by Tamara Stokes

Special to DJW

Hobbies are enjoyable and can be educational. Stamp collectors, officially called philatelists, often find they are able to derive both pleasure and education from their hobby. Many become experts in their respective fields of interest.

The members of the Dallas Chapter of the Society of Israel Philatelists (SIP) educate each other and the public about philatelic items of Israel, the Holy Land, Judaica, Jewish National Fund and the Holocaust.

Bunny Radman, one of two female members of the area's 25-plus member club, says "If we can get just one child interested in stamp collecting, then our efforts are worthwhile." Stamp collecting is an inexpensive and visually appealing medium to pique the interest of both adults and children. Along the way, the history and cultural of Israel and related Judaic elements enhance the knowledge of the collector.

The Dallas chapter is one of the oldest chapters in the nation, part of an international club encompassing the United States, Canada, Israel, Europe and South Africa. Membership is open to anyone interested in stamp collecting.

The Dallas chapter is one of the oldest chapters in the nation, part of an international club encompassing the United States, Canada, Israel, Europe and South Africa. Membership is open to anyone interested in stamp collecting.

Individual members of the group have specialties - such as past president Manny Marx, who specializes in Germanic issues; vice president Arnold Paddock, who specializes in synagogue, Judaic and religious issues and president Walter J. Levy, who specializes in autographed issues and first covers. Members often speak to groups to promote education about Israel and stamp collecting.

The group is gearing up for their exhibit at the JCC Arts Fest and Levy says their exhibit will feature traditional Jewish foods. Levy chuckled as he commented about the stamps chosen for the exhibit. "What's a Jewish event without food?"