Compiled by Sharon Wisch-Ray
sharon@tjpnews.com
Paul Kessler will keynote Yom HaShoah observance May 4
The Fort Worth and Tarrant County Jewish community will observe Yom HaShoah at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 4 at Beth-El Congregation. Paul Kessler was born in Slovakia and lives in Fort Worth.
He was 5 years old when the Nazis entered the country. He and his mother were saved and hidden by courageous farmers. Paul will speak about the lessons of the Holocaust and to encourage everyone to stand against hate and prejudice. There will also be a memorial service for the millions of Holocaust victims led by the Fort Worth and Tarrant County rabbis and cantors. Program Co-Chairs Charlotte Ray and Howard Rosenthal invite you and your teenagers to join the community for this very important remembrance.
The event is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth & Tarrant County with financial support from the Dan Danciger/Fort Worth Hebrew Day School Supporting Foundation and the Multicultural Alliance.
— Submitted by Angie Friedman
Pleasant experience at Greene Family Camp
Earlier this month, April 8-10, Beth-El congregants headed to Greene Family Camp in Bruceville for an amazing experience for body and soul. The theme of the weekend was “If Not Now When? Making Time for Myself and Others.”
About 115 people registered together with Rabbi Ralph Mecklenburger, Rabbi Jordan Ottenstein and Temple President Laurie Kelfer.
Ilana Knust shared that it was very powerful for many to disconnect from their devices and the outside world and rediscover Shabbat friends and Jewish spirituality in nature.
The weekend began with a spirited Shabbat dinner and service and closed Shabbat with a beautiful Havdallah service, campfire, and friendship circle.
In addition to Shabbat meals, Shabbat services in song and Havdallah, folks participated in nature walks, field activities, sports, and the ropes course, yoga, art projects and cooking classes, song sessions, an adult social/ wine and dine, a kid social with karaoke and more.
— Submitted by Ilana Knust