By Amy Sorter
If you’ve paged through this issue’s special section, you obviously understand the theme is to “Buy Israel.” I highly encourage everyone to put this idea in the forefront of your mind, and buy Israel between Nov. 28 and Dec. 4 — and beyond.
Not to be a bummer, but we are living in extraordinarily trying times — it seems as though Israel is getting the blame for just about everything wrong in the Middle East.
The best way to support Israel is to invest in it through the purchase of consumer goods and other investments (though check with your financial planner if you are thinking about buying Israeli stocks or bonds). Buying Israeli-made goods sends a message of support for our Jewish Homeland and, as mentioned throughout this issue, Israel produces a lot of things, from linens, to foodstuffs, to wine, and so on.
Mazel Tov!
Congratulations and many blessings to Seth and Jodi Weisblatt of Dallas, and their new baby daughter. Seth’s father, Herb Weisblatt, and grandmother Florence Weisblatt live in Fort Worth, and own Sam’s Furniture in Haltom City.
Consider the Synaplex Shabbat
On Nov. 18, Friday night services will take place, as usual, at 6:30 p.m. at Beth-El Congregation, 4900 Briarhaven Rd. But following services will be “Film and the Holocaust,” Israeli dancing, a creative art program and a program about how to pickle foods. The programs will conclude with a huge family oneg. This looks like a lot of fun for all ages — and something different to try. The event is free (as is the meal), but an RSVP MUST be made to the Temple office by calling 817-332-7141 or logging on to www.bethelfw.org/.
Daytimers regaled
On Nov. 9, the Daytimers welcomed Paul Boller, TCU professor emeritus, who regaled those present with his World War II experiences. The 94-year-old vet (he’ll be 95 in December) said he’d learned Japanese during the war, and used this skill to help save the lives of Japanese civilians.
He found some of the leaflets he prepared (that were dropped on Hiroshima before the bomb) in a Pacific War museum, and said those were probably the only copies left in the world.
He also talked about his recruitment into Intelligence Service under Admiral Nimitz, and his attempts to converse with Japanese officers during their surrender. Boller also sold copies of some of his books; “Presidential Anecdotes,” “Presidential Campaigns,” and “Presidential Wives,” all of which have seen time on the Book-of-the-Month Club.
Emcee for the day was Edythe Cohen, and Rosalie Schwartz and Ethel Schectman greeted the guests at the door.
The veterans were introduced by Rich Morris, Commander of the Fort Worth Chapter of the Jewish War Veterans.
Two retired Generals, Gen Tom Bessant and Brigadier General Nathan Vail, were guests of Fannette Sonkin.
Dr. Boller was introduced by WWII Vet Dr. Irvin Robinson, who was also Dr. Boller’s host for the day.
The next “Daytimers” event on Wednesday, Dec. 14 will be “A Sentimental Journey,” a music program. It will take placed at noon at Congregation Beth-El, 4900 Briarhaven Rd in Fort Worth. Lunch will be catered by Pak-a-Pocket.
For reservations, call Barbara Rubin, 817 927-2736 or Irv Robinson, 817 731-7447, or mail checks to Beth-El Congregation, 4900 Briarhaven Road, Fort Worth, TX 76109. You can also reserve online at www.bethelfw.org/donations.
Monthly JWI meeting
Ina Singer phoned to remind everyone that the December Jewish Women’s International meeting will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 9:30 a.m. at Beth-El Congregation. Breakfast will be served and Rabbi Ralph Mecklenburger will discuss Chanukah.
Last chance to get that shopping done
Plan to stop by Congregation Ahavath Sholom at 4050 S. Hulen from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 20 to get most of that Chanukah shopping out of the way. CAS’ Ladies Auxiliary has done a wonderful job setting up vendors from throughout the region.
In addition to well-known national vendors, local and regional vendors will be present as well. Proceeds from the bazaar benefit CAS, so you’re doing two nice things when you support vendors at this event.
And finally …
Time is running out if you want to get your changes into the B’nai B’rith Community Directory of Tarrant County. The Isadore Garsek Lodge of B’nai B’rith is in its last stages of editing this directory, so NOW is the time to make any changes. Get them in to Alex Nason by Nov. 23. Contact him at 817-346-3991 or alexnason@charter.net.
We’d love to hear from our readers! E-mail your news to awsorter@yahoo.com.
