Compiled by Sharon Wisch-Ray
sharon@tjpnews.com

Briefing on Israel, US

On Tuesday, Aug. 30, Development Corporation for Israel/Israel Bonds sponsored a briefing on Israel and her relationship with the United States, featuring Ambassador (ret.) Yoram Ettinger. The program was hosted by Congregation Ahavath Sholom in Fort Worth.

Rabbi Andrew Bloom welcomed the 40 to 50 people in attendance and introduced Glenn Garoon, a vice president of the congregation and chair of the event, who introduced Ettinger, a former consul general of Israel to the Southwest. Following Ettinger’s presentation and a Q&A session, Garoon talked briefly about why he invests in Israel Bonds and he invited participants Rabbi Brian Zimmerman, Stuart Isgur and Bernie Appel to share their personal stories about Israel Bond investment. Garry Kahalnik, Registered Representative of the Development Corporation for Israel, concluded by offering possible options for investment in Israel Bonds, thanking everyone for coming and inviting everyone to the dessert reception prepared by the CAS catering department. Other community rabbis in attendance included Rabbi Ralph Mecklenburger and Rabbi Sidney Zimmelman.

Rabbi Ralph Mecklenburger to come in for honors

Beth-El Emeritus Rabbi Ralph Mecklenburger will be awarded the Carlton Lancaster Legacy Award at the Senior Spirit Award Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16 at the Cendera Center, 3600 Benbrook Pkwy. in Fort Worth.
Our-towners know that Rabbi Mecklenburger is a longtime advocate of older adults. According to Senior Spirit Awards press materials, he “has graciously hosted a caring Senior Center at Beth-El Congregation for 15 years, which provides nutrition, activities and daily transportation. Beth-El Congregation has also served as the venue for the SCS (Senior Citizen Services) Volunteer Appreciation Reception in 2015 and, in 2016, hosted the Auction of Fine Art from the Collection of Evelyn Siegel, benefiting Senior Citizen Services.”
Carlton Lancaster served as the executive director of Senior Citizen Services for 21 years. This award honors local leaders and/or institutions that enhance the lives of older adults in Tarrant County.
Since its inception in 1967, Senior Citizen Services has worked to empower older adults throughout Tarrant County to live with purpose, independence, and dignity. Senior Citizen Services offers a free meal program at 26 senior centers; wellness programs that focus on chronic disease self-management, fall prevention, and medication management; and volunteer opportunities throughout the community. We honor those who support this mission annually at the Senior Spirit Awards luncheon.

Reminder: Gil Hoffman, Sept. 19

Gil Hoffman, chief political correspondent and analyst for The Jerusalem Post and the only Israeli journalist who has personally interviewed both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, will speak from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19 at Beth-El Congregation. His talk is titled, “Red States, Blue States, and the Jewish State — An insider’s look at the Israeli perspective on the U.S. election and its impact on the Middle East.”

Daytimers to hear TCU Professor Jim Riddlesperger

Back by popular demand, Daytimers will hear political expert Jim Riddlesperger, at noon Wednesday, Sept. 21 at their monthly program at Congregation Beth-El. With Election Day only six weeks away, how the election will go is a hot topic.

Riddlesperger has been teaching in the TCU political science department since 1982 and he waxes poetic, mostly in the arena of American politics, often focusing on the presidency and Texas politics.
Lunch will be catered by Subway. Program and lunch are $9. Program only is $5. For reservations call Larry Steckler at 817-927-2736 or 520-990-3155.
Daytimers is a program of Beth-El Congregation with financial support from the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County.