March 27, 2018

Emily Tobolowsky

Emily Tobolowsky was born into a family with deep roots in Dallas. Her father, Edwin, was born and raised in the city, as was his mother, Anna Gertrude, whose brother was born in Wichita Falls. Her grandfather Ruben was born in Sweden, part of a wave of Jews who had left Russia and settled there before coming to America. Curiously, both her grandfather and grandmother carried the Tobolowsky name though they were not close relatives, a connection Emily notes is documented by family members doing genealogical work. Emily is named after her grandmother, whom she never knew. Her grandfather Ruben worked in the hat business for Davis Hat Company in Dallas.

Emily grew up celebrating holidays with family, often hosted by her parents at their home, gathering with relatives and close friends. She recalled Passover as her favorite holiday, remembering wonderful seders and Leon Ravkind's beloved rendition of a Passover song set to a familiar tune. Her mother, Shirley, though not employed outside the home, was constantly engaged in volunteer work, including the Panel of American Women, a group promoting understanding across religious and ethnic lines. Her father Edwin, a lawyer nicknamed Judge, was widely loved and served as the first president of Golden Acres. From both parents Emily absorbed the values of social action and community service early in life.

Following in her family's legal tradition, Emily practiced law for 26 years before being elected judge in the sweeping 2006 election. She reflected on the irony that her father's nickname had long been Judge. Over the years she has been active in the American Jewish Committee, serving as president of its Dallas chapter, and has served on the Community Relations Council and as an officer of Temple Emanu-El. Though her time on the bench has reduced her volunteer involvement, she hopes to return to it. Emily hopes the Tobolowsky name will always be associated with doing good, and that her own legacy will be that of a caring daughter, sister, cousin, judge, and friend.

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