By Amy Wolff Sorter
Congregation Ahavath Sholom is preparing to roll out the red carpet for its new cantor, Shoshana Abrams, who will lead her first Shabbat this weekend.
In addition to overseeing CAS’ musical endeavors, Abrams will take on the synagogue’s educational component. To that end, parents of religious school students are invited to “Coffee with the Cantor” at 10 a.m. Sunday, July 15, in Brachman Parlor. Attendees will learn about Abrams’ plans for the religious school and will have the opportunity to make suggestions and ask questions.
It’s also our hope to have an article about Abrams in the next issue of TJP. Stay tuned …
Interesting mode of transportation
Jetti Cole tells us that her son, David, participated in a Taglit Birthright Israel trip. He traveled a great deal throughout Israel, and Jetti says he met a lot of new people and had a great time.
He even rode a camel; apparently he hitched a ride on one with an Israeli soldier who was traveling with the group. This probably wasn’t the most comfortable ride of his life, but from the picture, David doesn’t seem to mind.
Reed & Rachel Part II
Last week we mentioned that Rachel Baylin and Reed Cohen will wed in August. We also mentioned that Reed is Elizabeth and Murray Cohen’s son (and Kate’s brother).
What we didn’t mention is that Reed has another relative in the Metroplex — he’s the grandson of Shirley Cohen, formerly of Fort Worth and now a Plano resident.
At the risk of sounding repetitive, mazel tov to the family; may this upcoming union and celebration be a blessing for all involved.
Get your scrolls on
The Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary (4616 Stanley Ave. in Fort Worth) just opened a new exhibit, “Dead Sea Scross & the Bible: Ancient Artifacts, Timeless Treasures.” The exhibit features fragments from the Dead Sea Scrolls and other articles of interest. It’s the first comprehensive exhibit of its kind in Texas, and one of the largest ever presented in the United States.
This is because 12 of the fragments that are being displayed have been, until now, in private collections — one fragment of Genesis on loan from the Kando family of Bethlehem is believed to be one of the largest fragments ever to be displayed.
Other objects displayed include part of a Gutenberg Bible from the 15th century, a genuine Bedouin tent from Jordan and ancient coins and household objects from the Qumran excavation.
There’s some pretty cool hands-on stuff as well — there is a simulated Qumran dig site where visitors can learn how to excavate authentic 2,000-year-old pot shards, courtesy of the Smithsonian Institute.
The exhibit will run through Jan. 13, 2013. Tickets are on sale online for $25 (less for students and senior citizens). For information, log onto seethescrolls.com or call 877-789-0876.
Congregation Beth Israel …
… is still needing blood donors. The Colleyville synagogue has partnered with Carter Blood Care from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 22, at 6100 Pleasant Run Road. Those giving blood will receive a gift certificate for a pint of Blue Bell ice cream and well be entered to win other prizes such as Rangers seats or a bed-and-breakfast getaway.
Though walk-ins are happily welcome, it’s suggested that those interested make an appointment. For more information, call 817-581-5500 or email administration@congregationbethisrael.org.
Keep the news coming
Have a summer trip, great camp experience, way to beat the heat? Whatever your news, please send it to me at awsorter@yahoo.com. I’ll be looking for it.