By Amy Wolf Sorter

Last week I offered congratulations to our hometown Jewish Federation. I’m talking Federation again because this weekend is the kick-off of this organization’s annual fund-raising campaign.
During the past several days, I’ve had the opportunity to chat with Mort House, the Federation’s executive director, who filled me in on everything that the Federation supports (which is, pretty much, everything) as well as how the organization is trying to reach out to younger members.
So during the upcoming months, I highly encourage all of you to stay tuned to this publication so you can learn about the various activities the Federation will offer as part of its outreach.
One of those activities, taking place this Sunday at Shady Oaks Country Club, will feature Susan Sher, former chief of staff to First Lady Michelle Obama, who will discuss her experiences in the White House.
For more information on this event, contact the Federation at 817-569-0892 or e-mail jfed@tarrantfederation.org.
I also encourage you to open your hearts and donate — without Federation support, a lot of Tarrant County programs simply wouldn’t exist.

Daytimers examines politics

The Sylvia Wolens Daytimers is a good example of Federation dollars at work — though a program sponsored by Beth-El Congregation, it also exists with Federation support.

Now, having made my point, the Feb. 8 event will feature James W. Riddlesperger Jr., who will discuss what’s going on in national and Texas politics (Hint: A lot). Mr. Riddlesperger is a contributor and consultant with the media and knows his stuff.
Lunch will be catered by Ming Wok, with choices being beef chow mein, chicken with vegetables or tofu with mixed vegetables — and lunch includes an egg roll, fortune cookie, coffee or tea. Cost is $9 if you’re eating, $4 if not.
For information (and reservations), contact Barbara Rubin, 817-927-2736, or Hugh Lamensdorf, 817 738-1428, or reserve for yourself at www.bethelfw.org/donations.

Coffee, food and schmoozing

As far as I’m concerned, I love all the above. The good news here is that the Chabad of Arlington is offering all of these — along with wine and cheese — at 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11 at 2136 Linblad Court.
Also on hand will be a performance by “Unfinished Business,” a barbershop quartet.
Cost is $25 and sponsorships are available for $72. Questions? Call 817-451-1171 or log onto www.arlingtonchabad.org.

Tu B’Shevat and a handful of memories

When I was growing up in Evanston, Ill. (just north of Chicago), I remember soliciting funds to plant trees in Israel during this time of year. Other than the fact that I’m here rather than up north, and “here” isn’t the deep freeze that the Chicago area is during January and February, things haven’t changed all that much.
To that end, Congregation Ahavath Sholom is not just planting trees in Israel — the shul is aiming to plant a whole “friendship grove” in Israel, consisting of 1,000 trees that will honor the people of Fort Worth.
The cost is just $12 for a tree (certainly worth it) and trees are being offered in honor/memory of loved ones.
This is awesome — I love the idea and encourage each and every one of you to participate, either by saying “yes” to the CAS children who might approach you, or by calling CAS at 817-731-4721.

And celebrating the environment closer to home

To remind us that we are all caretakers of our planet, the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County (with financial help from Dan Danciger/Fort Worth Hebrew Day School Supporting Foundation) will present “Trees: The Torah of Life” at 10 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 5 at Beth-El Congregation, 4900 Briarhaven Road.
This family-friendly event will feature a seder with a discussion about what the Torah says about our collective partnership with God as stewards of the earth.
Kid-friendly activities will be plentiful as well and child care is available. For more information call the Federation at 817-569-0892.

Illana Stein reminder

Illana is returning from New York to her native Fort Worth to present two things. Her first endeavor, a staged reading of “Two Rooms” by Lee Blessing (presented by Amphibian Stage), will take place at 7 p.m., Monday, Jan. 30 at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell Street.
For more information call 817-923-3012 or log onto www.amphibianproductions.org.
We love to hear from our readers! Send your Tarrant County and Fort Worth news to Amy at awsorter@yahoo.com. Photos should be in 300 dpi, .jpg or .tiff format.