Jeri is a third-generation Dallasite. In 1995, she became the Executive Director of Dallas Kosher (The Vaad Hakashus of Dallas, DK), and currently serves as Board President. Under her leadership, DK has grown exponentially to include a wide range of restaurants, caterers, and food programs; assisting with kosher supermarkets, kosher sections in grocery stores and kosher events throughout our city. Jeri has also held leadership roles with the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, JFGD Women of Philanthropy, Israel Bonds, ADL, The Holocaust and Human Rights Center, JCC of Dallas, Jewish Women’s International (formally B’nai B’rith Women), National Council of Jewish Women, Chabad, Congregation Shaare Tefilla and Shearith Israel.

Jeri with a 1990s appointment from the State of Texas, was the first Chairperson of the Charitable Bingo Committee of the Texas Lottery Commission, raising proceeds benefitting many local Jewish schools and non-profit organizations. She also was integral in raising funds for the Jerusalem Hills Therapeutic Center in Israel, and Jewish Family Service’s Special Needs Program in Dallas. In the last three decades, Jeri’s efforts resulted in making available over $3.5 million in grants.

Over forty years ago, Jeri chartered a new chapter of B’nai B’rith Women, “The Career Network Chapter.”  In doing so, Jeri educated, conducted leadership training, and personally mentored many young women. Today, these women have continued to carry leadership roles throughout our Jewish Community.

Jeri, and her husband, Bill (JFGD Immediate Past Board Chair), have been married 51 years. They have 3 married daughters, Robin Stone (Evan), LeLe Sadoughi (Armand) and Shana Bygott-Webb (Sam). They have 8 grandchildren. Jeri is the sister of Kenny and Neil Goldberg.  Jeri’s parent’s Bob & Lois Goldberg “z”l”, who both passed away in 2020, lived a shining example of L’dor V’dor during the 74 year marriage.

It is with great pride, DJHS honors Jeri Finkelstein, with the Ann Sikora Humanitarian Award for her outstanding vision, dedication, and commitment to our Jewish community.

Ann Loeb Sikora was a native Texan with roots in Ballinger and Sweetwater. After attending University of Texas – Austin, Ann returned to Sweetwater to work in her family’s business, Levy’s Department Store. Eventually, Ann made her way to Dallas where she worked in Neiman Marcus and became involved in community causes.

Endearingly dubbed a “professional volunteer,” she volunteered and/or served on the Board of Directors for a plethora of organizations including: United Way of Metropolitan Dallas; Community Council of Greater Dallas; Greater Dallas Community Relations Commission; American Jewish Committee; Council of Jewish Federations; National Council of Jewish Women; Congregation Shearith Israel; and, Golden Acres –Home for the Jewish Aged.

Ann passed in 2001, leaving an emptiness in all areas in which she served and big shoes to fill for her successors. Ann Loeb Sikora was loved and respected by many. Her legacy is rooted in her devotion to countless causes in the Jewish and general communities. And, her time and attention continue to resonate today.

Beginning in 2002, the Dallas Jewish Historical Society initiated the Ann Loeb Sikora Humanitarian Award, which recognizes those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to public service and who stand as role models for future generations.

Click here to register to attend Born to Rock: Celebrating our Rock Stars on September 28, 2023.

Past Honorees:

2002
Harold Kleinman z”l
Simon Sargon z”l
Andrea Weinstein

2004
Rabbi Gerald Klein z”l
Janice & Arnold z”l Sweet

2006
Nancy Kasten
Harold Pollman z”l
Leslie z”l & Howard z”l Schultz

2013
Craig Budner
Angela Horowitz French

2015
Lois Finkelman
Adlene Harrison z”l
Ann Margolin
Laura Miller
Florence Shapiro
Annette Strauss z”l

2017
David Genecov z”l
Jeffrey Genecov
Sally Genecov
Julie Genecov Shrell

2019
Melissa Weinfeld Ackerman
Brenda Weinfeld Bliss
Susan Shosid Bendalin
Karen Shosid Weinreb