By Amy Wolff Sorter

By the time you receive this issue, July 4, with all of its picnics, parades and festivities, will be a memory. Hopefully it was a good one for everyone out there. And hopefully, in between the picnics, parades and festivities, you paused for a moment to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy in this country.
Thanks to the Founding Fathers, we’re not beholden to a “state religion,” but rather, can follow our own beliefs. Yes, there are anti-Semites out there. But there are bigoted people everywhere.
Despite its problems, the United States still offers the best opportunity to believe as we choose. Happy belated birthday, America.

Swartz selected as Hadassah-Brandeis intern

Katy Swartz, daughter of Jim and Lynn Swartz, joins seven other undergraduates from around the nation to become Hadassah Centennial Interns (in honor of Hadassah’s 100th year of existence) at the Hadassah-Brandeis Institute in Waltham, Mass.
Katy, a resident of Colleyville and a graduate of Fort Worth Country Day School, will enter her senior year at Smith College in Northampton, Mass., where she is majoring in Jewish studies and pre-medical science.
During her time with Hadassah-Brandeis, Katy will complete an independent research project about multiple identities among the Jewish community’s gay members and how they navigate within those identities. Katy will also work with Northeastern University professor Debra Kaufman about post-Holocaust identity narratives among young adults in the United States and Israel.
The Hadassah-Brandeis summer internship program seeks to provide undergraduate students with opportunities to both learn about work from Jewish women’s studies scholars. These interns also develop their own research projects and research.
With Jews also known as “people of the book,” this opportunity fits right into the culture — and we wish Katy all the luck in the world as she participates in her summer activities … and beyond.

Mazel tov to B’nai B’rith award recipients

Three exemplary students were honored at the B’nai B’rith Isadore Garsek Lodge’s June 10 awards ceremony.

Emily Englander, daughter of Marilyn and Mark Englander, received the award for participation through her involvement in various B’nai B’rith functions, as well as participation in other Jewish groups and activities, such as March of the Living.
Emily graduated from Fort Worth Country Day School and will study political science at George Washington University in Washington.
Danielle Knust, daughter of Ilana and Kurt Knust, received an award for academic achievement — she graduated with a 4.33 grade-point from North Crowley High School and had a combined SAT score of 2120. Other achievements include National Merit Commended Scholar, National Honor Society, Highest Math Score, AP Academy, Varsity Debate, President’s Council and Outstanding Junior of the Year. All of this, in addition to extracurricular activities including band, Student Council, NFTY and JROTC.
Cameron Nudleman, son of Elisa and David Nudleman, also was honored for academic achievement. Cameron graduated with a 4.80 GPA from Fort Worth Paschal High School and achieved a combined SAT score of 2030. His achievements include receipt of the Distinguished Science and English Award, National Merit Hispanic Scholar and Radio Shack Scholar, participation in Paschal Academic Society and Student Council, and being named FWISD Superintendent Scholar and AP Scholar with Distinction.
His extracurricular activities included yearbook editor-in-chief, participation in FWUSY and participating as a Social Thinking summer camp counselor. He’ll attend University of Texas-Austin in the fall, where he plans to study public relations and global studies.
All recipients received $1,000 awards. Congratulations to the recipients and their families.

Upcoming nuptials

Congratulations also go to Rachel Baylin and Reed Cohen, who will be married Aug. 5. Reed is the son of Elizabeth and Murray Cohen, and the brother of Kate Cohen. The upcoming wedding was celebrated with an Auf Ruf at Congregation Ahavath Sholom’s June 30 Shabbat services.

Caring kids and Daytimers

It’s not too late to attend this month’s Daytimers’ event. It takes place at noon Wednesday, July 11 at Beth-El Congregation, 4900 Briarhaven Rd. in Fort Worth.
The event will feature the show troupe “Kids who Care,” which will present a selection from its currently touring musical, “Choices: Be the Change.” Cost is $9 for lunch (which will be catered by Boopa’s Bagel Deli) or $4 for just the program.
For information (and to make a reservation, contact Barbara Rubin at 817-927-2736 or Hugh Lamensdorf 817-738-1428. You can also reserve by logging onto www.bethelfw.org.

Congregation Beth Israel’s blood drive

The Colleyville synagogue is teaming up with Carter Blood Care for a blood drive to take place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday, July 22 at 6100 Pleasant Run Rd.
Those giving blood will receive something pretty cool for this hot summer — a gift certificate for a free pint of Blue Bell ice cream and well be entered to win other prizes such as Texas Rangers seats or a bed-and-breakfast getaway. Though walk-ins are happily welcome, it’s suggested that those interested make an appointment.
For information, call 817-581-5500 or email administration@congregationbethisrael.org.