CEO America Voucher Push Continues; Ron Wolfson to Headline Jewish Unity Weekend

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Jewish unity weekend aims to preserve heritage By Chuck Lindell | American-Statesman Staff Twenty-five local Jewish agencies and organizations are uniting this weekend to put on a series of talks and gatherings on preserving Jewish heritage. Billed as Austin's second Community Unity weekend, the events from Friday through Sunday will be led by Ron Wolfson, author of several books on celebrating Jewish holidays at home and an expert on Jewish family education. The weekend has a two-fold purpose — to foster unity among Jewish groups and to promote continuity of Jewish life, said Daniel Seiden, campaign associate with the Jewish Federation of Austin. "Our goal is to increase the Jewish identity within their families," he said. Wolfson is director of the Whizen Center for Jewish Living series. His latest book is A Time to Mourn, a Time to Comfort. Organizers have worked to make the weekend events meaningful for all age groups and ideologies, Seiden said. Some of last year's events drew 700 people, he said, and organizers expect similar numbers this year. The unity weekend begins today at the Hillel Foundation, 2105 San Antonio St., with singing at 6:30 p.m., services and dinner. Wolfson will speak on "Ron's Top 10 Things We Can Do to Ensure a Jewish Future" at 9 p.m. Dinner costs $7. All other events are no charge. On Saturday, Torah study begins at 9 a.m., followed by 10 a.m. services and a Kiddush luncheon, at Congregation Agudas Achim, 4300 Bull Creek Road. Baby-sitting and children's services are available by reservation. On Saturday night, Wolfson will address "Will Our Grandchildren Be Jewish? The Challenge of Jewish Continuity" at 7:30 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel. The evening will include a United Jewish Campaign gala. On Sunday, Wolfson will speak on "A Trip Though the Jewish New Year: A Hands-on Workshop for Families of All Shapes, Sizes and Ideologies" at 10 a.m. at Congregation Beth Israel, 3901 Shoal Creek Boulevard. Reservations are encouraged. For more information, call 331-1144.