By Sharon Wisch-Ray

Mazel tov to my former neighbors and, back in the day, friendly carpool drivers Rhoda and Leroy Solomon who celebrated their 61st anniversary last week at daughter Gayle Biemeret’s home with about 25 of Gayle’s friends and neighbors.

Also celebrating their 61st are Rita and Ted Hoffman, who share the exact same wedding date, Aug. 2, 1952.
A mere 22 years later,  Elizabeth and Murray Cohen tied the knot on Aug. 2.
Earl and Shirley Givant celebrated their 64th on Aug. 7.
Congrats to all.

ADL security briefing tonight

If you haven’t made plans yet for this evening, I learned at press time on Tuesday that ADL Community Director Roberta Clark will speak at a community-wide event on “The Impact of Hate Today and Why Security Needs to be A Daily Ritual.”
The program begins at 6:30 p.m. tonight at Ahavath Sholom, 4050 S. Hulen. Roberta will cover all the pertinent information about hatred, including: what constitutes hatred, how it manifests itself and how ADL interfaces with the community to deal with hate mongers.
In addition, the Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council, which is now chaired by Robert Simon, will be introduced as well as the local Jewish constable.
Last month, the ADL released its 2012 anti-Semitic audit. In 2012, only one incident was reported to the North Texas/Oklahoma Regional ADL office. The incident was a harassing anti-Semitic email message (due to confidentiality, the ADL was unable to share the specifics).
The annual ADL Audit tracks incidents of vandalism, harassment and physical assaults against Jewish individuals, property and community institutions across the United States, using data reported to the League’s 30 regional offices and law enforcement across the country.
While the Audit does not include criticism of Israel or Zionism, such reports are included if they cross the line from legitimate criticism to anti-Semitism by invoking classic anti-Jewish stereotypes or inappropriate Nazi imagery and/or analogies. Public expressions of anti-Israel sentiments that demonize Jews or create an atmosphere of fear or intimidation for U.S. Jews are counted.
“While we are pleased to see the decline in anti-Semitic incidents in the country, we know that one hateful incident toward anyone is one too many. We are pleased to have only received one complaint in our Regional Office in 2012 (contrary to this year, where we have already received four), but we know that we can never be sure of the number of incidents which do not get reported to ADL,” said Clark.
Clark is a great speaker, if you can get away tonight, I highly recommend it.

Movie party at Daytimers

A reminder from Barbara Rubin and the Daytimers. There will be a movie, lunch (if you wish) and ice cream social, Wednesday, Aug. 14. If you want to eat before the program begins, bring your own lunch at 12:30 p.m. The movie and ice cream will begin at 1 p.m.
Screening will be “Quartet” starring Maggie Smith and directed by Dustin Hoffman.
At a home for retired musicians, the annual concert to celebrate Verdi’s birthday is disrupted by the arrival of Jean, an eternal diva and the former wife of one of the residents.
“Please see this film, NO MATTER WHAT AGE YOU ARE. People don’t make movies for such a demographic, or at least rarely. This movie quite frankly made me weep, laugh and have a range of feeling that I have not experienced from any picture released this year,” wrote the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Steven Rea
You can’t beat ice cream, popcorn and a great film — all for $5 per person. Please let Barbara Rubin or Larry Steckler know if you need a special ice cream. For information and reservations, call with your credit card to Barbara Rubin, 817-927-2736, Larry Steckler, 520-990-3155 or Hugh Lamensdorf, 817-738-1428, or reserve for yourself at www.bethelfw.org/donations.
The Sylvia Wolens “Daytimers” is a program of Beth-El Congregation with financial support from the Jewish Federation.

‘Houdini’ will appear at Ahavath Sholom Sunday

Debby Rice tells me that the Congregation Ahavath Sholom Film Festival has been wildly successful. It will continue at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 11 at the shul.
The sixth installment of the 2013 Summer Film Festival titled “Houdini,” is a family-friendly biographical film about magician and escapologist Harry Houdini. Made in the U.S. by Paramount Pictures and starring the famous Jewish actor Tony Curtis, the film details the fascinating life and events of Harry Houdini, following his most dangerous stunts and magic tricks, along with his love for his wife, Bess.
“Houdini” will replace the originally scheduled “The Magician of Lublin” which wasn’t available.
Debby shares, “We have a captivating and thrilling evening planned. Leading Houdini expert, collector and historian Arthur Moses, along with an entrancing local magician, will cast a magic spell over all of us. We know you will be enchanted by the illusion and mysterious appeal of Houdini and we look forward to Aug. 11 with anticipation.”
So far I hear the pre- and post-film discussions have been both enlightening and enjoyable. The films are free, and so are the popcorn and cold drinks.
The 2013 Summer Film Festival committee has done a great job planning and putting on the films. Thank you to Liz Chesser, Elizabeth Cohen, Kate Cohen, Hedy Collins, Will Kutler, Dr. Jane Pawgan, Debby Rice, Reggie Rog, Jayna Sosland and Jim Stansbury.
Congregation Ahavath Sholom’s 2013 Summer Film Festival is partially funded by the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County and we appreciate their help so much.
We would like to hear from our readers. Send your news to me at sharonw@texasjewishpost.com, or Sharon Wisch-Ray, 7920 Belt Line Road, Ste 680, Dallas, TX 75254.