By Sharon Wisch-Ray

It seems fitting to be writing about Ahavath Sholom’s Chevra Kadisha in this week’s column. Tomorrow is Adar 7, a day on which many Chevra Kadishas are recognized for their selfless service to the community. Adar 7 is significant because it is the day that God performed the duties of the Chevra Kadisha and buried Moses.
The Chevra Kadisha is a group of volunteers that see to it that a deceased member of the Jewish community is cared for and buried according to Jewish law. Their service begins from the minute they are notified that someone has passed away and incudes guarding the body, ritual cleansing and subsequent dressing for burial.
In Fort Worth, there are second and some third generation members of the Chevra. Ahavath Sholom held its Chevra Kadisha dinner Jan. 24. At that dinner, Morty presented members of the Chevra with letter jackets. He shared the story behind the jackets which were presented in memory of his late brother Don Herman and the late Bernard Rubin, whose brother Jack also serves on the Chevra. Don and Bernard died in their early sixties but were on the Chevra from their twenties as was Bernard Rubin’s father.
Don and Bernard always referred to the Chevra as the “Team,” and on more than one occasion, they jokingly said they needed letter jackets for the team.
This year Morty did just that. He designed, fitted and had letter jackets made for all of the members of the Team.
Morty tells me that the guys really love their jackets and wear them as their winter jacket. If you look closely you will see they have the name of Ahavath Sholom on the left hand side with a Magen David in the middle and the words Chevra Kadisha underneath and the name of the member on the other side.
The men’s Chevra currently has 13 members, but there is always room for more of these dedicated volunteers. Anyone out there who might want to participate can contact Glen Garoon at ggaroon@sbcglobal.net or 817-229-4224.

‘The Yankles’ is next installment of CAS Film Series

Congregation Ahavath Sholom will show the fourth film in its 2014 Showtimes Film Series, “The Yankles,” at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 9.
The movie is about a washed up, ex-Major League ballplayer, who gets a second chance at life and love by managing a Jewish Orthodox Yeshiva baseball team. “The Yankles” shows a group of Yeshiva students who have not participated in organized sports in high school attempt to make it in the collegiate baseball league. The film makes fun of the situation, not of them personally! It has you rooting for the underdog and celebrating their victories. This is a great film to take your children to and teach them a lesson on sportsmanship! There never is a dull moment and it will keep you laughing throughout.
The theme of the evening will be baseball, and in this spirit, the Men’s Club of Cong. Ahavath Sholom will serve free hot dogs with all the trimmings. Cold drinks and popcorn will be served as well. All Showtimes Film Series films are free and everyone in the community is invited. The program will begin right after the evening minyan.
The Congregation Ahavath Sholom Showtime Film Committee has done a great job planning and putting on the films. They look forward to seeing you at the film showings. Thanks to committee members Liz Chesser, Elizabeth Cohen, Kate Cohen, Foster Owen, Dr. Jane Pawgan, Debby Rice, Reggie Rog, Jayna Sosland, Jim Stansbury and Riki Zide. Special thanks to Cong. Ahavath Sholom Men’s Club and its president, Sonnie Brister, for all their help.
Congregation Ahavath Sholom’s 2014 Showtimes Film Series is funded by the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, and their help is so much appreciated. For more information please call Congregation Ahavath Sholom at 817-731-4721.