By Amy Wolff Sorter
With the mourning days of Tisha B’Av behind us, we’re sneaking up on the month of Elul (which, on the secular calendar this year, begins on Aug. 19).
Elul is certainly best known for its last day, which is Erev Rosh Hashanah. But there is more to this month than a countdown to the Jewish New Year. Elul, as the lead-in to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, is considered the time to focus on reflection, repentance and preparation.
Judaism 101 tells us that “This mood of repentance builds through the month of Elul to the period of Selichot, to Rosh Hashanah and finally, to Yom Kippur.” This period involves the process of asking forgiveness for wrongs done to others, an activity that continues well through the Days of Awe.
I’d like to know if any Tarrant County or Denton County organizations have Elul-specific programs; if so, I’d like to run them in this column within the next several weeks. Thanks.
A special visitor to Casa Manana
This past weekend, the Fort Worth theater’s Apprentice Program performed the disturbing and haunting musical “Parade,” doing so with consummate professionalism and passion.
If teenagers performing this challenging musical with outstanding professionalism, poise and singing pipes wasn’t enough, the 7:30 p.m. performance on Saturday, July 28, revealed a special guest in the audience, Jewish stage and screen actress Ruta Lee. Born in Canada, Ms. Lee these days makes Fort Worth her home (in addition to Hollywood, Palm Springs and Mexico).
While Dave and I chatted with “Parade” director Joe Sturgis during intermission, Ms. Lee came over, introduced herself and said the production was wonderful, emotional and mind-blowing. High praise from this experienced, well-known actress, but definitely on the mark.
Birthday surprise
Barbara Rubin writes us that the July 11 Oneg Shabbat was sponsored, in honor of her birthday, by Larry Steckler. But this was more than your standard Oneg.
Writes Barbara: “The big surprise for me was the appearance of my children, Janice Rubin, Charles Wiese and Jacob Wiese from Houston; Nina Rubin from Fort Collins, Colo.; Paul, Jewel and Joshua Rubin from Rosewell, Ga.; and Nick Rubin and Jake Vaughan from New York.”
It was a great surprise for her all right — and capped off by the fact that both her daughters were called to read from the Torah.
Get well wishes to …
Etta Miller, Rosanne Margolis and Ethel Schectdman. May you experience r’fuah shlemah (speedy healing).
And congratulations go to …
Mike Blanc and Sylvia Morgan, who took first place at the Daytimers’ Bridge Club tourney, which took place July 24.
Interested in learning more about Ahavath Sholom?
Then plan on attending the synagogue’s Open House and New Member Brunch, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12, at Suzanne Herman’s home, 4701 Springwillow Dr.
This event, sponsored by the Ladies’ Auxiliary, will also honor CAS’ new cantor, Shoshana Abrams. All are welcome: Current, new and potential members. If you’re interested, RSVP to 817-731-4721 by Monday.
Mark your calendar …
… for the next “Daytimers” event, which will take place at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15. It will take place at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and will focus on the “Lucian Fried Portraits” exhibit.
Docent Cheryl Levy arranged for the tour at no cost for Daytimers (including museum admission), but reservations are required.
If you have questions or want to register, call Barbara Rubin at 817 927-2736 or Hugh Lamensdorf at 817 738-1428. You can also reserve for yourself by logging onto www.bethelfw.org/donations.
And finally
I want to issue a hearty thanks for people who are sending me tidbits and news. I can always use more — again, this column is called “Around the Town,” meaning it needs to be news about the Tarrant County Jewish community. So please send your information to awsorter@yahoo.com. Thanks.
