By Amy Wolff Sorter

This time of year means a lot of things. We can look forward to (somewhat) cooler temperatures, back-to-school activities, the High Holy Days … and this year’s free outdoor movie, generously underwritten by the B’nai B’rith Isadore Garsek Lodge No. 269.

This year’s movie is “Mamma Mia,” which starts at 8 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 2, at Congregation Ahavath Sholom’s parking lot at 4050 S. Hulen St. The film will be shown inside (starting at 7:45 p.m.) in the event of inclement weather.
“While the days of drive-in movie theaters are mostly gone, we still enjoy the experience of outdoor flicks,” Harry Kahn, president of the Tarrant County B’nai B’rith lodge, tells us. “There’s nothing like sitting outside with friends on a balmy summer night with the stars twinkling overhead and a great movie on a large screen. We are very excited that we will once again be able to bring the entire Tarrant County Jewish community together for this unique and fun event.”
The event itself is free (movie-goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs). Popcorn, hot dogs and drinks will be on sale for $1, with proceeds going to the BBYO. The event is chaired by Jim and Elaine Stanton; for information, call the Movie Hotline at 817-927-2555.

Fun with family

Irv Robinson was nice enough to share his experiences at the Rabinovich family reunion, which took place July 27-28 in Denver. Irvin and his wife, Jacquiline, were in attendance, having driven all the way.
“My father’s brother had eight children, so there were lots of kids and grandkids. So much for genealogy,” he writes us, adding that he and Jackie spent “six cool days in Vail.” I’m jealous.
At any rate, Irvin shared other news about his family — son Jeff lives in Houston and has three children, while daughter Courtney graduated from Texas Wesleyan law school last May.
Hayley, meanwhile, is working toward her master’s degree in dietary science in Houston, while Zane has completed his freshman year at UT-Austin. Thanks so much for sharing and best of luck to your offspring!

For the young adults in the community

The Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County’s Young Adult Group has plans to see the movie “Four Day Weekend” at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday, Aug. 25.
For information about this event, or for information about the YAG in general (geared toward folks between the ages of 21-45), contact Angie Kitzman at the Federation at 817-529-0892 or email her at a.kitzman@tarrantfederation.org.

A living American Jewish museum

Ilana Knust, religious school director from Beth-El Congregation, tells us that the first day of religious school, Sunday, Aug. 26, will be a special day. An American Jewish Museum will be on hand at the synagogue, 4900 Briarhaven Rd.
This “museum” will present exhibits from 1654 (when the first Jews landed on America’s shores) through today. Following the exhibit, students and parents will go to classrooms together and write their personal family stories on a cardboard suitcase.
This ties nicely into Beth-El’s religious school theme for this year “America and Jews — Our Love Story,” which, appropriately enough, will focus on how Jews have contributed to America and its successes.
The event will begin at 9:45 a.m. with an opening ceremony in the sanctuary, then the crowd will move on to the museum. Following the classroom activities, Rabbi Ralph Mecklenburger will lead a discussion entitled “The American Jews: Choices and Challenges.”
This is a terrific topic and seems like a wonderful event. For more information, contact Ilana at 817-332-7142.

Support for grief

Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 16, Jewish Family Services will offer a six-week grief support group, specifically dedicated to individuals who lost their spouses. The group will meet Tuesdays at 4 p.m. at JFS offices, 4049 Kingsridge Rd.
Registration is required by Oct. 10 — call 817-569-0898. The fee is $25.

Guess the heat’s unbeatable

We’ve learned that the Fort Worth Hadassah’s “Beat the Heat” event, scheduled for this coming Sunday (Aug. 26) has been cancelled. It was believed that the date was difficult for many people to attend, especially with most public schools starting the very next day.
However, the Nov. 11 event, which will feature Congregation Ahavath Sholom’s cantor Shoshana Abrams and Congregation Beth Shalom’s cantor Sheri Allen, is still on, and will take place at Etty Horowitz’s home and studio. Stay tuned. …

Congratulations to

Michal and Rabbi Andrew Bloom of Congregation Ahavath Shalom, who celebrated their 19th anniversary. May you continue to have joy and growth in your relationship.

A sweet token of the New Year

Speaking of CAS, we’ve learned that the Ladies Auxiliary at that synagogue has launched its honey fundraiser. The $10 cost will include an eight-ounce jar of honey, a personalized card wishing the recipient a happy and healthy new year, notification that a donation in the recipient’s honor has been made to CAS’ Ladies Auxiliary and shipping and handling in the U.S.
The Auxiliary will also ship this product outside the U.S. for a small extra fee. Sept. 7 is the last day to order this sweet greeting.
Interested? Log onto www.ahavathsholom.org for information and a form, or contact Linda Lavi at 817-731-4721 or giftshop@ahavathsholom.org.

And finally

Thanks to everyone out there who is feeding me news — I appreciate it! Please keep it coming to me at awsorter@yahoo.com. Just as a reminder, “Around the Town” reports on news in Tarrant County — anything east of SH 360 should be directed to the attention of our fine publisher, Sharon Wisch-Ray, or managing editor Dave Sorter.