This Wednesday (3/15) - 'Wexner Hangout @ Jason's

2 views
Skip to first unread message

Jason Schwartz

unread,
Mar 9, 2023, 9:52:53 PM3/9/23
to Dallas 13, Wexner Dallas 13, Staci Rubin
Hey Everyone,

Hope you all had a very happy Purim! It's been a while, but Lindsay threw out the great idea of having a quarterly "Wexner Wednesday" ... just an excuse to get together, reconnect and check in on each other. If you can make it, GREAT; if you can't, no pressure. Totally informal. (also, no commitment that every quarter's date will fall on a Wednesday - we're practicing adaptive leadership here)

To that end, please consider coming to hang out at my place (6619 Crestland Ave., 75252) this Wednesday, March 15th from 8 pm until whenever. We'll be joined by Benji Lovitt, a very good friend of several of us who also happens to be a professional comedian and co-author of the new book Israel 201: Your Next-Level Guide to the Magic, Mystery and Chaos! of Life in the Holy Land. There won't be a formal program, but Benji may tell a couple of jokes and give us 5-10 minutes of insight on what it's like writing a book about Israel and touring around the world with everything going on right now. Who knows, you may even go home with an autographed copy! Mostly, though, the goal is just to shmooze and get to catch up a little. Some nosh will, of course, be provided as well.

I'll send a calendar invite in a few minutes ... please either RSVP there or reply to this email so I can get an approximate count. Spouses are absolutely included, and feel free also to bring your teenage kids (younger kids are welcome too, from my perspective, just don't want them to feel bored ... although Benji tends to be funny for all ages).

Looking forward to being with ya'll soon!

-Jason

PS - I little more background on Benji (who's a Dallas native and UT grad who made aliyah 17 years ago) and his book:


Also, the book's been endorsed by Mayim Bialik, Yossi Klein-Halevi and Ehud Barak, among others!
 

Staci Rubin

unread,
Mar 10, 2023, 7:41:36 AM3/10/23
to Jason Schwartz, Dallas 13, Wexner Dallas 13
Thanks for organizing Jason! This sounds so fun! Bummed to miss. We are away in spring break. Hope to see you all soon! 

Staci Rubin
Owner-Camp Swag 

On Mar 9, 2023, at 8:52 PM, Jason Schwartz <jas...@gmail.com> wrote:



Jay Liberman

unread,
Mar 10, 2023, 9:02:58 AM3/10/23
to Manuel Rajunov, Staci Rubin, Jason Schwartz, Dallas 13, Wexner Dallas 13
I'll be there! Unlike Staci and Manuel, I made sure my kids' breaks lined up with this. While I haven't seen him in forever, I'm pretty sure Benji and I went to school together all the way back to maybe elementary school. 

Thanks for organizing. Good Shabbos to all of you!

Sent while mobile

On Fri, Mar 10, 2023, 8:56 AM Manuel Rajunov <dpnathang...@gmail.com> wrote:
Ditto here. We will be away. Have a great time and thanks for organizing, Jason!

Sent from my iPad

On Mar 10, 2023, at 6:41 AM, Staci Rubin <St...@rubindds.com> wrote:

 Thanks for organizing Jason! This sounds so fun! Bummed to miss. We are away in spring break. Hope to see you all soon! 
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Wexner Dallas 13 Alumni" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to wexner-dallas-13-...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/wexner-dallas-13-alumni/CB8474AF-0BC5-4838-A3D9-EE63E9103AB3%40rubindds.com.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Wexner Dallas 13 Alumni" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to wexner-dallas-13-...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/wexner-dallas-13-alumni/5A1F4EEC-1191-4976-A88E-09FC87428792%40gmail.com.

Cheryl Drazin

unread,
Mar 10, 2023, 9:13:31 AM3/10/23
to Staci Rubin, Jason Schwartz, Dallas 13, Wexner Dallas 13
Bummer, we are also away next week.  Sad to miss all of you and Benji, too.

Shabbat shalom,

Cheryl

From: whp-da...@googlegroups.com <whp-da...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Staci Rubin <St...@rubindds.com>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 6:41 AM
To: Jason Schwartz <jas...@gmail.com>
Cc: Dallas 13 <wexner-dall...@googlegroups.com>; Wexner Dallas 13 <whp-da...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: This Wednesday (3/15) - 'Wexner Hangout @ Jason's
 
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "WHP Dallas 13" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to whp-dallas-1...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/whp-dallas-13/CB8474AF-0BC5-4838-A3D9-EE63E9103AB3%40rubindds.com.

Jay Liberman

unread,
Mar 10, 2023, 9:15:19 AM3/10/23
to Cheryl Drazin, Manuel Rajunov, Staci Rubin, Jason Schwartz, Dallas 13, Wexner Dallas 13
We are quickly trending towards a intimate candle-lit table for two at Jason's...

Sent while mobile

On Fri, Mar 10, 2023, 9:12 AM Cheryl Drazin <cherylru...@hotmail.com> wrote:
So bummed that we are away next week for spring break. Will miss seeing all of you an Benji, too!

Shabbat shalom -

Cheryl

From: wexner-dall...@googlegroups.com <wexner-dall...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Jay Liberman <jay.li...@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 8:02 AM
To: Manuel Rajunov <dpnathang...@gmail.com>
Cc: Staci Rubin <St...@rubindds.com>; Jason Schwartz <jas...@gmail.com>; Dallas 13 <wexner-dall...@googlegroups.com>; Wexner Dallas 13 <whp-da...@googlegroups.com>

Subject: Re: This Wednesday (3/15) - 'Wexner Hangout @ Jason's

Michelle Meiches

unread,
Mar 10, 2023, 9:22:54 AM3/10/23
to Jason Schwartz, Dallas 13, Wexner Dallas 13, Staci Rubin
We bave no kids to spring break with, BUT, we have a 90th birthday celebration that evening🙁  SIGH

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Wexner Dallas 13 Alumni" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to wexner-dallas-13-...@googlegroups.com.

Michael Waldman

unread,
Mar 10, 2023, 9:23:37 AM3/10/23
to Michelle Meiches, Jason Schwartz, Dallas 13, Wexner Dallas 13, Staci Rubin
We are in the Spring Break camp as well!  Hopefully we'll catch the next one.  Have fun!

Seth Kaplan

unread,
Mar 10, 2023, 9:42:37 AM3/10/23
to Michael Waldman, Michelle Meiches, Jason Schwartz, Dallas 13, Wexner Dallas 13, Staci Rubin
So sorry to miss this.  On Wednesday, Kathryn, Jacob and I will be on our way to NYC where I will be celebrating my continued recovery from cancer by running the NYC Half Marathon in support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Your support is greatly appreciated if you are able to. Thanks to those who have already participated.


You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "WHP Dallas 13" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to whp-dallas-1...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/whp-dallas-13/CAJDn6t5jXpW4wqH%2BMqeZrTVJX9RfB25O-Lc%3D0SMJzmYaPZhCaQ%40mail.gmail.com.


--
Seth D. Kaplan, MD, FAAP
TLC Pediatrics of Frisco
Frisco, TX
he/him/his

Alternate Chapter Chair and Past President
Texas Pediatric Society

Liaison from the Section on Administration and Practice Management to the Committee on Practice and Ambulatory Medicine
American Academy of Pediatrics

I tweet here: https://twitter.com/DrSethPedi

This e-mail, including attachments, may include confidential and/or proprietary information, and may be used only by the person or entity to which it is addressed.  If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or his or her authorized agent, the reader is hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by replying to this message and delete this e-mail immediately.

Marc Grossfeld

unread,
Mar 10, 2023, 9:46:06 AM3/10/23
to Seth Kaplan, Michael Waldman, Michelle Meiches, Jason Schwartz, Dallas 13, Wexner Dallas 13, Staci Rubin
I would hate to be a third wheel on Jason and Jay’s intimate candlelight dinner.  Unfortunately, I will be out of town on spring break. Wish I could be there. Thanks for organizing Jayson.



Marc Grossfeld

SUNWEST REAL ESTATE GROUP
14850 Quorum Drive, Suite 100
Dallas, TX 75254

Direct: 972.284.1010
Mobile: 972.822.9779


From: wexner-dall...@googlegroups.com <wexner-dall...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Seth Kaplan <sdkap...@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 8:42:25 AM
To: Michael Waldman <michael...@gmail.com>
Cc: Michelle Meiches <michell...@gmail.com>; Jason Schwartz <jas...@gmail.com>; Dallas 13 <wexner-dall...@googlegroups.com>; Wexner Dallas 13 <whp-da...@googlegroups.com>; Staci Rubin <st...@rubindds.com>

Subject: Re: This Wednesday (3/15) - 'Wexner Hangout @ Jason's
 

External Sender

Julie Weinberg

unread,
Mar 10, 2023, 9:56:19 AM3/10/23
to Seth Kaplan, Michael Waldman, Michelle Meiches, Jason Schwartz, Wexner Dallas 13 Alumni, Wexner Dallas 13, Staci Rubin
So sorry we can’t make it either. Will miss being together.

Seth - so happy to hear you are doing so well! Good luck in your race and continued good health. 

Shabbat Shalom … xo

Julie Weinberg
214-923-7757 cell
jpwei...@me.com

Lindsay Feldman

unread,
Mar 10, 2023, 10:18:15 AM3/10/23
to Wexner Dallas 13, Dallas 13, Seth And Kathryn Kaplan, Natalie & Michael Waldman, Michelle Meiches, Jason Schwartz, Staci Rubin, Julie Weinberg
I’m in! Thanks Jason! 😊 
Safe travels to everyone and to Seth - you rock! 🖕🏻cancer. Good luck!
Lindsay

Sue Fox Schwartz

unread,
Mar 10, 2023, 11:07:32 AM3/10/23
to Lindsay Feldman, Wexner Dallas 13, Dallas 13, Seth And Kathryn Kaplan, Natalie & Michael Waldman, Michelle Meiches, Jason Schwartz, Staci Rubin, Julie Weinberg
In and assuming Greg too!
Great idea!

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 10, 2023, at 9:18 AM, Lindsay Feldman <lindsay...@gmail.com> wrote:

 I’m in! Thanks Jason! 😊 

Mahra Pailet

unread,
Mar 10, 2023, 11:43:17 AM3/10/23
to Julie Weinberg, Seth Kaplan, Michael Waldman, Michelle Meiches, Jason Schwartz, Wexner Dallas 13 Alumni, Wexner Dallas 13, Staci Rubin
We’re in FL on spring break! Sorry to miss!

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 10, 2023, at 8:56 AM, 'Julie Weinberg' via Wexner Dallas 13 Alumni <wexner-dall...@googlegroups.com> wrote:

So sorry we can’t make it either. Will miss being together.

Mike Sims

unread,
Mar 10, 2023, 11:55:47 AM3/10/23
to Mahra Pailet, Julie Weinberg, Seth Kaplan, Michael Waldman, Michelle Meiches, Jason Schwartz, Wexner Dallas 13 Alumni, Wexner Dallas 13, Staci Rubin

Sorry but I can’t make it either. Miss y’all.

 

Mike

 

From: 'Mahra Pailet' via WHP Dallas 13 <whp-da...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 10:43 AM
To: Julie Weinberg <jpwei...@me.com>
Cc: Seth Kaplan <sdkap...@gmail.com>; Michael Waldman <michael...@gmail.com>; Michelle Meiches <michell...@gmail.com>; Jason Schwartz <jas...@gmail.com>; Wexner Dallas 13 Alumni <wexner-dall...@googlegroups.com>; Wexner Dallas 13 <whp-da...@googlegroups.com>; Staci Rubin <st...@rubindds.com>
Subject: Re: This Wednesday (3/15) - 'Wexner Hangout @ Jason's

 

We’re in FL on spring break! Sorry to miss!

Benjamin Weinstein

unread,
Mar 13, 2023, 11:54:44 AM3/13/23
to Mike Sims, Mahra Pailet, Julie Weinberg, Seth Kaplan, Michael Waldman, Michelle Meiches, Jason Schwartz, Wexner Dallas 13 Alumni, Wexner Dallas 13, Staci Rubin
I'll be there and Laura is a maybe depending on coverage for the kids.

Melanie Rubin

unread,
Mar 13, 2023, 3:38:54 PM3/13/23
to Mike Sims, Benjamin Weinstein, Mahra Pailet, Julie Weinberg, Seth Kaplan, Michael Waldman, Michelle Meiches, Jason Schwartz, Wexner Dallas 13 Alumni, Wexner Dallas 13, Staci Rubin
Sounds like so much fun. Unfortunately, we can't make it. Fortunately, we will be celebrating Howard and Paul's mom's 90th bday! 
Look forward to seeing you all next time!


Sue Fox Schwartz

unread,
Mar 16, 2023, 7:59:51 PM3/16/23
to Jason Schwartz, Dallas 13, Wexner Dallas 13, Staci Rubin
Long but worth the read!
—————————————
Sent from by my friend’s mom: 

“I want to thank my dear friend Judge Meira Mednick Silver for forwarding this unbelievable article.”

“Bernard Hillstein (name changed) had finally conceded he could no longer live alone and had to enter an assisted living facility. 

He always craved warmer weather. 

So when Bernie found an assisted living complex in southern Florida, which had a Shul and was completely Shomer Shabbos, he hurriedly signed the lease. 

He noticed the fine print only after his deposit was cashed, and he gave up the lease on his apartment in New Jersey. 

Ever since Ethel, his wife of 56 years, passed away six years ago, Bernie welcomed Oakley into his home on the advice of his doctors. 

Bernie acquired Oakley, a German Shepard, as a service-guide dog to help him get on his own. 

Over the last six years, Oakley has become Bernie's constant companion. 

Without Oakley, Bernie doesn't know how he would have survived Covid. 

As he and Ethel had no children and his own eyesight was failing, without Oakley in the apartment, Bernie would have suffered the greatest pain of all, complete loneliness. 

As you can imagine, Bernie was worried when he noticed in the fine print that no pets, including service animals, were allowed in the assisted living facility. 

Bernie immediately came to my office and asked me to help him get some waiver or exception to the no-pets rule. 

Bernie could not imagine moving without his beloved Oakley. 

I listened to Bernie and called the facility. 

The manager listened to me calmly and politely, yet, he was firm in explaining the rule of no pets meant no pets, period. No waivers and no exceptions are possible. 

I called the Rabbi, the Chaplain of the facility, yet, he, too, explained that his hands were tied. 

He had no clout or authority to allow Bernie to bring Oakley to the facility. 

Bernie was beside himself with grief. 

He had already given up his New Jersey apartment and signed the lease in Florida. 

Yet, the thought of abandoning Oakley, which meant living alone, felt like a death sentence to Bernie. 

I made more phone calls, and finally, the exasperated assisted living manager said, "Look, these are the rules. If you want, call Mr. Hertzler; he owns the facility, and only he can give you permission. 

However, he's an elderly Chassidishe Yid. I highly doubt he will be interested in allowing a dog in his facility." 

As only Hashem could orchestrate things, Mr. Hertzler, who rarely left Florida, would be in New York for a family Simcha. I was able to arrange a face-to-face meeting with him that Sunday evening. 

When I arrived at the house where he was staying in Boro Park, my expectations were not high for success. 

Mr. Hertzler, who was more comfortable in Yiddish than English, was a Chassidishe Yid. When I shook hands, I could not fail to notice the blue numbers on his forearm. 

I realized this would be a mission in futility as what 95-year-old Holocaust survivor would allow a German Shepard to live as a guest in his facility? 

Nevertheless, after making many phone calls to set up this meeting and traveling to Brooklyn from Passaic, I had to make my plea. If (or more likely, when) he says no, I'll know I tried my best. 

Mr. Hertzler was extremely hospitable, offering me delicious kokush cake and strong sweet tea, 

After schmoozing a little about my Shul, I got down to the point and explained the situation and why Bernie needed to have Oakley live with him. I stressed how Oakley was all Bernie had in his life and what a Mitzvah it would be to allow him to have Oakley live with him. 

Mr. Hertzler listened patiently and then responded by quoting a passuk, "Lo Yechratz Kelev L'Shono" ("But not a dog shall growl against any of the people of Israel" – Shemos 11:7). 

I thought perhaps Mr. Hertzler was not focusing on what I said. 

I repeated my plea, and he repeated the passuk. 

He then looked at me and said with a smile. 

"I have been waiting for you to come for seventy-eight years. Of course, your friend can bring his dog. In fact, I will personally pay for all of the dog's needs." 

My perplexed expression must have conveyed my confusion, as Mr. Hertzler explained. 

"In 1945, towards the war's end, the Nazis were evacuating the lager (Concentration Camp). As I knew the Russians were just days in arriving, I decided to hide under the barracks in a crawl space. The Nazis took their German Shepards to sniff out any Jews. Anytime the dog smelled a Jew, it began barking. As the Nazi and his dog neared my crawl space, I repeatedly davened with all my heart, "U'Lchol Bnei Yisroel Lo Yechratz Kelev L'Shono." 

To my amazement, the dog passed right by me. I could smell its breath, yet, the dog made no sound and kept moving. 

It was then I made a promise to Hashem. 

Just as Hashem paid the dogs back for not barking by Yetzias Mitzrayim, I would also pay back a German Shepard for not barking at the time of my own personal Yetzias Mitzrayim. 

Finally, the day I have been waiting for has arrived. 

Tell your friend he and Oakley will be my honored guests." 

I sat there stunned and speechless. 

Mr. Hertzler placed another piece of koksuh cake on my plate as he said with Simcha, "You thought you came to ask me for a favor. However, the opposite was true; Hashem sent you here to allow me to pay back my seventy-eight-year-old debt. Please, let us make a L'Chaim together to thank Hashem for His kindness."

“If Not Now, Then When?”- Hillel

Ron Yitzchok Eisenman 
Rav 
Congregation Ahavas Israel 
Passaic, NJ”

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 9, 2023, at 8:52 PM, Jason Schwartz <jas...@gmail.com> wrote:


--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "WHP Dallas 13" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to whp-dallas-1...@googlegroups.com.
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages