Island residents Drs. Wendy and Michael Spektor are making a lot of people smile and open wide their pocketbooks.
The couple are being honored by Hadassah at its annual gala for their international volunteer and philanthropic efforts. Some proceeds from the event will help dentists at Hadassah Hospitals dental unit in Jerusalem fix the jaws and teeth of terrorism victims as part of the “Smiles in Spite of Terror” program.
Hadassah, the largest Women’s Zionist Organization in America, is hosting its gala at 5 p.m., May 5, at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle. Tickets are $90 per person, with a $365 minimum pledge.
Guest speaker Martin Peretz, editor-in-chief of The New Republic, a Washington, D.C., weekly journal of politics and culture, will join Dr. Moti Sela, director of maxillofacial rehabilitation at Hadassah Hospital, to discuss its maxillofacial rehabilitation department. Some proceeds from the evening will also go to that department.
The mission of the department and dental unit is to give reconstructive facial and dental surgery to Jews, Arabs and anyone whose face has been damaged by terrorist attacks, tumors, birth defects or trauma.
Wendy Spektor, a family dentist, is president of the Alpha Omega Society of Jewish dentists, which helped to build the dental unit at Hadassah Hospital. She and Michael, a periodontist and former president of the Jewish Federation, have donated money to the unit, and have taken groups to Israel to see where money they give to the Jewish Federation goes.
“We believe in the concept of `Tikkun Olam,’ which means to heal the world with charity and good deeds,” said Wendy Spektor. “We’re both honored that Hadassah has chosen us.”
Contact Seattle Chapter Hadassah at 425-467-9099 or 1-800-332-4483.
Play series
The Island Players will stage performances of “Sylvia” by A.R. Gurney at 7:30 p.m. on May 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14 at the Youth Theater Northwest second stage, 8805 S. E. 40th St. Tickets are $10.
“Sylvia” is the story of a street-smart canine who causes problems for a couple in their golden years.
The next play in the series, “Private Eyes” by Steven Dietz, runs Oct. 22 through 30.
“The Sea Horse” by Edward J. Moore runs Feb. 4 through 12, 2006.
Tickets can be reserved by calling 339-7785, or at www.islandplayers.org.
Fighting fear
Island resident Bob Fahrer is helping to host a discussion called “Confronting Our Fears: How Do We Live in an Anxious World?” from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 8, at Town Hall, 1119 8th Ave., Seattle.
U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott, Rabbi Ted Falcon, and psychoanalyst Maxine Anderson will present their ideas on confronting fear and anxiety, while Kathleen Woodward, a University of Washington professor, will foster discussion between the audience and the presenters. COR Northwest Family Development Center in Seattle is the sponsor.
Fahrer, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, is on the center’s board. He said the evening will bring people of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds together to discuss ways to reduce fear and anxiety.
Tickets are $30 per person or $15 for seniors, veterans and students. Tickets can be ordered by calling 325-6500 or at www.ticketwindowonline.com.
