By Amy Wolff Sorter
Every so often, I like to remind folks about the things that the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County does for the community. The Federation supports a ton of educational programs in the area.
But until the evening of Jan. 27, I had little idea how the funds donated to the Federation in Fort Worth would impact Jews in other countries.
The event was “The Legacy of Giving Award” hosted by the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County and presented to the Rosenthal family, who, as most folks know, have a terrific history of donating resources to all sorts of organizations and events in Tarrant County.
As those who read the Texas Jewish Post might also know, the guest speaker was Alina Spaulding, dean of admissions at American Hebrew Academy in Greensboro, N.C. (she was also guest speaker at the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas’ Men’s Event the following evening).
Her story can be found online, as she travels around the country talking about her background. Her family came to the United States from Soviet Russia without money or prospects. Yet thanks to the Jewish Federation system, Alina experienced what she referred to as a “transformational impact of a critical moment.”
I can’t do her words justice here; suffice it to say that her talk about moving from despair in Russia to hope in the United States moved me as I suspect it moved others (given the response from the crowd at the event).
It was a more than appropriate talk for the Fort Worth Federation’s campaign kickoff event, and I encourage everyone in the community to be responsive when your receive that donation envelope or phone call on Super Sunday.
It’s important to support the Federation, not only to uphold the programs of Tarrant County (though they’re hugely important), but also to help the Alinas of the world, and their families.
And congratulations once again …
… to the Rosenthal family on receiving the Legacy of Giving Award. And thank you for being part of the community.
A visit from grandkids
Ina Singer tells us that her grandson Bobby Greenberg, his wife Julie and their son Cooper (who is 4½ months old), visited her in Fort Worth from their home in Clearwater, Fla., between Jan. 19 and 26. This must have been a fun visit for all!
Also from Ina
Jewish Women International will have its monthly meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 6, at Beth-El Congregation, 4900 Briarhaven Road in Fort Worth.
Guest speaker will be Rabbi Andrew Bloom of Congregation Ahavath Sholom, who will talk about what inspired him to be a rabbi. It should be an interesting presentation (Rabbi Bloom is always worthwhile to listen to), and all are welcome to attend.
Daytimers go Yiddish
According to Barbara Rubin, the Jan. 23 Daytimers event, featuring Janice Rubin, experienced an overflow crowd.
Probably no wonder — Janice Rubin was on hand to share insights about Yiddish folk music, and much of what was performed came from her album, “Feels Like Family.” Janice was accompanied by Barry Roberts, one of the featured performers on the album.
In addition to singing, Janice explored lullabies, children’s play songs, humorous and satiric songs, and ballads of Jewish revolutionaries of czarist Russia.
Barbara introduced Janice (who is her daughter — and Barbara writes that the introduction offered her the opportunity to define the Yiddish word “kvell”).
Emcee for the day was Edythe Cohen and Louis Schultz and Rosanne Margolis greeted the guests at the door. Mary Frances Antweil and Adele Arensberg hosted the buffet table, while Larry Steckler and Ellen Appel photographed the event.
Moving on, the February Daytimers program will feature Dr. Jane Guzman Pawgan, who will present “The Story of Ma and Pa Ferguson,” a strange chapter in Texas history.
And speaking of Dr. Pawgan
Beginning Tuesday, Feb. 5, she’ll be presenting the first of a five-part series titled “Jews in America,” which will focus on the experience of Jews in the United States from colonial times through the late 1940s.
The presentations start at 7 p.m. and will run through Tuesday, March 5.
This lecture series is part of Congregation Ahavath Sholom’s b’nai mitzvah course, but you don’t need to be part of the class to attend and enjoy the event, which is free and open to the public. The presentations take place at CAS, 4050 S. Hulen in Fort Worth.
The final word …
… is news! If you have family news, promotional news, holiday news (Purim is coming up and Tu B’Shevat has just passed) or generally want to brag about something, send it along. I’m at awsorter@yahoo.com.