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Shining Stars Exhibit

Honoring generations of service and achievement in Jewish Dallas.

Shining Stars Exhibit

As we prepare for our biennial Ann Loeb Sikora Humanitarian Award ceremony, we take time to reflect on not only this year’s honorees and why they are so deserving, but also to revisit the individuals and families who have been recognized throughout the generations in Jewish Dallas.

The purpose of an award is, often, to honor those who have made significant contributions in an area of service or competition. They stand in memoriam of a period of time—a date, an event, an era—where an individual holds special renown. Some awards may be simple public acknowledgement, while others may include a plaque, trophy, certificate, or other memento to anchor the occasion in time.

In the DJHS Archives, we see a trend of individuals or families being honored repeatedly, which serves to highlight the trends of service, philanthropy, and healthy competition that are ingrained within the Dallas Jewish community. We also see an expansive range of organizations that present awards, which speaks to the diversity of interests and activities adopted by members of the Jewish community.

Undoubtedly, the notion of recognizing, thanking, celebrating, or otherwise uplifting individuals who make a difference is alive and well in the greater Dallas area. It is from this place of gratitude that communities thrive. Bonds grow in moments of engagement and appreciation—and nostalgia thrives as we reminisce.

Whose name do you recognize in the display? Chances are you know at least one. How, or why, do you remember them? Is it because of something they accomplished to earn the award portrayed? Reputations are formed over time and remain with us long after the events with which they were created. Commemorative items such as plaques or trophies simply provide a tangible reminder.

While the display is by no means a comprehensive representation of awards in the collection, or of the individuals who have earned accolades, Shining Stars aims to share in the history of remarkable individuals who have received recognition in the Jewish and general Dallas communities over the years. Please peruse the display and take the opportunity to recollect.

A colorful flyer describes the Ann Loeb Sikora Humanitarian Award and Jewish Dallas awards, with a star and blue cloud design.
Bronze statue of a woman holding a star in her open hand, set against a black background.
Presented to Magdalene Folz as Dallas Fashion Arts Woman of the Year, 1959 (detail), Lorch Company Collection
A desk clock on a marble base with a fish figurine, a pen, and label for Sig Badt, Mid-Cities Anglers Club.
Sig Badt, Master of Ceremonies Mid-Cities Anglers Club, 1972, Sig Badt Collection
Framed handwritten poem titled “A Tribute to Ray Israel” by Sam Harp, dated 8/23/82, in black ink on white paper.
Tribute Poem Honoring Ray Israel, Dallas Jewish Historical Society Collection
Bronze statue of a man holding a hat, mounted on a round base with an engraved plaque at the bottom.
Jewish Committee on Scouting, presented James Greenstone, Dallas Jewish Historical Society Collection
A tarnished silver trophy cup with two handles and engraved text, placed against a dark, velvety background.
Trophy presented to Sam Miller by Members of Shearith Israel, 1910, Dallas Jewish Historical Society Collection
Gold bowling trophy with bowler figure, wooden base, and small candle holders, displayed against a black background.
Bowling Trophy, Dallas Jewish Historical Society Collection
A Torah scroll displayed on a clear stand with a Star of David and an award plaque at the base.
Outstanding Leadership Award presented by Jewish Welfare Federation to Irvin Jaffee, Dovie & Irvin Jaffee Collection
Bronze statue of a standing woman holding a dove, mounted on a rectangular base with a plaque.
Presented to Magdalene Folz as Dallas Fashion Arts Woman of the Year, 1959, Lorch Company Collection
Silver golf trophy with golfer figurine on top, displayed on a black cloth background, with an engraved plaque at the base.
Golf Trophy presented to Edwin Waldman, Reuben Levy, Abe Lichtenstein, Dallas Jewish Historical Society Collection
Silver trophy with two handles on a wooden base, featuring an engraved plaque on the front.
Recognition for Continuing Dedication to the Jewish People, Dallas Jewish Historical Society Collection
A decorative plaque with intricate Hebrew lettering and a gold and black design, displayed on a black stand.
Tiferet Israel, Pillars of Strength Award presented to Pearl & Aaron Klausner, Dallas Jewish Historical Society Collection
Silver trophy cup with engraved text, presented for service, displayed on a black cloth with a small label in front.
Presented to Sam Biderman for Service to Y.M.H.A. June 26, 1923, Dallas Jewish Historical Society Collection
A tarnished silver trophy cup with two handles, shown against a black fabric background.
Sam Miller’s Contributions to Y.I.T Club, 1924, Dallas Jewish Historical Society Collection
A tarnished trophy cup with ornate handles, engraved plaque, and worn base, displayed on a dark cloth background.
Trophy presented to Morris Ablon at his Stag July 10, 1920, Dallas Jewish Historical Society Collection
Plaque with a painting of Jerusalem above a dedication to Helen Gross for service to the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas.
Jewish Federation Campaign, 1981, presented to Helen Gross in recognition of continuing dedicated service, Dallas Jewish Historical Society Collection
Wooden plaque with an inscription honoring Milton Angrist, describing his kindness and legacy, on a black background.
Milton Angrist Memorial Plaque, Dallas Jewish Historical Society Collection
Large silver trophy with human figures, two handles, and wooden base, awarded for a memorial tennis event.
Abe J. Golman AZA Memorial Trophy, Dallas Jewish Historical Society Collection
Gold trophy cup on a wooden base with engraved plaques, flanked by two small round awards, set against a black background.
Jewish Welfare Federation, Multiple Honors 1968-1973, Dallas Jewish Historical Society Collection
Etched glass plaque with Hebrew text, Akiba logos, and a plaque for Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, dated August 30, 1998.
Presented to the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas by Akiba Academy August 30, 1998, Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas Collection
Framed certificate with gold seal, Hebrew and English text, awarded for inscribing a Sefer Torah, dated December 12, 1971.
Sefer Torah Inscription by Rabbi Pearlman, Morris Polishuk Collection
Wooden plaque with Masonic symbol, engraved plate honoring William “Bill” Soltes for devotion to Masonry, dated May 14, 1985.
Dedication to Masonry Award, 1985, William Soltes Collection
A wooden plaque with engraved names for the Dallas County Grand Jury, July Term 1977, listing members and officials.
Dallas County Grand Jury Acknowledgement, Dallas Jewish Historical Society Collection
A wooden plaque with a gold plate reading “Service Award, Milton Loeb, 1973, Rhoads Terrace Pre-School.”.
Volunteer Service Recognition from Rhoad Terrace Pre-School, Milton J. Loeb Collection
Wooden plaque honoring Morris Fair, judge, for support and dedication at the 49th Dallas Golden Gloves Tournament, 1985.
Golden Gloves Tournament, 1985, Dallas Jewish Historical Society Collection
A plaque reading “Save Open Space” honors Addene Harrison for conservation work, dated Dallas, Texas, June 22, 1982.
Save Open Space Certificate of Appreciation, Adlene Harrison Collection
Toastmasters International Communication and Leadership Award, 1998. Adrien Harrison Collection.
Toastmasters International Communication and Leadership Award, Adlene Harrison Collection
Two wooden plaques read “J.C.C. Leader of the Year Award” for Erven and Shirley Kovinsky, 1975 and 1974.
JCC Leader of the Year, Awarded to Shirley & Erven Rovinsky 1974 & 1975, Courtesy of Shirley & Erven Rovinsky
YWCA plaque with a circular emblem on a gold plate mounted on a wooden base, engraved with the name “Dorie Jaffe.”.
YWCA Award, Presented to Dovie Jaffee, Dovie & Irvin Jaffee Collection
Framed plaque with a photo of an obelisk, text about its symbolism, and small portraits of three individuals at the bottom.
Idelle Rabin, Obelisk Award, 1980, Idelle Rabin Collection
Plaque reading “Jenny Claeys - Unsung Hero” with logos and date October 29, 2018, on a black background.
Unsung Hero Award, 2018, Courtesy of Jenny Claeys
Plaque honoring Preston Gendler for Jewish War Veteran service, dated May 23, 1976, with a black and white photo.
Preston Gendler Recognition Award, 1976, Jewish War Veterans Post #256 Collection
Framed artwork with abstract white bird shapes, clouds, and a quote from Ecclesiastes on a blue background.
1976 Human Relations Award presented to Idelle & Leon Rabin, Idelle Rabin Collection
Framed poem titled “An Ode to Rhoda Lewins,” honoring her character, poetry, and influence, dated July 1982.
An Ode to Rhoda Lewins, Dallas Jewish Historical Society Collection
Wooden appreciation plaque for Maurice Giller for work with Dallas A.Z.A., dated November 1932.
Maurice Giller AZA Appreciation Award, 1952, Dallas Jewish Historical Society Collection
A tarnished silver medal with a blue ribbon, engraved with “Irene Harison, Harrow, 1902” inside a laurel wreath.
Medal from National Conference of Christians and Jews Brotherhood (reverse), Adlene Harrison Collection
A wooden plaque with a metal plate displaying a “Service Award” and text, featuring a menorah emblem at the top.
Service Award presented to Isidore Zesmer, Ginger Jacobs Collection
Plaque for Dr. Nissim Wernick, Rabbi, honoring his selection for the 1975-76 Personalities of the South Award.
Personalities of the South Award, Dr. Rabbi Nissim Wernick, 1975-1976, Rabbi Nissim Wernick Collection
A torn blue and white ribbon with a gold medal, a “LEADERSHIP” pin, and two ribbon fragments on a white surface.
Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA) of Junior B’nai B’rith Leadership Award Pin, Harold Schackman Collection
A silver medal with “BROTHERHOOD” on a blue ribbon, lying on a black background.
Medal from National Conference of Christians and Jews Brotherhood, Adlene Harrison Collection
Small pin labeled “Sweetheart” with a star, displayed with a card noting its historical significance and recipient.
First Ever AZA Sweetheart Pin, given to Pearl Freed Klausner, Dallas Jewish Historical Society Collection
Plaque featuring stylized green trees, text in English and Hebrew, and a dedication honoring Pearl Klausner from 1981.
Jewish National Fund—1000 Trees Planted in Recognition, Pearl & Aaron Klausner Collection
A gold shield-shaped plaque honoring Mrs. Ida Goldstein for Shearith Israel Sisterhood’s golden anniversary, 1913–1963.
Ida Goldstein, Shearith Israel Sisterhood Golden Anniversary, Dallas Jewish Historical Society Collection