By Amy Wolff Sorter

Though most of us don’t observe Christmas, and though the secular New Year isn’t what one would call a major event on the Hebrew calendar, the last week of December is typically — for lack of a better word — crazy. The kids are out of school, work schedules are in disarray, you might be traveling to visit friends and family (or friends and family might be coming to see you) and overeating seems almost a given.

Despite the fact that Jan. 2 typically means back to work for most of us, there’s also an internal sigh of relief that the nuttiness is at an end, at least until next year. Life can get back to normal.
Some pretty cool activities are starting up again in Tarrant County as well. So even as you slide into your routine, keep an eye out for interesting lectures, educational opportunities and social events — all of these provide a terrific way to connect with the Jewish community and to learn some new things.

Congrats to Corrine Jacobsen

Corrine Jacobsen passed along some news about something nice that happened to her.
She explained that she had to retire from her job as a convention greeter with the Fort Worth Convention Bureau after 13 years because of health issues. She acknowledged her disappointment that she didn’t make it to the 15-year mark, which would have garnered her an award.
Well this year would have been Corrine’s 15th year with the bureau — and she writes that the folks at the organization, understanding she would have continued working there had health issues not been a problem, visited her at her house and presented her with the 15-year trophy.
“I was so delighted they thought of doing this,” Corrine writes.
There’s no doubt in our minds that you deserve it, Corrine. Mazel tov.

If you aren’t doing anything this Sunday …

Give blood. Congregation Beth Israel will host its Winter Blood Drive between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. in a mobile unit in the synagogue’s parking lot — the address is 6100 Pleasant Run in Colleyville.
When you give blood, you get something back — you’ll be automatically entered to win one of five Home Watch party packages which includes a brand new HD TV, and food from a pizza restaurant and soft drinks for up to 20 guests.
Speaking of soda, don’t drink the caffeinated stuff, or coffee, or any caffeine before giving blood. I learned, the hard way, that caffeine does a number on your iron level, and if your iron is too low, you don’t get to donate.
Questions? Contact Barry Klompus at barry@mlstexashomes.com or 817/271-1569.

… and something else interesting this Sunday …

Ross S. Kraemer, Cristol Lecture Scholar, will discuss “Christian Bishops, Christian Emperors, Jewish Subjects: The Fate of the Mediterranean Diaspora” at Congregation Ahavath Sholom, 4050 S. Hulen St., in Fort Worth.
Her talk begins at 7 p.m. and is taking place in conjunction with TCU’s Brite Divinity School.
Then, come back to CAS at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17. Gil Elan with the Southwest Jewish Congress will provide an update on events in the Middle East.

Only a few days left …

To get your mah jongg cards. The deadline for ordering these is Jan. 10. Cost is $7 per deck for standard size; $8 for large print.
Put your order and a check payable to Barbara Weinberg and send it to her at 4600 Westlake Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76132. The proceeds benefit Hadassah. Questions? Contact Barbara at 817-346-0331.

Fast-forward to February …

Again at CAS, this year’s Kornbleet Scholar In Residence, Raphael Danziger, AIPAC director of research and information, and editor of the Near East Report, will be on hand to discuss “The U.S. Policy in the Middle East” at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 7.
After the talk, the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County will host a reception.

And finally …

I can never get too many Chanukah photos. Or news (and photos) of birthdays, family celebrations, get-togethers, etc. Send it to awsorter@yahoo.com.