Federation Star - December 2014 by Jewish Federation of Collier County

Fed Cup VI

Sunday, December 21 at The TwinEagles Club Shotgun Start 9:00 a.m.

A golf event for all skills and ages to benefit young Jewish children and teens to experience Jewish Summer Camp and travel to Israel. For more information about the event and hole sponsorships, contact Kevin Aizenshtat at kevin@gcipnaples.com.

Celebrating Jewish Life in Collier County, Israel and the World

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

www.JewishNaples.org INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 3 Women’s Cultural Alliance 5 Men’s Cultural Alliance 9 Community Focus 15 Tributes 16 Jewish Interest 23 Israel & the Jewish World 26 Focus on Youth 28 Commentary 29 Business Directory 30 Rabbinical Reflections 30 Synagogues 32 Organizations 34 Community Calendar 35 Community Directory

3 Volunteering with WCA is a win-win opportunity

December 2014 - Kislev/Tevet 5775

Vol. 24 #4

Last chance for 11th Annual Evy Lipp People of the Book Cultural Event By Carole J Greene

on’t be surprised if you wake up on February 26, 2015, with a greater appreciation of your Jewish life. That is the likely outcome if you attend the Evy Lipp People of the Book Event the night before. Why? Because our speaker has a most unusual tale to tell of his journey to Judaism. In fact, the path Bernd Wollschlaeger, M.D. took to living life as a Jew is unusual enough to warrant an entire book. I’ve read it. You should too. Look for A German Life: Against All Odds, Change is Possible. His book and his presentation both detail his life growing up in Germany as the son of a Nazi war-hero, one who was personally decorated by Hitler. The boy asked questions about the Germans’ treatment of the Jews and others during

the war. His father refused to answer. His mother also remained silent. That merely added fuel to the fire burning in Bernd’s heart to learn more. When he discovered the truth and confronted his parents’ obvious anti-Semitism, he had to make a difficult choice: stick with his family or follow his own blossoming love of Judaism. How he became a Jew by choice and what he has done with his life since then is likely to leave you with a new perspective on what it truly means to choose to live your life as a Jew. For the eleventh consecutive year, this event will say “thank you” to supporters of the Jewish Federation of Collier County by making tickets available to JFCC members absolutely free – if any seats are still available. As

of press time, 550 of the 750 available seats have been reserved. Be sure to complete and mail in the form on page 15. Then show up at Temple Shalom at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25, and prepare to be mesmerized by Dr. Wollschlaeger’s story. To become a member of the Jewish Federation of Collier County requires a minimum donation to the Annual Campaign of a mere $36 per person. This event alone is worth the price, but you’ll also receive the benefit of knowing your gift will help Jews everywhere.

See page 15 for the Evy Lipp People of the Book event order form.

Community Chanukah Celebration 24 Extraordinary solar eTree transforms public seating

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

Thursday, December 18 at 5:45 p.m.

The Lawn at Mercato Across from Silverspot Cinema

26 Storyland Classroom at Temple Shalom Preschool

33 Art treasures for ORT members to discover

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

Greetings from Community Leaders Candle Lighting Concert by the Naples Klezmer Revival Band Latkes from Whole Foods available for purchase Lots of holiday spirit for the whole family including a BBYO “Kids Corner” for the little ones! 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 • BBYO 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 • ORT

Prsrt Std US Postage Paid Permit #419 Ft Myers FL

Chanukah begins Tuesday night, December 16

Federation Star December 2014

Promises…promises (to yourself) Alvin Becker Federation President

t’s that time of year when we reflect on the changes we want or need to make in our lives. According to numerous national surveys, the following are the most popular New Year’s resolutions made by the general population: • lose weight • get fit • volunteer to help others • eat healthy foods • quit smoking • manage stress • get a better education/job • manage debt • save money • take a trip

• re-use and recycle • drink less alcohol Note that there is only one popular non-selfish New Year’s resolution: VOLUNTEERISM. Volunteerism can take many forms and Collier County has many non-profit volunteer organizations that could really use your help, including many of our affiliated agencies and the Jewish Federation of Collier County itself. The Federation, with a very small employed staff, can use volunteer help in reception services, e.g., answering the phone, welcoming visitors and guests, room set-up, speaker corps, event ushers and clerical/ administrative support. To learn more, give our office a call at 239.263.4205. With the New Year approaching, make a promise to yourself that you will volunteer some of your time to aid others in our community. You will find that it is a good thing to do and that you will feel good doing it.

GIVE YOUR BUSINESS GIVE YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH POTENTIAL. GROWTH POTENTIAL. ADVERTISE ADVERTISEWITH WITH THE Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

Thanksgivings Jeffrey Feld Federation Executive

y the time you read this, we should all have feasted on a sumptuous turkey dinner, with all the “fixings” and perhaps even finished all of the leftovers. Some of us may have used this opportunity, at the T-Day festivities with family and friends, to reflect on all the reasons that we are thankful. Personally, I have a multitude of good fortune for which I am very thankful. As we look at the next few weeks, we begin to think about Chanukah. This is a holiday which also reminds of the things for which we should be thankful. We can romanticize about the latkes and sufganiyot (jelly donuts), but that is not the significance of the holiday. We can jokingly talk about Chanukah by saying, “They tried to oppress/kill us; we won; let’s eat!” That would certainly trivialize the importance of any and all of our holidays. The importance and meaning of Chanukah is Dedication and rededication. Judah, his father, Mattathias, and the Maccabee clan saved the Jewish community. They were dedicated to providing Jewish continuity. Chanukah is also a holiday for which we should identify the things for which we are thankful. We should count

our blessings and recognize that not everyone (and not even everyone in our Naples community) is equally fortunate. We should recognize that we have an opportunity to Dedicate ourselves to providing leadership and assistance for the purpose of Jewish continuity. One of the easiest ways to do this is by participating in the Annual Campaign that is conducted by our Federation. As you know, the Annual Campaign provides the necessary funding for youth programs & education; local humanitarian and social services through the JFCS; numerous Israel and overseas humanitarian and social services; local cultural & adult education programs, and so much more. And the needs in our community continue to grow. We need to find the financial resources so that the services and programs can flourish. Certainly, we in this community recognize that we have much for which we are thankful. We must be dedicated to provide the wherewithal in order to maintain and grow our Jewish community, here in Naples, in Israel and around the world. I also take this opportunity to remind you that you can help yourself. Your philanthropic gifts that are received by December 31, 2014, are taxdeductible in this calendar year. That is something to be thankful for, as well. Please accept my best wishes for each of you and your families for a happy new year 2015. Let us resolve that together we can be dedicated to continue building our Jewish community!

Contact Jacqui Aizenshtat at 239.777.2889 Robin Leonardi • 941.552.6307 • rleonardi@jfedsrq.org www.TheJewishNews.org or jacqui1818@gmail.com.

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Evy Lipp People of the Book Cultural Event Wednesday, February 25, 2015

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This publication is brought to you each month thanks to the support of our advertisers. Please be sure to use their products and services, and mention that you found them in the Federation Star. ABG World............................17 A. Stephen Kotler, Attorney....29 Adele Publishing...................23 Dr. Gary Layton, DDS............17 Beth Adelman, Realtor®.........29 LTCi Marketplace..................29 Kevin Aizenshtat, Realtor®......2 Naples Diamond Service.......29 CallSaul-YourPersonalDriver.29 Naples Envelope & Printing...29 Classic Transportation...........29 Naples Jewish Film Festival..13 Coni Mar Designs..................29 Palm Royale Cemetery...........20 Eliza’s Cleaning/Home Watch.29 Pearl Law Firm......................22 Entertainment Direct..............10 Preferred Travel.....................21 Dr. William Ertag, FAAN.......29 Publix...................................36 Margot Escott, LCSW............12 Stacy’s Golden Hanger..........27 Estero Fine Art Show..............11 Sheldon Starman, CPA...........29 FGCU....................................9 Dr. Robert Teitelbaum............29 Fuller Funeral Home...........4,29 Temple Beth El, Fort Myers.....9 Dr. David Greene...................10 Temple Shalom...................8,12 Gulfcoast Foot & Ankle.........28 The Carlisle...........................19 Gulfshore Playhouse..............25 The Samuel Team, Realtors®..18 Harmon-Meek Gallery...........25 ZOA SWFL Chapter..............18 Hodges Funeral Home...........24 Debbie Zvibleman, Realtor®...12 Jewish Museum of FL-FIU....23

December 2014 Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION WOMEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE

www.WomensCulturalAlliance.com / 215-820-6697

Volunteering with WCA is a win-win opportunity! By Rona Segall, WCA Volunteer Coordinator

bring exciting and inspiring news from the Women’s Cultural Alliance (WCA) as we head into a new season brimming with an outstanding array of programs, events and outings. WCA is blessed to have a membership comprised of talented and capable women who give of themselves selflessly and passionately. It is through their combined efforts that WCA members can enjoy a wide spectrum of activities that provide us with the opportunity to learn, grow and form new friendships. I have been fortunate to work alongside these incredibly bright, creative women while enjoying the many cultural, literary, social and entertaining programs that WCA offers. Volunteering is at the core of who we are as a society and community, and being a member of WCA has given me many occasions to pay forward. The sentiment that echoes throughout WCA is how much each of us has benefitted from actively getting involved. In my many years of leading organizations, I have yet to come across a group of such warm and engaging women as I have when I started volunteering at WCA. I am privileged to assume the position of Volunteer Coordinator, a role which was recently created to try to match our members’ individual interests and time availability with WCA’s volunteer needs. This will enable us to ensure that we maintain the high standard of our existing programs as well as continue to develop new and exciting

ones. One of the things that makes WCA unique is that programming ideas from members are always welcome. Taking an active role not only gives us a sense of satisfaction in knowing we can be instrumental in making things happen, but it also helps us feel part of the WCA community. Paula Handloff, WCA Program Director, would love to hear from you with suggestions for new programs, interest groups or events. There is a wide variety of opportunities to volunteer and get involved. These include, but are not limited to: heading up a program, being a greeter, taking reservations or even helping out at a specific one-time event. The success of WCA depends on the generosity of our volunteers. The unparalleled list of programs and events are as diversified as the creativity of our members. Contact me, Rona Segall, to learn more about volunteering opportunities. One of the ways WCA welcomes new members is by holding New Member Coffees. WCA Membership Director Linda Simon schedules these informal get-togethers throughout the year, contacting new members right after they join to invite them to attend. Held in members’ homes, the Coffees provide an opportunity to get acquainted with other new members as well as with some board and committee members. Attending a New Member Coffee is an excellent way to learn about the many activities and groups that WCA offers

and about opportunities to volunteer. The first New Member Coffee of the season is being held November 20, just as this article is going to print. The next Coffees are currently scheduled for December 17, January 16, February 25 and March 27. If you are not yet a member of WCA, join today by completing the membership form on this page. You will then get an invitation to one of these informative New Member Coffees and also begin to receive the WCA e-blast

filled with information about upcoming activities and programs. We are all anticipating a fun-filled season in WCA! With YOUR help, this will be our best one yet! I look forward to talking with you about ways in which you can get involved. It will be my pleasure to help you find a time to volunteer that both meets your interests and your schedule. For more information about WCA, please visit www.womenscultural alliance.com.

WCA board says, “Thank you, David!”

CA’s first board meeting of the year was planned to coincide with David Willens’ last day at the Federation office, providing board members with the perfect opportunity to thank David for his invaluable guidance and support of WCA. WCA President Elaine Soffer said, “David has been instrumental in advising WCA ever since our organization first became part of the Federation family. He will be greatly missed.” Thank you, David!

Elaine Soffer presented David Willens with an honorary WCA member name tag as a token of appreciation for the instrumental role he has played in helping WCA to grow stronger each year. Putting on his WCA nametag, David

thanked WCA and commented, “The mission statement of the Federation is to enhance and enrich the quality of Jewish life in our community, and WCA is doing just that. Your organization is moving the community forward in a way that no other group has ever done.” In the future, when the WCA board needs advice, they will visualize David’s face (see photo below) and ask, “What would David say?” The WCA board thanked David for the mentoring he has provided and told him that he is a role model who will never be far from our thoughts.

Estelle Price, Denise Samuel, Paula Handloff and Gayle Dorio enjoy welcoming women to a WCA Speaker Series program

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Women’s Cultural Alliance Membership Form Please check one: r New r Renewal For more information: Linda Simon, lgsimon2947@yahoo.com

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

Membership: $60 for the year includes all programming and Federation membership. 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: ___________________________________________________ City: _____________________________ State: _____ Zip Code ____________ Email: _________________________________________________________ Florida home phone:____________________________________________ Cell phone: ___________________________________________________ Northern Address: ______________________________________________ City: _____________________________ State: _____ Zip Code ____________ Northern home phone: __________________________________________

Your membership check is your permission for Women’s Cultural Alliance to take and use photographs/videos for appropriate purposes in accordance with WCA’s mission.

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 & tzedakah? ÎÎ where you provide the spark that helps others make connection to Jewish values & people?

There is! Federation. It starts with you!

Federation Star December 2014

Kristallnacht anniversary commemorated locally

by volunteers from BBYO and Barron Collier Chorus. The keynote speaker was the Honorable Rositta E. Kenigsberg, President of the Holocaust Documentation and Education Center in Hollywood, Florida. Kenigsberg, a daughter of a Holocaust survivor, cautioned that we must not turn a blind eye to the rise of antiSemitism in Europe and here in the U.S., and to anti-religious violence worldwide. She eloquently expressed how the Holocaust did not begin with concentration camps and the death of 6 million Jews, but ended there. As a founding chairperson of the Florida Commissioner’s Task Force on Holocaust Education, Keningsberg stressed the importance of young people learning the lessons and imMelissa Keel, Ida Margolis, keynote speaker Rositta Kenigsberg plications of the legacy of the and David Willens Holocaust.

n Sunday, November 9, the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County presented a commemoration of the 76th anniversary of Kristallnacht, “Night of the Broken Glass,” a turning point in the history of the Holocaust. The event at Temple Shalom was attended by over 200 people, including Jewish and Catholic clergy. The moving program included candle lighting by Holocaust survivors and second- and third-generation, readings, memorial prayers, and vocal selections

JEWISH FEDERATION

Israel Advocacy Committee presents The Prime Ministers By Jeff Margolis

hile the United States of America had its Founding Fathers, the State of Israel had its Founding Mother and Fathers. Please join the Israel Advocacy Committee for a presentation of the outstanding documentary film, The Prime Ministers. Based on Yehuda Avner’s bestselling book of the same name, the film brilliantly chronicles the lives of Israel’s first leaders, critical jobs in the establishment and success of the State of Israel. The Prime Ministers is first and only insider view of politics in Israel weaving intricate details of life and death decisions and top-secret operations. This film is produced by Moriah Films, the Academy Award-winning film division of the Simon Wiesenthal Center. This film presentation will take place on Wednesday, December 17 at 2:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Jewish Federation of Collier County.

As space is extremely limited, reservations are required to israeladvocacy committee@gmail.com. Look for more information about an important program in January about anti-Semitism on college campuses in the United States. Many of us have children and grandchildren attending colleges and universities across the country. We all need to be aware of what they have been exposed to and how to deal with this rising problem. For more information about any of the activities of the Israel Advocacy Committee, contact co-chairs Betty Schwartz at bettyofnaples@gmail.com or Steve Brazina at sbrazina@aol.com. *** Please note that the event featuring Dr. Sabi H. Shabtai, an internationallyrenowned authority on terrorism, scheduled for Wednesday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m., has been canceled as the speaker has upcoming surgery.

Catholic-Jewish Dialogue CATHOLIC-JEWISH DIALOGUE Upcoming Events UPCOMING EVENTS Faith Weekend • Friday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Naples Jewish Congregation, Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6340 Napa Woods Way • Sunday, December 7 at 5:00 p.m. at St. Agnes, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road Students are volunteers from BBYO Naples and the Barron Collier Chorus with Todd Peterson, Choral Director at Barron Collier High School (center)

Reader's Theater Tuesday, January 6 at 4:00 p.m. – based on the book On Heaven and Earth – thoughts of Jorge Mario Bergoglio (now Pope Francis) and Rabbi Abraham Skorka – at the Jewish Federation of Collier County, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 2201 “One Book, Southwest Florida” – Gertruda’s Oath Wednesday, January 7 at 7:00 p.m. – featuring a presentation by Michael Stolowitzky, a “rescued child” – at Temple Shalom. Sponsored by GenShoah SWFL, Collier County Library, Temple Shalom – endorsed by the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue Update on Contemporary Anti-Religious Violence Sunday, February 8 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Agnes – presented by Dr. George Blewitt and followed by a discussion The Jewish Cardinal Wednesday, February 11 at 2:00 p.m. – a GenShoah / Temple Shalom Film Event at Temple Shalom Walking in God's Path Sunday, March 22 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John’s – Movie and Discussion

Catholic-Jewish Dialogue Steering Committee Martin Gauthier

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

George A. Blewitt, MD Robert Brady John T. Conroy, Jr. Ph.D. Rabbi Ammos Chorny Judith Gauthier Delores Donnelly Michael Feldman

Co-Chairs Marvin Weisberg

Lenore Greenstein Helene Gordon Jeanine Healey Very Rev. Robert J. Kantor Rabbi Edward Maline Ida Margolis Peter McCabe

Charlotte Milavsky Rabbi Adam Miller Rev. Timothy M. Navin Isabel B. Price, Ph.D. Jill Saravis Myra Shapiro Rabbi Sylvin Wolf

SIXTH 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 21, 2014 TIME: 5:45 PM Jewish Congregation of Marco Island 991 Winterberry Drive Marco Island, FL 34145 (239) 642-0800 www.marcojcmi.com Join us for a Candle Lighting Ceremony and Chanukah Music Lots of holiday spirit for the Entire Family

Light Refreshments

December 2014 Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

FLORIDA JEWISH HISTORY MONTH Friends of the Collier County Library and Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Collier County present the

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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

ANNUAL NAPLES KLEZMER REVIVAL BAND CONCERT With guest artist, renowned accordionist Sergiu Popa

President: Alvin Becker Vice President: Kevin Aizenshtat Vice President: Phyllis Seaman Vice President: Berton Thompson Secretary: Wallie Lenchner Treasurer: Jerry Sobelman Immed. Past President: Judge Norman Krivosha

Collier County South Regional Library 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway

To RSVP, call 239.252.7542.

Board of Trustees Joshua Bialek Harvey Brenner Stephen Coleman Amanda Dorio Michael Feldman Alan Gordon Neil Heuer Ben Peltz Joel Pittelman Dr. Tracey Roth Jane Schiff Arlene Sobol Michael Sobol Dr. Daniel Wasserman Beth Wolff Barry Zvibleman

Past Presidents

Gerald Flagel, Dr. William Ettinger, Ann Jacobson, Sheldon Starman, Bobbie Katz, Rosalee Bogo

Board Members Emeritus Hans Levy Shirley Levy

Synagogue Representatives Cantor Donna Azu Roger Blau Rosalee Bogo Rabbi Ammos Chorny Stuart Kaye Rabbi Edward Maline Rabbi Adam Miller Suzanne Paley Rabbi James Perman Dr. Arthur Seigel Neil Shnider Rabbi Sylvin Wolf Rabbi Fishel Zaklos

Federation Executive Jeffrey Feld

Staff

Jill Saravis, Community Program Coord. 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

The work of the Jewish Federation of Collier County represents both our community and our community’s most generous tradition – to give to others even in the most difficult times.

Wednesday, January 14 at 6:00 pm

This free event has always sold out, so call today!

MCA is off and running By Steve Brazina

he Men’s Cultural Alliance (MCA) began its third year with a capacity crowd at its brand new Welcome Back Luncheon at the Vasari Country Club on Tuesday, November 11. The next luncheon meeting will take place at the Cypress Woods Country Club on Thursday, December 11 and feature alternative energy expert and author Neville Williams speaking on Sun Power. MCA has experienced tremendous growth with more than 62 new members just this season. In addition to the five

monthly luncheon meetings, there is a new monthly speaker series, special events, outings and dozens of regularly scheduled activity groups. The group is open to all men in the community, be they fulltime residents or part-timers. Membership in MCA automatically makes each man a member of the Jewish Federation of Collier County. It’s easy to join and very inexpensive. Simply fill out the membership form below and mail it to the Jewish Federation with your payment. MCA has provided the male mem-

bers of our community the same opportunity to participate in wonderful social, athletic and educational activities as their significant others enjoy in WCA. So men, there is no longer a reason to sit at home while your wife is out enjoying WCA programs. Get off the couch and start making new friends and enjoying the wonderful and fun-filled activities offered by MCA and sign up before your wife does it for you. For more information, email me at sbrazina@aol.com.

Federation Star December 2014

JEWISH FEDERATION

Last four weeks of 2014 campaign! Our success depends on you Phyllis Seaman

Federation VP & Campaign Chair

here has this year gone? As the saying goes, the older you get the faster the time flies. Most of you are back and settled in for season, and it should be fabulous. We are now in our final four weeks of the 2014 campaign and working furiously to reach out to all of you to please make your gifts now if you haven’t already done so. Last year we reached our 2013 goal of one million dollars in the last hours of the campaign and exceeded it by over $6,500. As most of you know, our goal for 2014 has been $1.5 million. As campaign chair I feel totally responsible for getting the information of where your dollars go and where the needs are in Collier County, nationally, in Israel and over 60 countries worldwide. Jewish Federation dollars are spread around the world touching more lives than any other charitable organization. Those dollars go toward helping our most vulnerable with food, shelter or just companionship and a hand to hold. With our partner agencies, the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), during these last months of strife in Ukraine, Israel and Europe, we were able to move Jews in jeopardy to safer locations and provide much needed help, especially to the most vulnerable, the children and elderly caught up in the turmoil. JAFI came to the rescue in France during the summer, making sure that those families that chose to leave France

for Israel, to escape the growing antiSemitism, were provided with all they needed for a smooth transition. Here at home, we keep our youth connected with their faith and our history, both socially and educationally, on Birthright Israel, March of the Living, MASA high school in Israel trips, Jewish summer camps, BBYO and Hillel programs. Our Federation also supports Jewish Family & Community Services of Southwest Florida, our local synagogues’ religious schools, camps and educational programs for all ages, the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida, and the CatholicJewish Dialogue, to name a few. One of our many goals is teaching justice and tolerance, especially now with ant-Semitism on the rise. Our Jewish Community Relations Council plays an active part in that. Our “Stand Up For Justice” grant program and award, to stop bullying in the public schools and teach tolerance, has been quite successful. This past spring our winning recipient was on the Today Show, thanks to the mother of one student who was so impressed with the teacher’s method of having the children connect with one another that the story went viral on the Internet. This is such a small part of what we do. See the “Where Your Dollars Go” box on this page – which lists all we do with your campaign dollars – and be proud of all that “your gift” does to help us accomplish our important goals. The Allocations Committee is now in the process of evaluating all the requests for grants based on the money that was raised in the campaign that’s being completed. The process is tough since the needs and dollars needed has risen. We try not to turn down any request, but we may not be able to fulfill

Fed Cup VI

Sunday, December 21 at The TwinEagles 20 Club

all the grants to the levels asked. would be making her a Lion of Judah, I hope you will help us fulfill as or raising her level of giving. Something many future requests as we can. WE to consider! NEED YOU NOW! A Lion of Judah gift is a yearly Many of you have personally minimum commitment of $5,000. thanked me for all we do and have said Looking forward to seeing and that you have increased your giving welcoming you at our upcoming events because of reading about what we do, for 2015: in the Federation Star. We are so lucky Major Gifts/Lion of Judah Cocktail to have such a wonderful source of inSupper on Thursday, January 8 at the formation available to us. Everyone on home of Phyllis and Stephen Strome the mailing list receives the newspaper Community Celebration on Saturwhether they have made a gift to the day, January 31 at Wyndemere Country campaign or not. Club. Join us on a cruise around the To those of you who do not support world with Federation. Bid bon voyage the Federation campaign, but receive to David Willens and welcome aboard and enjoy the newspaper and ConnecJeffrey Feld. tions magazine, or use our wonderful We Are The Strength of a People – Federation facilities (the Community The Power of Community Room or our conference and meeting rooms), please consider a gift now Youth Programs & Youth Education ● Beth Tikvah - Adult & Youth Education to the 2014 campaign. ● BBYO Naples As I type this article I ● Chabad - Camp Gan/Preschool of the Arts/Hebrew School am preparing to leave for ● Temple Shalom - Preschool & Religious School Scholarships The Jewish Federations of ● Hillel at Florida State University North America’s General Local Humanitarian & Social Services Assembly in Washington, ● Jewish Family & Community Service D.C., and bring home lots Israel & Overseas Humanitarian & social services ● JFNA - Overseas Core Assessment of new ideas and program ● Neve Michael Children's Village information. ● Yad LaKashish - Lifeline for the Old We sent informa● Sapir Community Center - Kfar Saba tion to national about our ● World Union - Preschools in Kiev, Ukraine “Stand Up For Justice” ● Taglit-Birthright Israel program, hoping to be ● ORT - school transportation in Eastern Europe picked for Fedovation – Cultural Programs & Adult Education ● Holocaust Museum & Education Center Federation innovations. ● Jewish Congregation of Marco Island - Jewish Film Festival Unfortunately, we weren’t ● Jewish Congregation of Marco Island - Cultural Series picked, but there’s always Unmet Needs next year. ● Greater Naples YMCA - Disaster Relief Thank you to all ● JFCS - Developing Healthy Socialization Skills who have already made a ● Collier County School - "Check It Out: Let's Stop Bullying" ● Typhoon Haiyan Relief Efforts pledge or given your gift National Jewish Advocacy Organizations for 2014. To those who ● The Israel Project haven’t, please consider ● Anti-Defamation League your gift very carefully ● American Friends of Magen David Adom and consider a 20% in● Jewish National Fund crease over your 2013 ● American Jewish World Service gift. Help us reach our Federation Committees and Activities ● Jewish Community Relations Council goal of $1.5 million, or at ● Fund for Human Needs least surpassing our 2013 ● Stand Up for Justice Grant campaign. Remember: No ● Catholic-Jewish Dialogue Gift Touches More Lives! ● Israel Advocacy Committee Happy Chanukah to ● Camp Scholarship Committee all! Speaking of Chanu● Evy Lipp People of the Book Event kah, men, a lovely Cha● Women's Cultural Alliance ● Men's Cultural Alliance nukah gift for your wife

WHERE YOUR DOLLARS GO

Read the Federation Star on your tablet!

Visit www.issuu.com.

A golf event for all skills and ages to benefit young Jewish children and teens to experience Jewish Summer Camp and travel to Israel. Shotgun Start 9:00 a.m. For more information about the event and hole sponsorships contact Kevin Aizenshtat at kevin@gcipnaples.com.

Enter “Federation Star” in the search box and click on the cover image of the issue you’d like to read. Then simply scroll through the pages. It’s that simple!

To Life!

You can also read Connections on your tablet. Search for “Collier Connections”.

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Get A Better tAx BreAk. Give More Gelt. When you give gelt to Federation, you bring light into Jewish lives at home and around the world. And when you give by December 31, 2014, your gift is also tax deductible. That’s in addition to the warm glow you receive from helping your Jewish community. Your gift helps the vulnerable in our community in countless ways. Bringing food and comfort to our elderly in Eastern Europe, trauma counseling to families in Southern Israel, Jewish education to children from everywhere from Minsk to Mumbai. And much more. So this Chanukah, give gelt to Federation. You may be surprised at just how much you get in return.

Donate. Volunteer. Get involved. www.jewishnaples.org • 239.263.4205

YOU MAKE IT POSSIBLE!

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

FS1214

 I hereby pledge and promise to pay my Federation for the 2014 JFCC/UJA Annual Campaign a contribution of:  $36  $72  $180  $540  other $_________  Contribution enclosed (Check #__________)  Please charge my:

 MasterCard

 Visa

 Please bill me  American Express

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

Federation Star December 2014

JEWISH FEDERATION

“Thank you, David!”

A transition of leadership

s editor of the Federation Star, I have to read every word of every article that appears in each issue. While some pieces are serious and informative, others are light and humorous – particularly David Willens’ monthly “Play on Words” that has appeared on the Community

Editor’s note: The following is excerpted from Rabbi Miller’s talk at the Shabbat service on Friday, October 24, honoring David Willens and welcoming Jeffrey Feld. great leader is one who puts the welfare of others first, who fosters collaboration, who inspires others to work in partnership with God, and who understands that success is not defined by the goals attained, but by the lessons learned along the journey. We have been blessed in Collier County to have a leader who met those criteria in David Willens, leading our community through his work at the Jewish Federation of Collier County. Federation serves as the hub of leadership for the whole community – a place that lifts up and supports the work of all the Jewish institutions around it. Federation provides resources and support for our Religious School, helps send our children to Jewish camps, and was our partner in bringing a community youth group and BBYO to Naples. Federation brings together our community each year for the Kristallnacht Commemoration, the Community Chanukah Celebration and Yom HaShoah. Federation fosters our relationship with the people, land and State of Israel. Federation developed and continues to support two key institutions in our community, Jewish Family & Community Services, and the Holocaust Museum and Education Center of Southwest Florida. Federation would not be able to accomplish those tasks were it not for David Willens. A native Floridian from the East Coast who grew up visiting Marco Island for boy scout camping trips, David has been a blessing for the Jewish community of Collier County and Temple Shalom. Under his guidance, our local Federation has grown, and that has benefited all who live here. I have had the pleasure of working closely with David during my four years at Temple Shalom. When the school board struggled with having football games on Kol Nidre, I stood there side by side with David, Ann Jacobson of blessed memory, Irv Povlow and others to represent the Jewish community. We worked together to address issues of anti-Semitism, including the recent cartoon this past summer that appeared in the Naples Daily News. David and I partnered together with Marc Saperstein to make BBYO and a community youth group a reality in Collier County. I have seen in David a man whose passion for Judaism, and the Jewish people, burns as brightly as ever. I continue to marvel at his strength of will and courage, as he carried on his shoulders the burden of this community, while steadfastly supporting his beloved Shereen in her fight with cancer. Truly, David has proven himself to be a mensch, and an exemplar for others. Tonight we honor and thank David. For the dedicated leadership he provided to our community. For the legacy and foundation that he leaves behind. For the role model that he has been and will continue to be. David, words and gifts alone could not possibly convey our thanks and appreciation to you. Still, they offer us an avenue to display a token of our thanks. The leadership of Temple Shalom presents you with this tzedakah box. As you have taught the members of our community to give generously to support the greater community, and the power

By Ted Epstein, Editor, Federation Star

Directory page in every issue I’ve edited. My favorites include Play Ball, Spice of Life (see page 35), Fore!, Snow Joke, Weather or Not, and Bad Heir Day. So as part of my farewell and thank you letter to David, I decided to take a crack at creating a “Play on Words” in his honor. Here goes:

Thank you, David! When you move to the east coast, plenty of your friends here will Collier on your cell phone. You left your Marco this community. And you were Jolley when you did. When asked, people will say that Davis a mensch! Jeffrey, your pier, has some huge shoes to Phil. Your office was always Immokalee and welcoming. And you were always Willens to lend a hand. You were Goodlette-ing things go. In your 15 years at the Federation, you Vanderbilt a respected organization! It was David who “hired” me as the volunteer editor of the Federation Star in January 2003. And it was David who convinced me to take on the design and production of the newspaper – a paying position – beginning with the September 2007 issue. David also green-lighted Connections in 2009 when I brought him the proposal for this annual resource guide. This led to my taking on the same duties for the Jewish Federations in Sarasota-

Manatee and Lee-Charlotte counties. So I truly owe my current career to David, and am so very thankful to him for that. I’ve heard that if you love what you do for a living, you never have to work a single day. So, in a way, my “retirement” preceded David’s by several years. I wish David, a true mensch, all the best as he enjoys the delis, fishing, new friends and his new digs a few hours away on the east coast of Florida.

By Rabbi Adam Miller

of tzedakah to make our world a better place, we share this gift with you. In addition, Cantor Azu and I want to recognize your particular devotion to Israel. We have arranged for thirty-six trees to be planted in your honor. Thank you, David. [After David speaks] There is one more quality of a leader that we have not focused on. When Moses led the people through the wilderness, he realized that he could not continue on into the Promised Land. Rather than focus on the end to his own journey, Moses puts his energy into creating a healthy succession, understanding that his legacy would be the people, and their future success lay in his hands. He thus appointed Joshua, son of Nun, to follow him as the next leader of the people. In a public ceremony, Moses lays his hands upon Joshua, conferring to him the honor of being the next leader, and with it the responsibility to carry forward his legacy, and the people. The leader of the Federation is one who calls the community and its members to guide them forward, in the same way that the shofar calls to us on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur to move us in the right direction. Combining the public transfer of Moses to Joshua, with the image of the shofar, we would now bestow this shofar to you David, as the outgoing leader of the Federation. You have called the Jewish community of Collier County to action during your tenure. Now we welcome to the bimah the person who will carry on that call to action. Coming to us from Memphis, Tennessee, Jeffrey Feld has already been a familiar face at Temple Shalom, having joined us for multiple Shabbat services, Shabbat on the beach, and even carrying one of our Torah scrolls on Yom Kippur. My colleague, Micah Greenstein, son of our own Lenore Greenstein, informed me that we are blessed and fortunate to have Jeffrey and his wife Susan in our community. I know that they will bring us many blessings, as Jeffrey takes on this new role. To mark the transition of leadership, I will ask David to pass this shofar to Jeffrey with our community as witness, marking the transfer of leadership, and the responsibility to call us to action. This shofar is a gift from the leadership of Temple Shalom to the office of the Executive Director at Federation. We have given you a stand, that this might reside in your office as a symbol of your role in our community, and a powerful Jewish icon for the one who leads our local Federation. [David passes the shofar to Jeffrey] Jeffrey, you now take this as a symbol of your role in our community. We look forward to many years working together with you, as we call our community to stand up for the values and beliefs that we hold dear. May you inspire us, lead us and guide us, like your predecessor, toward a bright future. You will be the first to have this shofar on your desk. May your days and years as the leader of the Jewish Federation of Collier County be filled with success and blessing, so that someday in the distant future, when it is time to pass along the shofar, you will do so having made our community even more wonderful than it is today. Please join me in formally welcoming Jeffrey Feld, the new executive director of the Jewish Federation of Collier County.

DID YOU KNOW? AN ISRAELI INNOVATION COULD END WORLD HUNGER

See page 24

COMMUNITY FOCUS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM & ED CTR OF SWFL

December 2014 Federation Star

www.holocaustmuseumswfl.org / 239-263-9200

Holocaust Museum update Amy Snyder Executive Director

t is hard to believe we have come to the end of another year! They seem to go faster and faster. This is the time of year when snowbirds begin to arrive, and holiday vacation-goers can’t wait to get to sunny Florida. We have already had a busy fall season with our Education Outreach programs, and students are as enthusiastic as ever to hear the personal stories of our local Holocaust survivors. We are looking forward to the increase in visitors, and have a great lineup of exhibits and events scheduled in 2015. Before closing out 2014, however, we have two more events to go! The Museum is hosting an inaugural luncheon event, Cooking Up Tradition, to be held at Quail West on Wednesday, December 3 at 11:30 a.m. Join us and enjoy some of the delicious recipes found in the famous Holocaust Survivor Cookbook and its companion volume, Miracles and

Meals, and learn about the Museum’s programs that use the cookbook as the centerpiece. Local Southwest Florida resident and Holocaust survivor Rosette Gerbosi will share her experience during WWII as well as some family recipes, which are included in Miracles and Meals. Please call the Museum at 239.263.9200 for more information or to make your reservation. On Wednesday, December 10 at 10:00 a.m., the Museum will host its second One Book, Southwest Florida book discussion of Gertruda’s Oath. Please call the Museum to make your reservation. There is no charge for this event. Copies of Gertruda’s Oath are still available for sale at the Museum. We hope you will purchase a copy

Holocaust survivor Cesare Frustaci with students at Manatee Middle School

“One Book, Southwest Florida” discussion schedule By Ida Margolis

aples Mayor John F. Sorey, III will be proclaiming Thursday, January 8, 2015 “One Book, Southwest Florida Day.” The city of Naples along with numerous groups and organizations throughout Southwest Florida are supporting the goals of this One Book program – to bring people together through the reading and discussion of a common book, and to

Ida Margolis and Naples Mayor John F. Sorey, III

engage the community in dialogue that promotes understanding and serves as a springboard for discussion of universal topics such as loyalty, justice, family and faith. Southwest Florida has joined the successful “One Book, One Community” programs by selecting Gertruda’s

and plan to attend one of the January presentations by Michael Stolowitzky, who is the young boy portrayed in this true story. He will be speaking at the Lee County Public Library on Tuesday, January 6 at 6:15 p.m.; at Temple Shalom in Naples on Wednesday, January 7 at 7:00 p.m. and at the Collier County South Regional Library on Thursday, January 8 at 1:00 p.m. The events are free and open to the public, but reservations are required. Contact the libraries directly for their events. For the Temple Shalom event, call the Museum at 239.263.9200. 2015 is a special year – it marks the th 70 anniversary of the liberation of concentration camps, and the end of World War II in the European and Pacific Theatres. We have been working very

Oath: A Child, a Promise, and a Heroic Escape During World War II by Ram Oren for the inaugural “One Book, Southwest Florida.” This book, according to Professor Paul Waibel, “raises very serious moral and ethical issues that will stimulate the reader’s mind or act as fuel for group discussions of the book itself or the history it personalizes.” There will be discussions held throughout Southwest Florida of the page-turning true story of Michael Stolowitzky, the only son of a Jewish Polish family, who was just three years old when WWII broke out, and Gertruda Bablinska, his Catholic nanny who promises Michael’s dying mother that she will raise Michael as her own son. See the box below for a list of upcoming discussions. Michael Stolowitzky has agreed to make three local appearances. He is scheduled to speak at the Lakes Regional Library in Fort Myers on Tuesday, January 6 at 6:15 p.m., Temple Shalom in Naples on Wednesday, January 7 at 7:00 p.m., and South Regional Library Branch (8065 Lely Cultural Parkway, Naples) on Thursday, January 8 at 1:00 p.m. For additional information about the Collier County discussions and appearances, email ida.margolis2@gmail.com; for Lee and Charlotte counties information, email lenibsack@jfedlcc.org.

hard on two outstanding new exhibits, both using materials from extensive collections that are on loan or have been donated to the Museum. Each will offer a personal perspective on World War II and the Holocaust, augmented by rare artifacts, letters and photographs. We look forward to sharing these stories with our community. In addition, we will continue to offer the Quarterly Survivor Presentations, and the Elliot Katz Lecture Series. The Katz series this year will offer two evening sessions in addition to four lunchtime talks. More information will be forthcoming. We hope to see you soon, and wish you and your families happy and safe holidays in the month ahead!

Cesare Frustaci with students at Lorenzo Walker Technical High School

Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies Dedicated to educating all sectors of society about Jewish civilization, the Holocaust, and genocide through: • scholarship • outreach • inquiry • sharing knowledge • preserving the record • helping teachers • encouraging students

Visit www.fgcu.edu/hc/ Dr. Paul Bartrop, Director SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7TH 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. TEMPLE BETH EL 16225 WINKLER ROAD FT. MYERS

Schedule of Discussions of Gertruda’s Oath

¡¡ Wednesday, December 3 at 7:00 p.m. - Hadassah ¡¡ Thursday, December 4 at 10:00 a.m. - WCA ¡¡ Monday, December 8 at 1:30 p.m. - Hadassah ¡¡ Wednesday, December 10 at 10:00 a.m. - Holocaust Museum ¡¡ Friday, December 12 at 10:00 a.m. - WCA ¡¡ Monday, December 15 at 2:00 p.m. - MCA ¡¡ Tuesday, December 16 at 10:00 a.m. - WCA ¡¡ Wednesday, December 17 at 6:00 p.m. - Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties ¡¡ Thursday, December 18 at 2:00 p.m. - Lakes Regional Library ¡¡ Monday, December 29 at 7:00 p.m. - Beth Tikvah ¡¡ Tuesday, December 30 at 1:00 p.m. - Hadassah ¡¡ Tuesday, January 6 at 2:00 p.m. - South Regional Library

Stay connected at www.jewishnaples.org

CHANUKAH BAZAAR

Artists, crafters, jewelry designers, apparel, accessories, handbags, dolls, doll clothes, fresh flowers, Chanukah decorations and gifts galore! Authentic Jewish food (latkes, bobkas, kugel, knishes, etc.) to eat in the Nosh ‘n Nibble Nook, or to take home. Hot and cold beverages and Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream and sorbet. for more info, call 949-0700 or 948-7808

Federation Star December 2014

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Jewish Family & Community Services update Dr. Jaclynn Faffer JFCS President/ CEO

FCS has wonderful news to announce. On October 21, The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation awarded JFCS $150,000 in the form of a matching grant to expand the JFCS Senior Center. The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation was created in 2004 by Best Buy founder Dick Schulze. The Foundation supports education, basic human services, health and medical research, and transformational entrepreneurship. According to the Foundation website, its “vision is to connect in meaningful ways with grantees to make strategic contributions that achieve specific measurable outcomes.” The success of the JFCS Senior Center certainly has measurable out-

comes! The JFCS Senior Center opened its doors on January 22, 2014, and welcomed 88 seniors to the first weekly hot lunch, followed by entertainment. Since then, membership has increased to 430 and the Center is open five days a week, offering a weekly hot lunches, art classes, computer skills training, cards and mah jongg, tai chi, Monday afternoon movies, discussion groups, the Dakim brain fitness program and so much more. Because of the overwhelmingly positive response to the Center, more space is needed to accommodate the ever-increasing membership and to enable JFCS to increase program opportunities. (Visit www.jfcsswfl.org to see the complete JFCS Senior Center schedule.) Plans include relocating the JFCS program and administrative offices to the second floor, thereby designating the entire first floor for Senior Center activities. If you would like more information about The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation grant, or to find out

how to contribute, please contact me at 239.325.4444 or jfaffer@jfcsswfl.org. The 2015 annual fundraising event, “An Evening for Better Tomorrows,” is scheduled for Tuesday, January 20 at 5:30 p.m. at the Naples Sailing and Yacht Club. The evening is chaired by Susan and Dr. Nathaniel Ritter and co-chaired by Scott Hansen. The cost to attend is $250 per person. The

J event will serve as a celebration of theS ever-increasing impact of JFCS on our

community and the “opening night” for the brand new JFCS video. Donors who contribute $5,000 or more will receive two invitations to an elegant patron dinner to be held at the JFCS Senior Center on Monday, January 12 at 5:30 p.m. Please contact me for more information. Thank you all for your support!

The Naples Jewish Caring Support Group Next meetings: Mondays, Dec. 8 & 22 10:30 a.m. to noon at JFCS, 5025 Castello Road, Naples

Call Donna Levy at 239.325.4444 for more information.

GenShoah invites the community to its numerous events By Ida Margolis

enerations of the Shoah of Southwest Florida (GenShoah) will present a discussion of Primo Levi’s book The Periodic Table on Sunday, December 21. Shelley Lieb, who has been very active in GenShoah, has attended numerous Holocaust conferences and presentations, and recently was a facilitator during Holocaust Memorial Week at Edison College, will lead the discussion. The book discussion will take place immediately following a brief GenShoah member meeting, which will begin at 4:30 p.m. In addition, a Chanukah dinner for members and their guests is planned for this evening. Space is limited and reservations are essential. For location and more information about this event, please call me at 239.963.9347. The public is invited to many future GenShoah events this season, including two very special events, both at Temple Shalom at 7:00 p.m.: the appearance

on Wednesday, January 7 of Michael Stolowitzky, the rescued child in the book Gertruda’s Oath, and the showing of the award-winning film The Jewish Cardinal on Wednesday, February 11. Gertruda’s Oath, the “One Book, Southwest Florida” selection, is the story of a Catholic woman and a Jewish child (Stolowitzky) trapped in the horrors of WWII, as they embark on a journey of survival. This event is cosponsored by Temple Shalom, the Holocaust Museum and the Collier County Library. The docudrama The Jewish Cardinal is the true story of Jean-Marie Lustiger, the son of Polish-Jewish immigrants to France who found himself as a mediator when nuns want to build a convent in Auschwitz. Temple Shalom and the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County are also sponsoring this presentation. The Emmy Award-nominated docu-

Breathe Better BreatheToday Clear This Year

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COMMUNITY FOCUS

Jewish Historical Society of SW Florida inaugural event

anuary is Florida Jewish History month. The first recorded Jews in Florida came to Pensacola in 1763. In 1940, there were about 5,000 Jews in Miami. There is no record of Jews in 1940 in Collier County. The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida proudly presents its inaugural event, honoring longtime Naples resident and founding member of Temple Shalom, Helen Weinfeld. The presentation will include the premiere of a half-hour documentary about Helen, introduced by Collier County Curator of Education, Naomi Goren. Learn about the Weinfeld family’s fascinating story of being one of only several Jewish families in Naples and

the road to formation of what is now the oldest congregation in Collier County. Helen’s story also includes her recollections of the fight against Port Royal’s restrictive and discriminative by-laws. The event will take place on Monday, January 12 at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Shalom. Light refreshments will be served. This is a free community-wide event. Visit www.jhsswf.com, email jhsswf@gmail.com or call 239.566.1771 to order tickets. You can also order tickets at www.eventbrite.com, event title: Inaugural JHSSWF Event. The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All contributions are 100% tax deductible.

December 2014 Federation Star

HotWorks.org Presents the 15th Bi-Annual

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January 3 & 4, 2015 at Miromar Design Center

Naples Jewish Congregation community events

hanukah Party and Anniversary Celebration On Wednesday, December 17 at 5:00 p.m. you are welcome to join NJC members to celebrate our 15th year of NJC serving the greater Naples area, and to spin a few dreidels, sing some songs, and dine on an exquisite meal prepared by the Chefs at The Club at Olde Cypress. The cost for nonmembers is $55. For further information or to reserve your place at the fun-filled evening, please call Iris at 239.431.7944. *** Sunday at the Movies As we continue with our theme of

“The Jewish Experience of Becoming Americans,” the film Crossing Delancey will be shown on Sunday, December 28 at 4:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Federation offices. This delightful film takes place on the lower East Side of Manhattan, as did October’s movie, Hester Street. There is no charge for the movie, however a donation is always welcomed to help ensure the continuation of this project. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Les at elias21@gmail.com. As seating is limited to only 50, it is important to get your reservation in quickly. Last month it was standing room only!

ZOA Southwest Florida Chapter event update By Gene Sipe, VP, ZOA Southwest Florida Chapter

he December ZOA program is a presentation of the film Killing Kasztner, about the controversial life of Rudolf Kasztner, a JewishHungarian lawyer and journalist, who was involved in smuggling Jews out of occupied Hungary during the Shoah. The program will be presented on Thursday, December 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Chabad Jewish Center of Naples, 1789 Mandarin Road. It is open to the public and the cost is $10. RSVP by email to info@zoaswfl.org or reserve your seat by mailing a check, payable to ZOA SWFL, to 7550 Mission Hills Dr., Ste.

306, Box 90, Naples, FL 34119-9607. Future programs include a lecture on January 14 by Ambassador Yoram Ettinger, Ret., February 17 with Nonie Darwish, and March 17 with Robert Spencer. Visit www.zoaswfl.org for more information about any of our programs, for commentaries by local supporters of Zionism, or to check the top headlines of the day with links directly to The Jerusalem Post. The site is interactive and you are invited to register and participate with your thoughts and comments.

Israeli and International Folk Dancing on Thursdays Where: When: Why: Teacher:

Fleischmann Community Center, 1900 Fleischmann Road, Naples, opposite Coastland Center Mall Thursdays from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Exercise, relaxation, socializing, learning, good health and fun Richard Eddy, member International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO) and Florida Folk Dance Council Cost: Only $5 per session Questions: Richard Eddy at 703.303.4719; Fleischman Community Center at 239.213.3020 Come join our beginners group for dancing to classic music featuring both traditional and new Israeli and international folk dances. Richard has been dancing for about 14 years in Europe and the U.S. He has studied under many international teachers and choreographers, including Meir Shem-Tov, Rafi Ziv, Matti Goldschmidt, Mona Goldstein, Israel Shiker, Roberto Bagnoli, Paola Pagliani, Lucrezia LoBianca and Andi Kapplin.

Can We Kvell!

Congratulations to Jamibeth Margolis, daughter of Jeff and Ida Margolis, Naples residents and Federation Star editorial contributors. At the 15th Annual Midtown International Theatre Festival held on Monday, October 27 in New York City, Jamibeth won for Outstanding Direction of a Full-Length Musical for Eddie and the Palaceades. Jamibeth is also the director of Warsaw: A Story in Song, which was performed at three locations in Naples and Fort Myers earlier this year and seen by more than 1,200 attendees.

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Interested in your family’s history?

Do you have a similar photo in your home? Who are these people? Are they related to you? Do you know where your forebears came from? How do you find out? Do your grandchildren know who these people are? Researching your family genealogy can help you find the answers to all these questions. And the answers to questions you don’t even know to ask yet. Want to find out how to get started? Come to the next meeting of the Jewish Genealogy SIG (Shared Interest Group) at the Jewish Federation of Collier County offices (2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 2201, Naples) on Tuesday, December 9 at 10:00 a.m.

Seating is limited. RSVP to genresearch13@yahoo.com. You will receive an acknowledgement that you have a reservation. Bring a notebook and pen with you to the meeting.

The Federation Star is a monthly nonprofit newspaper supported by generous readers, committed advertisers and the Jewish Federation of Collier County.

Federation Star December 2014

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COMMUNITY FOCUS

Temple Shalom events open to the community

For more information on these events, call 239.455.3030.

hir Joy Shabbat, on Friday, December 5 at 6:30 p.m., is a wonderful opportunity to share Shabbat evening services with the younger generation. This is not just for children! Adults are welcome and encouraged to attend. There is nothing better than seeing young and old singing and praying together as one community. *** Torah Talk begins at 8:15 a.m. on Saturday, December 6 with a light breakfast, followed at 8:30 a.m. with the discussion. Held in the conference room at Temple Shalom. This month’s Torah portion is Vayishlach.

*** The 19 Annual Women’s Chanukah Celebration takes place on Wednesday, December 17 at 1:00 p.m. Dessert and refreshments will be served. Entertainment provided by Cantor Donna Azu, Jane Geller, and the children of Temple Shalom. A donation of $5 will be collected at the door with proceeds going to benefit Jewish Family & Community Services. RSVP required by December 10. Please call Shelley Skelton at 239.676.3052 or Denise Samuel at 239.594.9920. th

JCMI’s fun events open to the community

All events take place at JCMI, 991 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island.

pening Day at the JCMI Jewish Film Festival The Jewish Congregation of Marco Island in cooperation with the Jewish Federation of Collier County is proud to present the 14th season of the Sidney R. Hoffman Memorial Jewish Film Festival. On Sunday, December 14 the film festival opens with The Jewish Cardinal. Born the son of Jewish parents in Poland, young Aaron later became Jean Marie Lustiger, first a parish priest and then appointed by the Pope to Cardinal of Paris. But personal conflict and soul searching plagued him all his life as an obedient son of the Catholic Church yet clinging to his Jewish heritage. This is a superb film enhanced by discussion leaders Father Tim Navin of San Marco’s Catholic Church and Rabbi Edward Maline of the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island. Join us for the Opening Day Reception at 1:30 p.m. and the screening at 2:00 p.m. Please call 239.642.0800 to reserve your tickets and visit www. marcojcmi.com for more information. Patron’s series tickets are $85 and

regular series are $70. Individual films are $25 each. *** Chanukah Celebration The Jewish Congregation of Marco Island will hold its Community Chanukah Celebration on Sunday, December 21 at 5:45 p.m. This wonderful celebration of lights is open to the public and all are welcome. *** The 2015 Saul I. Stern Cultural Series The Jewish Congregation of Marco Island in cooperation with the Jewish Federation of Collier County is proud to present the 21st season of the Saul I. Stern Cultural Series. The series kicks off on Tuesday, January 6 at 7:30 p.m. with Rabbi Marvin Tokayer’s “The Jews of the Far East, Part II – Pepper, Silk and Ivory.” Rabbi Tokayer, retired Rabbi of China, Japan and India, has written 20 books on this subject. A sale and book signing of his latest book, Pepper, Silk and Ivory, will be available following the presentation. Please call 239.642.0800 to reserve your tickets and for more information.

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! 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

December 2014 Federation Star

COMMUNITY FOCUS

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MARCH 2015 | MONDAYS AT 7:00pm NORRIS CENTER | 755 8th AVE SOUTH presented by

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ABOVE & BEYOND 03.02.15

ABOVE & BEYOND

In 1948, a group of WWII pilots volunteered to fight for Israel in the War of Independence. The members of “Machal” – volunteers from abroad – not only turned the tide of the war, they also laid the groundwork for the Israeli Air Force.

03.16.15

G O D ’ S S L AV E

Based on actual events. Trained since childhood as an Islamic terrorist, Ahmed now must suicide-bomb a Buenos Aires synagogue. The investigation by David, the Israeli special agent determined to prevent the attack, leads to violent, if unexpected, consequences.

03.23.15

GOD’S SLAVE

BELLE & SEBASTIAN

In the French Alps during WWII, lonely Sebastian befriends Belle, “the beast” the local farmers think is killing their sheep – an enormous yet gentle sheepdog. With Nazis rooting out resistance fighters, Belle and Sebastian’s loyalties are put to the test.

03.30.15

UNDER THE SAME SUN

BELLE & SEBASTIAN

In the near future, two businessmen – a Palestinian and an Israeli – struggle to set up a solar energy company. Their attempts to overcome hostility from their families and the people around them ultimately change the political map. RIFF Int’l Humanitarian Award winner.

2015 SUBSCRIPTION REQUEST Please mail this request with a check made payable to: Naples Jewish Film Festival • c/o Beth Tikvah 1459 Pine Ridge Road • Naples, FL 34109 Subscriber(s) ________________________________________________________________

UNDER THE SAME SUN

_____________________________________________________________________________ Email _______________________________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip ________________________________________________________________ Phone ______________________________________________________________________

Please check the option you would like:

o SUBSCRIBER

$100

• One ticket to each of the 4 movies • Private wine reception opening night • Screen recognition

o FESTIVAL FRIEND

$500

• All Subscriber perks for two guests • Screen recognition

o EXECUTIVE PRODUCER o DIRECTOR

$1,000

• All Subscriber perks for four guests • Individual screen ad

$1,500

• All Subscriber perks for four guests • Featured sponsor in advertising • Make a live introduction for one movie

Only 200 seats available! Single movie tickets released February 1 if available Tickets mail February 15

NAPLESJEWISHFILMFESTIVAL.ORG | 239-434-1818

Federation Star December 2014

Volunteer Opportunity Phone/Receptionist

Do you enjoy talking to people? Are you outgoing? Volunteer to answer the phones, take messages and direct calls for a couple of hours a week – Monday through Thursday – at the Federation office. Requirements: A desire to help with the Jewish Federation goals; an interest in donating a few hours of free time each week; the obligation to maintain confidentiality.

If you are interested, or for more information, call Jill Saravis at 239.263.4205.

COMMUNITY FOCUS Beth Tikvah

JEWISH PRISONER OUTREACH (not affiliated with Beth Tikvah Conservative Synagogue)

Jewish Prisoner Outreach in our area has been conducted for about 30 years (before 2002 it was under the umbrella of B’nai B’rith and Jewish Prisoner Services International). In order to continue this initiative, support is needed in providing anonymous responses to mail from lonely and forgotten men and women. Work can be done from your own computer. Jewish Prisoner Outreach provides a wide assortment of Judaica to those lacking the funds to make their own purchases. We welcome donations of dormant Judaica (used tefillin, Chumashim, Tanakhim, Hebrew readers, Siddurim, tallaisim, etc.) from individuals and congregations. Through directed giving, we provide kosher edibles at holiday times. We also provide pre-entry and post-release support and counseling for Jewish offenders and their loved ones who request it. Much of our time and energy is devoted to combating rampant anti-Semitism in Florida’s prison system.

We seek a volunteer director to assist in day-to-day outreach programs. For more information, call 239-566-7702 or email skleiner@comcast.net.

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 2014-2015 SHOWCASING THE NEWEST AND BEST AWARD-WINNING FILMS ON THE JEWISH CIRCUIT

Opening Day THE JEWISH CARDINAL Sunday afternoon, December 14, 2014

Marco Premiere Film 2:00 PM Reception 1:30 PM

Our opening day film is the true story of Father Jean-Marie Lustiger, THE JEWISH CARDINAL, born the son of Polish Jews in Paris whose mother died at Auschwitz. Although he converted to Catholicism at age 14, later becoming a priest and then appointed Cardinal, Father Lustiger maintained his cultural identity as a Jew. The film reflects Cardinal Lustiger’s personal conflict and soul searching as an obedient son of the Church yet attached to his Jewish heritage. FATHER TIM NAVIN, SAN MARCO CATHOLIC CHURCH and RABBI EDWARD MALINE, JCMI will lead the discussion following the film. 100 Minutes English and French Opening Day Reception with Cake and Fruit

THE OUTRAGEOUS SOPHIE TUCKER Sunday afternoon, January 18, 2015 Film 2:00 PM

THE OUTRAGEOUS SOPHIE TUCKER is a documentary focusing on the tumultuous early days of this superstar who ruled the 1920s Flapper Era. Before Mae West, Marilyn Monroe, Bette Midler, Madonna and Lady Gaga, there was Sophie Tucker, who made her audiences fall in love with her bold, bawdy and brassy style. Born in Russia to a Jewish family Sophie became the “last of the Red Hot Mamas,” with a 60 year show business career. YOU WILL LOVE THE MUSIC AND THE FILM. 96 Minutes English Reception following the Film

DISOBEDIENCE Sunday afternoon, February 8, 2015

Film 2:00 PM

In 1940 as France was being overrun by the Nazis, Aristides de Sousa Mendes, the Portuguese General Counsel in Bordeaux gave visas to thousands of refugees, Jews and non-Jews so they could cross the border into neutral Spain and Portugal. Sousa Mendes did this knowing he would face severe punishment from Antonio Salazar, dictator of Portugal who had forbidden visas to Jews and others who could not return to their country of origin. Today the survivors and descendants of those he saved have established the Aristides de Sousa Mendes Foundation to tell his story. IT’S A MUST SEE BEAUTIFUL STORY. Speaker: Robert Jacobvitz of the Sousa Mendes Foundation 104 Minutes French with English subtitles Reception following the Film

YIDDLE WITH HIS FIDDLE Sunday afternoon, March 8, 2015 Film 2:00 PM

This film is a treasure, reflecting the joy of Yiddish life before the Holocaust in Poland, home of 3 million Jews. The story is about an impoverished man, Arye and his daughter Itke, played by Molly Picon, who decide to become traveling Klezmorim. That means they go from shtetl to shtetl playing music, singing and dancing. This is the most successful of all the Yiddish films and a rare gem because all the film’s extras are ordinary Jews picked from the Polish shtetls to show real Jewish life in Poland. ENTERTAINING, AMUSING AND JOYOUS! 92 Minutes Yiddish with English subtitles Delicious Noshes after the Film

All films will be shown at the Jewish Congregation, 991 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island

Clip and Mail ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Make checks payable to JCMI Jewish Film Festival, 991 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island, FL 34145-5426 Name___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip ________________________________________________________________________ Phone

SERIES TICKETS: _____________ Patron @ $85 _____________ Regular @ $70 Individual Films: _____________ @ $25 each ___________________________________________________ (please specify film) A LL PRO GRA MS S U B J EC T TO C HA N G E WI T HO U T N O T I C E FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT THE JCMI OFFICE AT (239) 642-0800

December 2014 Federation Star

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Tributes

Tributes to the Federation Campaign

To: Jane Schiff & Family In memory of your beloved mother, Betty Schiff From: Karen & Stan Deutsch To: Shirley & Henry Kraus & Family In memory of your beloved brother From: Enid & Gene Bronstein To: David Willens In honor of your birthday From: Maxine & Harvey Brenner To: Alan Wilder In honor of your 80th birthday From: Bunny Levere

To: From:

Tributes require a minimum donation of $18. David Willens In your honor. We will miss you and appreciate your special efforts for WCA. Doralu & Frank Chanen

To: Ira & Jeff Margolis In memory of Jeff’s beloved father, Alex Margolis From: David Willens

To: David Willens In your honor From: Norine & Meir Kehila

To: Ferne Walpert Wishing you a speedy recovery From: Nancy & Dr. Jeffrey Kahn

To: Sandra & Robert Goldstein & Family In memory of your beloved sister From: Eloyse & David Fisher

To: Sylvia & Irving Wolinsky & Family In memory of your beloved sister, Florine From: Enid & Gene Bronstein

The Jewish Federation of Collier County extends condolences to: • Anne & Dr. Mark Rubin & Family on the passing of Mark’s beloved father, Harry Rubin • Ida & Jeff Margolis & Family on the passing of Jeff’s beloved father, Alex Margolis

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

Celebrating 11 years of bringing noted Jewish authors to our Federation Members PROUDLY PRESENTS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 – 7:30PM Temple Shalom – 4630 Pine Ridge Road – Naples Bernd Wollschlaeger, MD, tells the compelling story of his spiritual transformation in his first book “A German Life: Against All Odds Change is Possible” which describes his struggle growing up in Germany in the shadow of his father, a highly-decorated WWII tank commander and Nazi officer. Dr. Wollschlaeger eventually converted to Judaism, emigrated to Israel and served in the Israel Defense Forces as a medical officer. In Spring 2013 he released his novel “Samson’s Shadow” and in Summer 2013 his book “Stauffenberg: My Life in the Shadow of a Hero.” Bernd Wollschlaeger, MD, FAAFP, FASAM is a board-certified family physician in private practice in Aventura, FL. He received his medical education in Germany and Israel and completed his residency training at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL. He received additional training in addiction medicine and is a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine. Dr. Wollschlaeger also serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at the University of Miami School of Medicine, and both Florida International University and Florida State University Colleges of Medicine.

Clip and Mail ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Make checks payable to: JEWISH FEDERATION OF COLLIER COUNTY Mail to: 2500 VANDERBILT BEACH RD, SUITE #2201, NAPLES, FL 34109-0613 event This is my/our reservation for the Name(s) _______________________________________________________________________________________  I/We are Members of the Federation  I/We would like to become Members Number of reservations: _____________________ Enclosed is my/our membership donation for the

Phone: ______________________________________ event $ _______________________

Federation Star December 2014

JEWISH INTEREST

Retirement home mystery floats laughter in the broth F By Philip K. Jason, Special to the Federation Star s Mrs. Kaplan and the Matzoh Ball of Death, by Mark Reutlinger. Alibi/Random House. Kindle e-book $2.99 and other e-book providers.

andom House has recently developed several new e-book imprints, each focusing on a popular genre. Alibi is the mystery and suspense imprint. It is not likely that these titles will be available in traditional print editions. Mark Reutlinger’s new book is one of the first in the Alibi category. Set in a retirement community for Jewish senior citizens, it introduces novice sleuth Rose Kaplan (the SherPhil Jason lock) and her second banana, Ida Berkowitz (the Watson who tells the story). Both women are in their mid-seventies. For years, Rose Kaplan’s extraordinary matzoh ball soup has been the Seder staple at the Julius and Rebecca Cohen Home for Jewish Seniors. Though the selected soup is the result of a competition among participating residents, Rose is almost always the winner. This year, however, something puts a damper on this gastronomical event: Bertha Finkelstein, a quiet woman who chose to eat by herself, dies while eating her soup. Was it a bad matzoh ball or tainted chicken broth? No. She choked on a diamond earring that had somehow found its way into her soup. Or so it seems. The solo diamond earring, it is soon believed, had most likely been stolen from another resident at the home, the elegantly dressed, well done-up and somewhat forgetful Daisy Goldfarb. Since Rose had as much access to the earring as anyone else, and since she had control over the kitchen while making her soup, she is considered a person of particular interest by the first investigators: on-call physi-

cian Dr. Arnold Menschyk and surly policeman whose father is Mr. Pupik, the general manager of the a resident of the home, the home. young Conservative rabbi They grill Rose, clearly thinkwho abbreviates the sering she must have had something to vice and speeds to the gasdo with both the theft and the murder. tronomical centerpiece, How she responds to their innuendos various members of the delightfully reveals her strong personstaff (especially servers ality and her cleverness. The two polike Frank who handled licemen who come to investigate also the soup), and many of seem to suspect Rose, but she has althe other ladies and a few of ready begun playing Sherlock Holmes the gentlemen who live there. There is – rationally exploring the possibilities even the owner of a nearby pawn shop of how the earring could have gotwho tells the dynamic duo that most ten into her soup and using Ida as her pieces of diamond jewelry are quickly sounding board. stripped of the diamonds – so there is The suspense builds and the myslittle chance of finding something like tery unwinds with the twists and turns a quality diamond earring for sale in that mystery fans expect. Rose has a such a place. (In fact, why would anygood mind for eliminating possible perone buy one earring?) petrators and weighing various specuMrs. Kaplan and the Matzoh Ball lations against one another, deciding of Death is not only a suspenseful what needs to be explored further and mystery tale, but also a special kind what doesn’t. Her mind is a fabulous of middle class comedy of manners. It thing, and she doesn’t waste it. is thoroughly engaging in bringing its Some of her methods, like having challenging setting to life. a professional burglar check out a resiPhilip K. Jason is Professor Emeritus dent’s apartment for her in a search for of English from the United States Nathe missing earring, may seem quesval Academy. He reviews regularly for tionable. However, she is not getting Florida Weekly, Jewish Book World, any information or help from the poSouthern Literary Review, and other lice. publications. Please visit Phil’s webJust as entertaining as the mystery site at www.philjason.wordpress.com. plot is the portrait of the community. The Home Q & A with Mark Reutlinger for Jewish Seniors has a PKJ: Did you have a parparticular social milieu, ticular Jewish community in and author Reutlinger mind as the place in which captures it well. The to locate this home for Jewslightly patronizing ish seniors? yet humorous stereoMR: Yes and no. I did not have types, the Jewish/Yidone specific place in mind, and dish slang terms, the I deliberately did not set the short-cut explanations story in any particular city. I Mark Reutlinger of Passover and other wanted to have the freedom to aspects of Jewish culture, and even the create the setting as I went along. (This patterns of speech are handled with is in contrast, for example, to my book affectionate accuracy. Made in China, which I set in my home Mr. Reutlinger populates the resiarea of the greater Seattle region, and dence home and a few outside locain which I therefore had to be careful tions with a wide range of minor to describe all of the setting’s features figures, each sharply individualized accurately.) and efficiently exploited. There is the On the other hand, I did have in

mind several facilities and communities with which I have been familiar over the years, and the Julius and Rebecca c Cohen Home for Jew- r ish Seniors and its sur- d roundings reflect those C actual places, including g San Francisco (where I t grew up and where my t dad spent his last years in an excel- a lent Jewish retirement home); Tacoma, t Washington, where I live now and J where both of my parents spent several years in a wonderful (but non-Jewish) retirement home; both Oakland, P California, and Bellevue, Washing- M ton, where my mother had somewhat a unfortunate experiences as we tried to t find the right kind of facility for her; b and Vancouver, B.C., Canada, where h we have lived and where my wife’s a parents spent several years in another A excellent Jewish retirement home. fi There is also a Florida connection, in c that a good friend’s mother lived in h Boca Raton and we heard lots of sto- e ries from there. r PKJ: Have you planned a continu- m ing series for Rose and Ida? i MR: Yes. In fact, I am presently in the c process of writing the second book, P which will focus on Rosh Hashanah o and Yom Kippur, as the current book b focused on Passover. t PKJ: How did you come up with this ( idea? s MR: As I recall, it began at a Seder t with family and friends, where some- g one made a joke about a “little old o lady” expiring in her matzoh ball soup. o (Sorry, I don’t remember the punch n line.) For some reason this image stuck P with me, and, as a reader of cozy mys- i teries and a novelist, I thought it would M make a wonderful premise for a mys- l tery story. Much of my fiction writing has been on the light, humorous side (Made in China, a political thriller, notwithstanding), so I just plunged into it and found it almost wrote itself.

continued on next page

The Jewish Congregation of Marco Island in conjunction with the Jewish Federation of Collier County presents The 2015 Saul I. Stern Cultural Series – now in its 21st year! Tuesday, January 6, 2015, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 28, 2015, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 18, 2015, 7:30 p.m.



RABBI MARVIN TOKAYER presents “The Jews of the Far East, Part II - Pepper, Silk & Ivory.” You will hear fantastic stories of Jewish life in the Far East, known to few. Rabbi Tokayer has written 20 books on the subject. A sale and book signing of his latest book, Pepper, Silk and Ivory, will be available following the presentation. THE NAPLES PHILHARMONIC BRASS QUINTET returns with a delightful variety of music – classical and popular – for the ninth consecutive year. A fabulous Viennese table follows the program with a sampling from Starbucks. HARRY ETTLINGER escaped to America from Germany, with his family shortly before the war. He returned as a GI. Because of his knowledge of German, he was sent to Munich to join the Monuments Men. He will tell us how he assisted in rescuing five million works of art and returned them to their rightful owners.

THE 2015 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

For those wishing single event tickets: # of tickets:____ Rabbi Marvin Tokayer # of tickets:____ The Naples Philharmonic # of tickets:____ Harry Ettlinger

____ Enclosed is my check payable to JCMI ____ Please charge my credit card: Credit Card #_______________________________________ exp. ____/____ Please mail my tickets to the address below: Name_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip____________________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________________

JEWISH INTEREST

December 2014 Federation Star

Fourth census of Jewish day schools shows clear enrollment trends

ew York, October 30 – The fourth census of Jewish day schools in the United States conducted by Dr. Marvin Schick was released today by The AVI CHAI Foundation, which sponsored the research. Conducted at five-year intervals, beginning with the 1998-99 school year, this research provides a clear picture of trends in the day school system over an extended period of time. The statistics were self-reported by every known Jewish day school in the U.S.

“The participation rate of 100% for known schools is a remarkable accomplishment,” says Yossi Prager, North American Executive Director of The AVI CHAI Foundation. “Anyone interested in the Jewish day school field benefits from this achievement. We are indebted to Dr. Schick for his dedication to this project.” This census demonstrates an overall increase in day school enrollment. There were nearly 255,000 students enrolled from the four-year-old level

continued from previous page PKJ: How did you develop it? MR: I tend to let my stories develop as they go, in that I don’t have a detailed plot or character outline before I begin, just a general idea of where I’m headed. The story has a life of its own and can take some surprising turns. Although sometimes I create wholly fictional characters, in Mrs. Kaplan the characters are amalgams of people I have known well (like my grandmother) and not so well (like many of the residents of retirement homes I have met). I did want to make certain points in the course of the story, such as educating non-Jewish readers a bit about Passover (and Yiddish) and pointing out that life in a retirement home can be dynamic and fulfilling, rather than the grim picture that many people have (although there is, of course, that other side as well). I also wanted to illustrate the difficult, sometimes tragic background that underlies the personalities of many older Jewish people, but without, I hope, detracting from the lightness of the story. PKJ: What was most/least enjoyable in bringing this title to completion? MR: I love to write, and I especially love to write creatively, so the writ-

ing itself was the most enjoyable part of the process. (As a former law professor, most of my writing was of legal treatises and law review articles, which offer little scope for creativity.) I would sit down at the computer and let my imagination flow into the story, visualizing what Mrs. Kaplan or Ida (or the minor characters) would say, or how they would react, in a given situation. I also enjoyed learning more about Yiddish as I researched the language to be sure I correctly used the terms that I had heard (or used myself) so often over the years. (I don’t speak Yiddish, but I understand and often use the more common words and phrases.) On the other hand, once I had written the first draft, the “work” part of the process began: I probably wrote ten or more drafts, rewrote several passages more than once, and even changed the title several times (it began as Mrs. Kaplan in the Soup). I tend to be a perfectionist, and that can really slow things down. By the time I submitted the final draft to Random House, I was not anxious to read the story yet again (although of course I had to during the copy-editing process).

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through 12th grade in Jewish elementary and secondary schools in the 201314 school year. This represents an increase of 12% since the previous census in 2008-9 and 37% since 1998-99. Enrollment has grown by 70,000 students in this span of 15 years. Most of that growth is in Chassidic and Yeshiva World schools, which have grown by nearly 110% and 60% respectively. Students are enrolled in 861 day schools, significantly more than the 802 schools reported in the previous census and the 676 accounted for in 1998-99. This increase is predominantly found in the Chassidic and Yeshiva World sectors as well. In the non-Orthodox sector, Community school enrollment has increased, whereas enrollment has declined in non-Orthodox schools overall. NonOrthodox enrollment now constitutes 13% of all day school enrollment, a decrease from 20% as reported in 199899. This data, explains Dr. Schick, “presents the community with an enormous challenge: will day school continue to be a principal instrument for Judaic strengthening among those segments of American Jewish life for whom day school education is a critical determinant of young people’s future Judaic commitment?” Amongst the Orthodox schools, where enrollment in Chassidic and Yeshiva World schools has grown dramatically, another communal challenge arises. As Dr. Schick explains, this challenge is “whether there will be sufficient resources to provide adequately for the growth in these two sectors.” Small school size is a consistent feature of the Jewish day school world. In each of the four censuses, approximately 40% of day schools have fewer than 100 students. “The existence of so

many small schools raises,” explains Dr. Schick, “educational, financial and communal concerns. Many of these schools will not survive, while others will continue to struggle with their small enrollments. This has been a phenomenon we continue to see over the last 15 years.” There are Jewish day schools in 37 states and the District of Columbia. In ten of these states, enrollment is below 100, and in 16 states, there has been a decline in the number of students over the course of the four censuses. New York and New Jersey are, to a great extent, the center of the day school world, with enrollment growing by 47,000 or 45% in New York and by nearly 21,000 or 116% in New Jersey between 1998 and 2013. This reinforces the financial challenges for the New York and New Jersey communities as they must consider ways in which to address growing capital and operating needs. “As AVI CHAI plans to sunset in 2020, this fourth census is the last one that will directly inform our grant making,” explains Mem Bernstein, Chairman of The AVI CHAI Foundation. “These censuses have provided our Trustees and staff with data-rich perspectives on our work. Where it foretold challenges facing the community, it offered us, and others dedicated to the day school field, rich opportunities to make a difference through our grant making. We hope that this census and the next, which will be the last AVI CHAI-sponsored census, will provide useful information as the day school field continues to evolve and grow.” The 44-page census report may be downloaded at http://avichai. org/knowledge_base/a-census-ofjewish-day-schools-in-the-unitedstates-2013-14-2014/.

JEWISH INTEREST

Federation Star December 2014

The Samuel Team

at John R. Wood Properties “Professionals on your team.”

239.537.3732 or 239.298.3555 visit us on the web at

www.lovingnaples.com

zOA

Southwest Florida Chapter Presents:

Killing Kasztner

The Jew Who Dealt With the Nazis A Film that will Change the Way We Think About the Holocaust

Thursday, December 11, 2014 7:30 P.M.

Chabad Jewish Center of Naples 1789 Mandarin Rd. Naples Fl. 34102 Admission: $10.00 Light Refreshments Served

Please R.S.V.P.

914-329-1024

(For Faster Seating Pre-Payment is Advised) ZOASWFL

7550 Mission Hills Dr. STE 306 Box 90 Naples, Fl. 34119 For a detailed description of this riveting Þlm, please visit our Website:

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Rudolf Kasztner and the Satmar Rebbe By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD

eventy years ago this month, on December 7, 1944, a train carrying Rabbi Joel Teitelbaum (1887-1979), founder of the Satmar Hasidic dynasty, departed BergenBelsen concentration camp on what became known as the Kasztner Train. The train, carrying some 1,370 Jews, traveled to Switzerland – and safety. It was unique among such transports, a “life train,” as distinct from the death trains that had been conveying Jews to Dr. Paul Bartrop their fate in the extermination camps up to that point. Teitelbaum, who grew up in Sighet, Romania, was the son of the town’s rabbi. As a young man he moved to the town of Satmar, and in 1934 became its chief rabbi. In 1940, Satmar again became part of Hungary. When war came to Satmar in 1944, he attempted to flee Hungary for Romania, but was caught by Hungarian police and sent to the Koloszvar (Romanian, Cluj) ghetto. The story of the Kasztner Train, by which Rebbe Teitelbaum was rescued in December 1944, is a controversial episode in the history of Jewish rescue during the Holocaust. Rudolf (Rezső) Kasztner (19061957) was a Hungarian Jew and leader of the Budapest Jewish community. As a leader of the Vaada Etzel Vehatzalah (Jewish Relief and Rescue Committee), he helped Jews try to escape from the Nazis and smuggle them into neutral countries. In this capacity – and given that the committee was never formally part of the Nazi-imposed Jewish Council – Kasztner found himself increasingly the person looked to as the one who would try to orchestrate the saving of Jews. This would take place in direct dealings with the notorious Adolf Eichmann. Such negotiations led to an agreement whereby the Nazis would permit a single trainload of Jews to leave Budapest and go to a neutral country. Kasztner and his committee arranged for a diverse group of Jews to be assembled for rescue. People of all ages and of all social classes were included: Zionists and non-Zionists, Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox, 972 females and 712 males. Baron Fülöp von Freudiger, director of the Orthodox congregation in Budapest, selected eighty rabbis and other prominent figures and paid for their inclusion in the passenger list, among them Teitelbaum. It was, however, because of the 150 seats that were auctioned off to well-off Jews that caused Kasztner’s name to be forever vilified – and was to cost him his life several years later. Kasztner was criticized not only for charging wealthy Jews, but for also rescuing some of his family members at the expense of others. His success in arranging for the transfer of these Jews to Switzerland between August 18 and December 6, 1944 would later come to be viewed as both self-serving and harsh evidence of collaboration with the Nazis. Later, in

E f his trial in Israel, Eichmann said thati Kasztner had “agreed to help keepw the Jews from resisting deportation –i and even keep order in the collection W camps – if I would close my eyes and T let a few hundred or a few thousand B young Jews emigrate to Palestine. It S was a good bargain.” a This to one side, on June 10, 1944, w Rebbe Teitelbaum, with a small group 4 of family and entourage, arrived in BuS dapest aboard a special train which carT ried those from the Kolozsvár (Cluj) H ghetto who were included in the list. s The Kasztner Train left Budai pest on June 30, 1944, but instead of e heading directly to Switzerland it was t diverted to the Bergen-Belsen concenK tration camp on July 9. Then followed b months of delay, during which KasztH ner worked to negotiate the Jews’ reg lease. They were segregated from the T other inmates and given a subsistence t diet. Prior to their release in two batchw es – some in August and others in Dea cember – a number died. Teitelbaum’s group finally left t Bergen Belsen on December 4. On the s night of December 7-8, 1944, the train w arrived in neutral Switzerland. The D Rebbe received a visa, and an apartt ment was organized for him and his t wife in Geneva. W Overall, some 1,670 Jews surC vived as a result of Kasztner’s negob tiations with Adolf Eichmann, which ( is about four hundred more than Oskar 9 Schindler saved through his famous B list. The difference between Kasztner p and Schindler, however, is that some fi viewed Kasztner, a Jew, as having sold t out vast numbers of other Jews in order a to save his own life and that of his fams ily and favorites, whereas Schindler, c a Gentile, has been recognized for his unconditional goodwill towards Jews. As for the Satmar Rebbe, a legend had it that one of Kasztner’s relatives had a dream that the Rebbe had to be included on the train to freedom – either this, or none of its passengers would survive. He therefore went – and, on theological grounds, became one of the bitterest opponents of Zionism and the establishment of a Jewish state. When he died in 1979 at age 92, followers of Satmar Hasidism were already celebrating Kislev 21, 5705 (December 7, 1944) as the date of their Rebbe’s “miracle” rescue. Kasztner, for his part, was murdered in Tel Aviv on March 4, 1957, by a group of veterans from the pre-state right-wing militia Lehi (known also as the Stern Gang), who accused him of selling out the Jewish people for his own convenience. They were given life sentences, but seven years later were released. To this day, despite the rescue of over 1,600 Jews and the many thousands of descendants they produced, Rudolf Kasztner remains a divisive figure among survivors. Whether we like it or not, the Shoah remains with us still. Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of History and the Director of the Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University. He can be reached at pbartrop@fgcu.edu.

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December 2014 Federation Star

Stars of David

Interested in Your Family’s History?

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. World Series Sidelight – Two K.C. Mensches By the time you read this, the World Series will be long over. But here are a couple of Jewish footnotes I thought were interesting. Actor PAUL RUDD, 44, was in the stands during the World Series games in Kansas City and the TV cameras showed him a few times. He was decked out in all the Royals’ stuff a fan might wear. Rudd’s rooting interest is understandable – the talented actor, whom everyone likes, moved to Overland Park, Kansas (not far from Kansas City, Missouri), with his U.K.born Jewish parents when he was 10. He had his bar mitzvah in Kansas and graduated from a Kansas high school. The Royals fielded a lot of very good teams (including the 1985 World Series winner) when Rudd was a young teen and he has remained a lifelong fan. Rudd watched the second game of the Series with golf legend Tom Watson, 65. Watson, a Kansas City native, was married to a Jewish woman, LINDA RUBIN, from 1972-1997. She’s the mother of his two older children and they were raised in their mother’s faith. Watson resigned from the Kansas City Country Club, in 1990, when the membership committee refused to admit (the Jewish) HENRY BLOCH, now 92. Bloch is the co-founder of H&R Block as well as being a philanthropic pillar of the Kansas City area. Watson first tried to quietly get the committee to reverse its decision. He failed at that and issued this statement when he resigned: “This is something I personally can’t live with. I wish people would

get together and say that a person with different religious beliefs is okay. It’s time for people to take their heads out of the sand.” The ensuing public uproar got the club to reverse its decision and offer Bloch membership, which he accepted. Short Takes Variety reports that SETH ROGEN, 32, has been picked to play Apple cofounder Steven Wozniak in a bio-pic based on the 2011 WALTER ISAACSON biography, entitled Steve Jobs – which, of course, was about Apple’s other founder. Wozniak, by the way, is not Jewish “at all.” There have been three major film depictions of Wozniak (including the upcoming film). Wozniak has been played in each by a Jewish actor. Go figure. JOSHUA BELL, 46, is often called the world’s greatest violinist. Last month, he spoke to the Sun-Sentinel newspaper in connection with a Florida concert. About doing a free workshop for school kids before the concert, Bell said: “You have to credit my Jewish upbringing about the importance of doing mitzvot, that reflects how grateful I am to be a musician. My piano teacher, Russian Jewish violinist JOSEPH GINGOLD, gave me advice and taught me the beauty of music as I grew to idolize the great violinists such as MISCHA ELMAN, who was a contemporary of Gingold.” Bell has played with the Israeli Philharmonic. About Israel and his violin, he said: “I am forever recognized by Israel as the violinist who plays with BRONISLAW HUBERMAN’s

Ten years of doing a Jewish celebrities column has turned Nate Bloom (see column at left) 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 nteibloom@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. 1713 Stradivarius. [Huberman was the founder of the Israel Philharmonic.] I am deeply respectful of the beauty and the rich history of my violin.” About the tune, “Baal Shem: Simchat Torah,” which appeared on a 2013 CD he made, Bell said: “Simchat Torah is a time of rejoicing and I wanted to share the happy emotions that are celebrated on the Jewish holiday.” Ashton Kutcher recently told Conan O’Brien how he and his fiancée, MILA KUNIS, 31, came up with their newborn daughter’s name, WYATT ISABELLE. First, Kutcher said he came down with “name Tourette’s,” and started spitting out every name that came to mind in an effort to find one that Mila would like. Finally, he said “Wyatt” and Kunis said, “That’s it.” Then he added, “We gave her the middle name Isabelle after Mila’s grandfather who was Itzhak, and so it has a little heritage.” He didn’t explain that it’s a Jewish naming custom to give

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a newborn a name whose first letter or sound is similar to the name of the honored relative. Robert Downey, Jr., who wed producer SUSAN LEVIN DOWNEY, 40, in a Jewish ceremony in 2005, welcomed a daughter on November 4. She’s named AVRI ROEL DOWNEY. In 2012, they had a son, whom they named EXTON ELIAS DOWNEY. (I suspect that Avri, too, is named after a Jewish relative. It is a common Hebrew nickname for Abraham.) Meanwhile, ISLA FISHER, 38, and hubbie SACHA BARON COHEN, 43, are reportedly expecting their third child. The couple has two daughters: OLIVE, 7, and ELULA, 4.

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

Federation Star December 2014

JEWISH INTEREST

Florida Jewish History Month: all roads will lead back to…you By Marina Berkovich, President, Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida

n my 35 years in the United States I have moved 17 times, more frequently than most military families. While relocating, I gained many of the globalization perspectives and other valuable advantages, but I lost something so irreparably precious the majority of the readers of this piece will not immediately relate to – my roots. I still remember the names of my grandparents, but that is not what I mean. I mean, I lost the Jewish thread which connected me to all the Jews in the area where I grew up through folklore, music, dance, names, holidays, food and other uniquely “ours” connections, which identify people of the same regional background. I found myself instantly at home on the west coast of Florida. In the decade of my being here, formidable germination began and I am hoping that a strong and fine seedling I planted with my arrival will create a forest someday. I often wonder, who were the first Jews here. They are gone now, having

moved away or passed on, and whose names are now obliterated from a very short – in comparison to other places – Jewish history of Southwest Florida. There is so precious little known now about Southwest Florida’s Jewish history. Yet from Fort Myers’ very name to stories of the Jewish farmers of the Everglades, Southwest Florida is a region of contemporary Jewish pioneer settlement and resettlement. Only fifty years ago, Naples Jews could be counted on the fingers of one hand, and my best sources know only of a handful of Jews in Immokalee and Lehigh Acres. As the region undergoes further development, and resettlement continues, the Jewish community grows and becomes more visible, gaining notice for its contributions to the culture, environment, education and history, yet losing its eldest “locals.” Since my arrival here, I felt the thrill of still being a pioneer, like the 18th and 19th century non-Jews who came to this

area undoubtedly felt. I ignited some interest in the people who held similar beliefs and I want to ignite the rest of our Southwest Florida community to stand together, while we collect, protect, preserve, display and carry forward the Jewish history of our region. There are stories and storytellers to record. Photographs and documents to preserve and restore. Archives to sift through and records to examine. It is a journey for all of us to undertake collectively because we are each, regardless of where we came from, now making what will go down in the annals of history as the “early Southwest Florida Jewish” period. One of the first projects my husband, Alexander Goldstein, and I undertook in Florida, was “Naples Oral Histories: If These Walls Could Talk” – two dozen filmed interviews with the old-timers and members of founding families of Naples for the Naples Historical Society. The half-hour documentary often airs on the Education Channel.

The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida began as soon as that documentary was completed. Armed with a camera, we recorded many excellent stories, and our video collection is steadily expanding. Florida Jewish History Month is a good time to formally unveil the organization and I am pleased to declare that the inaugural event, honoring Naples’ longtime resident and the founding member of Temple Shalom, Helen Weinfeld, will take place on Monday, January 12 at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Shalom, with the debut of a short film about her. Admission is free and light refreshments will be available. For further details, to become a member, to volunteer time and/or information, please visit www.jhsswf. com, email jhsswf@gmail.com or call 239.566.1771. The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are 100% tax deductible.

Oh Chanukah, Oh Chanukah... By Jill Saravis

nce again that joyous time of year is upon us where we celebrate the miracle of Chanukah. Fondly bringing out your beautiful prized menorah or using one that your child made with their own hands, it is magical watching those beautiful lights dance around, adding an additional Jill Saravis candle each night. I am not going to bore you by giving you yet another latke recipe. Last year when we celebrated Chanukah on the same day as Thanksgiving, we were inundated with many very creative latke recipes that included using various other shredded vegetables in addition to potatoes. The one thing that made my mom’s addictive latkes so special was the homemade applesauce that she served with it. The pungent aroma of apples and cinnamon that permeated through the air forced us to sneak away from our dreidel game, run into the kitchen, and snitch the pancakes as they were done frying in peanut oil. It was as difficult for my mom to keep up as it was

for us to wait for that delicious warm applesauce. Now my family does the same to me. It is such an easy recipe to prepare that I don’t quite understand why people go through all of the trouble and work to prepare homemade latkes but not homemade applesauce. It also makes your home smell amazing. In addition to this shared secret, I am also giving you the recipe for my special Pumpkin Harvest Bread. It is wonderful warmed as a quick breakfast

on-the-go for those chilly mornings; or grab a slice for a snack or even serve with a dollop of ice cream for dessert. Not only is it yummy but it is also a healthier choice. Double or triple the recipe so you can gift a loaf to a friend as it is a perfect treat to share during

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this festive time! I hope to see everyone at the Community Chanukah Celebration on Thursday, December 18 at 5:45 p.m. at the Mercato. We will light the candles, share music, song and dance, and even nosh on some latkes. It will be even more special this year because we will be joined by a children’s chorus, a klezmer band, a BBYO kids corner, and Whole Foods selling latkes for our Jewish Federation. Nancy’s Applesauce The ingredients are not precise as it is prepared “to taste.” • A bunch of cored apples cut into large chunks, any variety. You can even mix it up. • About a cup of water, apple juice or cider • One fresh lemon • Optional: sweetener (granulated sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup), cinnamon, a plum or a few strawberries Directions: XX Place the apples in a heavy bottom pot; they should come up about halfway to three-quarters of the way. You only need to add a small amount of liquid because the apples are juicy enough. I start out with about an inch. XX At this time add any optional ingredients. I usually put in a cinnamon stick. Squeeze some lemon juice over the apples and simmer with the lid on until they are soft and mushy. Be sure to keep an eye on it so the apples don’t burn. XX Add a very little at a time, just to

keep them from drying up. Run through your foley mill or mash. At this point you can adjust to taste with sweetener or spices. Note: If it is too loose for you, you can return to the pot on low. Easy-Shmeasy! Harvest Pumpkin Bread XX Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat your bread pan with butter. XX Beat well until fluff and light in color: • 2 large eggs • 1 1/3 cups of sugar • 1/3 of a cup of butter XX Then beat in: • 1 cup of pure canned or freshly cooked pumpkin XX Add and mix in: • 1 tsp. of vanilla • 1 tsp each of baking soda, baking powder, salt • 1/2 tsp of cinnamon • 1/4 tsp of ground cloves XX Next add in alternately in three additions: • 1 3/4 cups of flour • 1 cup of milk XX Optional additions: • Fold in a cup (in total) of raisins, dried cranberries, nuts. XX Pour the batter into the greased pan and bake for about an hour (test to see when done). Cool before removing the bread from the pan and cutting. Jill’s Hint: I put the buttered pan into the freezer while preparing the batter. It ensures that it won’t stick without using additional flour. Chag Sameach!

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JEWISH INTEREST

December 2014 Federation Star

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Federation Star December 2014

Jerusalem Post Crossword Puzzle

By David Benkof, DavidBenkof@gmail.com Across 1. Mayim Bialik joined “The Big Bang Theory”’s in 2010 5. Paskesz ___ Toast 10. Performs a sweatshop task 14. Awards hosted by CanadianJewish rapper Drake in 2014 15. Lynn Ahrens’s “___ is a Person, Place, or Thing” 16. 1988 Conservative Jewish manifesto “___ v’Emunah” 17. Bar mitzvah boy 20. Joel Grey’s “Cabaret” role 21. Alternative to a glass of Manischewitz 22. Canadian politician Bob 23. Dance Sammy Davis, Jr. was known for 26. Gornisht

Solution on page 30

27. ___ Crown Jewish Academy (Chicago day school) 30. 2014 “Bachelorette” Dorfman 32. ___ Moines (Location of Lubavitch of Iowa) 34. Scandal fictionalized in David O. Russell’s “American Hustle” 36. Bob Hilliard song whose title is a term of affection 39. Bacteria that may be a particular risk with kosher chicken 40. He partnered with Rodgers on “South Pacific” 42. Shalom from Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Haw.) 44. Embark (for) the Holy Land 45. Opposite of haredi 47. “Simpsons” neighbor Flanders voiced by Harry Shearer

48. “Mad About You” character Buchman and others 52. Andy Newmark band ___and the Family Stone 53. God number in Ladino 55. Milliband and Asner 57. Uri Geller claims to have it 58. Bit of comedy on “Saturday Night Live” 61. Scholar Robert (“The Art of Biblical Narrative”) 63. Husband-and-wife comedy duo who were regulars on “The Ed Sullivan Show” 67. Greek equivalent of the Hebrew letter yod 68. “___ Again” (motto of the Jewish Defense League) 69. “___, Mikey, Jakey, Sam. We’re the boys who eat no ham” 70. 1936 Palestine Commission 71. Alexander I, II, and III 72. “Nothing but ___” (Reform movement anti-malaria program) Down 1. Part of the King’s mantra in “The King And I” 2. He wrote the lyrics for “Under the Sea” and “Be Our Guest” 3. Sephardic cookbook “The Well-___ Life” 4. City nearly destroyed in the Lebanon War 5. Voice actress Whitman (“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”) 6. Eilat-Baghdad dir. 7. Like Samson’s hair 8. The amount Gabe Kaplan spends when he joins a poker game 9. Fanconi ___ (Jewish genetic disease) 10. “Shabbat is ___” (Paul Zim album) 11. (:-}# is supposed to be one of a bearded man with peyos 12. Brooks of “Silent Movie” 13. Abbr. for the last word in a conservative magazine edited by

William Kristol 18. Yod preceder 19. Like a kosher hot dog 24. Levine of Maroon 5 25. He was president until he was 90 28. Indian version of the dish Esau served Jacob 29. Jeremy Ben-___, author of “A New Voice for Israel” 31. State where Moses Alexander was once mayor of Boise 33. In Israel, commonly heard sound in July 2014 35. Asimov genre (abbr.) 37. Temple ___ (synagogue name in St. Louis, Atlanta and Beverly Hills) 38. She said, “If I believe in something, I sell it, and I sell it hard” 40. Hebron’s Tomb of the Patriarchs, e.g. 41. Sweeney ___ (Sondheim character) 42. Freud remarks during psychoanalysis 43. Al Capp’s ___ Abner 46. Kavannah, an essential element of Jewish prayer 49. Six-Day War goal, vis-a-vis Jerusalem 50. ___ Y’mei Teshuvah (Ten Days of Repentance) 51. Uses paint in anti-Semitic graffiti, often 54. The Old City has about 225 56. “I am ___” (2001 Sean Penn film) 59. ___ Yisrael (the whole Jewish people) 60. “___ neranenah” (Israeli folk song lyric) 62. Read Torah 63. Emulate Elijah at the seder 64. It might check the temperature of a mikvah 65. ___ neshama (yahrtzeit candle) 66. Advice-givers Laura and Ruth

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ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

December 2014 Federation Star

10 extraordinary tastes from Israel

Try the best baklava, chocolate, marzipan, halva, challah, bourekas and other mouthwatering treats that Israel has to offer. By Viva Sarah Pressman, ISRAEL21c, www.israel21c.org

Zalatimos (photo by Emily Livingstone-Parker/ Touring with Madeleine blog)

a Plate featured a segment on Londonbased Israeli chef Yotam Ottolenghi all but fainting from pleasure with each mouthful of the goat’s-cheese-andclarified-butter-filled variety. 2. Benny’s Soda At Benny’s Soda (Gazoz, in Hebrew) at 41 Levinsky Street in Tel Aviv, artisanal soda-shop wizard Benny Briga uses all-natural flavors to create original flavored bubbly drinks. This thirst-quenching master adds wedges of fruits (lemon, pomegranate, guava), herbs (lavender, lemongrass, lemon verbena) and roots (ginger) to fizzy non-alcoholic cocktails. “It’s something really special,” Baum tells ISRAEL21c. 3. Ika’s Chocolate Judges at the 2012 International Chocolate Awards competition swooned over a lemon praline handcrafted by Tel Aviv chocolatier Ika Cohen. She returned to the Italian contest with a gold medal-winning Za’atar Ganache in 2014. Ika continues to appear on international “’best chocolate shops” lists as well. A visit to her French-style chocolate boutique in Tel Aviv is a wise choice for any chocolate fan.

Ika Chocolate, Tel Aviv

Chocoholics will be delighted to know that the culture of chocolate in Israel continues to flourish. Keep an eye on Yulia Freger of Bruno Chocolate – she recently won two silver awards at the International Chocolate Awards for her Mumbai Crunch and Halvah Cream pralines. 4. Albert’s marzipan The official Marzipan Museum may be located in Kfar Tavor in the Lower Galilee, but true aficionados of this sweet nutty treat know that Albert Confectionery in South Tel Aviv (36 Mata-

lon) is the place to get it in Israel. The small pastry shop doesn’t look like much, but the secret family recipes for this almond candy dough handed down through the generations by Greek immigrant Albert Yehuda is the reason people queue up here. The handmade almond cookies are equally delicious. While you’re here, walk over to the Levinsky Market for another taste-bud overload. 5. Pomegranate wine and beer Everyone already knows that pomegranates are packed with vitamins, anti-oxidants and other health benefits. Israeli scientists have improved the pomegranate’s genetic makeup and Israeli entrepreneurs have innovated new ruby-red tastes such as pomegranate wines and beers. Rimon Winery is the best known for its premium high-end pomegranate wines in about a dozen varieties. You’ll also want to swish around Gaaton or Haluza pomegranate wines and Pomegranate Ale by Dancing Camel brewery. 6. Eli Mamman’s Halva Halva can be bought at markets, stores and gourmet shops throughout Israel. But the main go-to place for this sesame-paste candy is Halva Kingdom in Jerusalem’s Machane Yehuda market. Eli Mamman stirs Moroccan family secrets into his recipes to produce more than 100 flavors of this sweet confection. The first Halva Kingdom store opened in 1947 in the Old City of Jerusalem; the current location, at 12 Etz HaChaim Street in the market, opened in 1986. 7. Leon’s bourekas Bourekas are also ubiquitous in Israel, and everyone has a favorite Turkish/ Bulgarian bourekas place. Leon and Sons bakery in Jaffa (17 Olei Tzion) is a three-generation family business known far and wide for its delicious flaky filo offerings made without margarine. Other places people swear by when it comes to bourekas are Tel Aviv’s Habourekas Shel Ema (46 Levinsky), Beersheva’s Bourekas Umi (107 Hapalmach), Yehud’s Hazan Bourekas (26 Hatoucha), Bourekas Bachar Ha’agala in Haifa (35 Derech Ha’atzmaut), and Jerusalem’s Bourekas Musa (30 Jaffa). 8. Specialty sandwiches Falafel and shawarma joints abound, but extraordinary bites can best be found in the multicultural specialty sandwich shops in every town and city across the land. In Ramle, take your growling tummy over to HaTunisay Shel Eli (3 Shlomo Hamelech) for a Tunisian Fricassee; in Givatayim, head over to HaSabich Shel Ovad (7 Sirkin) for the most famous Jewish Iraqi breakfast sandwich in Israel; and in Jerusalem, Chochi’s Sandwich (14 Dahomay) reportedly serves up the best schnitzel sandwich in Israel. In Tel Aviv, Itzik and Rutie (53 Shenkin) is a second-generation family takeout shop known for legendary sandwiches (egg salad, cream cheese, herring, sauerkraut). At Miznon (21 Ibn Gvirol), the new kid on the block, chef Eyal Shani serves up contemporary Tel Aviv in a pita. 9. Abu Salem’s tea When strolling through the shuk (market) in the Old City of Nazareth, follow your nose to Abu Salem’s Coffee House just off the main street, down an alleyway. While the home brew is good, the real reason to stop here is for the nut-infused cinnamon tea. The café is a second home for many of the city’s elders, who come to play backgammon all day long and drink the otherworldly hot beverages on the menu. Proprietor Wessam gave up a career in graphic arts to carry on the tradition of his father and grand-

father in running the café. 10. Viznich’s challah The ultimate place to buy fresh challah is a matter of opinion. But there’s no

Challah bread (photo by Flash90)

denying the extraordinary experience of a visit to Viznich Bakery in Bnei Brak on a Thursday night or Friday morning as these white braided loaves

of soft goodness are snatched up as they come out of the ovens. The bakery, which has been around for more than 60 years, is in a neglected alleyway (Shimshon Hagibor). You’ll know you’ve arrived at the correct location by the dizzying smell of freshly baked challahs and the ever-growing lines of people, both secular and religious, waiting to buy them. Viva Sarah Press is an associate editor and writer at ISRAEL21c. She has extensive experience in reporting/editing in the print, online and broadcast fields. Her work has been published by international media outlets including Israel Television, CNN, Reuters, The Jerusalem Post and Time Out.

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aste buds must work overtime in Israel thanks to the countless and diverse mouthwatering morsels waiting to be eaten here. “When you’re eating in Israel, all your senses are involved. You can smell it and see it being made. In Western countries, almost everything is prepackaged so you don’t get to see or smell it. Food here really overwhelms the senses, but in a great way,” says Inbal Baum, culinary tour guide from Delicious Israel. Baum helped ISRAEL21c create this list of 10 extraordinary dishes you need to try: 1. Zalatimo’s mutabak Dozens of Israeli bakeries boast the best baklava. But Zalatimo’s Bakery in the Old City of Jerusalem, close to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, opened in 1860 and is the oldest operating baklava bakery in the world. It is hailed by everyone from man-on-the-street to culinary greats as “the” place to bite into a warm, hand-thrown wad of filo dough soaked in sugar syrup. Zalatimo calls its pastries “mutabak” but everyone else calls them Zalatimos. The BBC program Jerusalem On

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Federation Star December 2014

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

Extraordinary solar eTree transforms public seating Shade yourself under the solar-panel canopy, recharge your devices, surf the Net, have a cool drink – courtesy of the sun and Israeli ingenuity. By Abigail Klein Leichman, ISRAEL21c, www.israel21c.org

ots of cities have free Wi-Fi, but only one – so far – has an eTree. This revolutionary ecological installation from Israel’s Sologic provides free wireless Internet, charging stations for electronic devices, nighttime lighting, and water coolers for humans and dogs – all powered by a “canopy” of solar panels. Just before the ceremonious unveiling of the very first eTree prototype, in the Ramat Hanadiv public gardens in Zichron Ya’acov, Michael Lasry of Sologic told ISRAEL21c that two more eTrees are soon to be installed, one in Nice and the other in Shanghai. “Our aim is that in the future there will be eTrees all over Israel and worldwide,” he says. “eTree is a social enterprise that aims to promote environmental awareness and sustainability, to create a link between the community and the environment.” Lasry even envisions global “eTree communities,” facilitated by the unit’s built-in camera and monitor allowing for give-and-take between folks sitting under the radiation-free shade of eTrees anywhere in the world. “Every tree has a monitor connected through the Wi-Fi, providing information on the energy generated by the system and geographical information about the specific site. So people sitting there in Nice can see and exchange information with people sitting at an eTree in Israel or China or anywhere else.” Supplying everything you need along the way Formerly a high-tech executive, Lasry founded Sologic six years ago with colleague Dov Kotler, out of his interest

in boosting the availability of solar energy. In addition to selling customized systems for residential and commercial buildings, he dreamed of harnessing the sun’s power for a larger social purpose. “If you install panels on a house, only a small population is enjoying it. I wanted to bring this ecologically important way of thinking to the greater community.”

The eTree is a radiation-free, solar panel, self-contained power station/seating area

Lasry teamed up with artist Yoav Ben-Dov, and over the next 18 months they designed three different models of eTrees, each one constructed in Israel of metal tubes and sturdy tempered glass bases to hold the panels. The simplest version has two leaves of solar panels, each producing 1,400 watts per hour – plenty of electricity for the integrated water cooler. A midrange model has both a water cooler and a docking station, and the deluxe eTree with seven panels offers all the bells and whistles. “We’ve just now started active sales,” says Lasry. “Our idea is to bring this concept everywhere.” Locally, he’d like to see eTrees installed at points along the Israel National Trail, “because it supplies everything you need along the way.” Like Abraham’s tent Municipalities could purchase eTrees, and so could philanthropic organizations and corporations looking for a

“green” project that provides free services and environmental awareness to the community. Lasry says that eTrees are built to withstand harsh weather conditions and are therefore appropriate for just about any urban or suburban neighborhood, corporate or college campus, park, museum, community center and other public space. “It’s like Abraham’s tent, sitting at a junction where you can enter from any side,” says Lasry, referring to the biblical forefather’s legendary tent of welcome. “It doesn’t ask you any questions. You just sit down and recharge your mobile and your soul, relax and have a cool drink.” The units need minimal ongoing care. “The only thing required for maintenance is cleaning the panels every four or five months, and the battery must be filled each year with water,

though the next generation of batteries will be maintenance-free,” says Lasry. A locked concrete box protects the inner workings from weather and vandalism. “You can open it only with a key,” he says. “The whole eTree is very safe. We worked with six different engineers, including a safety engineer and a materials engineer, and the unit works on low DC voltage.” Sologic is based in Binyamina and has 10 employees. For more information on the eTree, please visit www. solargiving.com. To view a one-minute video on the eTree, visit www.youtube. com/watch?v=gCAdxeH0ITg. Abigail Klein Leichman is a writer and associate editor at ISRAEL21c. Prior to moving to Israel in 2007, she was a specialty writer and copy editor at a daily newspaper in New Jersey and has freelanced for a variety of newspapers and periodicals since 1984.

BRIEFS ISRAEL TO REDUCE DEPENDENCE ON U.S.MADE WEAPON SYSTEMS

Things that had been taken for granted in U.S.-Israeli defense relations, like the fact that Israel could always count on a U.S. airlift of ammunition in time of trouble, are no longer certain since the U.S. decision during the Gaza war not to enable the shipping of ammunition to Israel. About ten days into the war, Israel submitted a request for various types of munitions, including Hellfire missiles, to replenish dwindling inventories. Yet the U.S. completely stopped all connections with Israel’s defense procurement delegation. For days, no item could be shipped. The order to stop the processing of all Israeli requests came from a senior echelon – probably the White House. The arms issue was resolved toward the end of the war, and strategic defense relations between the two countries continue, including extensive intelligence cooperation. Nevertheless, the Israeli defense establishment has decided to reduce the production of weapon systems in the U.S. and will rely more heavily on Israeli-made products. Israel will also intensify the manufacture of Israeli missiles that can substitute for U.S.-made munitions. (Amir Rapaport, IsraelDefense magazine)

ISRAEL SEES GAS AS KEY TO TRANSFORMING MIDEAST RELATIONS

Israel has a new foreign policy tool to build relations with its neighbors: natural gas. By the end of the year, Israel may have binding agreements to sell billions of dollars of gas to Egypt, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority. Israel’s chance to be a regional energy power comes from two mammoth fields under the Mediterranean Sea, holding more gas than the country could consume in decades. “We are much more accepted in the world as a result of us finding natural gas,” said Israeli Energy Minister Silvan Shalom. (Shoshanna Solomon and Calev Ben-David, Bloomberg)

TWENTY YEARS OF ISRAELI-JORDANIAN PEACE

October 26 marked the 20th anniversary of the Israeli-Jordanian peace treaty. While the treaty was celebrated by Israelis, it has not been popular with the Jordanian public. In a 2011 poll, 52% of Jordanians said their government should cancel the agreement. Once the treaty was signed, it opened the floodgates of U.S. econom-

ic and military assistance to Jordan. In 1993, Washington provided Amman with just $35 million in economic support; the 2014 figure is $700 million. Moreover, last year, U.S.-Jordanian trade reached $3.3 billion, a nearly tenfold increase from 1994. Similarly, Jordan received just $9 million in U.S. Foreign Military Financing in 1993, compared to $300 million this year. Washington has provided 58 F-16s and a state-of-the-art counterterrorism facility – the King Abdullah Special Operations Training Center (KASOTC) – constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2006-2007. (David Schenker, Washington Institute for Near East Policy)

ISRAELI INNOVATIONS HELP COMBAT EBOLA

Special inflatable isolation tents manufactured by Israeli company SYS Technologies have been installed recently in Guinea to help contain the spread of Ebola. The company has also developed an incubator-like stretcher for the safe transfer of patients to the isolation tents. In addition, Israelis are also providing Africa with an infra-red camera that measures the body temperature of passengers at airports to quickly diagnose potential Ebola patients. (Udi Etsion, Ynet News)

COULD AN ISRAELI INNOVATION END WORLD HUNGER?

Between a third and a half of all food grown today is lost to spoilage. Thanks to an invention by Israel’s Pimi Agro, using hydrogen peroxide “with a few key additions,” fruits and vegetables remain fresh and viable for up to 10 weeks, significantly cutting losses due to rot and deterioration during the transportation process, said Nimrod Ben-Yehuda, CTO and co-founder of Pimi. “For places like India, China and Africa, this is huge, especially because the transportation systems in those areas are slow and refrigeration is hard to come by,” he said. Agricultural and food authorities in the U.S., UK, Germany, Australia, China and many other countries have approved Pimi’s all-natural, zerochemical method of preserving produce. “They’re not necessarily organic, but they are much healthier than ordinary produce – besides having a much longer shelf life – because farmers can cut down significantly on the use of fungicides.” Pimi Agro’s secret: Its products

continued on next page

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

December 2014 Federation Star

continued from previous page

are formulations based on 99.4% Stabilized Hydrogen Peroxide (STHP), which decomposes into oxygen and water, leaving no chemical residue. The trick, said Ben Yehuda, was getsting that other 0.6% of the formulation right – and that took him, along swith researchers at the Technion and at dHebrew University, 15 years. (David Shamah, Times of Israel) s tISRAELI FIRM ADAPTS rIRON DOME FOR tINTERCEPTS AT SEA Israel’s Rafael Ltd. is developing shipdbased versions of Iron Dome, the system that has scored more than 1,200 .operational intercepts since its initial edeployment in 2011. Dubbed C-Dome, Rafael said the . system aims to defend offshore patrol dvessels, corvettes and other small ships. r(Barbara Opall-Rome, Defense News)

aNEW

POLL: 75 PERCENT OF ISRAELI JEWS OPPOSE sA PALESTINIAN STATE ON THE 1967 LINES, ISRAELI WITHDRAWAL FROM THE JORDAN VALLEY, AND THE DIVISION OF JERUSALEM

According to a poll conducted October 12-14, 2014, by Shivukim-Panorama for the Jerusalem Center, 75% of the Israeli Jewish public continue to oppose Israel’s withdrawal from the Jordan Valley and the division of Jerusalem. Moreover, the rise of the Islamic State (ISIS) in the Middle East has made the Israeli public even less ready for territorial concessions in the West Bank. While 70% report that the rise of the Islamic State has not affected their position, 17% say it has made them less ready for concessions, while 5% say they are more ready for concessions. Some 75% of Israeli Jews oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state if it means an Israeli withdrawal from the Jordan Valley. A similar percentage would oppose the replacement of the IDF with international forces in the Jordan Valley. Notably, 52% of Israelis who identify with “the left” oppose the replacement of the IDF with international forces in the Jordan Valley. Overall, 74% of Israeli Jews oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state on the 1967 lines, while 76% oppose a Palestinian state if it means the divi-

sion of Jerusalem. (Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs)

THE GAZA AID CONFERENCE WAS A CHARADE

At the Gaza reconstruction conference in Cairo, Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende announced that the nations of the world had raised $5.4 billion to rebuild the Strip. But a closer look at the numbers shows some creative accounting was used. For starters, much of the $5.4 billion was not actually earmarked for Gaza reconstruction. Many countries included in their contributions money they had already allotted to Palestine, including the West Bank, since the beginning of the year under normal aid programming. In other words, a good amount of the aid is not new money, but represented a re-announcement of money that’s already been given. Moreover, it seems to be common practice for states to renege on their commitments. (Laura Dean, GlobalPost)

HALF OF PALESTINIANS KILLED IN GAZA WAR WERE TERRORISTS – PART 6 OF EXAMINATION OF NAMES

The Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center has now examined 1,017 names of Palestinian war fatalities in Gaza. Of the 874 dead who could be identified, terrorist operatives constitute 49.8% and non-involved civilians constitute 50.2%. (Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center)

ISRAEL’S EXPANDING ASIA TRADE

Since formally establishing diplomatic relations with China in 1992, IsraeliSino trade has ballooned 220-fold to reach $11 billion last year. China (including Hong Kong) has become the second biggest destination for Israeli exports, after the U.S. Israel’s hightech exports to China have grown 170% since 2008. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu recently met with Indian Prime Minister Modi at the UN, where they discussed cyberspace and defense collaboration, as well as expanding an economic relationship that stood at $6 billion last year. (Ian Bremmer, Politico)

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Federation Star December 2014

FOCUS ON YOUTH

Temple Shalom Preschool update By Seyla Cohen, Preschool Director

ne of the most gratifying occurrences a teacher may experience is encountering a former student many years down the road. As teachers we see students on a daily basis for a full year while they are in our care. And then, these children move on to different classrooms and progress throughout their schooling. During the year when they are with us, we learn to know them well. We spend the year recognizing their personalities, empathizing with their needs, and cultivating their minds. Then we let them go and wish them the best. But often we lose track of them. So it is with great joy when we might have the opportunity to meet up with them down the road and learn of their advancements and accomplishments. We hope that we have instilled in them a sense of confidence and selfesteem. With those assets established at an early age, they are able to become individuals in their own right, ready to take on challenges and be the best they can be. We at Temple Shalom Preschool recognize that building self-esteem, trust and confidence sets the foundation of a healthy, secure individual. Our curriculum is progressive, including advanced academic standards and a varied and broad-based extracurricular schedule. However, just as important as setting high standards in academics and the arts, we recognize that developing and nurturing proper social skills, empathy and self-reliance leads to the

development of a whole, happy and healthy individual. One of the ways of fulfilling this effort is through what we term as performing a mitzvah, a good deed. On Friday, November 7, Temple Shalom Preschool

participated in its yearly Trike-A-Thon to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This weeklong program teaches children about bicycle safety. Each day, a different lesson is taught, culminating at the end of the week when preschoolers participate in the Trike-A-Thon with bicycles and helmets and rules of the road in place. Through donors’ generosity, children are able to help desperately ill children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by raising money for research and treatments. This activity instills in children the importance of helping others. TSP instituted this program and is proud of the fact that the school has raised over $1,000 annually. The Trike-A-Thon is just one of the many mitzvah activities participated

BBYO Connect engages middle school students on a deeper level

BYO Connect offers middle school students a fun and safe environment to form new friendships and participate in community service, fun, social and Jewish enrichment programming. Locally, BBYO Connect is supported by BBYO professional staff and “big brothers and sisters” who are members of BBYO’s high school leadership programs – the Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA) for boys and the B’nai B’rith Girls (BBG) for girls. “Being a part of BBYO Connect is opening up a whole new world to me. I can’t wait for the next program!” said sixth-grader Mica Saad.

Alephs and B’nai B’rith Girls help to bridge the gap between middle school and high school and introduce Connect teens to all that AZA and BBG have to offer in the future – an opportunity to gain invaluable leadership skills, participate in service and advocacy projects, and a chance to explore the world as part of an international network of Jewish teens. The next upcoming BBYO Connect is a Hanukkah celebration at the Jewish Federation of Collier County on Sunday, December 14 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. For more information about BBYO Connect, please contact Skylar Haas, Naples BBYO Program Associate, at shHaas@bbyo.org.

in throughout the school year by both children and parents. Through such activities, TSP is a leader in the preschool community in teaching its students integrity, compassion, awareness and responsibility. Anyone wishing to contribute to this worthy cause can contact me at the Temple Shalom Preschool office at 239.455.3227. Storyland Enchantment describes the mood of the Storyland Classroom. Students step into a world of imagination, exploration and wonderment. They are transformed into a calm, quiet place where they are encouraged to use their imaginations and wonder and dream. Storyland provides a haven from today’s busy and sometimes

overwhelming world. Young minds are challenged to daydream and venture from the world of technology into a world of reflection and expression. The classroom walls are decorated with numerous storybook characters and our future readers enter into the land of nursery rhymes, fairytales and children’s stories. Miss Janet performs her dream job, exposing the children to the world of classic children’s literature. Pre-Kers, Lions and Cubs are introduced to exciting, age-appropriate

books, partake in drama, puppetry, and felt-board storytelling. They learn about stage presence, voice projection, costumes, scenery, lighting and props. Little ones dress in costumes and take on the role of a storybook character. They may be a participant in the audience, or help with lighting and scenery. Students acquire the nuances of puppetry and become active participants in felt-board presentations. The world of their imaginations soars in this magical atmosphere and they establish a love for books and reading. Temple Shalom Preschool Chanukah celebrations Chanukah and the days surrounding this joyous holiday remind us to be thankful for all our blessings, the people in our lives and the miracle of our heritage. Temple Shalom Preschool has planned a month filled with holiday celebrations. Monday, December 8: At the after-school Holiday Workshop, children will create special gifts for their family members which will be beautifully wrapped so they, too, can participate in the act of giving for the holidays. Friday, December 19: Following the Chanukah sing-a-long, our Temple Shalom Preschool families will enter into our Chanukah Festival where they will enjoy delicious latkes, sufganiyot and chocolate gelt, play dreidel games, and create Chanukah-themed art projects. December 22 through January 2: We will be opening up our Winter Camp, where children ages 2-6 can come for the day or a week and play with their friends, sing, cook and enjoy science, and arts and crafts. For more information or to participate in any of these programs, please call Seyla Cohen, Preschool Director, at 239.455.3227.

HEY KIDS! What are your plans for the summer of 2015? Would you like to go to a Jewish Summer Camp or visit Israel?

Julia Chernin, Hanah Samuel and Evan Cohen attend BBYO Connect’s ice skating event in November

Hanah Samuel and Jessica Spector help lead Havdalah in the Park at a recent BBYO Connect event

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www.facebook.com/ facebook.com/jfedsrq JewishFederationofCollierCounty

The Jewish Federation of Collier County, Temple Shalom and Temple Shalom Men’s Club, together offer PARTIAL scholarships for Jewish Summer Camps and the Israel Experience for teens. There are scholarship opportunities for all Jewish children in the community regardless of congregation affiliation. For information and a scholarship application, contact your local synagogue or call the Jewish Federation at 239.263.4205.

Scholarship request deadline is December 1, 2014.

FOCUS ON YOUTH

December 2014 Federation Star

Rising young star: Sara Klausner By Jean L. Amodea

ulf Coast High School sophomore Sara Klausner has an affinity for problem solving nand analytical thinking, so much so that ,she excels in algebra and science – both .favorite subjects. She also enjoys foreign languages e .and enjoys taking Spanish, in which she said she is conversational and in .her third year of study. Also interested in athletic activities, this spring, she will ntake track. A member of the local BBYO North f lFlorida region since she was eligible in the second half of eighth grade, this past summer Sara attended a Chapter Leadership Training Conference (CLTC) in Bethany, West Virginia. s

r . d

s s

n f . : h e

Shalena Hoang, a friend, and Sara Klausner

The conference is an opportunity for ninth to eleventh grade students who have aspirations or who want to explore leadership roles to meet, form friendships, play sports, discover areas of interest, and learn about values and character building. “I made lifelong friends and connections with other Jewish teens from all over the country. We stay in touch, and I hope to meet up with some of them again this February at the International Conference in Atlanta,” said Sara. The young woman said that armed with all that she learned at CLTC, she hopes to be elected to a board position in the local BBYO chapter. As a member of Temple Shalom, where she attends services with her family, Sara serves as a madricha on Sundays for first-grade students, assisting the teacher with various tasks and reading to the youngsters. “I like the feeling of being connected with other Jewish people, especially through the traditions like Hanukkah, which I like best,” she said. “I have dedicated myself to continuing my Jewish education throughout my high school years. This year, I will be

making my confirmation. I am proud of myself for continuing with my education unlike many of my friends who decided to end their education after their bar or bat mitzvah.” Even though Sara has her sights set on attending college after she graduates high school, she said it is too early to make career decisions and wants to explore all of her options. For now, she

Ben, Kimberly, Dr. Robert and Sara Klausner

envisions herself choosing a career in which she will be happy. In addition to staying focused in school, she enjoys relaxing at Naples’ beaches, listening to all types of music, and spending time with her friends and family. Sara’s father, Robert Klausner, MD, is a facial rejuvenation and reconstruc-

tive surgeon and ear, nose and throat specialist in Naples. Her brother Ben, age 18, is a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania. Sara is especially inspired by her mother, Kimberly, who she said is “hard working” and who is the office manager for her husband’s practice. As far as her personal words of wisdom for her peers, Sara said she encourages them to reach out to others and befriend people of different backgrounds and groups. “Diversity makes life much more interesting. Since attending Gulf Coast High School I have met so many people I never thought I could connect with or relate to in a meaningful way,” added Sara. Jean Amodea, a former school principal from New Jersey is a freelance writer for the Naples Daily News and its community publications as well as director of Peter Duchin Music of Naples/ Entertainment Direct. She also performs with her husband Ron’s dance band, jazz ensemble and Caribbean quartet. Reach Jean at jeanamodea@earthlink.net.

Want to see your “rising young star” featured in the Federation Star? Send an email to jeanamodea@earthlink.net with the details.

Preschool of the Arts update

By Ettie Zaklos, Preschool Director

arden of the Arts It’s hard to read the news these days without seeing stories d about the farm-to-table movement, the . eslow-food movement, organic food, ,sustainable agriculture, and kitchen rgardens. And here at Preschool of the rArts, we’re as involved as ever with ,teaching our children about the world around us, our place in the world and our connection with nature. With this in mind, we are excited to e partner with Chad Washburn, Director , of Conservation and Education at the Naples Botanical Garden, on our Garden of the Arts project. Chad’s extensive knowledge and infectious enthusiasm for all aspects of landscaping with native plants, selection of plants, and fertilizing, watering and trimming requirements, will insure that our Garden of the Arts continues to blossom and flourish. Thanks, Chad! Homemade Challah Project Each Friday our preschool children get to make and bake a challah to take home to share with their families – and learn how rewarding it is to make something to share with others. They also learn patience while waiting for their challah dough to rise and then bake in the oven. And I can assure you that it is not easy to be patient when the sweet smell of baking bread comes wafting through our buildings! As one of our school moms reported, when her two-year-old daughter throws a coin into the fountain at Waterside Shops, she always wishes for a warm challah to take home with her on a Friday. Wishes do come true!

Kindermusik Kindermusik has become the new Preschool of the Arts music program. Our music teacher is Ms. Monica, a certified Kindermusik instructor with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Business. Monica’s enthusiasm and music talent makes each class fun and exciting. We are very impressed with Monica and convinced that Kindermusik is extremely beneficial for our children. The program is a set music curriculum for children up to 8 years old. It includes monthly e-newsletters, games and activities for parents to enjoy with their children. The Kindermusik curriculum uses high-quality recordings and books along with traditional rhymes to develop not only music skills but also other areas of cognitive, emotional, social, physical and language skills. The Frozen Chanukah In honor of Chanukah, Preschool of the Arts will be hosting a Chanukah Winter Wonderland on Tuesday, December 16, free of charge to the entire community. Join us at Cambier Park from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. for winter snow surprises, frozen treats from Rita’s, and the kindling of a huge ice menorah. Plenty of parking is available, so put on your winter clothes and get ready to enjoy some snowball fun! For more information, please call our office at 239.263.2620 Art and About Program Our visiting artists program has truly taken off! So much so that we are now fielding calls from local Naples artists who wish to share their talents with our preschool children. We are so happy – and grateful – to be able to welcome

these artists onto our campus to talk about their art and to do hands-on art projects with our children. Our most recent artist, Matt Mulhern, created a collaborative masterpiece with all of our preschool children. Success with our Art and About Program can most certainly be measured by the width of the smiles

on the children’s faces when they point out the parts of the creation that they contributed to in each collaborative masterpiece. For more information, contact me at 239.263.2620 or naplespreschool ofthearts@gmail.com, or visit www. naplespreschoolofthearts.com.

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COMMENTARY

Federation Star December 2014

Dear UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon By David Harris, Executive Director, AJC, October 14, 2014

ou have one of the toughest jobs in the world. It can’t be easy to balance all the competing interests and pressures that come with being the head of a complex global body with 193 member states. You are constantly walking on a tightrope. Moreover, too often observers fail to distinguish between your role and the will of the member states. You can’t be held responsible for every decision taken in each UN body. That’s determined by numerical majorities. And I know you feel that your own work, often quiet and behind-thescenes, is not always fully appreciated, as you often become a lightning rod for everyone’s criticism of the UN. But when you speak, the words are yours. And given the prestige of your position, those words will inevitably be carefully read and weighed. Thus, I was struck by one sentence in particular in your remarks at the recent Cairo Conference on Palestine. You said: “Yet we must not lose sight of the root causes of the recent hostilities [in Gaza]: a restrictive occupation that has lasted almost half a century, the continued denial of Palestinian rights and the lack of tangible progress in peace negotiations.” Respectfully, Mr. Secretary General, in that one sentence, in those 39 words, you have illustrated, I believe, a fundamental misreading of the actual situation, both past and present. Please understand. I don’t for a moment doubt your commitment to ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, achieving a two-state agreement and building a new era of peace in the region. You have articulated that vision more than once.

I also want to believe that, as a South Korean, you have a special appreciation for Israel’s regional challenges. After all, having the likes of Syria and Hamas-ruled Gaza on Israel’s borders, with their anti-democratic regimes, lack of concern for human life and lust for weapons, surely evokes thoughts of North Korea and the profound dangers it represents to democratic South Korea, the larger Northeast Asian region and beyond. Yet, by suggesting that the three root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are all seemingly linked to Israeli behavior, you not only miscast the history of the conflict, but also, however inadvertently, hurt the chance for ending it. After all, why would Israel place its faith in those who fail to see any Palestinian responsibility for the “root causes” of the situation today? Is absolving the Palestinians of their own unhelpful behavior going to prompt them to engage in the selfexamination required to help move the process forward, or is it more likely, rather, to encourage them to continue the “blame game,” suggesting repeatedly that it is Israel, and Israel alone, that must change its way? Indeed, such one-sided analysis only tends to infantilize the Palestinians, allowing them to believe they can act as they wish, without accountability and any consideration of a course correction. But in truth, the “root causes” of the recent hostilities have a great deal to do with the Palestinians, and not just with the Israelis. First, those “root causes” actually go back to 1947, when the Arab world rejected the recommendations of the UN Special Committee on Palestine

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and the language of UN General Assembly Resolution 181 calling for two states, one Jewish, the other Arab, in Mandatory Palestine. Second, the West Bank and Gaza were occupied by Jordan and Egypt, respectively, until 1967, yet there was no clamor for Palestinian statehood and no murmur from the international community about the repressive conditions faced by the local populations. Third, in 2000-1, and again in 2008 and, most recently, in 2013-14, Israeli leaders, supported by the United States, made valiant efforts to achieve a twostate agreement with the Palestinians, only to be rebuffed. Apropos, President Bill Clinton, in his autobiography My Life, is clear about who was principally at fault for the first round of failed talks – the Palestinian leadership. Fourth, Israel withdrew all settlers and soldiers from Gaza in 2005, giving local residents their first chance in history to govern themselves. Israel’s main fear was that the vacated territory would become a terrorist enclave, rather than an emerging Singapore. This is exactly what occurred in 2007, when Hamas ousted the Palestinian Authority in a violent coup and seized control of Gaza.

And fifth, Hamas to this day remains the principal authority in Gaza. Its charter, which calls for the destruction of Israel and uses classic antiSemitic tropes, remains unchanged. Since joining with the PA in a “unity” government, it has yet to embrace the three conditions that the Quartet, including the UN, requires to become a legitimate partner for peace. And, as was graphically revealed this summer, it has chosen to divert considerable resources, intended for Gaza’s construction, into an elaborate infrastructure to harm Israel. Only when world leaders of stature begin to hold seriously the Palestinian side responsible, and not just the Israelis, for the “root causes,” we may begin to see building momentum for a durable solution. Palestinians must get the message that, like Israel, they will be judged by their actions. Otherwise, they will simply continue to act with impunity, while counting on others to do the heavy political and diplomatic lifting for them – and that, I dare say, is not a roadmap for a brighter regional future. For more information, visit www.ajc. org.

The implications of growing anti-Semitism By Gene Sipe, VP, ZOA Southwest Florida Chapter

nti-Semitism is unquestionably growing around the world. For those who thought that the U.S. was immune, the acceleration of domestic incidents, particularly since the beginning of the last Gaza War, should evidence an unequivocal reality check. We have current documentation from the Anti-Defamation League of the B’nai Brith Report, ADL-100 Data on Anti-Semitism, released in September 2014. This study shows not only a worldwide trend, but a radical shift in Europe, where less than a decade ago, they appeared to be on their way to overcoming anti-Semitism. Three quarters (76%) of respondents to the study indicated that anti-Semitism has worsened over the past five years. France’s Muslim population is at 15% of its total population. Radical Islamist organizations are particularly well established. The Union of Islamic Organizations of France (UOIF), the French branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, attracts tens of thousands of people to their meetings and “peaceful” demonstrations. They openly lend political and financial support to Hamas and organized anti-Israel demonstrations during the Gaza War. The French police have designated over 750 neighborhoods as “no go zones” to protect their officers. French politicians do nothing about the situation because they do not want a confrontation with the UOIF. This pattern across Europe is the result of a released suppression of an anti-Semitic sentiment that was dormant from the period immediately after WWII to the time of the demographic shift toward a significantly measurable Muslim population. Comments and even action that were then socially unacceptable is now shouted in the streets. This fuels public display of hatred toward the Jews, Israel and also the United States. To the Middle Eastern tribal mentality, modernity is imperialism at its worst. The U.S. and Israel are the two most powerful countries in their respective realms of influence and rep-

resent the force for modernity. Since anti-Semitism has perpetuated the concept that the Jew is at the heart of imperialistic dominance, the hatred of Jews is also directed toward the Jewish State of Israel. Add to this that America, the other imperialistic power, is an ally of and allegedly controlled by a conspiracy of Jews, and anti-Semitic logic dictates the undisputable hatred toward America. This study was worldwide and the indications show that an anti-Semitic sentiment is not isolated to Europe and the Middle East. There is a significant anti-Semitic presence in the southern and western hemispheres as well. Globalization and economic realities of today’s world are factors that will inevitably increase worldwide antiSemitism. Global economic forces have affected immigration patterns and the redistribution of Muslim populations. These population shifts bring with them ties to the Middle East and the current Middle East conflict. The report uses the term “alarming” in its conclusions. It is most certainly alarming when the world’s Jewish community reports that during the 12 months preceding the survey for this report, a quarter of the respondents (26%) experienced verbal insult or harassment because they are Jewish, and 4% experienced physical violence or threats of violence. Almost half (46%) of the respondents are concerned about becoming the victim of verbal insult or harassment, and one third (33%) feared a physical attack over the course of the next 12 months. These statistics are the indicators that while we here in Southwest Florida are somewhat isolated from the worst face of anti-Semitism, we cannot ignore that a quarter (23%) of the worldwide Jewish community is afraid to travel to and attend Jewish events or sites, and do not feel safe as a Jew. We must support organizations like the ADL and the ZOA and share this information with others so this baseless hatred can be overcome.

Opinions and letters printed in the Federation Star do not necessarily reflect those of the Jewish Federation of Collier County, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers.

COMMENTARY

December 2014 Federation Star

The UK, Swedish and Irish Parliamentary recognition of Palestine – legally, historically and politically questionable

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he British House of Commons, the Irish Upper House and the Swedish prime minister would appear to contradict themselves by recognizing that negotiations are still pending, but nevertheless at the same time prejudging the outcome of the very negotiation they purport to support, by calling for recognition of the State of Palestine. Clearly no such Palestinian state or sovereign entity exists and thus cannot logically be recognized. Similarly, no international treaty, convention or binding international resolution or determination has ever been adopted or entered into, that determines that the territories in dispute are indeed Palestinian. In this context, the Palestinian leadership itself is committed, pursuant to the Oslo Accords, to negotiate the issue of the permanent status of the territory. Accordingly, the outcome of such negotiations and the ultimate status of the territory cannot be arbitrarily imposed by external parties, including the UK, Irish or Swedish parliaments, or the UN. The accepted norms and requirements of international law regarding the characteristics of statehood are set out in article 1 of the 1933 Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States. The Palestinians clearly do not meet the requirements set out in this convention. (Alan Baker, Institute for Contemporary Affairs - Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs)

Please join us at our next meeting, Sunday, December 21 at 9:30 a.m. at the Federation offices, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Ste. 2201, Naples.

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Federation Star December 2014

COMMENTARY / SYNAGOGUES

A Jew is what a Jew does Rabbi Sylvin L. Wolf

ane Eisner, Editor-in-Chief of the Forward, wrote: There’s a classic story in my family about the time many years ago when we sat around the table at Aunt Sarah’s house loudly debating what it meant to be a Jew in America. Bubbe Esther, my husband’s grandmother, sat quietly in the corner until someone thought to ask her. How do you define being a Jew, Bubbe? I’ll never forget her answer: A Jew is what a Jew does. A Jew is what a Jew does. A Jew lights Hanukkah candles. I celebrate Hanukkah. It has nothing to do with the legend of the oil lasting for eight days.

As for the Maccabees, I’m not sure that they would accept my approach to Judaism. So, why do I celebrate Hanukkah? I celebrate Hanukkah because with the lighting of each candle, I affirm my Jewish self. I affirm my link to the generations of Jews who lit their candles and affirmed their Jewish selves. A Hasidic story, tells of a conversation between a rebbe and one particular member of his community. The man once asked: “Rabbi, what is a Jew’s task in this world?” The rabbi answered: “A Jew is a lamp-lighter on the streets of the world. In olden days, there was a person in every town who would light the gas street lamps with a light he carried on the end of a long pole. On the street corners, the lamps sat, ready to be lit. A lamp-lighter has a pole with a flame supplied by the town. He knows that the fire is not his own and he goes around lighting the lamps on his route.” “And that is the Jewish mission?”

asked the man. The rabbi thought for a long moment and finally responded. “Yes, that is a Jew’s calling.” The man continued, “But rabbi, I see no lamps.” The rabbi responded, “That is because you are not yet a lamp-lighter.” So, the man inquired, “How does one become a lamplighter?” The rabbi answered, “One must begin with oneself, cleansing oneself, becoming more refined, then one is able to see the other as a source of light, waiting to be ignited. When, heaven forbid, one is crude, then one sees but crudeness; but, when one is noble, one sees nobility. The Jewish contribution at the darkest time of the year is ‘In the dark time, let’s be here for one another.’” A rabbbinic colleague wrote: This Hanukkah, each of us has an opportunity, a chance to really see the lights of our menorah. Turn off the lights in the room and watch the lights. Notice the flickering of the lights, the combination of colors, and even the dance of the

flames and wicks. Ask yourself, what is the light of human souls that are with me and are on the routes that I take every day of my life? Who are the people in my home, in my workplace, in the stores that I frequent, in the places that I go, and in the world? Look for them and see nobility. See their light that illuminates your own and that you can help light. And, may we turn the dance of the flames and wicks into a human dance of connection and meaning that ultimately stirs our own soul out of darkness and toward the light of the Divine. Even if there are no children or grandchildren around, light the candles. Even if you don’t believe in God or in miracles, light the candles. Light the candles to affirm your Jewish self. Use the traditional blessings, available online, or use your own words. Join yourself to the Jewish story! Hag Urim Sameach – May you enjoy a Happy Festival of Lights.

Recognizing Palestinian state ‘a huge mistake,’ says former Spanish PM Former Spanish PM criticized European nations that have recognized a non-existent Palestinian state, saying the move endangers the peace process and the region. Source: United with Israel staff, with files from the Los Angeles Times, October 28, 2014

ose Maria Aznar, Spain’s former prime minister, stated that recognition by European countries of a Palestinian state at this time thwarts any hopes for a real peace agreement and called it “a huge mistake.” “The Palestinian state doesn’t exist yet and the only structures in place that may resemble a functioning state are controlled by the internationally designated terrorist group Hamas. Europe had been resisting the urge to recognize an entity that doesn’t exist in real terms. Unfortunately, some Europeans are today indulging in a ‘recognition now’ policy,” Aznar wrote in an op-ed for the Los Angeles Times. “Feel-good statements, popular as they may be, will not change reality on the ground; they will, rather, encourage the [Palestinian] Authority to continue a static strategy in the negotiations – thereby promoting a continued stalemate of the talks.” Recognition – a destructive and dangerous urge Aznar stipulates that this “urge” is a

destructive one. “No matter how well-intentioned these initiatives may be, recognizing Palestine as a state now is inappropriate, counterproductive and unwarranted. It will not promote peace, it will not boost a negotiated solution, and it will reward the Palestinian Authority’s unilateral moves,” he stated. Aznar believes that these diplomatic moves are not only a tactical mistake, but may prove dangerous as well. “Actually, moving the political and strategic focus away from the threat of jihadism to deal with a fantasy is a grave irresponsibility,” he stated. Aznar pointed out that Israel has made difficult and painful concessions for peace, and yet the Jewish state is most under pressure by the European countries. “These initiatives unfairly put pressure only on Israel,” he explained. “The Jewish state is persistently offering painful concessions to achieve a lasting and fair agreement, only to see the [Palestinian] Author-

ity refuse any compromise for the advancement of peace. It was [PA leader] Mahmoud Abbas who failed to accept the recent U.S. framework document already accepted by Israel.” A reward to Palestinian unwillingness “If we want to have a democratic, free, peaceful and prosperous Palestinian state alongside Israel, recognizing now an entity that is far from democratic, free, peaceful and prosperous will only thwart any possibility that any such state will exist in the future,” Aznar warned. “Recognizing Palestine as a state in the face of Mr. Abbas’s obstructionist behavior, Hamas’s attacks on Israel and the present situation in the Middle East is detrimental for peace since it will reward Palestinian unwillingness to negotiate a true peace with Israel and will encourage unilateral moves and a break with the Oslo Accords. Thus, we call on all responsible leaders of free nations to reject unilateral moves that

only reward one side.” Aznar’s call comes in the wake of the Swedish government’s announcement that it will recognize a Palestine state to promote a negotiated two-state solution and after the British Parliament voted in October to recognize the non-existent state.

Jerusalem Post Crossword Puzzle Solution to puzzle on page 22

SYNAGOGUES JEWISH CONGREGATION OF MARCO ISLAND

www.marcojcmi.com / 239-642-0800

President’s message

Roger Blau JCMI President e’re preparing to entertain some friends at our home this coming weekend. My wife Joanne and I share the duties that come with hosting friends. I found myself in the kitchen preparing one of my “specialties” when I needed to use the garbage disposal to get rid of some scraps. I was struck by the name engraved on the disposal opening. It says “food waste disposer.” I was struck because I recently read in National Geographic about the global food revolution taking place today. Many people in many nations are on the verge of starvation and are able to get by only with extremely hard work and struggle. I searched for and found my recent issue of National Geographic that contained this information.

It’s frightening to read about how so many people in so many countries are getting by so marginally when it comes to food sustenance. How ironic that here in America we have machines in our homes called “food waste disposers.” How can we have “food waste” when so many do not have sufficient food stuffs on which to survive and maintain their health? Like many of our area synagogues, JCMI makes a weekly appeal for nonperishable food items or cash donations to support the food pantry at Jewish Family & Community Services of Southwest Florida. To most of us, food sufficiency is a mindset we need not deal with. But, just imagine how it would feel to be uncertain about where your next meal would come from. Please remember to contribute food items or money to help JFCS with its mission of mercy. There are many other ways you can help such as Jewish charities like Mazon, which is a “Jewish Response to Hunger.” Mazon is a global organization that provides food to the needy. While it’s a “Jewish”

charity, Mazon provides food to the needy regardless of their faith or ethnicity worldwide. It’s difficult to imagine a more important cause in support of tikkun olam than feeding the hungry. Please help eradicate world hunger any way you can. *** The Jewish Congregation of Marco island is off and running with the 20142015 season. Our famous bingo on Monday nights is well underway serving great kosher hot dogs with all the trimmings along with an abundance of pastries, cookies, fruit and ice cream. Duplicate bridge begins on Tuesday, December 2 at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday afternoon bridge is also underway. Mah jongg has begun on Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. JCMI celebrated the Festival of Sukkot with a wonderful service conducted by Rabbi Edward Maline and Cantorial Soloist Hari Jacobsen. A beautiful sukkah was erected outside and all who attended could stand inside and look up to the heavens and enjoy the abundance of the “harvest.” Everyone enjoyed a bountiful selection of

pastries, cakes and cookies. Our sisterhood programs have begun with interesting lectures on wellness, health, and identity theft. Our entertaining programs such as the Recreation Tappers and a film on The Royal Tour of Israel with Benjamin Netanyahu and Peter Greenberg will also be presented. The JCMI Jewish Film Festival in cooperation with the Jewish Federation of Collier County begins its 14th season on Sunday, December 14 with The Jewish Cardinal. The Saul I. Stern Cultural Series in cooperation with the Jewish Federation of Collier County enters its 21st season on Tuesday January 6 with Rabbi Marvin Tokayer’s “The Jews of the Far East, Part II - Pepper, Silk and Ivory.” You will hear fantastic stories of Jewish life in the Far East known to few. Please visit www.marcojcmi.com for details of the additional films to be screened in this season’s festival, the cultural series, and JCMI’s other events. To reserve tickets, call the JCMI office at 239.642.0800.

December 2014 Federation Star

SYNAGOGUES BETH TIKVAH

www.bethtikvahnaples.org / 239-434-1818

Beth Tikvah update By Stuart Kaye and Rosalee Bogo, co-Presidents

n October 25, during Shabbat services, Beth Tikvah honored David Willens for his long years of service to the Jewish community as executive director for the Jewish Federation of Collier County. Remarks by Beth Tikvah co-president Rosalee Bogo, a past president of Federation, reviewed the high points of David’s tenure in that position, as did remarks by Judge Norman Krivosha, immediate past president of Federation and a Beth Tikvah board member. Thank you, David. We already miss you. David is a hard act to follow. He has been a remarkably talented and congenial go-to guy for so many years – years of enormous growth and dynamic program building. But if anyone is up to the task it is certainly Jeffrey Feld, whom we most enthusiastically welcome to the community along with his wife, Susan. Recently, Beth Tikvah has initiated a Chesed Committee and Fund to aid mourners during shiva and to render assistance to members who are ill, injured,

recovering from surgery, or otherwise in need of help. Shelley Goodman and Linda Scheinberg head the committee. Beth Tikvah’s annual Latke Dinner begins on Wednesday, December 17 at 6:30 a.m. Please join us for Chanukah cheer, Chanukah greetings, Chanukah fun and Chanukah food. RSVP to bethtikvahnaples@aol.com. $15 advance payment per person. No charge to Beth Tikvah religious school families. Our New York Style Kosher Deli and Game Night is back! Join us on Wednesday, December 24 at 6:00 p.m. for this tried and true community experience. You bring the games, we supply the deli from Ben’s of Boca Raton. Adults $42; children under thirteen $22. Make out your check payable Beth Tikvah of Naples and send it to Shep Scheinberg, 4261 Montalvo Court, Naples, FL 34109. Questions? Want to help? Call Shep at 239.513.1950. Our Rosh Hodesh Group holds its next meeting on Sunday, December 21 at 10:00 a.m.

NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION

Book group On Monday, December 29 at 7:30 p.m. we will explore Gertruda’s Oath by Ram Oren. “A tender and touching account of genuine, selfless generosity… One begins to understand the true course of history, history as experienced by the people who lived through it.” – Jerusalem Post. This session anticipates the appearance of, and presentation by, Michael Stolowitzky, the son in the narrative and the author’s key source, at the event on Tuesday, January 7 at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Shalom. Lecture season is almost here Popular lecturer Gerald Ziedenberg will present a three-part series that covers intriguing facets of Jewish history. The schedule is as follows: Thursday, January 8: A Day in the Life of a Polish Shtetl Between the Wars; Thursday, February 12: A Blood Libel in Hungary; Thursday, March 26: Moe Berg: Baseball Player and Spy. Each lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. at Beth Tikvah and is followed by a Q&A session and refreshments.

There is no charge, but donations are welcome. For more information or to RSVP, call Phil Jason at 239.287.8921. News about presentations by Dr. June Sochen and Joyce Schrager and by Rabbi Matthew Berkowitz will appear in future columns, as will information about our February 13-15 Scholar-inResidence weekend with Rabbi Avinoam Sharon. Religious services schedule Friday services begin at 6:15 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. Our participatory worship services and most other events are held at 1459 Pine Ridge Road just west of Mission Square Plaza. For more information, please call 239.434.1818, email bethtikvah naples@aol.com or visit www.bethtik vahnaples.org. You can reach Rabbi Chorny directly at 239.537.5257.

www.naplesjewishcongregation.org / 239-234-6366

Naples Jewish Congregation update By Suzanne L. Paley, President

unday at the Movies Continuing the theme of this year’s film series, “The Jewish Experience of Becoming Americans,” the movie for December is Crossing Delancey, to be shown on Sunday, December 28 at 4:00 p.m. This delightful film takes place on the lower East Side of Manhattan, as did October’s movie, Hester Street. Can a 20th century, independent young woman, living and working in New York City, find enchantment and love in her Bubbie’s neighborhood on the lower East Side? (And with the “Pickleman” no less?) Join in a lively discussion, facilitated by Les and Betty Schwartz, about old-fashioned traditions in a modern world, and discover that some things and some ideas, never change. There is no charge for the movie, however a donation is always welcomed to help ensure the continuation of this

project. All films are shown in the Community Room of the Federation offices on Vanderbilt Beach Road, the last Sunday of the month at 4:00 p.m. Going out for dinner after the film is always an option, where some discussion is sure to continue. This series is open to the public. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Les at elias21@ gmail.com. Chanukah and Anniversary Party On Wednesday, December 17, our annual Chanukah Party will be held at the Club at Olde Cypress. This is also the 15th anniversary of Naples Jewish Congregation serving the greater Naples area. The first NJC celebration open to the Jewish community was Chanukah 15 years ago, so it was fitting to combine these two celebrations. Please join us for a scrumptious buffet including roasted chicken, brisket, sea bass and, of course, potato latkes. We will light candles,

CHABAD JEWISH CENTER OF NAPLES

listen to and sing along to Chanukah songs, play a few games of dreidel, and visit with one another. The cost for nonmembers is $55.. If you are interested in having a fun evening, please call Iris Weissman at 239.431.7944 to make your reservation. Sisterhood and Men’s Club Sisterhood members will gather at the home of Gayle Dorio on Tuesday, December 9 at 2:00 p.m. for her presentation on Orchid Care. Upon arrival you will be thrilled by the magnificent orchid plants throughout Gayle’s home. Gayle has won many blue ribbons for her prize beauties. Coffee, tea and refreshments will be served. Sisterhood’s Book Club will meet on Monday, December 15 at noon at Skillets in the Bed, Bath and Beyond plaza for lunch and discussion. The chosen book for December is The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd.

www.chabadnaples.com / 239-262-4474

Chabad Jewish Center of Naples update

hanukah – Frozen? Yes, you read that correctly! This year in sunny Naples we will be celebrating with snowballs and snowflakes – Chanukah Frozen! In honor of Chanukah, we will be hosting a Chanukah Winter Wonderland in Cambier Park from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16, free of charge to the entire community. Join us for winter snow surprises, frozen treats from Rita’s, and the kindling of a huge ice menorah. Plenty of parking is available, so put on your winter clothes (you might need to get that fur coat from storage) and get ready to enjoy some snowball fun. And an amazing ice menorah! Share the pride in our unique heritage by contributing and sharing in the sponsorship of this magnificent community event that attracts hundreds of participants every year. For further information, please call our office at 239.263.2620. We are expanding! Here we grow! We are expanding by adding another wing with more class-

rooms for our ever-popular Preschool of the Arts and to accommodate our popular camp and Summer of the Arts. It will be a central hub for the constantly growing and enhanced Chabad children’s events and feature a new multi-media library and a children’s mini-market. This past year, as we celebrated our 10 th anniversary and looked forward to our blossoming bright future, we made the exciting announcement of naming the Chabad Center “The Alex & Carol Glassman Chabad Jewish Community Center.” We are available to meet at your convenience, in person or on the phone, to discuss your personal involvement in this project in further detail. Shabbat dinner Sign up now! Our famous Shabbat dinners have become so popular with their warm and welcoming camaraderie that we sell out quickly. The whole family is welcome to attend. The first dinner will be held on Friday, December 5. Good food, good company and a joyful atmosphere. Services at 5:30 p.m.; dinner at 6:00 p.m. For reservations, call the

Maraline Rane and Bonnie Zeff are co-chairpersons of the book club this year, and will continue to deliver the excellent book choices we have come to expect and enjoy. The Men’s Club will meet the third Thursday of each month, and Harvey Sandberg, President, has put together an interesting and varied list of activities for the men to enjoy. Jewish Book Month November 16 to December 16 is Jewish Book Month. Rabbi Wolf has issued a challenge to all NJC members to read a Jewish book (Jewish story, Jewish content or Jewish author) during this timeframe and to share a brief summary at our Shabbat service on Friday, December 12. It should be interesting and entertaining to hear what people have read and the thoughts they choose to share.

office or visit www.chabadnaples.com. Special Talmud classes In response to popular demand, Rabbi Fishel invites everyone to share the brilliant and fascinating wisdom of our sages in a special Talmud class to be held once a month. Call the office for further information. Hebrew School There are still some openings available for Hebrew School. What a change, when your children can’t wait to go to Hebrew School and don’t want to miss a day. Learning is fun and exciting with special events and amazing teachers. Sign up today! Some kids come with no knowledge and leave a year later with the amazing aleph champ curriculum, knowing how to read Hebrew. Monday minyan Beginning December 1, we will hold a regular Monday morning minyan in the Herstein Library at 8:30 a.m.

Flying Challahs Here is your chance to bring a smile to someone’s face. If you know people who need a visit or just a little caring attention, your suggestion via a phone call will bring a freshly-baked challah flying to their doorstep. Chabad Naples Men’s Club The Men’s Club meets every Thursday at 11:30 a.m. with a wide variety of exciting speakers and programs. We have had great discussions, and question-andanswer classes with Rabbi Fishel. Call ahead to let us know you are coming. Weekly services and children’s program Join us every Shabbat at 10:00 a.m. for weekly uplifting services, and bring the kids to the incredible children’s program at the same time. A kiddush and social gathering for the family follow services.

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Federation Star December 2014 COLLIER/LEE CHAPTER OF HADASSAH

ORGANIZATIONS www.hadassah.org / 239-598-1009

Hadassah update Lynn Weiner President

hy support Hadassah? At its 26 th annual conference in Shanghai, China, the International Society for Medical Innovation and Technology (SMIT) awarded its International Prize for Medical Innovation and Technology to Prof. Yoav Mintz, Director of the Center for Innovative Surgery at the Hadassah Medical Center, for his research aimed at developing a novel, nonsurgical method to perform a gastric bypass and help decrease Type 2 diabetes. Prof. Mintz, in cooperation with the Israeli start-up EasyNOTES, recently developed a method to perform a gastric bypass without a single incision or anesthesia by using an endoscope to place magnets into the small intestine and stomach. Over the next seven days following placement of the magnets, a connection in the tissues is formed between the magnets. “At this point in time,” explains Prof. Mintz, “this system, in the advanced stages of development, is designed to cure Type 2 diabetes. Two simple endoscopic procedures is all that it takes,” he adds. As Prof. Mintz reports, “patients suffering from diabetes show a resolution of their disease within a few days following surgery, even before losing weight.” Prof. Mintz’s procedure is aimed at achieving positive results without the risks of major invasive surgery. Prof. Mintz is a graduate of the Hebrew UniversityHadassah School of Medicine and completed his residency in surgery at Hadassah Medical Organization.

Fall Meeting and Brunch At our Fall Meeting and Brunch we elected our 2015 Executive Officers including President, Lynn Weiner; Membership co-Vice Presidents Donna Goldblatt and Danna Eisman; Fundraising Vice President Ruth Barber; Education/Program Vice President Elyse Morande; co-Treasurers Elissa Goldstein and Fran Nossen; Recording Secretary Leda Lubin; Corresponding Secretary Iris Shur; and Records Administrator Carol Weisberg. They will be installed at our Installation Luncheon on Tuesday, January 27. We also had a fascinating presentation by Hadassah Associate Jeff Margolis who told the story of the Jews of Sosua in the Dominican Republic and how they escaped from Europe during WWII. Other events Our Welcome Back Dinner was held at a lovely private home with inspirational speaker Barbara Goldstein, Deputy Director of the Hadassah Israel Office. Barbara gave a motivating talk about Hadassah and Israel and how important the work of Hadassah is. I encourage all of you to read the book Gertruda’s Oath by Ram Oren as part of “One Book, Southwest Florida.” Hadassah discussions are set for Wednesday, December 3 at 7:00 p.m. at a home in North Naples; Monday, December 8 at 1:30 p.m. at a home in South Naples; and Tuesday, December 30 at 1:00 p.m. at a home in North Naples. We are also planning discussions in Lee County. Please contact me for details at 239.598.1009 or lynninaples@ yahoo.com. It’s not too late to attend our Annual Major Donors/Keepers of the Gate Recognition Event on Sunday, December 14 at 10:30 a.m. at Quail West Country Club in Naples. Our guest speaker will be Stewart Greenberg, who

HUMANISTIC JEWISH HAVURAH

has been treated at Hadassah Hospital. We would love to welcome you into our family of donors. Contact Nancy Wiadro at 239.269.3666 or nwiadro@ hadassah.org. Don’t miss the Annual Women’s Chanukah Celebration on Wednesday, December 17 at 1:00 p.m. at Temple Shalom in Naples. RSVP to Shelley Skelton at 239.676.3052 or shellskel@ mac.com. The Hike for Health and Lunch Group will meet for a moderate hike and healthy lunch on Monday, December 8 at Bonita Beach and Monday, December 22 at the Gordon River Greenway at 10:30 a.m. To RSVP, contact Laraine

Deutsch at 248.489.3122 or latkeleah@ gmail.com. Mark your calendars for a benefit evening with “Karen Deutsch: Your Psychic Connection” on Sunday, January 11 at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Shalom sponsored by Hadassah and Hadassah Associates. Bring your friends and neighbors. Contact Iris Shur at 239.593.9328 or irisjimshur@aol.com. We also have an ongoing Daytime Study Group, Evening Activity Group and Book Groups! To join Hadassah or to become a Life Member or Associate, please contact Donna Goldblatt at 239.597.3441 or mom443@aol.com.

Save theses dates:

December: XX 3 - Gertruda’s Oath Discussion - 7:00 p.m. - private home XX 8 - Hike for Health and Lunch - 10:30 a.m. - Bonita Beach XX 8 - Gertruda’s Oath Discussion - 1:30 p.m. - private home XX 14 - Hadassah Major Donors/Keepers of the Gate Recognition Event - 10:30 a.m. - Quail West Country Club, Naples XX 17 - Women’s Chanukah Celebration - 1:00 p.m. - Temple Shalom, Naples XX 22 - Hike for Health and Lunch - 10:30 a.m. - Gordon River Greenway XX 30 - Gertruda’s Oath Discussion - 1:00 p.m. - private home January: XX 6 - One Book, Southwest Florida Speaker - 6:15 p.m. - Lakes Regional Library, Fort Myers XX 7 - One Book, Southwest Florida Speaker - 7:00 p.m. - Temple Shalom, Naples XX 8 - One Book, Southwest Florida Speaker - 1:00 p.m. - South Regional Library, Naples XX 11 - Hadassah Benefit Evening with Karen Deutsch: Your Psychic Connection - 7:00 p.m. - Temple Shalom XX 27 - Hadassah Installation Luncheon - 10:45 a.m. - Country Club of Naples February: XX 2 - Hadassah Mahj and Card Party - 11:00 a.m. - Cypress Woods Country Club, Naples XX 19 - Holiday Cooking Demonstration with Arlene Levin - 7:00 p.m. Beth Tikvah, Naples XX 20 - Hadassah Shabbat - Temple Shalom, Naples XX 25 - Knowledge & Nosh @ Noon - 11:30 a.m. March: XX 8 - Hadassah Annual Fundraiser - 5:30 p.m. XX 24 - Hadassah Meeting and Luncheon - 10:45 a.m. - Kensington Country Club, Naples April: XX 22 - Knowledge & Nosh @Noon - 11:30 a.m.

www.humanisticjewishhavurahswfl.org / 239-398-3935

Celebrating the courage of Judah Maccabee Paula Creed President

umanistic Jewish Havurah of Southwest Florida invites you to its Chanukah celebration beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, December 19 at The Carlisle, 6945 Carlisle Court, Naples. The festive meal will begin with matzo ball soup, followed by roasted chicken, with a choice of white or dark meat, along with potato latkes, vegetable, and ending with dessert. The price is $35 per person. Payment to HJH, along with a notation of your poultry choice, mailed to Cynthia Cook, 25051 Banbridge Court, #202, Bonita Springs, FL 34134, secures your reservation. Please include your phone number. Further information is available on our website at www.humanisticjew ishhavurahswfl.org. Dena Sklaroff (239.591.0101) will also be able to provide the latest update on the plans for this event. Jewish holidays are essential to Jewish identity. Humanistic Jews rec-

ognize that Jewish holidays, like all celebrations, are an invention of human culture. Humanistic Jews are keenly interested in the development of these celebrations as well as the true stories behind Jewish holidays. This allows Humanistic Jews to celebrate our traditional holidays with integrity because they now have fresh meaning. As traditionally celebrated, Chanukah highlights the Maccabee-led Jewish victory over Hellenistic Assyrian persecution in Israel during the mid-second century BCE. The Talmud relates a legend about how, upon re-claiming 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 among Jews in conflict over accommodating and assimilating a 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

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

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 that 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. For Humanistic Jews, Chanukah is not a tribute to divine power. It is a celebration of human courage. Judah Maccabee was a religious fanatic who denied freedom of worship to those who opposed him; but he also was a man of integrity who was willing to declare and fight for what he firmly believed. His fearless example demonstrates the bravery that ennobles. Much as the Maccabees seized control of their own lives, Humanistic Jews take their future into their own hands. They choose how they will live, seeking to behave courageously and with integrity. Chanukah is an endorsement of human daring, human ingenuity and hope.

Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida 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.

December 2014 Federation Star

ORGANIZATIONS ORT AMERICA – GULF BEACHES CHAPTER

www.ort.org / 239-649-4000

“House of Pineapples” holds art treasures for ORT members to discover By Helene Dorfman Fuchs

asananas is made-up of two Spanish words: “casa,” meaning “house,” and “ananas” meaning “pineapples,” or “House of Pineapples.” sIts quirky name aside, it stands as a tribtute to mid-century modern architecture and, under the stewardship of its owners, eCharles L. Marshall, Jr. and Richard L. Tooke, as a milieu for the treasury of art they’ve collected for years. On Wednesday, January 14, ORT members will tour the house as Gulf 1Beaches sponsors its annual home-art tour. The event begins with lunch at 11:30 a.m. at The Club Pelican Bay, 707 Gulf Park Drive, Naples. The cost of $100 includes lunch and the guided tour, with proceeds benefiting ORT schools in Israel. Casananas was built by Clarence (Richard’s uncle) and Mamie Tooke in 1951. Clarence and Mamie, along with several Naples backers, opened the first bank in Naples, Bank of Naples, on February 14, 1949. Casananas was designed by architect Nat Conwell of Fort Myers, his first house design after graduating from the University of Florida. It is a tribute to the contemporary trend of the

early 1950s. The split-level floor plan and open elements of this cosmopolitan home provide an amazing setting for the paintings and sculpture collected by the owners – Charles, architect for 30 years with the Board of National Missions, Presbyterian Church U.S.A., and Richard, who worked for 30 years at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, retiring as director of rights & reproduction, Photographic Services and Photographic Archives. When entering the spacious living area you’ll recognize the care taken in building this collection of local, national and international artists, with the unique salon-style installation. The striking vaulted ceilings, open rooms, and red and blue accent walls provide a handsome background for works by Henri Matisse, Keith Haring, Robert Vickery, Michael St. Amand, Hollis Jeffcoat and many more that culminate with a Lightpainting by Stephen Knapp on the living room ceiling. The 1950s furniture by Knoll International, Eero Saarinen, Charles and Rae Eames, and Katavolas are welcoming and relaxing complements

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN

to the works of art. The walls are virtually filled with paintings interspersed with indoor sculptures. The carefully planned gardens are dominated by the eight-foot-tall Steve Tobin sculpture: White Rainbow Root, made of white painted reclaimed steel. Whether you are indoors or outside there are treasures to see. So plan to attend the ORT home-art tour to discover a treasure trove of art as you help ORT help Israeli children. Directions to the home will be announced at the luncheon. To RSVP,

Charles L. Marshall, Jr. and Richard L. Tooke with Steve Tobin’s White Rainbow Root, 2007

contact Midge Rauch at 239.676.7674 or milloyd@juno.com. Or simply send a check for $100 payable to ORT America to Hella Amelkin, 3200 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., #307, Naples, FL 34103.

ORT America (Organization for Rehabilitation through Training)

Did you know that: ¡¡ ORT supports 300,000 students annually in 56 countries by providing technical education that emphasizes employable skills? ¡¡ ORT’s most famous (and least publicized) mission was to educate Holocaust victims in DP camps so they were able to move on with their lives? ¡¡ ORT America has four college campuses in the U.S., including two in New York, one in Chicago and one in Los Angeles, that serve the most vulnerable communities? ¡¡ ORT America is active in Southwest Florida? Please attend Gulf Beaches Chapter events and support ORT’s educational mission. Help ORT raise funds to save lives through education. To join/renew/transfer, please contact ORT America Gulf Beaches Chapter President Marina Berkovich at 239.566.1771, or Membership Chair Marebe Crouse at 239.263.4959. Please visit www.ortamerica.org for a virtual ORT experience.

239-353-5963 / 239-354-9117

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

he speakers at our October meeting provided valuable information important to everyone. Cpl. Ray Erickson and Connie Ledbetter of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Crime Prevention Section, gave us much to think about. Cpl. Erickson is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and has been with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office since 1985. Connie Ledbetter is a native of Naples. She stressed that the main goal of the Crime Prevention Unit is education. Here are some safety tips: Think about your surroundings. If you are in a parking lot and don’t feel comfortable, go back to where you were (store, mall, etc.). Walk with your head up (not looking at your phone) and look around. If you think someone is following you, yell loudly to someone you pretend is behind you (“Hey John, hurry up!”) to

give the impression you’re with someone else. Lock your car. People don’t lock their cars in the driveway, forget that there is often a remote to open the garage door, and don’t lock the door between the house and the garage. Lock your doors and windows. 70% of home break-ins are due to unlocked doors and windows. Some sliding doors can be easily lifted off the track. Lock sliding glass doors and use a bar across. 50% of break-ins can be avoided by locking doors. When you are on line to pay for something, keep your credited card concealed. The person on line behind you playing with the phone while waiting may actually be taking a picture of your credit card that you have in your hand. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office gets daily reports from pawn shops.

JEWISH WOMEN INTERNATIONAL

Valuable items that are marked in some way are less easily pawned. Beware of phone scams and phone solicitations for money. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office never makes such phone calls. Any identity thefts should be reported to the Sheriff’s Office on the non-emergency phone number – 239.252.9300. Of 67 counties in Florida, Collier County has the 17th lowest crime rate. Free credit reports are available by calling 877.322.8228 or at annualcreditreport.com. And finally, the National Crime Prevention Council offers Top 10 Tips for a Safe Home: 1. Lock doors and windows. 2. Crime-proof outside areas. 3. Get to know your neighbors. 4. Consider an alarm. 5. Protect yourself with lock and key. 6. Protect your home when travel-

ing. 7. Protect your valuables. 8. Teach home safety to your kids. 9. Have an emergency plan. 10. Take a stand! Thank you to Cpl. Erickson and Ms. Ledbetter. Your presentation was wonderful! *** The 19 th Annual Women’s Chanukah Celebration will be held on Wednesday, December 17 at 1:00 p.m. at Temple Shalom. Once again, Bobbie Katz has organized this event, which is hosted by Hadassah, NCJW, ORT, Women’s Cultural Alliance, Sisterhoods of Temple Shalom, Naples Jewish Congregation, Beth Tikvah, and Chabad Jewish Center of Naples. Entertainment will be provided by Cantor Donna Azu, Jane Galler, and the children of Temple Shalom Preschool. $5 per person will be collected at the door with proceeds to benefit Jewish Family & Community Services.

www.jwi.org / 239-498-2778

Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords leads an illustrious class of JWI’s 2014 Women to Watch SUNDAY

Millie Sernovitz

JWI Past International President

he women Jewish Women International has named to the 2014 Women to Watch class, truly deserve to be recognized for who they are, the work they do and the lives they lead. As in past years, JWI has an extraordinary list of honorees, highlighted by Gabrielle Giffords, former Congresswoman from Arizona, who after the tragic shooting in Tucson in 2011, found

the extraordinary strength to not only rebuild her life but dedicate herself to making certain that no one else would suffer the same fate. Gabby’s dedication mirrors our own to ending violence. The nine women who join Gabby represent the breadth and depth of fields and work that we, as Jewish women, influence and affect. From Caryl Stern, president and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, who works each day to end global childhood mortality, to Rabbi Shira Stutman, who works to engage Jewish young people with our faith and community in a way that truly resonates with their generation. We honor Roberta Levy Liss, who paved the way for future women architectural

engineers, so that unlike what she experienced, they would not have to be the only woman in the room. We celebrate Sharna Goldseker, who is enabling future philanthropists to not only give, but to innovate. We learn from Julie Chaiken and Jodi Macklin, successful businesswomen who have combined their talents as designers with their drive to uphold their values to give back to the community. We are inspired by Liz Schrayer and Sunita Leeds, each in her own way shaping public policy and creating a stronger world. And finally, JWI names its Sondra D. Bender Community Leader, Lisa Reiner Cohen, a deeply involved and respected member of the D.C. community working tirelessly to

ensure all people, regardless of ability, live lives of worth and self-esteem. You can read about JWI’s 2014 Women to Watch honorees in the fall issue of Jewish Woman magazine or on the web at www.jwi.org. The gala luncheon for this year’s honorees will be held on Monday, December 8 at the Marriott Wardman Hotel in Washington, D.C. To learn more about the JWI’s 2014 Women to Watch or other JWI endeavors locally and nationally, contact me at millie@sernovitz.com or 239.498.2778 or. 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.

Federation Star December 2014

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Get the Service you Deserve December 2014 – 5775 MONDAY

SUNDAY

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

10:00am TS-S Board Mtg 12:15pm BT Torah Study 1:00pm JCMI Duplicate Bridge 1:30pm CJD Steering Cmte 4:00pm JFCC Exec Cmte 6:00pm TS Sr Study

1:30pm HDH Board Mtg 5:30pm JCMI Bingo

9:30am HJH Board Mtg 11:30am HM Cookbook Lnchn 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 1:30pm JCRC Mtg 4:30pm BT Youth Ed Program 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School 5:00pm TS Hebrew

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

16 Chanukah

11:00am JCMI Book Club 12:15pm BT Torah Study 1:00pm JCMI Duplicate Bridge 4:00pm CHA Chanukah Fest 5:30pm NJC Chanukah Party

11:30am TS Women’s Chanukah Celebration 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 4:30pm BT Youth Ed Program 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School 5:00pm TS Hebrew School 6:30pm BT Latke Dinner 8:00pm BT Adult Ed

11:00am JCMI Mah Jongg 12:00pm NJC Men’s Mtg 1:30pm TS-S Book Bag 4:00pm BT Board Mtg 5:45pm JFCC Community Chanukah Celebration 6:30pm HDH Evening Group 7:00pm JCMI Board Mtg

5:30pm HJH Chanukah event 6:15pm BT Services 6:30pm JCMI Chanukah Dinner 7:30pm CHA Services 7:30pm NJC Services 7:30pm TS Services 8:00pm JCMI Services

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

25 CHRISTMAS

15 8:00am CHA Toy Drive 12:00pm NJC-S Book Club 1:00pm HDH Study Group 5:30pm JCMI Bingo

10:30am JFCS Naples Jewish Caring Support Group 5:30pm JCMI Bingo

12:15pm BT Torah Study 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 1:00pm JCMI Duplicate Bridge 4:30pm BT Youth Ed Program 7:00pm TS Board Mtg 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School 5:00pm TS Hebrew School 6:00pm BT Deli Night

5:30pm JCMI Bingo 7:30pm BT Book Group

11:30am ORT Board Mtg 6:00pm CHA Shabbat Dinner 6:15pm BT Services 6:30pm CHA Services 6:30pm TS Shir Shabbat 7:30pm NJC/CJD Faith Weekend 8:00pm JCMI Services

9:00am BT Minyan 9:00am BT Religious School 10:30am HDH Major Gifts/ Keepers Event 10:30am NJC Adult Ed 2:00pm JCMI Film Festival

9:00am BT Minyan 9:00am BT Religious School 10:30am NJC Adult Ed 3:30pm NJC Movie

8:30am JFCC Fed Cup 9:00am BT Minyan 9:00am BT Religious School 9:30am JWV meeting 10:00am BT Rosh Chodesh 4:30pm HM GenShoah Mtg 5:00pm JCMI Chanukah Celebration

11:00am JCMI Mah Jongg

SATURDAY

11:00am CHA Women’s Circle 11:00am JCMI Mah Jongg 1:00pm NJC Board Mtg 3:00pm HM Exec Cmte Mtg 7:00pm TS Exec Cmte Mtg 7:30pm BT Film 7:30pm CHA ZOA Speaker

10:30am JFCS Naples Jewish Caring Support Group 12:00pm NCJW Luncheon 5:30pm JCMI Bingo

FRIDAY

10:00am HM Book Discussion 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 4:30pm BT Youth Ed Program 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School 5:00pm TS Hebrew School

9:00am BT Minyan 9:00am BT Religious School 9:30am TS Sunday School 5:00pm CJF Faith Weekend

THURSDAY

10:00am Jewish Genealogy 11:30am TS-S Luncheon 12:00pm JCMI-S Lunch Mtg 12:15pm BT Torah Study 1:00pm JCMI Duplicate Bridge 7:30pm JFCC Board Meeting

11:00am JCMI Mah Jongg 3:00pm HM Board Mtg

6:15pm BT Services 6:30pm CHA Services 7:30pm NJC Services 7:30pm TS Services 8:00pm JCMI Services

6:15pm BT Services 7:30pm CHA Services 7:30pm NJC Services 7:30pm TS Services 8:00pm JCMI Services

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

Candle lighting times:

12:15pm BT Torah Study 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 1:00pm JCMI Duplicate Bridge 4:30pm BT Youth Ed Program 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School 5:00pm TS Hebrew School

December 5: 5:16 December 12: 5:18 December 19: 5:21 December 26: 5:24

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-M: Chabad Men’s Club • CJD: Catholic/Jewish Dialogue • HDH: Hadassah • HJH: Humanistic Jewish Havurah • HM: Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida • JCMI: Jewish Congregation of Marco Island

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.

PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS WHO HELP MAKE THE FEDERATION STAR POSSIBLE. Be sure to mention you saw their ad in the Federation Star.

• JCMI-M: JCMI Men’s Club • JCMI-S: JCMI Sisterhood • JCRC: Jewish Community Relations Council • JFCC: Jewish Federation of Collier County • JFCS: Jewish Family & Community Services • JNF: Jewish National Fund • JWV: Jewish War Veterans • MCA: Men’s Cultural Alliance • 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.

Create a Jewish Legacy I give, devise and bequeath… Create a legacy to benefit the Jewish Federation of Collier County and our overall Jewish community in your will or trust. Call 239.263.4205. "I did not find the world desolate when I entered it. And as my parents planted for me before I was born, so do I plant for those who will come after me." -The Talmud

• 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.

December 2014 Federation Star

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY 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 Neil Shnider, President 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 24, No. 4 December 2014 36 pages USPS Permit No. 419 Publisher: Jewish Federation of Collier County Editor: Ted Epstein, 239-249-0699 fedstar18@gmail.com Design: Federation Media Group, Inc. Advertising: Jacqui Aizenshtat 239-777-2889 January Issue Deadlines: Editorial: December 1 Advertising: December 8 Send news stories to: fedstar18@gmail.com

JEWISH CONGREGATION OF MARCO ISLAND

NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION

BETH TIKVAH

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

Services are held at: The Unitarian Congregation 6340 Napa Woods Way Rabbi Sylvin Wolf Ph.D, DD 431-3858 Email: rabbi@naplesjewishcongregation.org www.naplesjewishcongregation.org

1459 Pine Ridge Road Naples, FL 34109

Rabbi Edward M. Maline, DD Hari Jacobsen, Cantorial Soloist Roger Blau, President

(Reform)

Shabbat Services Friday 8:00 p.m. Torah Study and Saturday Services • Sisterhood • Men’s Club • Brownstein Judaica Gift Shop

Suzanne Paley, 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

Spice of Life Whether you’ve made a mint or not, whatever you’ve salted away may be enough to give you a dilly of a problem with your estate. And you’re no doubt peppered each day with unsavory proposals on how to spend and invest your money. Yes, regardless of your estate, the taxman some day will be cumin, but you can mustard up the courage and move gingerly to keep the tax bite at bay with some simple, plain vanilla and some more seasoned techniques of estate planning and charitable giving. Frequently, we try to impart a little sage advice and curry your favor for a lifetime gift or bequest to the Endowment Fund of the Federation. Have you taken the first step to becoming a tarragon of virtue by consulting with us or your financial advisors and deciding how to clove out a piece of your assets and fennel it to Federation’s Endowment Fund? Don’t you think...it’s about thyme?

For more information on gift planning, call Jeffrey Feld at the Federation at 239.263.4205.

Please note our email addresses: Jeffrey Feld, Federation Executive – jfeld@jewishnaples.org Jill Saravis, Community Program Coord. – jill@jewishnaples.org Iris Doenias, Administrative Assistant – iris@jewishnaples.org Deborah Vacca, Bookkeeper – deborah@jewishnaples.org General information requests – info@jewishnaples.org Federation Star advertising – jacqui1818@gmail.com Ted Epstein, Editor, Federation Star – fedstar18@gmail.com

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(Conservative)

(just west of Mission Square Plaza)

Phone: 434-1818 Email: bethtikvahnaples@aol.com Website: www.bethtikvahnaples.org Rabbi Ammos Chorny Stuart Kaye & Rosalee Bogo, co-Presidents Phil Jason, Vice President Sue Hammerman, Secretary Shabbat Services Friday evenings at 6:15pm 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: Alvin Becker • Federation Executive: Jeffrey Feld

American Technion Society

• Chapter Dir: Jennifer Singer, 941-378-1500

Collier-Lee Chapter of Hadassah • President: Lynn Weiner, 598-1009

Friends of the IDF • Exec. Dir.: Dina Ben Ari, 305-354-8233

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

Humanistic Jewish Havurah of Southwest Florida • Paula Creed, 495-8484

Israel Bonds

• Reva Pearlstein, 800-622-8017 • Tyler Korn, 354-4300

Jewish Family and Community Services of Southwest Florida Phone: 325-4444 • Chairperson: Richard A. Goldblatt • President/CEO: 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

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

Men’s Cultural Alliance

• President: Steve Brazina, 325-8694

Naples Friends of American Magen David Adom (MDA)

• SE Reg Dir: Joel Silberman, 954-457-9766

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

ORT - Gulf Beaches Chapter

• President: Marina Berkovich, 566-1771

Women’s Cultural Alliance

• President: Elaine Soffer, 431-7905

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 Annual Federation Campaign in our community. For more information, call the Federation office at 239.263.4205.

Federation Star December 2014

L GHT M AY I T F I L L Y O U R H O L I D AY A N D Y O U R H E A R T