Federation Star - December 2012 by Jewish Federation of Collier County

Celebrating Jewish Life in Collier County

Federation Star Published by the Jewish Federation of Collier County serving Naples, Marco Island and the surrounding communities

www.JewishNaples.org INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

7A Community Relations Comm. 8A Women’s Cultural Alliance 11A Community Focus 13A Israel & the Jewish World 16A Tributes 17A Focus on Youth 21A Rabbinical Reflections 22A Synagogues 24A Organizations 27A Business Directory 30A Community Calendar 31A Community Directory 1B Jewish Happenings 5B Commentary 7B Jewish Interest

4A Mission to Israel – Part One

December 2012 - Kislev/Teveth 5773

Vol. 22 #4

Miracles Judge Norman Krivosha President

ot only does the arrival of December signal the end of the secular calendar year, but on the evening of December 8 begins the eight-day festival of Chanukah. And whether you spell Chanukah as I have, or you use Hanukah or Hanukkah, the holiday is the same. It announces the 25th day of Kislev and commemorates the successful battle by the Hasmoneans over the Greeks in the year 148 B.C.E. and the retaking of the sacred Temple which had been desecrated by the Greeks. As most of us know, when the Maccabees entered the Temple they found that all of the oil for the Ner Tamid, the Eternal Lamp, had been

defiled by the Greeks and that there was only sufficient pure oil for but one day. The process necessary to purify more oil required eight days. Yet the single day’s oil burnt for eight days while the other oil was being purified and the Eternal Lamp remained lit. It was truly a miracle. The following year, the Rabbis proclaimed the 25th of Kislev and the succeeding eight days as a holiday which was called Chanu Kaf-Hay (they rested on the 25th), for on the 25th of Kislev they rested from their enemies. To commemorate that miracle, we kindle the Chanukah menorah for eight days and recount and remember the “miracle,” giving thanks for all that was done for us so long ago. People often ask today why there are no longer miracles performed by Hashem as He did for our ancestors so long ago. But perhaps the answer is simply that we no longer recognize that an event may indeed be a modernday miracle. G-d could have just as

easily provided eight days of oil as providing one day of oil that lasted for eight days and not require the people to do anything. Our rabbis, however, teach us that G-d wanted mankind to have an active role in the miracle and to understand that miracles require some effort by the people who are seeking miracles to occur. Further, one might ask “What is a miracle?” Merriam-Webster defines a miracle as “an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs.” That, of course, would satisfy the miracle of the oil. But the dictionary also defines a miracle as “an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing or accomplishment.” In fact, many events which we simply take for granted or subscribe to “Worldly Happenings,” are indeed actually modern-day miracles. Is it not a “miracle” when science finds a cure for an otherwise deadly disease, which, in fact, has always

continued on page 2A

Community Chanukah Celebration

7A Honorable John Paul Stevens to be honored

Jewish Federation of Collier County and our Community Synagogues and Organizations invite you to join us

Thursday, December 13 at 5:45 p.m.

The Strada at Mercato US 41 & Vanderbilt Beach Road

9A Kristallnacht Convocation

10B Naples residents visit Prague Jewish community

Greetings from Community Leaders Candle Lighting Songs from Simcha Musical Duo Jean & Ron Amodea Concert by the Naples Klezmer Revival Band and lots of holiday spirit for the whole family! WE CELEBRATE OUR JEWISH COMMUNITY Jewish Federation of Collier County • Beth Tikvah • Chabad Jewish Center of Naples Jewish Congregation of Marco Island • Naples Jewish Congregation • Temple Shalom Jewish Family & Community Services of SWFL • Hadassah • Humanistic Jewish Havurah • Israel Bonds • JNF Jewish War Veterans Post 202 • NCJW • Naples Friends of Magen David Adom • Naples Jewish Social Club • ORT

Jewish Federation of Collier County Inc. 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Ste. 2201 Naples, FL 34109

Prsrt Std US Postage Paid Permit #419 Ft Myers FL

Chanukah begins Saturday night, December 8

Federation Star December 2012

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Languages: Hebrew/ English

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jewish Happenings in December December 2: December 4: December 6: December 9: December 9: December 9: December 9: December 12: December 13: December 15: December 16: December 16: December 17: December 18: December 27:

Community Service Day, page 5A “What’s in Your Genes?,” page 3A Israel Affairs Program, page 10A Our Torah project, Temple Shalom, page 2B Chanukah Celebration, Chabad, page 22A Marco Island Chanukah Celebration, page 9B Chanukah Dinner/Dance, NJC, page 23A Women’s Chanukah Celebration, page 4B Community Chanukah Celebration, page 1A PJ Havdalah, Temple Shalom, page 2B JCMI Film Festival, JCMI, page 13B GenShoah meeting, page 12A “Meet the Author,” Ellen Brazer, Beth Tikvah, page 2B Zionist Organization of America meeting, page 2B Retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens to be honored in Naples, page 7A

JEWISH FEDERATION Norman Krivosha...continued from page 1A existed but never before been found. Might it not be a modern-day miracle when an entire community is saved from a natural disaster, which but for the miracle might have destroyed them all? Is it not really a miracle when a child lost in the wilderness is found or when a person buried beneath a collapsed building is found alive after many days. How often do we find ourselves saying that some action or inaction “was a miracle”? Often, just as in the case of the retaking of the Temple by the Hasmoneans, miracles require some effort by humans to bring the miracle about. We in the Jewish Federation of Collier County believe that in some small way, through all of your support and contributions, we are able to perform miracles in our own time. Whether it is the miracle of insuring the Jewish education of our children by supporting our local religious schools, or the miracle of supporting Jewish Family & Community Services in aiding the recovery of our people in need of its services, or the growth

and safety of Israel by providing for an Ethiopian community in Israel, or assisting the elderly to maintain their self-respect at the Yad LaKashish in Jerusalem, the results which are accomplished can certainly be considered a modern-day miracle. Those of us who have been fortunate in our lives must never forget the important role we can play in bringing about modern-day miracles and thereby ease the burdens of so many less fortunate in need of our assistance. If you have not yet made your pledge to the Federation for this year, please do so before the end of the calendar year. In that way, as you light the candles of your menorah, remembering the miracle of Chanukah, so too can you remember the modernday miracles of assisting those in need of assistance. Know that you have played a critical role in providing them with miracles. Helene joins me in wishing you all a Hag Sameach. May your Chanukah be a pleasant one.

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3A Federation Star December 2012 JEWISH FEDERATION

December 2012 Federation Star

What’s in Your Genes? By Dr. Karen Ezrine

community-wide educational program to create awareness about screening for potential carriers of 19 Jewish genetic diseases is being held on Tuesday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m. at Beth Tikvah, 1459 Pine Ridge Road, Naples. Recent advances in genetic science have led to the identification of dozens of mutations linked to genetic diseases that affect people of Jewish heritage. Now, prospective parents may determine whether they are carriers of a genetic disease that could threaten the health and life of their children. For Jewish individuals of Central and Eastern European descent, the potential danger is particularly great, since 1 in 4 of these Jews is a carrier for at least one of 19 preventable genetic diseases. Unfortunately, many of these diseases strike in childhood, have no cure, and can lead to an early death. A simple blood test is all that is needed to screen for the Jewish genetic disease panel of 19. The Victor Center for the Prevention of Jewish Genetic Diseases recommends that all at-risk individuals – including interfaith couples and couples getting pregnant through donor egg/sperm – be screened with the Jewish partner being screened first. Individuals with even one Jewish grandparent are considered at risk. Couples should be screened prior to each pregnancy for any new diseases, since there

have been new advances in testing; the list of known genetic diseases is constantly being expanded. “The importance of being screened goes far beyond just finding out if you are a carrier,” said Caren Seligman, coordinator of a similar program for the Birmingham, Alabama, Jewish Federation. “This affects the life of an entire family.” “What’s in Your Genes” will be of interest to young couples planning a family, their parents and grandparents, clergy, and particularly to interfaith couples. There is no charge to attend, but a donation of $10 is suggested. To make a reservation, contact Dr. Karen Ezrine at kezrine@hadassah.org. The program will feature: ¡¡ Deborah Barbouth, MD, FACMG, Medical Director, and Deborah Z. Wasserman, MS, Genetic Counselor/Coordinator, from the Victor Center for Jewish Genetic Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine ¡¡ Lois B. Victor, Founder of the Victor Center for Jewish Genetic Diseases ¡¡ Kelly McMahon, MS, CGC (Certified Genetics Counselor) ¡¡ Karen M. Ezrine, MD, Chair, Hadassah National Physicians Council David Willens, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Collier County, commented, “Hosting this kind of awareness program in our

community can be very effective. Not only are we providing important information for the young adults in our own community, but as a snowbird community, we have constituents from all over the country. We feel that the information about the availability and importance of screening provided by this program, has the potential to be disseminated to many other communities throughout North America.” Hosting the program are the Jewish Federation of Collier County, Jewish Family & Community Services of Southwest Florida, Hadassah Chapter of Collier/Lee Counties, and the Victor Center for the Prevention of Jew-

ish Genetics Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. The Victor Center for the Prevention of Jewish Genetic Diseases works in partnership with healthcare professionals, clergy and the community to create awareness about the need for screening and how to access services. There are currently Victor Centers in Philadelphia, Boston and Miami, and community programs in partnership with the National Victor Center in Atlanta, Dallas, Pittsburgh, San Diego and Birmingham. For more information about this topic, please email Dr. Karen Ezrine at kezrine@hadassah.org.

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Federation Star December 2012

JEWISH FEDERATION

Israel – Part One

e arrived in Israel on a hot, crystal clear day. The feeling of stepping off of the plane in Israel was just as emotionally exciting my fourth time, as my first. One of the perks of entering Israel as part of a Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) group is being whisked through passport control in minutes in our own lanes. That was my first of many impressive moments of how important JFNA’s support is to the State of Israel. We arrived for lunch at Hadassah Neurim Youth Aliya Village outside of Hadera overlooking a gorgeous Mediterranean beach. Hadassah Neurim is a high school for at-risk teens to excel in society. The curriculum includes

technical, business, arts and drama, in addition to regular studies. Rabbi Michael Paley, our Scholarin-Residence, led us in the Shehecheyanu and a transition from Odessa to Israel, in the school’s auditorium. It was a very emotional moment for all of us. He reminded us that we were not tourists – we were witnesses out to tell a story. We were on a mission. Then we were off in mini-buses in groups of eight to different JDC (Joint Distribution Committee) and JAFI (Jewish Agency for Israel) programs and locations in Tel Aviv. My group was a JAFI Mifash with Israeli T.E.N. participants leaving for India and Ethiopia. T.E.N. is the acronym for Tikkun Empowerment Network – basically the Israeli Peace Corps. Two thousand volunteers a year participate. The volunteers actually pay $10 a day and stay for three months at a time. Some of the projects in India are Mother Teresa projects: a hospice, a mobile school for street kids, and an orphanage with three homes, sixteen

Shir and Yitschak with Phyllis

Arbel and Mazal with Phyllis

Phyllis Seaman Federation VP & Campaign Chair

children per home. Agriculture is the next project they are starting, and they have over 500 applicants from all over the world with 85% being female. The criteria is to be over twenty and passionate about helping others. We were fortunate to meet and speak with four of these wonderful dedicated young people. Shir and Yitschak were going to Ethiopia. Mazal and Arbel were on their way to India. They are definitely doing tikkun olam – healing the world. This is just another fine example of the State of Israel taking the lead in attention to global needs. Our day was hardly over. We then headed to Haifa to meet with Taglit-Birthright participants and attend a Birthright Mega Event on the Naval Base. It is Birthright’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah year. Since its inception, Taglit-Birthright Israel has sent nearly 300,000 Jewish young adults to Israel. Our small group met with six young

Phyllis arriving in Israel

adults from New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Massachusetts and Washington, D.C., and an IDF soldier who accompanied their group. These young men and women, all early twenties, grew up in mixed-

continued on next page

Taglit-Birthright Israel Mega Event

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5A JEWISH FEDERATION Federation Star December 2012 Jewish Federation of Collier County 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 2201 Naples, Florida 34109-0613 Phone: (239) 263-4205 Fax: (239) 263-3813 www.jewishnaples.org Email: info@jewishnaples.org Officers President: Judge Norman Krivosha Vice President: Dr. Karen Ezrine Vice President: Dr. Morton Friedman Vice President: Phyllis Seaman Recording Secretary: Kevin Aizenshtat Treasurer: Jerry Sobelman Assistant Treasurer: Jerry Bogo Immed. Past President: Rosalee Bogo

Board of Trustees Alvin Becker Stephen Coleman Ted Epstein Beth Grossman Neil Heuer Linda Hyde Wallie Lenchner Dr. Ronald Roth Sandra Roth Dr. Tracey Roth Arlene Sobol Michael Sobol Berton Thompson Dr. Joel Waltzer Dr. Daniel Wasserman Beth Wolff Barry Zvibleman

December 2012 Federation Star

Israel – Part One...continued from previous page marriage families with little or no Jewish backgrounds. They all felt the trip was life-changing, and most felt more Jewish, not religious. I asked if they knew what the Jewish Federation is, the work Federation does, and if they knew that Federations helps fund Birthright. They didn’t. I suggested they might want to get in touch with the Federation in their communities and get involved, possibly by speaking to other young adults planning a Birthright trip. A few of them liked the idea. Birthright trips are fully funded for 18- to 26- year-old college students. Next, we went to a party to end all parties – four thousand Jewish young adults from all over the world having just concluded their Birthright trips. The private cocktail party on the dock and on one of the ships at sunset was beyond spectacular. Watching the sky turn pink and the Bahai Temple and the city of Haifa above us was just breathtaking. The party included

a stage show with famous Israeli television personalities and singers. The bleachers and the area in front of the stage were rocking with the excitement of all the Birthright participants dancing and singing – including all of our Federation Mission participants. WHAT A NIGHT! Our day had started at the airport at 7:30 a.m. and ended on our arrival at our hotel in Jerusalem at 1:00 a.m. the following morning. It was so exhilarating; we were beyond exhausted. On my return to Naples, speaking to Susan and Yale Freeman (President of Temple Shalom), I learned that their daughter Allison was also at the Birthright Mega Event. Many Collier County young adults have had the opportunity to participate in the Birthright program, Jewish camp experience, MASA Gap Year in Israel trips, and NFTY Israel trips with your support through the Jewish Federation.

We are now in our last month of the year and the close of the 2012 Campaign. I hope that my articles these last few months, about all the programs the Jewish Federation supports in our community, nationally, in Israel, and around the world thanks to your generous support, will inspire you to consider a 10% increase of your gift this year. If you have already contributed for 2012, thank you for your continued support. We are working very hard to raise $1million dollars this year. Just imagine how much more we could accomplish. Remember our new tagline... THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY. Together we can do extraordinary things. Happy Chanukah and a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. Stay tuned for “Israel – Part Two” in next month’s issue.

Past Presidents Gerald Flagel, Dr. William Ettinger, Ann Jacobson, Sheldon Starman, Bobbie Katz

Board Members Emeritus Ann Jacobson Hans Levy Shirley Levy

Synagogue Representatives Cantor Donna Azu Rabbi Ammos Chorny Yale T. Freeman Stephen Goldenberg Stuart Kaye Rabbi Edward Maline Rabbi Adam Miller Rabbi James Perman Dr. Donald Pomerantz Dr. Arthur Seigel Rabbi Sylvin Wolf Rabbi Fishel Zaklos

Executive Director David Willens

Staff Melissa Keel, Community Prog. Dir. Iris Doenias, Administrative Assistant Deborah Vacca, Bookkeeper

Federation is the central Jewish community-building organization for Collier County, providing a social service network that helps Jewish people in Collier County, in Israel and around the world. As the central fundraising organization for Jewish communal life in our area, strength is drawn from organized committees of dedicated volunteers. Programs include: • Annual Campaign & Endowment fund • Community Relations Committee • Educational & cultural programs • Long Range Planning for expected community growth • Publication of the Federation Star, our monthly newspaper; Connections, our annual resource guide; and Community Directory • Women’s Cultural Alliance • Women’s Division • YAD – Young Adult Division • Youth Activities Committee – sponsoring youth education and scholarships for Jewish Summer Camp and the Israel Experience

CATHOLIC/JEWISH DIALOGUE OF COLLIER COUNTY Invites the entire community to participate in the first annual

2012 COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY A day of community service to benefit individuals and families who are food insecure in Collier County Our Partner agency for this event is Meals of Hope. Our Project is a food-packaging event. Meals of Hope packages food throughout the year – more than 3,500,000 meals annually. It’s an inclusive hands-on approach to feeding people in need.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2 1:30 - 3:30PM BETH TIKVAH 1459 PINE RIDGE ROAD, NAPLES (East of 41 on Pine Ridge Road next to Fire Station) Today in Collier County, more than 62% of children in Collier Schools participate in the free and reduced breakfast and lunch program. This program is not in effect during the winter school vacation. This means that more than 25,000 children may not be getting three meals a day. In order to make the holiday season brighter for the children and families in our community, we ask you to join us for an afternoon of fellowship and service, assembling food packages for distribution to Jewish Family & Community Services of SWFL, Catholic Charities and Collier Schools.

If you would like to participate and are not affiliated with an organization, church or synagogue, contact Melissa Keel at the Jewish Federation to sign up. Call 239.263.4205 or email Melissa@jewishnaples.org. For more information about Meals of Hope, visit www.meals-of-hope.org. We hope that individuals and families will join the Catholic/ Jewish Dialogue for this special Community Service Day.

Federation Star December 2012

SAVE THE DATE

Federation’s Community Gala Event: February 2, 2013

JEWISH FEDERATION

You can now make a donation to the Jewish Federation of Collier County’s 2012 Campaign via the web. It’s safe and secure. Simply click on the ‘Donate Now’ link on the ‘Ways to Give’ page at www.JewishNaples. org to get started.

7A Federation Star December 2012 JEWISH FEDERATION

December 2012 Federation Star

Community Relations Committee update Ann Jacobson Community Relations Committee Chair Catholic/Jewish Dialogue The Readers and Thinkers group will hold a book discussion on Rabbi James Rudin’s new book, Cushing, Spellman, O’Connor: The Surprising Story of How Three American Cardinals Transformed CatholicJewish Relations. The event will be held at Temple Shalom, 4630 Pine Ridge Road, on Tuesday, December 4 at 6:30 p.m. For reservations, email ReadThinkCollier@gmail.com or call

Pete McCabe at 908.763.0495 or Ida Margolis at 239.963.9347. Dead Sea Scrolls mini-classes Jack Conroy, PhD will hold miniclasses on the Dead Sea Scrolls on Tuesdays, January 8 and 15 at noon at the Jewish Federation, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 2201. This brown-bag lunch series is free and open to the public. Reservations can be made by calling the Jewish Federation at 239.263.4205. Catholic/Jewish Dialogue founders honored At the recent Kristallnacht Convocation, Rabbi Howard Greenstein and Joan Dunham were honored as cofounders of the Catholic/Jewish Dialogue ten years ago. In their memory, trees will be planted in Israel and

certificates of recognition in honor of their leadership will be permanently displayed at the Jewish Federation offices. Rabbi James Rudin, Kristallnacht keynote speaker, was also honored with a plaque for his assistance and encouragement in the beginning and early years of the dialogue. Israel Affairs Program The Israel Affairs Committee presents “Israel Today, The U.S. and Israel Relationship - The View from Washington” on Thursday, December 6 at 7:00 p.m. at Hodges University, Community Room, 2655 Northbrook Drive, Naples. The guest speaker is Dr. Ralph Nurnberger, Professor of International Relations, Georgetown University, and partner in Nurnberger & Associates, Washington, D.C., a

government relations firm. A dessert reception will follow his presentation. The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting Melissa at 239.263.4205 or melissa@jewish naples.org. If you are passionate about Israel, we invite you to join the Israel Affairs Committee. Contact Ann Jacobson at 239.262.4880 or annrj5@aol.com. You can still join the Meals of Hope Community Service Project of the Catholic/Jewish Dialogue to be held on Sunday, December 2 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Beth Tikvah, 1459 Pine Ridge Road. To participate in this food packaging event, call Melissa at the Jewish Federation at 239.263.4205.

Retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens to be honored in Naples Presented by Tau Epsilon Rho Law Society with the Jewish Federation of Collier County Cardozo Society

embers of the community are invited to attend this very special event at the Waldorf Astoria Naples, Thursday, December 27. The Honorable John Paul Stevens will be presented with the prestigious Benjamin Nathan Cardozo Memorial Award at Tau Epsilon Rho Law Society’s 92nd Annual Convention. Justice Stevens will answer questions from an interviewer, the Honorable Marjorie “Midge” Rendell of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, as well as questions from the audience. A soft-spoken, moderate, midwestern Republican named to the court in 1975 by President Gerald R. Ford to succeed Justice William O. Douglas, Justice Stevens was known for being a coalition builder with swing justices, writing his own first draft of opinions, and for being a voice of moderation. Justice Stevens joined the court when it included Thurgood Marshall and William J. Brennan Jr. of the Warren court era, as well as Nixon appointee Lewis F. Powell Jr., and the last of President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s four Supreme Court

appointees, Potter Stewart. In 1994, the loser is perfectly clear. It is the with the retirement of Justice Harry nation’s confidence in the judge as A. Blackmun, he became the court’s an impartial guardian of the rule of senior associate. law,” he said. Confronted in latHis 2004 majorer years with a court ity opinion on Rasul far more conservative v. Bush held that the than the one he joined, habeas statute covered Justice Stevens demGuantanamo Bay, Cuba. onstrated that beneath In Citizens United v. his amiable manner Federal Election Commission, the blockbuster laid a canny strategist and master tactician. 2010 campaign finance A frequent dissenter decision, the vote was 5 even in his early years to 4, and Justice Stevens on the court, he now wrote the dissent. Justice John Paul Stevens A 2010 recipient of wrote more blunt and passionate opinions, explaining on the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Justice Stevens, now 92, has forged several occasions that the nation was best served by an open airing of disa new model of what to expect from agreements. The language of his disSupreme Court justices after they sents became noticeably sharper, with leave the bench, one that includes a theme running through them that the high-profile interviews and provocaSupreme Court had lost touch with tive speeches. fundamental notions of fair play. Tau Epsilon Rho is a professional Who can forget his scathing dissenting opinion on Bush v. Gore (2000)? “Although we may never know with complete certainty the identity of the winner of this year’s presidential election, the identity of

Is there a Treasure in your Attic? Yiddish Books are a Cultural Treasure of the Jewish People The National Yiddish Book Center is a non-profit organization working to save Yiddish culture. Please check around your home for old Yiddish books and records, and inquire among friends and relatives. Gifts of these books are tax deductible. Please drop off your Yiddish books and records at the Jewish Federation, for further delivery to the National Yiddish Book Center, or call Louis Rusitzky at 455-6447 to schedule a pick-up. Visit the National Yiddish Book Center at www.yiddishbookcenter.org.

law society founded by Jewish law students in 1921, and is the oldest predominantly Jewish law group in the United States. Membership is open to all attorneys and judges in good professional standing, and students attending law school. The Cardozo Society is named for Benjamin Nathan Cardozo, who was a distinguished lawyer and United States Supreme Court Justice. Appointed to the Supreme Court by President Herbert Hoover in 1932, he earned a reputation as one of the best legal minds in American history. This special evening will begin with a Wine & Cheese Reception tentatively scheduled for 6:00 p.m., followed by a four-course dinner at 7:00 p.m. The cost is $150 per person and seating is limited. If you would like to attend, RSVP by December 20 to Myrna at Yale T. Freeman, P.A., 239.530.2500 or myrna@ytfreeman law.com.

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Federation Star December 2012 WOMEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE

www.WomensCulturalAlliance.com / 239-948-0003

Special events abound at WCA! By Susan Pittelman, WCA Publicity Chair

CA members are enjoying an exciting year of programming. While every program offered by WCA is special, several additional “out of the box” events have been planned. WCA members have a great deal to choose from, with something for everyone. Clive Daniel Home WCA had a very successful WCA Member-Only Exclusive Event, “Furniture Fashions,” for 100 members at Clive Daniel Home on October 29. The program began with a presentation by Kris Kolar, Vice President of Interior Design. Women then broke up into groups and toured the store. They had a chance to ask interior designers questions and to make arrangements for individual consultations. There were also special goodies “in store” for our members! Three more design seminars are planned for WCA members at Clive Daniel this season: “Jewelry for the Home,” “Space Planning for Your Small Space,” and “Redress Your Nest.” WCA members, watch for your opportunity to sign up! WCA’s Jewelry Show WCA will be sponsoring a very special Jewelry Show on Wednesday, February 27 from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. at the Federation offices. Fourteen designers will be exhibiting and selling their creations. You will want to come early for the best selection. Be sure to bring cash or many checks (one for each designer), as credit cards will not be accepted. You will feel good shopping, too, because 10% of each designer’s sales will go to the Federa-

tion. Bring your friends. Remember, the fun never stops at WCA – especially when you are shopping! See the color display on page 4B for more information. Beading When Judith Zieve joined WCA and saw all of the wonderful activities, she thought it would be fun to share her love of creating unique jewelry. She offered classes to teach women how to make a basic beaded necklace, letting each student choose the necklace she wanted to make from pictures. Following Judith’s step-bystep instructions, everyone made a different style necklace. Judith said that although she provides boxes, her students always want to wear their necklaces home. Judith is offering three more classes – Wednesdays, December 5, January 9 and February 6. Women enjoy her class so much, that many who are enrolled for this season’s classes are repeaters. Don’t miss out on YOUR chance to create a beautiful necklace. “The Salon” Two years ago, WCA created “The Salon” to showcase WCA writers and musicians. These innovative gatherings were fashioned after Gertrude Stein’s Salons in the early 1900s in Paris. WCA writers have presented a variety of works, including humorous pieces, chapters from novels, and children’s books. To set the scene,

there is also a musical interlude. Wine and cheese round out the program to make it a true Salon. Iris Shur, organizer of “The Salon,” said, “Members are reserving spaces almost a year in advance! They have either attended and loved it or heard about it from others.” WCA’s Salon is a wonderful tradition that showcases those who already write and encourages those who are thinking about writing. “The Salon,” which this year will be held on Thursday, January 10, is available only to WCA members. Broadway Composers by Ellen Katz Broadway is famous for its great collaborators, including lyricists and composers Lorenz Hart and Richard Rogers, and Frederick Loewe and Alan Jay Lerner. Learn about their lives, how they met, and how their creative juices blended to create those marvelous Broadway tales and tunes that delight us to this very minute. Teacher Ellen Katz will entertain WCA members with two fun and festive classes on Fridays, February 8 and February 22, that will be filled with tunes and tales of great musicals, including My Fair Lady, Gigi, Camelot, Babes in Arms, and Pal Joey. Create a Zentangle: “Anything is possible . . . one stroke at a time.”™ If you think you can’t draw or you need design inspiration; if you want to create something beautiful; or, if you

850 members!

just want a few moments of peace in a hectic world...then don’t miss this opportunity to participate in an exciting art form that will transform your life in ways you never dreamed. And the best part? Absolutely no artistic talent required. This is your chance to let your “inner artist” shine. Come join in the fun with other WCA members on Friday, February 15, in this very special class being offered by Gerry Pearson Nichols. More spectacular special events WCA members, watch your email for information about these upcoming spectacular special events: Apps for Your iPhone (December 7), Digital Photography (two parts: January 18 and January 31), Canasta Day (March 13), and for our flower lovers – Ikebana and SOGESTU (January 16), Fast Fun Fabulous Floral Designs (January 30), and Floral Designs (April 10). Don’t miss out on these very special events for the very special women who belong to WCA! Join WCA today and you will be special too! Simply fill out the membership form on this page. Shortly after you join, you will be added to the list to receive weekly email notices of WCA programs. Want to know more about WCA? Visit www.WomensCulturalAlliance.com for additional membership benefits as well as for details about these and other programs available to WCA members.

WCA now has a membership gift card. Give the gift of membership in WCA to a friend, relative or as a hostess gift for someone who is not yet a member. How sweet! For more information, please contact Linda Simon, WCA Membership Chair, at lgsimon2947@yahoo.com.



Women’s Cultural Alliance Membership Form Please check one: r New r Renewal

Membership: $60 for the year includes all programs. r My information below contains new items.

In Southwest Florida: r full-time r part-time (from ________ to ________)

Name: ________________________________________________________ Spouse or Partner Name, if applicable: _____________________________ Local Address: ________________________________________________ Community: __________________________________________________

For more information: Linda Simon, lgsimon2947@yahoo.com

City: ____________________________ State: _____ Zip Code ____________

Please make your check payable to: Jewish Federation of Collier County and mail with this form to: WCA Jewish Federation of Collier County 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Ste. 2201 Naples, FL 34109

Florida home phone:___________________________________________

Email: ________________________________________________________ Cell phone: __________________________________________________ Northern Address: _____________________________________________ City: ____________________________ State: _____ Zip Code ____________ Northern home phone: _________________________________________

JEWISH FEDERATION 9A Federation Star December 2012

December 2012 Federation Star

400 attend 10th Annual Kristallnacht Convocation By Melissa M. Keel, Community Program Director, Jewish Federation of Collier County

n Sunday, November 4, 400 members of the Catholic and Jewish communities of Collier County gathered to participate in the 10th annual Kristallnacht Memorial Convocation, sponsored by the Catholic/Jewish Dialogue of Collier County, the Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation of Collier County, the Diocese of Venice in Florida, and the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida, and hosted by St. Agnes Catholic Church. The program included a gracious welcome from the Very Rev. Robert J. Kantor, Pastor of St. Agnes Catholic Church, an opening address by Bishop Frank Dewane serving the Diocese of Venice in Florida, and a special recognition of the Founders of the Catholic/Jewish Dialogue of Collier County, Joan Dunham and Rabbi Howard Greenstein, by Ann Jacobson, co-Chair of the Dialogue. The keynote address from Rabbi A. James Rudin, Senior Interreligious Advisor for the American Jewish Committee, focused on the topic: Kristallnacht: Remembrance - Necessary But Not Sufficient. The following are excerpts from Rabbi Rudin’s address. Kristallnacht…The German term means “Crystal Night,” and was a term of derision used by the Nazis, but it is now a gruesome term for the violent attacks, the pogroms, carried out against Jews, synagogues and Jewishowned businesses in Germany, Austria and Nazi-occupied Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia. During that night of terror, about 100 Jews were killed, about 2,500 died later, and 30,000 others were sent to concentration camps with those now sinister names that still cause us to shudder: Dachau, Buchenwald, Mauthausen. But “concentration camp” is a misnomer…“prisoner camp” is more accurate. 1,574 synagogues were burned, including more than 90 in Vienna; 7,500 Jewish-owned shops and stores were destroyed, their glass windows shattered by the marauding Nazi thugs. But Kristallnacht literally and figuratively shattered all such illusions about the “temporary” nature of the Nazi regime. The lethal assaults represented a violent turning point. Amidst the smoke, broken glass, burned houses of worship, corpses

and concentration camp internments, it was clear the Nazis intended to destroy Jews, not simply by depriving them of their rights as German citizens, but ultimately by murdering them. Kristallnacht was much more than a terrifying night of broken glass.

Rabbi A. James Rudin

It was a time of broken hopes and broken promises. It has been called “The Beginning of the Holocaust.” And now seventy-four years later we gather in the sunshine of freedom, in the glowing rays of liberty as Americans, to remember. The first thing to remember: the gangster Nazi German government that legally came to power in 1933 always had as its central policy the “War Against the Jewish People.” The second thing to remember: Kristallnacht was not a spontaneous series of actions…Nazi officials ordered, planned and supervised the pogrom. Third, Kristallnacht was the most widely reported event involving German and Austrian Jews between 1933 and 1945. It received worldwide attention. No one could later claim that “We didn’t know.” They knew. And finally, Kristallnacht came at a horrific moment in Jewish history. Chaim Weizmann, who ten years later was to become Israel’s first President, said at the time: “The world seemed to be divided into two parts – those places where the Jews could not live and those where they could not enter.” Those are some, not all of the facts. And now in 2012? As Jews and Christians, as two ancient faith communities, we long ago learned that nothing in human behavior is “unbelievable.” And what is our lesson for today 74 years later? There are pogroms in

Clergy participants at the Kristallnacht Memorial Convocation: Rev. John Hanley, St. Ann Catholic Church; Rabbi A. James Rudin, Guest Speaker; Cantor Donna Azu, Temple Shalom of Naples; Very Rev. Robert J. Kantor, St. Agnes Catholic Church; Bishop Frank Dewane, Diocese of Venice in Florida; Rabbi Adam Miller, Temple Shalom of Naples; Rev. Russell Wright, St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church; Rev. Marc S. Gherardi, St. Ann Catholic Church; and Rabbi Sylvin Wolf, Naples Jewish Congregation

many places of the world…Christians in Egypt and the Sudan, Gypsies in Europe, various tribes in Africa who kill one another because of ethnic differences, hatred and bigotry directed towards immigrants and newcomers in our own land despite the fact President John F. Kennedy described our country as “A Nation of Immigrants.” There are emotional, psychological and sometimes physical attacks in America that are based upon race, religion, gender, sexual identity, age, ethnic membership in a particular group… And we who are gathered here in beautiful Naples must not succumb to what I call compassion fatigue…that is a copout…We Jews and Christians are better than that…History will judge our generation harshly if we do not respond to the injustices that are a daily part of our world…Seventy-four years from now, our descendants will say of us: “They knew of the injustices of their own time, their own era, and yet they were silent.” God forbid! Our legacy must be better than that! Seventy-four years ago a previous generation of Americans beginning with the President knew all about Kristallnacht; they cannot plea for forgiveness because they did not know. They knew. In April 1994 there was an official Holocaust Commemoration Concert

at the Vatican where I represented the American Jewish community. Pope John Paul II spoke that day with eloquence about the evils of the Holocaust: “We are gathered...to commemorate the Holocaust of millions of

Very Rev. Robert J. Kantor

Jews...This is our commitment. We would risk causing the victims of the most atrocious deaths to die again if we do not have an ardent desire for justice, if we do not commit ourselves, each according to his own capacities, to ensure that evil does not prevail over good as it did for millions of the children of the Jewish people…Do not forget us.” Never forget us…Never forget us…Never never forget us!

For more photos from this event, courtesy Ivan Seligman, please see page 4B.

JEWISH FEDERATION

10A Federation Star December 2012

Israel Affairs Committee announces plans for season By Jeff Margolis

he Israel Affairs Committee of Collier County held its reorganization meeting recently. Betty Schwartz and Steven Brazina were named co-chairs for the 20122013 year. The committee, which comes under the auspices of the Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation of Collier County, has set an ambitious agenda for the coming season. The year 2013 heralds the 65th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel, and the group has several events planned to honor this important milestone. The kickoff

event will be a presentation by Dr. Ralph Nurnberger, Professor of International Relations at Georgetown University. The topic of his talk will be “Israel Today, the U.S. and Israel Relationship - The View from Washington.”The event will take place on Thursday, December 6 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Community Room of Hodges University, 2655 Northbrooke Drive, Naples. A dessert reception will follow. While this presentation is free, reservations are required. Please contact Melissa Keel at the Federation at 239.263.4205 or melissa@jewishnaples.org.

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The Israel Affairs Committee would like to make the community aware of two other important upcoming events. On Wednesday, January 16, The Honorable Eli Groner, Israel Minister for Economic Affairs to the U.S., will hold a Middle East Briefing at 2:00 p.m. in The Naples Daily News Community Room, 1100 Immokalee Road. Although there is no charge for this event, advance reservations are requested. Please contact Jacki Waksman at 954.653.9053 or Melissa Keel at 239.263.4205. The community is also invited to

participate in a grand celebration to commemorate Israel’s 65th birthday. Israel@65 will take place on Sunday, April 14 at Temple Shalom. More information about these exciting events will be coming soon, so save the dates. In addition to the co-chairs, members of the Israel Affairs Committee include Ann Jacobson, Melissa Keel, Gerry Melnick, Pearl Thall, Lenore Greenstein, Jeff Margolis, and David Willens, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Collier County.

Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund

he Jewish Federations of North America has opened the JFNA Hurricane Relief Fund to contribute to recovery and rebuilding in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Donors are urged to contribute to their local Jewish Federation or through the online donation form at http://JFeds.org/SandyRelief. Or, text RELIEF to 51818 on a mobile device to pledge a donation. Donors may also send checks to our national mailbox at The Jewish Federations of North America, Wall Street Station, PO Box 148, New York, NY 10268. Please indicate “JFNA Hurricane Relief Fund” on all checks or in the designation box online. Hurricane Sandy, a storm of unprecedented magnitude, struck the

Eastern portion of the United States. Seeing the response of communities across the region to the devastating storm, we are awed by the strength of the American people. The Jewish community and the Federation Movement send our support and prayers to those affected by the hurricane, and we will stand beside them during the recovery and rebuilding. Before the storm hit, JFNA Emergency Committee staff communicated with potentially impacted Federations and communities. We also coordinated with our Jewish Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (JVOAD) partners. Our team is also communicating with affected Federations to assess damage and communal needs, as well as participating in National VOAD meetings, which are held in conjunction with FEMA and emergency response personnel from across the region. Thank you for joining us in sending prayers, resources and good wishes to all those impacted by Hurricane Sandy.

What if there was one place… ÎÎ to meet the needs of Jews and non-Jews, young and old, wherever they live? ÎÎ inspired by bold, often daring pursuits of social justice and human rights? ÎÎ you could make stronger by rich traditions of advocacy, education, responsibility and tzedakah?

There is! Federation. It starts with you!

To learn more, call 239.263.4205.

11A December 2012 COMMUNITY FOCUS Federation Star

JFCS update Dr. Jaclynn Faffer JFCS Executive Director

ewish Family & Community Services was thrilled to have a PJ Library site visit on October 24 and 25 from Diane Freedland of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. The PJ Library is a program of the Foundation. In preparation for the site visit, and in celebration of Year 1 of The PJ Library in Collier County, we surveyed The PJ Library families on some important issues. Here are some of our findings: XX 32% of our PJ families heard about the program through the Federation Star XX 25% from their synagogue or temple XX 43% from a family member or friend In terms of demographics: XX 65% of our PJ families represent a dual parent household XX 7% are single parent households XX 24% are grandparents XX 4% are “other” XX 32% of our PJ families are not affiliated with a temple or synagogue XX 36% are affiliated with Temple Shalom XX 25% are affiliated with Chabad XX 7% are affiliated with JCMI

Eighty-one percent of the PJ parents reported that they would like JFCS to develop more holiday parties for the children and families, as well as educational programs for parents. Among the responses to “What do you like best about PJ?” were “The quality of the books; The look of delight on my children’s faces when the books arrive; The variety and age appropriateness of the books and music; Enriches my children’s Jewish heritage.” As Diane Freedland said, JFCS has accomplished a great deal for the first year of operation. And, we have big plans as we move into Year 2. With the assistance of the Grinspoon Foundation, JFCS has committed to communicate with our PJ families through a monthly E-newsletter. We hope to get this off the ground by January 2013. We will also focus on developing several “PJ On the Town” events that will take place at some of the wonderful venues Collier County has to offer. The PJ Library is a real partnership among JFCS and the community. We are so happy to report that Debby Waranch, JFCS board member, has agreed to chair The PJ Library Task Force. If you are interested in working with Debby to bring PJ out into the community for Year 2, please contact me at jfaffer@jfcsswfl.org or 239.325.4444. JFCS is so proud to bring The PJ Library to the Collier County community for Year 2!

The Naples Jewish Caring Support Group

hen engulfed with stress, have you ever craved the closeness you once had with family and friends? For the last four years the Naples Jewish Caring Support Group has provided us with a safe and friendly environment. Talking through our pent-up emotions is possible because we know confidentiality is paramount with our group. We have become a cohesive, understanding and sensitive group of men and women who give each other the gift of experiential wisdom. We are led by a retired psychotherapist, Florette Kahn. Florette practiced with her husband for over twenty-five years in New Jersey, doing individual and

group therapy. She is in the discipline of Clinical Social Work, holds an MSW degree and is licensed (LCSW). Phyllis Lazear assists her and is a retired educator from Ohio. We welcome new members. We meet in the Temple Shalom Chapel the second and fourth Mondays of each month, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. This is a free service to the entire Jewish community. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information, please call Phyllis at 239.352.2907.

December 2012 Federation Star

Tau Epsilon Rho Law Society with the Jewish Federation of Collier County Cardozo Society honor

Retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens

Please join us December 27, 2012 Waldorf Astoria Naples The Honorable John Paul Stevens will be presented with the prestigious Benjamin Nathan Cardozo Memorial Award Wine & Cheese Reception 6:00pm • Four-course Dinner 7:00pm $150 per person Following Dinner, Justice Stevens will interviewed by the Honorable Marjorie Rendell, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and will answer questions from the audience. Please R.S.V.P. by Dec. 17th to Myrna at Yale T. Freeman, P.A. 239-530-2500, myrna@ytfreemanlaw.com Make checks payable to “TER Law Society” and remit to Yale Freeman, 7400 Tamiami Trail N, Naples, FL 34108. There will be no solicitation of funds at this event.

Celebrate the Season “Highly combustible ...continuously hilarious.” -- Cleveland Plain Dealer

“Leading Ladies” Ken Ludwig Farce NOV. 21 - DEC. 15 in BLACKBURN HALL

Down on their luck Shakespearean actors don dresses and pose as the long-lost nieces of a rich old woman.

Next meetings: December 10 & 24

YIDDISH CLUB OF NAPLES

meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of December, January, February, March and April at 10:00am at Temple Shalom 4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples

You don’t have to speak Yiddish to enjoy. You just have to enjoy hearing it spoken, read or sung.

Come Schmooze and Enjoy!

11A

150 Kids! 3 Performances Only! “The Nutcracker Goes Pop!” A fun modern version of the classic DEC. 7, 8 & 9 at Golden Gate High School

with Golden Gate & Gulf Coast High Schools

10 times

“Best Live Theatre”

Call The Naples Players’ Box Office:

239-263-7990 or online

Performances: Weds.-Sat. 8 pm • Sundays 2 pm THE NAPLES PLAYERS at Sugden Community theatre 701 5th Ave. South, Naples, FL 34102 • www.napleSplayerS.org

12A Federation Star December 2012

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Yiddish Book Center featured Local author receives at next GenShoah meeting national recognition By Ida Margolis

he 2012-2013 season for Generations of the Shoah of Southwest Florida (GenShoah) is underway with meetings, videos and a variety of activities. The first meeting of this season included a discussion of future activities as well as a very interesting presentation by Amy Snyder, Executive Director of the Holocaust Museum and Education Center, who recently returned from a trip to Israel. Her topic, “Lessons from Yad Vashem: Teaching the Core,” was very informative. Steve Brazina, our “movie maven,” spoke about two films that he would be showing and helping to facilitate. Members have been asked to lead future meetings. Sandy Levine and Shelley Lieb have already agreed to help with meetings, and additional volunteers will be needed for future meetings. GenShoah will continue holding its monthly meeting, whenever possible, on the third Sunday of each month at the Holocaust Museum. The December meeting is scheduled for December 16 at 4:30 p.m. Jeff Margolis will be giving a presentation about the Yiddish Book Center. An author and lecturer, as well as instructor at Rowan University and the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, and a speaker at the Renaissance Academy, Jeff will be speaking about Aaron Lansky and Lansky’s amazing

adventure of rescuing a million Yiddish books and the establishment of the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, Massachusetts. Jeff has given presentations about the Yiddish Book Center and has visited the Center on the campus of Hampshire College. Participation from individuals who have visited the Book Center or who have read Lansky’s story in the engaging and moving book, Outwitting History, is welcome. Anyone who has Yiddish books that they would like to donate to the Yiddish Book Center can drop off books at the Jewish Federation offices, or can bring books to the meeting. Margolis will be speaking at approximately 5:00 p.m. for any members of the public who would like to attend his presentation. Any individuals who are children or grandchildren of Holocaust survivors are always invited to all GenShoah meetings and activities. In addition, anyone who is interested in our mission of “the promotion of Holocaust education, preservation of memories of the Holocaust, connection of Second Generation members to one another, and support of the Holocaust Museum and Education Center of Southwest Florida” is welcome to attend meetings and activities. For information on GenShoah, please contact me at ida.margolis2@ gmail.com or 239.963.9347.

BROWNSTEIN JUDAICA GIFT SHOP AT JCMI Looking for the perfect gift? Choose from our many items: Mezuzahs Menorahs Travel bags Jewelry Gifts for pets Novelty aprons Designer Hand Bags Silk and Handmade Kippot Mah Jongg Jewelry, Cards & Supplies

991 Winterberry Drive Marco Island (239) 642-0800

Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:30 - 1:30 Friday Evening: Before & After Shabbat Service

he Sixth Annual National Indie Excellence Book Awards recognized Make New Friends… Live Longer by Naples resident Sunie Levin in the category of Aging as a winner/finalist. This national award, based in Los Angeles, is open to all English language books including small presses, university presses, independent publishers and self-published authors. Works published in 2009, 2010 and 2011 were eligible for consideration. The competition is judged by independent experts from all aspects of the indie book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book

cover designers and professional copywriters. They select award winners and finalists based on overall excellence of presentation. Make New Friends… Live Longer is a non-fiction genre book – a how-to for boomers and seniors to become proactive in making new friends. “We appreciate you, we applaud you and thank you for your great work. You are contributing to make independent publishing a great sector in the literary community,” said Ellen Ried, president of the National Indie Excellence Book Awards. For more information, visit www. indieexcellence.com/index.html.

The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the preservation of the Jewish history of this region. Currently, the organization is seeking individuals interested in serving on the Board of Directors. For more information, email jhsswf@gmail.com.

House sitting/pet sitting services available Non-smoker / non-drinker available for house sitting and/or pet sitting (long or short term). Excellent references. Reasonable rates. For more information, call 239.285.4722.

Are you looking for delicious kosher food? Chabad of Naples has partnered with the well-known Aroma Kosher Market and Catering of Cooper City, Florida, to bring kosher food to you. Please call the Chabad office at 239.262.4474 for an order form and instructions. Aroma Market delivers orders to the Chabad of Naples, 1789 Mandarin Road, once a week.

December 2012 ISRAEL & THE WORLD 13A Federation StarJEWISH

December 2012 Federation Star

13A

HotWorks.org Presents the 11th Bi-Annual

Estero Fine Art Show

™

January 5 & 6, 2013 At Miromar Outlets

This article is included as part of the Jewish Federation’s year-long Israel@65 celebration. During this time, in a series of articles, the Federation Star will spotlight Israeli innovation.

Cardboard wheelchair to roll out from Israel

Blue-and-white technology with a green outlook could cheaply give mobility to thousands of people with disabilities. By Viva Sarah Press, ISRAEL21c, October 28, 2012

sraeli entrepreneur Nimrod Elmish is positive that the idea for a wheelchair made out of cardboard has crossed many people’s minds. But it took an Israeli team to make it a reality. “Welcome to the startup nation,” says Elmish, an expert in leading early-stage startups to maturity. “We have seen you can build agriculture in the middle of the desert. We recognize a major problem in the world and we find the best solutions. We can always find a solution – you just need persistence and patience.” With great feedback and global interest in their first venture – recyclable cardboard bicycles – Elmish and automation expert Izhar Gafni of I.G. Cardboard Technologies have quietly added the cardboard wheelchair project to their operation. It’s made of less than $10 worth of durable recycled cardboard, plastic bottles and recycled tires. “Anything that you make out of wood, plastic or metal can be made out of our material,” Elmish tells ISRAEL21c. “Cardboard bikes, wagons, wheelchairs, chairs for airplanes or trains, toys, even cars. We’re not building cars yet. But I say, ‘yet.’ We believe that nothing is impossible and anything is possible.” Wheelchairs for Africa An international non-profit organization dedicated to providing free wheelchairs for the disabled in developing nations heard about the cardboard bicycles and got in touch

with ERB, the parent company of I.G. Cardboard Technologies. Since 2001, the organization – which requested anonymity – has bought 120,000 metal wheelchairs from Chinese manufacturers every year to ship to Africa, at an annual cost of more than $6 million. “It will cost him a one-time fee of $6 million to build a factory for the production of cardboard wheelchairs in Africa and then almost nothing to produce them,” says Elmish, CEO of I.G. Cardboard Technologies. “He can produce as many wheelchairs as he wants once the factory is running. All we need is access to old car tires, plastic bottle recycling and cardboard recycling.” The maintenance-free cardboard wheelchair, weighing eight or nine kilograms (less than 20 pounds), can withstand water and humidity, and can carry riders weighing up to 400 pounds. It is even cheaper and simpler to create than the cardboard bicycle. Elmish says the chairs would be made on largely automated production lines supplemented by a workforce comprising people with disabilities. “There are no financial benefits to making the wheelchairs in cheap labor markets. We choose the country [where the factory will be set up] with incentives in mind,” he explains. “Our factories will always be local in order to receive government grants for the manufacturers.” Rebates for using “green” materials would cancel out production costs.

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Free Admission & Free Parking – Sat, Jan 5 & Sun, Jan 6, 10am-5pm daily Youth Art Competition for grades K-8! Located At Miromar Outlets www.Miromar.com I-75 & Exit 123 Corkscrew Road/Miromar Outlets Blvd. HotWorks.org Sponsor of the Institute for the Arts & Education, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit organization

Artist: Kimberly Marshall, Painting

The wheelchairs and bicycles could thus be given away for free in poor countries. “Our partners and manufacturers [will] receive almost all of the production costs of our products back from governmental and global incentives, making our products available to almost any person in any philanthropic or commercial business model,” according to the company’s mission statement. Origami meets Israeli technology Making a cardboard bike or wheelchair looks like an exercise in origami with enormous blocks of cardboard. “People look at cardboard as a material that looks like something strong. But the secret is how to make it strong,” says Elmish. “Izhar Gafni developed the theory of how to make it stronger. If you only fold the cardboard it will hold nothing. You need to find ways to give it strength that the regular material doesn’t have.” The Israeli mindset played an important role, he adds: “The thinking of the resources, the social model, the thinking behind employing disabled people, the thinking of giving back to the community.” Governments, politicians, manufacturers, consumers and non-profit organizations have all shown great

interest in the cardboard vehicles. “The feedback is amazing,” says Elmish. “A year and a half ago, the most common reaction we got was that no one would even think of buying our product and that the markets would reject it. Now that’s the least of our problems. Everyone wants a part of this.” The hype has been so great that Elmish had to hire two people just to sort through his 300 to 500 daily emails from fans and potential sponsors. “One year from today our four products will be on the market – youth bikes, children’s balance bikes, wheelchairs and electric bikes,” he predicts. Several European railroad operators have expressed interest in placing the bikes outside stations as a way of enticing people to continue by bike to their destination. “The whole idea is to take the cars out of the city,” says Elmish. While naysayers still abound, Elmish says the prototypes have proven their mettle. “There are a lot of smart guys who still say it cannot be done,” he says. “So we’re building a small factory in Israel to show how it’s done.” Viva Sarah Press is an associate editor and writer at ISRAEL21c.

14A Federation Star December 2012

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

Israeli women to get their own museum

A former sheikh’s palace in Haifa will be remodeled as the Museum of Israeli Women By Avigayil Kadesh

f you haven’t heard of Hannah Maisel, Rivka Ziv and Rachel Yanait Ben-Zvi, you’ll have a chance to learn all about these Israeli pioneers in about two years’ time. Yael Nitzan estimates it will take about that long to turn an empty 200-year-old sheikh’s palace in Haifa into the Museum of Yael Nitzan, founder Israeli Women, of the museum assuming she can raise $6 million to finance the project. Nitzan, a feminist TV producer, art historian and author, has spent years gathering ideas for the museum and making a list of the women to be featured in its exhibitions. Though Israel reportedly has the world’s highest ratio of museums per person, none is dedicated to the women who served its defense, agricultural, educational, political and artistic needs. “There’s nothing quite like Israel in the world and nothing quite like the women of Israel,” she says. Even the better known of the 40 women on her list have interesting facts in their biographies that many people don’t know. “Golda Meir was born in 1898,” says Nitzan. “She brought $100 million to Israel – $50 million at the

beginning of the War of Independence and $50 million after. [David] BenGurion asked her to go to America, and she gathered small groups of women in every town to solicit funds. So actually, women built Israel.” Teachers, soldiers, physicians and farmers Several years ago, a friend invited Nitzan to a lecture by Israeli historian Esther Carmel-Hakim, a foremost expert on the women of Israel. Now Carmel-Hakim is helping Nitzan choose the women to include in the future museum. Number one on her own list is Hannah Maisel (1883-1972), one of the eight personalities whose biographies she penned for the Esther Carmel-Hakim, online Jewish Israel’s foremost Women’s Encyexpert on women’s history clopedia. Carmel-Hakim did her PhD dissertation on Maisel, who established farms and agricultural schools for women in the Palestinian Mandate territory between 1911 and 1926. Later she helped found the Women’s International Zionist Organization (WIZO) with Rivka Ziv (Rebecca Sieff), who also established what later became the renowned Weizmann Institute of Science.

Carmel-Hakim relates that in the 1930s, more than 20 percent of the physicians in Palestine were female, and female dentists outnumbered male dentists. This was due to the immigration of many highly educated women from Germany and other Western European countries prior to World War II. The wife of Israel’s first president, Vera Weizmann, was an immigrant physician who helped in the rehabilitation of those injured in the War of Independence, raised funds to establish the Tel Hashomer Hospital, and worked on behalf of Youth Aliyah. She was also among the founders of WIZO. Bringing women into the collective memory Carmel-Hakim is currently researching North American women who left comfortable lives to help found the state. One of these was Dorothy BarAdon, a journalist from Atlantic City, New Jersey, who joined the staff of the Palestine (now Jerusalem) Post in 1933. Students in Carmel-Hakim’s “Women in Israel” class at the University of Haifa International School travel to the Rishon Lezion Museum, where they can learn about the country’s first female kindergarten teacher, Esther Shapira; and to the Ayalon Institute near Rehovot, where women manufactured bullets in a secret

The Haifa building that will house the Museum of Israeli Women

underground factory for the War of Independence. Carmel-Hakim feels that women shouldn’t be relegated to only one museum. She’s working to get notable female Israelis added to the permanent displays in relevant museums of all kinds because she feels they are sorely underrepresented. “I will help Yael in any way I can to bring women into our collective memory and educational system,” she pledges. “I’m trying to put Shulamit Goldstein, the first female pilot, in the Air Force Museum,” Carmel-Hakim says. This 1914 Ukrainian immigrant learned to fly in a course in Egypt. Later on she joined a work brigade at Rosh Pina, taught nursery school (future Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was among her pupils), ran a poultry farm and manufactured fiberglass. Alternative to the Israel Prize Nitzan, a former IDF captain, notes

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December 2012 ISRAEL & THE WORLD 15A Federation StarJEWISH continued from previous page that some 4,000 women served in the Jewish Brigade of the British army, including Sonia Peres, the late wife of Israeli President Shimon Peres. “Five women from this corps became founders of the women’s division of the Israeli army,” she says. The Museum of Israeli Women will include a memorial to the hundreds of female soldiers who fell during their military service, and Nitzan envisions hosting courses for female officers there. Nitzan, who produced about 45 films and 100 TV shows over a 25-year career in broadcast journalism, curated a Haifa exhibition of 50 female artists to mark International Women’s Day last March 8. The city of Haifa will purchase her personal archives on Israeli women to install in the future museum for which she will serve as director. She has many plans for the venue. “We want to do an annual convention about women, and we want to give a prize. Only 10% of Israel Prize winners have been women, yet about 80% of Israel’s artists are women,” says Nitzan, the author of several books on Israeli art and artists. Source: Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, www.mfa.gov.il

December 2012 Federation Star

15A

BRIEFS ISRAEL’S ENERGY OPPORTUNITY Israel has discovered in excess of 25 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. The debate in Israel has juxtaposed the energy security advantages of maintaining a large strategic natural gas reserve against the economic and other benefits of export, which requires scale to justify the considerable capital expenditures to build the required infrastructure. Israeli natural gas consumption currently equals roughly 200 billion cubic feet per year. Israel possesses ample supplies to ensure energy security in the power sector for a generation. Even assuming robust domestic demand growth and limited future discoveries, Israel will enjoy a large supply buffer once current reserves are developed. Offshore Israel remains in the early stages of exploration. The well-established pattern of such development suggests the natural gas discoveries to date represent only a fraction of the total recoverable resource. Based on other basins, current discoveries in the Israeli Levant Basin likely are only a fraction of the total technically recoverable resources. (Forbes)

For daily news stories related to Israel & the Jewish world, visit www.jewishnaples.org.

U.S. EXTENDS ISRAEL LOAN GUARANTEES TO 2016 U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and Israeli Treasury Director-General Doron Cohen signed an agreement in Washington on October 24 that will extend U.S. loan guarantees to Israel to 2016. The agreement gives Israel four more years to use $3.8 billion in guarantees left over from $9b. in guarantees granted in 2003. Even if Israel does not take advantage of the loan guarantees, having American backing helps it obtain favorable rates on borrowing abroad. (Jerusalem Post)

JOE WANTS TO TALK ISRAEL WITH YOU “My name is Joe, and I’m tired of people bashing Israel on campus,” the YouTube video begins, as a teenager fresh from a summer Birthright trip speaks into his video camera. Joe, an animated college character, is the face of Joe’s Israel, an online project designed to respond to the delegitimization of Israel by engaging college-aged students. In one video, a video chat request pops up from user “VP_Lieberman2000” – Senator Joe Lieberman, who is sitting at his desk in D.C. “Hey Joe,” he interrupts. “It’s me, the other Joe. Do you got a minute to talk about Israel?”

The campaign is among the first of its kind with a participatory, social media-based strategy to bring Israel activism to a demographic that is comfortable using technology to share and exchange ideas, particularly with regards to activism. Andre Oboler, who created the Joe’s Israel project, noted: “This is not a campaign with a Facebook page tacked on to it; this is a campaign designed on a social media philosophy. This is where the future of activism is going.” (ICB-Jerusalem Post)

240 ETHIOPIAN IMMIGRANTS FLOWN TO ISRAEL A planeload of 240 Ethiopian immigrants, half of them children, landed in Israel on Monday, October 29, in an inaugural flight commencing Israel’s initiative to bring all remaining Falash Mura to the country, the Jewish Agency announced. The Falash Mura are Ethiopian Jews who were forcibly converted to Christianity or abandoned Jewish customs in the 19th and 20th centuries. “Together we are writing the last page of the history of Ethiopian Jewry. We are now bringing all of our brothers from Africa to Israel,” said Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky. (Times of Israel)

continued on page 14B

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16A Federation Star December 2012

TRIBUTES

Tributes

Tributes to the UJA Federation Campaign

To: Jay Kaye In your honor From: Ruth & Philip Jason

To: Sigmund Front Get well soon From: Phyllis & Michael Seaman

To: From:

David Willens and Family In memory of your beloved wife, Shereen Willens Cary & Dr. David Goodman Bernalee & Dr. Charles Winter Loretta & Dr. Robert Stein Nancy & Ed Colodny Helen & Dr. Edward Rosenthal Linda & Daniel Carp The Boardman Pharmacy of St. Elizabeth Hospital Trudy & Dr. Malcolm Labell Barbara & Neal Frank Nancy & Bart Charlow Corky & Dr. Alan Kaplan Andrea Willens Charlotte Milavsky Karen Amon Phyllis & Stephen Strome Carol & Morton Frankel Jean E. Morrison Tracey & Dr. Larry Albert Bobbie & Jack Myers

To: From:

Miriam Slavich In memory of your beloved husband, Ivan Slavich David Willens

To: From:

Florence Rosenthal In memory of your beloved husband, Frank Rosenthal Bunny Levere

To: From:

Myrna & Judge Stephen Levin In memory of Myrna’s beloved brother, Barry Stern Ellie & Dan O’Brien

To: From:

Jack Wiadro In honor of your efforts for the community and Hadassah Loris Dallal

To: From:

Nancy G White & Family In memory of your beloved father, Harry Grandis Phyllis & Michael Seaman Rosalee & Jerry Bogo

To: From: To: From:

Gracia & Merrill Kuller In memory of your beloved son, Jeffrey Kuller David Willens Phyllis & Michael Seaman Gail & Dr. Melvin Ufberg Alta & Jay Werner Bobbie & Jack Myers

To: From:

Bill Warshauer In honor of your special birthday Helen & Dr. Edward Rosenthal Arlene & Bob Subin Pauline & Murray Hendel Corky & Dr. Alan Kaplan Gail & Dr. Mel Ufberg Ellen & Dr. Gary Gersh Nancy & Hal Kaplan Sandy & Dr. Ron Roth Darlene & Thomas Witkowski Barbara & Harold Rappaport

To: Ina Barr In honor of your special birthday From: Arleen & David Sivakoff

To: From:

Phyllis Barolsky and Family In memory of your beloved husband, Dr. Stephen Barolsky Bunny Levere Arline R. Shapiro

To: Dorismae Friedman In honor of your special birthday From: Pauline & Murray Hendel

To: Clair Levine In memory of Wolf Levine From: Abraham Zubrow To: From:

Karen Bender In memory of your beloved mother, Wilma Leff Judge Mort & Mae Riefberg

To: From:

Jerry Leff In memory of your beloved wife, Wilma Leff Judge Mort & Mae Riefberg

To: Harvey Green Wishing you a speedy recovery From: Phyllis & Michael Seaman To: Larry Kessel Wishing you a speedy recovery From: Phyllis & Michael Seaman

To: David Willens In honor of “Kasha Varnishkes” From: Edythe Winters To: From:

Dorismae Friedman In honor of your new home, your hospitality and your birthday Gracia & Merrill Kuller

Gerry Sugarman Get well soon Phyllis & Michael Seaman

To: Wini & Bob Gelkin In honor of your 60th anniversary From: Bunny Levere

Tributes to the Catholic/ Jewish Dialogue To:

Gracia & Merrill Kuller In memory of your beloved son, Jeffrey Kuller

From: Martin Gauthier Ida & Jeff Margolis Myra Shapiro

The Catholic/Jewish Dialogue of Collier County extends: • Condolences to Gracia & Merrill Kuller on the passing of their beloved son, Jeffrey Kuller

The Jewish Federation of Collier County extends: • • • • • • •

Condolences to the family of Paulette ‘Honey’ Soloway, on her passing Condolences to Liz Silver on the passing of her beloved mother, Elaine Natkins Condolences to Miriam Slavich on the passing of her beloved husband, Ivan Slavich Condolences to Anne Grandis on the passing of her beloved husband, Harry Grandis Condolences to Nancy Grandis White on the passing of her beloved father, Harry Grandis Condolences to Gracia & Merrill Kuller on the passing of their beloved son, Jeffrey Kuller Condolences to Robert & Pamela Cahners on the passing of Robert’s beloved mother, Helene Cahners-Kaplan

“Serving the Jewish Community for Over 14 Years” Traditional Jewish Services

We would like to remind you that we close our 2012 Annual Campaign on December 31. We depend upon contributions from all members of the community in order for us provide you with the many social, cultural, educational and fundraising activities that benefit our community; while helping Jews in need all over the world. You can make a secure online donation at www.jewishnaples.org, clip the form on page 29A of this issue and mail us your contribution, make a gift of stocks/securities, or call us at 239.263.4205. Thank you for making your gift to the Federation TODAY!

FOCUS ON YOUTH 17A Federation Star December 2012

December 2012 Federation Star

17A

Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards expand nationally Call-for-Nominations from across the United States: Know a teen who is helping repair the world? 10 socially conscious teens will be awarded $36,000 each by Bay Area Philanthropist dedicated to empowering the next generation of Jewish leaders.

he Helen Diller Family Foundation is expanding the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards, issuing a national call-for-nominations to identify Jewish teens whose volunteer service projects demonstrate a determined commitment to make the world a better place. Up to ten selected teens, five from California and five from other communities across the country, will each be acknowledged for their visionary actions with an award of $36,000, to be used to further their philanthropic work or their education. The deadline for nominations is January 6, 2013. What started as a simple idea for Bay Area Philanthropist Helen Diller in 2007 has grown tremendously over the last six years. The Helen Diller Family Foundation has given more than one million dollars to 30 teens to further their vision of tikkun olam – a central precept of Judaism meaning repair of the world. “It has been a joy to celebrate so many incredible Jewish teens over the past six years, and to support them in their efforts to repair the world,” said Helen Diller, president of the sponsoring foundation. “This opportunity to empower and nurture teens throughout the entire United States is a dream come true, and a simple way to foster

the spirit of tikkun olam among our future leaders.” The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and its network of 155 Jewish Federations throughout the country will collaborate with the Helen Diller Family Foundation, a supporting foundation of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties, to inspire and encourage Jewish teen volunteer service nationwide. “We applaud those who demonstrate such dedication to Jewish values and service at a young age,” said Jerry Silverman, president and CEO of JFNA. “The Helen Diller Family Foundation is known for its commitment to providing enrichment opportunities that truly do change lives. We are delighted to collaborate with them on this innovative program, which will help create a vibrant future for the Jewish people.” Past recipients of the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards have gone on to create a non-profit that helps terminally ill high-schoolers attend their prom, a soccer-focused social media fundraising campaign (praised by David Beckham) that supplies water to third-world communities, and a wide range of projects that support causes such as education, tolerance

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issues, autism awareness, anti-poverty efforts, environmental responsibility, wildfire safety and others. Recipients have gone on to engage with world leaders, celebrities and internationally-known sports figures, while attracting public and media attention including CNN, the New York Times, National Geographic, MTV and The Today Show. Now in its 13th year of giving, the Helen Diller Family Foundation has granted more than $200 million to support education, the arts, medical research and development, leadership training programs for teens, and many other charitable endeavors. Qualifications for nomination: ÎÎ Teens may be nominated by teachers, community leaders, rabbis, or anyone who knows the

value of their volunteer service and commitment – except family members. Teens may also nominate themselves. ÎÎ Each candidate must be a U.S. resident aged 13-19 years old at the time of nomination, and must self-identify as Jewish. ÎÎ Community service projects may benefit the general or Jewish community. ÎÎ Teens compensated for their services are not eligible. To enter: Complete the simple online nomination form at www. jewishfed.org/teenawards/process. For more information, visit www. jewishfed.org/diller/teenawards, call 415.512.6437 or email diller teenaward@sfjcf.org.

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18A Federation Star December 2012

FOCUS ON YOUTH

Our Camp & Israel Scholarship Program: A smart investment in building for the future David Willens JFCC Executive Director

Jewish summer experience can play an important part in children growing up feeling connected to their religion, strengthening their ties to the Jewish people, adding to their Jewish knowledge and, in some cases, reinforcing their Jewish religious commitments. For many years, the Jewish Federation of Collier County has offered partial scholarships for deserving children in our community to attend Jewish camp programs. The Jewish Camp/Israel Experience Scholarship Fund is comprised of monies contributed by the Jewish Federation of Collier County and Temple Shalom’s Sisterhood and Men’s Club. This past summer, the Camp/Israel Scholarship Fund offered assistance to the families of ten children for the opportunity to attend URJ Camp Coleman, Marcus JCC Camp Barney Medintz, URJ 6 Points Sports Academy, and Camp Shalom in Central Florida. I know the value of attending Camp Coleman, because I was one of their first campers when they opened nearly 50 years ago…obviously, it made a lasting impact on me. This year we also provided partial scholarships to a number of teens in the community to attend NFTY and BBYO leadership conferences – a very smart investment in building for the Jewish future. Here are excerpts from letters of appreciation from some grateful campers: My time at Camp Coleman was the most incredible experience of my entire life. It has changed me for the better in many ways. Camp Coleman was my second home. I felt like this is where I belonged. ~~~ Camp Coleman is a very special place for everyone who goes there. The memories and friends I made will

be in my heart forever. This place, this special place, let me be myself. It was great to know that everyone around me was Jewish so we could all relate to and understand each other. ~~~ I would not have been able to have this awesome experience without the help of the Jewish Federation. I appreciate the opportunity they gave me. I was able to meet other Jewish children just like me and try new things (like archery). I am hoping I am given the same opportunity next summer! ~~~ The connection to Jewish kids is very important. The community is warm and inviting. The friends I have made over the years are friends for life. Living in a Jewish community gives me a feeling of belonging, as well as a better understanding of my Jewish heritage. Shabbat is a special time when the entire camp becomes one. It was surprising how the music and singing grabbed my attention and I couldn’t resist becoming a part of the joyful experience. ~~~ This year was a little different for us since we are all preparing for our Bar/Bat Mitzvah. The camp helps us prepare for our lessons and it is mandatory that we participate in services. The buzz around camp was all about our Bar/Bat Mitzvah. ~~~ Shabbat was really awesome. I made a challah for Shabbat for the very first time. It was a really calming feeling when I saw everyone wearing white. The walk to services was so different than anything I ever experienced. It was really nice having everyone together, walking with friends while guitars played and people sang and danced all the way. ~~~ I really want to thank the Jewish Federation of Collier County and also Temple Shalom’s Men’s Club and Sisterhood for the contribution you made to help me have this camp experience. I think every Jewish kid should go to Jewish overnight camp, and it is really cool that you help us be able to do it.

Sign up for The PJ Library and you’ll receive a FREE, high-quality children’s book or CD each month. The PJ Library will enrich your family’s life with Jewish stories and songs – and it’s absolutely FREE for families with children from six months up to eight years of age in Collier County.

The PJ Library is brought to the Collier County community by Jewish Family and Community Services of Southwest Florida, Inc. For more information, call 239.325.4444.

Photo courtesy of The PJ Library

And last but not least is a letter of appreciation from a parent, who tells it like it is: I wanted to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for the contributions you have made over the last few years to make it possible for my children to attend Jewish overnight camp. I also want to sincerely thank the people who made the donations to these organizations who support such a worthy cause. For anyone who hasn’t had a child attend Jewish overnight camp, you might not understand why these

organizations contribute to these experiences and wonder if the money couldn’t be better spent elsewhere. I hope I can help you to understand. As a parent, living in a city like Naples with such a small Jewish population, you have to work hard every day to instill and maintain a strong, confident Jewish identity in your children. It would be much easier to let my children just blend in to the population, but the money spent and effort is worth it. Jewish overnight camp allows your child to have an experience where, maybe for the only time in their lives, they are of the majority.

They can just “be.” They don’t have to explain why they don’t have a Christmas tree or what a Bat Mitzvah is. During the weeks they spend at camp, they become part of an amazing and strong Jewish community. While every activity they participate in isn’t necessarily religiously related, the bonds they create with their fellow Jewish campers while participating is strong and will hopefully be life-long. The relationships continue long after camp ends each year as they email and Skype each other. They also attend each other’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah, which shows how special their relationships are. To hear your children talking about Shabbat like it was the social event of the year is incredibly rewarding. There are no complaints about having to attend services; they actually look forward to it. The lively music, active participation, and being with your best friends make it something that they want to do. Just listening to your child tell you with excitement about the falafel they ate during Israel Day at a model of the Temple Wall or about the Israeli counselors who have given them open invitations to visit is awe inspiring. In short, thank you to all who have made donations to the Federation and Temple Shalom’s Men’s Club and Sisterhood. Your money was well spent and made an impact that will last a lifetime.

BBYO moving and shaking in Naples By Dara Baer, BBYO Naples Program Associate

BYO Naples has been very busy during October and November as we’ve held elections for each of the new chapters and started organizing events for teens. The results of our chapter elections included Ben Klausner’s election as Godol (president) of Negev AZA, and Victoria Diamond as N’Siah (president) of the Sababba BBG. There were also elections for the position of S’gan (boys’ vice president) won by Taylor Bollt, S’ganit (girls’ vice president) won by Victoria Myer, Moreh - Jack Melnick, Shaliach - Adam Roth, Mit mom - Lindsay Roth, and Shlichot - Zoe Van Slyke and Mia Feldman. On November 9, BBYO had a Potluck Shabbat Dinner and Service

on the beach at Lowdermilk Park. Teens brought food and welcomed Shabbat with songs and prayers as we reflected on what Shabbat prayers mean to us. In December we are having our first philanthropic event, where we will package food for the hungry in coordination with Meals of Hope. The event takes place at Beth Tikvah, 1459 Pine Ridge Road, on Sunday, December 2 from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Then on Sunday, December 23 at the Federation offices, we will watch a movie, order dinner and bake Chanukah cookies for dessert. If you have any questions or if you would like to join any of our activities, please contact me at dbaer@ bbyo.org or 239.325.1428.

BBYO girls at elections

FOCUS ON YOUTH 19A Federation Star December 2012

December 2012 Federation Star

19A

Temple Shalom Preschool By Seyla Cohen, Temple Shalom, Preschool Director

emple Shalom Preschool recently held its 4 th annual Trike-A-Thon in support of St. Jude Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Research Hospital. This event comes at the end of a week-long curriculum that teaches children riding toy safety. This safety and responsibility program is taught by having teachers present a different illustrated adventure each day. The children participate in discussions and role plays, and at the end of the week, the children ride their bikes and practice the rules they have learned. Parents proudly attend the Trike-AThon, enthusiastically cheering the kids on.

In addition to safety concerns, the curriculum instills in children the importance of tikkun olam. Through donorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; generosity, our strong and healthy children are able to help desperately ill children at St. Jude Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Research Hospital by raising money for research and treatments. One of the goals of Temple Shalom Preschool is to teach the children, from an early age, the importance of performing mitzvot and of giving

back to society. The Trike-A-Thon is just one of many activities our Preschool children and parents participate in throughout the school year in our effort to help others. We are proud of the fact that we raised over $1,200 this year. Each year at this time we celebrate numerous holidays, bringing the families together to share good times and make memories. At Temple Shalom Preschool we consider ourselves a family providing the love, support and reliance needed in everyday life. Young families are often faced with challenges while raising young children, building careers, and dealing with everyday responsibilities. At Temple Shalom we not only provide an outstanding education for children, but assume the roles of ally, supporter and helper to all our families. Our Thanksgiving feast and show along with our Chanukah party and sing-a-long are annual events enjoyed and cherished by all. Our little students eagerly rehearse and prepare for their stage debuts, and the paparazzi parents passionately snap photos to commemorate and document these events. Participating in these occasions gives us all something to look forward to each year. Such traditions passed down from generation to generation create a sense of joy, excitement and anticipation. They provide us the time needed to escape from our ordinary routines; so important to our health and sense of well-being. The holidays help to define a place in time and remind us of the importance that time to reflect plays in the preservation of our precious beliefs, ideals and principles. Wishing all a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season with a New Year filled with Peace and Prosperity.

Not Just a Bond, a Bond with Israel

Reva Pearlstein Assistant Director

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20A Federation Star December 2012

FOCUS ON YOUTH

Preschool of the Arts update By Ettie Zaklos, Preschool Director

then ... now...

ence, they are trained to respond to the individual needs of each child by employing cutting-edge methodology and liberal doses of warm and loving care. At Preschool of the Arts, children learn science, math, social studies, literacy, the arts, Judaic studies and moral values through an integrated approach to education. In addition, the school offers music and movement, gymnastics, little chefs and Shabbat celebrations. The playground offers a wide array of outdoor equipment and activities as well as a sun-sheltered area for quiet play. Indoors, students meet regularly in the new Studio of the Arts area for the MyGym program, performing and visual arts, or to snuggle into a mini-library with a good book. The educational approach is

guided by the recognition and respect for the unique qualities of each child. School children are viewed as collaborators: competent, curious, unique and creative. Every child becomes a treasured member of the preschool family. Preschool of the Arts is a Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Provider (VPK); our program is for children ages 18 months to 5 years. School hours are from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Extended care is available upon request. Two, three and five-day programs (full and half-day) are available. For more information, please call 239.263.2620, email naples preschoolofthearts@gmail.com or visit www.naplespreschoolof thearts.com.

City of Hope was built on the same values you grew up with. We began 100 years ago as the Jewish Consumptive Relief Association — a place of healing and compassion for people of all races and religions who faced tuberculosis. City of Hope is one of only 41 comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute. We are committed to preventing and curing life-threatening diseases that may have affected you or your loved ones, such as cancer and diabetes.

impact the world one life at a time When you give to City of Hope you support research with global reach. u

Millions with diabetes manage their disease using synthetic human insulin, a medicine developed at City of Hope.

City of Hope scientists team up with expert researchers across the globe. We are working with Technion-Israel Institute of Technology on a new way to deliver cancer-fighting drugs.

PraCtiCe tzedakaH. Make a differenCe. Help save lives worldwide. Contact Shari Meehan, Southeast Regional Philanthropy Team, 800-584-6709 or smeehan@coh.org. DEV 19221.ap.0812

reschool of the Arts is a young, state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Naples. It has rapidly grown into a warm community with a youthful and active spirit. The diverse, inclusive school welcomes families from all religious backgrounds, as well as those who are non-affiliated. Although young, the Preschool has already been the recipient of the 2012 Champion Choice Award for the best childcare in this area. The school’s philosophy is that children are more productive and happy learners when they are in a calm, comfortable and attractive space. Classrooms have a reading loft, dramatic play area, writing corner, and blocks center. It is an immaculate facility, and the only certified ecohealthy childcare facility in Collier County. The preschool provides a nurturing environment where children grow and develop physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively. The carefully crafted program is designed to provide children with the early foundation and framework necessary for the transition to elementary school and beyond. Professional, dedicated and loving – these words describe the staff at Preschool of the Arts. Armed with years of study and professional experi-

21A December 2012 RABBINICAL REFLECTIONS Federation Star

December 2012 Federation Star

21A

Do you share the miracle? Rabbi Sylvin L. Wolf

his year, I thought about a Hanukkah message that would go beyond the Maccabees. In looking for materials, I came across an article written by Rabbi Michael Lerner entitled “The Spiritual Messages of Hanukkah and Christmas... And their Downsides.” I found the title and the article intriguing. What follows is an excerpt of some passages with some editorializing on my part. Christmas and Hanukkah share a spiritual message: that it is possible to bring light and hope in a world of darkness, oppression and despair. But whereas Christmas focuses on the birth of a single individual whose life and mission was itself supposed to bring liberation, Hanukkah is about a national liberation struggle involving an entire people who seek to remake the world by overthrowing an oppres-

sive political and social order: the Greek conquerors (who ruled Judea from the time of Alexander in 325 BCE) and the Hellenistic culture that they sought to impose. The holiday celebrated by lighting candles for eight nights recalls the victory of the guerrilla struggle led by the Maccabees against the Syrian branch of the Greek empire, and the subsequent rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in 165 BCE. However, there was a more difficult struggle that took place (and in some dimensions still rages) within the Jewish people between those who hoped for a triumph of a spiritual vision of the world embedded (as it turned out, quite imperfectly) in the Maccabees and a cynical realism that had become the common sense of the merchants and priests who dominated the more cosmopolitan arena of Jerusalem... The Maccabees were in some respects like the Taliban – completely ruthless in their religious fanaticism, willing to impose it by force on fellow Jews, and their Hashmonean kingdom that they created became as corrupt as the Hellenists they re-

placed. The Christianity imposed on Europe through force with its hateful anti-Semitism, misogyny and ruthless determination to burn as witches or torture those who would not accept its rule, played a major role in discrediting the love-oriented message of the Jewish prophet and wisdom teacher Jesus of Nazareth. So there is a certain downside to these victories that is necessary to acknowledge and talk about on these holidays. But history is always ambiguous, because we ourselves as human beings have not yet evolved to the point where we fully embody our highest ideals. It makes sense to celebrate these holidays even so, and to allow ourselves to rejoice in the partial victories that humans have achieved through our history, even as we reaffirm the need to go much further than the consciousness that has surrounded these holidays in the past or among some of our co-religionists in the present (including for Jews the way that Hanukkah is now appropriated into the right-wing versions of Zionism in Israel). But let us not forget: it was Christian ideals that led

Americans to embrace the civil rights movement, and it was the preservation of Jewish consciousness by the victory of the Maccabees that made possible the Jewish contribution to subsequent history and culture, philosophy and social theory, not to mention involvement in shaping revolutionary and utopian thinking and practice. The miracle of Hanukkah is that so many people were able to resist the overwhelming “reality” imposed by the imperialists and to stay loyal to a vision of a world based on generosity, love of stranger, and loyalty to an invisible God who promised that life could be based on justice and peace. It was these “little guys,” the powerless, who sustained a vision of hope that inspired them to fight against overwhelming odds, against the power of technology and science organized in the service of domination... When this kind of energy, what religious people call “the Spirit of God,” becomes an ingredient in the consciousness of ordinary people, miracles ensue. May you and yours have a Chag Urim Sameyach, a Happy Holiday of Lights.

blessings are simply there. It’s fun to tell the story of Chanukah, and light the menorah, but who wants to be bothered by gratitude every time we take a breath or each time we take a step. Thanksgiving and Chanukah are both about gratitude. Surely, we need to celebrate the dramatic moments in our lives, but we also need to take the time to give thanks for the small miracles we receive each day. It is enough to celebrate Chanukah once a

year. Thanksgiving, on the other hand, ought to be an everyday experience. In a few weeks, when we light the Chanukiah, perhaps we ought to take the time to count our blessings. As we give each other gifts, maybe we should ponder about the gifts we have already received. Only then we will come to realize that great miracles occurred not only long ago but every day! Happy Thanksgiving, and a joyful Chanukah celebration.

Two types of miracles Rabbi Ammos Chorny

omeone recently suggested that given the proximity of Chanukah and Thanksgiving, we ought to dip our latkes in cranberry sauce instead of apple sauce. I can’t remember an occasion in recent years when the two holidays came within two weeks of each other. I find myself pondering whether the reason for this is that Thanksgiving is too late, or Chanukah is too early! Whatever the answer, the “Thanksgiving-Chanukah connection” ought to give us pause to consider the nature of God’s presence in our lives. Thanksgiving and Chanukah are distantly connected (one is the pilgrim’s version of Sukkot, while the other marks the belated observance of the same holiday after the Temple was rededicated in 165 BCE), representing two types of miracles. Thanksgiving celebrates the everyday blessings in life. Having survived in a new land, the Pilgrims celebrated the bounty God had blessed them with. As Jews, we mark this type of miracle every time we sit down for a meal by reciting a blessing and giving thanks for the gifts that surround us, or in prayer as “We thank and praise the Almighty...for all the miracles which are with us every evening, morning and afternoon.” There is no time in our lives which is not graced with a miracle. Chanukah marks a different type of miracle. It marks those rare occurrences when we witness God’s inter-

vention in history. We say, “A great miracle happened there;” we recite Al Hanisim, and thank God “…for the miracles and the salvation which occurred for our ancestors…” We tell the story of a small cruse of oil that burned for eight days; and even if we are not sure it all happened the way it is described, we recognize the basic truth of these stories. When we look back at our history, we recognize moments when we were keenly aware of God’s presence. From the Exodus, to the founding of the State of Israel, we have been able to say, time and again, great miracles have occurred. In fact, that we are here today is one of them! On a personal level, we experience such occasions as well. Someone who has overcome a serious illness or survived a life-threatening accident comes to synagogue and recites the Gomel blessing, thanking God for graciously bestowing His favor upon us. On such occasions it is easy to say “Thank God.” When life hangs in the balance it’s not hard to look back and acknowledge we’ve been given a precious gift. Unfortunately, such feelings of gratitude are often short lived and quickly forgotten. The sad truth is that most of us live on a “what have you done for me recently” philosophy of life. It’s easy to give thanks in the thick of the moment; it is much harder to hold on to our gratitude once we’ve already received what we want. It’s much easier to celebrate holidays. They only occur once a year, marking dramatic, memorable events, and including delicious food. It’s easy to be thankful when we are aware of God’s blessings when they are extraordinary; it’s a challenge to express gratitude for the simple blessings in our lives because these

SYNAGOGUES

22A Federation Star December 2012

www.bethtikvahnaples.org / 239-434-1818

BETH TIKVAH

Beth Tikvah update Stuart Kaye Beth Tikvah President

hanukah greetings to all! Welcome to our many returning members and friends. We’ve missed you. While you were away, we managed to get those longawaited renovations completed. I think you will be pleased with the results. True to our history, December is once again one of Beth Tikvah’s busiest months, filled with any and every kind of event. Just as the Naples community expands with the coming of winter, so do the entries on our calendar. Below, you will see a variety of tempting offers: intellectual, gastronomical and just plain fun. The first week of December is jammed with events hosted by Beth Tikvah: Sunday, December 2 from 1:30 3:30 p.m. – “Meals of Hope” with the Catholic/Jewish Dialogue

Tuesday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m. – Hadassah Jewish Genetics Program Thursday, December 6 at 7:00 p.m. – Beth Tikvah hosts Federation’s Israel Affairs Committee event Fun and fressing Latke Lunch - Sunday, December 9 at noon. This Chanukah blast is always great of fun. $15 (prepayment requested) for adults; children and our religious school families free. Songs, games and a few surprises. Thanks to Bruce and Sandy Mazer for taking the lead for this event over the last several years. It’s not just latkes, but salads, desserts and Chanukah specialties. Contact Phil at 239.598.2880 or the synagogue at 239.434.1818. New York Style Kosher Deli and Game Night – Monday, December 24 at 6:00 p.m. This has been among our most popular events for many years. This year, for the first time, it will be held in our own facility. The deli is from Ben’s Kosher Deli. The games are what you bring with you. The fun is contagious. The cost of kosher deli has risen 30%, but we’re holding to an increase of less than 12%. $40 for adults and $20 for children under 13.

Call Shep Scheinberg at 239.513.1950 for reservations. Advance payment required. Send to Shep at 4261 Montalvo Court, Naples, FL 34109. “Mix and Mingle” is our adult show-and-tell phenomenon. It’s a way for people to get to know one another better. Members and nonmembers gather for a casual social event featuring delectable desserts. Each person, or one from each couple, brings an item that has special meaning and speaks about it for a few minutes. It could be a family heirloom, an award, or a special souvenir. With visual aids on hand, it becomes easy to share something about yourself and focus on your story. Enjoy our fourth Beth Tikvah “Mix and Mingle” on Saturday, January 5 at 7:30 p.m. $15 per person. Payment due by December 31. For more information, call Phil at 239.598.2880 or the synagogue at 239.434.1818. Book event On Monday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m., enjoy our “Meet the Author” evening when Ellen Brazer visits Beth Tikvah to discuss And So It Was Written, her new novel about the Bar Kokhba rebellion. $5 for Beth

Chabad Jewish Center OF NAPLES

Tikvah members; $10 for nonmembers. Refreshments. For more details, see the article on page 2B. Coming in March Beth Tikvah reserved 50 seats to the award-winning Gulfshore Playhouse (in Norris Center, Cambier Park) for its Sunday, March 17, 3:00 p.m. performance of The Whipping Man. The price is $40 per seat; check to Beth Tikvah. Call Phil at 239.598.2880 regarding availability. Religious services schedule Friday services begin at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday services begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude with a Kiddush Luncheon. Sunday morning minyan runs from December through March at 9:00 a.m. We regularly convene Yahrzeit minyanim upon request. Please join us at any service. Our participatory worship services and most other events are held at 1459 Pine Ridge Road just west of Mission Square Plaza. For more information, call 239.434.1818, email bethtikvahnaples@aol.com or visit www.bethtikvahnaples.org. You can reach Rabbi Chorny directly at 239.537.5257.

www.chabadnaples.com / 239-262-4474

Chabad Jewish Center of Naples update Special Chanukah Women’s Circle What would a chef serve for a special Chanukah lunch? Be sure to attend the next Chabad Women’s Circle on Monday, December 17 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. to find out. Chef Annie, Executive Chef of Wynn’s Market, will serve her idea of “The Perfect Chanukah Lunch.” Learn professional cooking skills, try new recipes (copies will be provided), and enjoy a festive three-course lunch at the Chabad Center, 1789 Mandarin Road, Naples. This very special Women’s Circle is open to the public by reservation. Please contact Ettie at 239.263.2620 to reserve your place. The program is sponsored by Wynn’s Market, 141 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, which is

F A Q

providing both Chef Annie and all the food. The couvert of $20 will be used to fund a fruit and vegetable garden for the Preschool of the Arts. There is limited seating. Please reserve now! Chabad’s Annual Chanukah Celebration & Menorah Lighting Our annual grand Chanukah celebration will again take place on the north side of Venetian Village in Naples on Sunday, December 9 beginning at 3:30 p.m. There will be food and gifts for sale, activities for children, and the lighting of our incredible menorah. With the help of Sunbelt Rental, we will be creating an original, one-of-akind “Scissors Life Menorah.” There will be eight regular scissor lifts extending to 25 feet and one longer serving-candle which will

How do I get items into the Federation Star? Email your articles and photos to fedstar18@gmail.com. What are the Federation Star deadlines? Items are due the 1st of each month. If the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is the next business day. Where can I get a copy of the Federation Star? If you’re not on our mailing list, send an email to fedstar18@ gmail.com with your name and address. Copies are also available at several local synagogues and the Federation office. How do I place an ad in the Federation Star? Send an email to jacqui1818@gmail.com or call Jacqui at 239.777.2889. For a media kit, visit the Federation Star page at www.jewishnaples.org.

extend to 30 feet. “One, two,” and at the sound of “three,” the lifts will rise and the menorah will be created. Eight companies, individuals or organizations will have the unique opportunity to sponsor one scissor lift/candle with a name or company logo on the banner and the opportunity to participate in the lighting. There are currently six lifts left to sponsor. Please call 239.262.4474 or email info@ chabadnaples.com for more information about sponsorships. Shabbat Community Dinner Please join us for our next Shabbat Community Dinner on Friday, December 14 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Our last dinner was a great success with more than 60 people and children attending. Junior Shabbat Minyan We are pleased to announce that Jen Feinstein and Rachel Kassof will alternate in leading our Junior Shabbat Minyan beginning at 11:00 a.m. each Saturday morning. We look forward to a wonderful year with these two incredible teachers. Annual Partner Project During the month of November, we added 15 new partners. We thank all of our partners who touch the lives of so many people each day and have made it possible for us to have our beautiful new building. If you haven’t become a partner yet, we ask that you consider partnering with us to bring the joy of Judaism – including successful social

and humanitarian programs – to many more people throughout Collier County. We will gratefully acknowledge all our Partners and Premier Partners for their dedication to the Naples Jewish community. For more information or to receive your partnership package, call 239.262.4474, email rabbi@ chabadnaples.com, or www.chabad naples.com. Regular Shabbat services Our warm and welcoming Shabbat services are held each and every Saturday morning beginning at 10:00 a.m. The Torah service begins at 11:00 a.m. and includes the rabbi’s insights during the Torah reading which always has a contemporary, meaningful and relevant message. Services are followed by a delicious Kiddush buffet lunch. Chabad Naples Community Care Chabad of Naples has formed a special committee of professionals and lay volunteers who are available and trained to visit any Jew in need. If you know someone in the hospital or at home who would enjoy a visit from a fellow Jew, please let us know at 239. 261.0772. Weekly email & mailing list If you would like to be added to our weekly updates or mailing list, contact the Center at 239.262.4474 or email rabbi@chabadnaples.com. The Chabad Jewish Community Center of Naples is located at 1789 Mandarin Road.

23A SYNAGOGUES Federation Star December 2012

December 2012 Federation Star

23A

www.naplestemple.org / 239-455-3030

TEMPLE SHALOM

Chanukah past and present By Susan Shechter Daugherty Put on your yarmulke, Here comes Chanukah! So much funukah, To celebrate Chanukah! Hanukkah is the festival of lights. Instead of one day of presents, we have eight crazy nights. Adam Sandler The Chanukah Song

hen I was 10 years old I began to seriously lobby my parents for a puppy. I would leave notes all over the house, and picket the dinner table carrying large signs. They would find notes on their pillows and in the medicine cabinet and on the car seat and in the refrigerator. Notes would fall out of cereal boxes and toilet paper rolls. My marketing campaign was relentless, and the notes were everywhere. Some would extol the virtues of dog ownership (Companionship! Security! Playmate! Exercise!). Some would extol my virtues (“I’m responsible and I get good grades and I keep my room clean and, and, and…). Some were filled with pleas and promises (“I’ll train the puppy and walk it and feed it and brush it and give it a bath and teach it tricks, and teach it how to read and write and do your taxes!” “If you get me a puppy, I’ll never fight with my siblings.” “I’ll take out the garbage without being asked!” “Please, please, please!”).

This went on for months. I grew hopeful as Chanukah approached. I was definitely wearing them down. My sisters and brother supported my campaign. I knew I had this in the bag! Surely we were destined for puppyhood! Each year, Mom and Dad would allow us to play a game with them to see if we could guess what one of our presents would be (so we would stop driving them crazy). We could ask three questions about the gift (excluding “Is it a ___?” questions). My first question was, “Does it make noise?” “Yes – sometimes.” (A puppy! Sometimes it barks – sometimes it sleeps!) Second question: “Is it for me or for everyone?” Answer: “Primarily for you, but in some ways for everyone.” (Definitely a puppy! It will be my puppy but everyone can play with her! I can feel the slobber now!). Third and final question: “Does the answer have five letters and one vowel?” “Yes.” (A PUPPY! Y is only SOMETIMES a vowel!) Chanukah was two days away. I was ecstatic. Finally, the first day of Chanukah. The latkes were eaten, the candle was lit, Mom sang Chanukah oy Chanukah (in Yiddish of course…Chanukah oy Chanukah, A yontif a sheyner, A lustiker a freylekher, Nisht do nokh azoyner. Ale nakht mit dreydlech shpiln mir, Frishe heyse latkes, esn on a shir…”). It was time for presents.

naples jewiSh cONGREGATION

I could barely breathe. Mom and Dad handed me a package that was roughly the size of a tissue box. What? Maybe it was the leash. Maybe my puppy was in the backyard. I tore into the box and pulled out… an alarm clock. WHAT? Makes noise? The alarm. For me? Yes, but everyone can see what time it is. Five letters, one vowel? C-l-o-c-k. OMG! I was crushed. We got our puppy on the last night of Chanukah, and she was a blessing to us for 16 years. Chanukah events This year we light the first candle on Saturday, December 8. The incredible opening ceremony for Our Torah proj-

ect begins at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 9. The annual Chanukah Tea will be held at the Temple on Wednesday, December 12 at 1:30 p.m. The Community Chanukah Celebration at the Mercato will take place on Thursday, December 13 at 5:45 p.m. The Preschool Chanukah celebration is on Friday, December 14 at 10:30 a.m., PJ Havdalah celebrates Chanukah on Saturday, December 15 at 6:00 p.m., and the Religious School holds its annual amazing and amusing Chanukah Talent Show on Sunday, December 23. On behalf of the staff of Temple Shalom, we wish you a Happy Chanukah and a happy and healthy New Year!

www.naplesjewishcongregation.org / 239-234-6366

President’s message By Don Pomerantz, President

he central mission of our Jewish faith at Naples Jewish Congregation is brought to life through the moving and spiritual Shabbat services conducted by Rabbi Sylvin Wolf, ably assisted by Jane Galler, our Cantorial Soloist, Alla Gorelik, our Musical Director, and our splendid choir. The breadth of social and charitable congregational activities, performed in a welcoming and warm environment, serves as a catalyst for new members as well as diverse programs for all congregants. As Membership Chair Peter Weissman noted: “We enjoyed a busy High Holiday season here at NJC. We welcomed eleven newcomers to our congregation: Marv and Carol Weisberg, Edythe Winters, Alberto and Luba Rotsztain, Robert and Chriv Lederer, Erwin and Saundra Neiman, and Chuck and Eve Naumoff. Both Luba and Eve have already joined our choir, citing being part of the choir as one of the reasons they joined.” The Men’s Club held its organizational luncheon meeting at the

Pelican Marsh Golf Club. Various ideas were discussed for future meetings. In addition to luncheon discussion sessions, the group has arranged a bus trip on Sunday, December 2 to attend a Dolphins game in Miami. On Sunday, January 27, the Men’s Club is sponsoring its 6th annual Welcome Back BBQ. Our low stakes poker nights continue to provide evenings of fun and chance. The Sisterhood, with its yearround book club, read and discussed The Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult in November, and will be discussing Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks on Wednesday, December 19. On Friday, December 14, the group is planning a Miniature Golf outing. Naturally, lunch will follow after such a physical workout. Of course, Chanukah would not be same without an NJC dinner/ dance on Sunday, December 9, the second night of Chanukah. Both members and non-members may join us at the Naples Heritage Golf and Country Club. Call 239.431.7944 for reservations or more information. In addition to conducting an

Adult Enrichment program the second and fourth Sundays of the month, Rabbi Wolf, with the enthusiastic support of the congregation, is developing an” NJC We Care” program. Its goal is to identify those in the congregation who need various kinds of help and to provide appropriate services. It is gratifying to see the outpour-

ing of congregational involvement in this program of true tzedakah. Naples Jewish Congregation’s commitment to social action is evident in our successful food drive to benefit Jewish Family & Community Services, and in our donations and active participation in the Meals of Hope campaign at Beth Tikvah on Sunday, December 2.

Jewish Heritage Video Collection The Jewish Heritage Video Collection (JHVC) is now housed and maintained at the Federation’s offices. The JHVC video library contains nearly 200 films and television programs carefully chosen to stimulate learning, thinking and discussion about Jewish history and culture. The Collection also provides courses that address vital issues of Jewish history, identity and culture. These courses will be available to schools, organizations and congregations in the area. For a list of available titles organized by category (Children, Comedy, Holocaust, International Jewry, Israel, Jewish Experience in America, Religion and Identity), visit www.jewishnaples.org. For more information, call us at 239.263.4205.

SYNAGOGUES

24A Federation Star December 2012 JEWISH CONGREGATION OF MARCO ISLAND

marcojcmi.tripod.com / 239-642-0800

President’s message Stephen Goldenberg JCMI President

or many people throughout the country, this is known as the holiday season. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah and New Year’s Day all seem to combine into one gigantic period of merriment, good will, turkeys and celebrations. But for those of us fortunate enough to be in Southwest Florida, we simply call it “the season.” Overnight our population seems to increase exponentially week by week. Friends, neighbors and newcomers all appear almost magically, and we have to catch up with

all the news and the events that have taken place while they were absent from our paradise. While many people complain about the snowbirds, the traffic and the crowds, I feel we are blessed to have them join us for two, three, five months, whatever. They herald a reawakening of spirit and help energize the pace of life we all enjoy in our little part of the world. I know that at JCMI we look forward to the return of so much of our Jewish community. Our services are often the first meeting grounds for our members to welcome back old friends and make plans for the winter season. Our services are so much more satisfying with the influx of old and some new faces. One can feel the congregation growing and it makes all of us feel more inspired

by their presence. This is also that time of year when we at JCMI start to add services and events to our normal year-round schedule. Our Monday night bingo game transforms our synagogue into the most popular bingo hall on the Island. More people come every year and the winnings continue to grow, as done the fun, the anticipation and the excitement. Come January, we re-commence our Saturday morning Torah study at 9:30 a.m. every week, followed by our traditional Shabbat service at 10:30 a.m. JCMI also plans Adult Education programs during the season led by our rabbi, and our Men’s Club and Sisterhood each have programs and events that entertain and enlighten. JCMI has our Cultural Series all set, starting in January with the

Naples Philharmonic Brass Quintet. Our JCMI Jewish Film Festival, cosponsored by The Jewish Federation of Collier County, commences on Sunday, December 16 with the area premiere of Hava Nagila, the story of the song we all know and dance to. And since the 16th is during Chanukah, a special treat will be the latkes we provide. After all, did you really just want popcorn? So much goes on at JCMI during the season, it is difficult to take it all in and participate. But we hope you will. Whether you’re a member of JCMI, a friend or a neighbor, come and partake of the real joys of the season. We hope you will take advantage of all or at least some of what we have to offer.

ORGANIZATIONS

JEWISH WOMEN INTERNATIONAL

www.jwi.org / 239-498-2778

Inspiring Jewish women leaders celebrated as JWI “Women to Watch” Millie Sernovitz JWI Past International President

ontinuing its tradition of promoting Jewish women’s leadership, Jewish Women International (JWI) has selected its 15 th class of “Women to Watch.” These exceptional Jewish women leaders from across the United States have impacted the worlds of business, media, politics, culture, community service, family and spirituality. Each fall issue of Jewish Woman magazine profiles the year’s Women to Watch, exploring their personal and professional journeys, family lives, and connections to Judaism. Their varied stories offer a full and inspiring picture of contemporary American Jewish life. In addition to appearing in Jewish Woman, the women will be honored at the annual Women to Watch celebration on Monday, December 3 at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. Selected for their unique contributions across a wide array of professions, the honorees are:

ÎÎ Liz Claman, New York, NY , Anchor of Countdown to the Closing Bell & co-anchor of After the Bell, both on the FOX Business Network; author of The Best Investment Advice I Ever Received. ÎÎ Mandy Ginsberg, Dallas, TX, President of Match.com; oversees all aspects of the U.S. business, from building strategic relationships to launching innovative product features that sustain and evolve the country’s leading online dating site. ÎÎ Sharon Hall, Los Angeles, CA, President of Alcon Entertainment’s television division; former Executive Vice President, U.S. Drama Development at Sony Pictures Television, where she developed critically-acclaimed series including Breaking Bad for AMC and Necessary Roughness for USA. ÎÎ Debbie Kenvin, Plano, TX , CEO & President of Savvy and Chic, which offers life strategies and lifestyle coaching for women and girls; CEO and cofounder of Empowerment Partners, a non-profit teaching life and leadership skills to young women in low-to-moderate income communities, as well victims of do-

mestic violence. ÎÎ Edie Lutnick, New York, NY, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund, which has raised and distributed more than $250 million to victims of terrorism, disasters and emergencies; author of An Unbroken Bond: The Untold Story of How the 658 Cantor Fitzgerald Families Faced the Tragedy of 9/11 and Beyond. ÎÎ Rabbi Amy Perlin, D.D., Fairfax Station, VA, Senior and Founding Rabbi of Temple B’nai Shalom; first female rabbi to start a congregation, which she has led for 30 years. ÎÎ Susan K. Stern, Scarsdale, NY, Civic leader locally and nationally; serves as National Campaign Chair of Jewish Federations of North America; nominated by President Barack Obama to serve as Chairman of the President’s Advisory on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. ÎÎ Elana Drell Szyfer, New York, NY, CEO of AHAVA North America since 2011, leading double-digit growth in all of AHAVA’s key retail partners in her first year at the helm; 20year industry veteran, serving at top companies including Estée

Lauder, L’Oréal and Avon. ÎÎ Noha Waibsnaider, Brooklyn, NY, Founder and CEO of Peeled Snacks, organic fruit snacks with no added sugar or preservatives, ranked on Inc. 500’s List of America’s Fastest Growing Companies. ÎÎ Liza Levy, Potomac, MD, Cofounder of the Tikkun Olam Women’s Foundation, and cofounder and executive board member of the Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse; recipient of the Jewish Federations of North America’s 2012 Kipnis/Wilson Friedland award for women demonstrating the highest ideals of leadership, philanthropy and volunteerism. Levy is the recipient of JWI’s Community Leadership Award, honoring one woman’s ability to strengthen the Washington, D.C., community and mentor new leaders. To learn more about the JWI’s Women to Watch or other JWI endeavors locally and nationally, please contact Millie Sernovitz at 239.498.2778 or millie@sernovitz.com. Also, please visit the JWI website at www.jwi.org or its companion website for Jewish Woman magazine at www.jwmag. org.

For a continuously updated community calendar, visit the Federation’s website at www.jewishnaples.org.

25A ORGANIZATIONS Federation Star December 2012

December 2012 Federation Star

25A

www.hadassah.org / 239-676-3052

COLLIER/LEE CHAPTER OF HADASSAH

Hadassah update Shelley Skelton President

watched the opening ceremony of the Centennial Convention in Safra Square. I watched as Jerusalem Mayor Nir Birkat gave his welcoming speech. I watched as the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Tower was unlocked at the Dedication Ceremony in Jerusalem. I watched as Israel President Shimon Peres and U.N. Ambassador Dan Shapiro congratulated Hadassah on its many achievements and support of Israel. I watched as Marcie Natan, National President of Hadassah, welcomed several generations of Hadassah. I watched as the camera panned the audience and there was my friend and chapter member, Fran Nossen, enjoying the festivities and waving at me! It was almost as good as being there! I can only write about Hadassah’s Centennial from afar. I wasn’t there – or was I? I was physically in

front of my computer, watching the ceremonies and speeches, feeling the excitement – live streaming from Israel! But I was there, amid the throngs of people, roaring with the crowd. I was at Hadassah Hospital, marveling at the wonders of research, at the ability of mankind to even think about, let alone discover and implement, the wondrous treatments available to all nations. I was at a hotel, listening to proud voices exclaiming their achievements. I was on a tour of Jerusalem, suddenly awestruck at the magnificent 19-story tower that is now a permanent structure of Hadassah Medical Organization. I was there, in the State of Mind that surfaces only when something special is happening. I watched as the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, made his way to the podium, surrounded by bodyguards, and I watched as he graciously accepted the Henrietta Szold Award. I listened as he told of his late father, who told him if he wanted to understand the power of women, just look at Hadassah. Those of you who were in Israel at the Convention could touch and

feel the Tower. When I closed my eyes, I could see it, and it was a sight to behold. WE BUILT A TOWER – a Tower that is part of one of the leading medical organizations in the world, a medical organization that treated over 1,000,000 people last year alone and turns no one away. It touched my heart and I knew our work and hope for Hadassah would go on as long as we are able. For those of us unable to be in Jerusalem, videos of most events are available online at www.hadassah. org. Just click on the link and enjoy the trip! Israel is often seen as a place of conflict and strife. In reality, there is much more – there is business and research, art and culture, community and family. Often, Israelis blog their daily thoughts, experiences and insights about the real Israel, not the

media’s Israel. It is people living ordinary lives in an extraordinary place. As this wonderful Centennial year for Hadassah draws to a close, you may be interested in ordering your copy of Thin Threads, Hadassah’s Centennial Commemorative anthology of 101 funny, sad, happy, touching, surprising, memorable and very personal stories. Two of these stories were written by our own Collier/Lee chapter members, Iris Shur and Jane Strom. This hardcover book can be ordered on line at www.hadassah. org; 50% of the proceeds will benefit Hadassah and its beautiful mission. These are moments to be proud of – Centennial celebrations, award winners, medical research, education – Hadassah moments that we can share with the world in portraying Hadassah’s important role and its impact on the lives of people everywhere.

SAVE THESE DATES FOR HADASSAH EVENTS • Sunday, December 2, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Centennial Celebration & Awards • Tuesday, December 4, 7:00 p.m. - “What’s in Your Genes?” program • Tuesday, January 22, 10:45 a.m. - Meeting, Brunch and Fashion Show • Monday, January 28, 11:30 a.m. - Annual Mah Jongg & Card Party • Sunday, February 10, 5:30 p.m. - “Borscht Belt Bash” - Annual Fundraiser • Sunday, March 3, 11:00 a.m. - New & Prospective Member Brunch

ORT AMERICA – GULF BEACHES CHAPTER

www.ort.org / 239-649-4000

ORT across the world – and Gulf Beaches here in Naples By Helene Dorfman Fuchs

ulf Beaches ORT is just a blip on the wide screen of ORT America and the panoramic landscape of World ORT: A small but hardworking group of women passionately dedicated to supporting the more than 300,000 students enrolled in ORT schools in this country and around the world. In the past few years, the chapter’s fundraising efforts have gone to help build a science and technology laboratory at an ORT high school in Buenos Aires, and to support programs at ORT Bramson in New York and Zarem-Golde in the Chicago area, two schools with highly diverse populations and towering success rates. These schools truly perpetuate the ORT philosophy: educate and elevate. Now, according to an article on the ORT America website, Rome’s only Jewish school has experienced a rise in enrollment and educational standards, despite that country’s economic crisis. Here is an abbreviated version of that article: “The Jewish Federations of North America’s Prime Ministers, consisting of American Jewry’s top

philanthropists, were in Rome recently visiting ORT Renzo Levi, the city’s only Jewish school. The mission coincided with the 69th anniversary of the roundup of more than 1,000 Jews in the city and their deportation to death camps. “ORT Renzo Levi, which serves the majority of Jewish children in the city, has gone through remarkable changes since moving to its current site in the city’s historic Ghetto, 30 years after it was founded. “ORT recently installed science and computer laboratories donated by Grace Mendelson, ORT America national treasurer, whose contributions have been responsible for the school’s evolution. In a new virtual laboratory, students conduct computer-based experiments using state-of-the-art loggers and sensors. These powerful yet portable instruments allow students to put data straight into the computer, increasing accuracy and allowing for graphical representation and storage. “The new scientific and technological facilities have made ORT Renzo Levi one of the best schools in Rome. “ORT also has provided teachers

with intensive training on computerassisted teaching methods in science and technology, including a workshop using the new data logging system and web open-source software. Interactive whiteboards are used across the curriculum. “These developments make it possible for students to graduate with the skills necessary for a wide array of careers – and now some 90 percent of students gain high enough scores to pursue tertiary studies in Italy and abroad. “ORT has had a significant presence in Italy since World War II. ORT trained Holocaust survivors in the DP camps, and in the 1950s, focused on training Italy’s resident Jewish communities. The ORT program also benefited thousands of Soviet refugees in the 1960s and ’70s.” ORT Renzo Levi, like the ORT schools in 60-plus countries across

the globe, has gone from strength to strength, at first rescuing desperate survivors, now producing some of the best-trained students in the world. Meanwhile, back in Naples Mark your calendar for Friday, January 25 for the annual ORT Sabbath, held at Beth Tikvah this time. A special treat is in store as a former ORT student will join other worshipers. Other ORT events include a luncheon on Wednesday, January 9, the ORT annual fundraiser on Wednesday, February 6, and a special luncheon on Friday, March 15 featuring a distinguished guest. All ORT events are open to the public. For more information on ORT, visit www.ortamerica.org or call Hella Amelkin at 239.649.4000. To join this exceptional organization, send a $36 check for annual dues to Hella Amelkin, 3200 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Apt. #307, Naples, FL 34103.

RESERVE THESE DATES FOR THE GULF BEACHES SEASON • January 9, 2013, 11:30 a.m. - ORT Luncheon Event • January 25, 2013, 7:00 p.m. - ORT Sabbath at Beth Tikvah • February 6, 2013, 11:30 a.m. - ORT Annual Fundraiser Event • March 15, 2013, noon - ORT Special Luncheon

Read the current and previous editions of the Federation Star online at www.jewishnaples.org

ORGANIZATIONS

26A Federation Star December 2012 NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN

239-353-5963 / 239-354-9117

National Council of Jewish Women update By Linda Wainick, co-President

ach December, NCJW participates in several community service projects. Our Visions Luncheon will be held on Monday, December 3 at Temple Shalom. This has been an annual event for over 30 years. Guests are from the Collier County Association for the Visually Impaired. We are fortunate to have Evelyn Cole, Judy Kaufman, Sandy Stone and Helen Weinfeld prepare the delicious meal. Our guests look forward to the menu, and tell us it is a highlight of their holidays. Jane Galler will be providing musical entertainment. Our guests love the music and enjoying singing along. Carol Emerson is the chair. Thanks to Jane, Carol and Temple Shalom for this wonderful community service. On Tuesday, December 11, we

will prepare and organize our Chanukah “Basket” delivery. This is a very special community project that we do jointly with Jewish Family & Community Services. Every year our visits bring smiles to those we visit in assisted-living facilities, nursing homes and private residences. Bobbie Katz has chaired this project for many years. Do you like to knit or crochet? Our knitters are busy at work making caps and booties for newborns, which are donated to the birthing center at NCH. They are so pleased to receive these, as each newborn is given a cap and booties. Our knitters also make fun boas and lap robes to give to seniors (which we do with our basket deliveries). Baby blankets for the nursery at RCMA, and security blankets for the children at the Shelter

naples jewiSh Social Club

for Abused Women are also made. If you are interested, contact our chair, Gayle Dorio. Once again, the annual Women’s Chanukah Celebration, chaired by Bobbie Katz, will be held at Temple Shalom on Wednesday, December 12. Cantor Azu and the preschool children will provide festive musical entertainment and, as always, delicious desserts will be served. Upcoming events XX Wednesday, January 16: Luncheon at the Vineyards with Suzanne Graziano, NCH Director of Orthopedics, “Keeping Your Joints Healthy” XX Wednesday, January 23: “Fiddler On the Roof” at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers

NCJW in Israel NCJW CEO Nancy K. Kaufman recently released the following statement: The arrest of Anat Hoffman, Director of the Israel Religious “Action Center, at the Western Wall in Jerusalem for saying the Sh’ma Israel, Judaism’s central proclamation of faith, is another shameful chapter in the treatment of women praying at the Wall by government authorities... The hatred and contempt for Hoffman’s civil rights expressed by the actions of those who arrested her are chilling. All who support equality for women and the restoration of the Wall as a holy site accessible to all streams of Judaism must unite in making their condemnation of this event known to the Israeli government.

imtwirl@sbcglobal.net / 440-221-6468

Naples Jewish Social Club update By Illeen Mittleman, President

he Naples Jewish Social Club is a friendly group from southern Lee, Collier and Marco representing the entire Jewish community. We encourage members to jump on board and let your ideas take shape. Annual membership renewal Our annual membership renewal period opens December 1, 2012 for 2013. The membership dues remain at $15 per person. Forms will be sent to present members by December 5. All dues should be paid by January 10, 2013 or you will be paying a nonmember fee to attend our Gala event. Please adhere to this timeline so you don’t have to pay an additional $5 as a non-member. Send your checks made out to NJSC to Sondra Greer, 935 Tropical Bay Court, Naples, FL 34120.

Annual Gala The Naples Jewish Social Club annual Gala event will be held on Sunday, January 20 at Longshore Lake Country Club, which is located off Immokalee Road in North Naples. The evening promises to be quite entertaining with Cahlua and Cream doing a floor show. The dinner will be exquisite with hors d’oeuvres and drinks being served in the grill room from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. The dining room will open at 7:00 and dinner will be served. The menu consists of surf and turf with scrumptious sides to accompany the entrée. The dessert will consist of apple blossom with warm caramel sauce. The cost of the evening is $40 for members and $45 for non-members. If you would like to join the NJSC or if you have any questions

concerning the Gala event, please call Sondra Greer at 239.353.4468. Sightseeing cruise The club had a wonderful paddle wheeler cruise with sightseeing, schmoozing, an all-you-can-eat buffet, music, dancing and, of course, sunbathing. We thank Harvey Chodock for arranging for this fun-filled event. Dinner and Compton & Bennett show The club staged a lovely catered dinner and comedy show featuring Compton and Bennett in their latest show, Flea Bitten, at the Southern Pines Clubhouse. The dinner was terrific and Compton and Bennett were quite funny in their portrayal of life in Florida. We thank Sondra Greer for arranging this super event. Bridge and Mahjongg In addition to our regular events, we offer Bridge and Mahjongg. Our special interest groups of Bridge and Mahjongg remain an active, social part of our group. Many members attend our terrific bridge games which include social and duplicate and are played respectively on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at Sterling Oaks Clubhouse in North Naples. Games

begin at 6:00 p.m. Coffee and cookies are served. Cost is $8 per couple. Reservations are a must by the preceding Thursday. Call Tilda Ellis at 239.949.9913. Our Mahjongg game is a spirited one played weekly at Longshore Lake Clubhouse in North Naples every Thursday. Twenty ladies or more attend our Mahjongg games on a regular basis. Lunch is served at the Clubhouse followed by a fast-paced game for experienced players. Be there for lunch at 11:30 a.m. and continue with play ending at 4:00 p.m. Contact Barbara Bresnick at 239.566.1126 or Sondra Greer at 239.353.4468. We are always open to suggestions for special interest groups as we do in Bridge and Mahjongg. For updates on members’ health and life events, call Judy Lansat at 239. 352.0287. For membership matters, call Sondra Greer at 239.353.4468. Our co-Chairs can be reached as follows: Arnold Bresnick at 239.566.1126 or bhbnaples@gmail.com; Harvey Chodock at 239.949.4927 or har veychodock@earthlink.net. Club President Illeen Mittleman can be reached at 440.221.6468 or imtwirl@ sbcglobal.net.

Stay informed throughout the month! SIGN UP FOR THE FEDERATION’S WEEKLY COMMUNITY eNEWSLETTER! Get the latest information on upcoming community events and cultural activities, news from Israel, important news updates and lots more.

Send an email to info@jewishnaples.org or visit www.jewishnaples.org.

27A BUSINESS DIRECTORY Federation Star December 2012 HUMANISTIC JEWISH HAVURAH

December 2012 Federation Star

27A

www.humanisticjewishhavurahswfl.org / 239-495-8197

December presents two opportunities for participation Paula Creed President

he Humanistic Jewish story of Chanukah will be celebrated at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 9 at the Bonita Bay Club, 26660 Country Club Drive, Bonita Springs. The real story of Chanukah will be told, the menorah will be lit and a traditional holiday meal including latkes will be served. The evening promises to be a fun-filled experience for all! Reservations may be made by sending your check in the amount of $35 payable to “HJH” to Cynthia Cook, 25051 Banbridge Court, #202, Bonita Springs, FL 34134. Please indicate your preference for either fish or chicken. For more details, visit our website at www.humanisticjewishhavurahswfl.org. Later in the month, we are pleased to host Lou Altman, immediate past President of the Society for Humanis-

tic Judaism, our national organization. His topic will be “Humanistic Judaism: A Contradiction in Terms?” Humanism is a philosophy of life that emphasizes the importance of human power and human achievement. Judaism, for many, is a theistic philosophy. Can the two be reconciled or might one of these definitions be inaccurate? This event begins at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 23 in the Community Room of the Collier County Jewish Federation, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 2201, Naples. Reservations may be made by contacting Dena Sklaroff at denas27@aol.com or 239. 353.0909.

ewish holidays are essential to Jewish identity. Like the holidays of most national and religious groups, they are often associated with historical and mythical events. Humanistic Jews recognize that Jewish holidays, like all celebrations, are an invention of human culture, lacking any supernatural significance. Humanistic Jews are keenly interested in the development of and the true stories behind Jewish holidays. This helps

them to celebrate them with integrity and to give them fresh meaning. As traditionally celebrated, Chanukah highlights the Maccabeeled Jewish victory over Hellenistic Assyrian persecution in Israel during the mid-second century BCE. The Talmud relates a legend about how, upon reclaiming the Jerusalem Temple, the Maccabees discovered a tiny miraculous vessel of oil that lasted for eight days. In reality, what happened is much more complicated, involving a civil war between Jews in conflict over accommodating and assimilating Hellenic culture that was sweeping through the Near East. Greek Assyrians who ruled the area intervened on the side of the assimilationists. With victory, the Maccabees declared an eight-day holiday commemoration. Primary sources make no mention of a miracle of oil, but do indicate that the eight days were a delayed celebration of the feast of Sukkot. It has been speculated that Chanukah’s lights reflect elements of Sukkot’s torch celebrations, a long-forgotten part of the Temple’s Sukkot Water Drawing Ceremonies. There was also a strong influence from

region-wide winter solstice festivals, as well. In emphasizing the later miracle tale, the Rabbis of the Talmud were wisely responding to their own recent catastrophes. Beginning in the late first century CE, Jews had been in revolt against Rome. This resulted in bitter defeats in 70 CE and 135 CE. The Rabbis were not interested in more bloodshed and chose to frame the Maccabees’ victory as a gift from God and the eight days as a remembrance of miraculous oil. Humanistic Jews are always keen to discover the actual events and experiences that shaped Jewish customs. Chanukah commemorates a civil war between factions of Jews struggling to delineate cultural boundaries. Though defeated in battle, Jews who advocated Hellenism were vindicated when the Maccabean kingdom that arose later adopted significant Hellenistic practices. Even today, Chanukah serves as a living example of how holidays evolve. Chanukah gifts and decorations are recent developments, inspired by Christmas.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY ACCOUNTANT

ATTORNEY - ESTATE PLANNING

ATTORNEY

A. STEPHEN KOTLER

TYLER B. KORN, ESQ.

Sheldon W. Starman, CPA Rogers Wood Hill Starman & Gustason Certified Public Accountants 2375 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 110 Naples, FL 34103 Tel: 239-262-1040  Fax: 239-262-8403 Email: sstarman@rwhsgcpa  www.rwhsgcpa.com

THE KORN LAW FIRM, P.L. NEW YORK, NY

NAPLES, FL

WWW.KORNTAX.COM NEWGATE TOWER, SuiTE 302 5150 TAMiAMi TRAil N. NAPlES, FlORidA 34103

DIAMONDS & JEWELRY

FUNERAL SERVICES

C E M E T E R Y

•

M A U S O L E U M

Advanced Cemetery Arrangement Planning

Teresa Shepp Family Service Counselor

KOTLER LAW FIRM P.L.

PHONE (239) 354-4300 FAX (239) 354-4310 TKORN@KORNTAX.COM

6780 Vanderbilt Beach Rd. • Naples, FL 34119 Telephone: (239) 354-5330 www.palmroyale.net

PALM ROYALE

Comprehensive Wealth Transfer Planning Asset Preservation • Federal Transfer Tax Probate and Trust Administration Elder Law and Special Needs

TAX AND CORPORATE LAW

Want to see your business in this spot? For more information or to place an ad, call Jacqui at (239) 777-2889.

CEMETeRY

Board Certified Wills, Trusts and Estate Lawyer

999 Vanderbilt Beach Road Suite 200 Naples, Florida 34108

Phone 239.325.2333

skotler@kotlerpl.com

COUNSELING

Margaret Passeri, LCSW Counseling services for individuals & couples COUNSELING CENTER 1415 Panther Lane, Suite 223 Naples, FL 34109

239-571-0435

INSURANCE

FRANK WEINBERG

NAPLES DIAMOND SERVICE Diamonds, Watches and Jewelry Bought/Sold, Repaired and Appraised Coins – Bullion 660 9th St. N., Ste. 31-B Naples, Florida 34102

Phone 239-403-1055 Fax 239-403-0946

E-mail mrfrank3@centurylink.net

Long Term Care Insurance • Life Insurance Income Protection • Critical Illness Coverage North Naples 1625 Pine Ridge Rd. 592-1611

East Naples 4735 Tamiami Trail E. 417-5000

Advanced Funeral Planning Specialists Call about our Pre-Planning Discounts

Mitchell Dannenberg, cltc

(239) 461-5511 http://ltcimarketplace.com

more business directory listings on the next page

28A Federation Star December 2012 Interior DECORATOR

BUSINESS DIRECTORY OPHTHALMOLOGY

NEUROLOGY

Stephen G. Schwartz, M.D., M.B.A.

Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology Medical Director, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at Naples 311 9th Street North, Suite 100 Naples, Florida 34102 www.bascompalmer.org

PIANO LESSONS

Piano Lessons with Jo Ann Kravitz

Phone: (239) 659-3937 Fax: (239) 659-3984 sschwartz2@med.miami.edu

PODIATRIST DIPLOMATE, AMERICAN BOARD OF PODIATRIC SURGERY

FELLOW, AMERICAN PROF. WOUND CARE ASSN.

DR. ROBERT D. TEITELBAUM PODIATRIST

239-293-6819 In your home Ages 6 to 106 Affordable Rates BS in Music Education

P R I N TING

REAL ESTATE

Beth Shaw Adelman, GRI, Realtor® Naples Fine Home Specialist

239.571.4791 Beth@Bocaexecutive.com www.Bocaexecutiverealty.com/Naples Newest location at Naples Bay Resort! 1490 5th Avenue South, #A1-104 Naples, Florida 34102

TRANSPORTATION

PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS WHO HELP MAKE THE FEDERATION STAR POSSIBLE.

239-263-4595 FAX 239-263-8851

4763 TAMIAMI TRAIL, N. NAPLES, FL34103

DrBob@NaplesPodiatry.com

PSYCHIATRY Melanie Bacal Korn, M.D. FACFE, DABFM, DABPN, BCETS

Board Certified in Psychiatry No desire for self-fulfillment should ever be dismissed as insignificant. Newgate Tower, Ste 302 5150 Tamiami Trail N. Naples, Florida 34103

REAL ESTATE

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Your trusted, credible, expert advisor for Naples luxury real estate mobile 239.404.2618 RickieKlein@comcast.net www.RickieNaples.com

TRANSPORTATION

What if there was one place . . . • to meet the needs of Jews and non-Jews, young and old, wherever they live? • where you could provide the spark that helps repair the world? • inspired by bold, often daring pursuits of social justice and human rights? • you could make stronger by rich traditions of advocacy, education, responsibility & tzedakah? • where you provide the spark that helps others make connection to Jewish values & people?

TRAVEL

There is! Federation. It starts with you!

WE’VE BEEN

SHARING THE LIGHT FOR GENERATIONS.

This Chanukah, help us share the light with everyone, young and old. Together we can ensure that community programs and activities that build Jewish identity remain vibrant and strong. And we can fight poverty, hunger and despair right now. Share the light. Donate. Volunteer. Make a difference.

YOU MAKE IT POSSIBLE!

FS1212 Everything Federation does is made possible through the generous donations from members of the community. Please consider making a gift today!

 I hereby pledge and promise to pay my Federation for the 2012 JFCC/UJA Annual Campaign a contribution of:  $36  $72  $180  $540  other $_________  Contribution enclosed (Check #__________)  Please charge my:

 MasterCard

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Jewish Federation may add a 3% donation to my payment to offset credit card service fee _____ (initials or √ denote authorization)

Account #______________________________________________ Exp. Date____________ ccv#_________ Name: ________________________________________________ Signature:_________________________________________ Billing Address:____________________________________________________________________________________ City: ___________________________________ ST: _______ Zip: _______________ Phone: ______________________________ Please send to: Jewish Federation of Collier County, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Suite 2201, Naples, FL 34109-0613 JFCC/UJA CAMPAIGN OF JEWISH FEDERATIONS OF NORTH AMERICA

30A Federation Star December 2012

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Get the Service5773 you Deserve December 2012 – Kislev/Teveth SUNDAY MONDAY Candle lighting times:

December 7: December 14: December 21: December 28:

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY 1

5:17 5:19 5:22 5:26

8:30am TS Torah Talk 9:30am BT Services 10:00am CHA Services 10:00am TS Services

1st night of

9:00am BT Religious School 10:00am HM Volunteer Rec 1:30pm CJD Service Project 12:00pm NCJW Visions Luncheon 3:000pm HDH Centennial 4:30pm HM Student Art Show 2:00pm HDH Board Mtg 5:30pm JCMI Bingo

10:00am TS-S Board Mtg 10:30am JCMI-S Board Mtg 12:00pm TS Brown Bag Ln 12:15pm BT Torah Study 1:00pm JCMI Dup Bridge 1:30pm CJD Steering Cmte 6:30pm CJD RT Book Disc 7:00pm HDH Genetics Prg

11:30am JCMI Mah Jongg 11:30am CHA-M Lunch 1:00pm NJC Board Meeting 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 7:00pm Israel Affairs Series 2:30pm CRC Meeting 4:30pm BT Religious School 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School 4:30pm TS Relgious School

11:30am ORT Board Mtg Chanukah 6:00pm TS Shir Joy Shabbat 9:30am BT Services 7:30pm BT Services 10:00am CHA Services 7:30pm NJC Services 10:00am TS Services 8:00pm JCMI Services

11:00am CHA PSA Chanukah 11:30am CHA-M Lunch 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 1:30pm NCJW Community Chanukah Tea 4:30pm BT Religious School 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School 4:30pm TS Religious School

11:30am JCMI Mah Jongg 2:30pm Israel Affairs Cmte 3:00pm HM Exec Cmte 5:30pm TS Rosh Chodesh 5:45pm JFCC Community Chanukah Celebration 6:30pm HDH Eve Group

11:30am ATS Lunch & Lect 5:30pm CHA Community Shabbat Dinner 7:30pm BT Services 7:30pm NJC Services 7:30pm TS Services 8:00pm JCMI Services

9:30am BT Services 10:00am CHA Services 10:00am TS Services 6:00pm TS PJ Havdalah

9:00am BT Religious School 10:00am NCJW Board Mtg 10:00am NJC Educ. Prog. 10:30am TS Naples Jewish 11:00am TS “Our Torah” Proj Caring Support Group 12:00pm BT Latke Lunch 5:30pm JCMI Bingo 4:30pm CHA Chanukah Fest 5:30pm HJH Chanukah Party 5:30pm NJC Chanukah Party 5:45pm JCMI Chanukah Cel

11:30am TS-S Luncheon 12:00pm JCMI-S Gen Mtg 12:15pm BT Torah Study 1:00pm JCMI Dup Bridge 5:00pm HM Teacher Wkshp 7:30pm JFCC Board Mtg

9:00am BT Religious School 9:30am JWV Meeting 10:45am TS Talent Show 2:00pm JCMI Film Festival 4:30pm GenShoah meeting 5:00pm HDH Major Gifts

12:00pm NJC-S Book Club 5:30pm JCMI Bingo 6:30pm CHA Women’s Cir 7:30pm BT “Meet the Author” with Ellen Brazer

12:15pm BT Torah Study 1:00pm JCMI Dup Bridge 7:00pm TS Board Mtg 7:30pm ZOA Program

9:30am HJH Board Mtg 11:30am CHA-M Lunch 12:00pm NJC Men’s Club 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 4:30pm BT Religious School 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School 4:30pm TS Religious School 7:00pm TS WIJL

11:30am JCMI Mah Jongg 1:30pm TS-S Book Bag 3:00pm HM Board Mtg 4:00pm BT Board Mtg

7:30pm BT Services 7:30pm NJC Services 7:30pm TS Services 8:00pm JCMI Services

9:30am BT Services 10:00am CHA Services 10:00am TS Services

25 CHRISTMAS

9:00am JCMI Men’s Club 10:00am NJC Educ. Prog. 2:00pm HJH Gen Mtg

10:30am TS Naples Jewish Caring Support Group 5:30pm JCMI Bingo 6:00pm BT Deli Night

12:15pm BT Torah Study 1:00pm JCMI Dup Bridge 6:30pm HDH K & N Night 7:00pm TS Board Mtg

11:30am CHA-M Lunch 11:30am JCMI Mah Jongg 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 6:30pm CHA Movie Night 4:30pm BT Religious School 7:00pm JCMI Board Mtg 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School 4:30pm TS Religious School

7:30pm BT Services 7:30pm NJC Services 7:30pm TS Services 8:00pm JCMI Services

9:30am BT Services 10:00am CHA Services 10:00am TS Services

5:30pm JCMI Bingo

Throughout the year, some holidays fall within the normal work week. The Federation office will be closed in observance of those holidays which are listed in all CAPITAL LETTERS.

Key: • AJC: American Jewish Committee • ATS: American Technion Society • BT: Beth Tikvah • CHA: Chabad Jewish Center of Naples • CHA: Chabad Men’s Club • CJD: Catholic/Jewish Dialogue • CRC: Community Relations Committee • HDH: Hadassah • HJH: Humanistic Jewish Havurah • HM: Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida

Federation Star Publication Policy The Federation Star is a subsidized arm of the Jewish Federation of Collier County (JFCC). Its purpose and function is to publicize the activities and programs of the “Federation,” and to publicize the ongoing activities of the established and recognized Jewish organizations within Collier County. The mission of the JFCC is to reach out and unite all Jews of the greater Collier County area. While offering opinions and points of view do, and will continue to, exist about many issues of importance to Jews, the Federation Star will confine itself to publishing ONLY items that report the facts of actual events of concern to Jews and will only offer commentary that clearly intends to unite all Jews in a common purpose or purposes. Critical or derogatory comments directed at individuals or organizations will NOT be published in the Federation Star.

• ISRB: Israel Bonds • JCMI: Jewish Congregation of Marco Island • JCMI-M: JCMI Men’s Club • JCMI-S: JCMI Sisterhood • JFCC: Jewish Federation of Collier County • JFCS: Jewish Family and Community Services • JNF: Jewish National Fund • JWV: Jewish War Veterans • MDA: Magen David Adom • NCJW: National Council of Jewish Women (Adopted by the Officers and Board of Trustees of the Jewish Federation of Collier County 1/98) To avoid misunderstandings, controversies and destructive divisions among our people, the Officers and Board of Trustees of the “Federation” have adopted the following publication policy: Advertisements: All advertisements, regardless of their sponsor, shall be paid for in full, at the established rates, prior to publication. The contents of all advertisements shall be subject to review and approval of the Federation Board or its designee. Commercial advertisers may make credit arrangements with the advertising manager, subject to the approval of the Federation Board. Regular Columns: Regular columns shall be accepted only from leaders (Rabbis, Presidents, Chairpersons) of established and recognized Jewish organizations within Collier County and the designated Chairpersons of the regular committees of the Jewish Federation of Collier County.

• NJC: Naples Jewish Congregation • NJC-M: Naples Jewish Congregation Men’s Club • NJC-S: Naples Jewish Congregation Sisterhood • NJSC: Naples Jewish Social Club • ORT: Organization for Rehabilitation/Training • TS: Temple Shalom • TS-M: Temple Shalom Men’s Club • TS-S: Temple Shalom Sisterhood • WCA: Women’s Cultural Alliance • ZOA: Zionist Organization of America

Special Announcements: Special announcements shall be accepted from established Jewish organizations within Collier County and may, at the discretion of the Federation Board, be subject to the conditions applicable to paid advertisements, as set forth above. News Items: Only those news items pertaining to matters of general interest to the broadest cross-section of the Jewish Community will be accepted for publication. Note: Items of controversial opinions and points of view, about political issues, will not be accepted for publication without prior approval of a majority of the Federation Officers and Trustees. All persons and organizations objecting to the actions and rulings of the Editor or Publications Committee Chairman shall have the right to appeal those rulings to the Officers and Board of Trustees of the JFCC.

Federation membership

According to the By-Laws of the Jewish Federation of Collier County, members are those individuals who make an annual gift of $36 or more to the UJA Federation Campaign in our community. For more information, please contact the Federation at 239.263.4205.

December 2012 COMMUNITY DIRECTORY 31A Federation Star TEMPLE SHALOM OF NAPLES (Reform) 4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34119 Phone: 455-3030  Fax: 455-4361 Email: info@naplestemple.org www.naplestemple.org Rabbi Adam Miller Cantor Donna Azu James H. Perman, D.D., Rabbi Emeritus Yale T. Freeman, President Susan Shechter Daugherty, Exec. Dir. Caren Plotkin, Religious School Dir. Seyla Cohen, Preschool Director Peter Lewis, Organist/Choir Director Shabbat Services: Shabbat Eve - Friday 7:30 p.m. Shabbat - Saturday 10:00 a.m. • Sisterhood • Men’s Club • Adult Education • Havurot • Youth Groups • Religious School • Judaic Library • Hebrew School • Pre-School • Adult Choir • Social Action • Outreach

Naples’ only Judaica Shop

CHABAD NAPLES JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER serving Naples and Marco Island 1789 Mandarin Road, Naples, FL 34102 Phone: 262-4474 Email: info@chabadnaples.com Website: www.chabadnaples.com Rabbi Fishel Zaklos Dr. Arthur Seigel, President Ettie Zaklos, Education Director Shabbat Services Shabbat - Saturday 10am • Camp Gan Israel • Hebrew School • Preschool of the Arts • Jewish Women’s Circle • Adult Education • Bat Mitzvah Club • Friendship Circle • Smile on Seniors • Flying Challah • Kosher food delivery The Federation Star is published monthly, September through July, by the Jewish Federation of Collier County. 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road Suite 2201 Naples, FL 34109-0613 Phone: 239-263-4205 Fax: 239-263-3813 E-mail: info@jewishnaples.org Website: www.jewishnaples.org Volume 22, No. 4 December 2012 48 pages USPS Permit No. 419

December 2012 Federation Star

JEWISH CONGREGATION OF MARCO ISLAND

NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION

BETH TIKVAH

(Reform)

(Conservative)

991 Winterberry Drive Marco Island, FL 34145 Phone: 642-0800  Fax: 642-1031 Email: mgr.jcmioffice@embarqmail.com Website: MarcoJCMI.tripod.com

Services are held at: The Unitarian Congregation 6340 Napa Woods Way Rabbi Sylvin Wolf Ph.D, DD 234-6366 Email: sylvinwolf@comcast.net www.naplesjewishcongregation.org

1459 Pine Ridge Road Naples, FL 34109

Rabbi Edward M. Maline, DD Hari Jacobsen, Cantorial Soloist Stephen Goldenberg, President Shabbat Services Friday 8:00 p.m. Torah Study and Saturday Services • Sisterhood • Men’s Club • Brownstein Judaica Gift Shop

Don Pomerantz, President Jane Galler, Cantorial Soloist Shabbat Services Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. May - August: services once a month Sisterhood • Men’s Club Adult Education • Adult Choir Social Action • Community Events

Stock Market Report Helium was up, feathers were down. Paper was stationary. Fluorescent tubing was dimmed in light trading. Knives were up sharply. Cows steered into a bull market. Pencils lost a few points. Hiking equipment was trailing. Elevators rose, while escalators continued their slow decline. Weights were up in heavy trading. Light switches were off. Mining equipment hit rock bottom. Diapers remain unchanged. Shipping lines stayed at an even keel. The market for raisins dried up. Coca Cola fizzled. Caterpillar stock inched up a bit. Sun peaked at midday. Balloon prices were inflated. And Scott Tissue touched a new bottom. Does Wall Street give you the jitters? Then make a charitable gift today... A gift that will provide the financial index good for you and the Jewish community.

For more information on gift planning, call David Willens, Executive Director, at 239.263.4205.

Rabbi Ammos Chorny Stuart Kaye, President Phil Jason, Vice President Sue Hammerman, Secretary Shabbat Services Friday evenings at 7:30pm Saturday mornings at 9:30am Youth Education - Adult Education Community Events

Jewish Organizations to Serve You in Collier County (All area codes are 239 unless otherwise noted.)

Jewish Federation of Collier County Phone: 263-4205  Fax: 263-3813 Website: www.jewishnaples.org Email: info@jewishnaples.org • Federation President: Norman Krivosha • Executive Director: David Willens

American Technion Society • Chapter Dir: Jennifer Singer, 941-378-1500 • Naples Chairman: L.C. Goldman, 592-5884

Collier/Lee Chapter of Hadassah • President: Shelley Skelton, 676-3052

Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida • President: Joshua Bialek, 263-9200

Humanistic Jewish Havurah of Southwest Florida • Paula Creed, 495-8484 • Reva Pearlstein, 800-622-8017 • Tyler Korn, 254-0400

Jewish Family and Community Services of Southwest Florida Phone: 325-4444 • Chairperson: Millie Sernovitz • Executive Director: Dr. Jaclynn Faffer

Jewish National Fund • West/Central FL Office, 800-211-1502 Uri ext 8910, Beth ext 8911

Jewish War Veterans Post 202,Collier Co. Chapter

David Willens, Executive Director – david@jewishnaples.org

• Commander, Gil Block, 304-5953 • Senior Vice Commander, M/Gen. Bernard L. Weiss, USAF Ret. 594-7772

Melissa Keel, Community Prog. Dir. – melissa@jewishnaples.org

Editor: Ted Epstein, 239-249-0699 fedstar18@gmail.com

General information requests – info@jewishnaples.org

Design: Federation Media Group, Inc.

Ted Epstein, Editor, Federation Star – fedstar18@gmail.com

Send news stories to: fedstar18@gmail.com

Phone: (239) 434-1818 Email: bethtikvahnaples@aol.com Website: www.bethtikvahnaples.org

Please note our email addresses: Iris Doenias, Administrative Assistant – iris@jewishnaples.org

January Issue Deadlines: Editorial: December 3 Advertising: December 6

(just west of Mission Square Plaza)

Israel Bonds

Publisher: Jewish Federation of Collier County

Advertising: Jacqui Aizenshtat 239-777-2889

31A

Deborah Vacca, Bookkeeper – deborah@jewishnaples.org Federation Star advertising – jacqui1818@gmail.com

Naples Friends of American Magen David Adom (MDA) • Exec Dir: Robert Schwartz, 954-457-9766

Naples Jewish Social Club • President: Illeen Mittleman, 440-221-6468

National Council of Jewish Women • Co-President: Bobbie Katz, 353-5963 • Co-President: Linda Wainick, 354-9117

ORT - Gulf Beaches Chapter

Read the current and previous editions of the Federation Star in a unique online format at

www.jewishnaples.org

• President: Marina Berkovich, 566-1771

Women’s Cultural Alliance • President: Jane Hersch, 948-0003

Zionist Organization of America • President Southwest Florida Chapter: Jerry Sobel, 597-0855

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Celebrating Jewish Life in Collier County

Federation Star Published by the Jewish Federation of Collier County serving Naples, Marco Island and the surrounding communities

www.JewishNaples.org

December 2012 - Kislev/Teveth 5773

Vol. 22 #4

Jewish Happenings

December exhibits at the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida By Amy Snyder, Executive Director

n the midst of the holiday season, we are surrounded by illumination – the lights of the menorah, the Advent wreath and Christmas trees. It is a time of remembrance and celebration, a time of literal and figurative enlightenment.

New painting of Anne Frank by Myra Roberts

The light that is the most important, however, does not come from candles or electric lights. It comes from people – people of courage and character, of grace and strength, whose lives inspire us to always do better. People like Mother Teresa, George Washington and Nehemiah – their lives exemplify a higher purpose. As we reflect on Holocaust history, no one shines brighter than Raoul Wallenberg. August of 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of this hero. For those unfamiliar with the story, Mr. Wallenberg was a young man from Sweden who answered the question asked of us all at some time: “If not me, who? If not now, when?” In 1944, he answered the call by serving on the War Refugee Board in Hungary and, along with the 350 members of his network, set to work saving tens of thousands of people in

peril under the Nazi regime. While in hiding with her family in Amsterdam, Anne Frank wrote, “Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.” Anne’s diary has become a figurative beacon to many in oppressed nations around the world, not because of any heroic action to save lives, but because she was able to keep a hopeful spirit when the world was crumbling around her. During the month of December, these stories will be highlighted at the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida. The Third Annual Student Art Show will focus on the life and legacy of Wallenberg through student portraits. At the same time, the Museum will host new portraits of Anne Frank done by Sanibel artist Myra Roberts. This is a continuation of her collection, Project Tolerance: Faces of Anne Frank. Please visit our website (www.

Painting of Anne Frank by Myra Roberts from the original exhibit Project Tolerance: Faces of Anne Frank

holocaustmuseumswfl.org) for details about these events. The Museum is located at 4760 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 7, in Sandalwood Square, Naples. We look forward to seeing you at the Museum as we usher in the season of light.

ISRAEL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE PRESENTS ISRAEL TODAY “THE U.S. AND ISRAEL RELATIONSHIP – THE VIEW FROM WASHINGTON” GUEST SPEAKER:

What’s in Your Genes? AN IMPORTANT PROGRAM TO SPREAD AWARENESS ABOUT SCREENING FOR THE 19 GENETIC DISEASES FOR WHICH 1 IN 4 ASHKENAZI JEWS IS A CARRIER

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2012 7:00 PM

BETH TIKVAH OF NAPLES - 1459 Pine Ridge Road Suggested donation: $10 at the door

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THESE DISEASES, WHO SHOULD BE TESTED, AND UPDATING YOUR SCREENING FOR ALL 19 For further information contact Dr. Karen M. Ezrine kezrine@hadassah.org Collier / Lee County Chapter

DR. RALPH NURNBERGER PROFESSOR OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY PARTNER – NURNBERGER & ASSOCIATES, WASHINGTON, DC A GOVERNMENT RELATIONS FIRM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

7:00 – 9:00PM HODGES UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY ROOM

2655 NORTHBROOKE DRIVE, NAPLES

DESSERT RECEPTION

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED CONTACT MELISSA AT 263‐4205 OR MELISSA@JEWISHNAPLES.ORG

SAVE THE DATE: SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013 ISRAEL@65 EVENT

Federation Star December 2012

Author Ellen Brazer visits Beth Tikvah

ward-winning author Ellen Brazer’s first book, Hearts of Fire, won Hadassah’s prestigious Myrtle Wreathe Award, an award previously won by Maya Angelou. That book is currently listed on Amazon under The Best Holocaust-related novels. Ellen’s second book, Clouds Across the Sun, has been ranked number 8 on iTunes, and out of one million books on Amazon, Clouds (partly set in Naples) is consistently ranked in the top 1%. She is now on tour with her third book, And So It Was Written, her most ambitious project to date. This new title premiered as a bestseller under Jewish Literature on Amazon. Meticulously researched and controversial in scope and imagination, And So It Was Written travels to a time when a Third Temple is built and the Ark of the Covenant holding the Ten Commandments is found.

In the past two years Ellen has spoken to over 6,000 people at over 60 venues throughout the country. Two of Ellen’s short stories were printed in the Carnegie Mellon Anthology. She lives in South Beach where she is very active in community affairs. Ellen and her husband Mel have a combined family of six children and 13 grandchildren. On Monday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m., Beth Tikvah offers a “Meet the Author” evening when Ellen Brazer visits to discuss her new novel, And So It Was Written. The book will be available for purchase and signing. Refreshments will be served. Admission is $5 for Beth Tikvah members; $10 for nonmembers. Beth Tikvah is located at 1459 Pine Ridge Road, Naples. Call 239.434.1818 for reservations. See Phil Jason’s review of And So It Was Written on page 7B.

Zionist Organization of America events

he next chapter meeting of the ZOA will be Relating to Human Rights Commission, presented by Joe Sabag, Esq., ZOA Regional Executive Director, on Tuesday, December 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Beth Tikvah, 1459 Pine Ridge Road, Naples. Our programs are open to the public and refreshments will be served. Covert is $5 per person and we ask that you RSVP to chapter president Jerry Sobel at jerrysobel@aol.com or Gene Sipe

at mrnsrvr@gmail.com no later than December 17. The January meeting will feature Dr. Stephen Steinlight, Senior Policy Analyst at the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) in Washington, D.C. He focuses on ascending trends in immigration and immigration policy. This will be a fascinating program you will certainly want to hear. It’s being hosted at Beth Tikvah Naples on Wednesday, January 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Made in Israel

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and the Israel Affairs Committee of the Jewish Federation of Collier County cordially invite you to a

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

Temple Shalom events open to the community

For additional information on any of the events below, please call Temple Shalom at 239.455.3030.

n Tuesday, December 4, Temple Shalom presents How Do You Work This Thing? George Rubin will help us all understand today’s technology, focusing primarily on the functions of the iPhone and iPad. Now you’ll actually be able to communicate with your children and/or grandchildren! This presentation begins at noon and is part of our Brown Bag series. Bring your lunch and your questions! ~~~ On Sunday, December 9 at 11:00 a.m., Temple Shalom invites you to the opening ceremony for Our Torah project. Join us for this joyful event as we begin the extraordinary journey to write a Torah. We proudly invite the entire community to participate. It takes a tribe to scribe a Torah. Be a part of it! ~~~ On Saturday, December 15 at 6:00 p.m., you are invited to join Temple Shalom’s youngest members and their families for PJ Havdalah. This fun-filled celebration is geared specifically for families with children ages 1-5, who are welcome to come in their pajamas for fun, stories and havdalah prayers ushering in the new week. ~~~ On Sunday, December 16 at 10:45 a.m., Temple Shalom’s Religious School proudly presents its annual amazing and amusing Talent Show.

Our students showcase their talents and their personalities in this one-ofa-kind extravaganza! For more information, please contact the Religious School at 239.455.2233. ~~~ On Wednesday, December 19 at 7:00 p.m., Temple Shalom presents Debra Antzis, Chair of Our Torah. Debra will educate us about the Torah project, providing the history of the Temple’s current Torahs, discussing why we are embarking on this incredible year-long experience, how the process works, and more. ~~~ Temple Shalom’s Sisterhood Book Bag meets on Thursday, December 20 at 1:00 p.m. to discuss Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks. Based on the true story of the first Native American to be graduated from Harvard College in 1665, the book is narrated by the daughter of a Calvinist preacher, who herself is thirsty for a good education. All are welcome and there is no fee. ~~~ SAVE THE DATE: On Tuesday, January 8 at 11:30 a.m., Temple Shalom proudly welcomes the return of Maggie Anton, author of Rashi’s Daughters. Co-sponsored by Sisterhood and the Our Torah project, Ms. Anton will discuss her latest book, Rav Hisda’s Daughter. For ticket information, please contact the temple office.

stay connected at www.jewishnaples.org

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at Palm Royale Cemetery

MIDDLE EAST BRIEFING featuring

Eli Groner Israel’s Minister for Economic Affairs to the United States in Washington, D.C.

Wednesday, January 16, at 2:00 p.m. Naples Daily News Community Room 1100 Immokalee Road Israeli technology is used in everyday life, from cell phones and voicemail to generic drugs and radiation-free diagnostic machines. Israeli companies are pioneering ground-breaking research in every field: • medical innovations to detect cancer earlier and treat it more efficiently, • military advances that protect American troops while reducing collateral damage, and • first responder procedures that saved the life of a U.S. Congresswoman.

Could a nuclear Iran bent on Israel’s destruction affect these innovative contributions and the essential foreign investments that fund them? There is no cost to attend. This event is strictly off-the-record and closed to the press. Light refreshments will be served. Please confirm your attendance by visiting www.aipac.org/Naples or by contacting Jacki Waksman at (954) 653-9053 or Melissa Keel at (239) 263-4205.

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JEWISH HAPPENINGS Federation Star December 2012 3B

December 2012 Federation Star

JewisH nATionAl Fund

Naples Tree of life

AwArd dinner Honoring Myra Janco daniels January 17, 2013 • 6:00 pm Quail West Golf and Country Club 5950 Burnham Road • Naples, FL 34119

Myra Janco Daniels,1st Lady of the Arts in Naples, is a shining example of one person making a profound difference. She is the Founder, Former Chairman, President and CEO of the Philharmonic Center for the Arts and Naples Museum of Art. Recently retired, she is credited with creating “The Phil,” which stands as a unique model, combining the performing and visual arts with an orchestra, museum, and educational programs for children and adults.

A truly special gala evening performance by famous duo pianists Dick Hyman and Derek Smith featuring “Broadway Comes Alive,”a trip through the years of Berlin, Gershwin, Hammerstein and more. Proceeds from the 2013 Naples Tree of Life™ Award Dinner will benefit the construction of the Amphitheater at the Be’er Sheva River Park, which will dramatically change the culture in the Negev. Tickets, congratulatory ads and sponsorships are available for this event. For more information, please contact Uri Smajovits at usmajovits@jnf.org or Beth Glickman Morris at bmorris@jnf.org or 800.211.1502, x890.

jnf.org

Federation Star December 2012

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

400 attend 10th Annual Kristallnacht Convocation See the article and additional photos on page 9A. Photos Courtesy Ivan Seligman.

At the event were students from St. Elizabeth Seton School who created an artwork exhibit for the occasion Seated: Martin Gauthier Catholic/Jewish Dialogue (CJD) co-Chair; Ann Jacobson, CJD co-Chair; Rabbi A. James Rudin, Guest Speaker; Ida Margolis, CJD Steering Committee; Charlotte Milavsky, CJD Steering Committee; Lenore Greenstein, CJD Steering Committee; Standing: David Willens, Executive Director, Jewish Federation of Collier County; Marv Weisberg, CJD Steering Committee; Hella Wartski, Holocaust survivor; Heinz Wartski, Holocaust survivor; Myra Shapiro, CJD Steering Committee; Dr. George Blewitt, CJD Steering Committee

Holocaust survivors and Second Generation lit memorial candles

Seated: Martin Gauthier Catholic/Jewish Dialogue (CJD) co-Chair; Ann Jacobson, CJD co-Chair; Bishop Frank Dewane, Diocese of Venice in Florida; Abe Price, Holocaust survivor; Rabbi Sylvin Wolf, Naples Jewish Congregation; Lori Mayer, Holocaust survivor; Standing: Very Rev. Robert J. Kantor, St. Agnes Catholic Church; Joshua Bialek, President, Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida; Bob Brady, CJD Committee; Rabbi A. James Rudin, Guest Speaker; Rabbi Adam Miller, Temple Shalom of Naples

ConneCt with your Jewish Community www.facebook.com/

facebook.com/jfedsrq JewishFederationofCollierCounty

COMMENTARY Federation Star December 2012 5B

December 2012 Federation Star

Europe and Israel’s day after By David Harris, Executive Director, AJC, October 23, 2012

or many years, the European Union has pressed for a twostate solution to the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. Indeed, European officials have said such an accord is a key strategic objective. Here is a thought from one who spends time in European capitals, shares the goal of an enduring two-state deal, and values Europe’s potential role. It is not enough to think about how to get from here to the day of an agreement. More focus must be given in Europe to “day after” scenarios, especially regarding Israel’s security. Otherwise, potential progress only becomes more difficult. In any conceivable deal, Israel would be asked to yield territory, making the small nation still harder to find on a world map. That creates additional risks. There are no two ways about it. Israel is in a part of the world where violence remains endemic, regimes are fragile, and political Islam is ascending. But sometimes I get the impression in Europe that invocations about Israel’s security are little more than rhetorical flourishes, part of the expected language when discussing the region, but not always thought through sufficiently. In a telling display of cognitive dissonance, there can be anguished expressions of horror about what

is taking place in Syria, but little thought given to the fact that Syria actually shares a border with Israel. Now imagine for a moment if Assad’s targets were Jews, not Arabs! Meanwhile, Hezbollah controls Lebanon, a second neighbor of Israel, while maintaining a separate militia and arsenal. It is active in Syria and remains a client of Iran. Yet, Europe, undermining the credibility of its own voice, is still incapable of declaring Hezbollah what it has been from the start – a terrorist group. That it may (or may not) also help “widows and orphans,” or be a “legitimate” political party, is quite irrelevant, given its genocidal world view and documented record of terror. Hamas is entrenched in Gaza, a third neighbor of Israel, and, like Hezbollah, aspires to a world without Israel. The picture is quite bleak wherever one looks, all the more so with the looming threat of a nuclear Iran. Yet it is precisely into this vortex that the EU would wish to press Israel, as the “stronger” party, to make one more, and then one more, “gesture” for a two-state peace deal with the Palestinians. The EU needs to obsess less about the next Israeli concessions, and devote more thought to what security for Israel would mean in a post-deal environment. No, under no imagin-

able circumstance would any Israeli government subcontract its national security to the EU, but that does not mean there is no role. It does suggest, though, less lip service to, or solemn pledges about, Israel’s security, which might ring a bit hollow in Israeli ears. After all, the European record on this score is spotty. To be sure, certain countries have been extremely helpful at key moments, but not always and not all countries. France was critical to Israel’s national defense until 1967, at which time Paris imposed a crippling arms embargo at a crucial moment in Israel’s life. When the U.S. decided to provide vital equipment to Israel during the protracted 1973 Yom Kippur War, no European country gave American transport planes permission to land and refuel, until the U.S. managed to use one of the Azores Islands. In 1991, when Saddam Hussein’s Scud missiles were landing in Israel, only two European countries offered direct assistance – Germany and the Netherlands. The experience of EU monitors at the Rafah border crossing in Gaza was not an encouraging one, however well-intentioned. And the participation of European forces in UNIFIL in Lebanon

is admirable, but has not resulted in any containment of Hezbollah, which today boasts a missile and drone arsenal reportedly capable of reaching all of Israel. For its own stature in urging the peace process forward, Europe needs to do a better job of showing Israel, the party that will take the most tangible risks for a deal, that it truly understands the dangers. It should also remember that if the Jewish people can at times be skeptical about promises, it may be because history casts a long shadow and memories of the consequences of abandonment are still fresh. And, importantly, the EU should draw on its own remarkable experience in ending the prospect of war among member states. Notwithstanding the obvious differences between Europe and the Middle East, steps can be taken by the EU to help create a new security environment by focusing, among other things, on integrated development. If Europe wants to help move Israelis and Palestinians to the “day of,” then thinking more systematically about the “day after” might well accelerate the process. For more information, please visit www.ajc.org.

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Federation Star December 2012

COMMENTARY

A clear and present danger

The Arab Spring and the Israeli enemy

By Gene Sipe, VP, Southwest Florida Chapter ZOA he most pressing security issue in the entire world today is a nuclear Iran. They continuously threaten Israel with total and absolute destruction. They remain the only state in the world that not only calls for genocide, in violation of the 1948 Convention Against Genocide (to which it is a signatory), but calls for the destruction of another UN member state, in violation of the UN Charter (to which it is also a signatory). Why they have not been ousted from that body is a topic for another discussion. Iran treats terrorism simply as a tool of statecraft, and their leadership flagrantly ignores the suffering of their own people from the extreme level of economic sanctions due to their unwillingness to be deterred from obtaining nuclear weaponry. Unlike the Cold War restraint based on mutually assured destruction, the Iranian leadership is motivated by an unrestrained messianic doctrine whereby they believe they will actually trigger the return of their 12th imam. The targets of their aggression are not only Israel, but the United States, Europe and any

of their neighboring countries that do not align with their extreme theology. Simply put, a nuclear Iran is a threat to global stability. Prime Minister Netanyahu has gone to the United Nations where his warnings are virtually ignored. This is hardly surprising. The UN is consistent in its ineffective approach to terrorism. The United States has the means, but lacks the motivation at this point in time, to destroy the Iranian production facilities. Additionally, we are told by the intelligence community experts that the timeline is such that the U.S. can no longer deploy in sufficient time to prevent weapons-grade development even if the decision to do so were made today. This once again leaves David facing Goliath. Israel needs the Jewish community to unite. The ZOA encourages you to make your voice heard. Write your elected officials and let them know that they need to support Israel so that if and when the time comes to go beyond sanctions, Israel will know that the United States really does have its back.

SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS THEY HELP MAKE THE FEDERATION STAR POSSIBLE

By Abdulateef Al-Mulhim, Arab News-Saudi Arabia any people in the Arab world are beginning to ask many questions about the past, present and future with regard to the Arab-Israeli conflict. The hard question that no Arab national wants to ask is: What was the real cost of not recognizing Israel in 1948 and why didn’t the Arab states spend their assets on education, health care and infrastructure instead of wars? But the hardest question that no Arab national wants to hear is whether Israel is the real enemy of the Arab world and the Arab people. I decided to write this article after I saw photos and reports about a starving child in Yemen, a burned ancient Aleppo souk in Syria, the underdeveloped Sinai in Egypt, car bombs in Iraq, and destroyed buildings in Libya. The photos and reports were shown on the Al-Arabiya network, which is the most watched and respected news outlet in the Middle East. The common thing among all that I saw is that the destruction and atrocities were not done by an outside enemy. So, the question now is: Who is the real enemy of the Arab world? The Arab world wasted hundreds of billions of dollars and lost tens of

thousands of innocent lives fighting Israel. The Arab world has many enemies and Israel should have been at the bottom of the list. The Arab world had many dictators who used the Arab-Israeli conflict to suppress their own people. These dictators’ atrocities against their own people are far worse than all the full-scale Arab-Israeli wars. Now, with the never-ending Arab Spring, the Arab world has no time for Palestinians refugees or the Palestinian cause, because many Arabs are refugees themselves and under constant attacks from their own forces. What happened to the Arabs’ sworn enemy (Israel)? Israel now has the most advanced research facilities, top universities and advanced infrastructure. The life expectancy of the Palestinians living in Israel is far longer than many Arab states and they enjoy far better political and social freedom than many of their Arab brothers. Even the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza enjoy more political and social rights than some places in the Arab world. Now, it is time to stop the hatred and wars, and start to create better living conditions for future Arab generations.

Voice-overs By Arlene Rutstein

e Floridians, in our ‘swing state,’ are inundated with insidious TV ads. Our mail boxes and computer in-boxes fill with electoral spam. Phones ring constantly with robo-calls. This is campaigning in our democracy. This unsought attention annoys. We turn off the TV, tired of voices. Recently, we attended the 74th Anniversary of Kristallnacht, “The Night of Broken Glass,” at St. Agnes Parish Center in Naples. Where was the world’s outrage when the Nazis pillaged and destroyed Berlin’s Jewish business, cultural and religious community? Ninety-one Jews were killed and 250,000 Jewish men and boys were sent to concentration camps. Violence

replaced those voices. We’re bombarded with political harangues from both sides. It’s a necessary nuisance. When the election’s over, campaigning voices will be silenced. For Kristallnacht, for the suffering, we lament in song and prayer. Our voices remember and will never erase that reality. Kaddish is chanted. I’m thinking maybe being annoyed by political rants isn’t too high a price to pay for democracy. We don’t have to agree, but we do have the right to voice our concerns. It’s a teachable moment. Maybe one voice, multiplied, can prevent another Kristallnacht. So, that never again “…no one left to speak for me.”

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JEWISH INTEREST Federation Star December 2012 7B

December 2012 Federation Star

Roman forces threaten a resurgent Jewish nation in suspenseful family saga By Philip K. Jason, Special to the Federation Star

self-proclaimed messiah with a growa rediscovery of the Ark of ing number of devoted followers. Bar the Covenant holding the Kokhba has successfully freed the Ten Commandments. Hebrews from Roman rule, but now Livel’s experiences the brief recurrence of their national within the power centers in independence is threatened by the Roman culture bring him return of determined Roman forces. into the orbit of the great Taken into the household of physician, Galen (these his conqueror, the Roman senator episodes are consciously anachroMarcus Gracchus, Livel becomes a nistic – Galen’s life as a scientist tutor to this accomplished leader’s is actually somewhat later than the sons, Scipio and Domitius. For these years being recreated in the novel). brothers, the rivalry is not friendly. It Livel becomes Galen’s student and is so fierce that it is potentially deadly. is trained and mentored along with Scipio is a man of integrity and huGalen’s daughter, to whom he is atmane values, while Domitius is vain, tracted. However, the young woman cruel and driven. Maris jealous of Livel for cus consciously sets several reasons, makthem against one aning their relationship other. Scipio is winning awkward as well as inLivel’s sympathies as triguing. a student; Domitius is The strengths of haughty, irresponsible And So It Was Written and dangerous. are many and varied. Once the story lines It is truly suspenseful. are established, Ellen Characters and setting, Brazer skillfully moves including material culus back and forth beture, are handled with tween the Roman famauthority, as long as we Ellen Brazer ily and its larger world remember that the book and the Jewish family and its Israelite is not history, but rather based on context. We meet the woman whom history with imaginative leaps in the Masabala marries and get close to othservice of story-telling. er members of Rabbi Eleazar’s family as well as leaders of Bar Kokhba’s forces. This part of the story involves

And So It Was Written, by Ellen Brazer. TCJ Publishing. 338 pages. $14.95 trade paperback.

llen Brazer has taken on quite a challenge in her quest to breathe life into the story of Bar Kokhba’s rebellion against the Roman rulers that took place around 130 C.E. In imagining this long-ago world during the Israelite struggle for survival, she frames a narrative that includes two sets of rival brothers. In this way, she follows the grand tradition of Phil Jason Biblical story-telling: Cain and Abel, Isaac and Ishmael, Jacob and Esau. Her Jewish pair is the sweet, contemplative Livel and the physically imposing Masabala. They, at least, are friendly rivals. The studious Livel is taken as a slave into the family of a powerful Roman leader after he is captured in a Roman raid not far from his home in En Gedi. His brother Masabala, the true warrior, takes upon himself the guilt of his brother’s uncertain fate. Both young men are the sons of Rabbi Eleazar, the Aaronic high priest. The Israelite people are living at a curious time, dazzled by the self-confidence, charm and military prowess of Bar Kokhba – at once military leader and

The contrast between the monotheistic religion of the Jews and the Roman polytheistic world view provides a provocative undercurrent. The thirst for knowledge shared by the exemplary characters and the yearning for matching destiny with identity probed within almost every character relate to eternal issues as relevant today as they were in the past that Mrs. Brazer embroiders. In her fictional delineation of striking individuals, families and nations, Ellen Brazer gives readers much with which to identify. In following the threads of her “what if” premise, she entertains, teaches and teases. “Could this be?” we wonder. Each reader will have his or her answer, but the process of questioning is really the novel’s power and reward. Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeritus of English from the United States Naval Academy. He reviews regularly for the Naples edition of Florida Weekly and for Fort Myers Magazine. For more of Phil’s insights and reviews, as well as literature/publishing links, visit his website at www. philjason.wordpress.com.

Israeli Dancing: On Monday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m., Israeli Dancing: The Jewish Aerobics Beth Tikvah offers a “Meet the Author” TheBrazer. Jewish Every Sunday atmore 4:00 pm with Ellen ForAerobics information, at the Jewish Lee & Charlotte Counties Classes beginFederation Thursday, of February 11 at 7:30 p.m. see the article on page 2B. 9701 Center Court, Fort Myers at theCommerce new Jewish Federation building

 

EDDIE mEkkA

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9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers

Have you ever watched folk dancing or line dancing and thought: “I could do that!” Have ever watched folk dancing or white, line dancing anddancing thought, Do youÎyearn foryou those camp days, dressed in blue and when Israeli was a Have you ever folk dancing orany lineevening dancingafter and thought: “I could do that!” regular part ofwatched Kabbalat Shabbat – or dinner? “I could do that!”  yearn those camp days, dressed in blue and white, when Israeli dancing a  Do Do you youÎ watch those hora lines at hora weddings and bar mitzvahs and say to yourself: “Iwas know Do for you watch those lines at weddings and bar mitzvahs and regular part of Kabbalat Shabbat – or any evening after dinner? there’s more to Israeli dancing than this!” say to yourself, “I know there’s more to Israeli dancing than this!”  Do you watch those hora lines at weddings and bar mitzvahs and say to yourself: “I know Î Do you yearn for those camp days, dressed in blue and white, when there’s more Israeli to dancing than this!” Well, now’s yourtochance experience the fun, camaraderie, and exercise Israeli style here Israeli dancing was a regular part of Kabbalat Shabbat – or any Well, is your chance to experience the fun, camaraderie, andevening, exerciseJanuary Israeli style here in Leenow County at our old Federation building. Beginning Thursday 7 from evening after dinner? Well, your chance toThursday experience the fun, we camaraderie, exercise Israeli here in Lee County at our new Federation building. Starting upand again on Thursday evening, 7:30 -now’s 9:00 P.M. and every in January, will be teaching, learning, andstyle doing Isin Lee County at our old Federation building. Beginning Thursday evening, 7experifrom February 11 from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.to and every Thursday through March, weJanuary will be teaching, raeli folk dances. levels of experience – from never danced before to very Well, now isAll your chance experience thehaving fun, camaraderie, and exercise 7:30 - 9:00 P.M. and every Thursday in January, we will be teaching, learning, andnever doing Islearning, and doing Israeli folk dances. All levels of experience – from enced are welcomed and encouraged to come. Please let us know of your interest and Israeli-style. We will be teaching, learning, and doing Israeli folk dances.having All raeli dances.toAllby levels of experience from never having beforeto tocome. very experidanced before very experienced – –are welcome and danced encouraged Please levelfolk of experience emailing Marsha Kistler, mkiss417@aol.com or calling Federation at levels of experience – from never having danced before to very experienced enced welcomed encouraged tolevel come.of Please let us know of your interestKistler and – at let us - are know of your interest experience. Email Marsha 481.4449 and leaving aand message forand Marsha. welcome and encouraged toKistler, come. level are of experience byoremailing oracalling Federation at mkiss417@aol.com call theMarsha Federation at mkiss417@aol.com 481.4449 and leave message for Marsha. 481.4449 and leaving a message for Marsha. 

Israeli Folk Dancing

Every Sunday at 4:00pm (Beginners at 3:40pm) at the Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers Prior to attending, You , too, can be Please let us know of your interest please confirm time and date. and Dancing with the Stars!!! You experience , too, can be by emailing Marsha level Call theof Federation at (239) 481-4449 or email Dancing with the Stars!!! instructor Kistler at mkiss417@aol.com. Kistler atMarsha marshatemple2012@gmail.com.

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Federation Star December 2012

JEWISH INTEREST

A crucial month in the Holocaust

By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD, Professor of History, Director, Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies, FGCU

his month sees the 70 th anniversary of what might be viewed as a decisive moment in the history of the Holocaust. Saying this might seem unexceptional, even trite; after all, every month during the Shoah was critical in some way. There has probably been no period in the record of any people as intensive as it was for the Jews of Europe Dr. Paul Bartrop between 1941 and 1944, when an enormous amount of history was taking place, seemingly everywhere at once. So why have I chosen to especially single out December 1942? To begin with, by the end of the month, Nazi Germany had deported more than two million Jews to death camps, while several hundred thousand more had been murdered by Einsatzgruppen and police battalions. Throughout Poland, Ukraine, Belarus and other parts of the Soviet Union occupied by the Nazis, whole villages were being wiped out, while killing operations at the so-called “Operation Reinhard” death camps – Sobibor, Treblinka and Belzec – were in full swing, as they were also at Chelmno, Majdanek and Auschwitz. On December 10, the first transport of Jews from Germany arrived at Auschwitz, while Count Edward

Raczyński, the Polish ambassador to Britain, informed British Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden that the Nazis were systematically exterminating the entire Jewish population of Poland as well as the rest of Europe. The response to this shocking revelation, after discussion among several heads of the Allied governments, was a joint statement condemning the Nazi mass murder of the Jews. By this stage calling themselves “the United Nations,” the Allies made their proclamation simultaneously in London, Washington and Moscow on December 17. In London, Eden read the statement verbatim to the House of Commons; in the United States, it was published on the front page of the New York Times. As joint government statements go, the statement was brief, and read as follows: “The attention of the Governments of Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Greece, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, the U.S., the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Yugoslavia, and the French Committee of National Liberation, has been drawn to numerous reports from Europe that the German authorities, not content to denying to persons of Jewish race in all the territories over which their barbarous rule has been extended the most elementary human rights, are

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now carrying into effect Hitler’s often repeated intention to exterminate the Jewish people in Europe. From all the occupied countries Jews are being transported, in conditions of appalling horror and brutality, to Eastern Europe. In Poland, which has been made the principal Nazi slaughterhouse, the ghettoes established by the Nazi invaders are being systematically emptied of all Jews except a few highly-skilled workers required for war industries. None of those taken away are ever heard of again. The able-bodied are slowly worked to death in labour camps. The infirm are left to die of exposure and starvation or are deliberately massacred in mass executions. The number of victims of these bloody cruelties is reckoned in many hundreds of thousands of entirely innocent men, women and children. The above-mentioned Governments and the French National Committee condemn in the strongest possible terms this bestial policy of cold-blooded extermination. They declare that such events can only strengthen the resolve of all freedomloving people to overthrow the barbarous Hitlerite tyranny. They reaffirm their solemn resolution to ensure that those responsible for these crimes shall not escape retribution, and to press on with the necessary practical measures to this end.” A few observations can be drawn from this statement. In the first place, the statement identifies specifically that the crimes being described are targeting Jews – not Allied nation-

als or citizens, but, explicitly, Jews. Second, the Allies promise to punish those who have perpetrated the crimes identified. And third, they have no hesitation in employing the word “extermination” to describe what they are witnessing. Such condemnation, the most damning indictment issued against Nazi mass murder to date, was in fact to be the only multi-lateral denunciation of German actions toward the Jews throughout the duration of the Holocaust. Before this time and subsequently, no other inter-Allied declaration mentioned the Nazi extermination of the Jews in this manner. Through its commitment to punish the perpetrators, though, the statement laid the groundwork for the Nuremberg Trials of 1945-1946 and all other prosecutions of Nazi war criminals to follow. No one in Germany (or its allies) could say, after this, that they hadn’t been warned. The 70th anniversary of the joint Allied declaration of December 17, 1942, will probably pass unnoticed throughout most of the world; indeed, throughout most of the Jewish world, as well. That will be a pity, as it was both a recognition of the reality of the Shoah and a stated commitment that the acts committed by the Nazis were both criminal and punishable. The greatest pity, of course, is that the event itself was largely ineffective, as perhaps as many Jews who had already been murdered, and were still alive in December 1942, would die before the war came to an end two and a half years later.

“Kaddish” by a Holocaust survivor By Abe Price

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But the horrid storm Like a vicious, blood-thirsty beast Without mercy and commiseration Tore up and devoured my dreams And annihilated my world. Today I want to say Kaddish I will stand before the altar with a “Talit” Woven from ashes and smoke on my shoulders I will say Kaddish With a voice so loud, so mighty That the foundation of the universe Will shudder and quake My voice will be so powerful and so dreadful, That the seven heavens Will rend and split us under… I will then call upon the Creator of all living And ask him to be the tenth… And let him say AMEN Today I want to say Kaddish For the lost Ten Tribes And for the devastated locations of my birthplace. Today, I want to say Kaddish For my world which was inhumanly and beastly devoured And lies under heaps of ashes and mire. Today, I want to say Kaddish For the garden of my youth And for the forest of my dreams. Both of them were utterly destroyed. The garden became a graveyard And the forest burned to ashes. All I have left Is sweet memories of my youth And lots of nightmares of the Holocaust

JEWISH INTEREST Federation Star December 2012 9B

December 2012 Federation Star

Protect your family’s audio/visual history against the tidal wave of time and nature By Marina Berkovich

n the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, a Staten Island woman stood atop the rubble, which until the day before was her home of thirty years, holding the only thing she recovered – a damaged photo she showed to the reporter. It was a studio portrait of a beautiful woman in a glorious 1950s bridal gown, the kind every girl dreams about. “My mom,” she said through the tears. I have no idea what some of my family looked like, because of World War II. That is probably why I am on a quest to convey to all families how important it is to digitize an Audio/ Visual History for their future generations. Transferring photos, slides, film and videos to digital format allows

for the creation of significantly more durable copies, which can be waterproof, and will withstand most weather. CD, DVD and BD (Blu-ray Disc) are compact media that can be easily stored in a safety deposit box. Many families have that special person who is able to collect from all others the audio/visual archives. Making digitizing into a family project may work for others. Hiring professional help is also an option. The important thing is to recognize the need to get it done. How it gets done depends on how the archivist(s) will organize the project, whether professional assistance is sought, the budget, the time dedicated to this effort and the ultimate vision the family will pursue. Some create a slide-show,

and some actually end up with fun documentaries that the entire family can watch, enjoy, share and show others. Another factor to consider is the duration of the finished “product.” Finding the objective balance is not as simple as it seems – every frame, very appropriately, is of an historic or sentimental value to someone. But really, how many times since your projector broke, have you actually sat down with your children to view all 3,000 slides from your family’s 1970s European vacation? Maybe it’s time to preserve only the MVP slides, and let go of architecture and landscapes. Or not?! It’s all so personal. Get started by gathering, sorting, identifying and selecting. Then

transfer and convert. Keep it wellorganized and bundled, labeling everything systematically. But if you are into your preservation project all the way and would like your greatgrandson’s grand-daughter to know about your grandfather – then tell his story in your own words. It will become the gift time that tides cannot destroy. Marina Berkovich is a Documentary Film Producer at ABG World Video & Audio Production. She can be reached at 239.566.1771 or abg_marina@ yahoo.com. ABG World Video & Audio Production (www.abgworldllc. com) is located at 899 Vanderbilt Beach Road, #116, Naples.

Renowned Israeli filmmaker presents different reality By Talya Feldman, Israel Campus Beat Reporter

srael’s burgeoning film industry was in the spotlight at the University of Chicago on October 21 when acclaimed director Joseph Cedar took to the stage in front of a sold-out audience as part of the 23rd annual Chicago Humanities Festival. Cedar, whose last two films, Beaufort and Footnote, were nominated for the Academy Award for best foreign language film, was interviewed about his work by Rachel Harris, who teaches Israeli culture at the University of Illinois, in a program entitled “Beyond Hollywood: The Ascendant Israeli Film Scene.” “The Israeli film industry is so dynamic,” said Cedar, noting that filmmakers pursue multiple approaches that make it hard to generalize about the industry. “The only thing in common is how they were financed. [Each gets] $800,000 to $2 million from the government, and from an Israeli TV broadcaster, and sometimes from a European broadcaster.” Representing the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, whose

Israel Studies Project co-sponsored the event, Michael Kotzin, who serves as senior counselor to the Federation president, said Cedar’s films “are a microcosm of Israel itself, intensely involved in the small, personal things, but also in the big things. “There is an absence of understanding of the Israeli reality on many college campuses, and in many ways nothing opens a window on that reality more than Israeli culture and the people who create Israeli culture,” he said. Cedar also participated in the Chicago International Film Festival and was featured at the University of Illinois in Urbana/Champaign as part of the Chicago Jewish Federation’s Israel Studies Project. “There has been a general cultural renaissance in Israel,” Kotzin noted. The country’s film industry is part of that, as evidenced by the frequent nomination of Israeli films for Academy Awards in the past few years. In the program, Cedar compared the Oscar to the Israel Prize, the prestigious national award that is being

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given to a character in Footnote. “The Israel Prize,” Cedar said, “is a way for the State of Israel to honor and encourage success as well as to keep the greatest scientists and artists in the fold.” He said there are two kinds of people who receive awards, those “who are very proud to be on that podium, and the other kind of people who look like they’re scared that it’s

all a mistake because they know so many people in the audience think that they don’t deserve it.” Perhaps looking ahead to the time when he will not only be nominated, but win an Oscar, Cedar added, “I hope that I am the second kind.” Visit www.israelcampusbeat.org for the latest Israel trends and events on campus.

FOURTH ANNUAL MARCO ISLAND COMMUNITY CHANUKAH CELEBRATION

Sponsored by Jewish Congregation of Marco Island and Jewish Federation of Collier County

Residents and Guests on Marco Island and Vicinity are invited to CELEBRATE on

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9 at 5:45 PM Jewish Congregation of Marco Island 991 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island Join us for a Candle Lighting Ceremony conducted by Rabbi Edward M. Maline, D.D. and Cantorial Soloist Hari Jacobsen. Join in the holiday spirit with your entire family. There will be refreshments for all.

10B Federation Star December 2012

JEWISH INTEREST

Naples residents visit Prague Jewish community Dr. Kenneth Wetcher leads High Holiday services in the Spanish Synagogue By Goldie Rappaport Wetcher

r. Kenneth Wetcher, a Naples psychiatrist, stood on the bimah this year at one of the most famous synagogues in Europe, the beautiful and historic Spanish Synagogue in Prague, to lead the High Holiday services. He looked out at a congregation of Czech Jews with a sprinkling of Americans, Israelis and visitors from many parts of the world. His wife, Goldie, was in the front row, their son and daughter-in-law with the new baby, Joshua, were also there, as were many of their friends from the congregation. Ken says, “I wasn’t

prepared for the degree of awe and humility that would overcome me when I stood in that beautiful sanctuary and faced the warm and welcoming congregation.” While he would conduct the service primarily in Hebrew, translations were available for portions of the service in English and Czech. He wanted to create a service that would be meaningful to all attending, and he wanted to do his best for the family. He would be assisted by singer Michael Forst and Mr. Peter Gyori, Director of Bejt Praha and

The Spanish Synagogue in Prague

Vice President of the Federation of Czech Jewish Communities. Dr. Wetcher was well aware of the challenges before him. He had been studying with a voice coach all summer in Vail, Colorado. Even though he had conducted High Holiday services multiple times, he had practiced almost daily for several months beforehand and this was finally the anticipated moment. He was more nervous than he had been on any opening night when he acted in theater productions. After all, the audience included the “heavenly hosts.” He had traveled far to get to this moment in Prague, from his birth in a slave labor camp in Siberia, Russia in 1941, and then immigration to the United States in August 1948. He attended Flatbush Yeshiva in Brooklyn, New York, CCNY undergraduate, and Downstate Medical Center. He served his residency in psychiatry at the University of Maryland in Baltimore and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, where he was in private practice for twenty-five years.

Dr. Wetcher had assisted in conducting services at Congregation Shaar Hashalom in Houston, where he and Goldie were members for many years, and B’nai Vail in Vail, where they are also members. This was his first experience leading services in Prague. “I can’t think of a more memorable way to spend the High Holidays than the privilege of leading services for my son Steven’s Congregation in Prague.” Steven Rappaport has lived in Prague since 1992, where he came after graduation from the Kellogg School of Business, Northwestern University. He owns Link America, an international import-export business with offices in Prague. Peter Gyori

continued on next page

Dr. Kenneth Wetcher led the High Holiday services at the Spanish Synagogue in Prague

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JEWISH INTEREST Federation Star December 2012 11B

December 2012 Federation Star

11B

continued from previous page writes, “Steve is my longtime friend with whom I shared many personal memories. We’ve biked together on trips around Prague and he knows my entire family.” Steven had asked his father multiple times to conduct services at his congregation in Prague, but this year was really special because there would also be the bris of Steve’s second son, Joshua Maxwell Rappaport. What’s more, Ken had met Peter Gyori during his visit to Naples last year. Peter writes, “We were looking for someone (to conduct services) who has a broader mind, vision and a nice, warm personality. Ken has it all and is perfect for us. I was able to meet Ken and Goldie in their home in Naples with my wife and daughter.” Mr. Gyori also addressed the Jewish Federation Board on that visit at the request of Dr. Karen Ezrine, who met him at the Wetcher home. The Prague Jewish community

began to revive after the collapse of communism in that region in 1989. From 1968 to 1989 it was considered subversive to even mention the Holocaust, let alone acknowledge your Judaism. The famous Pinkas Synagogue was reopened in 1992 followed by other synagogues and what is considered the most beautiful synagogue in Prague, the Spanish Synagogue, renovated in 1998. It was originally built in 1868 on the site of the oldest Prague Jewish house of prayer known as the Old Shul. It was designed in a Moorish style with a magnificent highly decorated interior and multiple stained glass windows. The synagogue is also used as a concert hall and features a yearly event simultaneously with the nearby Church of the Holy Ghost called “Light of Understanding,” produced by Mr. Gyori, a noted musician. Before the Holo-

Dr. Karen Ezrine, Vice President, Jewish Federation of Collier County, with Peter Gyori, Director of Bejt Praha and Vice President of the Federation of Czech Jewish Communities

caust and for many centuries, Prague was one of the most important Jewish centers in Europe. Documentary evidence indicates that Jews have lived in Prague since 970 C.E. and the Jewish community was fully established by the 11th century. The fortunes of the Jewish community rose and fell depending on the governing bodies or what King was on the throne. Today, the Jewish community is thriving once again and invigorated by the many young people who are part of the business and cultural community in Prague. Bejt Praha is a congregation as well as an organization that Peter says “is not really under any movement, enjoys participation of all Jews whether Orthodox, Conservative, Reform or Reconstructionist.” Generally, Peter leads services at the Bejt

The Spanish Synagogue in Prague

Praha. He adds that “Ken surprised everyone with a strong voice and the ability to present and give the service a high level of wisdom and dignity. Having my friend Steve and Ken in the synagogue, praying together with our families, and having Aliyot (Steve is always first as our Cohen) gave me a very unique feeling of having not only a scholar and leader but also a feeling of having someone almost like a family member to lead services. I hope very much that we will do it again next year and for many years to come. Ken is the best.”

The Spanish Synagogue

he Spanish Synagogue was built in 1868 on the site of the oldest Prague Jewish house of prayer (“the Old Shul”). It was designed in a Moorish style by Vojtěch Ignátz Ullmann. The synagogue has a regular square plan with a large dome surmounting the central space. On three sides there are galleries on metal structures, which fully open onto the nave. The remarkable interior decoration features a low stucco arabesque of stylized Islamic motifs which are also applied to the walls, doors and gallery balustrades. The interior, together with the stained glass windows, were designed by architects A. Baum and B. Munzberg and completed in 1893. František Škroup, the composer of the Czech national anthem, served as organist here from 1836 - 1845. By reopening the Spanish Synagogue – closed for over 20 years – on the 130th anniversary of its establishment, the Jewish Museum in Prague has completed one of its most ambitious projects to date.

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GENTLE ENDODONTICS

GARY A. LAYTON, D.D.S.

Jewish War Veterans meeting

(ROOT CANAL THERAPY)

Since 1976

Phone 262-2677

www.garyalaytondds.com

Please join us at our next meeting, Sunday, December 16 at 9:30 a.m. at the Federation offices, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Ste. 2201, Naples.

12B Federation Star December 2012

Stars of David

By Nate Bloom, Contributing Columnist Editor’s note: Persons in BOLD CAPS are deemed by Nate Bloom to be Jewish for the purpose of the column. Persons identified as Jewish have at least one Jewish parent and were not raised in a faith other than Judaism – and don’t identify with a faith other than Judaism as an adult. Converts to Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish. Nobel Sidelight In October, the 2012 Nobel Prizes were announced and three out of the nine winners were Jewish – not an unusually high number. I recently read the 2009 memoir of NICHOLAS MEYER, 67, and it includes a funny anecdote about Nobel Prize winner ALBERT EINSTEIN (1879-1955). Meyer’s credits include co-writing and directing Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982). Its success revitalized the whole Star Trek franchise. Meyer’s father was a Manhattan psychoanalyst and a good amateur pianist. His mother was a concert pianist. The rarefied intellectual circles they moved in included Einstein. Yes, of course, Einstein was a much more complex man than the always genial, sometimes absent-minded professor that popular culture often makes him out to be. But in Meyer’s only meeting with Einstein, he lived up to the “cute professor” stereotype. Meyer’s family attended a Thanksgiving dinner in Princeton, where Einstein taught. Before dinner, Meyer’s father played piano, accompanied by Einstein on “squeaky” violin. The eight-year-old Meyer was seated next to Einstein at

the dinner table. He leaned over and told the great man that he thought he had a hair on his turkey. Einstein replied: “Not so loud. Everyone else will want one.” Golf Corner There’s no easy answer why there aren’t more pro Jewish golfers. The three most prominent recent pros are BRUCE FLEISCHER, 63; AMY ALCOTT, 56; and MORGAN PRESSEL, 24. Fleischer, who won the 1968 U.S. Amateur championship, had modest success on the regular pro tour, but has won 18 Senior PGA tournaments, including the 2001 Senior Open. Alcott, now retired, is simply one of the best woman golfers of all time, with 29 LPGA titles. Pressel, who was born in Tampa, and grew up in Boca Raton, has had only mid-range pro success, winning two tournaments since she joined the LPGA tour in 2005. A promising future pro is STEVEN FOX, 21, who won the U.S. Amateur Championship last August. Raised in Tennessee, this Univ. of Tennessee student barely made the tournament and his victory was a huge upset. He will get invitations, now,

JEWISH INTEREST to the 2013 Masters and U.S. Open. Fox’s Jewish father, ALAN, played pro basketball in Israel. His non-Jewish mother, Maureen, was a college basketball star. Fox’s family just told Jewish Sports Review magazine that Steven, who was raised secular, had no objection to being identified as a Jewish athlete in the Review. Short Takes: Midler, Monica, Sassoon BETTE MIDLER, 66, will guest star (date not yet set) on the hit Fox

series, Glee. On October 15, Glee creator Ryan Murphy told a charity event audience that he asked Midler to be on the show. Not long after, Midler tweeted her agreement to appear Glee. In the September/October issue of the AARP Magazine, Midler offers nuggets of wisdom acquired with age. Here’s the most lighthearted one – about beauty: “You should stop beating your hair into submission, even if you don’t like it. Everyone

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Interested in Your Family’s History? Ten years of doing a Jewish celebrities column has turned Nate Bloom (see column above) into something of an expert on finding basic family history records and articles mentioning a “searched-for” person. During these 10 years, he has put together a small team of “mavens” who aid his research. Most professional family history experts charge at least $1,000 for a full family tree. However, many people just want to get “started” by tracing one particular family branch.

So here’s the deal: Email Nate at middleoftheroad1@aol.com, tell him you saw this ad in the Federation Star, and include your phone number (area code, too). Nate will then contact you about doing a “limited” family history for you at a modest cost (no more than $100). No upfront payment.

The Jewish Congregation of Marco Island in conjunction with the Jewish Federation of Collier County presents The 2013 Saul I. Stern Cultural Series – now in its 19th year!



Saturday, January 5, 2013, 7:30 p.m.

THE NAPLES PHILHARMONIC BRASS QUINTET returns with a delightful variety of music – classical and popular. A fantasy of pastries follows the program with a sampling from Starbucks.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013, 7:30 p.m.

Chaim Silberstein lives in JERUSALEM and is a lifetime scholar of the history of that city. He will discuss the knowledge he has acquired from his research, tracing the existence of Jerusalem from antiquity to modern times.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013, 7:30 p.m.

Howard Hoffer will present an exciting lecture and multi-media program on the DEAD SEA SCROLLS. Hoffer is associated with the Christian/Jewish Scholars from Hebrew University, the Rockefeller Museum in Jerusalem, The Orion and Oxford Center for PostGraduate Studies, and the Israel Antiquities Authority. He has presented throughout the United States and recently during a two-month tour in Canada.

THE 2013 SAUL I. STERN CULTURAL SERIES

For more information, call the Synagogue Office at 239.642.0800. Please send this form and payment to the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, 991 Winterberry Dr., Marco Island, FL 34145. Please send me tickets for the following Cultural Series programs: ____ $75 Patron, series ____ $50 Series for members ____ $60 Series for non-members ____ $20 Single tickets for members ____ $25 Single tickets for non-members _____Enclosed is my check payable to JCMI

For those wishing single event tickets: # of tickets:____ The Naples Philharmonic # of tickets:____ Jerusalem # of tickets:____ Dead Sea Scrolls _____Please charge my credit card: Credit Card #_______________________________________ exp. ____/____

Please mail my tickets to the address below: Name_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip______________________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________________

JEWISH INTEREST Federation Star December 2012 13B

December 2012 Federation Star

13B

continued from previous page should exfoliate, every day, even guys. More than two drinks a day will ruin your skin. And if you don’t have a full-length mirror, you’re going to get fat. Period.” You knew it had to happen eventually and, oddly enough, the timing is pretty perfect now. I refer to credible reports that MONICA LEWINSKY, 39, is writing a tell-all book about her affair with President Clinton. Lewinsky is no longer old news now that the

former president is soaring in opinion polls and Hillary has the inside lane for the 2016 Democratic nomination (should she run). On October 12, a memorial service was held in London for VIDAL SASSOON, who died last May at age 84. While the famous hairstylist’s Jewish funeral was held in Los Angeles where he died, the memorial was held at St. Paul’s Cathedral, where Prince Charles wed Princess

Diana. Among those attending were Sir Michael Caine, Jeremy Irons and famous hairstylist JOHN FRIEDA, 61 (whose father was Jewish). Baroness Rabbi JULIA NEUBERGER, 62, recited kaddish in the Cathedral and called Sassoon, “a proud Jew who had left a great legacy.” (He fought in the Israeli War of Independence and he founded an international center for the study of anti-Semitism). Neuberger is, by the

way, the second woman ordained as a rabbi in the UK, and the first with her own synagogue. She was made a “life member” of the House of Lords in 2004. (I guess she has to be extra nice to avoid complaints about “lording it over” her congregants.) Her husband’s brother, DAVID NEUBERGER, AKA Baron Neuberger, was just made (October 1), the President of the Supreme Court of the UK.

See You At The Movies JEWISH CONGREGATION OF MARCO ISLAND

IN COOPERATION WITH THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF COLLIER COUNTY PRESENTS

THE SIDNEY R. HOFFMAN MEMORIAL

Jewish Film Festival 2012-2013

OUR 12TH YEAR SHOWCASING THE NEWEST AND BEST AWARD WINNING FILMS ON THE JEWISH CIRCUIT

Opening Day “HAVA NAGILA (The Movie)” Naples/Marco Premiere Sunday December 16, 2012 Film 2 PM Hanukkah Lig g and Hot Potato Latkes/Dessert 1:15 PM

From Gold Medal winner Aly Raisman and the 2012 London Summer Olympics to Hanukkah on Marco Island, it’s the tune that rocks the world, HAVA NAGILA. This movie presents the story of how this joyous song, ng as a ”nigun,” a Hebrew prayer melody without words, in the shtetles of Eastern Europe spread to the pioneers in Israel, to the Catskills, to Hollywood and around the world. You’ll love the toe ns and peoples as HAVA NAGILA makes joyous music in this warm and tapping music and the cross cultural conne ons to many noon at the movies. English 73 minutes wonderful ﬁlm. Join us for this happy, Hanukkah

“DAVID” Sunday

Naples/Marco Premiere January 20, 2013 Film 2 PM

Bagels and Lox 1:15 PM

Brooklyn, New York has long been a magnet for immigrants and now Muslim Arabs are one of the fastest growing ethnic and religious groups adding to the mul -ethnic mix of Italians, Asians, Norwegians and Jews. This film takes place in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, a community that includes Arab owned businesses, jewelers, law offices, and super markets and tells the story of a couple of 11 year old boys, one a Muslim ful son of a stern father who is the local Imam. When and the other an Orthodox Jew. The Muslim boy’s name is Daud and he is the in the park by a group of Jewish boys and tries to return it to their school he is mistaken for a Mizrahi Jew Daud finds a volume of Torah named David and spends his summer days with them studying in Yeshiva and becoming friends. What a wonderful film. You’ll love it! English 80 minutes

“A BOTTLE IN THE GAZA SEA” Naples/Marco Premiere Sunday March 10, 2013 Film 2 PM following the ﬁlm

Tal is a 17 year old French girl who made Aliyah to Israel with her parents and led in Jerusalem. She is disheartened by a terrorist ack at a local café but despite loss of life she refuses to succumb to hatred and blame. She writes a with a message of hope that peace and and her brother throws it into the sea near Gaza where he is doing his love will end the Israeli/Pal nian conﬂict and slips it into a military service. A few weeks later Tal receives a response from a mysterious “Gazaman,” a young Pal nian named Naim. Thus begins a turbulent but tender long distance friendship between 2 young people separated by a history they are trying both to understand and change. This engrossing and hopeful drama stars the well-known Pal nian actress, Hiam Abbas and is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by French Israeli writer Valerie . French, Hebrew, English and Arabic 90 minutes

All ﬁlms will be shown at the Jewish

on, 991 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island

Clip and Mail ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Make checks payable to JCMI Jewish Film Fes val, 991 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island, FL 34145-5426

Name ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip ___________________________________________________________________ Phone __ _____________________ SERIES TICKETS: _____________ Patron @ $80

_____________ Regular @ $60

Individual Films: _____________ @ $25 each __________________________________________ (please specify ﬁlm)

ALL PROGRAMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT THE JCMI OFFICE AT (239) 642-0800

14B Federation Star December 2012

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

BRIEFS MORE GOLAN DRUZE SEEK ISRAELI CITIZENSHIP

After the Golan Heights was annexed by Israel after the Six-Day War in 1967, its 20,000 Druze residents living in four villages still considered themselves Syrians – but that may be changing. As they watch the regime of Bashar Assad slaughter 30,000 people to maintain power, there has been a rise in the number of those requesting Israeli citizenship. Elsewhere in Israel, residents of Druze communities are full Israeli citizens who serve in the Israel Defense Forces. (USA Today)

GAZA’S NEW LOOK

Arab governments across the region, like Qatar’s, have been shifting hundreds of millions of dollars in aid money from the PA to Hamas, signaling what may be a historic shift in Palestinian politics. According to World Bank figures, construction starts in the first half of 2011 grew by 220%. So great is the demand that Gazans complain builders have to be booked months in advance, and decorators are never available. The Gazan economy grew by 20% in 2010 and a whopping 27% last year. Turkey and the Gulf powers have shifted funding southward from the PA in the West Bank. Turkey has contributed $300 million to Gaza; Saudi Arabia $250 million. The new Gaza offices of the IHH – the Islamist charity in Turkey that spearheaded the 

2010 aid flotilla to Gaza intercepted by Israel – dominate Gaza City’s Katiba Square, newly grassed with turf hauled through the smuggling tunnels. The Islamic University has added Turkish to its curriculum. (New York Review of Books)

240 ETHIOPIAN IMMIGRANTS FLOWN TO ISRAEL

A planeload of 240 Ethiopian immigrants, half of them children, landed in Israel on Monday, October 29, in an inaugural flight commencing Israel’s initiative to bring all remaining Falash Mura to the country, the Jewish Agency announced. The Falash Mura are Ethiopian Jews who were forcibly converted to Christianity or abandoned Jewish customs in the 19th and 20th centuries. “Together we are writing the last page of the history of Ethiopian Jewry. We are now bringing all of our brothers from Africa to Israel,” said Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky. (Times of Israel)

ISRAEL UPGRADES ROCKET DEFENSE SYSTEM

Israel’s fifth Iron Dome rocket defense battery, which will become operational within several weeks, features upgraded response time and interception range. Another battery will be become operational by the summer of 2013. Since Iron Dome first became operational in April 2011, the system

Mah Jongg at the Jewish 

 Congregation Marco Island   for advanced beginners,   intermediates and advanced  players on Thursdays from   11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.   Reservations are a MUST.   Call Shirley Posner at  (239) 389-7872. 

PRESENTS

Evy Lipp People of the Book Cultural Event FEATURING

Dr. Daniel Gordis Wednesday, February 20, 2013 see the reservation form on page 6a

has intercepted over 100 Grad and Kassam rockets fired by Gaza terrorists at Israel. Iron Dome’s seventh and eighth batteries will be funded mostly by U.S. aid funds in 2013. Air Force officials have said in the past that about 13 Iron Dome batteries could offer Israel optimal coverage against short-range rocket fire. (Ynet News)

EXPERT: ISRAEL CAN HANDLE HAMAS’ MULTI-BARREL ROCKET LAUNCHERS

Reports claimed that Hamas used multi-barrel rocket launchers triggered by a cell phone timer in a midOctober upsurge in rocket fire from Gaza. But leading Israeli missile expert Uzi Rubin said Hamas does not have sophisticated multiple-launch capabilities, and that remote-control launchers are not new. Rubin, the former head of Israel’s missile defense organization, told the Times of Israel that videos of Hamas’ multi-rocket launchers actually show launchers on pick-up trucks in Libya. Rubin said Hamas’ multi-launch systems are improvised, bound together and dug into pits, and are less accurate than a true multi-barrel rocket system. He added that Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system can handle a barrage. The website of the manufacturer, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, says the system can handle 20 rockets at once. (Times of Israel)

WILL JORDAN BE NEXT TO FALL?

Should Jordan’s King Abdullah II become the next Arab ruler to fall, it will mark another major setback for the U.S. in the region. For Israel it’s significantly worse news. Jerusalem would lose its remaining strategic partner in the region – having already lost Turkey and Egypt – and face a possible nightmare on its longest border, exposing the country’s center

to attacks from the east that might include Sunni Jihadists or Iraniantrained Iraqi agents. In neighboring Syria, Assad’s fall at the hands of Islamist rebels could put wind in the sails of Jordan’s own Muslim Brotherhood party, the Islamic Action Front. At recent protests in Amman organized by the Islamic Action Front, “the turnout was much larger than the 8,000 that the government claims attended,” said Hassan Barari, a political analyst at Jordan University. “It was...35,000 - 40,000.” The reality is that there’s little the U.S. can do at this point to protect one of its most steadfast allies in the region. (Tablet)

MY COUNTRY IS UNDER ATTACK. DO YOU CARE?

I’m angry. As most Americans were waking up Wednesday morning, October 24, and those in Europe and elsewhere were going about their daily routines, here in Israel, over one million people were running for cover from a hail of rockets being rained down by Palestinian terrorists in Gaza. In the space of 24 hours, 80 rockets were fired, more than three rockets per hour. One million Israelis is roughly 13% of the population, which compares to about 40 million Americans. I’m angry that in 2012, over 600 rockets have already been fired from Gaza with no end in sight. I’m angry that the world only notices when Israel undertakes its (sovereign) right to defend its citizens. Can you imagine if even one rocket was fired on Washington, London, Paris or Moscow? I’m angry that newspapers like the New York Times lead their stories about the rocket attacks with such headlines as “Four Palestinian Militants Killed in Israeli Airstrikes,” and not “Palestinian Terrorists Rain Down 80 Rockets Against One

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For daily news stories related to Israel & the Jewish world, visit www.jewishnaples.org.

What do you think? The Federation Star wants to know! Send your letters and comments to fedstar18@gmail.com

Letters Policy

Include your name, full address and daytime phone. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit for length and/or accuracy. Letters do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the Jewish Federation of Collier County, the Federation Star or its advertisers. We cannot acknowledge or publish every letter received.

December 2012 ISRAEL & THE WORLD Federation StarJEWISH 15B

December 2012 Federation Star

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Visiting Israeli artists sing, write and dance to a different Israel By Talya Feldman, Israel Campus Beat Reporter

ine leading Israeli artists will spend time on North American college campuses this year under the auspices of the Schusterman Visiting Artists Program. “It shows another side of Israel that is different than the face of Israel most students are familiar with,” said Marge Goldwater, a consultant at the Schusterman Visiting Artists Program. The artists serve as spokespeople across North America, rooted in the many strands of Israeli culture rather than in political debates. “We look at each artist’s specialties,” Goldwater continued, “and match them to a school where they would bring complementary skills and knowledge, or to a school that is particularly strong in their area.” Since 2008, the Schusterman Visiting Artists Program has brought

BRIEFS continued from previous page Million Israelis.” I’m angry that there is someone out there who does not know me and has never met me, yet still wants to kill me – for no other reason than my being Israeli. (Arsen Ostrovsky, an international human rights lawyer, in Huffington PostCanada)

THE ALBERT EINSTEIN MUSEUM: MORE THAN A THEORY

Add yet another museum to a nation which has more museums per capita than any other country. The Albert Einstein Museum is now an official joint project of the Jerusalem Development Authority and Hebrew University. The idea for the museum was said to have stemmed from an initial discussion between HU president Menahem Ben Sasson and Israeli president Shimon Peres. The intent is to publicly showcase many of the 80,000 documents from the scientist’s estate as the nucleus of an anticipated tourist attraction of a figure who continues to draw worldwide scientific and personal attention. During his later life, Einstein founded and became a magnetic force in the development of Hebrew University to which he bequeathed all his papers. No date has been given as to when the museum will become a physical reality, but plans are reportedly on the drawing boards for permanent exhibits including presenting his theories in accessible laymen’s terms, a timeline of his achievements, and details of an extraordinary life. Until then, the more scientifically savvy can consult the university’s recent project, digitizing 2,500 selected documents at www. alberteinstein.info. (World Jewry Digest, www.wjcfoundation.org)

over 35 Israeli choreographers, filmmakers, visual artists, writers, musicians and dancers to the United States and Canada to lead classes, exhibitions, programs and performances. Artists visiting campuses this year include experimental sound artist Amnon Wolman, writers Gail Hareven and Sami Berdugo, screenwriter Guy Merison, filmmaker Duki Dror, musicians Michael and Shimrit Greilsammer, percussionist Zohar Fresco, and choreographers Idan Sharabi and Dana Ruttenberg. The schools they will visit run the gamut from Harvard University, Mt. Holyoke College in cooperation with the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and Hampshire College, Florida State University, Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT, University of California, Santa Cruz, Carleton University in Ottawa, Michigan State University in East Lansing, and University of California at Irvine. Visiting artists of the residency program have had a significant impact on the campuses where they spend time. “We saw the Schusterman program as an ideal opportunity to enrich our educational activities,” said David Freidenreicher, a professor of Jewish Studies at Colby College who hosted cinematographer Yoav Kosh in 2010. “Kosh was a valued presence on the campus. His course advanced a variety of institutional goals, his students appreciated his level of personal engagement, and his public programs were important contributions to

cultural life at Colby.” In addition to interacting with students on campus, Schusterman artists reach out to local Israeli and Jewish communities as well as offer lectures detailing Israeli life and culture. “The Israeli community here embraced Sahar,” said Jan Erkert, dance department head at the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign, which hosted choreographer Sahar Azimi last year. “Sahar gave a window on how dance is in Israel and how work is created. Getting to know him personalized anything you knew about the country. Students were challenged by the process and challenged by Sahar himself,” Erkert continued, “He demanded professionalism.” Visiting artists can enrich the

campus community in multiple ways. Colby College’s Friedenreicher noted that filmmaker Kosh helped create awareness of the value of Israel studies. “Yoav’s film screenings and related events helped us to fulfill this facet of our program’s mission while laying the groundwork for continued success in the future,” Friedenreicher said, “The interest generated by Yoav’s course on Israeli cinema and society, moreover, served to demonstrate the value of offering courses in Israel Studies at Colby on an ongoing basis.” Visit www.israelcampusbeat.org for the latest Israel trends and events on campus.

FLORIDA JEWISH HISTORY MONTH SPECIAL EVENT THE FRIENDS OF THE COLLIER LIBRARY AND THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF COLLIER COUNTY PRESENT

THE ANNUAL NAPLES KLEZMER REVIVAL BAND CONCERT FEATURING: Stu Warshauer, Director & Fiddle; Jane Galler, Vocalist & Guitar; Marty Cohn, Clarinet; Art Isenberg, Keyboard; Arnold Saslovsky, Drums; Dick Johnson, Accordion; Perry Switzen, Bass; Jason Flegel, Keyboard & Accordion

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16 at 6:00PM COLLIER COUNTY SOUTH REGIONAL LIBRARY 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway CALL 239.252.7542 FOR RESERVATIONS

16B Federation Star December 2012

Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s watching and learning. How you walk to temple together, rain or shine. The way you speak gently to Aunt Ruth. And your gift for making the holidays feel miraculous. Best wishes for a happy Chanuka. Life is a Miracle.