By Amy Wolff Sorter
Though we’re in the midst of Passover, it doesn’t hurt to look ahead to the next observance, that being Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day.
This year, Yom HaShoah begins at sundown Sunday, April 7 and ends at sundown Monday, April 8. To commemorate the six million — and more — who were lost during this horrific time in history, the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County is sponsoring a community Yom HaShoah program, beginning 10:30 a.m., April 7 at Congregation Ahavath Sholom, 4050 S. Hulen St., Fort Worth.
Angie Kitzman at the federation tells us that the program will offer a traditional memorial service, with each survivor lighting a yahrzeit candle in a Shoah menorah, created by Julie Berman and made by Raymond Marks. Also on tap will be a screening of the movie “Sugihara,” which details the story of a Japanese diplomat who saved thousands of Jews from the Holocaust.
Age-appropriate programs for children and teens will be available (though 11th- and 12th-graders are invited to participate in the adult program). Childcare will be available for children younger than age 4; to make arrangements call the Federation office at 817-569-0892.
Kicking off an early Pesach
We’re told that more than 100 guests attended the Isadore Garsek B’nai B’rith Lodge annual Passover mini-seder, which took place Wednesday, March 20, at Beth-El Congregation in Fort Worth. Judging from the photos, it looks as though there was plenty of enjoyment to go around.
Thanks to Barbara Rubin and the folks at Jewish Family Services for sending along the pictures.
Check it out
Actually, “Check it Out II: What Everyone Needs to Know” is a program offering information about breast cancer including where to go if you’re diagnosed with this disease and what’s out there in terms of the latest treatment.
The Fort Worth Chapter of Hadassah is behind this informative, free-to-the-public program, which takes place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 17 at Beth-El Congregation, 4900 Briarhaven, Fort Worth. The highlight will be a panel discussion about the newest developments in this field; breast cancer survivor Joan Katz will moderate.
Debby Rice tells us that the program is the place to, “check out the latest in where to go and what to do if you are diagnosed with breast cancer; check out the newest in imaging machines that can detect whether or not you have the disease; check out the genetic information that may determine if you or your family members may be at risk for breast cancer and help to determine how best to plan for your future; and check out the most up-to-date cancer care services available to patients and their families in our area. Each of the presenters in our program will provide information about what is available in our community to make the journey easier.”
Other panelists are Sherree Bennett, director and nurse navigator at the Joan Katz Breast Center at Baylor All Saints Medical Center; Dr. David Johnston, a fellowship-trained breast radiologist at Solis Women’s Health; Arielle Yorczyk, a certified genetics counselor at the Moncrief Cancer Institute and UT Southwestern; and Jane Oderberg, program director and social worker at Cancer Care Services of Fort Worth.
Questions? Call Karen Kaplan at 817-922-8600.
A day at the opera
No, this isn’t a take-off of that great old Marx Brothers film. Rather, it’s the theme of the upcoming Daytimers event, which takes place at noon Wednesday, April 10, at Beth-El Congregation, 4900 Briarhaven in Fort Worth.
Cardiologist Martin Tobey, who is also known for his program “Why Like Opera?” will do the honors, presenting music and visuals. Also on tap will be staff from the Fort Worth Opera Festival, including customer service manager Dennis Yslas, who will have season brochures and a special rate for attendees.
To make a reservation, or for information, contact Barbara Rubin, 817-927-2736 or Larry Steckler, 520-990-3155.
News from CAS’ Ladies Auxiliary
This organization’s annual donor luncheon will take place at noon Sunday, April 21 at Congregation Ahavath Sholom, 4050 S. Hulen in Fort Worth. The theme is “Une Fete Francaise,” or a French feast. Special guest will be Krys Boyd, host of KERA-FM’s “Think.”
Prepaid reservations are $50 per person; for more information call 817-731-4721.
It’s not too soon to think about Mother’s Day
At least, not according to the sisterhood at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville. This year’s mitzvah project involves Mother’s Day gift bags.
The bags will contain travel-size bottles of shampoo, lotion and conditioners, along with bath puffs, fragrances and other beauty products, and are distributed to mothers in need.
According to CBI’s website, the recipients are grateful for the small luxuries they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford. Donations will be accepted through May 5 at the synagogue, 6100 Pleasant Run Road.
Questions? Contact Laura Cohen, lscohen22@gmail.com or Robin BenBassett, robinbb4568@yahoo.com.
And the last word
How is your holiday going? Did you have friends and family to your first or second night seders? We’d love to know about it, or any other news (weddings, births, parties, celebrations and so on). Send it on to me at awsorter@yahoo.com. Chag sameach.