By Amy Wolff Sorter

On Dec. 25, the Sorter family traveled to an assisted living home in North Richland Hills and met up with some folks from Congregation Beth Israel to spread some cheer and simple gifts. The older people whom we met and chatted with were so grateful for our presence (and the presents that came with it).

One of the highlights of the event was Barbara Berner and her dog, Radar. Radar is a Greyhound who, in Barbara’s words, didn’t know how to race.
Radar is a special therapy dog, trained to interact with people. Barbara was involved in training him, and as she took him around the facility, he was a huge hit among the seniors, staff and volunteers alike. Many thanks to the folks who turned out and performed this mitzvah. It was a special day for all concerned — and it snowed.

Kornbleet Scholar event is calling …

I’ve spoken before about the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County’s dedication to education in the community. Anyone who has attended a lecture, workshop or class in Tarrant County has benefitted from the federation’s funding.
One of the more visible sources of the federation’s efforts involves its sponsorship of the Larry Kornbleet Memorial Scholar-in-Residence program, which will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7 at Congregation Ahavath Sholom in Fort Worth.
This year’s scholar in residence will be Raphael Danziger, director of research and information with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and editor of the Near East Report. Danziger will discuss “The U.S. Policy in the Middle East.” The presentation is free, and a reception will take place afterward, hosted by the Federation. The program also receives funding from the Kornbleet Scholar-in-Residence Fund and the Molly Roth Endowment Fund.
The Kornbleet Scholar-in-Residence program is important, as it offers the community a chance to hear from learned individuals about issues pertaining to modern Judaism. Furthermore, these presentations cost nothing except for a little time. This year’s program will be especially worthwhile, taking place just 16 days after the Jan. 22 Israeli elections.

Find the Yiddish Song in You …

… is actually the name of the next Daytimers’ event, which will take place at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 23 at Beth-El Congregation, 4900 Briarhaven in Fort Worth.
Janice Rubin will present the musical program, which will include Yiddish folk songs and their background. Rubin comes with an impressive background — she taught music at Congregation Brith Shalom in Houston for more than 30 years and has created musical services at several congregations throughout Houston.
She’s spent many years studying and learning Yiddish folk songs from family members and Yiddish speakers worldwide — and this promises to be a musically entertaining event (or an entertaining musical event). Lunch will be catered by Pak-a-Pocket.
To make a reservation, grab your credit card and call either Barbara Rubin 817-927-2736 or Larry Steckler 520-990-3155.

Also at Beth-El …

… is a Shabbat dinner and service that takes place Friday, Jan. 25 at the synagogue. Dinner takes place at 7 p.m., the service begins at 8 p.m. and the cost is only $12 per person, for adults (children between the ages of 3 and 12 get in for $6). If you’re interested, log on to www.bethelfw.org.

Meanwhile, across the street …

Gil Elan with the Southwest Jewish Congress will make an appearance at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17 at Congregation Ahavath Sholom at 4050 S. Hulen in Fort Worth.
Gil will brief participants on events going on in the Middle East.

And up the road …

Well, more specifically, a little to the northeast at 6100 Pleasant Run Rd. in Colleyville, Congregation Beth Israel continues its “Good Food, Good Learning, Good Community at CBI” Wednesday night presentations combining minyan prayer, dinner and interesting presentations.
The next one will take place Jan. 23 and will feature a representative from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. This will be timely, as Israeli elections take place the day before.
Dinner starts at 6 p.m., the evening service is at 7 p.m. and the speaker presents at 7:30 p.m. For information or to RSVP, email administration@congregationbethisrael.org.

Finally, with the holidays a recent memory …

If you did something fun during late December, feel free to share the experience and photos. Email them to awsorter@yahoo.com.

We’re looking for a writer

If you like to write, schmooze and contribute to the Fort Worth/Tarrant County Jewish community, you might want to be the TJP’s next Around the Town correspondent.
Amy Wolff Sorter will soon be giving up the column because of added responsibilities at her primary job — though she will still write occasional features for the TJP — so we’re looking for someone who writes in a lively, informal style and is connected with the people, synagogues and Jewish organizations in Fort Worth, Arlington, Northeast Tarrant County, the Mid-Cities and environs.
The new columnist will be responsible for a weekly 800-900 word column submitted on strict newspaper deadline.
And even if you don’t know everyone yet, we’ll get you off to a good start. Yes, there is some compensation.
Interested? Let us know by sending an email telling us a bit about yourself and why you’d be a great Around the Town columnist. Send it to publisher/editor Sharon Wisch-Ray (sharonw@texasjewishpost.com).
We look forward to hearing from you.