By Sharon Wisch-Ray
Daytimers plan March event
On March 12, Daytimers will have Dina Malki speak about facts, myths, misconceptions, interpretations and the changing status of women in the Muslim world. The program begins at noon in the Great Hall at Congregation Beth-El.
One of the major sources of criticism against Islam is the status of women in Islamic tradition. Muslim women have been historically portrayed in the West through an array of representations, from “termagant” to “odalisque.” In today’s world Muslim, women have been looked at as oppressed and submitting to men.
Malki, a graduate student in Religious Studies pursuing a Masters in Islamic Studies and Christian Muslim Relations at Hartford Seminary in Connecticut, lives in Arlington where she has participated in interfaith dialog for over a decade. She also writes for the Examiner, an online publication, where she covers Islam in Dallas and the Metroplex to give a realistic representation of her faith community.
Malki is not apologetic; she will point out every issue that is related to the oppression of women in the Muslim culture, but she will also explain how Islam, and the Qur’an, were both meant to liberate women. An important element in studying religious scripture is the cultural and historic context. This presentation will build on the significance of the relationship between religion and society or culture.
Lunch ($9) includes chips, cookie coffee and tea and will be catered by Pak a Pocket. Choose from chicken shawarma, turkey pastrami or babaganous.
The program only is $5.
For Reservations call Larry Steckler, 817-927-2736 or Hugh Lamensdorf, 817-738-1428 with your credit card. Please include your ZIP code and security code.
Daytimers visit Reunion Tower
On Wednesday Feb.12, a group of Sylvia Wolens Daytimers of Congregation Beth-El rode the TRE from Fort Worth to Dallas to visit the Reunion Tower. While on the train, they lunched on brown-bag meals, then once off the train, strolled through the underground tunnel from Union Station to the base of the Tower and took the elevator to the top.
Interactive video screens allowed everyone to explore Dallas from above. You can identify and zoom in on all the significant attractions throughout the city. Larry Steckler reports, “While there the Dallas Fire Department decided that it was a great time for a fire drill and we were quickly escorted out of the tower to the street below. It was a drill and we were free to return, but the warm sun was inviting and instead we wandered back to Union Station for our return trip.”
Come to Ahavath Sholom for movie night March 9
I think I was about 15, when I saw “Gentleman’s Agreement” for the first time. I was not only struck by Gregory Peck’s good looks, but by the subject matter. It was amazing to me that right after World War II and the Holocaust, Hollywood was willing to take on the subject.
If you haven’t seen the film or it’s been a long time, or you are just looking for something to do at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, March 9, I encourage you to attend the free screening at Ahavath Sholom. “Gentleman’s Agreement” is the fifth film in CAS’ 2014 Showtimes Film Series.
It is a drama about a journalist (played by Peck) who goes undercover as a Jew to conduct research for an exposé of anti-Semitism. The film was nominated for eight Oscars and won three: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Celeste Holm), and Best Director (Elia Kazan). The movie, based on Laura Z. Hobson’s 1947 novel of the same name, was controversial in its time. The film is 118 minutes; it will live on and continue to teach us life lessons forever.
The showing of “Gentleman’s Agreement” is co-sponsored by Ha Shomer and the North Texas/Oklahoma Regional Office of Anti Defamation League. ADL Community Director Roberta Clark will lead the discussion after the film.
As a special treat, Ha Shomer will provide ice cream and syrup to all who attend. Special thanks to Posy McMillen and her Ha Shomer team for all their help and support throughout the year.
All of the Showtimes Film Series films are free, so are the popcorn and cold drinks.
The 2013/14 Showtime Committee has done a great job planning and putting on the films. They hope everyone will enjoy the selections and look forward to seeing you at the film showings. Thanks committee members Liz Chesser, Elizabeth Cohen, Kate Cohen, Foster Owen, Dr. Jane Pawgan, Debby Rice, Reggie Rog, Jayna Sosland, Jim Stansbury and Riki Zide.
Congregation Ahavath Sholom’s 2014 Showtimes Film Series is funded by the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, and their help is appreciated.
For more information call Congregation Ahavath Sholom at 817-731-4721.
See you at the movies.