On February 1, 2026, Temple Shalom Brotherhood gathered for its eighteenth Annual Shalom Award, one of the most meaningful and anticipated events on the Temple Shalom calendar. What began years ago as a lighthearted “Toast and Roast” has grown into a fully catered evening with heartfelt tributes, and a powerful focus on community impact.
The very first Shalom Award, originally part of that early Toast and Roast tradition, honored Assistant Rabbi Robert Haas. Over the years, the event has evolved in both tone and reach, while staying true to its purpose – recognizing individuals whose leadership and service strengthen our community and reflect Temple Shalom’s values.
Past honorees include current and former Temple Shalom clergy such as Rabbi Andrew Paley, and Debbie Niederman for her extraordinary contributions as an educator, Cantor Emeritus Don Croll and Rabbi Emeritus Kenneth Roseman, z”l. The award has also honored leaders beyond Temple Shalom, including Texas State Senator Royce West, former Dallas Court of Appeals Justice Douglas Lang, Reverend Neil Thomas of Cathedral of Hope, Dallas City Council Member Cara Mendelsohn, and Mary Pat Higgins, President and CEO of the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum.
Since the Shalom Award was first presented to James Hogue, it has become a signature way for the Temple Shalom Brotherhood to highlight individuals whose positive impact reaches far beyond our synagogue walls.
This year’s honoree, Cathy Barker, President and CEO of Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas, embodies that spirit in every way. Cathy has served at JFS since 2010 and has been President and CEO since 2019. Under her leadership, JFS Dallas now impacts more than 22,000 lives each year, expanding services and deepening care across the community. Among many initiatives, JFS has opened the JFS Northpoint Health Center and continues its critical work supporting Holocaust survivors, including providing kosher meals.
The evening, themed “Service with a Heart,” brought together family, friends, colleagues, and community partners to celebrate Cathy’s leadership, compassion, and vision. Speakers shared stories that were personal, moving, and often joyful.
Julie Gothard, Chair of the JFS Dallas Board of Directors, a long time congregant of Temple Shalom and past president of Temple Shalom Sisterhood, described Cathy’s leadership using five words tied to her name:
Compassionate,
Authentic,
Tenacious,
Heart-driven, and
Yes-oriented.
She reminded the audience that one person truly can make a difference in the lives of many. Artie Allen, former CEO of the Aaron Family Jewish Community Center of Dallas, highlighted Cathy’s rare ability to combine heart and humor, noting her talent for turning any gathering into a space for connection, reflection, and laughter.
Some of the most memorable moments came from Cathy’s family. Her father, Robert Brunkenhoefer, shared stories from Cathy’s childhood and spoke about her lifelong instinct to lead with empathy. Her husband, Don Barker, and her youngest son, Riley, added remarks that were both funny and deeply touching, offering a glimpse into the compassion Cathy brings not only to her work, but to her family life as well.
In her remarks, Cathy reflected on her journey into nonprofit leadership and the values that guide her work. Though she is not Jewish, she spoke movingly about how Jewish values such as repairing the world, welcoming the stranger, and caring for others have shaped her leadership at JFS Dallas. She described JFS as a “catcher’s mitt” for people in need, offering support across the lifespan through food assistance, career services, therapy, senior support, medical care, and more.
Cathy also shared her vision for the future, with JFS continuing to grow its reach, expand medical services, and serve tens of thousands of individuals each year, all while staying rooted in compassion and community.
The 2026 Shalom Award event was chaired by Perry Zidow and Scott Butnick, both of whom also volunteer with Jewish Family Service. Temple Shalom Brotherhood extends deep thanks to them, along with the many volunteers, sponsors, underwriters, and silent auction donors who helped create another meaningful and memorable evening.
Congratulations to Cathy Barker on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you to Temple Shalom Brotherhood for continuing a tradition that celebrates leadership, service, and the power of community.
