By Amy Wolff Sorter

As anyone who has glanced at the calendar knows, we’re coming to the end of another long, hot summer. This means, of course, back to school. Jewish organizations throughout Tarrant County are taking student registration for religious school, so take a moment to ensure their Jewish education by registering them.
And take some time yourself to look at the adult education offerings. For example, Beth-El Congregation in Fort Worth is gearing up its adult Hebrew program, starting in September. Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville also has some interesting adult education classes. And, beginning in November, the local Chabads will offer Jewish Learning Institute classes.

Cooking as camp fun

Children participating in this year’s Lil Goldman Early Learning Center’s Camp Shalom at Congregation Ahavath Sholom enjoyed quite a summer. One July highlight was a visit from Chef Jon Bonnell, owner and chef of Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine in Fort Worth.

We’re told that the children were delighted when the chef shared his recipe for sweet pecan biscuits with cactus jelly. And Bonnell was gracious enough to provide campers with autographed cookbooks.
The campers also learned to make individuals challahs for Shabbat, with Katrina Diaz and Dovie Carlise instructing them in braiding techniques.

Best wishes for a happy anniversary …

… go to Rita and Ted Hoffman and Rhoda and Leroy Solomon for celebrating 60 years of marriage, and to Shirley and Earl Givant in honor of their 63rd wedding anniversary.

Get well soon

Healing wishes and prayers go to Rosalie Schwartz who, sadly, had a stroke while visiting her daughter in Houston. Rosalie, may you experience a refuah shlema; a complete and speedy recovery.

Mark your calendar

Mary Frances Antweil, Mike Blanc, Claudia Boksiner, Anita Davidson, Evelyne Neimand, Arthur and Jane Pawgan, Roz Rosenthal, Barbara Rubin, Tina Schreier, Louis Schultz, Larry Steckler and Barbara Weinberg are already on board for the upcoming Daytimers event, scheduled for 1 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 15, at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
This event will focus on the “Lucian Fried Portraits” exhibit. There is no charge, but an RSVP is required by calling Barbara Rubin at 817-927-2736 or Hugh Lamensdorf at 817-738-1428. You can also reserve by logging onto www.bethelfw.org/donations.

Well, that was a nice acting job

In the Aug. 2 “Around the Town” column, I mentioned that actress Ruta Lee chatted us up during the intermission of Casa Manana’s production of “Parade.”
She introduced herself as Jewish, quipped with us in Yiddish, was thrilled that someone else in the audience knew what “meshugenah” meant and joked about her gentile husband being an honorary Jew thanks to his association with her. On the basis of that, she earned a spot in “Around the Town.”
So imagine my chagrin when Greta Beckerman, a long-time friend of the actress, pointed out to us that Lee is a devout Catholic. Her publicist confirmed this, and the only thing I can say is Lee certainly turned in an Oscar-winning performance as a Jewish actress. I guess the lesson learned here is that even intrepid reports like ourselves are at the mercy of what people tell us (or how they act).
Thanks Greta, for sharing the truth.

Interested in teaching?

Congregation Ahavath Sholom’s religious school is seeking energetic and dedicated religious school teachers with previous teaching experience. If you have Judaic and Hebrew knowledge, along with a dedication to Jewish learning and classroom management skills, contact Cantor Shoshana Abrams at cantor.abrams@ahavathsholom.com.
Meanwhile, Congregation Beth Israel also could use help in its classrooms — volunteers interested in lending time, energy and experience are welcome. Direct inquiries to religious school director Leslie Granito, education@congregationbethisrael.org.

And finally

A lot of people I’ve contacted this summer told me about the great places they’ve traveled (one couple visited Russia, while another family traveled to Italy). I’m glad to hear this — but please share the wealth — and your experiences — with readers of this column. You can do so by emailing me at awsorter@yahoo.com.