Continued 9/11 commemoration

In the days leading up to the 10th anniversary of this terrible event, I’ll continue listing activities of interest to the Fort Worth Jewish community. Beth-El will present a broadcast from 92nd Street Y entitled “9/11-A Decade Later: Lessons Learned and Future Challenges.” The broadcast will feature notables such as Donald Rumsfeld, Ari Fleischer, Michael Mukasey and Michael Medved. This event will take place at 7 p.m., Thurs., Sept. 8 at Beth-El, 4900 Briarhaven Road.
Along those lines, I’m interested in your observations and memories of that awful day. Where were you? What was going through your head? What was your response? There is little doubt that 9/11 changed our lives. As we look back 10 years later, I would like to hear your stories.

Howdy to more outliers

In my continued quest to find more Jewish outliers, I was delighted to hear from Hannah Smiley in Glen Rose, who informs me that a Johnson County chavurah would be an “oasis.” We’re working on scheduling a meet-and-greet during a Sunday afternoon in October, depending, of course, on the Dallas Cowboys’ schedule.
I was also cheered to hear from Howard “Rusty” Milstein of Longview! “Here in Longview, we have an active, but small, congregation,” Rusty writes. “We have weekly services and a facility that would make many congregations envious.” Furthermore, he continues, “the Texas Jewish Historical Society worships there. Not to mention the fact that the Institute of Southern Jewish Life’s website links to Longview on its Encyclopedia of Southern Jewish Communities.”

Welcome home

Bernie Appel tells me he and his wife, Ellen, have just returned from a trip to Alaska. The Appels spent four days in Denali National Park where they “had a clear view of the majestic summit of Mount McKinley,” Bernie writes. The trip also included a seven-day Silver Seas cruse to visit Sitka, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, and concluded in Vancouver. I think Bernie and Ellen have brought back some of that cooler weather from the northwest. So thanks to the Appels and welcome home!

And welcome

Dave Karsner tells us that Andy and Maria Karsner, along with daughters Caroline Hope, Jenny Faith, Julia Love and Hanna spent a week visiting in the area. They then returned home to Bethesda, Md., where the children attended Capital Jewish Camp. Thanks, Dave, for the information and the photo of the kids’ orientation. Looks like a good time was had by all!

Friendly reminders … Jewish Women International

Don’t forget that Jewish Women International’s local chapter’s kickoff event will take place at 10 a.m., Sept. 7 at Beth-El Congregation. Guest speaker will be Fort Worth Star Telegram’s Dave Lieber, who will discuss scamming. For more information, contact Ina at 817-292-1580.

B’nai B’rith

The upcoming forecast for Labor Day weekend is calling for rain, the B’nai B’rith movie committee has decided that the movie “Grease” on Sun., Sept. 4 will be shown in what the committee dubs “in-and-out.” Concurrent showings will take place “out on the back parking lot under the twinkling stars and inside in the air-conditioned Great Room,” Jim Stanton tells us.
The show starts at 8 p.m. and before the movie, Chef Harry Kahn will grill kosher hot dogs, while the Alton Silver BBG girls will sell bottled water, soft drinks and popcorn for $1 each. All proceeds will benefit BBYO programs. The movie is being presented by the B’nai B’rith Isadore Garsek Lodge.
No one loses with this one — see a great movie (either outdoors or in the climate-controlled indoors), indulge in yummy hot dogs and benefit a worthy cause. The movie is free, the food is cheap, so come on out! Questions? Contact Jim or Elaine Stanton at 817-927-2555.

Daytimers

Finally, you “Khan” do it. I promise this will be my last pun pertaining to “Genghis Kahn: The Exhibition” at the Irving Art Center. The Daytimers are planning a trip to view this exhibit on Sept. 14, and Barbara Rubin reminds us that tickets are going fast. Those registered are Mary Frances Antweil, Claudia Boksiner, Edythe Cohen, Yale and Shana Gancherov, Sheryl Levy, Rosanne and Bill Margolis, Evelyne Neimand, Etta Miller, Irv and Jacquie Robinson, Barbara Rubin, Ethel Schectman, Rosalie Schwartz and Bernard Zilberg.
There are still some spots available for this trip, which includes transportation to and from the Intermodal Transportation center and lunch, catered by Subway. Cost is $15 (or $10, if you prefer to bring your own lunch). To reserve a spot, call Barbara Rubin, 817 927-2736; mail your check to Beth-El Congregation, 4900 Briarhaven Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76109; or log onto www.bethelfw.org/donations.  The group will meet at the Intermodal Transportation center at noon and will travel via TRE and DART to the Arts Center.

Shofar Players

Congregation Ahavath Sholom continues to seek out members for its Shofar Corps. Membership of the Corps requires attendance at three out of four 15-minute rehearsals. Rehearsals are scheduled for noon on Sundays, Sept. 11, 18 and 25, and at 6:30 p.m., Tues., Sept. 20, following minyan. Shofar Corps members must bring their own shofars to rehearsals (CAS has shofars for sale through the office, ranging in price from $30 to $50). Participate in the High Holy Days this year in a meaningful way! Call CAS’ office at 817-731-4721 for more information.

A final word

Feel free to send stories, articles, pictures, blurbs or thoughts to me at awsorter@yahoo.com. Around the Town is just that — around the town, and it’s your contributions that make it happen. Until next time …