By Amy Wolff Sorter
As I write this, I’m looking out my window at a cold, dreary, rainy day, wondering if I should brew another cup of tea to warm up. To read this, you’d never know that I was born and raised in Chicago, a city in which a 45-degree rainy day would be considered “spring.”
My point here is we’re experiencing rain, not snow or ice (at least, so far) — and because we’re able to get around Tarrant County with a fair amount of ease, we can take advantage of some great activities this month and next month. The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History continues to have its Galveston exhibit — that’s definitely worth a visit (the museum itself is worth a visit as well). There are other activities as well — activities to challenge one’s thinking and to entertain. So enjoy! And stay warm!
Eighty years strong
A very belated happy birthday to Bernie Appel, who recently marked his 80th year on earth. Bernie celebrated in style at the Gaylord Texan Hotel, where he was joined by wife Ellen and many children and grandchildren.
The celebration spanned three nights, and on each night, eight Chanukah menorahs were lit. The family recited blessings over the candles, and to give thanks for the wonderful occasion. You can tell, from the photo, that everyone had a terrific time (and what a lovely family!). Mazel tov, Bernie, and may there be many more such happy occasions for you and your family.
Happy hour for young adults
If you’re a young adult and at loose ends on Sunday, Jan. 15, join the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County’s Young Adult Group as it gathers for fun and happy hour at The Bottom (formerly Rock Bottom), 3468 Blue Bonnet Circle in Fort Worth.
It’s a great opportunity to schmooze with other like-minded young adults and to win a raffle prize as well.
I’m not sure what time this event takes place and my computer isn’t letting me onto the Federation’s site to find out. But call Angie Kitzman at 817-569-0892 for more information. More importantly, go and have fun!
See theater with the Daytimers
Daytimers is planning a trip to Stage West to see “New Jerusalem: The Interrogation of Baruch de Spinoza at Talmud Torah Congregation, Amsterdam, July 27, 1656” at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 22. I had the opportunity to chat with play director Jerry Russell (and will review the play too — look for it in the next issue), and it looks like a great play. If you’re interested in attending with the Daytimers, call Stage West at 817-784-9378. Have your credit card ready and make sure to ask to be seated with the Daytimers group. Cost for seniors is $20 (or two for $26 with a press pass).
Reminder to the ‘outliers’
We’re planning a meet-and-greet for Johnson County and southern Tarrant County Jews on Jan. 22 (which is a Sunday). I haven’t yet heard from anyone out there, though some of my Fort Worth friends tell me they’ve been waiting with baited breath to see if and when this event will happen. It WILL happen, and if I don’t hear from you via e-mail, you can look forward to receiving a call from yours truly to find out if you’re interested. I can be reached, as always, at awsorter@yahoo.com.
Hadassah lunch & learn
The Fort Worth Chapter of Hadassah will host a Shabbat Lunch & Learn at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28 at Congregation Beth Shalom, 1212 Thannisch Dr. in Arlington. The topic: “Scripture, Salmon and the Fairer Sex,” will be presented by Dr. Toni Craven from TCU’s Brite Divinity School following services conducted by Cantor Sheri Allen. A lunch will be served as well (consisting, appropriately enough, of salmon). Cost is $18 per person; reservations need to be in by Jan. 24. For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Dolores Schneider at 817-294-7626 or Schneider_dolores@yahoo.com for more information.