Special free program, Nov. 19, on art and life of Albert Alcalay
Because seating is limited and the evening is free, your response is needed ASAP. On Wednesday, Nov. 19, 7 p.m., at the Modern Art Museum, KERA’s artandseek.org and The Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County invite the community to a special screening and discussion of “Albert Alcalay, Self-Portraits.”
A Harvard University professor, expressionist painter and Holocaust survivor, Albert Alcalay had a personality as vibrant as his paintings. This documentary intertwines personal interviews with paintings and prints that reflect Alcalay’s love of life and the hardships he endured. The film was created by three former Harvard students, Rob Eustis, Allen Moore and KERA’s Rob Tranchin, who reunited to tell the story of their inspirational teacher. To respond, you can e-mail blewis@kera.org or call 214-740-9220.
Over 300 attend benefit auction for Beth Shalom
Through the years I’ve been to many benefit auctions, but the one last Saturday night at Congregation Beth Shalom in Arlington was above the norm and far exceeded our expectations. A happy throng of more than 300 filled the auditorium adequately. There was a great four-piece band for those who wanted to dance and there were some dancers as well. The gaming tables were kept busy and you could often hear squeals and shouts from excited winners. Chef Philippe Lecoq presented an amazing and delectable array of fabulous hors d’Oeuvres such as baby lamp chops, poached salmon, chicken wings, yummy meatballs, pasta marinara, roasted asparagus, fresh fruit, mini turkey and roast beef sandwiches that my daughter Judy said were the “best ever,” fresh fruit and still there was more. The tables were laden with food all evening long.
The array of items to be auctioned was amazing — good stuff, good quality and good prices. Many, like myself, took advantage of the opportunity to do a bit of Chanukah shopping. The evening gave me an opportunity to see and greet people that I don’t see too often: Eileen and Mort House, Marian Feld, Klila Caplan, Graciela and Rabbi Baruch Zeilicovich, Linda Hoffman, Rick Klotz and Sylvia and Carl Morgan, and there were others that I enjoyed chatting with.
Beth Shalom members have all the intricacies of running a gala down pat. Any group planning a similar event could do well to pattern their project after Beth Shalom and ask for a few suggestions.
RSVP for B’nai B’rith luncheon
Seniors still have time to respond to Jewish Family Services for the annual B’nai B’rith Thanksgiving luncheon on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Beth-El Congregation. You will be the guest of the Isadore Garsek B’nai B’rith Lodge, who for long years have sponsored the holiday event. Like every year, with the expertise of Harry Kahn, Earl Givant, Les Kaitcer, Marvin Beleck and others, they are scurrying around, shopping, cooking and setting tables. Transportation will be provided by Jewish Family Services at 10:45 a.m. for the seniors who live in the B’nai B’rith Apartments. Be sure to RSVP to Jewish Family Services, 817-569-0898 no later than Nov. 14.
Press notes
I was most interested to read the item on Josh Finkelstein, son of Wendy and Leon Finkelstein of Dallas, who recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. How quickly the years pass! Now a freshman at Texas Tech, Josh is the nephew of Rhoda and Leroy Solomon. I remember well his late grandparents, Ruby and MannieSolomon, and his great-grandparents, Selma and Julius Solomon and their family business, Juvenile Shoe Store in downtown Fort Worth.
On the travel scene: Barbara Weinberg and Joe Conley are just back from a Caribbean cruise on one of Holland America’s newest luxury liners.
