By Amy Wolff Sorter

We’ve now kicked off April, appropriately dubbed the month of “three Yoms.” The Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County points out that this is a period of “remembrance, honoring and celebration” both locally and throughout the national and international Jewish community.
Yom HaShoah — Holocaust Remembrance Day — is done. Next on tap is Yom HaZikaron, honoring Israeli soldiers and terrorist attack victims. A community-wide Shabbat service will take place at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 13 at Congregation Ahavath Sholom, 4050 S. Hulen St. in Fort Worth.
This will be followed about a week later by Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s birthday. This year’s community celebration — honoring Israel’s 65 years of existence — will take place 1-4 p.m. Sunday, April 21 at Congregation Beth Israel, 6100 Pleasant Run Rd. in Colleyville. The celebration will include plenty of food (Israeli cuisine, of course), speakers, dancing and a special event in conjunction with WalktheLand.org. Those registering for WalktheLand.org will be entered to win two round-trip tickets to Israel.
For information, check out the federation’s website at www.tarrantfederation.org.

Another celebration

Chabad of Fort Worth and Tarrant County has been in existence for 10 years — and the organization plans to celebrate June 2 with a gala dinner, auction and guest speaker Rabbi Edward Garsek, son of longtime Congregation Ahavath Sholom Rabbi Isadore Garsek and wife Sayde Maye, both of blessed memory. The younger Rabbi Garsek, who recently stepped down after 37 years as rabbi at Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo, Ohio, grew up in Fort Worth.
Keep an eye out for your mailed invitation.
Questions? For information, contact Chabad directly at 817-263-7701 or email rabbi@chabadfortworth.com.

Seder for seniors

More than 100 seniors enjoyed the B’nai B’rith Senior Seder recently, hosted by Jewish Family Services. At least 20 volunteers made the luncheon a success, says Hedy Collins, senior program director at JFS.

Hedy tells us that Harry Kahn and his “chefs extrodinarie” and the volunteers who plated, served and cleaned up.
“It takes a village, and I am so glad that we have that here in Fort Worth,” Hedy concluded.

She really gets around

“She” meaning Roz Rosenthal. The last time we reported on her whereabouts was at the Women of Reform Judaism’s donor brunch. More recently, Roz popped up on the conductor’s stand at a Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra rehearsal, where she took the baton (and was given a standing ovation, according to what Carole Rogers tells us).
Roz won the opportunity to conduct this fine collection of musicians at a recent silent auction fundraiser for the symphony.

A scholar comes to town

And that scholar is Rabbi Moshe Edelman, who will be Congregation Ahavath Sholom’s Scholar-in-Residence between April 25-28.
Edelman, who was formerly on staff of the United Synagogue, created and directed that organization’s department of leadership development for 17 years. He’s also coordinated work of the United Synagogue’s standards committee, which mediates and arbitrates disputes.
Other positions he holds include rabbi in residence for HAZAK Week of Learning for Mature Adults and consultant to a variety of congregations in areas including membership, fundraising, strategic planning and development of missions and visions.
Edelman will speak on topics including “The Quest for Spirituality: Jewish T.M.” and “Israel, Non-Jews, Conversion and Messiah: Book of Ruth.”
The community is welcome to attend Edelman’s talks at the synagogue, 4050 S. Hulen in Fort Worth. For information, log onto www.ahavathsholom.org.

Meanwhile, at Beth-El

The synagogue will host the 92nd Street Y at 7:15 p.m. this coming Sunday, April 14. The topic will be “The Future of God: The Merging of Science and Religion,” with speakers Andrew Zoli and David Eagleman.
The community is invited, and a contribution of $3 is requested.

CBI is at it again

With another community blood drive. This one will take place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, May 19 at the synagogue, 6100 Pleasant Run Rd. in Colleyville. Save the date — and remember, no caffeine before donating.

And the last word

This will be my very last word, as this is my final “Around the Town” column. Beginning next week, TJP publisher Sharon Wisch-Ray will take over writing it, which is fitting, given she is the daughter of Rene Wisch, of blessed memory, the icon of this column. I will continue writing articles for the TJP, however.
In the meantime, thank all of you for your support, stories and news. I’ve enjoyed it. And send all your news, notes and pictures to Sharon at sharonw@texasjewishpost.com or call her at 817-927-2831.