As we bake in the record-breaking heat of a North Texas summer, a lot of us are reminded that the cooler 90-degree days of fall aren’t too far off. This is the month during which kids from tots to teens return to school. The next few weeks will be crazy and busy for a lot of families as they prepare for back-to-school. And back-to-school means the High Holy Days aren’t far behind. Mark your calendars now — Erev Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown, Wed., Sept. 28.
From the Beth-El Daytimers …
Barbara Rubin writes that the Aug. 17 Daytimers picnic has been cancelled because Roz Rosenthal is scheduled to have her second carotid surgery the day before. Prayers and best wishes go to Roz for a successful surgery and very speedy recovery.
Meanwhile, the tour of the Genghis Kahn exhibit at the Irving Art Center is scheduled for Wed., Sept. 14. The more than 200 artifacts on display sound pretty neat; they consist of gold jewelry, silk robes, weaponry and mummies, all from Genghis Khan’s Mongolia. The plan will be to meet at the Intermodal Transportation Center at noon, and to ride the Trinity Railway Express and DART bus to the center.
Space is limited to 30 participants, and Barbara says 10 people have already requested reservations. The cost for lunch, transportation and museum admission is $20 ($15 for those who want to brown-bag it). For more information, give Barbara a call at 817-927-2736; or mail your check to Beth-El, 4900 Briarhaven Rd., Fort Worth, 76109, or reserve your spot by logging on to www.bethelfw.org/donations.
Under the Category of “A Good Problem to Have … ”
Congregation Ahavath Sholom tells us that, due to the overwhelming response during religious school registration, new teachers are necessary to teach grades from pre-kindergarten through confirmation, beginning Sun., Sept. 11. CAS is actively recruiting individuals for salaried positions. People who are knowledgeable in Judaism, who attend synagogue on a regular basis and who enjoy working with children are welcome to apply by calling 817-731-4721. Though teaching credentials are desired, CAS’ religious school staff will be happy to chat with you if you have no credentials, but teaching experience.
Beth-El Retreat …
I’m in favor of Jewish retreat on general principles, but an upcoming retreat mentioned on the Beth-El website caught my eye. This organization’s “Blast from the Past” retreat Fri.-Sun., Sept. 16-18 at Greene Family Camp will allow participants to “explore the foods, languages, traditions and stories that shaped our families as they traveled from the old world, to Ellis Island, to Fort Worth,” according to the activity’s description. I like the idea of this retreat, especially because my ancestors flocked to the United States. from a variety of points in Eastern Europe (most notably, Romania, Russia and even Hungary). Anyone out there who might be interested in participating should call the synagogue at 817-332-7141.
And finally, a shout-out to another Johnson County “outlier” …
“So that is why there are never any jars of matzah ball soup in the Burleson H.E.B.? I thought I was the only Jew in Johnson County!” writes Kerry Dolan, a member of Congregation Ahavath Sholom who lives in Burleson. I’m with Kerry, actually — as a North Dallas transplant, I was spoiled with all the great kosher sections at the Tom Thumb stores. These days I’m happy to see a few rogue boxes of matzah at the local H.E.B. during Pesach.
At any rate, no, Kerry, you are clearly NOT the only Jew in Johnson County! Furthermore, Kerry’s communiqué had my husband Dave making the comment that we might have enough Johnson County Jews to start a chavurah.
And what a good time of year to begin something like this. The month of Elul will soon be upon us. Elul, to me, is synonymous with “preparation” — in other words, preparation for the High Holy Days. Any takers out there in Johnson County (or even in the far southern reaches of Tarrant County) for such a chavurah? Let me know.
Also, anyone who lives in other outlying areas or who has RELATIVES who live in outlying areas (and not just Johnson County, either), drop me a line. I’m interested in knowing how you stay connected. Thank you all for responding and keep those cards, letters and e-mails coming, folks!
Until next time …