On the morning following the 7th Anniversary ceremonies, the HOD International delegation visited the original Hebrew Order of David Gravestone Project, which was initiated by HOD in  Houston.  The Gravestone Project has now been taken up by HOD Lodges in Atlanta and London UK so far with other Lodges looking to follow soon.

Boris Gremont and Michael Beren (Dallas), Steve Meyer (Houston Lodge Tikvah) Avron Krasner (South Africa), Eric Bishop, Zak Katzenellenbogen, Alan Lipman, Mark Katzenellenbogen, Phillip Turboff, Harold Minkowitz and Paul Wainstein (all Houston Lodge Galil).

Ivor Segal (Houston Lodge Tikvah), Alan Smirin (Atlanta), David Joss (Atlanta), Lawrence Barris (Houston Lodge Galil) and Laurence Gishen (UK)

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Article with pictures in the JHV (Jewish Herald Voice) Thursday 11-24-2022 page # 6:  Link to online article.

The paper edition and online subscription version have more pictures.

Back row L to R: Harry Brown,  Andrew Toubin,  Josh Sanchez,  Lawrence Barris,  Bradley Olitzki,  Jeff Klein,  Meir Kirshner &  Paul Wainstein.

Front row L to R: Eric Bishop,  Alan Lipman,  Joe Blog &  Mark Katzenellenbogen.

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OLM (Open Lodge Meeting) followed by Formal Dinner.

More pictures on our website. Click "News tab" and then Photos. 

Hebrew Order of David International (HOD) Lodge Galil "Gravestone Project"

It is said that to make a minyan at a funeral is the ultimate mitzvah:  You can have no hope of the deed being "returned," so it is a truly selfless act.  We at Lodge Galil of the Hebrew Order of David International (HOD) are coordinating a Community-Wide Mitzvah project to place a permanent marker on all Jewish graves that do not have them. Over the past two years, this project was partially underwritten through multiple grants from the Houston Jewish Community Foundation (“HJCF”). HOD is proud of our philanthropic partnership with the Foundation.  HJCF works diligently to ensure the needs of our community are met in lasting and meaningful ways by serving as a central resource and advocate for charitable giving.

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Pictured:

Roberta Herman Dietrich, Exec. Director presenting a check to HOD Lodge Galil Past President Marc Passy.

October 19, 2022 HJCF Board Meeting

HOD’s Andrew Toubin with Robert M. Beren Academy’s Rabbi Jordan Silvestri and HOD’s Joe Blog.

Houston’s Hebrew Order of David Lodge Galil president Joe Blog and Nat Levy Scholarship chair/board member Andrew Toubin presented checks to two Jewish day schools for a student who is a Nat Levy Scholarship recipient for the 2022-’23 school year.

HOD created a scholarship fund in December 2020 at the Houston Jewish Community Foundation, in memory of Nat Levy, who was HOD Lodge Galil’s elder statesman. The scholarship fund started with a donation from the Levy family.

The Shlenker School’s Sharon Ellerin and Casey Suter with HOD’s Joe Blog and Andrew Toubin.

In addition, the scholarship fund is partially underwritten by funding from the Goldstaub Community Special Needs Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation. HOD Lodge Galil has grown the fund through fundraising, donations and from its Tikkun Olam Fund.

To make donations to the Nat Levy Scholarship Fund, go to HOD Lodge Galil, hodgalil.org/donate.

Great event especially with heavy rain before, some during and a slow drive home after. Special THANKS to Bro. Marc Passy and the assistant Chef's.

Bro. Joe Blog Lodge Galil President and Bro. Steve Meyer Lodge Tikvah President pictured after donating Blood.

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Great Chavershaft - felt like an Adult Jewish Fraternity enjoying Social event. Exactly what HOD is when we are not assisting the community or partaking in Mitzvah Projects.

Some of the "younger" participants.

2 x Father Son families.

Great time had by all and Thanks to those who donated blood or mentioned the event to others.

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HOD receives Gulf Coast Certificate of Appreciation 2022

Bro. Paul and wife Ingrid Wainstein receive the Certificate.

Last 8 Markers unveiled at Beth Israel Cemetery. Texas Jewish Historical Society a benefactor of our Gravestone Project attended.

HOD hosted Bill Orlin as their featured speaker.

Orlin, who will soon turn 90, is the oldest male Holocaust survivor in Houston. He is an active member of JWV Levy Post 574 and speaks to numerous organizations during the year, reminding younger generations about the atrocities of the Holocaust so as to prevent it from ever happening again.

HOD (Hebrew Order of David) a Worldwide Adult Jewish fraternal organization since 1904 has two Lodges in Houston. They meet regularly and perform many Mitzvah projects in the local Jewish Community.

JWV (Jewish War Veterans) Levy Post 574 was chartered in Houston in 1964 and includes members who are Veterans of the "Allied forces". Besides monthly meetings they present the colors when requested and volunteer at numerous events. Jack Schlossberg, an HOD member was the Commander of JWV's from 2014 to 2022. Dave LaVine is the current Commander. Their Annual Dinner and Installation of Officers will take place May 22, 2022.

Both organizations will participate at the "Flags for Fallen Vets" Sunday May 29, 2022 starting at 8:30 am. This annual event takes place at the Houston Veterans Memorial Cemetery, second in size to Arlington National Cemetery. Flags are placed in front of each grave prior to Memorial Day irrespective of religion. There are many Jewish Graves dispersed around the cemetery.   

Most of the HOD Brethren who attended the event included many who are Veterans and some are also members of JWV's Levy Post 574.

 Pictured L to R: Bill Orlin shakes HOD Lodge Galil President Joe Blog hand. 

 

Pictured L to R: HOD Lodge Galil President Joe Blog holding Bill Orlin's Uniform.

HOD Member Jack Schlossberg was the Commander of the JWV's Levy Post 574 for many years.

The event was well attended.

Lodge Galil President Bro. Joe Blog wrote:

I want to thank the 10 brethren who, on Wednesday, performed the great mitzvah of making a minyan for a funeral of a young woman. Yasher Koach to all.

Bro. Jeff Klein mentioned that "performing this Mitzvah is one of the most meaningful things that HOD Brethren do. I am always in awe that Brethren turn up at the drop of a hat for a fellow Jewish person they do not even know".