By Amy Sorter
It feels kind of strange not referencing any holidays this week! As Annabel Cohen notes in her “Foodie” column, this period represents a several-week break between the sacred (the rush of the fall Jewish holidays) and the secular (Thanksgiving).
Still, there are goings-on in and around Tarrant County. I’m open to running just about anything in my column — from weddings, to births, to family reunions, to formal events … don’t be shy. Please send your news in my direction at awsorter@yahoo.com.
Music and Shabbat
Music and Shabbat have always gone together. On Friday, Nov. 4 at Congregation Beth-El, singer/guitarist/songwriter Doug Cotler will do the singing. Not during Kabbalat Shabbat, but rather, after the 6 p.m. service and 7 p.m. dinner.
Cotler is known for his sensitive interpretation of prayers and insightful (and sometimes humorous) songs about Jewish events and heroes. This son of a cantor, and cantorial soloist (at Or Ami in Calabasas, Calif.) has recorded several albums and has performed with the likes of John Denver, Jerry Jeff Walker and Mason Williams. Cotler has also written a symphony titled “The Golem,” which was performed by the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra.
The event is free (though contributions are welcome). The nice folks at Beth-El are asking, however, that you RSVP for this event by calling 817-332-7141.
See Amy and Andra in Concert
It’s not too late to consider marking this event on your calendar. Amy and Andra of the group Visions will be live in concert on Sunday, Oct. 30 at 3 p.m. The event will take place at Congregation Ahavath Shalom, 4050 S. Hulen in Fort Worth and it’s free. Amy and Andra are known for their wonderful and inspiring traditional and contemporary songs that are sung in Hebrew and English. The event is being sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County with financial support from the Dan Danciger/Fort Worth Hebrew Day School Supporting Foundation. Questions? Call the Jewish Federation of Tarrant County at 817-569-0892 or log on to www.tarrantfederation.org.
JWI Monthly Meeting
Ina Singer phoned to remind everyone that JWI will hold its monthly meeting on Nov. 2 at Beth El Congregation. Rabbi Gary Perras will discuss morality. A light breakfast will be served for the meeting which begins at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call Ina at 817-292-1580.
Last Chance for Vendors
Anyone wishing to exhibit their wares in this year’s annual Gift and Jewelry Bazaar on Sunday, Nov. 20 at Congregation Ahavath Shalom has until Nov. 1 to let the nice folks at the Ladies Auxiliary know you’re interested. Annette Smith is awaiting your communication — reach her at 817-370-8807, on her cell at 817-726-6712 or via e-mail at amksmith@charter.net. For those of you who are NOT exhibiting and who ARE interested in shopping, stop by the bazaar between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at CAS, 4050 S. Hulen St. in Fort Worth.
War Veteran at the Daytimers
On Wednesday, Nov. 9, Dr. Paul Boller will talk about his experiences serving as a translator for the Navy, where he was assigned to the department of psychological warfare during World War II. Boller helped prepare leaflets that were preemptively dropped on Japanese cities before they were bombed, warning citizens to evacuate.
Boller is emeritus professor of history at TCU, as well as is an authority on United States presidents. Among his published works are “George Washington and Religion,” “This is Our Nation” and “Not So Popular Myths about America.” In addition, he will bring copies of his books, “Presidential Anecdotes,” “Presidential Campaigns” and “Presidential Wives,” which were all Book-of-the-Month Club selections.
Boller received his B.A. and Ph.D. from Yale University. After his service during World War II, he worked as a civilian analyst for the Office of Naval Intelligence. He is also, as mentioned above, a professor: He taught American cultural and intellectual history at Southern Methodist University, University of Texas-Austin, University of Massachusetts in Boston and, of course, at TCU, where he was the first holder of the LBJ Chair in American history.
Lunch for this month’s Daytimers event will be catered by Potbelly Sandwich Works. Guests have a choice of turkey breast, mushroom melt or tuna on Potbelly’s special “slim” buns. Lunch is $9, or guests may attend for just the program for $4 each.
For reservations, call Barbara Rubin 817-927-2736 or Irv Robinson, 817-731-7447, mail checks to Beth-El Congregation, 4900 Briarhaven Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76109, or reserve for yourself at www.bethelfw.org/donations.
The “Daytimers” program is sponsored by Beth-El Congregation with financial support from the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County.
Directory Notification
As a reminder, the Isadore Garsek Lodge of B’nai B’rith is in its last stages of editing on the local B’nai B’rith Community Directory of Tarrant County. Any changes or additions (or deletions, for that matter), need to be in to Alex Nason by Nov. 23. Contact him at 817-346-3991 or alexnason@charter.net.