Megillah and music at Beth Shalom
The talented “Purim Players” of Congregation Beth Shalom are hard at work rehearsing their “Musical Megillah,” which will be presented on Saturday night, March 19, at 7:30 p.m. in the Beth Shalom Sanctuary. Cantor Sheri Allen has written lyrics for ten songs set to the tunes of popular melodies and musicals. Each song will complement a chapter of the Megillah. The talented cast includes Marian Feld and her grandson Cameron Lizun, Sherwin Rubin, Hy Siegel, Randy San Antonio, Phil Kabakoff, Stuart Snow, Debra Kaplan and daughter Cailey, and Beth Shalom President Barry Goldfarb. Phil Landsberg will be accompanying the cast on the trumpet. Don’t miss the world premiere of what is sure to be a Super Shpiel!
The evening will begin with a barbecue dinner at 6:30, and end with a hamantaschen celebration immediately after the Megillah reading. Please call Linda Seward at 817-860-5448 for dinner reservations.
Two congregations share Israel Day/Family Day
Beth-El Congregation and Congregation Ahavath Sholom shared a special event for their respective religious schools. Israel Day/Family Day, held Sunday, March 6, brought parents and students from both religious schools to the Great Hall at Beth-El, where Religous School Director Ilana Knust feaured a variety of events to promote learning about Israel.
Participants answered trivia questions, like “Who built the first Temple?” and “What city in Israel is called ‘the City that Never Sleeps’?” (Hint: It’s NOT Jerusalem!) Students could walk on a huge map of Israel, eat traditional falafel and hummus and journey into the Tent of Abraham. And they were encouraged to write prayers on notecards for delivery to the Western Wall this summer.
CAS will host the religious-school Purim carnival for both congregations later this month.
Marvin Blum joins the Miss America 2011 board of directors
Marvin Blum was named to the Miss America 2011 board of directors recently. Chairman of the Board Sam Haskell, III, announced the board of directors for 2011 at the annual board meeting.
“I am proud to present the newest members to join our esteemed board of directors,” Haskell said. “Our board is recognized for having a unique group of talented individuals and professionals who support and add to the success of this organization. They provide us with wonderful direction to grow the nation’s leading achievement programs for young women and aid in building the future of this great American tradition, now celebrating our 90th year.”
He added, “I want to personally take a moment to welcome and congratulate our newly elected board members, Marvin Blum, ‘FOX & Friends’ anchor; Miss America 1989 Gretchen Carlson; Gloria Fine; and Kelley Jenkins McCormick.”
Blum is a prominent attorney and certified public accountant based in Fort Worth, where he is the founding partner of The Blum Firm, P.C. He received his undergraduate degree in accounting at the University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated first in his class, and received his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law, where he graduated second in his class. Marvin is a frequent speaker and author on estate planning and tax topics. He has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal for his expertise, and recognized by New York’s Worth magazine by being named to its “National Top 100 Attorneys” list. He is consistently included on Texas Monthly’s annual list of “Texas Super Lawyers.” In October, Marvin was among a select group of 12 legal professionals named as one of Fort Worth’s “2010 Power Attorneys.” Marvin is active in his community, in his 31st year as treasurer of the Fort Worth Symphony. He is a lifetime trustee of Trinity Valley School, where he served five years as president of the board. He also served as chairman of The Multicultural Alliance.
Up to date with the JFS Seniors
The Jewish Family Services Seniors had the opportunity to dine at Zorro’s Buffet. Forty-eight members dined, ate, ate some more and went back to their homes full, stuffed and totally content. It was a fun outing and a little break from their normal dairy-only meals. Their next adventure will be to the Congregation Ahavath Sholom Purim Masquerade Party on Saturday, March 19. Everyone is very excited about the invitation and already planning on a great time hearing the Megillah, having dinner and dancing.
Remember, the JFS Seniors meet daily at Beth-El from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch is served at noon. Please join the program!
SiNaCa Studios School of Glass and Gallery now open
In the fall of 2007, a group of five local glass artists came together with the idea of creating a glass arts school in Fort Worth. Within months, the group had established a 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, put together an advisory board and operations board and started the challenging job of fundraising. The people involved believed passionately in this project, and even in an economy that was not friendly to the arts, began working to raise money for the project.
Named SiNaCa Studios — combining the chemical symbols of the three elements of which glass is composed — the school is open to anyone from the beginning student to the professional who wishes to learn new skills in glassblowing, kiln-formed glass, mosaic design and flameworking.
The studio is also available to professionals who wish to rent space for their work. The gallery offers students and professionals alike the opportunity to display and sell their work to the general public. Located at 1013 West Magnolia in the hot new gallery and restaurant area of Fort Worth, the studio had planned the grand opening for fall 2010. Unfortunately, a tragic fire occurred in the facility on the early morning of the planned opening. This did not deter visitors and nearly 100 people came by to view the new school. Good insurance, lots of elbow grease and determination led to the “re” grand opening in January. About 200 friends, glass art lovers and well-wishers came by for the exciting event.
Money has been raised privately and from the Tarrant County Arts Council to establish the school. Two very creative ways of fundraising include the Glass Ambassador program, where a select group commits to raising a set amount of money for SiNaCa, and the annual Vitro Moda–Where Glass Rules the Runway event, which draws hundreds to each gala. This year, Vitro Moda 4 will be hosted at Neiman Marcus Fort Worth on April 16 from 6 to 9 p.m. Professional models walk a New York–style runway showing glass pieces by various artists. The evening will be filled with patrons enjoying food, wine and the opportunity to bid on various glass art. Jeannie Luskey is the honorary chair for this highly popular event.
SiNaCa artists also make themselves visible in the community by participating in gallery shows, working with young students at Imagination Celebration and in various style shows including the Opera Guild of Fort Worth and United Methodist Women. This spring, SiNaCa Studios will open a gallery at the Fort Worth Neiman Marcus store. SiNaCa @ The Zodiac will feature glass works that promote the Spring Style Trends for Neiman Marcus stores.
One of SiNaCa’s artists, Mace Adams, teaches at the Ann and Nate Levine Academy in Dallas. He teaches his art of kiln-formed glass to students in his class as well as to those attending the school’s summer camp for ages 5 to 8.
Many members of the Jewish community serve on SiNaCa’s various boards.
All are invited to come by and visit the gallery on any Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. A regular studio open house is held on the second Friday of the month from 6 to 9 p.m. To stay in touch with what is happening, you can become a friend on Facebook or visit SiNaCa’s Web site at www.sinacastudios.org.