lives on the edge In general itrsquos a wonderful opportunity for Houston audiences to see Judaism in dance and how the culture and Jewish choreographers have phenomenally influenced dance all over the worldrdquo
With more than 35 years of teaching Silberstein said her goal is to continue meeting the day-to-day challenges of the programs she directs while remaining an influence in the lives of her students and and their desire to dance to meet their own goals not to be discour-aged
ldquoGrowing up in Texas City I didnrsquot have the advantages of Jewish children in Houston growing up with large congregations BBYOs or a community center I could be a part ofrdquo she explained ldquoBut I had my dance I feel like I hopefully have been an inspiration to other Jewish artists to go forward with their art form Irsquove always this thing as an artist in that I am Jewish Maybe not everything I do in dance is Jewish but I am influenced by Jewish artists and I think itrsquos important for all artists to hold on to their Jewishness to represent our culture in the various art forms
Along with her teaching Silberstein has found time to perform with numerous dance companies in her career served on cultural arts boards and has promoted dance in Houston especially dance centering on the Jewish culture Currently she serves on the board of Uptown Dance Centre the HCC-Central College World Dance Institute board and Society for the Performing Arts Education Committee
Silberstein also gives credit to her supervisor Marilyn Hassid ldquofor her support encouragement and friendship in supporting me in doing the many things we do through arts and culture and the dance program
ldquoIrsquove been very fortunaterdquo she continued ldquoBeing at the ERJCC wersquove brought in many many groups of people who may have never stepped foot in here and theyrsquore coming because of dance In the pro-cess they have been exposed to the Jewish culture Itrsquos important to me that we through the Kaplan Theatre expose our center to everyone who comes here In doing so our Jewish culture will continue to have a strong presence in the Houston community ndash through dancerdquo c
ldquoBeing able to teach children to build their confidence and esteem
to help them find joy in dance makes every effort so worthwhilerdquo
ndash Maxine Silberstein
ldquoWe are proud our family launched the Jewish Family Service Passover program providing assistance for the past 20 yearsAs others are generously stepping forwardto support this effort we took a look at our communityrsquos future needsrdquondashJeanne Mandell
ldquoAlong with the blessings of our seniors living longer comes an added responsibility to accommodate the changing needs of this community We know JFS will be there to help The Deutser Hecht Mandell Fund for Senior Adult Financial Aid seeks to fulfill the basic needs of our seniors help them maintain independence in their own homes and empower them with personal dignity in the coming decadesrdquondashPunkin Hecht
ldquoWe feel good about being a part of100 Names
Wonrsquot you join usrdquo
A simple bequest is the most common way for a family to establish a legacy gift
In partnership withJewish Family Servicersquos100th Year Celebrationand Houston JewishCommunity Foundationrsquos Create a Jewish LegacyHouston Jewish Family Foundation
rdavisjfshoustonorg 7136679336wwwjfshoustonorg100names
Benefitting Jewish Family ServiceA New Fund is Added to100 Names for 100 Years
The Deutser HechtMandell Fund
for Senior Adult Financial Aid
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
The Shlenker SchoolCongregation Beth Israel - Houston Texas
For more information or to schedule a tourcontact Gail Rovinsky Director of Admissions
713-270-6127 grovinskyshlenkerorg5600 N Braeswood Houston Texas 77096 wwwshlenkerorg
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For less than half the price of private duty care you could get
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Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Gabby Howard paints her cardCari Cowen with Celebration Company volunteer Joyce Rosen
BY MICHAEL C DUKE PHOTOS BY MATT SAMUELS
Jewish adults with special needs have found a creative outlet at Jewish Family Servicersquos Celebration Company
For the past three years Celebration Company participants have produced note-cards featuring original hand-painted artwork and handmade paper The signed artwork is mounted to the front of the cards which are blank inside and are packaged with envelopes sold either individually or in five-card sets
ldquoThe notecards are a great way for the par-ticipants to express themselves artisticallyrdquo said Nick Tofilon Celebration Companyrsquos director
The cards are available at JFS 4131 S Braeswood Blvd or at Three Brothers Bakery 4036 S Braeswood Blvd
Celebration Company provides meaning-ful employment to people with special needs who ndash with joy purpose and self-esteem ndash cre-ate products that celebrate the good in life c
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Linda Lopen makes a floral paintingMax Schaffer works on her masterpiece
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
What a Difference EmeryWeiner Made
wwwemeryweinerorg bull 8322045900
Thank you so much for a wonderful and I do really mean wonderful Emery experience Itrsquos so sad that Nicole will not be there on a daily basis anymore She told me in third grade that she wanted to attend EWS for middle and high school and it was the best decision that we ever made
- Bonnie Winograd (parent of Class of 2012 Graduate)
ldquo
rdquo
Hebrew Free Loanassociation ndashProviding interest
Free Loans to JewisH Houston area residents since 1932
Loans Available for Emergencies
Healthcare Needs Small Business Assistance
and More For more information or to apply for a loan visit our website at
wwwhflanetor call
713-667-9336 ext221
House of Dereacuteon Media Center is one of the best kept secrets in Houston The eclectic special events venue including state-of-the-art media and conference facilities is housed inside a magnifi cent art deacuteco building located in the heart of Houstonrsquos Midtown District and seated perfectly within the worldwide operations of Music World Entertainment ndash the management company of the worldrsquos 1 female recording group Destinyrsquos Child
Let us turn your next function into a social event to remember
Where your functions become social events
2204 Crawford St Houston Texas l 7137725175 l wwwhouseofdereonmediacentercom
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
reg
National Council of Jewish WomenA fAith iN the future A belief iN ACtioN
Help Houstonrsquos women children and families
JOIN NCJW GHSNational Council of Jewish Women a
nationwide organization of 90000 strong and along with the Greater Houston Sectionrsquos
800+ members takes a progressive stance towards
changing lives through advocacy campaigns and social action by helping
bull At-risk children learn to readbull To ensure reproductive freedom
bull Victims of human traffickingbull Victims of domestic violence
and sexual assaultbull Adolescent survivors of
sexual assaultbull Homeless children
bull Foster children
To learn more about NCJW GHS and how you can get involved visit ncjwhoustonorg or contact us at membershipncjwhoustonorg
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery
from AddictionBY JEANNE F SAMUELS
E stablished 12 years ago Chabad of Sugar Land is headed by Brooklyn-born Rabbi Mendel Feigenson who was brought to Houston in 1995 by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff Fulfilling Chabadrsquos mission to serve Jews throughout the Sugar Land Stafford and Missouri City area Rabbi Feigenson has added a
new facet to his work He has opened his heart and Chabadrsquos doors to a completely underserved segment of the Jewish community It is the newly formed Jewish Recovery Celebration Group which provides support for Jewish recovering alcoholics addicts and members of Alcoholics Anonymous
The truth is contrary to general belief ndash and probably community denial ndash there are Jews who are addicts And those who suffer with addiction face a constant struggle to overcome its grasp
Confronting a definite need Rabbi Feigenson facilitates and organizes social and educational events to help JRCG members merge Judaism with recovery Every other Sunday at 7 pm he integrates the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with the timeless lessons of Torah and Kabbalah The meetings are held in complete privacy when no one else is in the two-year-old Chabad facility
The need for support for Jewish addicts was posed to Rabbi Feigenson by Lynn JHV JEANNE F SAMUELS
Rabbi Mendel Feigenson
Donovan of Galveston She is the only individual in the recently organized group who chooses not to remain anonymous believing her story needs to be told
ldquoShe is an inspirationrdquo the rabbi declared ldquoMore than four months ago she called me saying she had something very important to discuss with me She told me that she has been sober for 25 years and that she has friends who are struggling with addiction The reality is that there are Jews who are drug addicts
ldquoBasically addiction is a diseaserdquo Rabbi Feigenson explained ldquoand addicts cannot help themselves They need group support and our mis-sion is to help our Jewish brethrenrdquo So the rabbi studied the Twelve Steps of AA delved into books on the subject and consulted with some psychiatrists From all this the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group was formed
Presently there are four to six people in the group and Rabbi Feigenson said that the meetings are working well ldquoItrsquos about coming from darkness and making a new liferdquo he pointed out
Credited with encouraging the genesis of JRCG Donovan recalled how she became sober in 1986 taking the train from Harrisburg Pa to Baltimore on Sundays to be part of a Twelve Step group that met in a church ldquoIt was very confusing for me having to separate church and recovery hellip There are no rules regarding religion in AA but most of my support was coming from Christian people Did I have to be Christian to recover
ldquoI had been arrested at 18rdquo she confessed ldquoand the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos com-mon belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
When Donovan moved to Texas in 1990 she continued with AA in churches Although the
West Houston Jewish Community Center had an AA meeting it was not a Jewish recovery group
ldquoI visited with the Jewish Family Service to see if they would help start a Jewish recovery group but they were not accepting of me I spoke to one or two rabbis privately but they werenrsquot receptive either so I kind of let it go for a whilerdquo She noted that perseverance is difficult ldquoThe disease of addiction is not something they know how to deal with
ldquoAs a young girl I was molested by a rabbi and when the Penn State [University] scandal broke loose I became very depressedrdquo she reflected having the need for support at that time ldquoI got on the Internet and Googled Jews in recovery where I read about a Rabbi Kessler at Chabad in Boca Raton Fla I called there and the rabbi told me about a retreat [to be held there] and was it possible I could come It took place this past February with addicts from all over including me Rabbi Abraham J Twerski was the keynote speakerrdquo
The convention inspired Donovan to seek the closest Chabad to Galveston which she found in Sugar Land She telephoned there and Rabbi Feigenson invited her to Shabbat where she had lunch with his wife Chaya After hearing Donovanrsquos story Chaya Feigenson said to her husband ldquoMendel we have to help these peoplerdquo
ldquoMost people know very little about addictionrdquo Donovan empha-sized When I first started someone took me to the rabbi who told me to go home and honor my father and my mother and be a good girlrdquo Also she added ldquoIt must be difficult to drop your children off at a church for recovery Therersquos the worry that theyrsquore brainwashing your child
ldquoThere is so much lack of knowledge especially in the Jewish com-munity If you stay with the thought that Jews donrsquot [become addicts] then people die We need to break that stereotype and lack of informa-tion Jews suffer from drug abuse obesity gambling etc like any other grouprdquo
Donovanrsquos brother a rabbi in Israel took her to AA meetings in Jerusalem where she discovered that there are even rabbis who suffer from alcoholism ldquoSome of usrdquo she pointed out ldquohave had bad experi-ences as childrenrdquo
ldquoThere is such naivetyrdquo Donovan a 58-year-old mother of three and grandmother of eight maintained ldquoRabbi Feigenson is the first in Houston who really heard me and understands the importance of helping every Jewish person It was an incredible day that I met him ldquoWe want to reach out to Jews who are confused and are appealing for help Itrsquos a very special experience to be a Jew in recovery and meet with others who are in recovery also And we can talk to parents free of charge to give them support and help Itrsquos an experience I donrsquot want others to missrdquo
For information about the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group call Rabbi Mendel Feigenson at 832-758-0685 email rabbifeigensongmailcom or visit chabadsugarlandcom c
Congregation Beth Rambam is a warm and welcoming Sephardic congregation led by our young and dynamic Rabbi Daniel Masri
We offer morning and evening services on weekdays and Shabbat There are many fascinating classes and learning opportunities both during the day and evenings offered throughout the week in English Spanish and Hebrew
Alex Pfeffer our fun and entertaining Youth Director leads multiple activities for children of various ages each Shabbat
morning and afternoon and trips throughout the year
713-723-3030 | officebethrambamorg11333 Braesridge | wwwbethrambamorg (coming soon)
C O M E J O I N O U R F A M I L Y
bullbull
22 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ldquoI had been arrested at 18 and the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos common
belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
ndash Lynn Donovan
BY MICHAEL C DUKE
W hen Alex Kavalerchik immigrated to the United States in 1979 with his young family the 30-year-old Belorussia-born Jew had no money no education and spoke no English
Nevertheless the bus-iness-minded good-with-his-hands Kavalerchik ndash a dead-ringer for actor Al Pacino during the latterrsquos Hollywood gangster film days ndash was deter-mined to carve out his own little slice of American pie
Make that cobbler for the vocation he would settle into would be the shoe-repair business
ldquoWe came to Houston and the JCC help us to move to apartment and help us for two monthsrdquo said the heavily accented Kavalerchik who picked up conversational English not from taking formal classes like some others who escaped the Soviet Union in the late rsquo70s but by listening to the language his children were learning to read and write and speak in American public schools
Kavalerchik now a Texan pulled himself up by the bootstraps and held down jobs doing maintenance and factory work Then one day in 1981 he met a Jewish man Kalman Witenberg who ran a shoe-repair
businessldquoHe told me Yoursquore going to be a shoemaker And yoursquore going to
make enough money to pay your bills Yoursquore never going to be a mil-lionaire but therersquos going to be enough money to support your familyrdquo Kavalerchik said
He obliged and in 1985 went into the shoe-repair busi-ness himself Feet first
Kavalerchik learned the ins and outs of the time-honored trade for a year and established himself at a storefront at West Bellfort Street and Chimney Rock Road Two years into the business he acquired a second
shop and split his time between the two He then opted to sell the first location and devoted his energies to the second Hersquos managed that loca-tion at 10815 S Post Oak Rd at Willowbend Boulevard since 1990 and today employs two workers
The dusty little shop enjoys a steady stream of loyal customers many from the neighborhood Blacks Jews and Latinos mostly Itrsquos a business built on reputation Kavalerchikrsquos is good Peachy in fact The front door has a little bell that tinkles
ldquoI can do all kind of jobs ndash regular jobs and orthopedic jobsrdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoI have customers who bring ladies shoes that cost
A peachy cobbler
Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American dream
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 23
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymore Itrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you
must have patience This is the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
ndash Alex Kavalerchik
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Alex Kavalerckik is proprietor of an old-school shoe-repair shop in Southwest Houston His hand tools include a hammer that the shoprsquos previous owner used in a Nazi concentration camp
24 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Supporting the needs of the
Jewish Community
CHEVRA KADISHA OF HOUSTON
Jewish Burial Society
Continuing the sacred tradition of preparing thedeceased for burial with
care and respect
(713) 776-2438
Young Israel
of Houston
7823 Ludington DriveHouston Texas 77071
713-729-0719wwwyihoustonorg
hundreds even thousands of dollars They bring cowboy boots that cost $5000-$6000 Very expensive I do it all ndash refinish resole reshape fix completely the shoesrdquo
And itrsquos not just footwear During the interview with the Jewish Herald-Voice a woman came into the shop with a designer leather bag that had a torn strap ldquoAlaska Airlinesrdquo she grumbled Kavalerchik promised to fix it like new A few minutes later a Polish-speaking doctor came in to pick up a repaired leather dog leash Kavalerchik who grew up speaking Russian with his parents and Yiddish with his grandparents was able to converse with the man in his native tongue They shared a few chuck-les The man dressed in blue-green hospital scrubs was pleased with Kavalerchikrsquos work and tipped him 100 percent on the bill Shortly there-after a slow-moving man with a walking stick and a Korean War cap came in with a belt job
Kavalerchik even does the exotic Can he fix a pair of gilded alligator-skin sneakers No problem (Hersquos done three) How about repair-ing a set of chairs made from elephant feet Um sure why not NBA stars who take advan-
tage of his services are asked to call in advance Size 17s require special order
Some of the more challenging yet reward-ing jobs are those to salvage shoes chewed up by the family dog
ldquoThis you must have a talent to fix itrsquos a tough jobrdquo said Kavalerchik holding up a black patent leather stiletto that bore scars on the heel from large canine teeth ldquoYou donrsquot make too much money on this but the cus-tomer is really happy when I make it look like new againrdquo
Tacked to the wall above the front counter of Kavalerchikrsquos shop is an 8-foot diamondback rattlesnake skin Therersquos also a black-and-white portrait of Al Pacino from ldquoScarfacerdquo While vacationing in Las
Vegas and once in Galveston the Belorussian was hounded for an autograph from fans who mis-took him for the Oscar-winning actor Retelling the stories splits Kavalerchikrsquos face into a smile
The storefront gives way to a multi-roomed workshop in back Itrsquos vintage 1950s outfitted with well-used wooden workbenches walls of racks with customersrsquo shoes and boots (each bearing a colorful toe tag) drawers and cubbyholes filled with bits and buckles and all sorts of odds and ends for leather and shoe work Wooden shoe lasts spools of heavy thread and folds of leather
and rubber adorn door frames and corners Metal taps for dance shoes hang from hooks A random assortment of loose shoe and boot heel parts are stockpiled in a divider mounted to a wall ldquoThey donrsquot make these like they used tordquo Kavalerchik said dusting off an orange-and-white-boxed specimen from half a century ago
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Cowboy boots and orthopedic shoes make up a good deal of Kavalerchikrsquos business
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 25
1500 Sunset Boulevard Houston Texas 77005
7135356400 wwwbeckerschoolorg
Accredited by NAEYCrsquos National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Learning through play
bull Ages 15 months through 5 years bull Extended care 8am - 530pm
bull Developmentally appropriate curriculumbull Extra-curricular classes available
bull Bridge to Kindergarten class
Since 1989
Call for a tourNow accepting applications
for 2012-2013
Congregation Emanu El Becker Early Childhood Center
6401 Woodway(in Whole Foods Plaza)
7133344900
Fabulous Womenrsquos Apparel amp Accessories
4048 Bellaire Blvd(in the Whole Foods Plaza)
7136653336FrenchCuffCocom
labeled ldquoCatrsquos PawrdquoBuilt into a corner post of the main work-
bench is a glue reservoir Plugging the well is a half-dollar-sized metal cap with a rod run-ning through it sporting an applicator brush Long dribbles of glue have oozed caked and dried down the edges of the post looking like a model of a volcano from a school sci-ence fair A photographer friend of Kavalerchikrsquos comes by on occasion to shoot close-up pho-tos of the unique formations
There are industrial ma-chines at every elbow turn stitchers sanders cutters tack-ers buffers Something called an Auto Soler and another called a Heel Popper Some are more than a 100 years old Real made-in-America stuff From cities like Chicago and St Louis Art deco in shape and lines Nickel-plated enameled steel and chromed in work grime
ldquoI have one machine made in 1890 It never breaksrdquo Kavalerchik said fondly
Other equipment however has broken down over the years Kavalerchik has learned to do the repairs himself Out of necessity ldquoItrsquos
very important to learn how to fix this equip-ment Itrsquos very old and nobody knows how to fix it I have to do it myself If this part breaks you have to make a new onerdquo he said
The workshoprsquos few modern conveniences
include a small electric box fan a 26-inch TV that seems stuck on Channel 8 and the occa-sional pinup girl wall calendar One room boasts an empty bottle collection on a top shelf ldquoWe Russians drink cognac after work and vodka at homerdquo Kavalerchik explained Therersquos a row of vintage US postage stamps
affixed to a workbench shelf that dates back to the shoprsquos previous owner a man named Sam Sill
The Polish-born Sill was a Holocaust survivor who worked in a factory making
boots for German army officers Kavalerchik said
ldquoThis hammer he brought from the old country Itrsquos from Germany 1942rdquo said Kavalerchik lifting the worn tool from his workbench ldquoThis guy worked with this hammer in con-centration camprdquo He then palmed a second hammer nearby with simi-lar history Though Kavalerchik has owned the business for the past 22 years he has kept the name ldquoSamrsquos Shoe Repairrdquo
The man who gave Kavalerchik his birth into the business Kalman Witenberg also was a Polish Holocaust survivor Edith Mincberg
was a customer of Witenbergrsquos back in the day and remembers him as a friendly and lively man ldquoHe loved to carry on Yiddish conversations with my late husband Joe Mincbergrdquo Edith told the JHV Witenberg a survivor of Auschwitz among other camps according to Holocaust Museum Houston records died in 2003
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
The 1950s-era shop includes equipment thatrsquos more than 100 years old
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Foot and Ankle
Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery
Podiatry Associates of Houston
Michael A Mineo DPM FACFASDavid L Blumfield DPM FACFASKeith L Jacobson DPM FACFAS
Vito Speciale DPM
6699 Chimney Rock 102713-666-0287
18220 Tomball Pkwy 220832-912-7792
705 S Fwy 215281-579-0816
915 Gessner 380713-467-1299
Times have changed over the course of Kavalerchikrsquos career as an old-school cobbler Many of his early customers were high school graduates whose parents wanted to send their kids off to college in a pair of spiffy penny loafers ldquoThese days itrsquos a different life Kids wear sneakersrdquo Kavalerchik said
The cobbler doesnrsquot wax nostalgic however over the profession that many people including himself view as a dying art
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymorerdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoItrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you must have patience This the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
Kavalerchik has entertained the occasional apprentice but none has stuck it out The cobbler predicts that in 15 20 years time the business will be dead save for a few shops here and there
ldquoThis business is like Jewish language [Yiddish]rdquo he said ldquoBefore people speak it fluently Now itrsquos only a few old guysrdquo
The trade has been good to the man who said he stood a 50-50 chance of winding up dead if he had stayed in the Soviet Union Itrsquos given him his American dream
ldquoIf I can afford to put my children through college this was my dream to come to America This was my dream to give my children education because I did not have time in Russia to get education myselfrdquo Kavalerchik said
ldquoOld people died in these shops They worked like dogs I donrsquot do this I work eight hours a day I go to lunch I go on vacationrdquo he said ldquoHere I have easy life I have my family I have place to sleep I go on vacation twice a year Irsquom happy with my children [Michael and Fannett]rdquo Every other year Kavalerchik visits his father in Israel
Sitting in the front room of his workshop ndash the room with the bottle collection ndash is a large cardboard box full of shoes belonging to his wife Roza Kavalerchik promises hersquoll get to them soon Near the box standing upright in the corner is a clutch of fishing poles
ldquoThese here are very important toolsrdquo said Kavalerchik again with that smile ldquoSaturday at 4 I close up and take my tools straight to the boatrdquo c
Shoe-making skills saved Sillrsquos life duringthe HolocaustBY MICHAEL C DUKE
Sam Sill was the previous owner of Samrsquos Shoe Repair in Southwest Houston
When he sold the business to Alex Kavalerchik some 22 years ago he passed along his tools to the new proprietor These included a pair of hammers that helped save Sill from the Nazi death machine in Europe Kavalerchik said that Sill told him that he Sill as a concentration camp prisoner used the hammers to make boots for German army officers during the war
Houstonian Dr David Wolf ndash a podiatrist ndash is first cousin to Samrsquos wife Ruthie Wolf has preserved an original copy of Sillrsquos immigra-tion papers which state that he Sill was born
Calligraphy by Eileen
Envelope AddressingBarBat Mitzvahs
Weddings Receptions
Any Occasion
We offer Stuffing bull Stamping
Type Styles Custom Colors
72 Hour Service
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Temple SinaiThe Reform Jewish Congregation in West Houston
A warm friendly amp vibrant community where friendship
and caring are combined with a religious faith ritual observance social interaction and education
for adults and children
Join Rabbi Annie Belford and the Temple Sinai Congregation
for Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 730 PM
13875 Brimhurst 281-495-5950Houston Tx 77077 wwwtemple-sinaiorg
TEMPLE SINAI
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
Service with a smileGoing beyond the call of duty
For all of your real estate needs
Terry CominskyRealtor Associate713-558-3331
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OyDo We Know PrintingProudly serving the Jewish Commmunity and Houston
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with high quality commercial printing
Simon Printing CompanyFine Lithography
10810 Craighead
Houston Texas 77025
713-666-1296
Fax 713-666-4111wwwsimonprintingcom
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Tissue PaperSelf Seal BagsCoffee BagsAutomatic Pull BowsShrink Wrap BagsClear Acetate BoxesRibbonShrink Film RollsTheme BoxesRaffi aGift BoxesGift Wrap PaperCurling RibbonOrganza bags
TulleShredded Paper FillerShipping BoxesMerchandise BagsBubble WrapShopping BagsNewsprintGift BagsKraft Rolls of PaperPoly Frosted BagsCellophane RollsHigh-Density Poly Merchandise BagsCellophane Bags
Hours of OperationMonday - Friday 900 AM to 600 PM
Saturday 1000 AM to 600 PM4404 Richmond Ave bull Houston Texas 77027Phone 713-524-5454 bull Fax 713-524-5450
wwwpalmerpkgcom
Gift Wrap ServiceRetail Packaging Supplies
HOUSTONrsquoS ONLY JEWISH OWNED
HEADSTONE amp MONUMENT COMPANY
EXCLUSI V ELY JEWISH MEMORI ALS
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ASK FOR SA NDY GA ITZ
713-984-2010A SUBSIDIARY OF 4D SIGN WORX LLC
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
Montessori integrated curriculum In a loving caring and safe atmosphere your child will learn and grow with a proven program based on excellence and experience
Registration is now open
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
((771133))666666--00225577
We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
4-Show PackageSStart aS low aS
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TUTSCOM 713558TUTS groups of 15+ call 7135588888
A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
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LERNER AND LOEWErsquoS
Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
CFPreg and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERtrade marks are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Boardrsquos initial and ongoing certification requirements Registered Representative of and offers securities products investment advisory services and financial planning services through MML Investors Services Inc member SIPC Supervisory Office 3 Greenway Plaza Suite 1700 Houston Texas 77046 713402-3800 The K Corporation is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services Inc Insurance offered through Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and other fine companies
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
2830 Hicks StHouston TX 77007
Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
NotNot valid Saturdays in June July or August or with any other offer discount special price prepaid afternoon group two-day or season tickets Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale Prices operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice ExpiExpires September 23 2012
SAVE up to $12YOUR FAMILY WILL BE
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36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
MARKETPLACE
713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
Mosk amp Mosk LLCCertified Public Accountants5959 West Loop South Suite 340
Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS
EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
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Packing bull Crating bull Freighting bull UnpackingMoving homes bull Offices
Assisted living bull Estate packing
Locally bull Nationally bull Internationally
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull Artwork bull Unusual bull Large amp Small jobs
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
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ACCOUNTANTCPA
PACKING AND SHIPPING SERVICES
ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
Certified American Board of Ophthalmology
Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
wwwucntexascom
Be there when your customers need you
Advertise in
and get your company or organization listed for free
COMPLETE GUIDE to
EVERYTHING JEWISH (and more)
for Greater Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast
713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
JUNI ERSE
JUNI ERSE
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
celebrate yourbarbat mitzvah like
a rock star
houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
phone 713-227-1392hardrockcom
UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
- VOICES covers 2
- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
The Shlenker SchoolCongregation Beth Israel - Houston Texas
For more information or to schedule a tourcontact Gail Rovinsky Director of Admissions
713-270-6127 grovinskyshlenkerorg5600 N Braeswood Houston Texas 77096 wwwshlenkerorg
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Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Gabby Howard paints her cardCari Cowen with Celebration Company volunteer Joyce Rosen
BY MICHAEL C DUKE PHOTOS BY MATT SAMUELS
Jewish adults with special needs have found a creative outlet at Jewish Family Servicersquos Celebration Company
For the past three years Celebration Company participants have produced note-cards featuring original hand-painted artwork and handmade paper The signed artwork is mounted to the front of the cards which are blank inside and are packaged with envelopes sold either individually or in five-card sets
ldquoThe notecards are a great way for the par-ticipants to express themselves artisticallyrdquo said Nick Tofilon Celebration Companyrsquos director
The cards are available at JFS 4131 S Braeswood Blvd or at Three Brothers Bakery 4036 S Braeswood Blvd
Celebration Company provides meaning-ful employment to people with special needs who ndash with joy purpose and self-esteem ndash cre-ate products that celebrate the good in life c
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Linda Lopen makes a floral paintingMax Schaffer works on her masterpiece
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
What a Difference EmeryWeiner Made
wwwemeryweinerorg bull 8322045900
Thank you so much for a wonderful and I do really mean wonderful Emery experience Itrsquos so sad that Nicole will not be there on a daily basis anymore She told me in third grade that she wanted to attend EWS for middle and high school and it was the best decision that we ever made
- Bonnie Winograd (parent of Class of 2012 Graduate)
ldquo
rdquo
Hebrew Free Loanassociation ndashProviding interest
Free Loans to JewisH Houston area residents since 1932
Loans Available for Emergencies
Healthcare Needs Small Business Assistance
and More For more information or to apply for a loan visit our website at
wwwhflanetor call
713-667-9336 ext221
House of Dereacuteon Media Center is one of the best kept secrets in Houston The eclectic special events venue including state-of-the-art media and conference facilities is housed inside a magnifi cent art deacuteco building located in the heart of Houstonrsquos Midtown District and seated perfectly within the worldwide operations of Music World Entertainment ndash the management company of the worldrsquos 1 female recording group Destinyrsquos Child
Let us turn your next function into a social event to remember
Where your functions become social events
2204 Crawford St Houston Texas l 7137725175 l wwwhouseofdereonmediacentercom
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
reg
National Council of Jewish WomenA fAith iN the future A belief iN ACtioN
Help Houstonrsquos women children and families
JOIN NCJW GHSNational Council of Jewish Women a
nationwide organization of 90000 strong and along with the Greater Houston Sectionrsquos
800+ members takes a progressive stance towards
changing lives through advocacy campaigns and social action by helping
bull At-risk children learn to readbull To ensure reproductive freedom
bull Victims of human traffickingbull Victims of domestic violence
and sexual assaultbull Adolescent survivors of
sexual assaultbull Homeless children
bull Foster children
To learn more about NCJW GHS and how you can get involved visit ncjwhoustonorg or contact us at membershipncjwhoustonorg
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery
from AddictionBY JEANNE F SAMUELS
E stablished 12 years ago Chabad of Sugar Land is headed by Brooklyn-born Rabbi Mendel Feigenson who was brought to Houston in 1995 by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff Fulfilling Chabadrsquos mission to serve Jews throughout the Sugar Land Stafford and Missouri City area Rabbi Feigenson has added a
new facet to his work He has opened his heart and Chabadrsquos doors to a completely underserved segment of the Jewish community It is the newly formed Jewish Recovery Celebration Group which provides support for Jewish recovering alcoholics addicts and members of Alcoholics Anonymous
The truth is contrary to general belief ndash and probably community denial ndash there are Jews who are addicts And those who suffer with addiction face a constant struggle to overcome its grasp
Confronting a definite need Rabbi Feigenson facilitates and organizes social and educational events to help JRCG members merge Judaism with recovery Every other Sunday at 7 pm he integrates the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with the timeless lessons of Torah and Kabbalah The meetings are held in complete privacy when no one else is in the two-year-old Chabad facility
The need for support for Jewish addicts was posed to Rabbi Feigenson by Lynn JHV JEANNE F SAMUELS
Rabbi Mendel Feigenson
Donovan of Galveston She is the only individual in the recently organized group who chooses not to remain anonymous believing her story needs to be told
ldquoShe is an inspirationrdquo the rabbi declared ldquoMore than four months ago she called me saying she had something very important to discuss with me She told me that she has been sober for 25 years and that she has friends who are struggling with addiction The reality is that there are Jews who are drug addicts
ldquoBasically addiction is a diseaserdquo Rabbi Feigenson explained ldquoand addicts cannot help themselves They need group support and our mis-sion is to help our Jewish brethrenrdquo So the rabbi studied the Twelve Steps of AA delved into books on the subject and consulted with some psychiatrists From all this the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group was formed
Presently there are four to six people in the group and Rabbi Feigenson said that the meetings are working well ldquoItrsquos about coming from darkness and making a new liferdquo he pointed out
Credited with encouraging the genesis of JRCG Donovan recalled how she became sober in 1986 taking the train from Harrisburg Pa to Baltimore on Sundays to be part of a Twelve Step group that met in a church ldquoIt was very confusing for me having to separate church and recovery hellip There are no rules regarding religion in AA but most of my support was coming from Christian people Did I have to be Christian to recover
ldquoI had been arrested at 18rdquo she confessed ldquoand the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos com-mon belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
When Donovan moved to Texas in 1990 she continued with AA in churches Although the
West Houston Jewish Community Center had an AA meeting it was not a Jewish recovery group
ldquoI visited with the Jewish Family Service to see if they would help start a Jewish recovery group but they were not accepting of me I spoke to one or two rabbis privately but they werenrsquot receptive either so I kind of let it go for a whilerdquo She noted that perseverance is difficult ldquoThe disease of addiction is not something they know how to deal with
ldquoAs a young girl I was molested by a rabbi and when the Penn State [University] scandal broke loose I became very depressedrdquo she reflected having the need for support at that time ldquoI got on the Internet and Googled Jews in recovery where I read about a Rabbi Kessler at Chabad in Boca Raton Fla I called there and the rabbi told me about a retreat [to be held there] and was it possible I could come It took place this past February with addicts from all over including me Rabbi Abraham J Twerski was the keynote speakerrdquo
The convention inspired Donovan to seek the closest Chabad to Galveston which she found in Sugar Land She telephoned there and Rabbi Feigenson invited her to Shabbat where she had lunch with his wife Chaya After hearing Donovanrsquos story Chaya Feigenson said to her husband ldquoMendel we have to help these peoplerdquo
ldquoMost people know very little about addictionrdquo Donovan empha-sized When I first started someone took me to the rabbi who told me to go home and honor my father and my mother and be a good girlrdquo Also she added ldquoIt must be difficult to drop your children off at a church for recovery Therersquos the worry that theyrsquore brainwashing your child
ldquoThere is so much lack of knowledge especially in the Jewish com-munity If you stay with the thought that Jews donrsquot [become addicts] then people die We need to break that stereotype and lack of informa-tion Jews suffer from drug abuse obesity gambling etc like any other grouprdquo
Donovanrsquos brother a rabbi in Israel took her to AA meetings in Jerusalem where she discovered that there are even rabbis who suffer from alcoholism ldquoSome of usrdquo she pointed out ldquohave had bad experi-ences as childrenrdquo
ldquoThere is such naivetyrdquo Donovan a 58-year-old mother of three and grandmother of eight maintained ldquoRabbi Feigenson is the first in Houston who really heard me and understands the importance of helping every Jewish person It was an incredible day that I met him ldquoWe want to reach out to Jews who are confused and are appealing for help Itrsquos a very special experience to be a Jew in recovery and meet with others who are in recovery also And we can talk to parents free of charge to give them support and help Itrsquos an experience I donrsquot want others to missrdquo
For information about the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group call Rabbi Mendel Feigenson at 832-758-0685 email rabbifeigensongmailcom or visit chabadsugarlandcom c
Congregation Beth Rambam is a warm and welcoming Sephardic congregation led by our young and dynamic Rabbi Daniel Masri
We offer morning and evening services on weekdays and Shabbat There are many fascinating classes and learning opportunities both during the day and evenings offered throughout the week in English Spanish and Hebrew
Alex Pfeffer our fun and entertaining Youth Director leads multiple activities for children of various ages each Shabbat
morning and afternoon and trips throughout the year
713-723-3030 | officebethrambamorg11333 Braesridge | wwwbethrambamorg (coming soon)
C O M E J O I N O U R F A M I L Y
bullbull
22 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ldquoI had been arrested at 18 and the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos common
belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
ndash Lynn Donovan
BY MICHAEL C DUKE
W hen Alex Kavalerchik immigrated to the United States in 1979 with his young family the 30-year-old Belorussia-born Jew had no money no education and spoke no English
Nevertheless the bus-iness-minded good-with-his-hands Kavalerchik ndash a dead-ringer for actor Al Pacino during the latterrsquos Hollywood gangster film days ndash was deter-mined to carve out his own little slice of American pie
Make that cobbler for the vocation he would settle into would be the shoe-repair business
ldquoWe came to Houston and the JCC help us to move to apartment and help us for two monthsrdquo said the heavily accented Kavalerchik who picked up conversational English not from taking formal classes like some others who escaped the Soviet Union in the late rsquo70s but by listening to the language his children were learning to read and write and speak in American public schools
Kavalerchik now a Texan pulled himself up by the bootstraps and held down jobs doing maintenance and factory work Then one day in 1981 he met a Jewish man Kalman Witenberg who ran a shoe-repair
businessldquoHe told me Yoursquore going to be a shoemaker And yoursquore going to
make enough money to pay your bills Yoursquore never going to be a mil-lionaire but therersquos going to be enough money to support your familyrdquo Kavalerchik said
He obliged and in 1985 went into the shoe-repair busi-ness himself Feet first
Kavalerchik learned the ins and outs of the time-honored trade for a year and established himself at a storefront at West Bellfort Street and Chimney Rock Road Two years into the business he acquired a second
shop and split his time between the two He then opted to sell the first location and devoted his energies to the second Hersquos managed that loca-tion at 10815 S Post Oak Rd at Willowbend Boulevard since 1990 and today employs two workers
The dusty little shop enjoys a steady stream of loyal customers many from the neighborhood Blacks Jews and Latinos mostly Itrsquos a business built on reputation Kavalerchikrsquos is good Peachy in fact The front door has a little bell that tinkles
ldquoI can do all kind of jobs ndash regular jobs and orthopedic jobsrdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoI have customers who bring ladies shoes that cost
A peachy cobbler
Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American dream
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 23
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymore Itrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you
must have patience This is the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
ndash Alex Kavalerchik
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Alex Kavalerckik is proprietor of an old-school shoe-repair shop in Southwest Houston His hand tools include a hammer that the shoprsquos previous owner used in a Nazi concentration camp
24 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Supporting the needs of the
Jewish Community
CHEVRA KADISHA OF HOUSTON
Jewish Burial Society
Continuing the sacred tradition of preparing thedeceased for burial with
care and respect
(713) 776-2438
Young Israel
of Houston
7823 Ludington DriveHouston Texas 77071
713-729-0719wwwyihoustonorg
hundreds even thousands of dollars They bring cowboy boots that cost $5000-$6000 Very expensive I do it all ndash refinish resole reshape fix completely the shoesrdquo
And itrsquos not just footwear During the interview with the Jewish Herald-Voice a woman came into the shop with a designer leather bag that had a torn strap ldquoAlaska Airlinesrdquo she grumbled Kavalerchik promised to fix it like new A few minutes later a Polish-speaking doctor came in to pick up a repaired leather dog leash Kavalerchik who grew up speaking Russian with his parents and Yiddish with his grandparents was able to converse with the man in his native tongue They shared a few chuck-les The man dressed in blue-green hospital scrubs was pleased with Kavalerchikrsquos work and tipped him 100 percent on the bill Shortly there-after a slow-moving man with a walking stick and a Korean War cap came in with a belt job
Kavalerchik even does the exotic Can he fix a pair of gilded alligator-skin sneakers No problem (Hersquos done three) How about repair-ing a set of chairs made from elephant feet Um sure why not NBA stars who take advan-
tage of his services are asked to call in advance Size 17s require special order
Some of the more challenging yet reward-ing jobs are those to salvage shoes chewed up by the family dog
ldquoThis you must have a talent to fix itrsquos a tough jobrdquo said Kavalerchik holding up a black patent leather stiletto that bore scars on the heel from large canine teeth ldquoYou donrsquot make too much money on this but the cus-tomer is really happy when I make it look like new againrdquo
Tacked to the wall above the front counter of Kavalerchikrsquos shop is an 8-foot diamondback rattlesnake skin Therersquos also a black-and-white portrait of Al Pacino from ldquoScarfacerdquo While vacationing in Las
Vegas and once in Galveston the Belorussian was hounded for an autograph from fans who mis-took him for the Oscar-winning actor Retelling the stories splits Kavalerchikrsquos face into a smile
The storefront gives way to a multi-roomed workshop in back Itrsquos vintage 1950s outfitted with well-used wooden workbenches walls of racks with customersrsquo shoes and boots (each bearing a colorful toe tag) drawers and cubbyholes filled with bits and buckles and all sorts of odds and ends for leather and shoe work Wooden shoe lasts spools of heavy thread and folds of leather
and rubber adorn door frames and corners Metal taps for dance shoes hang from hooks A random assortment of loose shoe and boot heel parts are stockpiled in a divider mounted to a wall ldquoThey donrsquot make these like they used tordquo Kavalerchik said dusting off an orange-and-white-boxed specimen from half a century ago
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Cowboy boots and orthopedic shoes make up a good deal of Kavalerchikrsquos business
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 25
1500 Sunset Boulevard Houston Texas 77005
7135356400 wwwbeckerschoolorg
Accredited by NAEYCrsquos National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Learning through play
bull Ages 15 months through 5 years bull Extended care 8am - 530pm
bull Developmentally appropriate curriculumbull Extra-curricular classes available
bull Bridge to Kindergarten class
Since 1989
Call for a tourNow accepting applications
for 2012-2013
Congregation Emanu El Becker Early Childhood Center
6401 Woodway(in Whole Foods Plaza)
7133344900
Fabulous Womenrsquos Apparel amp Accessories
4048 Bellaire Blvd(in the Whole Foods Plaza)
7136653336FrenchCuffCocom
labeled ldquoCatrsquos PawrdquoBuilt into a corner post of the main work-
bench is a glue reservoir Plugging the well is a half-dollar-sized metal cap with a rod run-ning through it sporting an applicator brush Long dribbles of glue have oozed caked and dried down the edges of the post looking like a model of a volcano from a school sci-ence fair A photographer friend of Kavalerchikrsquos comes by on occasion to shoot close-up pho-tos of the unique formations
There are industrial ma-chines at every elbow turn stitchers sanders cutters tack-ers buffers Something called an Auto Soler and another called a Heel Popper Some are more than a 100 years old Real made-in-America stuff From cities like Chicago and St Louis Art deco in shape and lines Nickel-plated enameled steel and chromed in work grime
ldquoI have one machine made in 1890 It never breaksrdquo Kavalerchik said fondly
Other equipment however has broken down over the years Kavalerchik has learned to do the repairs himself Out of necessity ldquoItrsquos
very important to learn how to fix this equip-ment Itrsquos very old and nobody knows how to fix it I have to do it myself If this part breaks you have to make a new onerdquo he said
The workshoprsquos few modern conveniences
include a small electric box fan a 26-inch TV that seems stuck on Channel 8 and the occa-sional pinup girl wall calendar One room boasts an empty bottle collection on a top shelf ldquoWe Russians drink cognac after work and vodka at homerdquo Kavalerchik explained Therersquos a row of vintage US postage stamps
affixed to a workbench shelf that dates back to the shoprsquos previous owner a man named Sam Sill
The Polish-born Sill was a Holocaust survivor who worked in a factory making
boots for German army officers Kavalerchik said
ldquoThis hammer he brought from the old country Itrsquos from Germany 1942rdquo said Kavalerchik lifting the worn tool from his workbench ldquoThis guy worked with this hammer in con-centration camprdquo He then palmed a second hammer nearby with simi-lar history Though Kavalerchik has owned the business for the past 22 years he has kept the name ldquoSamrsquos Shoe Repairrdquo
The man who gave Kavalerchik his birth into the business Kalman Witenberg also was a Polish Holocaust survivor Edith Mincberg
was a customer of Witenbergrsquos back in the day and remembers him as a friendly and lively man ldquoHe loved to carry on Yiddish conversations with my late husband Joe Mincbergrdquo Edith told the JHV Witenberg a survivor of Auschwitz among other camps according to Holocaust Museum Houston records died in 2003
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
The 1950s-era shop includes equipment thatrsquos more than 100 years old
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Foot and Ankle
Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery
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Times have changed over the course of Kavalerchikrsquos career as an old-school cobbler Many of his early customers were high school graduates whose parents wanted to send their kids off to college in a pair of spiffy penny loafers ldquoThese days itrsquos a different life Kids wear sneakersrdquo Kavalerchik said
The cobbler doesnrsquot wax nostalgic however over the profession that many people including himself view as a dying art
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymorerdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoItrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you must have patience This the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
Kavalerchik has entertained the occasional apprentice but none has stuck it out The cobbler predicts that in 15 20 years time the business will be dead save for a few shops here and there
ldquoThis business is like Jewish language [Yiddish]rdquo he said ldquoBefore people speak it fluently Now itrsquos only a few old guysrdquo
The trade has been good to the man who said he stood a 50-50 chance of winding up dead if he had stayed in the Soviet Union Itrsquos given him his American dream
ldquoIf I can afford to put my children through college this was my dream to come to America This was my dream to give my children education because I did not have time in Russia to get education myselfrdquo Kavalerchik said
ldquoOld people died in these shops They worked like dogs I donrsquot do this I work eight hours a day I go to lunch I go on vacationrdquo he said ldquoHere I have easy life I have my family I have place to sleep I go on vacation twice a year Irsquom happy with my children [Michael and Fannett]rdquo Every other year Kavalerchik visits his father in Israel
Sitting in the front room of his workshop ndash the room with the bottle collection ndash is a large cardboard box full of shoes belonging to his wife Roza Kavalerchik promises hersquoll get to them soon Near the box standing upright in the corner is a clutch of fishing poles
ldquoThese here are very important toolsrdquo said Kavalerchik again with that smile ldquoSaturday at 4 I close up and take my tools straight to the boatrdquo c
Shoe-making skills saved Sillrsquos life duringthe HolocaustBY MICHAEL C DUKE
Sam Sill was the previous owner of Samrsquos Shoe Repair in Southwest Houston
When he sold the business to Alex Kavalerchik some 22 years ago he passed along his tools to the new proprietor These included a pair of hammers that helped save Sill from the Nazi death machine in Europe Kavalerchik said that Sill told him that he Sill as a concentration camp prisoner used the hammers to make boots for German army officers during the war
Houstonian Dr David Wolf ndash a podiatrist ndash is first cousin to Samrsquos wife Ruthie Wolf has preserved an original copy of Sillrsquos immigra-tion papers which state that he Sill was born
Calligraphy by Eileen
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Temple SinaiThe Reform Jewish Congregation in West Houston
A warm friendly amp vibrant community where friendship
and caring are combined with a religious faith ritual observance social interaction and education
for adults and children
Join Rabbi Annie Belford and the Temple Sinai Congregation
for Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 730 PM
13875 Brimhurst 281-495-5950Houston Tx 77077 wwwtemple-sinaiorg
TEMPLE SINAI
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
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Terry CominskyRealtor Associate713-558-3331
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with high quality commercial printing
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713-666-1296
Fax 713-666-4111wwwsimonprintingcom
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For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
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For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
((771133))666666--00225577
We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
4-Show PackageSStart aS low aS
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TUTSCOM 713558TUTS groups of 15+ call 7135588888
A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
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LERNER AND LOEWErsquoS
Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
CFPreg and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERtrade marks are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Boardrsquos initial and ongoing certification requirements Registered Representative of and offers securities products investment advisory services and financial planning services through MML Investors Services Inc member SIPC Supervisory Office 3 Greenway Plaza Suite 1700 Houston Texas 77046 713402-3800 The K Corporation is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services Inc Insurance offered through Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and other fine companies
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
2830 Hicks StHouston TX 77007
Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
NotNot valid Saturdays in June July or August or with any other offer discount special price prepaid afternoon group two-day or season tickets Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale Prices operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice ExpiExpires September 23 2012
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MARKETPLACE
713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
Mosk amp Mosk LLCCertified Public Accountants5959 West Loop South Suite 340
Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS
EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
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Packing bull Crating bull Freighting bull UnpackingMoving homes bull Offices
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Locally bull Nationally bull Internationally
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull Artwork bull Unusual bull Large amp Small jobs
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
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713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
ACCOUNTANTCPA
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ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
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Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
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713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
JUNI ERSE
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36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
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Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
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houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
phone 713-227-1392hardrockcom
UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
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- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
18 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 19
Artistic Cards Come From Beautiful Minds
Linda Lopen makes a floral paintingMax Schaffer works on her masterpiece
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
What a Difference EmeryWeiner Made
wwwemeryweinerorg bull 8322045900
Thank you so much for a wonderful and I do really mean wonderful Emery experience Itrsquos so sad that Nicole will not be there on a daily basis anymore She told me in third grade that she wanted to attend EWS for middle and high school and it was the best decision that we ever made
- Bonnie Winograd (parent of Class of 2012 Graduate)
ldquo
rdquo
Hebrew Free Loanassociation ndashProviding interest
Free Loans to JewisH Houston area residents since 1932
Loans Available for Emergencies
Healthcare Needs Small Business Assistance
and More For more information or to apply for a loan visit our website at
wwwhflanetor call
713-667-9336 ext221
House of Dereacuteon Media Center is one of the best kept secrets in Houston The eclectic special events venue including state-of-the-art media and conference facilities is housed inside a magnifi cent art deacuteco building located in the heart of Houstonrsquos Midtown District and seated perfectly within the worldwide operations of Music World Entertainment ndash the management company of the worldrsquos 1 female recording group Destinyrsquos Child
Let us turn your next function into a social event to remember
Where your functions become social events
2204 Crawford St Houston Texas l 7137725175 l wwwhouseofdereonmediacentercom
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
reg
National Council of Jewish WomenA fAith iN the future A belief iN ACtioN
Help Houstonrsquos women children and families
JOIN NCJW GHSNational Council of Jewish Women a
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800+ members takes a progressive stance towards
changing lives through advocacy campaigns and social action by helping
bull At-risk children learn to readbull To ensure reproductive freedom
bull Victims of human traffickingbull Victims of domestic violence
and sexual assaultbull Adolescent survivors of
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bull Foster children
To learn more about NCJW GHS and how you can get involved visit ncjwhoustonorg or contact us at membershipncjwhoustonorg
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery
from AddictionBY JEANNE F SAMUELS
E stablished 12 years ago Chabad of Sugar Land is headed by Brooklyn-born Rabbi Mendel Feigenson who was brought to Houston in 1995 by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff Fulfilling Chabadrsquos mission to serve Jews throughout the Sugar Land Stafford and Missouri City area Rabbi Feigenson has added a
new facet to his work He has opened his heart and Chabadrsquos doors to a completely underserved segment of the Jewish community It is the newly formed Jewish Recovery Celebration Group which provides support for Jewish recovering alcoholics addicts and members of Alcoholics Anonymous
The truth is contrary to general belief ndash and probably community denial ndash there are Jews who are addicts And those who suffer with addiction face a constant struggle to overcome its grasp
Confronting a definite need Rabbi Feigenson facilitates and organizes social and educational events to help JRCG members merge Judaism with recovery Every other Sunday at 7 pm he integrates the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with the timeless lessons of Torah and Kabbalah The meetings are held in complete privacy when no one else is in the two-year-old Chabad facility
The need for support for Jewish addicts was posed to Rabbi Feigenson by Lynn JHV JEANNE F SAMUELS
Rabbi Mendel Feigenson
Donovan of Galveston She is the only individual in the recently organized group who chooses not to remain anonymous believing her story needs to be told
ldquoShe is an inspirationrdquo the rabbi declared ldquoMore than four months ago she called me saying she had something very important to discuss with me She told me that she has been sober for 25 years and that she has friends who are struggling with addiction The reality is that there are Jews who are drug addicts
ldquoBasically addiction is a diseaserdquo Rabbi Feigenson explained ldquoand addicts cannot help themselves They need group support and our mis-sion is to help our Jewish brethrenrdquo So the rabbi studied the Twelve Steps of AA delved into books on the subject and consulted with some psychiatrists From all this the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group was formed
Presently there are four to six people in the group and Rabbi Feigenson said that the meetings are working well ldquoItrsquos about coming from darkness and making a new liferdquo he pointed out
Credited with encouraging the genesis of JRCG Donovan recalled how she became sober in 1986 taking the train from Harrisburg Pa to Baltimore on Sundays to be part of a Twelve Step group that met in a church ldquoIt was very confusing for me having to separate church and recovery hellip There are no rules regarding religion in AA but most of my support was coming from Christian people Did I have to be Christian to recover
ldquoI had been arrested at 18rdquo she confessed ldquoand the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos com-mon belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
When Donovan moved to Texas in 1990 she continued with AA in churches Although the
West Houston Jewish Community Center had an AA meeting it was not a Jewish recovery group
ldquoI visited with the Jewish Family Service to see if they would help start a Jewish recovery group but they were not accepting of me I spoke to one or two rabbis privately but they werenrsquot receptive either so I kind of let it go for a whilerdquo She noted that perseverance is difficult ldquoThe disease of addiction is not something they know how to deal with
ldquoAs a young girl I was molested by a rabbi and when the Penn State [University] scandal broke loose I became very depressedrdquo she reflected having the need for support at that time ldquoI got on the Internet and Googled Jews in recovery where I read about a Rabbi Kessler at Chabad in Boca Raton Fla I called there and the rabbi told me about a retreat [to be held there] and was it possible I could come It took place this past February with addicts from all over including me Rabbi Abraham J Twerski was the keynote speakerrdquo
The convention inspired Donovan to seek the closest Chabad to Galveston which she found in Sugar Land She telephoned there and Rabbi Feigenson invited her to Shabbat where she had lunch with his wife Chaya After hearing Donovanrsquos story Chaya Feigenson said to her husband ldquoMendel we have to help these peoplerdquo
ldquoMost people know very little about addictionrdquo Donovan empha-sized When I first started someone took me to the rabbi who told me to go home and honor my father and my mother and be a good girlrdquo Also she added ldquoIt must be difficult to drop your children off at a church for recovery Therersquos the worry that theyrsquore brainwashing your child
ldquoThere is so much lack of knowledge especially in the Jewish com-munity If you stay with the thought that Jews donrsquot [become addicts] then people die We need to break that stereotype and lack of informa-tion Jews suffer from drug abuse obesity gambling etc like any other grouprdquo
Donovanrsquos brother a rabbi in Israel took her to AA meetings in Jerusalem where she discovered that there are even rabbis who suffer from alcoholism ldquoSome of usrdquo she pointed out ldquohave had bad experi-ences as childrenrdquo
ldquoThere is such naivetyrdquo Donovan a 58-year-old mother of three and grandmother of eight maintained ldquoRabbi Feigenson is the first in Houston who really heard me and understands the importance of helping every Jewish person It was an incredible day that I met him ldquoWe want to reach out to Jews who are confused and are appealing for help Itrsquos a very special experience to be a Jew in recovery and meet with others who are in recovery also And we can talk to parents free of charge to give them support and help Itrsquos an experience I donrsquot want others to missrdquo
For information about the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group call Rabbi Mendel Feigenson at 832-758-0685 email rabbifeigensongmailcom or visit chabadsugarlandcom c
Congregation Beth Rambam is a warm and welcoming Sephardic congregation led by our young and dynamic Rabbi Daniel Masri
We offer morning and evening services on weekdays and Shabbat There are many fascinating classes and learning opportunities both during the day and evenings offered throughout the week in English Spanish and Hebrew
Alex Pfeffer our fun and entertaining Youth Director leads multiple activities for children of various ages each Shabbat
morning and afternoon and trips throughout the year
713-723-3030 | officebethrambamorg11333 Braesridge | wwwbethrambamorg (coming soon)
C O M E J O I N O U R F A M I L Y
bullbull
22 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ldquoI had been arrested at 18 and the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos common
belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
ndash Lynn Donovan
BY MICHAEL C DUKE
W hen Alex Kavalerchik immigrated to the United States in 1979 with his young family the 30-year-old Belorussia-born Jew had no money no education and spoke no English
Nevertheless the bus-iness-minded good-with-his-hands Kavalerchik ndash a dead-ringer for actor Al Pacino during the latterrsquos Hollywood gangster film days ndash was deter-mined to carve out his own little slice of American pie
Make that cobbler for the vocation he would settle into would be the shoe-repair business
ldquoWe came to Houston and the JCC help us to move to apartment and help us for two monthsrdquo said the heavily accented Kavalerchik who picked up conversational English not from taking formal classes like some others who escaped the Soviet Union in the late rsquo70s but by listening to the language his children were learning to read and write and speak in American public schools
Kavalerchik now a Texan pulled himself up by the bootstraps and held down jobs doing maintenance and factory work Then one day in 1981 he met a Jewish man Kalman Witenberg who ran a shoe-repair
businessldquoHe told me Yoursquore going to be a shoemaker And yoursquore going to
make enough money to pay your bills Yoursquore never going to be a mil-lionaire but therersquos going to be enough money to support your familyrdquo Kavalerchik said
He obliged and in 1985 went into the shoe-repair busi-ness himself Feet first
Kavalerchik learned the ins and outs of the time-honored trade for a year and established himself at a storefront at West Bellfort Street and Chimney Rock Road Two years into the business he acquired a second
shop and split his time between the two He then opted to sell the first location and devoted his energies to the second Hersquos managed that loca-tion at 10815 S Post Oak Rd at Willowbend Boulevard since 1990 and today employs two workers
The dusty little shop enjoys a steady stream of loyal customers many from the neighborhood Blacks Jews and Latinos mostly Itrsquos a business built on reputation Kavalerchikrsquos is good Peachy in fact The front door has a little bell that tinkles
ldquoI can do all kind of jobs ndash regular jobs and orthopedic jobsrdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoI have customers who bring ladies shoes that cost
A peachy cobbler
Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American dream
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 23
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymore Itrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you
must have patience This is the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
ndash Alex Kavalerchik
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Alex Kavalerckik is proprietor of an old-school shoe-repair shop in Southwest Houston His hand tools include a hammer that the shoprsquos previous owner used in a Nazi concentration camp
24 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Supporting the needs of the
Jewish Community
CHEVRA KADISHA OF HOUSTON
Jewish Burial Society
Continuing the sacred tradition of preparing thedeceased for burial with
care and respect
(713) 776-2438
Young Israel
of Houston
7823 Ludington DriveHouston Texas 77071
713-729-0719wwwyihoustonorg
hundreds even thousands of dollars They bring cowboy boots that cost $5000-$6000 Very expensive I do it all ndash refinish resole reshape fix completely the shoesrdquo
And itrsquos not just footwear During the interview with the Jewish Herald-Voice a woman came into the shop with a designer leather bag that had a torn strap ldquoAlaska Airlinesrdquo she grumbled Kavalerchik promised to fix it like new A few minutes later a Polish-speaking doctor came in to pick up a repaired leather dog leash Kavalerchik who grew up speaking Russian with his parents and Yiddish with his grandparents was able to converse with the man in his native tongue They shared a few chuck-les The man dressed in blue-green hospital scrubs was pleased with Kavalerchikrsquos work and tipped him 100 percent on the bill Shortly there-after a slow-moving man with a walking stick and a Korean War cap came in with a belt job
Kavalerchik even does the exotic Can he fix a pair of gilded alligator-skin sneakers No problem (Hersquos done three) How about repair-ing a set of chairs made from elephant feet Um sure why not NBA stars who take advan-
tage of his services are asked to call in advance Size 17s require special order
Some of the more challenging yet reward-ing jobs are those to salvage shoes chewed up by the family dog
ldquoThis you must have a talent to fix itrsquos a tough jobrdquo said Kavalerchik holding up a black patent leather stiletto that bore scars on the heel from large canine teeth ldquoYou donrsquot make too much money on this but the cus-tomer is really happy when I make it look like new againrdquo
Tacked to the wall above the front counter of Kavalerchikrsquos shop is an 8-foot diamondback rattlesnake skin Therersquos also a black-and-white portrait of Al Pacino from ldquoScarfacerdquo While vacationing in Las
Vegas and once in Galveston the Belorussian was hounded for an autograph from fans who mis-took him for the Oscar-winning actor Retelling the stories splits Kavalerchikrsquos face into a smile
The storefront gives way to a multi-roomed workshop in back Itrsquos vintage 1950s outfitted with well-used wooden workbenches walls of racks with customersrsquo shoes and boots (each bearing a colorful toe tag) drawers and cubbyholes filled with bits and buckles and all sorts of odds and ends for leather and shoe work Wooden shoe lasts spools of heavy thread and folds of leather
and rubber adorn door frames and corners Metal taps for dance shoes hang from hooks A random assortment of loose shoe and boot heel parts are stockpiled in a divider mounted to a wall ldquoThey donrsquot make these like they used tordquo Kavalerchik said dusting off an orange-and-white-boxed specimen from half a century ago
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Cowboy boots and orthopedic shoes make up a good deal of Kavalerchikrsquos business
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 25
1500 Sunset Boulevard Houston Texas 77005
7135356400 wwwbeckerschoolorg
Accredited by NAEYCrsquos National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Learning through play
bull Ages 15 months through 5 years bull Extended care 8am - 530pm
bull Developmentally appropriate curriculumbull Extra-curricular classes available
bull Bridge to Kindergarten class
Since 1989
Call for a tourNow accepting applications
for 2012-2013
Congregation Emanu El Becker Early Childhood Center
6401 Woodway(in Whole Foods Plaza)
7133344900
Fabulous Womenrsquos Apparel amp Accessories
4048 Bellaire Blvd(in the Whole Foods Plaza)
7136653336FrenchCuffCocom
labeled ldquoCatrsquos PawrdquoBuilt into a corner post of the main work-
bench is a glue reservoir Plugging the well is a half-dollar-sized metal cap with a rod run-ning through it sporting an applicator brush Long dribbles of glue have oozed caked and dried down the edges of the post looking like a model of a volcano from a school sci-ence fair A photographer friend of Kavalerchikrsquos comes by on occasion to shoot close-up pho-tos of the unique formations
There are industrial ma-chines at every elbow turn stitchers sanders cutters tack-ers buffers Something called an Auto Soler and another called a Heel Popper Some are more than a 100 years old Real made-in-America stuff From cities like Chicago and St Louis Art deco in shape and lines Nickel-plated enameled steel and chromed in work grime
ldquoI have one machine made in 1890 It never breaksrdquo Kavalerchik said fondly
Other equipment however has broken down over the years Kavalerchik has learned to do the repairs himself Out of necessity ldquoItrsquos
very important to learn how to fix this equip-ment Itrsquos very old and nobody knows how to fix it I have to do it myself If this part breaks you have to make a new onerdquo he said
The workshoprsquos few modern conveniences
include a small electric box fan a 26-inch TV that seems stuck on Channel 8 and the occa-sional pinup girl wall calendar One room boasts an empty bottle collection on a top shelf ldquoWe Russians drink cognac after work and vodka at homerdquo Kavalerchik explained Therersquos a row of vintage US postage stamps
affixed to a workbench shelf that dates back to the shoprsquos previous owner a man named Sam Sill
The Polish-born Sill was a Holocaust survivor who worked in a factory making
boots for German army officers Kavalerchik said
ldquoThis hammer he brought from the old country Itrsquos from Germany 1942rdquo said Kavalerchik lifting the worn tool from his workbench ldquoThis guy worked with this hammer in con-centration camprdquo He then palmed a second hammer nearby with simi-lar history Though Kavalerchik has owned the business for the past 22 years he has kept the name ldquoSamrsquos Shoe Repairrdquo
The man who gave Kavalerchik his birth into the business Kalman Witenberg also was a Polish Holocaust survivor Edith Mincberg
was a customer of Witenbergrsquos back in the day and remembers him as a friendly and lively man ldquoHe loved to carry on Yiddish conversations with my late husband Joe Mincbergrdquo Edith told the JHV Witenberg a survivor of Auschwitz among other camps according to Holocaust Museum Houston records died in 2003
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
The 1950s-era shop includes equipment thatrsquos more than 100 years old
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Foot and Ankle
Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery
Podiatry Associates of Houston
Michael A Mineo DPM FACFASDavid L Blumfield DPM FACFASKeith L Jacobson DPM FACFAS
Vito Speciale DPM
6699 Chimney Rock 102713-666-0287
18220 Tomball Pkwy 220832-912-7792
705 S Fwy 215281-579-0816
915 Gessner 380713-467-1299
Times have changed over the course of Kavalerchikrsquos career as an old-school cobbler Many of his early customers were high school graduates whose parents wanted to send their kids off to college in a pair of spiffy penny loafers ldquoThese days itrsquos a different life Kids wear sneakersrdquo Kavalerchik said
The cobbler doesnrsquot wax nostalgic however over the profession that many people including himself view as a dying art
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymorerdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoItrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you must have patience This the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
Kavalerchik has entertained the occasional apprentice but none has stuck it out The cobbler predicts that in 15 20 years time the business will be dead save for a few shops here and there
ldquoThis business is like Jewish language [Yiddish]rdquo he said ldquoBefore people speak it fluently Now itrsquos only a few old guysrdquo
The trade has been good to the man who said he stood a 50-50 chance of winding up dead if he had stayed in the Soviet Union Itrsquos given him his American dream
ldquoIf I can afford to put my children through college this was my dream to come to America This was my dream to give my children education because I did not have time in Russia to get education myselfrdquo Kavalerchik said
ldquoOld people died in these shops They worked like dogs I donrsquot do this I work eight hours a day I go to lunch I go on vacationrdquo he said ldquoHere I have easy life I have my family I have place to sleep I go on vacation twice a year Irsquom happy with my children [Michael and Fannett]rdquo Every other year Kavalerchik visits his father in Israel
Sitting in the front room of his workshop ndash the room with the bottle collection ndash is a large cardboard box full of shoes belonging to his wife Roza Kavalerchik promises hersquoll get to them soon Near the box standing upright in the corner is a clutch of fishing poles
ldquoThese here are very important toolsrdquo said Kavalerchik again with that smile ldquoSaturday at 4 I close up and take my tools straight to the boatrdquo c
Shoe-making skills saved Sillrsquos life duringthe HolocaustBY MICHAEL C DUKE
Sam Sill was the previous owner of Samrsquos Shoe Repair in Southwest Houston
When he sold the business to Alex Kavalerchik some 22 years ago he passed along his tools to the new proprietor These included a pair of hammers that helped save Sill from the Nazi death machine in Europe Kavalerchik said that Sill told him that he Sill as a concentration camp prisoner used the hammers to make boots for German army officers during the war
Houstonian Dr David Wolf ndash a podiatrist ndash is first cousin to Samrsquos wife Ruthie Wolf has preserved an original copy of Sillrsquos immigra-tion papers which state that he Sill was born
Calligraphy by Eileen
Envelope AddressingBarBat Mitzvahs
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Temple SinaiThe Reform Jewish Congregation in West Houston
A warm friendly amp vibrant community where friendship
and caring are combined with a religious faith ritual observance social interaction and education
for adults and children
Join Rabbi Annie Belford and the Temple Sinai Congregation
for Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 730 PM
13875 Brimhurst 281-495-5950Houston Tx 77077 wwwtemple-sinaiorg
TEMPLE SINAI
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
Service with a smileGoing beyond the call of duty
For all of your real estate needs
Terry CominskyRealtor Associate713-558-3331
tcominskymarthaturnercom
wwwmarthaturnercom
OyDo We Know PrintingProudly serving the Jewish Commmunity and Houston
for over 3 generations and 70 plus years
with high quality commercial printing
Simon Printing CompanyFine Lithography
10810 Craighead
Houston Texas 77025
713-666-1296
Fax 713-666-4111wwwsimonprintingcom
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Tissue PaperSelf Seal BagsCoffee BagsAutomatic Pull BowsShrink Wrap BagsClear Acetate BoxesRibbonShrink Film RollsTheme BoxesRaffi aGift BoxesGift Wrap PaperCurling RibbonOrganza bags
TulleShredded Paper FillerShipping BoxesMerchandise BagsBubble WrapShopping BagsNewsprintGift BagsKraft Rolls of PaperPoly Frosted BagsCellophane RollsHigh-Density Poly Merchandise BagsCellophane Bags
Hours of OperationMonday - Friday 900 AM to 600 PM
Saturday 1000 AM to 600 PM4404 Richmond Ave bull Houston Texas 77027Phone 713-524-5454 bull Fax 713-524-5450
wwwpalmerpkgcom
Gift Wrap ServiceRetail Packaging Supplies
HOUSTONrsquoS ONLY JEWISH OWNED
HEADSTONE amp MONUMENT COMPANY
EXCLUSI V ELY JEWISH MEMORI ALS
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ASK FOR SA NDY GA ITZ
713-984-2010A SUBSIDIARY OF 4D SIGN WORX LLC
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
Montessori integrated curriculum In a loving caring and safe atmosphere your child will learn and grow with a proven program based on excellence and experience
Registration is now open
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
((771133))666666--00225577
We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
4-Show PackageSStart aS low aS
$108
TUTSCOM 713558TUTS groups of 15+ call 7135588888
A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
May 14 - 26 2013
LERNER AND LOEWErsquoS
Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
CFPreg and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERtrade marks are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Boardrsquos initial and ongoing certification requirements Registered Representative of and offers securities products investment advisory services and financial planning services through MML Investors Services Inc member SIPC Supervisory Office 3 Greenway Plaza Suite 1700 Houston Texas 77046 713402-3800 The K Corporation is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services Inc Insurance offered through Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and other fine companies
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
2830 Hicks StHouston TX 77007
Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
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36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
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713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
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Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
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Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
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36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
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BRIDE
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GREEN
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WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
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104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
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Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
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2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
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UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
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-
20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
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wwwemeryweinerorg bull 8322045900
Thank you so much for a wonderful and I do really mean wonderful Emery experience Itrsquos so sad that Nicole will not be there on a daily basis anymore She told me in third grade that she wanted to attend EWS for middle and high school and it was the best decision that we ever made
- Bonnie Winograd (parent of Class of 2012 Graduate)
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Hebrew Free Loanassociation ndashProviding interest
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Loans Available for Emergencies
Healthcare Needs Small Business Assistance
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Where your functions become social events
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20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
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National Council of Jewish WomenA fAith iN the future A belief iN ACtioN
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JOIN NCJW GHSNational Council of Jewish Women a
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Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery
from AddictionBY JEANNE F SAMUELS
E stablished 12 years ago Chabad of Sugar Land is headed by Brooklyn-born Rabbi Mendel Feigenson who was brought to Houston in 1995 by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff Fulfilling Chabadrsquos mission to serve Jews throughout the Sugar Land Stafford and Missouri City area Rabbi Feigenson has added a
new facet to his work He has opened his heart and Chabadrsquos doors to a completely underserved segment of the Jewish community It is the newly formed Jewish Recovery Celebration Group which provides support for Jewish recovering alcoholics addicts and members of Alcoholics Anonymous
The truth is contrary to general belief ndash and probably community denial ndash there are Jews who are addicts And those who suffer with addiction face a constant struggle to overcome its grasp
Confronting a definite need Rabbi Feigenson facilitates and organizes social and educational events to help JRCG members merge Judaism with recovery Every other Sunday at 7 pm he integrates the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with the timeless lessons of Torah and Kabbalah The meetings are held in complete privacy when no one else is in the two-year-old Chabad facility
The need for support for Jewish addicts was posed to Rabbi Feigenson by Lynn JHV JEANNE F SAMUELS
Rabbi Mendel Feigenson
Donovan of Galveston She is the only individual in the recently organized group who chooses not to remain anonymous believing her story needs to be told
ldquoShe is an inspirationrdquo the rabbi declared ldquoMore than four months ago she called me saying she had something very important to discuss with me She told me that she has been sober for 25 years and that she has friends who are struggling with addiction The reality is that there are Jews who are drug addicts
ldquoBasically addiction is a diseaserdquo Rabbi Feigenson explained ldquoand addicts cannot help themselves They need group support and our mis-sion is to help our Jewish brethrenrdquo So the rabbi studied the Twelve Steps of AA delved into books on the subject and consulted with some psychiatrists From all this the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group was formed
Presently there are four to six people in the group and Rabbi Feigenson said that the meetings are working well ldquoItrsquos about coming from darkness and making a new liferdquo he pointed out
Credited with encouraging the genesis of JRCG Donovan recalled how she became sober in 1986 taking the train from Harrisburg Pa to Baltimore on Sundays to be part of a Twelve Step group that met in a church ldquoIt was very confusing for me having to separate church and recovery hellip There are no rules regarding religion in AA but most of my support was coming from Christian people Did I have to be Christian to recover
ldquoI had been arrested at 18rdquo she confessed ldquoand the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos com-mon belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
When Donovan moved to Texas in 1990 she continued with AA in churches Although the
West Houston Jewish Community Center had an AA meeting it was not a Jewish recovery group
ldquoI visited with the Jewish Family Service to see if they would help start a Jewish recovery group but they were not accepting of me I spoke to one or two rabbis privately but they werenrsquot receptive either so I kind of let it go for a whilerdquo She noted that perseverance is difficult ldquoThe disease of addiction is not something they know how to deal with
ldquoAs a young girl I was molested by a rabbi and when the Penn State [University] scandal broke loose I became very depressedrdquo she reflected having the need for support at that time ldquoI got on the Internet and Googled Jews in recovery where I read about a Rabbi Kessler at Chabad in Boca Raton Fla I called there and the rabbi told me about a retreat [to be held there] and was it possible I could come It took place this past February with addicts from all over including me Rabbi Abraham J Twerski was the keynote speakerrdquo
The convention inspired Donovan to seek the closest Chabad to Galveston which she found in Sugar Land She telephoned there and Rabbi Feigenson invited her to Shabbat where she had lunch with his wife Chaya After hearing Donovanrsquos story Chaya Feigenson said to her husband ldquoMendel we have to help these peoplerdquo
ldquoMost people know very little about addictionrdquo Donovan empha-sized When I first started someone took me to the rabbi who told me to go home and honor my father and my mother and be a good girlrdquo Also she added ldquoIt must be difficult to drop your children off at a church for recovery Therersquos the worry that theyrsquore brainwashing your child
ldquoThere is so much lack of knowledge especially in the Jewish com-munity If you stay with the thought that Jews donrsquot [become addicts] then people die We need to break that stereotype and lack of informa-tion Jews suffer from drug abuse obesity gambling etc like any other grouprdquo
Donovanrsquos brother a rabbi in Israel took her to AA meetings in Jerusalem where she discovered that there are even rabbis who suffer from alcoholism ldquoSome of usrdquo she pointed out ldquohave had bad experi-ences as childrenrdquo
ldquoThere is such naivetyrdquo Donovan a 58-year-old mother of three and grandmother of eight maintained ldquoRabbi Feigenson is the first in Houston who really heard me and understands the importance of helping every Jewish person It was an incredible day that I met him ldquoWe want to reach out to Jews who are confused and are appealing for help Itrsquos a very special experience to be a Jew in recovery and meet with others who are in recovery also And we can talk to parents free of charge to give them support and help Itrsquos an experience I donrsquot want others to missrdquo
For information about the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group call Rabbi Mendel Feigenson at 832-758-0685 email rabbifeigensongmailcom or visit chabadsugarlandcom c
Congregation Beth Rambam is a warm and welcoming Sephardic congregation led by our young and dynamic Rabbi Daniel Masri
We offer morning and evening services on weekdays and Shabbat There are many fascinating classes and learning opportunities both during the day and evenings offered throughout the week in English Spanish and Hebrew
Alex Pfeffer our fun and entertaining Youth Director leads multiple activities for children of various ages each Shabbat
morning and afternoon and trips throughout the year
713-723-3030 | officebethrambamorg11333 Braesridge | wwwbethrambamorg (coming soon)
C O M E J O I N O U R F A M I L Y
bullbull
22 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ldquoI had been arrested at 18 and the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos common
belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
ndash Lynn Donovan
BY MICHAEL C DUKE
W hen Alex Kavalerchik immigrated to the United States in 1979 with his young family the 30-year-old Belorussia-born Jew had no money no education and spoke no English
Nevertheless the bus-iness-minded good-with-his-hands Kavalerchik ndash a dead-ringer for actor Al Pacino during the latterrsquos Hollywood gangster film days ndash was deter-mined to carve out his own little slice of American pie
Make that cobbler for the vocation he would settle into would be the shoe-repair business
ldquoWe came to Houston and the JCC help us to move to apartment and help us for two monthsrdquo said the heavily accented Kavalerchik who picked up conversational English not from taking formal classes like some others who escaped the Soviet Union in the late rsquo70s but by listening to the language his children were learning to read and write and speak in American public schools
Kavalerchik now a Texan pulled himself up by the bootstraps and held down jobs doing maintenance and factory work Then one day in 1981 he met a Jewish man Kalman Witenberg who ran a shoe-repair
businessldquoHe told me Yoursquore going to be a shoemaker And yoursquore going to
make enough money to pay your bills Yoursquore never going to be a mil-lionaire but therersquos going to be enough money to support your familyrdquo Kavalerchik said
He obliged and in 1985 went into the shoe-repair busi-ness himself Feet first
Kavalerchik learned the ins and outs of the time-honored trade for a year and established himself at a storefront at West Bellfort Street and Chimney Rock Road Two years into the business he acquired a second
shop and split his time between the two He then opted to sell the first location and devoted his energies to the second Hersquos managed that loca-tion at 10815 S Post Oak Rd at Willowbend Boulevard since 1990 and today employs two workers
The dusty little shop enjoys a steady stream of loyal customers many from the neighborhood Blacks Jews and Latinos mostly Itrsquos a business built on reputation Kavalerchikrsquos is good Peachy in fact The front door has a little bell that tinkles
ldquoI can do all kind of jobs ndash regular jobs and orthopedic jobsrdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoI have customers who bring ladies shoes that cost
A peachy cobbler
Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American dream
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 23
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymore Itrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you
must have patience This is the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
ndash Alex Kavalerchik
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Alex Kavalerckik is proprietor of an old-school shoe-repair shop in Southwest Houston His hand tools include a hammer that the shoprsquos previous owner used in a Nazi concentration camp
24 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Supporting the needs of the
Jewish Community
CHEVRA KADISHA OF HOUSTON
Jewish Burial Society
Continuing the sacred tradition of preparing thedeceased for burial with
care and respect
(713) 776-2438
Young Israel
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7823 Ludington DriveHouston Texas 77071
713-729-0719wwwyihoustonorg
hundreds even thousands of dollars They bring cowboy boots that cost $5000-$6000 Very expensive I do it all ndash refinish resole reshape fix completely the shoesrdquo
And itrsquos not just footwear During the interview with the Jewish Herald-Voice a woman came into the shop with a designer leather bag that had a torn strap ldquoAlaska Airlinesrdquo she grumbled Kavalerchik promised to fix it like new A few minutes later a Polish-speaking doctor came in to pick up a repaired leather dog leash Kavalerchik who grew up speaking Russian with his parents and Yiddish with his grandparents was able to converse with the man in his native tongue They shared a few chuck-les The man dressed in blue-green hospital scrubs was pleased with Kavalerchikrsquos work and tipped him 100 percent on the bill Shortly there-after a slow-moving man with a walking stick and a Korean War cap came in with a belt job
Kavalerchik even does the exotic Can he fix a pair of gilded alligator-skin sneakers No problem (Hersquos done three) How about repair-ing a set of chairs made from elephant feet Um sure why not NBA stars who take advan-
tage of his services are asked to call in advance Size 17s require special order
Some of the more challenging yet reward-ing jobs are those to salvage shoes chewed up by the family dog
ldquoThis you must have a talent to fix itrsquos a tough jobrdquo said Kavalerchik holding up a black patent leather stiletto that bore scars on the heel from large canine teeth ldquoYou donrsquot make too much money on this but the cus-tomer is really happy when I make it look like new againrdquo
Tacked to the wall above the front counter of Kavalerchikrsquos shop is an 8-foot diamondback rattlesnake skin Therersquos also a black-and-white portrait of Al Pacino from ldquoScarfacerdquo While vacationing in Las
Vegas and once in Galveston the Belorussian was hounded for an autograph from fans who mis-took him for the Oscar-winning actor Retelling the stories splits Kavalerchikrsquos face into a smile
The storefront gives way to a multi-roomed workshop in back Itrsquos vintage 1950s outfitted with well-used wooden workbenches walls of racks with customersrsquo shoes and boots (each bearing a colorful toe tag) drawers and cubbyholes filled with bits and buckles and all sorts of odds and ends for leather and shoe work Wooden shoe lasts spools of heavy thread and folds of leather
and rubber adorn door frames and corners Metal taps for dance shoes hang from hooks A random assortment of loose shoe and boot heel parts are stockpiled in a divider mounted to a wall ldquoThey donrsquot make these like they used tordquo Kavalerchik said dusting off an orange-and-white-boxed specimen from half a century ago
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Cowboy boots and orthopedic shoes make up a good deal of Kavalerchikrsquos business
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 25
1500 Sunset Boulevard Houston Texas 77005
7135356400 wwwbeckerschoolorg
Accredited by NAEYCrsquos National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Learning through play
bull Ages 15 months through 5 years bull Extended care 8am - 530pm
bull Developmentally appropriate curriculumbull Extra-curricular classes available
bull Bridge to Kindergarten class
Since 1989
Call for a tourNow accepting applications
for 2012-2013
Congregation Emanu El Becker Early Childhood Center
6401 Woodway(in Whole Foods Plaza)
7133344900
Fabulous Womenrsquos Apparel amp Accessories
4048 Bellaire Blvd(in the Whole Foods Plaza)
7136653336FrenchCuffCocom
labeled ldquoCatrsquos PawrdquoBuilt into a corner post of the main work-
bench is a glue reservoir Plugging the well is a half-dollar-sized metal cap with a rod run-ning through it sporting an applicator brush Long dribbles of glue have oozed caked and dried down the edges of the post looking like a model of a volcano from a school sci-ence fair A photographer friend of Kavalerchikrsquos comes by on occasion to shoot close-up pho-tos of the unique formations
There are industrial ma-chines at every elbow turn stitchers sanders cutters tack-ers buffers Something called an Auto Soler and another called a Heel Popper Some are more than a 100 years old Real made-in-America stuff From cities like Chicago and St Louis Art deco in shape and lines Nickel-plated enameled steel and chromed in work grime
ldquoI have one machine made in 1890 It never breaksrdquo Kavalerchik said fondly
Other equipment however has broken down over the years Kavalerchik has learned to do the repairs himself Out of necessity ldquoItrsquos
very important to learn how to fix this equip-ment Itrsquos very old and nobody knows how to fix it I have to do it myself If this part breaks you have to make a new onerdquo he said
The workshoprsquos few modern conveniences
include a small electric box fan a 26-inch TV that seems stuck on Channel 8 and the occa-sional pinup girl wall calendar One room boasts an empty bottle collection on a top shelf ldquoWe Russians drink cognac after work and vodka at homerdquo Kavalerchik explained Therersquos a row of vintage US postage stamps
affixed to a workbench shelf that dates back to the shoprsquos previous owner a man named Sam Sill
The Polish-born Sill was a Holocaust survivor who worked in a factory making
boots for German army officers Kavalerchik said
ldquoThis hammer he brought from the old country Itrsquos from Germany 1942rdquo said Kavalerchik lifting the worn tool from his workbench ldquoThis guy worked with this hammer in con-centration camprdquo He then palmed a second hammer nearby with simi-lar history Though Kavalerchik has owned the business for the past 22 years he has kept the name ldquoSamrsquos Shoe Repairrdquo
The man who gave Kavalerchik his birth into the business Kalman Witenberg also was a Polish Holocaust survivor Edith Mincberg
was a customer of Witenbergrsquos back in the day and remembers him as a friendly and lively man ldquoHe loved to carry on Yiddish conversations with my late husband Joe Mincbergrdquo Edith told the JHV Witenberg a survivor of Auschwitz among other camps according to Holocaust Museum Houston records died in 2003
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
The 1950s-era shop includes equipment thatrsquos more than 100 years old
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Foot and Ankle
Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery
Podiatry Associates of Houston
Michael A Mineo DPM FACFASDavid L Blumfield DPM FACFASKeith L Jacobson DPM FACFAS
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18220 Tomball Pkwy 220832-912-7792
705 S Fwy 215281-579-0816
915 Gessner 380713-467-1299
Times have changed over the course of Kavalerchikrsquos career as an old-school cobbler Many of his early customers were high school graduates whose parents wanted to send their kids off to college in a pair of spiffy penny loafers ldquoThese days itrsquos a different life Kids wear sneakersrdquo Kavalerchik said
The cobbler doesnrsquot wax nostalgic however over the profession that many people including himself view as a dying art
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymorerdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoItrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you must have patience This the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
Kavalerchik has entertained the occasional apprentice but none has stuck it out The cobbler predicts that in 15 20 years time the business will be dead save for a few shops here and there
ldquoThis business is like Jewish language [Yiddish]rdquo he said ldquoBefore people speak it fluently Now itrsquos only a few old guysrdquo
The trade has been good to the man who said he stood a 50-50 chance of winding up dead if he had stayed in the Soviet Union Itrsquos given him his American dream
ldquoIf I can afford to put my children through college this was my dream to come to America This was my dream to give my children education because I did not have time in Russia to get education myselfrdquo Kavalerchik said
ldquoOld people died in these shops They worked like dogs I donrsquot do this I work eight hours a day I go to lunch I go on vacationrdquo he said ldquoHere I have easy life I have my family I have place to sleep I go on vacation twice a year Irsquom happy with my children [Michael and Fannett]rdquo Every other year Kavalerchik visits his father in Israel
Sitting in the front room of his workshop ndash the room with the bottle collection ndash is a large cardboard box full of shoes belonging to his wife Roza Kavalerchik promises hersquoll get to them soon Near the box standing upright in the corner is a clutch of fishing poles
ldquoThese here are very important toolsrdquo said Kavalerchik again with that smile ldquoSaturday at 4 I close up and take my tools straight to the boatrdquo c
Shoe-making skills saved Sillrsquos life duringthe HolocaustBY MICHAEL C DUKE
Sam Sill was the previous owner of Samrsquos Shoe Repair in Southwest Houston
When he sold the business to Alex Kavalerchik some 22 years ago he passed along his tools to the new proprietor These included a pair of hammers that helped save Sill from the Nazi death machine in Europe Kavalerchik said that Sill told him that he Sill as a concentration camp prisoner used the hammers to make boots for German army officers during the war
Houstonian Dr David Wolf ndash a podiatrist ndash is first cousin to Samrsquos wife Ruthie Wolf has preserved an original copy of Sillrsquos immigra-tion papers which state that he Sill was born
Calligraphy by Eileen
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Temple SinaiThe Reform Jewish Congregation in West Houston
A warm friendly amp vibrant community where friendship
and caring are combined with a religious faith ritual observance social interaction and education
for adults and children
Join Rabbi Annie Belford and the Temple Sinai Congregation
for Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 730 PM
13875 Brimhurst 281-495-5950Houston Tx 77077 wwwtemple-sinaiorg
TEMPLE SINAI
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
Service with a smileGoing beyond the call of duty
For all of your real estate needs
Terry CominskyRealtor Associate713-558-3331
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OyDo We Know PrintingProudly serving the Jewish Commmunity and Houston
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with high quality commercial printing
Simon Printing CompanyFine Lithography
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713-666-1296
Fax 713-666-4111wwwsimonprintingcom
28 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
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wwwpalmerpkgcom
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For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
Montessori integrated curriculum In a loving caring and safe atmosphere your child will learn and grow with a proven program based on excellence and experience
Registration is now open
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
((771133))666666--00225577
We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
4-Show PackageSStart aS low aS
$108
TUTSCOM 713558TUTS groups of 15+ call 7135588888
A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
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LERNER AND LOEWErsquoS
Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
CFPreg and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERtrade marks are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Boardrsquos initial and ongoing certification requirements Registered Representative of and offers securities products investment advisory services and financial planning services through MML Investors Services Inc member SIPC Supervisory Office 3 Greenway Plaza Suite 1700 Houston Texas 77046 713402-3800 The K Corporation is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services Inc Insurance offered through Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and other fine companies
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
2830 Hicks StHouston TX 77007
Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
NotNot valid Saturdays in June July or August or with any other offer discount special price prepaid afternoon group two-day or season tickets Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale Prices operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice ExpiExpires September 23 2012
SAVE up to $12YOUR FAMILY WILL BE
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36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
MARKETPLACE
713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
Mosk amp Mosk LLCCertified Public Accountants5959 West Loop South Suite 340
Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS
EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
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Packing bull Crating bull Freighting bull UnpackingMoving homes bull Offices
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Locally bull Nationally bull Internationally
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull Artwork bull Unusual bull Large amp Small jobs
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
We Keep Houston MovingPacking
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713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
ACCOUNTANTCPA
PACKING AND SHIPPING SERVICES
ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
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Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
wwwucntexascom
Be there when your customers need you
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713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
JUNI ERSE
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36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
celebrate yourbarbat mitzvah like
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houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
phone 713-227-1392hardrockcom
UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
- VOICES covers 2
- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
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20 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 21
reg
National Council of Jewish WomenA fAith iN the future A belief iN ACtioN
Help Houstonrsquos women children and families
JOIN NCJW GHSNational Council of Jewish Women a
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800+ members takes a progressive stance towards
changing lives through advocacy campaigns and social action by helping
bull At-risk children learn to readbull To ensure reproductive freedom
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To learn more about NCJW GHS and how you can get involved visit ncjwhoustonorg or contact us at membershipncjwhoustonorg
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery
from AddictionBY JEANNE F SAMUELS
E stablished 12 years ago Chabad of Sugar Land is headed by Brooklyn-born Rabbi Mendel Feigenson who was brought to Houston in 1995 by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff Fulfilling Chabadrsquos mission to serve Jews throughout the Sugar Land Stafford and Missouri City area Rabbi Feigenson has added a
new facet to his work He has opened his heart and Chabadrsquos doors to a completely underserved segment of the Jewish community It is the newly formed Jewish Recovery Celebration Group which provides support for Jewish recovering alcoholics addicts and members of Alcoholics Anonymous
The truth is contrary to general belief ndash and probably community denial ndash there are Jews who are addicts And those who suffer with addiction face a constant struggle to overcome its grasp
Confronting a definite need Rabbi Feigenson facilitates and organizes social and educational events to help JRCG members merge Judaism with recovery Every other Sunday at 7 pm he integrates the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with the timeless lessons of Torah and Kabbalah The meetings are held in complete privacy when no one else is in the two-year-old Chabad facility
The need for support for Jewish addicts was posed to Rabbi Feigenson by Lynn JHV JEANNE F SAMUELS
Rabbi Mendel Feigenson
Donovan of Galveston She is the only individual in the recently organized group who chooses not to remain anonymous believing her story needs to be told
ldquoShe is an inspirationrdquo the rabbi declared ldquoMore than four months ago she called me saying she had something very important to discuss with me She told me that she has been sober for 25 years and that she has friends who are struggling with addiction The reality is that there are Jews who are drug addicts
ldquoBasically addiction is a diseaserdquo Rabbi Feigenson explained ldquoand addicts cannot help themselves They need group support and our mis-sion is to help our Jewish brethrenrdquo So the rabbi studied the Twelve Steps of AA delved into books on the subject and consulted with some psychiatrists From all this the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group was formed
Presently there are four to six people in the group and Rabbi Feigenson said that the meetings are working well ldquoItrsquos about coming from darkness and making a new liferdquo he pointed out
Credited with encouraging the genesis of JRCG Donovan recalled how she became sober in 1986 taking the train from Harrisburg Pa to Baltimore on Sundays to be part of a Twelve Step group that met in a church ldquoIt was very confusing for me having to separate church and recovery hellip There are no rules regarding religion in AA but most of my support was coming from Christian people Did I have to be Christian to recover
ldquoI had been arrested at 18rdquo she confessed ldquoand the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos com-mon belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
When Donovan moved to Texas in 1990 she continued with AA in churches Although the
West Houston Jewish Community Center had an AA meeting it was not a Jewish recovery group
ldquoI visited with the Jewish Family Service to see if they would help start a Jewish recovery group but they were not accepting of me I spoke to one or two rabbis privately but they werenrsquot receptive either so I kind of let it go for a whilerdquo She noted that perseverance is difficult ldquoThe disease of addiction is not something they know how to deal with
ldquoAs a young girl I was molested by a rabbi and when the Penn State [University] scandal broke loose I became very depressedrdquo she reflected having the need for support at that time ldquoI got on the Internet and Googled Jews in recovery where I read about a Rabbi Kessler at Chabad in Boca Raton Fla I called there and the rabbi told me about a retreat [to be held there] and was it possible I could come It took place this past February with addicts from all over including me Rabbi Abraham J Twerski was the keynote speakerrdquo
The convention inspired Donovan to seek the closest Chabad to Galveston which she found in Sugar Land She telephoned there and Rabbi Feigenson invited her to Shabbat where she had lunch with his wife Chaya After hearing Donovanrsquos story Chaya Feigenson said to her husband ldquoMendel we have to help these peoplerdquo
ldquoMost people know very little about addictionrdquo Donovan empha-sized When I first started someone took me to the rabbi who told me to go home and honor my father and my mother and be a good girlrdquo Also she added ldquoIt must be difficult to drop your children off at a church for recovery Therersquos the worry that theyrsquore brainwashing your child
ldquoThere is so much lack of knowledge especially in the Jewish com-munity If you stay with the thought that Jews donrsquot [become addicts] then people die We need to break that stereotype and lack of informa-tion Jews suffer from drug abuse obesity gambling etc like any other grouprdquo
Donovanrsquos brother a rabbi in Israel took her to AA meetings in Jerusalem where she discovered that there are even rabbis who suffer from alcoholism ldquoSome of usrdquo she pointed out ldquohave had bad experi-ences as childrenrdquo
ldquoThere is such naivetyrdquo Donovan a 58-year-old mother of three and grandmother of eight maintained ldquoRabbi Feigenson is the first in Houston who really heard me and understands the importance of helping every Jewish person It was an incredible day that I met him ldquoWe want to reach out to Jews who are confused and are appealing for help Itrsquos a very special experience to be a Jew in recovery and meet with others who are in recovery also And we can talk to parents free of charge to give them support and help Itrsquos an experience I donrsquot want others to missrdquo
For information about the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group call Rabbi Mendel Feigenson at 832-758-0685 email rabbifeigensongmailcom or visit chabadsugarlandcom c
Congregation Beth Rambam is a warm and welcoming Sephardic congregation led by our young and dynamic Rabbi Daniel Masri
We offer morning and evening services on weekdays and Shabbat There are many fascinating classes and learning opportunities both during the day and evenings offered throughout the week in English Spanish and Hebrew
Alex Pfeffer our fun and entertaining Youth Director leads multiple activities for children of various ages each Shabbat
morning and afternoon and trips throughout the year
713-723-3030 | officebethrambamorg11333 Braesridge | wwwbethrambamorg (coming soon)
C O M E J O I N O U R F A M I L Y
bullbull
22 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ldquoI had been arrested at 18 and the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos common
belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
ndash Lynn Donovan
BY MICHAEL C DUKE
W hen Alex Kavalerchik immigrated to the United States in 1979 with his young family the 30-year-old Belorussia-born Jew had no money no education and spoke no English
Nevertheless the bus-iness-minded good-with-his-hands Kavalerchik ndash a dead-ringer for actor Al Pacino during the latterrsquos Hollywood gangster film days ndash was deter-mined to carve out his own little slice of American pie
Make that cobbler for the vocation he would settle into would be the shoe-repair business
ldquoWe came to Houston and the JCC help us to move to apartment and help us for two monthsrdquo said the heavily accented Kavalerchik who picked up conversational English not from taking formal classes like some others who escaped the Soviet Union in the late rsquo70s but by listening to the language his children were learning to read and write and speak in American public schools
Kavalerchik now a Texan pulled himself up by the bootstraps and held down jobs doing maintenance and factory work Then one day in 1981 he met a Jewish man Kalman Witenberg who ran a shoe-repair
businessldquoHe told me Yoursquore going to be a shoemaker And yoursquore going to
make enough money to pay your bills Yoursquore never going to be a mil-lionaire but therersquos going to be enough money to support your familyrdquo Kavalerchik said
He obliged and in 1985 went into the shoe-repair busi-ness himself Feet first
Kavalerchik learned the ins and outs of the time-honored trade for a year and established himself at a storefront at West Bellfort Street and Chimney Rock Road Two years into the business he acquired a second
shop and split his time between the two He then opted to sell the first location and devoted his energies to the second Hersquos managed that loca-tion at 10815 S Post Oak Rd at Willowbend Boulevard since 1990 and today employs two workers
The dusty little shop enjoys a steady stream of loyal customers many from the neighborhood Blacks Jews and Latinos mostly Itrsquos a business built on reputation Kavalerchikrsquos is good Peachy in fact The front door has a little bell that tinkles
ldquoI can do all kind of jobs ndash regular jobs and orthopedic jobsrdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoI have customers who bring ladies shoes that cost
A peachy cobbler
Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American dream
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 23
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymore Itrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you
must have patience This is the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
ndash Alex Kavalerchik
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Alex Kavalerckik is proprietor of an old-school shoe-repair shop in Southwest Houston His hand tools include a hammer that the shoprsquos previous owner used in a Nazi concentration camp
24 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Supporting the needs of the
Jewish Community
CHEVRA KADISHA OF HOUSTON
Jewish Burial Society
Continuing the sacred tradition of preparing thedeceased for burial with
care and respect
(713) 776-2438
Young Israel
of Houston
7823 Ludington DriveHouston Texas 77071
713-729-0719wwwyihoustonorg
hundreds even thousands of dollars They bring cowboy boots that cost $5000-$6000 Very expensive I do it all ndash refinish resole reshape fix completely the shoesrdquo
And itrsquos not just footwear During the interview with the Jewish Herald-Voice a woman came into the shop with a designer leather bag that had a torn strap ldquoAlaska Airlinesrdquo she grumbled Kavalerchik promised to fix it like new A few minutes later a Polish-speaking doctor came in to pick up a repaired leather dog leash Kavalerchik who grew up speaking Russian with his parents and Yiddish with his grandparents was able to converse with the man in his native tongue They shared a few chuck-les The man dressed in blue-green hospital scrubs was pleased with Kavalerchikrsquos work and tipped him 100 percent on the bill Shortly there-after a slow-moving man with a walking stick and a Korean War cap came in with a belt job
Kavalerchik even does the exotic Can he fix a pair of gilded alligator-skin sneakers No problem (Hersquos done three) How about repair-ing a set of chairs made from elephant feet Um sure why not NBA stars who take advan-
tage of his services are asked to call in advance Size 17s require special order
Some of the more challenging yet reward-ing jobs are those to salvage shoes chewed up by the family dog
ldquoThis you must have a talent to fix itrsquos a tough jobrdquo said Kavalerchik holding up a black patent leather stiletto that bore scars on the heel from large canine teeth ldquoYou donrsquot make too much money on this but the cus-tomer is really happy when I make it look like new againrdquo
Tacked to the wall above the front counter of Kavalerchikrsquos shop is an 8-foot diamondback rattlesnake skin Therersquos also a black-and-white portrait of Al Pacino from ldquoScarfacerdquo While vacationing in Las
Vegas and once in Galveston the Belorussian was hounded for an autograph from fans who mis-took him for the Oscar-winning actor Retelling the stories splits Kavalerchikrsquos face into a smile
The storefront gives way to a multi-roomed workshop in back Itrsquos vintage 1950s outfitted with well-used wooden workbenches walls of racks with customersrsquo shoes and boots (each bearing a colorful toe tag) drawers and cubbyholes filled with bits and buckles and all sorts of odds and ends for leather and shoe work Wooden shoe lasts spools of heavy thread and folds of leather
and rubber adorn door frames and corners Metal taps for dance shoes hang from hooks A random assortment of loose shoe and boot heel parts are stockpiled in a divider mounted to a wall ldquoThey donrsquot make these like they used tordquo Kavalerchik said dusting off an orange-and-white-boxed specimen from half a century ago
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Cowboy boots and orthopedic shoes make up a good deal of Kavalerchikrsquos business
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 25
1500 Sunset Boulevard Houston Texas 77005
7135356400 wwwbeckerschoolorg
Accredited by NAEYCrsquos National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Learning through play
bull Ages 15 months through 5 years bull Extended care 8am - 530pm
bull Developmentally appropriate curriculumbull Extra-curricular classes available
bull Bridge to Kindergarten class
Since 1989
Call for a tourNow accepting applications
for 2012-2013
Congregation Emanu El Becker Early Childhood Center
6401 Woodway(in Whole Foods Plaza)
7133344900
Fabulous Womenrsquos Apparel amp Accessories
4048 Bellaire Blvd(in the Whole Foods Plaza)
7136653336FrenchCuffCocom
labeled ldquoCatrsquos PawrdquoBuilt into a corner post of the main work-
bench is a glue reservoir Plugging the well is a half-dollar-sized metal cap with a rod run-ning through it sporting an applicator brush Long dribbles of glue have oozed caked and dried down the edges of the post looking like a model of a volcano from a school sci-ence fair A photographer friend of Kavalerchikrsquos comes by on occasion to shoot close-up pho-tos of the unique formations
There are industrial ma-chines at every elbow turn stitchers sanders cutters tack-ers buffers Something called an Auto Soler and another called a Heel Popper Some are more than a 100 years old Real made-in-America stuff From cities like Chicago and St Louis Art deco in shape and lines Nickel-plated enameled steel and chromed in work grime
ldquoI have one machine made in 1890 It never breaksrdquo Kavalerchik said fondly
Other equipment however has broken down over the years Kavalerchik has learned to do the repairs himself Out of necessity ldquoItrsquos
very important to learn how to fix this equip-ment Itrsquos very old and nobody knows how to fix it I have to do it myself If this part breaks you have to make a new onerdquo he said
The workshoprsquos few modern conveniences
include a small electric box fan a 26-inch TV that seems stuck on Channel 8 and the occa-sional pinup girl wall calendar One room boasts an empty bottle collection on a top shelf ldquoWe Russians drink cognac after work and vodka at homerdquo Kavalerchik explained Therersquos a row of vintage US postage stamps
affixed to a workbench shelf that dates back to the shoprsquos previous owner a man named Sam Sill
The Polish-born Sill was a Holocaust survivor who worked in a factory making
boots for German army officers Kavalerchik said
ldquoThis hammer he brought from the old country Itrsquos from Germany 1942rdquo said Kavalerchik lifting the worn tool from his workbench ldquoThis guy worked with this hammer in con-centration camprdquo He then palmed a second hammer nearby with simi-lar history Though Kavalerchik has owned the business for the past 22 years he has kept the name ldquoSamrsquos Shoe Repairrdquo
The man who gave Kavalerchik his birth into the business Kalman Witenberg also was a Polish Holocaust survivor Edith Mincberg
was a customer of Witenbergrsquos back in the day and remembers him as a friendly and lively man ldquoHe loved to carry on Yiddish conversations with my late husband Joe Mincbergrdquo Edith told the JHV Witenberg a survivor of Auschwitz among other camps according to Holocaust Museum Houston records died in 2003
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
The 1950s-era shop includes equipment thatrsquos more than 100 years old
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Foot and Ankle
Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery
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6699 Chimney Rock 102713-666-0287
18220 Tomball Pkwy 220832-912-7792
705 S Fwy 215281-579-0816
915 Gessner 380713-467-1299
Times have changed over the course of Kavalerchikrsquos career as an old-school cobbler Many of his early customers were high school graduates whose parents wanted to send their kids off to college in a pair of spiffy penny loafers ldquoThese days itrsquos a different life Kids wear sneakersrdquo Kavalerchik said
The cobbler doesnrsquot wax nostalgic however over the profession that many people including himself view as a dying art
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymorerdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoItrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you must have patience This the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
Kavalerchik has entertained the occasional apprentice but none has stuck it out The cobbler predicts that in 15 20 years time the business will be dead save for a few shops here and there
ldquoThis business is like Jewish language [Yiddish]rdquo he said ldquoBefore people speak it fluently Now itrsquos only a few old guysrdquo
The trade has been good to the man who said he stood a 50-50 chance of winding up dead if he had stayed in the Soviet Union Itrsquos given him his American dream
ldquoIf I can afford to put my children through college this was my dream to come to America This was my dream to give my children education because I did not have time in Russia to get education myselfrdquo Kavalerchik said
ldquoOld people died in these shops They worked like dogs I donrsquot do this I work eight hours a day I go to lunch I go on vacationrdquo he said ldquoHere I have easy life I have my family I have place to sleep I go on vacation twice a year Irsquom happy with my children [Michael and Fannett]rdquo Every other year Kavalerchik visits his father in Israel
Sitting in the front room of his workshop ndash the room with the bottle collection ndash is a large cardboard box full of shoes belonging to his wife Roza Kavalerchik promises hersquoll get to them soon Near the box standing upright in the corner is a clutch of fishing poles
ldquoThese here are very important toolsrdquo said Kavalerchik again with that smile ldquoSaturday at 4 I close up and take my tools straight to the boatrdquo c
Shoe-making skills saved Sillrsquos life duringthe HolocaustBY MICHAEL C DUKE
Sam Sill was the previous owner of Samrsquos Shoe Repair in Southwest Houston
When he sold the business to Alex Kavalerchik some 22 years ago he passed along his tools to the new proprietor These included a pair of hammers that helped save Sill from the Nazi death machine in Europe Kavalerchik said that Sill told him that he Sill as a concentration camp prisoner used the hammers to make boots for German army officers during the war
Houstonian Dr David Wolf ndash a podiatrist ndash is first cousin to Samrsquos wife Ruthie Wolf has preserved an original copy of Sillrsquos immigra-tion papers which state that he Sill was born
Calligraphy by Eileen
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Temple SinaiThe Reform Jewish Congregation in West Houston
A warm friendly amp vibrant community where friendship
and caring are combined with a religious faith ritual observance social interaction and education
for adults and children
Join Rabbi Annie Belford and the Temple Sinai Congregation
for Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 730 PM
13875 Brimhurst 281-495-5950Houston Tx 77077 wwwtemple-sinaiorg
TEMPLE SINAI
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
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Terry CominskyRealtor Associate713-558-3331
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Simon Printing CompanyFine Lithography
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713-666-1296
Fax 713-666-4111wwwsimonprintingcom
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Saturday 1000 AM to 600 PM4404 Richmond Ave bull Houston Texas 77027Phone 713-524-5454 bull Fax 713-524-5450
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713-984-2010A SUBSIDIARY OF 4D SIGN WORX LLC
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
Montessori integrated curriculum In a loving caring and safe atmosphere your child will learn and grow with a proven program based on excellence and experience
Registration is now open
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
((771133))666666--00225577
We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
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TUTSCOM 713558TUTS groups of 15+ call 7135588888
A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
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LERNER AND LOEWErsquoS
Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
2830 Hicks StHouston TX 77007
Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
NotNot valid Saturdays in June July or August or with any other offer discount special price prepaid afternoon group two-day or season tickets Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale Prices operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice ExpiExpires September 23 2012
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MOST FUN OVER 33 ATTRACTIONS
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
MARKETPLACE
713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
Mosk amp Mosk LLCCertified Public Accountants5959 West Loop South Suite 340
Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS
EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
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Packing bull Crating bull Freighting bull UnpackingMoving homes bull Offices
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Locally bull Nationally bull Internationally
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull Artwork bull Unusual bull Large amp Small jobs
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
We Keep Houston MovingPacking
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713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
ACCOUNTANTCPA
PACKING AND SHIPPING SERVICES
ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
Certified American Board of Ophthalmology
Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
wwwucntexascom
Be there when your customers need you
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713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
JUNI ERSE
JUNI ERSE
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
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Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
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houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
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UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
- VOICES covers 2
- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
Donovan of Galveston She is the only individual in the recently organized group who chooses not to remain anonymous believing her story needs to be told
ldquoShe is an inspirationrdquo the rabbi declared ldquoMore than four months ago she called me saying she had something very important to discuss with me She told me that she has been sober for 25 years and that she has friends who are struggling with addiction The reality is that there are Jews who are drug addicts
ldquoBasically addiction is a diseaserdquo Rabbi Feigenson explained ldquoand addicts cannot help themselves They need group support and our mis-sion is to help our Jewish brethrenrdquo So the rabbi studied the Twelve Steps of AA delved into books on the subject and consulted with some psychiatrists From all this the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group was formed
Presently there are four to six people in the group and Rabbi Feigenson said that the meetings are working well ldquoItrsquos about coming from darkness and making a new liferdquo he pointed out
Credited with encouraging the genesis of JRCG Donovan recalled how she became sober in 1986 taking the train from Harrisburg Pa to Baltimore on Sundays to be part of a Twelve Step group that met in a church ldquoIt was very confusing for me having to separate church and recovery hellip There are no rules regarding religion in AA but most of my support was coming from Christian people Did I have to be Christian to recover
ldquoI had been arrested at 18rdquo she confessed ldquoand the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos com-mon belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
When Donovan moved to Texas in 1990 she continued with AA in churches Although the
West Houston Jewish Community Center had an AA meeting it was not a Jewish recovery group
ldquoI visited with the Jewish Family Service to see if they would help start a Jewish recovery group but they were not accepting of me I spoke to one or two rabbis privately but they werenrsquot receptive either so I kind of let it go for a whilerdquo She noted that perseverance is difficult ldquoThe disease of addiction is not something they know how to deal with
ldquoAs a young girl I was molested by a rabbi and when the Penn State [University] scandal broke loose I became very depressedrdquo she reflected having the need for support at that time ldquoI got on the Internet and Googled Jews in recovery where I read about a Rabbi Kessler at Chabad in Boca Raton Fla I called there and the rabbi told me about a retreat [to be held there] and was it possible I could come It took place this past February with addicts from all over including me Rabbi Abraham J Twerski was the keynote speakerrdquo
The convention inspired Donovan to seek the closest Chabad to Galveston which she found in Sugar Land She telephoned there and Rabbi Feigenson invited her to Shabbat where she had lunch with his wife Chaya After hearing Donovanrsquos story Chaya Feigenson said to her husband ldquoMendel we have to help these peoplerdquo
ldquoMost people know very little about addictionrdquo Donovan empha-sized When I first started someone took me to the rabbi who told me to go home and honor my father and my mother and be a good girlrdquo Also she added ldquoIt must be difficult to drop your children off at a church for recovery Therersquos the worry that theyrsquore brainwashing your child
ldquoThere is so much lack of knowledge especially in the Jewish com-munity If you stay with the thought that Jews donrsquot [become addicts] then people die We need to break that stereotype and lack of informa-tion Jews suffer from drug abuse obesity gambling etc like any other grouprdquo
Donovanrsquos brother a rabbi in Israel took her to AA meetings in Jerusalem where she discovered that there are even rabbis who suffer from alcoholism ldquoSome of usrdquo she pointed out ldquohave had bad experi-ences as childrenrdquo
ldquoThere is such naivetyrdquo Donovan a 58-year-old mother of three and grandmother of eight maintained ldquoRabbi Feigenson is the first in Houston who really heard me and understands the importance of helping every Jewish person It was an incredible day that I met him ldquoWe want to reach out to Jews who are confused and are appealing for help Itrsquos a very special experience to be a Jew in recovery and meet with others who are in recovery also And we can talk to parents free of charge to give them support and help Itrsquos an experience I donrsquot want others to missrdquo
For information about the Jewish Recovery Celebration Group call Rabbi Mendel Feigenson at 832-758-0685 email rabbifeigensongmailcom or visit chabadsugarlandcom c
Congregation Beth Rambam is a warm and welcoming Sephardic congregation led by our young and dynamic Rabbi Daniel Masri
We offer morning and evening services on weekdays and Shabbat There are many fascinating classes and learning opportunities both during the day and evenings offered throughout the week in English Spanish and Hebrew
Alex Pfeffer our fun and entertaining Youth Director leads multiple activities for children of various ages each Shabbat
morning and afternoon and trips throughout the year
713-723-3030 | officebethrambamorg11333 Braesridge | wwwbethrambamorg (coming soon)
C O M E J O I N O U R F A M I L Y
bullbull
22 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
ldquoI had been arrested at 18 and the jail warden asked lsquoWhatrsquos a nice Jewish girl like you doing in herersquo rdquo Obviously itrsquos common
belief that Jews do not get in trouble with the law
ndash Lynn Donovan
BY MICHAEL C DUKE
W hen Alex Kavalerchik immigrated to the United States in 1979 with his young family the 30-year-old Belorussia-born Jew had no money no education and spoke no English
Nevertheless the bus-iness-minded good-with-his-hands Kavalerchik ndash a dead-ringer for actor Al Pacino during the latterrsquos Hollywood gangster film days ndash was deter-mined to carve out his own little slice of American pie
Make that cobbler for the vocation he would settle into would be the shoe-repair business
ldquoWe came to Houston and the JCC help us to move to apartment and help us for two monthsrdquo said the heavily accented Kavalerchik who picked up conversational English not from taking formal classes like some others who escaped the Soviet Union in the late rsquo70s but by listening to the language his children were learning to read and write and speak in American public schools
Kavalerchik now a Texan pulled himself up by the bootstraps and held down jobs doing maintenance and factory work Then one day in 1981 he met a Jewish man Kalman Witenberg who ran a shoe-repair
businessldquoHe told me Yoursquore going to be a shoemaker And yoursquore going to
make enough money to pay your bills Yoursquore never going to be a mil-lionaire but therersquos going to be enough money to support your familyrdquo Kavalerchik said
He obliged and in 1985 went into the shoe-repair busi-ness himself Feet first
Kavalerchik learned the ins and outs of the time-honored trade for a year and established himself at a storefront at West Bellfort Street and Chimney Rock Road Two years into the business he acquired a second
shop and split his time between the two He then opted to sell the first location and devoted his energies to the second Hersquos managed that loca-tion at 10815 S Post Oak Rd at Willowbend Boulevard since 1990 and today employs two workers
The dusty little shop enjoys a steady stream of loyal customers many from the neighborhood Blacks Jews and Latinos mostly Itrsquos a business built on reputation Kavalerchikrsquos is good Peachy in fact The front door has a little bell that tinkles
ldquoI can do all kind of jobs ndash regular jobs and orthopedic jobsrdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoI have customers who bring ladies shoes that cost
A peachy cobbler
Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American dream
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 23
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymore Itrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you
must have patience This is the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
ndash Alex Kavalerchik
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Alex Kavalerckik is proprietor of an old-school shoe-repair shop in Southwest Houston His hand tools include a hammer that the shoprsquos previous owner used in a Nazi concentration camp
24 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Supporting the needs of the
Jewish Community
CHEVRA KADISHA OF HOUSTON
Jewish Burial Society
Continuing the sacred tradition of preparing thedeceased for burial with
care and respect
(713) 776-2438
Young Israel
of Houston
7823 Ludington DriveHouston Texas 77071
713-729-0719wwwyihoustonorg
hundreds even thousands of dollars They bring cowboy boots that cost $5000-$6000 Very expensive I do it all ndash refinish resole reshape fix completely the shoesrdquo
And itrsquos not just footwear During the interview with the Jewish Herald-Voice a woman came into the shop with a designer leather bag that had a torn strap ldquoAlaska Airlinesrdquo she grumbled Kavalerchik promised to fix it like new A few minutes later a Polish-speaking doctor came in to pick up a repaired leather dog leash Kavalerchik who grew up speaking Russian with his parents and Yiddish with his grandparents was able to converse with the man in his native tongue They shared a few chuck-les The man dressed in blue-green hospital scrubs was pleased with Kavalerchikrsquos work and tipped him 100 percent on the bill Shortly there-after a slow-moving man with a walking stick and a Korean War cap came in with a belt job
Kavalerchik even does the exotic Can he fix a pair of gilded alligator-skin sneakers No problem (Hersquos done three) How about repair-ing a set of chairs made from elephant feet Um sure why not NBA stars who take advan-
tage of his services are asked to call in advance Size 17s require special order
Some of the more challenging yet reward-ing jobs are those to salvage shoes chewed up by the family dog
ldquoThis you must have a talent to fix itrsquos a tough jobrdquo said Kavalerchik holding up a black patent leather stiletto that bore scars on the heel from large canine teeth ldquoYou donrsquot make too much money on this but the cus-tomer is really happy when I make it look like new againrdquo
Tacked to the wall above the front counter of Kavalerchikrsquos shop is an 8-foot diamondback rattlesnake skin Therersquos also a black-and-white portrait of Al Pacino from ldquoScarfacerdquo While vacationing in Las
Vegas and once in Galveston the Belorussian was hounded for an autograph from fans who mis-took him for the Oscar-winning actor Retelling the stories splits Kavalerchikrsquos face into a smile
The storefront gives way to a multi-roomed workshop in back Itrsquos vintage 1950s outfitted with well-used wooden workbenches walls of racks with customersrsquo shoes and boots (each bearing a colorful toe tag) drawers and cubbyholes filled with bits and buckles and all sorts of odds and ends for leather and shoe work Wooden shoe lasts spools of heavy thread and folds of leather
and rubber adorn door frames and corners Metal taps for dance shoes hang from hooks A random assortment of loose shoe and boot heel parts are stockpiled in a divider mounted to a wall ldquoThey donrsquot make these like they used tordquo Kavalerchik said dusting off an orange-and-white-boxed specimen from half a century ago
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Cowboy boots and orthopedic shoes make up a good deal of Kavalerchikrsquos business
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 25
1500 Sunset Boulevard Houston Texas 77005
7135356400 wwwbeckerschoolorg
Accredited by NAEYCrsquos National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Learning through play
bull Ages 15 months through 5 years bull Extended care 8am - 530pm
bull Developmentally appropriate curriculumbull Extra-curricular classes available
bull Bridge to Kindergarten class
Since 1989
Call for a tourNow accepting applications
for 2012-2013
Congregation Emanu El Becker Early Childhood Center
6401 Woodway(in Whole Foods Plaza)
7133344900
Fabulous Womenrsquos Apparel amp Accessories
4048 Bellaire Blvd(in the Whole Foods Plaza)
7136653336FrenchCuffCocom
labeled ldquoCatrsquos PawrdquoBuilt into a corner post of the main work-
bench is a glue reservoir Plugging the well is a half-dollar-sized metal cap with a rod run-ning through it sporting an applicator brush Long dribbles of glue have oozed caked and dried down the edges of the post looking like a model of a volcano from a school sci-ence fair A photographer friend of Kavalerchikrsquos comes by on occasion to shoot close-up pho-tos of the unique formations
There are industrial ma-chines at every elbow turn stitchers sanders cutters tack-ers buffers Something called an Auto Soler and another called a Heel Popper Some are more than a 100 years old Real made-in-America stuff From cities like Chicago and St Louis Art deco in shape and lines Nickel-plated enameled steel and chromed in work grime
ldquoI have one machine made in 1890 It never breaksrdquo Kavalerchik said fondly
Other equipment however has broken down over the years Kavalerchik has learned to do the repairs himself Out of necessity ldquoItrsquos
very important to learn how to fix this equip-ment Itrsquos very old and nobody knows how to fix it I have to do it myself If this part breaks you have to make a new onerdquo he said
The workshoprsquos few modern conveniences
include a small electric box fan a 26-inch TV that seems stuck on Channel 8 and the occa-sional pinup girl wall calendar One room boasts an empty bottle collection on a top shelf ldquoWe Russians drink cognac after work and vodka at homerdquo Kavalerchik explained Therersquos a row of vintage US postage stamps
affixed to a workbench shelf that dates back to the shoprsquos previous owner a man named Sam Sill
The Polish-born Sill was a Holocaust survivor who worked in a factory making
boots for German army officers Kavalerchik said
ldquoThis hammer he brought from the old country Itrsquos from Germany 1942rdquo said Kavalerchik lifting the worn tool from his workbench ldquoThis guy worked with this hammer in con-centration camprdquo He then palmed a second hammer nearby with simi-lar history Though Kavalerchik has owned the business for the past 22 years he has kept the name ldquoSamrsquos Shoe Repairrdquo
The man who gave Kavalerchik his birth into the business Kalman Witenberg also was a Polish Holocaust survivor Edith Mincberg
was a customer of Witenbergrsquos back in the day and remembers him as a friendly and lively man ldquoHe loved to carry on Yiddish conversations with my late husband Joe Mincbergrdquo Edith told the JHV Witenberg a survivor of Auschwitz among other camps according to Holocaust Museum Houston records died in 2003
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
The 1950s-era shop includes equipment thatrsquos more than 100 years old
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Foot and Ankle
Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery
Podiatry Associates of Houston
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18220 Tomball Pkwy 220832-912-7792
705 S Fwy 215281-579-0816
915 Gessner 380713-467-1299
Times have changed over the course of Kavalerchikrsquos career as an old-school cobbler Many of his early customers were high school graduates whose parents wanted to send their kids off to college in a pair of spiffy penny loafers ldquoThese days itrsquos a different life Kids wear sneakersrdquo Kavalerchik said
The cobbler doesnrsquot wax nostalgic however over the profession that many people including himself view as a dying art
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymorerdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoItrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you must have patience This the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
Kavalerchik has entertained the occasional apprentice but none has stuck it out The cobbler predicts that in 15 20 years time the business will be dead save for a few shops here and there
ldquoThis business is like Jewish language [Yiddish]rdquo he said ldquoBefore people speak it fluently Now itrsquos only a few old guysrdquo
The trade has been good to the man who said he stood a 50-50 chance of winding up dead if he had stayed in the Soviet Union Itrsquos given him his American dream
ldquoIf I can afford to put my children through college this was my dream to come to America This was my dream to give my children education because I did not have time in Russia to get education myselfrdquo Kavalerchik said
ldquoOld people died in these shops They worked like dogs I donrsquot do this I work eight hours a day I go to lunch I go on vacationrdquo he said ldquoHere I have easy life I have my family I have place to sleep I go on vacation twice a year Irsquom happy with my children [Michael and Fannett]rdquo Every other year Kavalerchik visits his father in Israel
Sitting in the front room of his workshop ndash the room with the bottle collection ndash is a large cardboard box full of shoes belonging to his wife Roza Kavalerchik promises hersquoll get to them soon Near the box standing upright in the corner is a clutch of fishing poles
ldquoThese here are very important toolsrdquo said Kavalerchik again with that smile ldquoSaturday at 4 I close up and take my tools straight to the boatrdquo c
Shoe-making skills saved Sillrsquos life duringthe HolocaustBY MICHAEL C DUKE
Sam Sill was the previous owner of Samrsquos Shoe Repair in Southwest Houston
When he sold the business to Alex Kavalerchik some 22 years ago he passed along his tools to the new proprietor These included a pair of hammers that helped save Sill from the Nazi death machine in Europe Kavalerchik said that Sill told him that he Sill as a concentration camp prisoner used the hammers to make boots for German army officers during the war
Houstonian Dr David Wolf ndash a podiatrist ndash is first cousin to Samrsquos wife Ruthie Wolf has preserved an original copy of Sillrsquos immigra-tion papers which state that he Sill was born
Calligraphy by Eileen
Envelope AddressingBarBat Mitzvahs
Weddings Receptions
Any Occasion
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Temple SinaiThe Reform Jewish Congregation in West Houston
A warm friendly amp vibrant community where friendship
and caring are combined with a religious faith ritual observance social interaction and education
for adults and children
Join Rabbi Annie Belford and the Temple Sinai Congregation
for Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 730 PM
13875 Brimhurst 281-495-5950Houston Tx 77077 wwwtemple-sinaiorg
TEMPLE SINAI
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
Service with a smileGoing beyond the call of duty
For all of your real estate needs
Terry CominskyRealtor Associate713-558-3331
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OyDo We Know PrintingProudly serving the Jewish Commmunity and Houston
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with high quality commercial printing
Simon Printing CompanyFine Lithography
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Houston Texas 77025
713-666-1296
Fax 713-666-4111wwwsimonprintingcom
28 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Tissue PaperSelf Seal BagsCoffee BagsAutomatic Pull BowsShrink Wrap BagsClear Acetate BoxesRibbonShrink Film RollsTheme BoxesRaffi aGift BoxesGift Wrap PaperCurling RibbonOrganza bags
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Hours of OperationMonday - Friday 900 AM to 600 PM
Saturday 1000 AM to 600 PM4404 Richmond Ave bull Houston Texas 77027Phone 713-524-5454 bull Fax 713-524-5450
wwwpalmerpkgcom
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For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
Montessori integrated curriculum In a loving caring and safe atmosphere your child will learn and grow with a proven program based on excellence and experience
Registration is now open
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
((771133))666666--00225577
We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
4-Show PackageSStart aS low aS
$108
TUTSCOM 713558TUTS groups of 15+ call 7135588888
A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
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LERNER AND LOEWErsquoS
Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
CFPreg and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERtrade marks are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Boardrsquos initial and ongoing certification requirements Registered Representative of and offers securities products investment advisory services and financial planning services through MML Investors Services Inc member SIPC Supervisory Office 3 Greenway Plaza Suite 1700 Houston Texas 77046 713402-3800 The K Corporation is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services Inc Insurance offered through Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and other fine companies
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
2830 Hicks StHouston TX 77007
Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
NotNot valid Saturdays in June July or August or with any other offer discount special price prepaid afternoon group two-day or season tickets Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale Prices operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice ExpiExpires September 23 2012
SAVE up to $12YOUR FAMILY WILL BE
DISCOUNT TICKETS ONLINE schlitterbahncom
MOST FUN OVER 33 ATTRACTIONS
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
MARKETPLACE
713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
Mosk amp Mosk LLCCertified Public Accountants5959 West Loop South Suite 340
Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS
EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
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Packing bull Crating bull Freighting bull UnpackingMoving homes bull Offices
Assisted living bull Estate packing
Locally bull Nationally bull Internationally
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull Artwork bull Unusual bull Large amp Small jobs
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
We Keep Houston MovingPacking
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713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
ACCOUNTANTCPA
PACKING AND SHIPPING SERVICES
ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
Certified American Board of Ophthalmology
Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
wwwucntexascom
Be there when your customers need you
Advertise in
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713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
JUNI ERSE
JUNI ERSE
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
celebrate yourbarbat mitzvah like
a rock star
houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
phone 713-227-1392hardrockcom
UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
- VOICES covers 2
- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
BY MICHAEL C DUKE
W hen Alex Kavalerchik immigrated to the United States in 1979 with his young family the 30-year-old Belorussia-born Jew had no money no education and spoke no English
Nevertheless the bus-iness-minded good-with-his-hands Kavalerchik ndash a dead-ringer for actor Al Pacino during the latterrsquos Hollywood gangster film days ndash was deter-mined to carve out his own little slice of American pie
Make that cobbler for the vocation he would settle into would be the shoe-repair business
ldquoWe came to Houston and the JCC help us to move to apartment and help us for two monthsrdquo said the heavily accented Kavalerchik who picked up conversational English not from taking formal classes like some others who escaped the Soviet Union in the late rsquo70s but by listening to the language his children were learning to read and write and speak in American public schools
Kavalerchik now a Texan pulled himself up by the bootstraps and held down jobs doing maintenance and factory work Then one day in 1981 he met a Jewish man Kalman Witenberg who ran a shoe-repair
businessldquoHe told me Yoursquore going to be a shoemaker And yoursquore going to
make enough money to pay your bills Yoursquore never going to be a mil-lionaire but therersquos going to be enough money to support your familyrdquo Kavalerchik said
He obliged and in 1985 went into the shoe-repair busi-ness himself Feet first
Kavalerchik learned the ins and outs of the time-honored trade for a year and established himself at a storefront at West Bellfort Street and Chimney Rock Road Two years into the business he acquired a second
shop and split his time between the two He then opted to sell the first location and devoted his energies to the second Hersquos managed that loca-tion at 10815 S Post Oak Rd at Willowbend Boulevard since 1990 and today employs two workers
The dusty little shop enjoys a steady stream of loyal customers many from the neighborhood Blacks Jews and Latinos mostly Itrsquos a business built on reputation Kavalerchikrsquos is good Peachy in fact The front door has a little bell that tinkles
ldquoI can do all kind of jobs ndash regular jobs and orthopedic jobsrdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoI have customers who bring ladies shoes that cost
A peachy cobbler
Time-honored trade has given Russian immigrant his American dream
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 23
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymore Itrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you
must have patience This is the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
ndash Alex Kavalerchik
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Alex Kavalerckik is proprietor of an old-school shoe-repair shop in Southwest Houston His hand tools include a hammer that the shoprsquos previous owner used in a Nazi concentration camp
24 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Supporting the needs of the
Jewish Community
CHEVRA KADISHA OF HOUSTON
Jewish Burial Society
Continuing the sacred tradition of preparing thedeceased for burial with
care and respect
(713) 776-2438
Young Israel
of Houston
7823 Ludington DriveHouston Texas 77071
713-729-0719wwwyihoustonorg
hundreds even thousands of dollars They bring cowboy boots that cost $5000-$6000 Very expensive I do it all ndash refinish resole reshape fix completely the shoesrdquo
And itrsquos not just footwear During the interview with the Jewish Herald-Voice a woman came into the shop with a designer leather bag that had a torn strap ldquoAlaska Airlinesrdquo she grumbled Kavalerchik promised to fix it like new A few minutes later a Polish-speaking doctor came in to pick up a repaired leather dog leash Kavalerchik who grew up speaking Russian with his parents and Yiddish with his grandparents was able to converse with the man in his native tongue They shared a few chuck-les The man dressed in blue-green hospital scrubs was pleased with Kavalerchikrsquos work and tipped him 100 percent on the bill Shortly there-after a slow-moving man with a walking stick and a Korean War cap came in with a belt job
Kavalerchik even does the exotic Can he fix a pair of gilded alligator-skin sneakers No problem (Hersquos done three) How about repair-ing a set of chairs made from elephant feet Um sure why not NBA stars who take advan-
tage of his services are asked to call in advance Size 17s require special order
Some of the more challenging yet reward-ing jobs are those to salvage shoes chewed up by the family dog
ldquoThis you must have a talent to fix itrsquos a tough jobrdquo said Kavalerchik holding up a black patent leather stiletto that bore scars on the heel from large canine teeth ldquoYou donrsquot make too much money on this but the cus-tomer is really happy when I make it look like new againrdquo
Tacked to the wall above the front counter of Kavalerchikrsquos shop is an 8-foot diamondback rattlesnake skin Therersquos also a black-and-white portrait of Al Pacino from ldquoScarfacerdquo While vacationing in Las
Vegas and once in Galveston the Belorussian was hounded for an autograph from fans who mis-took him for the Oscar-winning actor Retelling the stories splits Kavalerchikrsquos face into a smile
The storefront gives way to a multi-roomed workshop in back Itrsquos vintage 1950s outfitted with well-used wooden workbenches walls of racks with customersrsquo shoes and boots (each bearing a colorful toe tag) drawers and cubbyholes filled with bits and buckles and all sorts of odds and ends for leather and shoe work Wooden shoe lasts spools of heavy thread and folds of leather
and rubber adorn door frames and corners Metal taps for dance shoes hang from hooks A random assortment of loose shoe and boot heel parts are stockpiled in a divider mounted to a wall ldquoThey donrsquot make these like they used tordquo Kavalerchik said dusting off an orange-and-white-boxed specimen from half a century ago
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Cowboy boots and orthopedic shoes make up a good deal of Kavalerchikrsquos business
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 25
1500 Sunset Boulevard Houston Texas 77005
7135356400 wwwbeckerschoolorg
Accredited by NAEYCrsquos National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Learning through play
bull Ages 15 months through 5 years bull Extended care 8am - 530pm
bull Developmentally appropriate curriculumbull Extra-curricular classes available
bull Bridge to Kindergarten class
Since 1989
Call for a tourNow accepting applications
for 2012-2013
Congregation Emanu El Becker Early Childhood Center
6401 Woodway(in Whole Foods Plaza)
7133344900
Fabulous Womenrsquos Apparel amp Accessories
4048 Bellaire Blvd(in the Whole Foods Plaza)
7136653336FrenchCuffCocom
labeled ldquoCatrsquos PawrdquoBuilt into a corner post of the main work-
bench is a glue reservoir Plugging the well is a half-dollar-sized metal cap with a rod run-ning through it sporting an applicator brush Long dribbles of glue have oozed caked and dried down the edges of the post looking like a model of a volcano from a school sci-ence fair A photographer friend of Kavalerchikrsquos comes by on occasion to shoot close-up pho-tos of the unique formations
There are industrial ma-chines at every elbow turn stitchers sanders cutters tack-ers buffers Something called an Auto Soler and another called a Heel Popper Some are more than a 100 years old Real made-in-America stuff From cities like Chicago and St Louis Art deco in shape and lines Nickel-plated enameled steel and chromed in work grime
ldquoI have one machine made in 1890 It never breaksrdquo Kavalerchik said fondly
Other equipment however has broken down over the years Kavalerchik has learned to do the repairs himself Out of necessity ldquoItrsquos
very important to learn how to fix this equip-ment Itrsquos very old and nobody knows how to fix it I have to do it myself If this part breaks you have to make a new onerdquo he said
The workshoprsquos few modern conveniences
include a small electric box fan a 26-inch TV that seems stuck on Channel 8 and the occa-sional pinup girl wall calendar One room boasts an empty bottle collection on a top shelf ldquoWe Russians drink cognac after work and vodka at homerdquo Kavalerchik explained Therersquos a row of vintage US postage stamps
affixed to a workbench shelf that dates back to the shoprsquos previous owner a man named Sam Sill
The Polish-born Sill was a Holocaust survivor who worked in a factory making
boots for German army officers Kavalerchik said
ldquoThis hammer he brought from the old country Itrsquos from Germany 1942rdquo said Kavalerchik lifting the worn tool from his workbench ldquoThis guy worked with this hammer in con-centration camprdquo He then palmed a second hammer nearby with simi-lar history Though Kavalerchik has owned the business for the past 22 years he has kept the name ldquoSamrsquos Shoe Repairrdquo
The man who gave Kavalerchik his birth into the business Kalman Witenberg also was a Polish Holocaust survivor Edith Mincberg
was a customer of Witenbergrsquos back in the day and remembers him as a friendly and lively man ldquoHe loved to carry on Yiddish conversations with my late husband Joe Mincbergrdquo Edith told the JHV Witenberg a survivor of Auschwitz among other camps according to Holocaust Museum Houston records died in 2003
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
The 1950s-era shop includes equipment thatrsquos more than 100 years old
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Foot and Ankle
Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery
Podiatry Associates of Houston
Michael A Mineo DPM FACFASDavid L Blumfield DPM FACFASKeith L Jacobson DPM FACFAS
Vito Speciale DPM
6699 Chimney Rock 102713-666-0287
18220 Tomball Pkwy 220832-912-7792
705 S Fwy 215281-579-0816
915 Gessner 380713-467-1299
Times have changed over the course of Kavalerchikrsquos career as an old-school cobbler Many of his early customers were high school graduates whose parents wanted to send their kids off to college in a pair of spiffy penny loafers ldquoThese days itrsquos a different life Kids wear sneakersrdquo Kavalerchik said
The cobbler doesnrsquot wax nostalgic however over the profession that many people including himself view as a dying art
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymorerdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoItrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you must have patience This the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
Kavalerchik has entertained the occasional apprentice but none has stuck it out The cobbler predicts that in 15 20 years time the business will be dead save for a few shops here and there
ldquoThis business is like Jewish language [Yiddish]rdquo he said ldquoBefore people speak it fluently Now itrsquos only a few old guysrdquo
The trade has been good to the man who said he stood a 50-50 chance of winding up dead if he had stayed in the Soviet Union Itrsquos given him his American dream
ldquoIf I can afford to put my children through college this was my dream to come to America This was my dream to give my children education because I did not have time in Russia to get education myselfrdquo Kavalerchik said
ldquoOld people died in these shops They worked like dogs I donrsquot do this I work eight hours a day I go to lunch I go on vacationrdquo he said ldquoHere I have easy life I have my family I have place to sleep I go on vacation twice a year Irsquom happy with my children [Michael and Fannett]rdquo Every other year Kavalerchik visits his father in Israel
Sitting in the front room of his workshop ndash the room with the bottle collection ndash is a large cardboard box full of shoes belonging to his wife Roza Kavalerchik promises hersquoll get to them soon Near the box standing upright in the corner is a clutch of fishing poles
ldquoThese here are very important toolsrdquo said Kavalerchik again with that smile ldquoSaturday at 4 I close up and take my tools straight to the boatrdquo c
Shoe-making skills saved Sillrsquos life duringthe HolocaustBY MICHAEL C DUKE
Sam Sill was the previous owner of Samrsquos Shoe Repair in Southwest Houston
When he sold the business to Alex Kavalerchik some 22 years ago he passed along his tools to the new proprietor These included a pair of hammers that helped save Sill from the Nazi death machine in Europe Kavalerchik said that Sill told him that he Sill as a concentration camp prisoner used the hammers to make boots for German army officers during the war
Houstonian Dr David Wolf ndash a podiatrist ndash is first cousin to Samrsquos wife Ruthie Wolf has preserved an original copy of Sillrsquos immigra-tion papers which state that he Sill was born
Calligraphy by Eileen
Envelope AddressingBarBat Mitzvahs
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Temple SinaiThe Reform Jewish Congregation in West Houston
A warm friendly amp vibrant community where friendship
and caring are combined with a religious faith ritual observance social interaction and education
for adults and children
Join Rabbi Annie Belford and the Temple Sinai Congregation
for Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 730 PM
13875 Brimhurst 281-495-5950Houston Tx 77077 wwwtemple-sinaiorg
TEMPLE SINAI
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
Service with a smileGoing beyond the call of duty
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Terry CominskyRealtor Associate713-558-3331
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OyDo We Know PrintingProudly serving the Jewish Commmunity and Houston
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with high quality commercial printing
Simon Printing CompanyFine Lithography
10810 Craighead
Houston Texas 77025
713-666-1296
Fax 713-666-4111wwwsimonprintingcom
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Tissue PaperSelf Seal BagsCoffee BagsAutomatic Pull BowsShrink Wrap BagsClear Acetate BoxesRibbonShrink Film RollsTheme BoxesRaffi aGift BoxesGift Wrap PaperCurling RibbonOrganza bags
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Hours of OperationMonday - Friday 900 AM to 600 PM
Saturday 1000 AM to 600 PM4404 Richmond Ave bull Houston Texas 77027Phone 713-524-5454 bull Fax 713-524-5450
wwwpalmerpkgcom
Gift Wrap ServiceRetail Packaging Supplies
HOUSTONrsquoS ONLY JEWISH OWNED
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EXCLUSI V ELY JEWISH MEMORI ALS
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ASK FOR SA NDY GA ITZ
713-984-2010A SUBSIDIARY OF 4D SIGN WORX LLC
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
Montessori integrated curriculum In a loving caring and safe atmosphere your child will learn and grow with a proven program based on excellence and experience
Registration is now open
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
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We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
4-Show PackageSStart aS low aS
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TUTSCOM 713558TUTS groups of 15+ call 7135588888
A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
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Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
CFPreg and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERtrade marks are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Boardrsquos initial and ongoing certification requirements Registered Representative of and offers securities products investment advisory services and financial planning services through MML Investors Services Inc member SIPC Supervisory Office 3 Greenway Plaza Suite 1700 Houston Texas 77046 713402-3800 The K Corporation is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services Inc Insurance offered through Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and other fine companies
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
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wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
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34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
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PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
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4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
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36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
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UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
- VOICES covers 2
- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
24 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Supporting the needs of the
Jewish Community
CHEVRA KADISHA OF HOUSTON
Jewish Burial Society
Continuing the sacred tradition of preparing thedeceased for burial with
care and respect
(713) 776-2438
Young Israel
of Houston
7823 Ludington DriveHouston Texas 77071
713-729-0719wwwyihoustonorg
hundreds even thousands of dollars They bring cowboy boots that cost $5000-$6000 Very expensive I do it all ndash refinish resole reshape fix completely the shoesrdquo
And itrsquos not just footwear During the interview with the Jewish Herald-Voice a woman came into the shop with a designer leather bag that had a torn strap ldquoAlaska Airlinesrdquo she grumbled Kavalerchik promised to fix it like new A few minutes later a Polish-speaking doctor came in to pick up a repaired leather dog leash Kavalerchik who grew up speaking Russian with his parents and Yiddish with his grandparents was able to converse with the man in his native tongue They shared a few chuck-les The man dressed in blue-green hospital scrubs was pleased with Kavalerchikrsquos work and tipped him 100 percent on the bill Shortly there-after a slow-moving man with a walking stick and a Korean War cap came in with a belt job
Kavalerchik even does the exotic Can he fix a pair of gilded alligator-skin sneakers No problem (Hersquos done three) How about repair-ing a set of chairs made from elephant feet Um sure why not NBA stars who take advan-
tage of his services are asked to call in advance Size 17s require special order
Some of the more challenging yet reward-ing jobs are those to salvage shoes chewed up by the family dog
ldquoThis you must have a talent to fix itrsquos a tough jobrdquo said Kavalerchik holding up a black patent leather stiletto that bore scars on the heel from large canine teeth ldquoYou donrsquot make too much money on this but the cus-tomer is really happy when I make it look like new againrdquo
Tacked to the wall above the front counter of Kavalerchikrsquos shop is an 8-foot diamondback rattlesnake skin Therersquos also a black-and-white portrait of Al Pacino from ldquoScarfacerdquo While vacationing in Las
Vegas and once in Galveston the Belorussian was hounded for an autograph from fans who mis-took him for the Oscar-winning actor Retelling the stories splits Kavalerchikrsquos face into a smile
The storefront gives way to a multi-roomed workshop in back Itrsquos vintage 1950s outfitted with well-used wooden workbenches walls of racks with customersrsquo shoes and boots (each bearing a colorful toe tag) drawers and cubbyholes filled with bits and buckles and all sorts of odds and ends for leather and shoe work Wooden shoe lasts spools of heavy thread and folds of leather
and rubber adorn door frames and corners Metal taps for dance shoes hang from hooks A random assortment of loose shoe and boot heel parts are stockpiled in a divider mounted to a wall ldquoThey donrsquot make these like they used tordquo Kavalerchik said dusting off an orange-and-white-boxed specimen from half a century ago
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
Cowboy boots and orthopedic shoes make up a good deal of Kavalerchikrsquos business
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 25
1500 Sunset Boulevard Houston Texas 77005
7135356400 wwwbeckerschoolorg
Accredited by NAEYCrsquos National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Learning through play
bull Ages 15 months through 5 years bull Extended care 8am - 530pm
bull Developmentally appropriate curriculumbull Extra-curricular classes available
bull Bridge to Kindergarten class
Since 1989
Call for a tourNow accepting applications
for 2012-2013
Congregation Emanu El Becker Early Childhood Center
6401 Woodway(in Whole Foods Plaza)
7133344900
Fabulous Womenrsquos Apparel amp Accessories
4048 Bellaire Blvd(in the Whole Foods Plaza)
7136653336FrenchCuffCocom
labeled ldquoCatrsquos PawrdquoBuilt into a corner post of the main work-
bench is a glue reservoir Plugging the well is a half-dollar-sized metal cap with a rod run-ning through it sporting an applicator brush Long dribbles of glue have oozed caked and dried down the edges of the post looking like a model of a volcano from a school sci-ence fair A photographer friend of Kavalerchikrsquos comes by on occasion to shoot close-up pho-tos of the unique formations
There are industrial ma-chines at every elbow turn stitchers sanders cutters tack-ers buffers Something called an Auto Soler and another called a Heel Popper Some are more than a 100 years old Real made-in-America stuff From cities like Chicago and St Louis Art deco in shape and lines Nickel-plated enameled steel and chromed in work grime
ldquoI have one machine made in 1890 It never breaksrdquo Kavalerchik said fondly
Other equipment however has broken down over the years Kavalerchik has learned to do the repairs himself Out of necessity ldquoItrsquos
very important to learn how to fix this equip-ment Itrsquos very old and nobody knows how to fix it I have to do it myself If this part breaks you have to make a new onerdquo he said
The workshoprsquos few modern conveniences
include a small electric box fan a 26-inch TV that seems stuck on Channel 8 and the occa-sional pinup girl wall calendar One room boasts an empty bottle collection on a top shelf ldquoWe Russians drink cognac after work and vodka at homerdquo Kavalerchik explained Therersquos a row of vintage US postage stamps
affixed to a workbench shelf that dates back to the shoprsquos previous owner a man named Sam Sill
The Polish-born Sill was a Holocaust survivor who worked in a factory making
boots for German army officers Kavalerchik said
ldquoThis hammer he brought from the old country Itrsquos from Germany 1942rdquo said Kavalerchik lifting the worn tool from his workbench ldquoThis guy worked with this hammer in con-centration camprdquo He then palmed a second hammer nearby with simi-lar history Though Kavalerchik has owned the business for the past 22 years he has kept the name ldquoSamrsquos Shoe Repairrdquo
The man who gave Kavalerchik his birth into the business Kalman Witenberg also was a Polish Holocaust survivor Edith Mincberg
was a customer of Witenbergrsquos back in the day and remembers him as a friendly and lively man ldquoHe loved to carry on Yiddish conversations with my late husband Joe Mincbergrdquo Edith told the JHV Witenberg a survivor of Auschwitz among other camps according to Holocaust Museum Houston records died in 2003
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
The 1950s-era shop includes equipment thatrsquos more than 100 years old
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Foot and Ankle
Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery
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Michael A Mineo DPM FACFASDavid L Blumfield DPM FACFASKeith L Jacobson DPM FACFAS
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18220 Tomball Pkwy 220832-912-7792
705 S Fwy 215281-579-0816
915 Gessner 380713-467-1299
Times have changed over the course of Kavalerchikrsquos career as an old-school cobbler Many of his early customers were high school graduates whose parents wanted to send their kids off to college in a pair of spiffy penny loafers ldquoThese days itrsquos a different life Kids wear sneakersrdquo Kavalerchik said
The cobbler doesnrsquot wax nostalgic however over the profession that many people including himself view as a dying art
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymorerdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoItrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you must have patience This the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
Kavalerchik has entertained the occasional apprentice but none has stuck it out The cobbler predicts that in 15 20 years time the business will be dead save for a few shops here and there
ldquoThis business is like Jewish language [Yiddish]rdquo he said ldquoBefore people speak it fluently Now itrsquos only a few old guysrdquo
The trade has been good to the man who said he stood a 50-50 chance of winding up dead if he had stayed in the Soviet Union Itrsquos given him his American dream
ldquoIf I can afford to put my children through college this was my dream to come to America This was my dream to give my children education because I did not have time in Russia to get education myselfrdquo Kavalerchik said
ldquoOld people died in these shops They worked like dogs I donrsquot do this I work eight hours a day I go to lunch I go on vacationrdquo he said ldquoHere I have easy life I have my family I have place to sleep I go on vacation twice a year Irsquom happy with my children [Michael and Fannett]rdquo Every other year Kavalerchik visits his father in Israel
Sitting in the front room of his workshop ndash the room with the bottle collection ndash is a large cardboard box full of shoes belonging to his wife Roza Kavalerchik promises hersquoll get to them soon Near the box standing upright in the corner is a clutch of fishing poles
ldquoThese here are very important toolsrdquo said Kavalerchik again with that smile ldquoSaturday at 4 I close up and take my tools straight to the boatrdquo c
Shoe-making skills saved Sillrsquos life duringthe HolocaustBY MICHAEL C DUKE
Sam Sill was the previous owner of Samrsquos Shoe Repair in Southwest Houston
When he sold the business to Alex Kavalerchik some 22 years ago he passed along his tools to the new proprietor These included a pair of hammers that helped save Sill from the Nazi death machine in Europe Kavalerchik said that Sill told him that he Sill as a concentration camp prisoner used the hammers to make boots for German army officers during the war
Houstonian Dr David Wolf ndash a podiatrist ndash is first cousin to Samrsquos wife Ruthie Wolf has preserved an original copy of Sillrsquos immigra-tion papers which state that he Sill was born
Calligraphy by Eileen
Envelope AddressingBarBat Mitzvahs
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Temple SinaiThe Reform Jewish Congregation in West Houston
A warm friendly amp vibrant community where friendship
and caring are combined with a religious faith ritual observance social interaction and education
for adults and children
Join Rabbi Annie Belford and the Temple Sinai Congregation
for Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 730 PM
13875 Brimhurst 281-495-5950Houston Tx 77077 wwwtemple-sinaiorg
TEMPLE SINAI
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
Service with a smileGoing beyond the call of duty
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Terry CominskyRealtor Associate713-558-3331
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OyDo We Know PrintingProudly serving the Jewish Commmunity and Houston
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with high quality commercial printing
Simon Printing CompanyFine Lithography
10810 Craighead
Houston Texas 77025
713-666-1296
Fax 713-666-4111wwwsimonprintingcom
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Tissue PaperSelf Seal BagsCoffee BagsAutomatic Pull BowsShrink Wrap BagsClear Acetate BoxesRibbonShrink Film RollsTheme BoxesRaffi aGift BoxesGift Wrap PaperCurling RibbonOrganza bags
TulleShredded Paper FillerShipping BoxesMerchandise BagsBubble WrapShopping BagsNewsprintGift BagsKraft Rolls of PaperPoly Frosted BagsCellophane RollsHigh-Density Poly Merchandise BagsCellophane Bags
Hours of OperationMonday - Friday 900 AM to 600 PM
Saturday 1000 AM to 600 PM4404 Richmond Ave bull Houston Texas 77027Phone 713-524-5454 bull Fax 713-524-5450
wwwpalmerpkgcom
Gift Wrap ServiceRetail Packaging Supplies
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EXCLUSI V ELY JEWISH MEMORI ALS
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ASK FOR SA NDY GA ITZ
713-984-2010A SUBSIDIARY OF 4D SIGN WORX LLC
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
Montessori integrated curriculum In a loving caring and safe atmosphere your child will learn and grow with a proven program based on excellence and experience
Registration is now open
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
((771133))666666--00225577
We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
4-Show PackageSStart aS low aS
$108
TUTSCOM 713558TUTS groups of 15+ call 7135588888
A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
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LERNER AND LOEWErsquoS
Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
2830 Hicks StHouston TX 77007
Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
NotNot valid Saturdays in June July or August or with any other offer discount special price prepaid afternoon group two-day or season tickets Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale Prices operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice ExpiExpires September 23 2012
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36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
MARKETPLACE
713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
Mosk amp Mosk LLCCertified Public Accountants5959 West Loop South Suite 340
Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS
EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
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Packing bull Crating bull Freighting bull UnpackingMoving homes bull Offices
Assisted living bull Estate packing
Locally bull Nationally bull Internationally
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull Artwork bull Unusual bull Large amp Small jobs
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
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ACCOUNTANTCPA
PACKING AND SHIPPING SERVICES
ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
Certified American Board of Ophthalmology
Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
wwwucntexascom
Be there when your customers need you
Advertise in
and get your company or organization listed for free
COMPLETE GUIDE to
EVERYTHING JEWISH (and more)
for Greater Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast
713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
JUNI ERSE
JUNI ERSE
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
celebrate yourbarbat mitzvah like
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houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
phone 713-227-1392hardrockcom
UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
- VOICES covers 2
- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 25
1500 Sunset Boulevard Houston Texas 77005
7135356400 wwwbeckerschoolorg
Accredited by NAEYCrsquos National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Learning through play
bull Ages 15 months through 5 years bull Extended care 8am - 530pm
bull Developmentally appropriate curriculumbull Extra-curricular classes available
bull Bridge to Kindergarten class
Since 1989
Call for a tourNow accepting applications
for 2012-2013
Congregation Emanu El Becker Early Childhood Center
6401 Woodway(in Whole Foods Plaza)
7133344900
Fabulous Womenrsquos Apparel amp Accessories
4048 Bellaire Blvd(in the Whole Foods Plaza)
7136653336FrenchCuffCocom
labeled ldquoCatrsquos PawrdquoBuilt into a corner post of the main work-
bench is a glue reservoir Plugging the well is a half-dollar-sized metal cap with a rod run-ning through it sporting an applicator brush Long dribbles of glue have oozed caked and dried down the edges of the post looking like a model of a volcano from a school sci-ence fair A photographer friend of Kavalerchikrsquos comes by on occasion to shoot close-up pho-tos of the unique formations
There are industrial ma-chines at every elbow turn stitchers sanders cutters tack-ers buffers Something called an Auto Soler and another called a Heel Popper Some are more than a 100 years old Real made-in-America stuff From cities like Chicago and St Louis Art deco in shape and lines Nickel-plated enameled steel and chromed in work grime
ldquoI have one machine made in 1890 It never breaksrdquo Kavalerchik said fondly
Other equipment however has broken down over the years Kavalerchik has learned to do the repairs himself Out of necessity ldquoItrsquos
very important to learn how to fix this equip-ment Itrsquos very old and nobody knows how to fix it I have to do it myself If this part breaks you have to make a new onerdquo he said
The workshoprsquos few modern conveniences
include a small electric box fan a 26-inch TV that seems stuck on Channel 8 and the occa-sional pinup girl wall calendar One room boasts an empty bottle collection on a top shelf ldquoWe Russians drink cognac after work and vodka at homerdquo Kavalerchik explained Therersquos a row of vintage US postage stamps
affixed to a workbench shelf that dates back to the shoprsquos previous owner a man named Sam Sill
The Polish-born Sill was a Holocaust survivor who worked in a factory making
boots for German army officers Kavalerchik said
ldquoThis hammer he brought from the old country Itrsquos from Germany 1942rdquo said Kavalerchik lifting the worn tool from his workbench ldquoThis guy worked with this hammer in con-centration camprdquo He then palmed a second hammer nearby with simi-lar history Though Kavalerchik has owned the business for the past 22 years he has kept the name ldquoSamrsquos Shoe Repairrdquo
The man who gave Kavalerchik his birth into the business Kalman Witenberg also was a Polish Holocaust survivor Edith Mincberg
was a customer of Witenbergrsquos back in the day and remembers him as a friendly and lively man ldquoHe loved to carry on Yiddish conversations with my late husband Joe Mincbergrdquo Edith told the JHV Witenberg a survivor of Auschwitz among other camps according to Holocaust Museum Houston records died in 2003
JHV MICHAEL C DUKE
The 1950s-era shop includes equipment thatrsquos more than 100 years old
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Foot and Ankle
Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery
Podiatry Associates of Houston
Michael A Mineo DPM FACFASDavid L Blumfield DPM FACFASKeith L Jacobson DPM FACFAS
Vito Speciale DPM
6699 Chimney Rock 102713-666-0287
18220 Tomball Pkwy 220832-912-7792
705 S Fwy 215281-579-0816
915 Gessner 380713-467-1299
Times have changed over the course of Kavalerchikrsquos career as an old-school cobbler Many of his early customers were high school graduates whose parents wanted to send their kids off to college in a pair of spiffy penny loafers ldquoThese days itrsquos a different life Kids wear sneakersrdquo Kavalerchik said
The cobbler doesnrsquot wax nostalgic however over the profession that many people including himself view as a dying art
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymorerdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoItrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you must have patience This the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
Kavalerchik has entertained the occasional apprentice but none has stuck it out The cobbler predicts that in 15 20 years time the business will be dead save for a few shops here and there
ldquoThis business is like Jewish language [Yiddish]rdquo he said ldquoBefore people speak it fluently Now itrsquos only a few old guysrdquo
The trade has been good to the man who said he stood a 50-50 chance of winding up dead if he had stayed in the Soviet Union Itrsquos given him his American dream
ldquoIf I can afford to put my children through college this was my dream to come to America This was my dream to give my children education because I did not have time in Russia to get education myselfrdquo Kavalerchik said
ldquoOld people died in these shops They worked like dogs I donrsquot do this I work eight hours a day I go to lunch I go on vacationrdquo he said ldquoHere I have easy life I have my family I have place to sleep I go on vacation twice a year Irsquom happy with my children [Michael and Fannett]rdquo Every other year Kavalerchik visits his father in Israel
Sitting in the front room of his workshop ndash the room with the bottle collection ndash is a large cardboard box full of shoes belonging to his wife Roza Kavalerchik promises hersquoll get to them soon Near the box standing upright in the corner is a clutch of fishing poles
ldquoThese here are very important toolsrdquo said Kavalerchik again with that smile ldquoSaturday at 4 I close up and take my tools straight to the boatrdquo c
Shoe-making skills saved Sillrsquos life duringthe HolocaustBY MICHAEL C DUKE
Sam Sill was the previous owner of Samrsquos Shoe Repair in Southwest Houston
When he sold the business to Alex Kavalerchik some 22 years ago he passed along his tools to the new proprietor These included a pair of hammers that helped save Sill from the Nazi death machine in Europe Kavalerchik said that Sill told him that he Sill as a concentration camp prisoner used the hammers to make boots for German army officers during the war
Houstonian Dr David Wolf ndash a podiatrist ndash is first cousin to Samrsquos wife Ruthie Wolf has preserved an original copy of Sillrsquos immigra-tion papers which state that he Sill was born
Calligraphy by Eileen
Envelope AddressingBarBat Mitzvahs
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Any Occasion
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Type Styles Custom Colors
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Temple SinaiThe Reform Jewish Congregation in West Houston
A warm friendly amp vibrant community where friendship
and caring are combined with a religious faith ritual observance social interaction and education
for adults and children
Join Rabbi Annie Belford and the Temple Sinai Congregation
for Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 730 PM
13875 Brimhurst 281-495-5950Houston Tx 77077 wwwtemple-sinaiorg
TEMPLE SINAI
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
Service with a smileGoing beyond the call of duty
For all of your real estate needs
Terry CominskyRealtor Associate713-558-3331
tcominskymarthaturnercom
wwwmarthaturnercom
OyDo We Know PrintingProudly serving the Jewish Commmunity and Houston
for over 3 generations and 70 plus years
with high quality commercial printing
Simon Printing CompanyFine Lithography
10810 Craighead
Houston Texas 77025
713-666-1296
Fax 713-666-4111wwwsimonprintingcom
28 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Tissue PaperSelf Seal BagsCoffee BagsAutomatic Pull BowsShrink Wrap BagsClear Acetate BoxesRibbonShrink Film RollsTheme BoxesRaffi aGift BoxesGift Wrap PaperCurling RibbonOrganza bags
TulleShredded Paper FillerShipping BoxesMerchandise BagsBubble WrapShopping BagsNewsprintGift BagsKraft Rolls of PaperPoly Frosted BagsCellophane RollsHigh-Density Poly Merchandise BagsCellophane Bags
Hours of OperationMonday - Friday 900 AM to 600 PM
Saturday 1000 AM to 600 PM4404 Richmond Ave bull Houston Texas 77027Phone 713-524-5454 bull Fax 713-524-5450
wwwpalmerpkgcom
Gift Wrap ServiceRetail Packaging Supplies
HOUSTONrsquoS ONLY JEWISH OWNED
HEADSTONE amp MONUMENT COMPANY
EXCLUSI V ELY JEWISH MEMORI ALS
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ASK FOR SA NDY GA ITZ
713-984-2010A SUBSIDIARY OF 4D SIGN WORX LLC
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
Montessori integrated curriculum In a loving caring and safe atmosphere your child will learn and grow with a proven program based on excellence and experience
Registration is now open
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
((771133))666666--00225577
We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
4-Show PackageSStart aS low aS
$108
TUTSCOM 713558TUTS groups of 15+ call 7135588888
A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
May 14 - 26 2013
LERNER AND LOEWErsquoS
Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
CFPreg and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERtrade marks are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Boardrsquos initial and ongoing certification requirements Registered Representative of and offers securities products investment advisory services and financial planning services through MML Investors Services Inc member SIPC Supervisory Office 3 Greenway Plaza Suite 1700 Houston Texas 77046 713402-3800 The K Corporation is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services Inc Insurance offered through Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and other fine companies
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
2830 Hicks StHouston TX 77007
Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
NotNot valid Saturdays in June July or August or with any other offer discount special price prepaid afternoon group two-day or season tickets Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale Prices operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice ExpiExpires September 23 2012
SAVE up to $12YOUR FAMILY WILL BE
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36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
MARKETPLACE
713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
Mosk amp Mosk LLCCertified Public Accountants5959 West Loop South Suite 340
Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS
EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
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Packing bull Crating bull Freighting bull UnpackingMoving homes bull Offices
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713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
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713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
ACCOUNTANTCPA
PACKING AND SHIPPING SERVICES
ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
Certified American Board of Ophthalmology
Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
wwwucntexascom
Be there when your customers need you
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and get your company or organization listed for free
COMPLETE GUIDE to
EVERYTHING JEWISH (and more)
for Greater Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast
713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
JUNI ERSE
JUNI ERSE
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
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houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
phone 713-227-1392hardrockcom
UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
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26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Foot and Ankle
Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery
Podiatry Associates of Houston
Michael A Mineo DPM FACFASDavid L Blumfield DPM FACFASKeith L Jacobson DPM FACFAS
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6699 Chimney Rock 102713-666-0287
18220 Tomball Pkwy 220832-912-7792
705 S Fwy 215281-579-0816
915 Gessner 380713-467-1299
Times have changed over the course of Kavalerchikrsquos career as an old-school cobbler Many of his early customers were high school graduates whose parents wanted to send their kids off to college in a pair of spiffy penny loafers ldquoThese days itrsquos a different life Kids wear sneakersrdquo Kavalerchik said
The cobbler doesnrsquot wax nostalgic however over the profession that many people including himself view as a dying art
ldquoItrsquos not too many people who know this business anymorerdquo Kavalerchik said ldquoItrsquos a hard job To learn this you need to spend lots of time and you must have patience This the reason nobody wants to do this anymorerdquo
Kavalerchik has entertained the occasional apprentice but none has stuck it out The cobbler predicts that in 15 20 years time the business will be dead save for a few shops here and there
ldquoThis business is like Jewish language [Yiddish]rdquo he said ldquoBefore people speak it fluently Now itrsquos only a few old guysrdquo
The trade has been good to the man who said he stood a 50-50 chance of winding up dead if he had stayed in the Soviet Union Itrsquos given him his American dream
ldquoIf I can afford to put my children through college this was my dream to come to America This was my dream to give my children education because I did not have time in Russia to get education myselfrdquo Kavalerchik said
ldquoOld people died in these shops They worked like dogs I donrsquot do this I work eight hours a day I go to lunch I go on vacationrdquo he said ldquoHere I have easy life I have my family I have place to sleep I go on vacation twice a year Irsquom happy with my children [Michael and Fannett]rdquo Every other year Kavalerchik visits his father in Israel
Sitting in the front room of his workshop ndash the room with the bottle collection ndash is a large cardboard box full of shoes belonging to his wife Roza Kavalerchik promises hersquoll get to them soon Near the box standing upright in the corner is a clutch of fishing poles
ldquoThese here are very important toolsrdquo said Kavalerchik again with that smile ldquoSaturday at 4 I close up and take my tools straight to the boatrdquo c
Shoe-making skills saved Sillrsquos life duringthe HolocaustBY MICHAEL C DUKE
Sam Sill was the previous owner of Samrsquos Shoe Repair in Southwest Houston
When he sold the business to Alex Kavalerchik some 22 years ago he passed along his tools to the new proprietor These included a pair of hammers that helped save Sill from the Nazi death machine in Europe Kavalerchik said that Sill told him that he Sill as a concentration camp prisoner used the hammers to make boots for German army officers during the war
Houstonian Dr David Wolf ndash a podiatrist ndash is first cousin to Samrsquos wife Ruthie Wolf has preserved an original copy of Sillrsquos immigra-tion papers which state that he Sill was born
Calligraphy by Eileen
Envelope AddressingBarBat Mitzvahs
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Temple SinaiThe Reform Jewish Congregation in West Houston
A warm friendly amp vibrant community where friendship
and caring are combined with a religious faith ritual observance social interaction and education
for adults and children
Join Rabbi Annie Belford and the Temple Sinai Congregation
for Shabbat Services every Friday evening at 730 PM
13875 Brimhurst 281-495-5950Houston Tx 77077 wwwtemple-sinaiorg
TEMPLE SINAI
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
Service with a smileGoing beyond the call of duty
For all of your real estate needs
Terry CominskyRealtor Associate713-558-3331
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wwwmarthaturnercom
OyDo We Know PrintingProudly serving the Jewish Commmunity and Houston
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with high quality commercial printing
Simon Printing CompanyFine Lithography
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Houston Texas 77025
713-666-1296
Fax 713-666-4111wwwsimonprintingcom
28 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Tissue PaperSelf Seal BagsCoffee BagsAutomatic Pull BowsShrink Wrap BagsClear Acetate BoxesRibbonShrink Film RollsTheme BoxesRaffi aGift BoxesGift Wrap PaperCurling RibbonOrganza bags
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Hours of OperationMonday - Friday 900 AM to 600 PM
Saturday 1000 AM to 600 PM4404 Richmond Ave bull Houston Texas 77027Phone 713-524-5454 bull Fax 713-524-5450
wwwpalmerpkgcom
Gift Wrap ServiceRetail Packaging Supplies
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EXCLUSI V ELY JEWISH MEMORI ALS
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ASK FOR SA NDY GA ITZ
713-984-2010A SUBSIDIARY OF 4D SIGN WORX LLC
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
Montessori integrated curriculum In a loving caring and safe atmosphere your child will learn and grow with a proven program based on excellence and experience
Registration is now open
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
((771133))666666--00225577
We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
4-Show PackageSStart aS low aS
$108
TUTSCOM 713558TUTS groups of 15+ call 7135588888
A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
May 14 - 26 2013
LERNER AND LOEWErsquoS
Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
CFPreg and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERtrade marks are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Boardrsquos initial and ongoing certification requirements Registered Representative of and offers securities products investment advisory services and financial planning services through MML Investors Services Inc member SIPC Supervisory Office 3 Greenway Plaza Suite 1700 Houston Texas 77046 713402-3800 The K Corporation is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services Inc Insurance offered through Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and other fine companies
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
2830 Hicks StHouston TX 77007
Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
NotNot valid Saturdays in June July or August or with any other offer discount special price prepaid afternoon group two-day or season tickets Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale Prices operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice ExpiExpires September 23 2012
SAVE up to $12YOUR FAMILY WILL BE
DISCOUNT TICKETS ONLINE schlitterbahncom
MOST FUN OVER 33 ATTRACTIONS
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
MARKETPLACE
713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
Mosk amp Mosk LLCCertified Public Accountants5959 West Loop South Suite 340
Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS
EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
COUNSELING
Packing bull Crating bull Freighting bull UnpackingMoving homes bull Offices
Assisted living bull Estate packing
Locally bull Nationally bull Internationally
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull Artwork bull Unusual bull Large amp Small jobs
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
We Keep Houston MovingPacking
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
ACCOUNTANTCPA
PACKING AND SHIPPING SERVICES
ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
Certified American Board of Ophthalmology
Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
wwwucntexascom
Be there when your customers need you
Advertise in
and get your company or organization listed for free
COMPLETE GUIDE to
EVERYTHING JEWISH (and more)
for Greater Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast
713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
JUNI ERSE
JUNI ERSE
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
celebrate yourbarbat mitzvah like
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houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
phone 713-227-1392hardrockcom
UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
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- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
26 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 27
Szmul Zgnilek on Aug 8 1923 in Sosnowiec Poland Sill learned the shoe-repair trade from his father who was a shoemaker Wolf said
While Wolf does not know the specific his-tory of the hammers he did confirm that Sill prison-labored as a cobbler during the war
ldquoHis ability to make shoes is what saved his life in the concentration camp as he not only repaired but fabricated boots from
scratch for his Nazi tormentorsrdquo Wolf told the JHV
ldquoSam was a modest honorable man who never spoke of his traumatic historyrdquo Wolf said Indeed Sillrsquos Dec 6 1990 obituary in the JHV makes no mention that he was a Holocaust survivor ndash as is far too often the case The obit does however state that Sillrsquos ldquoreputation in the orthopedic shoe repair
business was well-known throughout the cityrdquo
Sill immigrated to the United States on May 11 1949 He was aboard the Army troop transport vessel USAT Willard A Holbrook according to his immigration records
Sill survived the Holocaust along with two brothers Wolf said Ruthie Sill succeeded her husband in death on Oct 9 2006 c
Sam Sill (right) sits atop an American Army vehicle shortly after the 23-year-oldrsquos liberation from the Nazis in 1945
Sam Sill ldquoon dutyrdquo at his shoe-repair shop on South Post Oak Road andWest Bellfort Street
Service with a smileGoing beyond the call of duty
For all of your real estate needs
Terry CominskyRealtor Associate713-558-3331
tcominskymarthaturnercom
wwwmarthaturnercom
OyDo We Know PrintingProudly serving the Jewish Commmunity and Houston
for over 3 generations and 70 plus years
with high quality commercial printing
Simon Printing CompanyFine Lithography
10810 Craighead
Houston Texas 77025
713-666-1296
Fax 713-666-4111wwwsimonprintingcom
28 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Tissue PaperSelf Seal BagsCoffee BagsAutomatic Pull BowsShrink Wrap BagsClear Acetate BoxesRibbonShrink Film RollsTheme BoxesRaffi aGift BoxesGift Wrap PaperCurling RibbonOrganza bags
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Hours of OperationMonday - Friday 900 AM to 600 PM
Saturday 1000 AM to 600 PM4404 Richmond Ave bull Houston Texas 77027Phone 713-524-5454 bull Fax 713-524-5450
wwwpalmerpkgcom
Gift Wrap ServiceRetail Packaging Supplies
HOUSTONrsquoS ONLY JEWISH OWNED
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EXCLUSI V ELY JEWISH MEMORI ALS
3RD GENER ATION HOUSTONI A N
ASK FOR SA NDY GA ITZ
713-984-2010A SUBSIDIARY OF 4D SIGN WORX LLC
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
Montessori integrated curriculum In a loving caring and safe atmosphere your child will learn and grow with a proven program based on excellence and experience
Registration is now open
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
((771133))666666--00225577
We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
4-Show PackageSStart aS low aS
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TUTSCOM 713558TUTS groups of 15+ call 7135588888
A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
May 14 - 26 2013
LERNER AND LOEWErsquoS
Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
CFPreg and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERtrade marks are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Boardrsquos initial and ongoing certification requirements Registered Representative of and offers securities products investment advisory services and financial planning services through MML Investors Services Inc member SIPC Supervisory Office 3 Greenway Plaza Suite 1700 Houston Texas 77046 713402-3800 The K Corporation is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services Inc Insurance offered through Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and other fine companies
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
2830 Hicks StHouston TX 77007
Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
NotNot valid Saturdays in June July or August or with any other offer discount special price prepaid afternoon group two-day or season tickets Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale Prices operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice ExpiExpires September 23 2012
SAVE up to $12YOUR FAMILY WILL BE
DISCOUNT TICKETS ONLINE schlitterbahncom
MOST FUN OVER 33 ATTRACTIONS
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
MARKETPLACE
713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
Mosk amp Mosk LLCCertified Public Accountants5959 West Loop South Suite 340
Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS
EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
COUNSELING
Packing bull Crating bull Freighting bull UnpackingMoving homes bull Offices
Assisted living bull Estate packing
Locally bull Nationally bull Internationally
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull Artwork bull Unusual bull Large amp Small jobs
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
We Keep Houston MovingPacking
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
ACCOUNTANTCPA
PACKING AND SHIPPING SERVICES
ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
Certified American Board of Ophthalmology
Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
wwwucntexascom
Be there when your customers need you
Advertise in
and get your company or organization listed for free
COMPLETE GUIDE to
EVERYTHING JEWISH (and more)
for Greater Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast
713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
JUNI ERSE
JUNI ERSE
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
celebrate yourbarbat mitzvah like
a rock star
houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
phone 713-227-1392hardrockcom
UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
- VOICES covers 2
- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
28 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Tissue PaperSelf Seal BagsCoffee BagsAutomatic Pull BowsShrink Wrap BagsClear Acetate BoxesRibbonShrink Film RollsTheme BoxesRaffi aGift BoxesGift Wrap PaperCurling RibbonOrganza bags
TulleShredded Paper FillerShipping BoxesMerchandise BagsBubble WrapShopping BagsNewsprintGift BagsKraft Rolls of PaperPoly Frosted BagsCellophane RollsHigh-Density Poly Merchandise BagsCellophane Bags
Hours of OperationMonday - Friday 900 AM to 600 PM
Saturday 1000 AM to 600 PM4404 Richmond Ave bull Houston Texas 77027Phone 713-524-5454 bull Fax 713-524-5450
wwwpalmerpkgcom
Gift Wrap ServiceRetail Packaging Supplies
HOUSTONrsquoS ONLY JEWISH OWNED
HEADSTONE amp MONUMENT COMPANY
EXCLUSI V ELY JEWISH MEMORI ALS
3RD GENER ATION HOUSTONI A N
ASK FOR SA NDY GA ITZ
713-984-2010A SUBSIDIARY OF 4D SIGN WORX LLC
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on TuesdaysFor more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom
or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscom
NOW open until 515 M-Thurs and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
Member of the American Montessori SocietyUOSGMS does not discriminate on the basis of
race color ethnic or national origin
Our Montessori classrooms provide a rich exciting environment for learning We offer a full Judaic and
Montessori integrated curriculum In a loving caring and safe atmosphere your child will learn and grow with a proven program based on excellence and experience
Registration is now open
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
For more information contact us at 713-723-3856 or uosgmsyahoocom or Debra Kira at debrakirauosgmscomNOW open until 515 M-Thurs
and until 430 on FridaysNEW ldquoMommy and Merdquo on Tuesdays
THIS IS WHO WE ARE
HHoouussttoonn JJeewwiisshh FFuunneerraallss IInnddeeppeennddeennttllyy ampamp FFaammiillyy OOwwnneedd SSiinnccee 22000011
((771133))666666--00225577
We do not hide behind a corporate brand or initials on the Stock Exchange
We live in and serve the Houston Community
We answer our own phones 247
We are passionate about what we do and treat each family as if they were our own
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
4-Show PackageSStart aS low aS
$108
TUTSCOM 713558TUTS groups of 15+ call 7135588888
A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
May 14 - 26 2013
LERNER AND LOEWErsquoS
Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
CFPreg and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERtrade marks are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Boardrsquos initial and ongoing certification requirements Registered Representative of and offers securities products investment advisory services and financial planning services through MML Investors Services Inc member SIPC Supervisory Office 3 Greenway Plaza Suite 1700 Houston Texas 77046 713402-3800 The K Corporation is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services Inc Insurance offered through Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and other fine companies
a financial strategies firm
Adam Blumberg | Walter Katz CFPreg | Naomi Duke CFPreg | Larry Katz ChFC
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(281) 494-4567
OPEN 7 DAYS
The
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ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
2830 Hicks StHouston TX 77007
Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
NotNot valid Saturdays in June July or August or with any other offer discount special price prepaid afternoon group two-day or season tickets Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale Prices operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice ExpiExpires September 23 2012
SAVE up to $12YOUR FAMILY WILL BE
DISCOUNT TICKETS ONLINE schlitterbahncom
MOST FUN OVER 33 ATTRACTIONS
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
MARKETPLACE
713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
Mosk amp Mosk LLCCertified Public Accountants5959 West Loop South Suite 340
Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS
EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
COUNSELING
Packing bull Crating bull Freighting bull UnpackingMoving homes bull Offices
Assisted living bull Estate packing
Locally bull Nationally bull Internationally
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull Artwork bull Unusual bull Large amp Small jobs
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
We Keep Houston MovingPacking
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
ACCOUNTANTCPA
PACKING AND SHIPPING SERVICES
ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
Certified American Board of Ophthalmology
Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
wwwucntexascom
Be there when your customers need you
Advertise in
and get your company or organization listed for free
COMPLETE GUIDE to
EVERYTHING JEWISH (and more)
for Greater Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast
713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
JUNI ERSE
JUNI ERSE
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
celebrate yourbarbat mitzvah like
a rock star
houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
phone 713-227-1392hardrockcom
UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
- VOICES covers 2
- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 29
BY MIRIAM CANTOR-STONESPECIAL TO THE JHV
After 25 years at various schools 17 of which at The EmeryWeiner School Larry Dachslager is graduating
No hersquos not a long-suffering student hersquos been directing theater productions and teaching classes for EWS However
just as EWSrsquos class of 2012 Dachslager now is off to collegeldquoIrsquove spent just as much time in that college counseling office as
the kidsrdquo said Dachslager when asked about the process of applying to colleges that offer film or cinema studies programs
Anyone who knows ldquoMr Drdquo will remember that he is passionate about movies and has been teaching seventh- and eighth-graders film appreciation at EWS for many years However Dachslager has decided that now it is now time to try something he hasnrsquot done in decades Move to the other side of the desk
ldquoFor the first time I want to enjoy being a student Irsquove never been good at it Irsquove never been organized enough been able to focus Grades never meant anything to me as a kid so they were never an incentive to care about something I didnrsquot care about But since Irsquoll be focusing on something that Irsquoll be passionate about I would imagine Irsquoll do better and enjoy itrdquo he said
In the fall Dachslager will begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in cinema studies from Columbia College in Chicago Most people are surprised when they hear that Dachslager doesnrsquot already have an advance degree and while this clearly hasnrsquot been a real problem in his work it is something he has thought about for a number of years
It has become especially important for Dachslager to earn a college degree after watching many of his students go off and receive their own In typical Mr D fashion he compares his situation to a classic film
ldquoLike in lsquoThe Wizard of Ozrsquo the diploma doesnrsquot actually have a meaning the college degree doesnrsquot mean yoursquore smart or that you have a brain or that yoursquore more qualified Itrsquos just one of those mile-stones thatrsquos considered importantrdquo he said
When the Jewish Herald-Voice interviewed Dachslager at the end of his tenure at EWS he described how he had decided to become a col-lege student after so many years of teaching middle and high school-ers While a lot of it has to do with getting a degree there is something else as well As Dachslager put it ldquoOnce I started having students that I taught in the sixth grade graduate from college and getting college degrees it started really gnawing at me And every year it got more and more difficult to go to graduations and partiesrdquo
Dachslager is ready to celebrate his own milestone his own aca-demic accomplishments In order to do that he believes he needs to start over in a new academic institution and a new city As one can
College Takes Center Stage for Longtime EWS Theater Teacher
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
4-Show PackageSStart aS low aS
$108
TUTSCOM 713558TUTS groups of 15+ call 7135588888
A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
May 14 - 26 2013
LERNER AND LOEWErsquoS
Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
CFPreg and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERtrade marks are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Boardrsquos initial and ongoing certification requirements Registered Representative of and offers securities products investment advisory services and financial planning services through MML Investors Services Inc member SIPC Supervisory Office 3 Greenway Plaza Suite 1700 Houston Texas 77046 713402-3800 The K Corporation is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services Inc Insurance offered through Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and other fine companies
a financial strategies firm
Adam Blumberg | Walter Katz CFPreg | Naomi Duke CFPreg | Larry Katz ChFC
L i f e In surance | Inve s tmen t s | Consul t ing
Employee Benef i t s | 401 (k ) 403 (b ) Pens ion Plans
Helping People and Their Families Plan for the Best in Their Lives
Tel (713) 840-7300 Fax (713) 840-1747 Web BornToRetirecom
Adam Blumberg | Walter Katz CFPreg | Naomi Duke CFPreg | Larry Katz ChFCreg
12740 S Kirkwood(2 Blocks South of Hwy 59 in Stafford)
(281) 494-4567
OPEN 7 DAYS
The
B DILLIAR
Wanna Play
ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
2830 Hicks StHouston TX 77007
Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
NotNot valid Saturdays in June July or August or with any other offer discount special price prepaid afternoon group two-day or season tickets Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale Prices operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice ExpiExpires September 23 2012
SAVE up to $12YOUR FAMILY WILL BE
DISCOUNT TICKETS ONLINE schlitterbahncom
MOST FUN OVER 33 ATTRACTIONS
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
MARKETPLACE
713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
Mosk amp Mosk LLCCertified Public Accountants5959 West Loop South Suite 340
Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS
EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
COUNSELING
Packing bull Crating bull Freighting bull UnpackingMoving homes bull Offices
Assisted living bull Estate packing
Locally bull Nationally bull Internationally
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull Artwork bull Unusual bull Large amp Small jobs
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
We Keep Houston MovingPacking
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
ACCOUNTANTCPA
PACKING AND SHIPPING SERVICES
ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
Certified American Board of Ophthalmology
Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
wwwucntexascom
Be there when your customers need you
Advertise in
and get your company or organization listed for free
COMPLETE GUIDE to
EVERYTHING JEWISH (and more)
for Greater Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast
713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
JUNI ERSE
JUNI ERSE
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
celebrate yourbarbat mitzvah like
a rock star
houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
phone 713-227-1392hardrockcom
UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
- VOICES covers 2
- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
imagine though there is going to be a lot to get used to for Dachslager How will he cope It seems it wonrsquot be too difficult for Dachslager has many friends in the Windy City including a member of the class of 2012
ldquoIrsquom going to Columbia College with a graduating senior Brian Karpas and we could end up in some of the same classes So I mean wersquore writing the sitcom theme song now Itrsquos crazyrdquo he said
Dachslager also described the many students he knows who cur-rently are in Chicago and they already are planning an EmeryWeiner theater troupe reunion
Besides meeting up with old friends what else is Dachslager anticipating about college life ldquoIrsquom really looking forward to being around people who love movies as much as I dordquo said the film aficionado ldquoIrsquom looking forward to hearing other educated points of view And itrsquoll be nice to be in a place where Irsquom not the only Woody Allen fan Oh itrsquos lonely being a Woody Allen fan in Texasrdquo
Fortunately he has plenty of company in his love for the EmeryWeiner theater program Hersquos been directing and teaching there for 17 years and he talks with a rare
passion about the growth of the theater program In terms of this yearrsquos productions Dachslager said ldquoI was selfish I chose shows that I knew were important to me It was a self-indulgent yearrdquo
Especially of note in this past yearrsquos season was the all-school musical ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo The musical based on the ldquoPrincess and the Peardquo fairytale also was Emery High Schoolrsquos first production as well as the very first production to go up in the new Becker Theater in 2001 When the first ldquoMattressrdquo went up the Becker Theater still was technically under construction and
according to Dachslager it was a very ldquoraw and funrdquo production This yearrsquos ldquoMattressrdquo involved 40 students ranging from grades six-12 while the first one included fewer than 20 ninth-graders
The EmeryWeiner theater department certainly has grown in the years since the Stella Link campus opened in fall 2001 In 2010 Jennifer Bauer-Conley was hired as an upper school performance arts teacher and has been assisting the theater produc-tions Bauer-Conley recently directed the schoolrsquos spring musical ldquoLittle Shop of Horrorsrdquo She will continue to
take over the directorial duties as the EWS administration searches for a new middle school theater teacher
How does Dachslager see the theater department changing with Bauer-Conley in charge ldquoI think the theater department is going to get more serious more career-oriented My whole thing is that the reason you do theater in school is to learn about teamwork and creativity And Jen wants to train actors So our approaches are dif-ferent Itrsquoll attract kids with a more serious attitude about theater which is definitely a good thingrdquo he said
One canrsquot help but notice the timing of Bauer-Conleyrsquos emergence at EmeryWeiner Shersquos been working with Dachslager for two years and this could be seen as her training for the higher position Was her hiring influential to Dachslagerrsquos decision to leave EmeryWeiner ldquoI didnrsquot want to just leave the department in the lurch because Irsquove worked so hard to make it what is so I wanted somebody that I could trust And Jen came along and she was just the right personrdquo he said
In the process of leaving any job itrsquos important to know that your role will be filled adequately but with Mr D it was essential to find someone with similar pas-sions and it seems EmeryWeinerrsquos theater department is in good hands
Dachslager clearly looks back on his years at EWS fondly but one still wonders what his motivations and goals were in teaching for so many years
ldquoI wanted to be a better teacher to my students than my teachers were to merdquo he said
Dachslager had many teachers who were positive influences including both of his parents but more often than not he wished for something better Through teaching Dachslager hopes hersquos made a beneficial dif-ference for his students
30 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom
4-Show PackageSStart aS low aS
$108
TUTSCOM 713558TUTS groups of 15+ call 7135588888
A lot to loveA lot A lot to love
From Camelot to Spamalot
Oct 9 - 21 2012 Jan 22 - Feb 3 2013
May 14 - 26 2013
LERNER AND LOEWErsquoS
Dec 11 - 23 2012
Feb 26 - Mar 10 2013 June 4 - 16 2013
A lot to loveto love
Jester Larry Dachslager with the cast of ldquoOnce Upon a Mattressrdquo
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
CFPreg and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERtrade marks are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Boardrsquos initial and ongoing certification requirements Registered Representative of and offers securities products investment advisory services and financial planning services through MML Investors Services Inc member SIPC Supervisory Office 3 Greenway Plaza Suite 1700 Houston Texas 77046 713402-3800 The K Corporation is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services Inc Insurance offered through Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and other fine companies
a financial strategies firm
Adam Blumberg | Walter Katz CFPreg | Naomi Duke CFPreg | Larry Katz ChFC
L i f e In surance | Inve s tmen t s | Consul t ing
Employee Benef i t s | 401 (k ) 403 (b ) Pens ion Plans
Helping People and Their Families Plan for the Best in Their Lives
Tel (713) 840-7300 Fax (713) 840-1747 Web BornToRetirecom
Adam Blumberg | Walter Katz CFPreg | Naomi Duke CFPreg | Larry Katz ChFCreg
12740 S Kirkwood(2 Blocks South of Hwy 59 in Stafford)
(281) 494-4567
OPEN 7 DAYS
The
B DILLIAR
Wanna Play
ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
2830 Hicks StHouston TX 77007
Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
NotNot valid Saturdays in June July or August or with any other offer discount special price prepaid afternoon group two-day or season tickets Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale Prices operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice ExpiExpires September 23 2012
SAVE up to $12YOUR FAMILY WILL BE
DISCOUNT TICKETS ONLINE schlitterbahncom
MOST FUN OVER 33 ATTRACTIONS
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
MARKETPLACE
713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
Mosk amp Mosk LLCCertified Public Accountants5959 West Loop South Suite 340
Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS
EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
COUNSELING
Packing bull Crating bull Freighting bull UnpackingMoving homes bull Offices
Assisted living bull Estate packing
Locally bull Nationally bull Internationally
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull Artwork bull Unusual bull Large amp Small jobs
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
We Keep Houston MovingPacking
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
ACCOUNTANTCPA
PACKING AND SHIPPING SERVICES
ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
Certified American Board of Ophthalmology
Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
wwwucntexascom
Be there when your customers need you
Advertise in
and get your company or organization listed for free
COMPLETE GUIDE to
EVERYTHING JEWISH (and more)
for Greater Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast
713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
JUNI ERSE
JUNI ERSE
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
celebrate yourbarbat mitzvah like
a rock star
houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
phone 713-227-1392hardrockcom
UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
- VOICES covers 2
- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston | 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 31
CFPreg and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERtrade marks are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Boardrsquos initial and ongoing certification requirements Registered Representative of and offers securities products investment advisory services and financial planning services through MML Investors Services Inc member SIPC Supervisory Office 3 Greenway Plaza Suite 1700 Houston Texas 77046 713402-3800 The K Corporation is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services Inc Insurance offered through Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and other fine companies
a financial strategies firm
Adam Blumberg | Walter Katz CFPreg | Naomi Duke CFPreg | Larry Katz ChFC
L i f e In surance | Inve s tmen t s | Consul t ing
Employee Benef i t s | 401 (k ) 403 (b ) Pens ion Plans
Helping People and Their Families Plan for the Best in Their Lives
Tel (713) 840-7300 Fax (713) 840-1747 Web BornToRetirecom
Adam Blumberg | Walter Katz CFPreg | Naomi Duke CFPreg | Larry Katz ChFCreg
12740 S Kirkwood(2 Blocks South of Hwy 59 in Stafford)
(281) 494-4567
OPEN 7 DAYS
The
B DILLIAR
Wanna Play
ldquoIrsquove always been intrigued by the idea of doing something that really has a far-reaching impactrdquo he said about why hersquos been teaching for so long
As for Mr Drsquos own future hersquos looking forward to a fresh start in a new city as well as get-ting started on the cinema stud-ies classes hersquos heard so much about
ldquoIrsquom excited to take any class having to do with movies When I went to take a tour of Columbia we were in the film building and there was a flier advertising a class lsquoCinematography 1938-1953rsquo Sign me up right now Okay this is what I wantrdquo he said
Does he feel trepidation about going back to school ldquoIrsquom nervous because I havenrsquot written a bibliography or footnotes in 35 years And I still donrsquot know how to use a computerrdquo he said
And what about post-college life Dachslager dreams of becoming a film histo-rian and teaching film or cinema studies at the college level
ldquoI want to be a talking head in a docu-
mentary author of some biography of some obscure character actorrdquo he said enthusias-tically
Dachslager is passionate about the study of film ldquoI know of no more vivid or better way to learn history than through movies Itrsquos captured real-life history Movies are a way to let me live through what Irsquove missed by being born in 1962rdquo
Dachslager can take great satisfaction from the hundreds of students who thanks
to his classes and shows will con-tinue to live with a greater appre-ciation of film and theater
He offers this advice to his stu-dents ldquoDonrsquot get sucked into com-petition Donrsquot assess yourself as compared to somebody else Be very aware of what makes you unique as a performer and as a personrdquo
Dachslager wants to leave behind something of himself at EmeryWeiner ldquoA healthy respect for theater and the arts and the knowledge that it is an essential part of a well-rounded education Itrsquos not expendablerdquo he contin-ued ldquoIf a kid says that doing the play is more important than his
math homework then hersquos right It is more important for him or her And if somebody has a passion for it then that needs to be respected and not put down just because itrsquos not gradedrdquo
If you someday see a class titled ldquoSymbolism to be found in the films of Groucho Marxrdquo or ldquoPolitics as seen through the eyes of ZaSu Pittsrdquo you might be fortunate enough to be looking at the classes of Prof Larry Dachslager c
Larry Dachslager works on a scene from ldquoAnne Frankrdquo
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
2830 Hicks StHouston TX 77007
Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
NotNot valid Saturdays in June July or August or with any other offer discount special price prepaid afternoon group two-day or season tickets Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale Prices operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice ExpiExpires September 23 2012
SAVE up to $12YOUR FAMILY WILL BE
DISCOUNT TICKETS ONLINE schlitterbahncom
MOST FUN OVER 33 ATTRACTIONS
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
MARKETPLACE
713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
Mosk amp Mosk LLCCertified Public Accountants5959 West Loop South Suite 340
Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS
EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
COUNSELING
Packing bull Crating bull Freighting bull UnpackingMoving homes bull Offices
Assisted living bull Estate packing
Locally bull Nationally bull Internationally
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull Artwork bull Unusual bull Large amp Small jobs
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
We Keep Houston MovingPacking
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
ACCOUNTANTCPA
PACKING AND SHIPPING SERVICES
ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
Certified American Board of Ophthalmology
Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
wwwucntexascom
Be there when your customers need you
Advertise in
and get your company or organization listed for free
COMPLETE GUIDE to
EVERYTHING JEWISH (and more)
for Greater Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast
713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
JUNI ERSE
JUNI ERSE
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
celebrate yourbarbat mitzvah like
a rock star
houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
phone 713-227-1392hardrockcom
UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
- VOICES covers 2
- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
wwwsorrelhoustoncom
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
2830 Hicks StHouston TX 77007
Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
NotNot valid Saturdays in June July or August or with any other offer discount special price prepaid afternoon group two-day or season tickets Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale Prices operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice ExpiExpires September 23 2012
SAVE up to $12YOUR FAMILY WILL BE
DISCOUNT TICKETS ONLINE schlitterbahncom
MOST FUN OVER 33 ATTRACTIONS
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
MARKETPLACE
713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
Mosk amp Mosk LLCCertified Public Accountants5959 West Loop South Suite 340
Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS
EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
COUNSELING
Packing bull Crating bull Freighting bull UnpackingMoving homes bull Offices
Assisted living bull Estate packing
Locally bull Nationally bull Internationally
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull Artwork bull Unusual bull Large amp Small jobs
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
We Keep Houston MovingPacking
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
ACCOUNTANTCPA
PACKING AND SHIPPING SERVICES
ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
Certified American Board of Ophthalmology
Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
wwwucntexascom
Be there when your customers need you
Advertise in
and get your company or organization listed for free
COMPLETE GUIDE to
EVERYTHING JEWISH (and more)
for Greater Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast
713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
JUNI ERSE
JUNI ERSE
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
celebrate yourbarbat mitzvah like
a rock star
houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
phone 713-227-1392hardrockcom
UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
- VOICES covers 2
- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
32 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 33
BY TED POWERS
In the world of art there are paintings sculpture photography and a host of lesser arts but in the food world there is one tiny yet very extraordinary art form That is the art of carving fruits and vegetables
Artistry in food carving is based on ancient Thai traditions Kae-sa-lak the art of carv-ing fruit and vegetables into intricate flower shapes that please both the eye and the palate was begun in Thailand in 1346 No other country practices this same decorative treatment of foods Only a few people still are trained in this ancient art even in modern Thailand Chef Vladimir Smirnov is one of these He has won many international carving awards with his graceful creative and unique works He also teaches classes in plant carving
Before we get to some of the artistry let me tell you a little about Chef Vladi (thatrsquos how he likes to be called) He was born in Moscow (Russia not Texas) and had a passion for food ever since he was a child After completing culinary school his cooking career began in a Kremlin kitchen serving government dignitaries of Moscow In 1994 he and his wife decided to move to the United States and settle in Houston Even before becoming proficient in English (he is now) he landed a job with Rice Epicurean Market Over the next 11 years he and his team catered numerous large and small events He is a certified executive chef with more than 25 years of experience
In 2005 Chef Vladi launched his own catering business From simple to elegant he will prepare a cozy dinner for two or for 600 or more guests And he does full-service catering For an event he will design and create exquisite hand-carved fruits and vegetables Most
Chef Vladimir Smirnov ndash Artistry in Food
A floral fruit display (top) and a pumpkin carving (below) by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
2830 Hicks StHouston TX 77007
Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
NotNot valid Saturdays in June July or August or with any other offer discount special price prepaid afternoon group two-day or season tickets Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale Prices operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice ExpiExpires September 23 2012
SAVE up to $12YOUR FAMILY WILL BE
DISCOUNT TICKETS ONLINE schlitterbahncom
MOST FUN OVER 33 ATTRACTIONS
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
MARKETPLACE
713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
Mosk amp Mosk LLCCertified Public Accountants5959 West Loop South Suite 340
Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS
EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
COUNSELING
Packing bull Crating bull Freighting bull UnpackingMoving homes bull Offices
Assisted living bull Estate packing
Locally bull Nationally bull Internationally
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull Artwork bull Unusual bull Large amp Small jobs
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
We Keep Houston MovingPacking
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
ACCOUNTANTCPA
PACKING AND SHIPPING SERVICES
ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
Certified American Board of Ophthalmology
Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
wwwucntexascom
Be there when your customers need you
Advertise in
and get your company or organization listed for free
COMPLETE GUIDE to
EVERYTHING JEWISH (and more)
for Greater Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast
713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
JUNI ERSE
JUNI ERSE
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
celebrate yourbarbat mitzvah like
a rock star
houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
phone 713-227-1392hardrockcom
UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
- VOICES covers 2
- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
of his art represents flowers plants or leaves but Irsquove seen company logos and faces cut into a large variety of plant life
I recently visited Chef Vladi at his gallery ndash actually his catering offices where his kitchen often is kashered for kosher events Alas I only could view photographs and videos of his art work since fruits and veggies are quite perish-able especially when they are opened and cut up
I saw numerous pictures of art in food Irsquom talking about fruits like water-melons cantaloupes apples papaya and oranges and vegetables like butter-nut squash eggplant potatoes cucum-bers carrots beets and lots more In fact Chef Vladi said ldquoAny fruit or veg-etable can be carved if it has a hard surface and this is important it must be cold [refrigerated] and not be riperdquo
He told me of one event where ldquoI took a huge watermelon out of the refrigerator and when I cut into it it exploded throwing pits and red meat all over me and the room The melon was too ripe and as soon as I cut into it the change in temperature caused the gases to expand and release quicklyrdquo
One picture I admired had a large watermelon cut into a variety of flowers (different shapes and sizes) and offsetting blossoms and leaves cut from other col-ored melons yellow squash and oranges Surrounding the flowers were exqui-site leaves made from eggplant with one side dark purple and the other side almost white At a number of events Irsquove attended I have seen Chef Vladirsquos work live and his work is nothing short of spectacular His carved fruits are excep-tional works of art
I couldnrsquot imagine how many tools he must use to do such intricate work on such tender surfaces I mentioned to him that I saw fruit-carving sets that had as many as 50 different cutting tools at one of the finer kitchen-supply stores He said ldquoI do it all with only one kniferdquo
Chef Vladi should be high on your list for BarBat Mitzvahs holiday catering Shabbat dinners ndash all kinds of social and business events ndash and of course for his artistry in food espe-cially when you need an incomparable table piece He is located in Bellaire at
5400 Bellaire Blvd Ste F For details call 713-838-2433 or go tochefsmirnovcom c
Watermelon dreidel by Chef Vladimir Smirnov
Arnersquos has TONS of Party Suppliesfor every theme in mind
Supplies for Weddings Anniversaries BarBat Mitzvahs birthdays holidays and much more
wwwArnesWarehousecomU pay less U get moreWe are located at
2830 Hicks StHouston TX 77007
Open 7 Days281-45-PARTY
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
NotNot valid Saturdays in June July or August or with any other offer discount special price prepaid afternoon group two-day or season tickets Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale Prices operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice ExpiExpires September 23 2012
SAVE up to $12YOUR FAMILY WILL BE
DISCOUNT TICKETS ONLINE schlitterbahncom
MOST FUN OVER 33 ATTRACTIONS
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
MARKETPLACE
713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
Mosk amp Mosk LLCCertified Public Accountants5959 West Loop South Suite 340
Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS
EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
COUNSELING
Packing bull Crating bull Freighting bull UnpackingMoving homes bull Offices
Assisted living bull Estate packing
Locally bull Nationally bull Internationally
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull Artwork bull Unusual bull Large amp Small jobs
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
We Keep Houston MovingPacking
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
ACCOUNTANTCPA
PACKING AND SHIPPING SERVICES
ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
Certified American Board of Ophthalmology
Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
wwwucntexascom
Be there when your customers need you
Advertise in
and get your company or organization listed for free
COMPLETE GUIDE to
EVERYTHING JEWISH (and more)
for Greater Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast
713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
JUNI ERSE
JUNI ERSE
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
celebrate yourbarbat mitzvah like
a rock star
houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
phone 713-227-1392hardrockcom
UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
- VOICES covers 2
- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
34 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom | 35
copy2012 Waterpark Management Inc All Rights Reserved
SAVE $2 EACH Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window Sunday through Friday in June July or August or any operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price all-day tickets
NotNot valid Saturdays in June July or August or with any other offer discount special price prepaid afternoon group two-day or season tickets Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale Prices operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice ExpiExpires September 23 2012
SAVE up to $12YOUR FAMILY WILL BE
DISCOUNT TICKETS ONLINE schlitterbahncom
MOST FUN OVER 33 ATTRACTIONS
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
MARKETPLACE
713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
Mosk amp Mosk LLCCertified Public Accountants5959 West Loop South Suite 340
Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS
EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
COUNSELING
Packing bull Crating bull Freighting bull UnpackingMoving homes bull Offices
Assisted living bull Estate packing
Locally bull Nationally bull Internationally
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull Artwork bull Unusual bull Large amp Small jobs
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
We Keep Houston MovingPacking
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
ACCOUNTANTCPA
PACKING AND SHIPPING SERVICES
ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
Certified American Board of Ophthalmology
Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
wwwucntexascom
Be there when your customers need you
Advertise in
and get your company or organization listed for free
COMPLETE GUIDE to
EVERYTHING JEWISH (and more)
for Greater Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast
713-630-0391salesjuniversetexasorg
JUNI ERSE
JUNI ERSE
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
Volume CIII Number 46 Spring 2012 $5
INSIDE
THE JEWISH
WEDDING A TO Z
SAY CHAI TO
THE STUNNING
BRIDE
EASY TO BE
GREEN
CAN INTERFAITH
WEDDINGS LEAD
TO JEWISH COUPLES
Weddings To Remember
2011 BarBat Mitzvah Party Planner
Volume CIII bull Number 32 bull October 2011 bull $5
52 weekly newspapers plus FIVE annual magazines for only $60 a year Complete your Jewish home with a subscription to the
Rosh Hashanah Edition 29 September 2011 bull 1 T ishr i 5772Volume CI I I bull Number 27$500
1908 2012
104 years
104th Anniversary Passover Edition
April 7 2012 bull 15 Nisan 5772
Volume CV bull Number 1 bull $5 per copy
VO
ICES
Volume CV bull Number 17 bull 2012 bull $500
On the cover Houston SculptorWorks Against the Grain
AlsoArtsFest Promises to Deliver Houston State- of-the-Art Performance
Place where Jewish CultureThrives through Dance
Torah Kabbalah and Support for Recovery from Addiction
A Peachy Cobbler
Chef Vladimir Smirnov Artistry in Food
1908 2012
104 years
LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS bull ANALYSIS bull COMMENTARY bull HEALTH bull EDUCATION bull SIMCHAS bull DINING amp ENTERTAINMENT bull SPORTS
Help for all of lifersquos challenges
Marilyn J Ladin LCSW-BCD Psychotherapist Social Worker Board Certified Diplomate
TRANSITION ISSUESFamily reconciliationMarriage bull Divorce
EmploymentSubstance abuse
BUSINESS THERAPYRelieving stress
Reducing negativityCreating paradigm shifts
Setting goals
Evening hours amp Sunday afternoons713-515-3464
PUBLICATIONS
S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
celebrate yourbarbat mitzvah like
a rock star
houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
phone 713-227-1392hardrockcom
UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
- VOICES covers 2
- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-
36 | Jewish herald-Voice | VOICES in houston 2012 | JhVonlinecom
MARKETPLACE
713-665-MOSK (6675)Denise amp Milton Mosk III
Mosk amp Mosk LLCCertified Public Accountants5959 West Loop South Suite 340
Bellaire TX 77401Denise S Mosk CPA
PO Box 1043Bellaire TX 77402-1043
Phone 7137214945Fax 7137212825
Mobile 7132067133
E-mail dmoskhoustonrrcomwwwmoskandmoskllccom
M
M
Certified Public AccountantsMosk amp Mosk LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS
EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
COUNSELING
Packing bull Crating bull Freighting bull UnpackingMoving homes bull Offices
Assisted living bull Estate packing
Locally bull Nationally bull Internationally
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull Artwork bull Unusual bull Large amp Small jobs
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
We Keep Houston MovingPacking
Fragile bull Valuable bull Furniture bull
713-266-1450 Jan Pasternak owner wwwpack-n-sendcomSince 1981 a small company with a passion for honesty integrity and hard work
ACCOUNTANTCPA
PACKING AND SHIPPING SERVICES
ldquoHouston Jewish Special Needsrdquo wwwHoustonJewishSpecialNeedsorgFREE Information amp Networking to promote social activities and to share information for
Jewish Families with Special Needs Children amp Young AdultsIt includes a Yahoo Group that is moderated
Houston Jewish Special Needs is a Parent-driven advocacy group that is funded by the Katzenellenbogen family who are not affiliated or associated with any one group organization or entity
4664 Beechnut bull Houston Tx 77096713-665-9800 bull Fax 713-665-9809
Winnie Community Hospital
538 Broadway bull Winnie TX 77665 bull 409-296-2222
235 W Palm Ste 112 bull Bellville Tx 77418979-865-4848 bull Fax 979-865-4849
Certified American Board of Ophthalmology
Joseph S Goetz MD Eye Physician and Surgeon
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S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
celebrate yourbarbat mitzvah like
a rock star
houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
phone 713-227-1392hardrockcom
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- VOICES Magazine
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S tLuke sEmergency comSt Lukersquos Community Emergency Center is a free-standing emergency department of St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital St Lukersquos Episcopal Hospital has earned The Joint Commissionrsquos Gold Seal of Approval
2727 West Holcombe Blvd bull Houston TX 77025 bull 832-355-7525
bullbullbull2000-2012bullbullbullCele ating 12 Yea
Wersquove treated thousands of patients for twelve years as the first hospital-affiliated emergency center in the area Our experience really does matter to our patients
When itrsquos an emergencyour experience matters
celebrate yourbarbat mitzvah like
a rock star
houston502 texas ave bull bayou place
phone 713-227-1392hardrockcom
UNT1530HO07_Houstonjewish_news 71307 1029 AM Page 1
- VOICES covers 1
- VOICES covers 2
- VOICES Magazine
- VOICES covers 3
- VOICES covers 4
-