By Amy Wolff Sorter
Many thanks to those of you who responded to my column from a couple of weeks ago (and again, I will reach out to you once again, now that things are settled). The trip to the West Coast went well — my mom is doing great.
Also, younger Sorter’s knee surgery seems to have gone well. This is youth for you — after we got home on Thursday from his scoping, he decided to ask a friend over. If it was me, I’d be out of commission for at least three days. The doctor is very pleased with his progress, so the chances are pretty good that, this time next month, he’ll be back on the basketball court.
Anyway, I want to thank Sharon Wisch-Ray for taking up the bulk of my work while I was slumming in California and in surgery center corridors. Sharon’s had a lot going on, and I’m grateful for her assistance.
Now, having been back for about a week, I’m pleased to announce that I’ll be traveling again over Passover to my in-laws. If you have a similar trip planned or even something unique and unusual you have on tap for your seder, let me know — as always, I’m at awsorter@yahoo.com.
Physical and Emotional Healing
At 6 p.m. on Friday, March 23, Congregation Ahavath Shalom (4050 S. Hulen) will incorporate a Jewish healing service within its Kabbalat Shabbat worship.
According to what I received, this is being directed to all who are in need of emotional, physical and spiritual healing, and both Rabbi Andrew Bloom and Rabbi Gary Perras will be in evidence.
All of us can use G-d’s help in healing our pain, whether physical or emotional. If you’re not committed elsewhere on Friday, plan to attend that service.
Reminder for the Senior Seder
If you haven’t made your reservations yet for this year’s senior seder (hosted by Jewish Family Services of Fort Worth), please do so. The event starts at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 29 at Beth-El Congregation, 4900 Briarhaven Rd. For more information, call 817-569-0898.
Beth-El Boomers and ‘The Whipping Man’
No, this isn’t the start of some weird joke. Rather, it’s information from Jim and Elaine Stanton, who tell us that the boomers group will be attending, en masse, Circle Theatre’s production of “The Whipping Man,” at 8 p.m., Saturday, March 31 at 230 W. Fourth St. in Fort Worth.
The premise is interesting — the play (written by Matthew Lopez) takes place in post-Civil war Virginia, and details a relationship between a Jewish Confederate soldier and his two freed slaves (whom are observant Jews). Appropriately enough, these three celebrate Passover together at the soldier’s ruined plantation, during which some seemingly unpleasant truths are revealed about each of the characters. The Stantons tell us that Rabbi Ralph Mecklenburger will be on hand after the performance to lead a discussion about the play.
A $5 discount is available to all members of the Jewish community after March 25, so long as you call the Circle Theatre’s box office (817-877-3040) and mention the promo code “FLYER” to the nice person on the other end of the line.
Got Blood?
If so, consider participating in the annual Jewish Community Blood Drive, which will take place this year from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 6 in the library at Beth-El Congregation, 4900 Briarhaven Rd. in Fort Worth. Though walk-ins won’t be turned away, it’s a good idea to make a reservation. You can do so by calling Dan Halpern at 817- 426-3239.
Incidentally, you can make blood donations a family “mitzvah” project — youth age 16 and 17 can donate blood with parental permission (parents need to sign a consent form). Whether you’re 16 or 116, though, you need to present a photo ID to donate.
The Daytimers Swing
Barbara Rubin tells us that the March 14 Daytimers get-together was a rousing success, as Chandler Smith talked about the history of swing dancing, evoking a lot of memories from those present. Afterward, Smith paired with Adrea Deems to dance for the group.
The connections in the crows were many — David and Idelle Luskey remembered first taking dancing lessons from Smith’s father. And Adrea and Eddie Deems, who had also danced professionally, got out on the floor with the dancers. It was a delightful afternoon for everyone.
The next Daytimers’ event will involve a trip to Dallas, via the TRE, to view the Kennedy exhibit at the Sixth Floor Museum. That will take place Wednesday, April 18. For information and reservations, have your credit card handy and call Barbara Rubin, 817-927-2736 or Hugh Lamensdorf, 817-738-1428. You can reserve for yourself, too, by logging onto www.bethelfw.org/donations.