By Sharon Wisch-Ray

If you have read Wendy Davis’ book, “Forgetting to be Afraid,” you may remember a part where she talks about her part time job at age 15. What you may not know, is that part time job was in the pediatrics office of Drs. Barry Bzostek and Julian Haber the duo behind H&B Pediatrics. I learned this last week, from Dallasite Jan Naxon, who traveled to Fort Worth along with former Cowtowner Carole Cohen to hear Jim Riddlesburger’s election analysis. Cohen and Naxon have been active in Davis’ campaign for governor.

CAS 2014-2015 Showtimes Film begins this Sunday, Nov. 2

Debby Rice tells me that everyone is invited to the first film in Congregation Ahavath Sholom’s 2014-2015 Showtimes film festival at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 2, at the shul, 4050 S. Hulen St. “The Other Son” is a moving and provocative tale of two young men — one Israeli, the other Palestinian — who discover they were accidentally switched at birth, and the complex repercussions facing them and their respective families. A discussion will follow the screening.
The 2014-2015 Showtimes Series films have been carefully chosen to interest everyone. Moderators will lead the discussions after each film. There is no cost, the films are Ahavath Sholom’s gift to the community and the popcorn and cold drinks are complimentary.
A special “Thank You” to the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County for supporting the CAS 2014-2015 Showtimes Film Series. Without their help, the show would not go on.
Showtimes committee members are Liz Chesser, Hedy Collins, Kim Goldberg, Lisa Laudato, Foster Owen, Jane Guzman Pawgan, Debby Rice, Reggie Rog, Jayna Sosland, Jim Stansbury, Sheila Stocker, Roz Vaden, Men’s Club President Sonny Brister and Cong. Ahavath Sholom President Ebi Lavi.
For more information please call Congregation Ahavath Sholom at 817-731-4721.

Explorations in Talmud: Tractate Shabbat

We all know about Shabbat.
The Jewish people are commanded to observe Shabbat in the fourth commandment, yet the Torah doesn’t seem to give clear indication of how this ought to be done. Jewish people of different backgrounds claim that they interpret the laws differently and therefore observe it differently.
If the Torah doesn’t define the laws of Shabbat observance, where do the laws of Shabbat come from, and how is it possible for them to be interpreted? Chabad of Fort Worth’s newest Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) course aims to answer this question
In this course, an Advanced Tier II Talmudic course from JLI, Rabbi Dov Mandel will delve deeply into the ocean of the Talmud, and explore the roots of Shabbat, and in the process, you will become familiar with the ancient methods of interpreting and understanding Jewish law through the Talmud.
The course will launch at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 5, at the Sonnenschein Chabad Jewish Center. It will be spread out over 10 weeks throughout the fall and winter. The cost is $120, which can be paid in one or two installments, and includes the workbook. To sign up, please visit www.chabadfortworth.com/donate and choose the JLI Studies in Talmud tab under purpose. Alternatively, you may pay by check at the first class.

Ahavath Sholom goes to Israel

Rabbi Andrew Bloom will lead a trip to Israel next summer June 15 – 25 for members of Congregation Ahavath Sholom and others who would like to join him.
On this outstanding journey, you will have the opportunity to explore the many faces that make up multicultural Israel; enrich your knowledge of Jewish and ancient history; enjoy outdoor adventures and the beauty of the land itself; encounter firsthand the modern miracle of the State of Israel, immerse yourself in Israeli culture — art, food and wine, and engage with the communities of Israel.
Read the full itinerary and book online at: www.ayelet.com/BloomJune2015.aspx. The deadline to sign up is Dec. 15, 2014.

Bloom publishes book

Speaking of Rabbi Andrew Bloom, he was kind enough to send me a review copy of his new book, “Two Minutes of Traditions: Torah and Life Lessons for People on the Go.” I was intrigued by the title, because it seemed to capture my essence. I rarely have time to actually read books anymore. I am relegated to listening to them on my iPhone, while I’m shlepping kids from place to place cooking or making a feebile attempt to workout. I picked the book up and peruse the pages, and the next thing I knew 30 minutes had passed. I was instantly captivated and I look forward to sharing more about “Two Minutes of Traditions,” when I’ve had a chance to dig a little deeper.
Yasher Koach Rabbi Bloom, you got me to stop and read the pages! I look forward to more.