Federation Star - March 2014 by Jewish Federation of Collier County

2 0 1 4

T R I U M P H

A W A R D S

Join us for an unforgettable evening Honoring

Lives of PurPose

March 27, 2014 Hertz Hangar at Naples Municipal Airport 5:30pm Patron Reception 6:30pm Triumph Event

“The Ghost Army”

(23rd Headquarters Special Troops)

and

U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Schaeffer McHenry

(239) 263-9200

. All proceeds benefit the Museum’s Educational programs.

www.HolocaustMuseumSWFL.org

HolocaustMuseumSWFL.org

Celebrating Jewish Life in Collier County, Israel and the World

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

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

www.JewishNaples.org INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

7A Women’s Cultural Alliance 8A Men’s Cultural Alliance 9A Community Focus 10A Tributes 11A Jewish Interest 18A Israel & the Jewish World 19A Business Directory 20A Commentary 23A Rabbinical Reflections 24A Focus on Youth 27A Synagogues 28A Organizations 30A Community Calendar 31A Community Directory 1B Jewish Happenings

4A JCRC grants Human Needs Award

6A Federation’s Major Gifts & Lion of Judah Event

24A Amazing Taglit-Birthright Israel

10B Photos from recent community events

March 2014 - Adar 5774

Vol. 23 #7

Oh what a night!

Federation’s 2014 Community Campaign Kickoff David Willens

Phyllis Seaman

JFCC Executive Director

Federation VP & Campaign Chair

he Jewish Federation of Collier County’s 2014 Community Celebration was extra special this year, as it recognized Rosalee and Jerry Bogo for ten years of dedicated service to our organization and to our community. The Federation and the Bogos extend appreciation to all the Event Sponsors whose special tribute gifts made the evening lavish and memorable. Sponsors are recognized in the photo display of the event on pages 6B-7B. Thanks also go to the event committee of Jacqui Aizenshtat, Beth Grossman, Linda Hyde, Wallie Lenchner, Phyllis Seaman and Andrea Tretter. The venue was the beautiful Wyndemere Country Club, exquisitely appointed for the night by the Garden District. Our Guest Speaker was Alison Goldstein Lebovitz, co-Chair of the National Young Leadership Cabinet of The Jewish Federations of North America. Alison lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and knows the Bogos well. Her moving tribute to them and her message about our responsibility of helping those in need of assistance raised the spirits and generosity of those attending the event. “This event was praised by all from all the accolades, calls and emails I received the following day,” said Phyllis. “In all the years I’ve chaired or worked on the Community Celebration, this has to be one of the best. The warmth and camaraderie was felt by all. It truly was an evening of recognition of Rosalee and Jerry Bogo, and included great friendship and much laughter.” The event festivities included cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by the evening program of Recognition, Honors and Fundraising, then came dinner and a comedy show, featuring some very funny shtick from Bruce Smirnoff.

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

Prsrt Std US Postage Paid Permit #419 Ft Myers FL

For all the party people and night owls, there was an After Party in the lounge with a jazz combo and continued sociability. WOW! “The plus for me, as Campaign Chair,” commented Phyllis “is that everyone knows the reason for the Community Celebration is to raise money for all of the many programs and initiatives that our Federation supports. Most of our guests responded to Alison Lebovitz’s amusing and heartfelt appeal to us as Jews having a responsibility to ourselves, family and community, with increases over their 2013 gifts.” Now, I will appeal to all of you who

were not at the event: Please consider your gift to our 2014 Campaign – and do it today, with an increase over your last year’s gift or what you may have been planning. Our goal this year is to reach out to everyone for their commitment and pledge before many in the community will leave in April. OUR 2104 GOAL IS $1.5 MILLION OR HIGHER! YOUR PLEDGE COULD BE THE ONE TO MAKE IT HAPPEN! Friday, April 11 is our Women’s Division Luncheon. Nancy Greenberg and Carolyn Roth, the event co-chairs, are working hard to make the event memorable, too. If any ladies are considering becoming a Lion of Judah in 2014, now would be the perfect time to announce your commitment by calling the Federation office at 239.263.4205.

See pages 6B, 7B & 10B for photos from this event

Alan and Alison Lebovitz, Jerry and Rosalee Bogo, Barry and Alexis Bogo

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Federation Star March 2014

JEWISH FEDERATION

Community executive announces retirement plans By Carole J Greene hen on February 2, 2015, David Willens departs from his position as Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Collier County, it will be – to the day – 15 years since the date he began. During that decade and a half, he has fulfilled beyond expectations his original mission “to write new Jewish history” in this community. “Being a Floridian by birth and understanding life in South Florida has benefitted me,” Willens remarked. “I view our community as a salad bowl, where everyone contributes a unique piece of lettuce from some other garden patch. Together, we produce the salad dressing that melds people together and makes it tasty to everyone.” When then Federation President Ann Jacobson hired Willens, he came into the position of executive director after the Federation had been without one for three and a half years. Since then, his direction, along with leadership from committed board members, has taken a community consisting largely of people in the last stages of their lives and set them on a path to an intergenerational community. “We’re not there yet,” Willens said, “but we’re on our way.” The list of additions to the community’s salad under Willens’ direction is long – and impressive: XX The 1,250 households identified as Jewish grew the Federation database to more than 3,300 XX The range of the community expanded to include donors and constituents in Bonita Springs and Estero XX The Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida was launched through support by the Federation XX JFS expanded to Jewish Family &

Community Services with its own address and board XX Through the auspices of the Federation’s Community Relations Council, a dynamic Catholic/Jewish Dialogue took shape and continues to bring together those faith communities XX Sponsorship of, and funds allocations for such events and organizations as the annual Evy Lipp People of the Book Cultural Event, WCA, MCA, BBYO, the Jewish Film Festival and Saul I. Stern Cultural Series at JCMI, and the introduction of a program in Judaic and Holocaust studies at Florida Gulf Coast University XX Continuing expansion of the monthly Federation Star newspaper and annual Connections resource guide XX Ongoing success in annual fundraising campaigns, with the most recent one topping the one-million-dollar goal for the first time The last item in this list sums up the essence of what Federation does – and what David Willens has dedicated his life to achieve. “Our message as Jews to all of humankind is to take care of our fellow man and to live by the doctrine of tikkun olam, the repair of the world.” In his view, being Jewish is a trust, that urges us to work “to preserve and protect so we can leave this world with a sense of personal and historical integrity.” He knows he represents the legacy of the teachings and examples set by his parents. His father taught Sunday school in their Miami area synagogue for 25 years. His mother was a member of every Jewish organization and spent her life totally immersed in Jewish life. They taught him “the community you leave your children is more important

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than the assets you’ll leave your heirs. You have to have a belief in building for the future, in planting a tree with the knowledge that you probably won’t see its fruits but your progeny will.” When David Willens retires next year, he will have left an indelible mark on this community, not only through his leadership but through an endowment in memoriam to his wife Shereen. “In being able to establish this endowment gift, my whole work experience came to fruition.” Willens continued: “It is my good fortune to have formed relationships with the most wonderful people in this community – charitable, well-intentioned people committed to Jewish life and community. It is these connections – we’re back to the salad bowl – that mold your life.”

Because Willens gave a year’s notice so the Federation could seek and interview candidates, hire the best one available, and allow Willens to help train his replacement, we can expect a nearly seamless transition. It also means we have another year to enjoy David’s personal connection to us. When his 29year career in the Federation system as a Jewish community professional ends, he will enter a new chapter of his life. As he returns to his Florida East Coast roots, retirement will open new opportunities for him. He’ll make frequent visits to his step families, and the word “sailing” popped up a few times. For the Jewish Federation of Collier County, his legacy will continue to lead and mold our lives as we enjoy the fruits of the trees he planted.

JCRC assembles anti-Semitism task force By Joel Pittelman, JCRC Chair

he Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Jewish Federation had its inaugural meeting last October. The Council has met monthly since and has considered several matters. Perhaps the most significant initiative involves the Council’s desire to be the collection point for the reporting of anti-Semitic incidents that may occur in our community. We are currently in the process of forming an Anti-Semitic Incidents Reporting and Response Task Force. This group will investigate reported problems, respond appropriately, give support to victims of these acts, and tabulate a year-end summary for inclusion in the Anti-Defamation League’s annual survey. As the task force nears a point of readiness, it will reach out to all our Jewish organizations to let the community know that anyone who encounters an anti-Semitic act should contact the JCRC immediately. Individuals who wish to serve on this task force should contact Jill Saravis at the Federation at 239.263.4205. The Israel Affairs Committee, which has operated as a subgroup of the JCRC has changed its name to the Israel Advocacy Committee (IAC), and is seeking a revision of the Federation

By-Laws to make it a direct committee of the Federation. While one of the prime missions of the JCRC is advocacy of Israel, the Council did endorse the change of status. It was felt that the great number of Israel-oriented programs and activities of the IAC does not lend itself to the more deliberative oversight of the JCRC. Further, some members of the IAC are solely focused on Israel, and are not likely to participate in the broader social justice issues of the JCRC. In its deliberations on the types of social justice issues the Council will choose to address, the members broadly agreed that we should avoid matters that are strongly tinged with political controversy that are debated on the national level. Instead, the Council wants to discuss and be a participant in community matters upon which we can affect positive change, bringing to bear our Jewish values. There are matters of national and international significance that generate no controversy in the national and international Jewish communities. On these matters, we will lend our voice of support when called upon to do so by the national organizations with which we are affiliated.

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3A Federation Star March 2014 JEWISH FEDERATION

Life goes on Judge Norman Krivosha President

ard to believe that it is already March and that my two-year term as President of the Jewish Federation of Collier County is nearly at an end; but more about that at another time. January and February have proven to be enough for anyone. We began the year after closing a most successful 2013 campaign, only to thankfully see signs of an even more successful 2014. Our Major Gifts & Lion of Judah Reception was hugely successful and we thank Bobbie and Jack Myers for so graciously opening their home to our donors who, inspired by the message from Michael Siegal, increased their pledges over the year before. This was followed by our Annual Community Celebration at which Rosalee and Jerry Bogo were honored for their years of committed service to the Jewish community of Collier County, and again the pledges surpassed the previous year. As a reward to those who had already committed to this year’s campaign, we were privileged to hear Bruce Feiler, bestselling author and journalist at our Evy Lipp People of the Book Cultural Event. To say it was a full month of activities would grossly understate the facts. The most exciting fact, however, is that it appears that we are on to another record fundraising year. As of this writing, we are 43% ahead of last year at

this time. The importance of this fact is not that we are raising more money, but that we are in a position to better fund the many agencies, mostly local, that need our help. As are most things in life, the good must include some sad. David Willens, our longtime Executive Director has advised me that February 2015 will mark 15 years since he started with the Jewish Federation of Collier County, and that he wishes to retire as of that date. We shall forever be grateful to David for his dedicated service to the Federation, and we shall miss him as we wish him well for the future. But as all things in life, the Federation must go on. I have selected a Search Committee consisting of myself, Alvin Becker, Rosalee Bogo, Dan Carp, Kevin Aizenshtat and Beth Wolff. The Search Committee will be guided by Debbie Smith, a consultant with the Mandel Center for Leadership Excellence, a part of The Jewish Federations of North America, to help us conduct a national search for an Executive Director with strong abilities in fundraising. We expect to have a replacement identified in time to work with David in order to insure a smooth transition. The future of the Jewish Federation of Collier County promises to be bright. No message however would be complete if I did not thank all of you who have already made pledges for 2014 – and there are many of you – and urge those of you who have not made commitments to please do so soon. Whether you live here permanently or seasonally, I hope you recognize the needs of this community. What we do only makes Naples a better place to live in.

Women’s Division Luncheon on April 11 – first in five years

March 2014 Federation Star

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By Carole J Greene

ou probably have the invitation sitting on your desk, awaiting your response. Just consider this an alert to act now on that reply. You know you want to come! Plan to arrive at Grey Oaks Country Club at 11:00 a.m. to enjoy its beautiful ambience and superb cuisine while raising money for the 2014 campaign of the Jewish Federation of Collier County. What better way to spend a Friday afternoon than to chat with friends new and old, listen to inspirational words, and make your campaign pledge? Co-chairs Nancy Greenberg and Carolyn Roth can hardly wait to welcome you. This first Women’s Division Luncheon in five years features a remarkable woman who is sure to motivate you to examine your life and where you want

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Federation Star March 2014

Where your dollars go By David Willens, Federation Executive Director

e appreciate all of our donors for their contributions to our Annual Federation Campaign. You make it all happen. We also want you to know where your contributions go and how important they are for the many recipients of our grant support and all of the programs and activities which we conduct for your benefit. The Jewish Federation is a fundraising and community-building organization. We are not a direct service provider, outside of the important social portals we open for our community. We allocate your generous donations to benefit Jews locally, nationally, in Israel and all around the world. This past December, our Allocations Committee presented to our board the following list of grants, which were approved and implemented. These grants do not take into account all of our own programs and activities, like our Jewish Community Relations Council, Israel Advocacy Committee, Catholic/Jewish Dialogue, Camp Scholarship Program, our Federation Star, Connections and

Community Directory publications, Evy Lipp People of the Book Cultural Event, Women’s Cultural Alliance (WCA), Men’s Cultural Alliance (MCA) and others, plus all of the expenses involved in running the overall organization – all of which are supported by your generous contributions. Take a moment to review the list of grant recipients at right. We hope you will be impressed by the breadth and scope of your support. All of these grantees and programs that we support happen because people like you give to our Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign. We depend upon you, our donors, and at the same time, we hope that you find value in donating to the Federation, given all that we offer. Our annual Passover direct mail appeal will be sent out soon. This Passover, Step Up To The Plate and consider giving more…maybe even think about doubling the gift you gave last year. Just think, the more funds we raise, the more good we can do.

JCRC grants Human Needs Award

he Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Jewish Federation of Collier County recently presented its annual Human Needs Award to the Naples Equestrian Challenge and the Lighthouse of Collier County. The two social services agencies split an award of $7,500. The JCRC promotes an annual Human Needs Award to deserving community-based social service organizations, serving the needs of everyone – our way of preserving our ancient tradition of tikkun olam, to repair the world for the betterment of all. The Lighthouse provides services to the visually impaired. The Naples Equestrian Challenge provides children and adults who are physically or mentally challenged with equestrian therapy. Gail Smith, Chair of the Human

Needs Award Committee, presented the awards and said, “There are many deserving organizations in Collier County. These two small agencies were selected both for the great work they are doing to assist the communities they serve, and because their financial needs are so great. While both organizations have earned the support of many volunteers who generously give their time to conduct their programs, necessary funding is always a problem.” Joel Pittelman, Chair of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Federation said, “Our annual Human Needs Award is a great example of how working in partnership with diverse groups we can help to build a stronger and better Naples community. This year we are fortunate to have found a generous co-contributor, Northern Trust, which partnered with us.”

Presentation to Lighthouse of Collier County: Dr. Frederick Brown, Art Bookbinder - Lighthouse Vice President, Kathleen Peck - Lighthouse Director, Gail Smith, Sandy Wolf

JEWISH FEDERATION 2013 Allocation Requests by Priorities

2013 $ Funded

1. Youth Programs & Youth Education Beth Tikvah - Youth & Adult Education BBYO Naples Chabad - Camp Gan Israel Chabad - Preschool of the Arts Chabad - Hebrew School Program Temple Shalom - Preschool Scholarships Temple Shalom - Religious School Scholarships Temple Shalom Men’s Club Hillel at Florida State University 2. Local Humanitarian & Social Services Jewish Family & Community Services Senior Outreach & Support Jewish Family & Community Services Counseling & Mental Health Support

6,500 5,000 6,500 6,000 3,000 5,000 12,000 150 4,000 48,150

105,228 115,741 220,969

3. Israel & Overseas Humanitarian & Social Services Jewish Federations of North America Overseas Core Assessment Neve Michael Children’s Village Yad LaKashish - Transportation for Needy Elderly Sapir Community Center Kfar Saba Nirim in the Neighborhoods World Union for Progressive Judaism Preschools in Kiev, Ukraine Birthright Israel ORT (World ORT/ORT America) transportation project in Eastern Europe

5,000 126,600

4. Cultural Programs & Adult Education Holocaust Museum & Education Center Jewish Congregation of Marco Island - Jewish Film Festival Jewish Congregation of Marco Island - Cultural Series

15,000 2,000 2,000 19,000

75,000 25,000 4,000 10,000 2,500 5,100

5. Unmet Needs JFNA for Typhoon Haiyan Relief Greater Naples YMCA - Emergency Relief Jewish Family & Community Services Developing Healthy Socialization Skills District School Board of Collier County “Check It Out: Let’s Stop Bullying”

1,800 25,831

Previous Grantee Organizations not submitting requests The Israel Project Anti-Defamation League American Friends of Magen David Adom Jewish National Fund American Jewish World Service Grand Total

1,000 2,500 1,000 1,000 1,500 7,000 447,550

2,500 2,500 19,031

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5A Federation Star March 2014 JEWISH FEDERATION

March 2014 Federation Star

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

2014 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY SERVICE SERVICE DAY DAY 2014 A day of community service to benefit individuals and families who are food insecure in Collier County.

Published by

A day of community service to benefit individuals and families who are food insecure in Collier County.

OUR PROJECT IS A FOOD PACKAGING EVENT, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MEALS-OF-HOPE. OUR PROJECT IS A FOOD PACKAGING EVENT, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MEALS-OF-HOPE. MEALS-OF-HOPE packages food throughout the year – more than 3,500,000 meals annually, MEALS-OF-HOPEan packages throughout the year – morepeople than 3,500,000 inclusivefood hands-on approach to feeding in need. meals annually, an inclusive hands-on approach to feeding people in need.

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

SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014 SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014 1:30 - 3:30PM 1:30 - 3:30PM ST. AGNES CATHOLIC CHURCH – PARISH CENTER HALL ST. AGNES CATHOLIC CHURCH – PARISH CENTER HALL 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Naples, FL 34120 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Naples, FL 34120 (North of the main Rd, church building) (North of the main church building)

Officers President: Judge Norman Krivosha Vice President: Dr. Karen Ezrine Vice President: Dr. Morton Friedman Vice President: Phyllis Seaman Recording Secretary: Kevin Aizenshtat Assistant Secretary: Alvin Becker Treasurer: Jerry Sobelman Assistant Treasurer: Jerry Bogo Immed. Past President: Rosalee Bogo

Board of Trustees Harvey Brenner Stephen Coleman Alan Gordon Neil Heuer Linda Hyde Wallie Lenchner Ben Peltz Joel Pittelman Dr. Ronald Roth Dr. Tracey Roth Arlene Sobol Michael Sobol Berton Thompson Dr. Joel Waltzer Dr. Daniel Wasserman Beth Wolff Barry Zvibleman

Today in Collier County, more than 60% of children in Collier Schools participate in the free and reduced breakfast Today in Collier County, than in Collier of Schools participate in the assembling free and reduced breakfast and lunch program. Wemore ask you to60% join of uschildren for an afternoon fellowship and service, food packages and lunch program. We ask you to join for an afternoon and service, assembling packages for distribution to Jewish Family & us Community Servicesofoffellowship SWFL, Catholic Charities and Collierfood Schools. for distribution to Jewish Family & Community Services of SWFL, Catholic Charities and Collier Schools. Teams of 10 will be organized in production lines for this packing event. Meals are packaged 6 per bag. In a two-hour Teams 10person will be can organized in approximately production lines thisThe packing are packaged 6 per In a packaging two-hour period, of one package 65for bags. cost event. per bagMeals is $1.50. In order to paybag. for the period, one person can package approximately 65 bags. The cost per bag is $1.50. In order to pay for the packaging materials and food items, each individual who participates is asked to collect donations to cover the cost of 65 bags materials and food items, eachorganizations, individual who participates is asked to collect cover the cost to of package 65 bags from family members, friends, churches and synagogues. 100% ofdonations all moneytodonated is used from family members, friends, organizations, churches and synagogues. 100% of all money donated is used to package meals. Cash donations should be converted to checks, which are tax-deductible, made payable to: MEALS-OF-HOPE, a meals. Cash donations should be converted to checks, arean tax-deductible, madeletter payable MEALS-OF-HOPE, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. All donations willwhich receive acknowledgment for to: their contribution. Ana 501(c)(3) not-for-profitoforganization. donations receive anteam acknowledgment letter their contribution. An official representative your church, All synagogue or will organization’s is requested to bringforthe checks to the event. official representative of your church, synagogue or organization’s team is requested to bring the checks to the event. Students who participate are eligible for community service hours. Our hope is to make this a true “community event” Students who participate are eligible for community hope to make this a true “community event” with people from diverse groups, working side-by-sideservice to helphours. those Our in need in isOUR community. with people from diverse groups, working side-by-side to help those in need in OUR community.

OUR GOAL IS TO HAVE 15 TEAMS WHO WILL PACK 60,000 MEALS IN TWO HOURS. OUR GOAL IS TO HAVE 15 TEAMS WHO WILL PACK 60,000 MEALS IN TWO HOURS. For organizations, churches and synagogues organizing a team(s), please contact Marty Gauthier at marty@naples.net. For organizations, churches and synagogues organizing a team(s), please contact Marty Gauthier at marty@naples.net.

The deadline for participant sign-up and completed donation sheets is Monday April 11, 2014. The deadline for participantDonations sign-up and completed will be accepted updonation to May 5, sheets 2014. is Monday April 11, 2014. Donations will be accepted up to May 5, 2014. Individuals who would like to participate and are not affiliated with an organization, church or synagogue may Individuals who wouldatlike participate and are not affiliated with an organization, or synagogue may contact Jill Saravis thetoJewish Federation to sign up. Call 239-263-4205 or email church Jill@jewishnaples.org. contact Jill Saravis at the Jewish Federation to sign up. Call 239-263-4205 or email Jill@jewishnaples.org. For more information about MEALS-OF-HOPE, visit www.meals-of-hope.org. For more information about MEALS-OF-HOPE, visit www.meals-of-hope.org.

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

We hope that individuals and families will join the Catholic/Jewish Dialogue for this special Community Service Day. We hope that individuals and familiesyou willin join the Catholic/Jewish Dialogue for this special Community Service Day. Thanking advance for your interest and participation, Thanking in advance your interest and Co-Chairs participation, Martinyou Gauthier andfor Marvin Weisberg,

Board Members Emeritus Hans Levy Shirley Levy

Martin Gauthier andDialogue Marvin Weisberg, Co-Chairs Catholic/Jewish of Collier County Catholic/Jewish Dialogue of Collier County

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

“WARSAW: A STORY IN SONG” A highly acclaimed, stirring musical drama based on the heroic story of the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto uprising – featuring a professional New York cast

Florida Premiere presented by the Collier/Lee Chapter of Hadassah and Catholic/Jewish Dialogue of Collier County

SUNDAY, MARCH 9, 2014

Executive Director David Willens

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.

MATINEE Performance – 1:00 p.m. St. Ann Catholic Church 985 3rd St. S – Naples General Admission – $25 Student with ID – $10

EVENING Performance – 7:00 p.m. Temple Shalom 4630 Pine Ridge Rd. – Naples General Admission – $36 Student with ID – $10

Proceeds from the matinee will be used to support the Catholic/Jewish Dialogue of Collier County and Holocaust Museum & Education Center of SW FL

Proceeds from the evening performance will be used to support the work of Hadassah including Medical Care and Research at Hadassah Medical Organization

Sponsorships, which will help bring this event to SW Florida are available for both performances. Evening Performance Sponsorships include Dessert Reception with Cast. SPONSORSHIP LEVELS Platinum Level – $500: Two tickets in Platinum section, dessert reception with the cast, souvenir CD Gold Level – $360: Two tickets in Gold section and dessert reception with the cast Silver Level– $118: One ticket in Silver section and dessert reception with the cast For information and Sponsorships, please contact at ida.margolis2@gmail.com or 239-963-9347. All sponsors will have their names listed in the program.

Clip and Mail ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------TICKET INFORMATION: Tickets will be mailed.  

MATINEE Tickets – Send check payable to Jewish Federation of Collier County to: P.O. Box 413005, PMB216, Naples, FL 34101 EVENING Performance Tickets – Send check for payable to Hadassah to: Hadassah, 6017 Pine Ridge Rd., Suite 203, Naples, FL 34119

Name: ________________________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________ Email: _________________________________________________________________ ***Indicate Performance Choice – MATINEE (1 p.m.) __________ OR EVENING (7 p.m.) __________ __________ Matinee General Admission @ $25 each __________ Matinee Student (w/ ID) @ $10 each

Enclosed is my check for $ ___________________________

__________ Evening General Admission @ $36 each __________ Evening Student (w/ ID) @ $10 each Check #_____________________

Federation Star March 2014

JEWISH FEDERATION

Federation kicks off 2014 Campaign with Major Gifts & Lion of Judah Event

n January 13, the Jewish Federation of Collier County kicked off its 2014 Annual Campaign with its Major Gifts & Lion of Judah Cocktail Supper Event. The evening was a huge success with several new and returning donors to these prestigious giving categories. The pledges received that night were significant, putting us way ahead of where we were at the launch of last year’s campaign. Major Gifts and Lion of Judah donors contribute a minimum of $5,000 to the annual campaign.

Our gracious hosts, Jack and Bobbie Myers

Our thanks go to Bobbie and Jack Myers for hosting the event at their beautiful home in Bonita Bay. Over 80 donors attended to hear the inspiring words from Michael Siegal, Chairman of the Board of The Jewish Federations of North America. Michael stressed the key role which Jewish Federation plays in sustaining Jewish life at home, in Israel and around the world. Our special thanks go to Northern Trust, which sponsored the dinner. An elegant cocktail reception and dinner buffet was prepared for our guests.

Our pride of Lions of Judah continues to grow each year with more new and dedicated women

Phyllis Strome, Nancy Greenberg, Arlene Subin

Phyllis Seaman, Marcy Aizenshtat-Bigel, Bobbie Myers

Notice anything different about the Federation Star? By Ted Epstein, Managing Editor

f the February issue of the Federation Star or the one you’re holding in your hands looks and feels different than previous issues, you’re not imagining it. The Federation Star is now printed on a heavier paper stock, which translates to a better quality paper. There is now color on every page, allowing for more flexibility in the overall layout and with the placement of Federation and paid advertisements. The newspaper is also three inches longer (20" vs 17"). And, most important, the overall printing is of higher quality. In addition to editing and designing each issue of the Federation Star, I do the same for The Jewish News and L’Chayim, the monthly newspapers of the Jewish Federations covering Sarasota-Manatee and Lee-Charlotte counties. Over the years, I have been approached by several printers wanting the three Federations’ business. No one ever came close to the prices of the printer we were using. And no one offered anything better. That is, until this past summer. Representatives from Scripps Printing, printers of the Naples Daily News, presented a proposal outlining the advantages I mentioned above. After some discussion, the three Federations agreed to turn over the printing of their newspapers to Scripps. I trust you, our readers, are as pleased with the new Federation Star as Federation staff and I am. I would also like to take this opportunity to address the editorial content of the Federation Star and how it has evolved over the years. In addition to articles from Federation staff, temple and organization representatives, school and camp directors, “Jewish Happenings,” columns from local rabbis, and items of Jewish interest, in the past few years, we’ve added a political cartoon, a Jerusalem Post crossword puzzle, book reviews, and a “Stars of David” column. You will find each of these in this issue.

I read several daily eNewsletters, Jewish/Israel-related website articles and commentary pieces, combing through them for items you’ll find interesting and that I believe will help meet the goal of the newspaper – “Celebrating Jewish Life in Collier County, Israel and the World.” What I read is enlightening, eyeopening, informative and sometimes disturbing. I try to stay away from controversy. And sometimes, that’s unavoidable. I’d like to bring your attention to two articles in particular this month. The first, on page 14A, is from CAMERA (Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America). Someone has finally called out The New York Times for slanting the news against Israel. Kudos to CAMERA. The second article, on page 20A, “The meaning of Israel: A personal view,” is a 2,300-word commentary by David Harris, Executive Director of AJC. A few years ago, I received permission from Brian Lipton, Regional Director, AJC West Coast Florida, to reprint David’s commentary pieces in the Federation Star. Normally, I don’t publish articles this long. But I’ve made an exception this month, as David is receiving the AJC’s Human Relations Award at a dinner reception in Sarasota on Monday, March 17. I hope you find each issue of the Federation Star informative, entertaining and thought-provoking. I would love to hear from you – the good, the bad and the ugly. How do you feel about the new look and feel of the newspaper? Do you agree or disagree with some of the commentary pieces? Do you find the “Jewish Interest” and “Israel & the Jewish World” items, and the “Jewish Happenings” section valuable? Can they be improved? Is there anything else you’d like to see in the newspaper? Please email your comments and suggestions to fedstar18@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

Lon Gratz & Jane Schiff and Dr. Nathaniel & Susan Ritter renewed friendships

Fed Cup VI Save the date:

May 4, 2014 at TwinEagles

A golf event for all skills & 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.

The current and previous editions of the Federation Star are now available on your tablet and mobile! Go to issuu.com and search for “Federation Star”.

7A Federation Star March 2014 JEWISH FEDERATION WOMEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE

March 2014 Federation Star

www.WomensCulturalAlliance.com / 215-820-6697

Meet the WCA Board of Directors By Susan Pittelman, WCA Publicity Chair

he Women’s Cultural Alliance (WCA) is a volunteer-driven organization. While we are fortunate to be aligned under the banner of the Jewish Federation of Collier County and receive a great deal of administrative support from the Federation, all of our (over 400!) programs are run by the wonderful women who belong to WCA. (That’s YOU!) Working behind the scenes, ensuring that all of the pieces fit together and that everything runs smoothly, are the dedicated and talented women who serve on the WCA Board of Directors. The board is comprised of three officers, ten directors and four advisors. All of these women have been profoundly impacted by their involvement in WCA and want to be able to “give back” so that others can reap the benefits of WCA as well. This month you will “meet” the officers and the advisors, and next month you will meet the directors who serve on the WCA board. It is my pleasure to introduce to you: WCA OFFICERS: President Elaine Soffer, from Huntington Valley, Pennsylvania, spent the winters in Naples for thirteen years before she and her husband became fulltime residents this year. Elaine, a former chemist, enjoys working with others and said, “WCA has provided me with the opportunity to associate with a great number of enlightened women who are willing to share both their skills and ideas to enrich the organization.” Barbara Suden, WCA Treasurer, is originally from Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. Barbara and her husband moved to Naples as full-time residents six years ago. She took some time to decide where

she wanted to volunteer, and then joined the WCA board as treasurer. Barbara commented, “I am so impressed with the variety and breadth of activities available to women who want to have an educational, mentally stimulating, and interesting life.” Marilyn Litz, WCA Secretary, from the Chicago area, has been living in Naples full time for 3½ years and feels that moving to Naples – along with joining WCA – were the best decisions she ever made. Marilyn remarked, “Joining WCA is the surest way to make friends. WCA welcomed me and made me feel like my family came to Naples with me. I LOVE THIS GROUP.” WCA ADVISORS: There are four advisors on the WCA board. These women provide insight as well as a historical perspective of the development of WCA, as they all held leadership positions in Brandeis Women, the organization that preceded the Women’s Cultural Alliance. Lea Bendes, from Buffalo, New York, has worked in a variety of areas in the field of education, including teaching English and running a Schoolto-Work program. She first came to Naples in 2001 and has been a snowbird ever since. Lea said that when she first arrived in Naples, she knew almost no one, but then she joined Brandeis and was hooked. She said, “Experience has taught me that to meet people I had to become involved. As Brandeis evolved into WCA, I met wonderful women, all looking to expand their horizons and fill their time meaningfully. WCA is an incredible gift to the community.” Susan Dean hails from St. Louis, Missouri. She has worked in direct sales, recruiting, and sales training. Most recently she managed the St. Louis office

WCA Board of Directors at the 2013 Welcome Back Luncheon: Top Row: Andrea Pad, Susan Pittelman, Former President Jane Hersch, Judy Peltz, Barbara Suden Bottom Row: Lea Bendes, Barbara Karp, Maureen Schaab, Linda Simon, Arlene Sobol, Nancy Kahn, Mary O’Haver, Marilyn Litz, WCA President Elaine Soffer, Sue Dean Not pictured: Dee Bittman, Jane Podber (photo by Gwen Greenglass)

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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

1,000 members!

of Stanley Steemer, which is owned by Sue and her husband. Eight years ago, they began spending their winters in Naples. Susan shared that she was homesick and cried at night until she joined Brandeis. Susan explained, “Through Brandeis, and now through WCA, I have met hundreds of talented women and found a creative outlet for my talents and energy for eight months a year.” Barbara Karp was born and raised in New York and then lived in Montgomery County, Maryland, for 50 years. She and her husband were Naples snowbirds for only two years before moving here full time; she has now lived in Naples for nearly ten years. Barbara was a Commissioner of the Court determining probable cause for arrest. After retiring, she became a Creative Memories consultant. Barbara was part of the transition from Brandeis Women’s Committee to WCA. She said, “WCA fulfills many of my personal needs. What I like best about WCA is being surrounded by

bright, interesting women.” Judy Peltz is a native Bostonian and a die-hard Red Sox fan. She had served as an educational supervisor of programs for students with reading and learning disabilities for thirty years. A snowbird for the last seventeen years, Judy is a past president of the Brandeis women’s group that evolved into WCA. Judy said, “WCA has added to my life a whole new dimension of learning experiences and community service.” When you attend a WCA program, most likely several board members will be there, as most board members also chair a WCA interest group or special event. Please introduce yourself to them! If you are NOT already a member of WCA, consider joining so that you, too, can be part of the special community of WCA members. Simply fill out the membership form below and mail it, along with your check for $60, to the Federation.

Want to know more about WCA? Visit our website at www.WomensCulturalAlliance.com. HUGE DISCOUNTS! OFF-SEASON DEALS Huge Discounts on Entire Inventory We carry only Hand-Knotted Rugs

HOURS: - Fri 10:00 am to 5:30 pm SUMMERMon HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY Sat 10:00 am to 4:00 pm or By Appointment

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.

JEWISH FEDERATION

Federation Star March 2014

Israel Advocacy Committee update

FBI undercover spy to address MCA By Jeff Margolis

By Jeff Margolis

he Israel Advocacy Committee of Collier County is continuing its education program with two important events during March. On Thursday, March 20, the Committee will present part three of the Israel 101 program – “The British Mandate and the War of Independence.” The documentary film Israel: Birth of a Nation will be screened and discussed. This event will take place at 2:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Jewish Federation of Collier County, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. As seating is limited, please email your RSVP to

Steve Brazina at sbrazina@aol.com. The committee is in the process of reviewing films and books for programs to be held next season. Members of the committee are also diligently scanning the news media for issues that are relevant to the mission of the Israel Advocacy Committee. The community is invited to contact the committee with suggestions at Israeladvocacycommittee@gmail.com. The committee would like to take this opportunity to welcome Dr. Ed Ezrine as the newest member of the Israel Advocacy Committee.

For a continuously updated community calendar, visit www.jewishnaples.org.

The Naples Jewish Caring Support Group Next meetings: Monday, March 10 & 24 10:30 a.m. to noon at Temple Shalom, 4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples

The MCA season is swiftly moving aples author and CPA John W. along with a host of events and activiSchilling will be the featured ties. Over 50 MCA members and guest speaker at the MCA March Luncheon. Schilling, who has been a recently attended a Florida Everblades licensed CPA for over 20 years, is the hockey game. With over 200 members, the MCA offers walking, kayaking, author of Undercover - How I Went photography, chess, golf, films, bridge, From Company Man to FBI Spy and poker, bike riding and fishing activity Exposed the Worst Health Care Fraud in U.S. History, an expose of how he groups. If you are interested in joining was instrumental in the FBI probe of an interest group, please email Steve Brazina at sbrazina@aol.com. Columbia/HCA, acting as a confidential Any MCA member who has not undercover informant. As a result of Schilling’s efforts, the federal governyet purchased a name tag may do so ment was able to negotiate a $1.7 billion by sending a check for $8 with a badge settlement. order form to the Federation. Be sure to see the weekly eblast for current details The luncheon and exciting presentaof the MCA’s many activities. tion will take place on Monday, March 17 at 11:30 a.m. at the Westbay Beach If you are NOT already a member of MCA, consider joining so that you, House, 26194 Hickory Blvd., Bonita too, can be part of the special comSprings. The cost of the event is $24. munity of MCA members. Simply fill Please mail your check, payable to the WORLD CLASS out the membership form below and Jewish Federation of Collier County, to Meir Kehila, 4751 Westbay Blvd., #804,~ SOUND mail it, along& with your check, to the ENTERTAINMENT LIGHTING Federation. Estero, FL 33928. SHOW & DANCE PARTY BANDS

WORLD CLASS CLASS WORLD ENTERTAINMENT~ ~ SOUND SOUND &&LIGHTING ENTERTAINMENT LIGHTING SHOW & DANCE PARTY BANDS SHOW & DANCE PARTY BANDS

Call Phyllis Lazear at 239.352.2907 for more information.

THE CARDOZO SOCIETY

NRG (dance band)

A Legal Affinity Group of the

Invites the Community to attend a

LUNCHEON Featuring

HAVA LEIPZIG HOLZHAUER Anti-Defamation League’s Regional Director for the State of Florida In a discussion on

The Current Face of Anti-Semitism and Bigotry – An ADL Update

High Society (Gatsby to today)

Hitsville USA (Motown review) ~ Disco Divas High Society (Gatsby to today) Classic Rock ~ DJs ~ Blu Wave (jazz) NRG (dance band) High Society (Gatsby to today) band) Peter Duchin Orchestra Hitsville USA (Motown review) ~(big Disco Divas NRG (dance band)

Classic Rock ~ DJs ~ Blu Wave (jazz)

Hitsville USA (Motown review) ~ Disco Divas Island Breeze (reggae) (Israeli) Peter Duchin Orchestra (big Simcha band) Classic Rock ~ DJs ~ Blu Wave (jazz) Island Breeze (reggae) Simcha band) (Israeli) Peter Duchin Orchestra (big Island Breeze (reggae)

Simcha (Israeli)

Friday, March 14 at Noon Temple Shalom 4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples

Cost: $25 per person Luncheon: Grilled Salmon over greens

RSVP REQUIRED BY MARCH 7 – Email Jill@JewishNaples.org Payment in advance is requested. Mail check payable to Jewish Federation of Collier County to 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., #2201, Naples, FL 34109

Please check: r New

r Renewal

r I want to be listed in the MCA membership roster For more information, email Steve Brazina at sbrazina@aol.com Please make your check payable to: Jewish Federation of Collier County and mail with this form to: MCA Jewish Federation of Collier County 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Ste. 2201 Naples, FL 34109

Elaine L. Reed, Executive Director, Naples Historical Society

revenue doubled this year… you helped make it happen.” Elaine L. Reed, Executive Naples Historical Society Marci Sanders, ShelterDirector, for Abused Women & Children Marci Sanders, Shelter for Abused Women & Children

Ms. Holzhauer is an experienced civil and criminal litigator, having served with the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office where she handled hate crime cases, and is a prominent member of the South Florida Jewish community. The ADL Florida Regional Office, based in Boca Raton, serves the entire State of Florida and fights anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination through information, education, legislation, and advocacy. ADL serves as a resource for government, media, law enforcement, educators and the public.

MEN’S Cultural Alliance Membership Form

highly recommended.” Elaine L. Reed, Executive Director, Naples Historical Society

“They music did a marvelous job… consummate professionals “Your added a professional touch. Our fundraising– “Your music added a professional touch. Our fundraising highly recommended.” revenue doubled this year… you helped make it happen.”

Hava Leipzig Holzhauer is the Regional Director for the State of Florida. Deeply committed to fighting anti-Semitism and protecting the rights of all Americans, Ms. Holzhauer oversees ADL’s work in Florida including combating anti-Semitism, monitoring domestic extremist activity, providing anti-bullying/cyber-bullying education, training law enforcement on domestic extremism and hate crimes, preserving civil liberties and religious freedom, advocating for Israel, safeguarding Jewish institutions, and conducting Holocaust education workshops.

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“They did a marvelous job… consummate professionals – “They did a marvelous job… consummate professionals – highly recommended.”

“Your music added a professional touch. Our fundraising ENTERTAINMENT DIRECT ENTERTAINMENT DIRECT revenue doubled this year… you helped make it happen.”

239.514.7628 ~~ www.edirectglobal.com 239.514.7628 www.edirectglobal.com Marci Sanders, Shelter for Abused Women & Children

ENTERTAINMENT DIRECT

Membership: $56 or $64 (includes name badge) minimum 239.514.7628 ~ www.edirectglobal.com

donation for the year, and includes Federation membership. Additional donation to the Federation is voluntary and encouraged. Name as you’d like it to appear on badge: ____________________________ In Southwest Florida: r full-time r part-time (from _______ to _______)

Name: __________________________________________________________ Spouse or Partner Name, if applicable: _______________________________ Local Address: __________________________________________________ City: ______________________________ State: _____ Zip Code ____________ Email: __________________________________________________________ Florida home phone:_____________________________________________ Cell phone: ____________________________________________________ Northern Address: _______________________________________________ City: ______________________________ State: _____ Zip Code ____________ Northern home phone: ___________________________________________

9A COMMUNITY FOCUS Federation Star March 2014

March 2014 Federation Star

JFCS welcomes 2014 with two major happenings

he Grand Lobby of Artis— Naples was the setting for Jewish Family & Community Services and 140 guests to celebrate the agency’s increasing impact in the communities of Collier and southern Lee counties. “Planting Seeds for Better Tomorrows,” sponsored by BMO Private Bank, was a beautiful evening of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres where new and “old” friends had the opportunity to learn about JFCS and hear Kim Lear, generational expert, speak about “Four Generations of Family and Philanthropy.” We thank all of those who attended and supported the event for making the evening so special, and for their generosity. January 22 was another momentous day for JFCS, and for Collier County. The JFCS Senior Center, the first in the county, opened its doors and welcomed 83 seniors to “Lunch and More,” the Center’s inaugural program. The beau-

An artist among us: Richard Segalman By Jean L. Amodea

aying claim to an accomplished artist is a coup for any community. In our case, Collier County can say that Richard Segalman is our town’s artist-in-residence, if only applicable during the balmy winter season and our languid summers. “I live in Woodstock, New York, close enough to enjoy New York City. It is New York that has my head, but it is Naples that has my soul,” he said. “Naples was the first place I ever visited out of my hometown of Coney Island. When I saw the beaches, the white sand, blue skies and green waters, it was like a dream,” he said. “That was in the fifties, and I still paint at the downtown Naples beaches and am still fascinated by the elements that have not changed over all those the years. And in March, I turn 80.” Acclaimed by critics from The New York Times, Time and New York Magazine, Segalman has shown his work in galleries both nationally and internationally. As for his muse, his first inspiration has been the subject of a lifelong fascination with film actress Vivien Leigh, best known for her portrayal as Scarlett O’Hara in the 1939 film adaptation of Gone with the Wind. He says Leigh, whose image resembles his mother’s, infuses his work, somewhere and somehow. “I have probably been painting her all of my life. She was my early inspiration and remains as strong to this day. I am attracted to women with vulnerable qualities who maintain a sense of crazy, with an overlay of the fear of the unknown,” he said. His early career as a painter and his later success is owed to his uncle Bill Freschel and his aunt Fran Gilman who, with Sid Luff, started the first Jewish Community Center of Collier County (the forerunner of Temple Shalom) in the ’60s. In 1959, Freschel, owner of the Anchor Bar, hired the young Segalman as a bartender. Freschel displayed the young Segalman’s paintings for $5. It was a gesture Segalman will never forget. “At the time, Naples was a quiet fishing village and Fifth Avenue was a dirt trail with a hardware store. Everyone knew everyone. I gave my first show

for Julius Fleishman at R & R Robinson Gallery and Design in 1960, and sold out. That gave me the impetus to continue with painting,” he recalled. After the gallery closed, the artist was then referred to Harmon-Meek Gallery in Naples, with whom he had his first show in 1982. This year, from March 25 to April 5, he will return to the gallery for his thirty-second solo show of colored and black-and-white monotypes. Pensive about the way Judaism influences his work, Segalman said that it

Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting

JFCS SENIOR CENTER Tuesday, March 4 4:00 – 6:00pm 5025 Castello Drive, Naples RSVP by February 28 239-325-4444 seniorcenter@jfcsswfl.org

For Sale in the Vineyards My beautiful 3-bedroom villa on a lake on Vista Lane $369,500 Call Lilo or Karen at 239-860-6018

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Richard Segalman

plays more of a part than he realizes. It is a constant and an acute awareness of social consciousness expressed through his love of people and transferred to canvas. “Everybody is beautiful in their own way, and I don’t mean pretty, but more than just features, it is a person’s spiritual nature. Beauty can be found in every person and object.” His subjects are male and female – ethereal figures, some in wispy, flowing attire and painted sans definitive facial definition. Other images are painted on sandy beaches, in city and woodland scenes – all via mediums, at first charcoal, then watercolor to oils and most recently, monotypes. It is the latter medium that occupies his work of late. A major breakthrough, he says, pioneering a new frontier of producing black-and-white compositions using oils. He works on Plexiglas, then using a press, transfers images onto paper, with more abstraction of shades and shapes. The monotypes will be featured in a book scheduled to be published next year – Muses, Magic and Monotypes, edited and with narrative by Susan Castle.

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tiful new space provided the perfect venue for a hot meal, information about the Center and upcoming programs, and entertainment by a jazz pianist, playing music from the ’40s and ’50s. Lunch is served every Wednesday, and art programs and card games will begin on Fridays in early March. The first program of the Computer Skills Lab began in early February. Membership in the Center is available for $15 per person, and scholarships are available for those who are financially challenged. JFCS geriatric case management staff is on hand to address any issues of concerns that the seniors may have. Helping us out on opening day were representatives from the Collier County Sheriff’s Department, Collier County Division of Social Services and SeniorChoices. Ronnie Antik has joined the JFCS team as the full-time Senior Center Director. Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, March 4 for the official JFCS Senior Center Grand Opening. We will be celebrating with a wine and cheese reception. All are invited to this important event in our community. Thank you all for your support and for helping JFCS help so many.

US-41

Dr. Jaclynn Faffer

Colonial Square Plaza

(239) 263-8444 1112 Goodlette Road N., Suite 203 Naples, FL 34102 Online at DavidGreeneMD.com

10A Federation Star March 2014

Tributes

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Tributes to the Federation Campaign

To: Rochelle Eisenberg Wishing you a speedy recovery From: David Willens

To: From:

The Family of Ann Jacobson In memory of your beloved, Ann Jacobson Ruth & Martin Barber Bunny Levere Elaine & Michael Griver Susan & Peter Reisner Carole Greene Harrilee & Ken Shevin

To: From:

Susan & Peter Reisner In memory of your beloved, Ann Jacobson Diane & Gilbert Block

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Hildegarde Goodstein & Family In memory of your beloved husband, Larry Goodstein David Willens

To: From:

Jack Millstein & Family In memory of your beloved wife, Andrea Millstein David Willens Phyllis & Michael Seaman Gail & Dr. Melvin Ufberg

To: From:

Michelle Levine-Troupp In memory of your beloved husband, Rabbi Leonard B. Troupp Phyllis & Stephen Strome

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Myra & Dr. Mort Friedman In memory of your beloved sister in-law, Andrea Millstein Phyllis & Michael Seaman Sheila & Alvin Becker Harrilee & Ken Shevin

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Susan & Alvin Wichard Congratulations on the birth of your first grandchild Phyllis & Stephen Strome

To: Ruth Hess In honor of your special birthday From: Bunny Levere To: Harvey Dezen In honor of your special birthday From: Gracia Kuller

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Debbie Kohler & Family In memory of your beloved father, William B. Topp Caroline & Bill Schulhof

To: David Epstein & Family In memory of your beloved mother From: Jackie, Lucian & Simon Sitwell

Gracia Kuller & Family In memory of your beloved husband, Merrill Kuller Susie & Ron Goldsmith Carole Greene

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Gary & Wallie Lenchner & Family In memory of your beloved mother, Audrey Lenchner Harrilee & Ken Shevin

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Barbara & Bill Meek In appreciation of your generous hospitality Women’s Cultural Alliance of the Jewish Federation of Collier County

To: From:

Joan Stonecipher In appreciation of your generous hospitality Women’s Cultural Alliance of the Jewish Federation of Collier County

To: Harry Wershbale & Family In memory of Barbara Wershbale From: Carol Swartz To: From:

Edward & Ellen Wollman In memory of Ellen’s beloved brother, Jay Minzer David Willens Phyllis & Michael Seaman

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Deborah J. Kohler & Family In memory of your beloved father, William B. Topp Susan & Alvin Wichard

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Ken Kaplan In memory of your beloved mother, Ethel Kaplan Phyllis & Michael Seaman

To: Bruce and Elissa Maier In memory of Mrs. Jane Maier From: Debbie & Pete Smith

To: Dr. Ronald Fishbein Best wishes for a speedy recovery From: Bunny Levere

To: Evan & Sofia Collins In honor of becoming B’Nai Mitzvah From: Your loving & proud mommy, Dana Jaffe

To: Joan & Herbert Kramer In honor of your daughter’s wedding From: Bunny Levere

To: Cari Johnson & Family In memory of Harold Sawyer From: Karen Sloane

To: Marty Goldstein Best wishes for a speedy recovery From: Bunny Levere

To: From:

David Willens & Family In memory of your beloved wife, Shereen Willens Andrea Willens

To: From:

Rosalee & Jerry Bogo In honor of your community service Barbara & Ronald Balser To: Howard Rieger To: Jane Waltzer Susan & Hyman Kaplan In memory of your beloved mother, Thinking of you Dr. Paula Brody & Merrill Hassenfeld Goldie Rieger From: Bobbie & Jack Myers Susan & Joseph Hammerman From: Debbie and Pete Smith Nancy R. Jolley Kay & Sam Aronson Barbara Speller Linda & Shepard Scheinberg • Condolences to Mrs. Hildegarde Goodstein & Family on the passing of her beloved husband, Larry Goodstein Elaine & Sanford Winer • Condolences to Dr. Mitchell & Roberta Petusevsky & Family on the passing of Mitchell’s beloved father, Elisabeth & Dr. David Spellberg Leonard Petusevsky Harrilee & Ken Shevin Sylvia & Judge Lewis Whitman • Condolences to Iris Bland & Family on the passing of her beloved sister, Estelle Boyd Helen Pregulman • Condolences to Jack Millstein & Family on the passing of his beloved wife, Andrea (Andee) Millstein Amelia & Owen Allen • Condolences to David Epstein & Family on the passing of his beloved mother Pris & Robert Siskin Joan & Bert Thompson • Condolences to Karen Sloane & Family on the passing of her beloved mother, Judith M. Sloane Ellen & Dr. Gary Gersh • Condolences to Rabbi Ammos & Aviva Chorny & Family on the passing of Aviva’s beloved father, Pedro Shelley & Bob Goodman Rosenbaum Dorothy & Irving Litt • Condolences to Edward & Ellen Wollman & Family on the passing of Ellen’s beloved brother, Jay Minzer Leda & Jack Zbar Sue & Don Zulanch • Condolences to Judy & Larry Sacher & Family on the passing of Judy’s beloved mother, Phyllis Greenspan Bobbie & Jack Myers • Condolences to the family of Sonia Keller on the passing of your beloved Fern & Dr. James Shire

The Jewish Federation of Collier County extends:

Friends of the Federation Star Thanks to the following supporters of the Federation Star for their contributions to help underwrite the cost of bringing news of the local, national and international Jewish community to your mailbox every month:

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11A JEWISH INTEREST Federation Star March 2014

March 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. Oscar Time: The Kosher Connections The Academy Awards will be held on Sunday, March 2. The show will be aired live on ABC at 7:00 p.m. Ellen DeGeneres will host. The following are the ‘confirmed’ Jewish nominees in all but the technical categories (like makeup and costumes). This year is lighter than most in terms of the number of Jewish nominees in the marquee categories. JONAH HILL, 29, is the only Jewish nominee this year in the acting categories (best actor/actress or best supporting actor/actress). Hill is up for a supporting Oscar for his performance as Donny Azoff, the main assistant to real-life (Jewish) Wall St. swindler JORDAN BELFORT in The Wolf of Wall Street. Leonardo DiCaprio, who isn’t Jewish, played Belfort, and he is nominated for best actor. Azoff, by the way, is a made-up character name (unlike Belfort). Many plot details about the fictional Azoff track real-life (Jewish) Belfort associate DANNY PORUSH, but some do not. Christian Bale is nominated for best actor for playing a character modeled after another real-life Jewish con-man in American Hustle. His film character is called Irving Rosenfeld. In real life, Bale isn’t Jewish. However, famous Jewish feminist GLORIA STEINEM, now 79, was his stepmother for three years. She was so in love with his father, David Bale, that she decided to marry for the first time, in 2000. She was widowed when the elder Bale died in 2003. Hustle is loosely based on the 1970s FBI sting operation called ABSCAM. For ABSCAM, the FBI recruited a real-life Jewish con-man, MELVIN WEINBERG, who had the skills to Mar2014-Federation-halfPg-9.75X7.5_Layout 1 be convincing to “bribe-prone” mem-

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.

bers of Congress. In Hustle, Weinberg (Rosenfeld) ensnares local New Jersey politicians. Weinberg, now 89, has lived, since 1993, in a Titusville, Florida, retirement community. He is now virtually blind. His ex-wife, Evelyn, who is the model for the (non-Jewish) character, Sydney Prosser, played in the film by Oscar-nominee Amy Adams, also lives in Titusville. Her home is a few blocks from Weinberg’s residence. He was paid $200,000 by the film’s producers for his life story. A recent profile in Florida Today ended this way: “Weinberg laughs at – and agrees with – the movie’s disclaimer: ‘Some of this actually happened.’ Still, he’s rooting big for Bale, saying, ‘I hope he wins. In fact, I hope they make a sequel.’” American Hustle director DAVID O. RUSSELL, 55, is nominated for best director and is co-nominated for best original screenplay. This is the third best-director nomination for Russell, who is the secular son of a Jewish father and an Italian Catholic mother. In 2011, he was nominated for The Fighter and, in 2013, for Silver Linings Playbook. His “most Jewish” film is the 1996 comedy “Flirting with Disaster, and I recommend a rental. Hustle was co-written by first-time nominee ERIC WARREN SINGER, 46. He’s a native of Beverly Hills and his grandparents helped found the first synagogue in Beverly Hills. Competing with Singer/Russell for the best original screenplay Oscar is WOODY ALLEN, 78. He wrote Blue Jasmine. This is Allen’s 24th Oscar nomination. He has won four times (three for screenplay; once as a director). Also competing in this category is SPIKE JONZE, who wrote and directed the very interesting Her (a 2/10/14 2:53 PM Page 2 film about the relationship between a

So here’s the deal: Email Nate at middleoftheroad1@aol.com, tell him you saw this ad in the Federation Star, and include your phone number (area code, too). Nate will then contact you about doing a “limited” family history for you at a modest cost (no more than $100). No upfront payment. computer voice/personality, played by SCARLETT JOHANSSON, and a real human). Jonze, 44, was born Adam Spiegel. The secular son of a Jewish father/ non-Jewish mother, Jonze is also nominated for best original song – a tune he co-wrote for Her. Jonze’s criticallyacclaimed films include Being John Malkovich, Adaptation and Where the Wild Things Are. EMMANUEL LUBEZKI, 50, has long been one of the top cinematographers in Hollywood and this year he’s nominated for his work on Gravity. He’s been Oscar-nominated six times for his great camera skills/ signature style and I’ve got a feeling this is his year. Lubezki was born and raised in Mexico City, and his work on the hit Mexican film Like Water for

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Chocolate (1992) got him Hollywood job offers. Worthy of note: Facing Fear earned filmmaker JASON COHEN, 40, a nomination for best documentary short subject. It’s about a real life, recent meeting between a gay man and the former white supremacist who assaulted the gay man many years before. The best picture Oscar goes to the film’s producers, who are often hard to run down. Here are the best picture nominees with a “known strong Jewish connection:” (director, writer, verified producer): American Hustle (Russell/ Singer); Captain Phillips (SCOTT RUDIN, producer); Her (Jonze, director/producer); and Philomena (directed by Brit STEPHEN FREARS, 72).

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12A Federation Star March 2014

JEWISH INTEREST

Why should high school students study abroad in Israel? A grandparent’s perspective. By Goldie Wetcher

y grandson, Sean, is a sixteenyear-old student in his junior year at Santa Monica High School in California who earned the privilege to attend an eight-week session at Alexander Muss High School in Israel (AMHSI). No stranger to Israel, Sean toured with his parents, Jonathan and Karen McHugh, and his synagogue, Kehillat Israel, as part of his Bar Mitzvah gift. So why would he want to go back and do a Study Abroad experience instead of waiting for a Birthright trip in college? That’s what I want to tell you about because I am concerned, as you might be, about the future leadership of the American Jewish community in our grandchildren’s generation. I am also concerned that our grandchildren may not be prepared to deal with the new anti-Semitism they will face on college campuses. But Sean’s

in Israel is not the only way to prepare our grandchildren to carry on the Judaism of our grandparents, but in Sean’s case and with his older sister, Aliza, we feel they are better equipped to meet the challenges to their Judaism which undoubtedly lie ahead as they attend college and beyond. We are sharing this experience with Sean through his letters, his required essays and the weekly letters we get from AMHSI about what the students have done that week. While Sean is required to keep up with all of his courses from Santa Monica High School, he is also taking a course in the history of Israel and the Jewish people. Through study and travel, his history lessons come alive as the students journey across Israel and learn at the exact locations where history was made and about the miracle of modern Israel. He is learning about the culture, his heritage and his people. Sean is fortunate to have some family who live in Israel and are caring, hospitable people. He has visited them and brought friends with him from school. Yes, he is also having fun with his new friends. One of his most important gains, which are beautifully reflected in his essays, is what he is learning about himself as a person and a Jew. In his first essay, Sean and Efe Toros in the Negev Desert “Traditionalist vs. Modern,” Sean sorts educational experience in Israel gives out his own perspective about whether me hope that there is a positive soluthe Torah is “G-d given” and tion. thus every word is “truth,” or As parents and grandparents, we are whether it is G-d inspired important the culture bearers, the storytellers to the literature. In another essay, “I Am Abranext generation. But stories, though imham,” he examines the person, Abraportant, are not enough. Judaism cannot ham, who he was and how he, Sean, is live on nostalgia or be based on culinary like our great ancestor. His essay “A Jew memories of what Bubbe cooked. Our Today - A Personal Journey” addresses kids need real experiences to feel auhis experience in Israel and his search thentic in their spirituality. They must for a spiritual identity. be able to explain their views, beliefs To quote Sean: “In no way at all and facts about being a Jew to people would I have imagined myself in this who distort the truth of Judaism for their situation if you had asked me where I would be two years ago. I am in the land of my ancestors, a four-thousandyear-old land filled with so much tradition and spirituality, studying and having the best experience of my life. I have heard stories all about the sudSean (second from left) and friends in central Hod HaSharon den transformations that happened to those who travel to this own reasons. Even more important, they noteworthy place and I am hoping for must be prepared with an appreciation of that to happen to me eventually. Israel Jewish values if they are to carry them has the untapped potential to change forward to the next generation. Study

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? Why do you want to know? How do you find out? Do your grandchildren know who these people are? Why should you or they care? 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, March 11 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.

a person’s entire life even in the very short time of eight weeks.” He goes on to explore his own spiritual struggles and his concerns about the splits within Judaism. He writes, “the fact that there is tension between the many branches of Judaism irks me because there are so

Max Sandler and Sean in Jerusalem

many other pressing issues that affect us in this world today. We absolutely do not need to be fighting amongst ourselves about who is allowed to be classified as Jews or not. Instead we should be cooperating to find a solution for the Arab conflicts or the almost omnipresent anti-Semitism in the modern world.” s Sean’s grandparents, we feel that his study in Israel has built on the foundation of Judaism in his upbringing. We are very proud of Sean’s parents who have passed on Jewish values and education. Sean’s studies in Israel are making his heritage come alive in the land of his ancestors. He is back in the United States now and reflecting on what his studies in Israel have meant to him. In his own words he says: “Coming to Israel was life-changing and one of the best decisions I have ever made. I am so happy here, and now a very strong supporter of the country. This trip has taught me so much about the nation, the people and, most importantly, myself. I have found ways to be a better person and I have really seen myself mature as a man. I have experienced flashes of pure bliss on this trip, and new ways to return to that emotion. I have made new friends and memories that I am absolutely positive will be lifelong. Most importantly, however, AMHSI has taught me my Jewish identity. I have finally found it, and through an epiphany, I realized I would be almost nothing without my Judaism. I am honored to say that while I may be a minuscule link, I am a link in the chain of Jewish history just like Yoni, just like Moses, and all the others before me. I have found myself here.» I often reflect with gratitude for the generations of Jews who have come before us, like my grandparents who had the courage to leave Poland and Russia to come to the United States so that the generations that followed them could enjoy a life of freedom and the opportunity to practice Judaism. I imagine the generation upon generation of Jews behind me who struggled and persevered to keep Judaism alive and

the generations in front of me who will be our descendants. I see myself as a link to the future of Judaism. My generation is standing there with me at this pivotal point in Jewish history. Part of the oppression of Jews through the centuries had the unintended effect of keeping a culture alive. Freedom has now brought us the challenge of assimilation. As a child I would hear the recitation at our family seders, “Next year in Jerusalem.” Now my own grandchildren can make that hope a reality but will they want to do it? I think of a Jewish song which has the following chorus below. In the song, the writer recalls the Judaism that his grandfather practiced which was forgotten when he passed away: And many winters went by And many summers came along And now my children sit in front of me And who will be the Zaide of my children And who will be the Zaide if not me Who will be the Zaide of our children Who will be the Zaide if not we. It is traditional at a Bar or Bat Mitzvah to say to the boy or girl, “May I live to see you under the wedding canopy.” I will not be alive to see Sean or Aliza as grandparents, but I feel confident that they will be prepared to be the Zaides and the Bubbes for their generation. About Alexander Muss High School The Alexander Muss High School in Israel is an academic study-abroad program that offers international high school sophomores, juniors and seniors the opportunity to study the 4,000-year history of Israel on a unique and fun adventure traveling to the sites where history took place. Summer, 2-month and 4-month sessions are offered. By providing an enriching education-based Israel experience, AMHSI instills in its students a lifelong sense of pride in their heritage by forming a lasting bond with the land, history and culture of the people of Israel. AMHSI is fully accredited by the Middle States Association for Colleges and Schools and is the only non-denominational, pluralistic, accredited study-abroad program for high school students not affiliated with any political ideology. It has produced over 22,000 alumni in its 42-year history. For further information about, please visit www.amhsi. org, call 800.327.5980 or email info@ amhsi.org The Taglit-Birthright Israel program has expanded eligibility for its free 10-day trips to Israel for Jewish young adults ages 18-26. Teenagers who went on an educational trip to Israel during high school were previously not eligible for Birthright trips, but can now participate! So teens who attended a high school program in Israel can now return to Israel with this program for older youth. (See the article on page 24A for more information.)

Sean (fourth from left) and friends at the waterfront in Akko

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

13A Federation Star March 2014 JEWISH INTEREST

March 2014 Federation Star

13A

Shteyngart memoir aches with longing, sparkles with buoyant wit By Philip K. Jason, Special to the Federation Star Little Failure: A Memoir, by Gary Shteyngart. Random House. 368 pages. Hardcover $27.00.

hen President Carter traded grain for the freedom of Soviet Jews in the late 1970s, young Igor Shteyngart, along with his parents and other family members, was transplanted to the Borough of Queens in New York City. A dreamer and a loner, Igor – now Gary – continues to contend with the clumsy way his parents have of showing love. The book’s title phrase is a painful parental term of endearment. “Snotty” is Phil Jason another unsettling nickname for their asthmatic child. His mother alternates between smothering him and not talking to him at all; his father is way too quick to smack him. In 1979, soon after arriving in Queens, the seven-year-old is enrolled in a Solomon Schechter Jewish Day School, where he feels doubly or triply misplaced. The comforts of habit and the strong Soviet identity developed in his early years in Leningrad are gone. He arrives without the crucial tool for early success – the survival level of English that immigrants need to begin their ascent. Soon, he is dropped a grade below the level at which his age and Soviet education would otherwise place him. It’s really tough learning Hebrew from scratch when the teaching language is also one you don’t know. Beyond that, Gary was one of

those kids who drew attention in the endlessly unproductive means of fied in the Diaspora worst way. His personal mannerisms having a fulfilling relationship and especially in the were easy to make fun of. Once he with their only child. Eventually, modern European era became a target, it was hard to build a the award-winning novels. of Jewish history, the positive identity. Fortunately, the overThe story, magnificent as it age of pogroms and sized head that tottered on Gary’s flimis, remains only one dimension genocide. sy shoulders was filled with brains. He of this memoir’s uniqueness Jewish dread is was able to get through, occasionally and power. The writing itself is passed on from parents excel, without ever becoming a very everything else, including the to children, much like conscientious student. Few recognized structure. a predisposition to a disease. It crosshis promise, and his parents were not From the acknowledgments, it is es borders. Shteyngart’s power as a among this few, though they harbored clear that many of the chapters were wordsmith includes his ability to make great expectations. first published separately in periodireaders feel this emotional truth, this Maybe labeling him “Little Failcals. Though relatively self-contained constant shadow that darkens success, ure” was his parents’ idea of a chalvignettes, they certainly interact with circumscribes happiness, and feeds like lenge. one another beautifully, many of them a vulture at the heart of relationships. After finishing the eighth grade at moving back and forth (and sometimes It’s personal, but not only personal. the Schechter School, Gary attended back again) in time. Shteyngart is conThe brooding tone of Little Failselective, demanding Stuyvesant High. cerned with the presence and power ure is constantly punctuated by wit and His despair about not fitting in, perof the past, and he structures his indihope. It is a remarkable accomplishhaps not deserving to fit in, increased. vidual units and the entire work to juxment: self-absorbed and generous, His dreams of having tapose various stages of petty and cosmic. With half a life to some appeal to the his own and his family’s go, Gary Shteyngart stands on a sturyoung women he met journey. dy plateau of achievement. The cures there were frustrated. Among the book’s he has taken for his particular version Slowly, the idea that many important themes, of Jewish dread seem to be working, he might become a moving him far beyond paralysis. Baone resonates quite writer infiltrated his ruch Hashem. strongly: Jewish dread. shaky identity. Getting Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeritus When Gary asks his accepted to Oberlin of English from the United States Namother why he is so ofwas another sign of ten afraid, she attributes val Academy. He reviews regularly for failure to his parents, Florida Weekly, Jewish Book World, his experience to someGary Shteyngart who held nonsensical Southern Literary Review, and other thing almost genetic, Ivy League aspirations for him. But for publications. Please visit Phil’s webJewish fear. This suggests a timeless Gary, it ended up being a great blesssite at www.philjason.wordpress.com. condition of Jewish experience ampliing in spite of his extreme addictions to alcohol and narcotics. Perhaps it’s not important to tell more of the story, the story of makGet the latest information on upcoming community events ing friends, finding his first true love, and cultural activities, news from Israel and lots more. having his talent recognized, continuing a complex relationship to his JewSend an email to info@jewishnaples.org ish identity, dedicating himself to his or visit www.jewishnaples.org. writing, and adjusting to his parents’

14A Federation Star March 2014

JEWISH INTEREST

Would a great newspaper slant the news against Israel? From CAMERA (Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America), www.camera.org

AMERA’S billboard in Times Square, just outside the offices of The New York Times, poses this question to the newspaper and its readers. With Times coverage of the Arab-Israeli conflict continuing to include factual errors and promote a distorted sense of the region, we continue our campaign to raise awareness about the newspaper’s lack of reliability. Below is a view of the billboard across from the offices of The New York Times.

Later in this article, you can find an image of our advertisement, placed in major New York City newspapers, about the Times’s history of downplaying genocidal, anti-Jewish rhetoric in the Palestinian media, and another about the newspaper glossing over the murder of Malki Roth, a 15-yearold girl killed by a Palestinian suicide bomber, in a magazine article romanticizing acts of violence against Israeli civilians. These examples are part of a pattern of bias. CAMERA’s six-month study of New York Times coverage of the conflict between Palestinians and Israel found that the newspaper consistently treats Israel with a harsher standard, omits context, and shows a clear preference for the Palestinian narrative. Our billboard highlights the newspaper’s habit of misrepresenting facts, omitting key information and skewing headlines, to encourage the newspaper of record to commit itself to its own promise of ethical journalism. The New York Times consistently distorts the truth about Israel – on the news pages and on editorial pages, in the body of the article or in the headline. Below is a sampling of the misrepresentations purveyed by the publication. MISREPRESENTING FACTS On The News Pages CLAIM: A news reporter writes: “With the peace process at a current standstill and Israel’s separation barrier and network of checkpoints long a fixture of the landscape, contacts between the two peoples have dwindled. Fewer Palestinians work inside Israel. “(Jodi Rudoren, “A Tour Puts a City in Reach and at Arm’s Length,” March

26, 2013) FACT: According to recent statistics, contacts between Palestinians and Israelis, whether through work or healthcare, have not dwindled but have steadily increased. “More than 930,000 Palestinians went through passageways into Israel in 2012, representing a continuing trend in recent years... tens of thousands of movements were recorded at passageways for the purpose of family visits and traveling in Israel, receiving medical care in Israeli hospitals, commerce and employment for Palestinian workers and merchants in Israel.” (Israel Civil Administration, “930,000 Palestinians Pass Through Israel,” March 11, 2013) The number of Palestinians granted permits to work in Israel has been steadily increasing and is at a peak since the start of a violent Palestinian intifada in 2000. The numbers of Palestinians receiving healthcare within Israel has been steadily rising as well. The New York Times was informed of its error. It chose not to correct it. CLAIM: A front page article includes the following prominent sub-headline: “Kerry’s Tel Aviv Push Raises Questions About Priorities” (“Mideast Chaos Grows as U.S. Focuses on Israel,” July 2, 2013), with the clear implication that Israel’s capital city and seat of government is in Tel Aviv.

FACT: Israel’s capital is Jerusalem and that is where Kerry’s diplomacy and meetings took place, not Tel Aviv. On The Opinion Pages In Editorials CLAIM: “...Israel would continue planning for new development in the E1 area – a project northeast of Jerusalem that would split the West Bank and prevent the creation of a viable contiguous Palestinian state. “ (“The Fading Mideast Peace Dream,” Editorial, Dec. 21, 2012) FACT: It is geographically impossible for development of the small E1 area to “split the West Bank” or prevent a Palestinian contiguous state. A look at the map shows the fallacy of the editorial’s assertions. As can be seen, the northern and southern parts of the West Bank are connected by land east of Ma’aleh Ad-

GENTLE ENDODONTICS

umim (marked on the map with a green line showing the passage way) that is at its narrowest point about 15 km wide. This is no narrower than the land connecting northern and southern Israel along the coast in its pre-1967 boundaries (shown on the left by the red line). That is, it’s no more accurate to suggest development of the E1 corridor (the small blue area indicated by the black arrow) would “split the West Bank” than it would be to say Israel is “split.” Although this was brought to the attention of editors, they chose not to issue a correction. In Staff-Written Columns CLAIM 1: “Eric Burdon was just the latest of a rising number of artists and intellectuals who have started boycotting Israel over the occupation issue.” CLAIM 2: “One should never forget just how crazy some of Israel’s Jewish settlers are. They assassinated Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin when he tried to cede part of the West Bank for peace.” (Thomas L. Friedman, “Daring to Fail,” Aug. 7, 2013) FACT 1: Eric Burdon performed in concert to a packed Zappa Shuni Amphitheater in Binyamina on Aug. 1, 2013 – a week before Friedman’s column ran. Burdon made clear that he never joined any boycott of Israel, and that a temporary cancellation was not in protest of Israeli policies, but rather a result of threats received by his publicist. FACT 2: Rabin’s assassin, Yigal Amir, was not a settler. He lived in the Israeli city of Herzliya, within Israel’s pre1967 boundaries. In Guest Op-Eds CLAIM 1: “In 2000, he [Ariel Sharon] entered Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, a holy Muslim site, which triggered the second intifada.” CLAIM 2: “When he decided to withdraw from Gaza, Mr. Sharon was able to retain absolute Israeli control over the terrestrial, aerial and maritime borders of the Gaza Strip...” (Ali Jarbawi, “The Man Who Made Peace Impossible,” Jan. 22, 2014, International Edition) He also erroneously stated that Sharon “was able to retain absolute Israeli control” over Gaza’s land borders. FACT 1: Mr. Sharon never entered the Al Aqsa mosque; he simply visited the Temple Mount, Judaism’s most sacred site, and the plaza upon which the

GARY A. LAYTON, D.D.S.

(ROOT CANAL THERAPY)

mosque sits. Moreover, numerous Palestinian officials have acknowledged that the second intifada was planned in advance by Palestinian President Yasir Arafat and any action by Mr. Sharon was used as a pretext. FACT 2: Israel does not retain absolute control over Gaza’s land borders. Egypt controls its border with Gaza along Rafah; Israel has no control there. Although The New York Times was informed of its errors, it has not corrected them. OMITTING KEY INFORMATION The most extreme examples of antiIsrael and anti-Jewish incitement have too often been omitted from The New York Times account of the conflict. For example, when a speaker said on Palestinian television that it is an “act of worship” to “harvest the skulls of the Jews,” this genocidal rhetoric, which clearly is an obstacle to peace and reconciliation, was not reported by the newspaper. Other inconvenient information is buried. After Israeli teenage thugs severely beat an Arab boy, the story made the front page of the newspaper not once, but twice, and journalists raised questions about the morality of Israeli society as a whole. But when Palestinian teens perpetrated a bloodcurdling murder of five members of the Fogel family, including a 3-monthold infant, the story didn’t make the front page of the newspaper once, and reporters didn’t ask about the morals of Palestinian society. SKEWING HEADLINES AND PHOTOS Alongside a news story about a 19-year-old Israeli soldier murdered in his sleep, The New York Times opted to redirect the focus to Palestinian suffering by featuring a photograph of the Palestinian killer’s mother. Although the newspaper’s public editor later admitted that the photo was the “wrong” choice, other editors decided to continue to highlight the problematic photo at the top of the story. CAMERA’s six-month study of New York Times reporting found that the newspaper’s coverage of violence was marked by a double standard that highlighted Israeli attacks and deemphasized Palestinian ones. Twelve headlines explicitly mentioned Palestinian fatalities; none explicitly referred to Israeli deaths, even though 14 Israelis were killed during the study period. A 2013 report about the Palestinian killing of an Israeli civilian and the subsequent Israeli killing of a Palestinian terrorist was assigned the lopsided headline, “Israeli Airstrike Kills Palestinian in Gaza.” The headline was later changed under pressure. But the featured photo illustrating the story was, and still is, a sorrowful picture of the Palestinian terrorist’s mother in mourning. Such errors, omissions and distortions, large and small, characterize The New York Times’ biased handling of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Would a great newspaper slant the news about Israel? No. But The New York Times does. This article is reprinted with permission from CAMERA (Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America), www.camera.org.

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March 2014 Federation Star

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16A Federation Star March 2014

Jerusalem Post Crossword Puzzle

JEWISH INTEREST

The heartbreak and redemption of Hungary By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD n March 19, 1944 – 70 years ago this month – the Nazis invaded their ally Hungary. Seemingly within moments, the Holocaust began, and the Jews, who had so far escaped annihilation, were now hit with the full force of the Final Solution. By the time the Soviet Army captured Budapest on January 17-18, 1945, it was too late to save the lives of the Dr. Paul Bartrop 564,500 Jews who had already been murdered by the Nazis and their Hungarian fascist allies. Of all the Jews murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust, nearly ten per cent were Hungarian Jews, murdered in the space of just a few months. After Hungary emancipated its Jews in 1867, they were given every opportunity to become wholly Hungarian in their language, customs, clothing and, most importantly, their feelings. After 1938, however, they were gradually excluded by a series of internally-driven anti-Jewish race laws. With the German invasion, the socalled “architect of the Final Solution,” Adolf Eichmann, moved into Hungary with a hand-picked unit of 200 men. In the spring and early summer of 1944, with the active help of Hungarian clerks, policemen, soldiers and gendarmes, Eichmann’s men then facilitated the deportation of the Jews from Hungary’s rural provinces to Auschwitz. Evidence shows that the majority of the country’s non-Jewish population did little to try to help their persecuted fellow-citizens. In many instances, as archival photos documenting the deportation show, it took only a few gendarmes to march the obedient Jews to the railway station, where they joined waiting rail cars ready to take them to their final destination. The Hungarian Regent, Admiral Miklós Horthy, brought the deportations to an end on July 6, 1944, saving the Jews of Budapest. Owing to this and other defiant acts, however, the Nazis soon arranged for Hungarian fascist leader Ferenc Szálasi and his Arrow Cross party to come to power. Every day, hundreds of defenseless Jews were then murdered by the Arrow Cross. Many were tortured horribly before their death, while others were simply shot and thrown into the icy Danube. It was not until January 18, 1945, that troops from the Soviet Red Army were able to liberate the ghetto of Pest, bringing the Holocaust in Hungary to an end – though survivors were scattered across Europe, still in concentration camps and, tragically, still dying in large numbers. There were some from outside who tried to save Jews. The best known is undoubtedly Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, whose efforts saved up to two hundred thousand Jews. To his name could be added the Swiss ViceConsul to Budapest, Carl Lutz, who used his influence to guarantee the lives of over 62,000 Jews, and a remarkable Italian citizen, Giorgio Perlasca, who posed as a Spanish diplomat in Budapest in order to save over five thousand Jews.

By David Benkof, DavidBenkof@gmail.com Across 1. One of forty in a Torah punishment 5. Prussian town that suffered greatly during the Chmielnicki pogroms 10. Olam HaBa (“The world to ___”) 14. “___ at the Races” (Marx Bros.) 15. No contest 16. 1924 Chicago murderer Richard 17. Rabbi Berel Wein’s “Faith and ___” 18. Hebrew letter before Chet 19. Kings king 20. Wilder role 23. Bertha Pappenheim, in Freud’s notes 24. Arendt and Szenes 28. Lot’s lot 32. “See the USA in Your Chevrolet” singer Shore 33. “___ Joey” (West End show for Lou Jacobi) 36. She plays a KGB spy in “The Americans” on FX 39. In Israel, it goes “Meh,” not “Moo” 41. Gay Avek! 42. “Jews ___ horns” (anti-Semitic comment) 43. Saturday Night Live cast member, 1996-2003 46. Abbr. that applies to Eric Cantor in two ways 47. Voice in the Mishnah 48. “... would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from ___.” (New Testament quote) 50. “___ by Adversity” (1971 book of essays about American Jews) 53. Part of a geniza 57. Hole frontwoman 61. Eric of Steven Spielberg’s “Munich” 64. More valuable manuscript, for example 65. Brouhahas 66. TV characters Levinson (“L.A. Law”) and Gold (“The Good Wife”) 67. The Gershwins’ “Porgy and Bess” 68. E followers in a farm tune 69. “A Shot in the ___” (Sellers film) 70. ___ of Peace (Maine summer camp that brings Palestinian and Israeli children together) 71. Aaron’s and Moses’s were famous Down 1. One place to put your falafel 2. “I don’t give ___!” (second to last sentence in Abbott and Costello’s “Who’s on First” routine)

Solution on page 23A

3. He tested Job’s faith 4. Striped ones can be found in the Negev 5. Enjoy a Shabbat afternoon 6. Former Israeli President Moshe Katzav was born there 7. Sauces at restaurants like “Mi Tsu Yan” and “Yossi Peking” 8. Maryland’s Charles E. ___ Jewish Day School 9. William Shatner’s breathing disorder 10. Anti-Semitic term for Jews who stick together 11. “Holy Moses!” 12. Tillie Olsen’s “Tell ___ Riddle” 13. He wrote words to Kander’s music 21. Yeshiva Mercaz HaRav ___ (school named after Palestine’s first Ashkenazi chief rabbi) 22. Sen. Bernie Sanders and others 25. “Lend ___” (meaning of the name of the Torah portion “Haazinu”) 26. Split a bagel down the middle 27. Lug in Yiddish 29. Drama ___ Awards, of which Adam Guettel won two for “The Light in the Piazza” 30. Film that aped Spielberg’s “Jaws” 31. “The House of ___” (Edith Wharton’s anti-Semitic novel) 33. Covenants 34. “Otobus Mispar ___” (Israeli song meaning “Bus #1”) 35. Emmy-winning Michaels 37. Fifty shekels an hour, perhaps 38. Ukraine pilgrimage site 40. It may contain Manischewitz 44. Baron who wrote 50-Across 45. Young Judaea alternative 49. Sweet nosh 51. A thousand shekels are worth about 200 of them 52. Kind of shmatte, perhaps 54. Copland 1942 work 55. Entire novel written by Georges Perec without a single letter E 56. Santiago shekels 58. “Lemon ___” (Peter, Paul, and Mary song) 59. Woody Allen type 60. Seleucid and Hellenistic 61. ___-Stuy (Brooklyn neighborhood with many Jews) 62. Judah P. Benjamin’s state during the Civil War 63. Israeli director Bergman (“In Treatment”)

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There were also some (though not many) Hungarians who tried to achieve goodness in the midst of evil; they have gone some tiny way to redeeming Hungary’s honor. One such account was uncovered a few years back by an Israeli journalist, Anshel Pfeffer, writing in Haaretz. The scene was Budapest in 1944. Information from an informer led an Arrow Cross officer to search for a Jewish man who, it was thought, was hiding in the art studio of painter Lajos Szentivanyi. There was no time to arrange a proper hiding place, and the Jew simply hid himself behind a screen, his yellow shoes peeking out beneath it. Fortunately, the room contained a stunning nude painting that Szentivanyi was working on. The officer could not take his eyes off it; he stopped searching, spoke a few words to Szentivanyi, and left. The incident is one of many that took place at the Open School of Art, founded by Karoly Koffan, which saved hundreds of Jews and other victims of the Nazis. The school did not belong to any organized underground, and had neither diplomatic immunity nor access to the resources available to a large organization. They did not have a plan to follow, and did not keep orderly records of their activities. They helped people on the basis of personal acquaintanceship, motivated largely by humanitarian feelings. Koffan’s art school enjoyed relative freedom until 1944, but after the Nazi invasion, Koffan and Szentivanyi worked to assist people in need. They ran the group’s rescue activities, while three students (Andre Meszaros, Laszlo Ridovics and Sandor Kovacs) carried out the missions. These students brought Jews forged documents, rescued people from the ghettos and transports, and smuggled them into hiding places. Later on, they even began going into the transit camps where Jews were sent before being transported to Auschwitz. At first the group helped anyone who was in danger, but over time the Jews became the main group they assisted. Early in the morning, before classes at the art school, students would take the people to nearby hiding places, or hide them in the school itself. Sometimes up to 20 people stayed overnight. Some Jews, who managed to escape on their own, ran to the art school for safety. Koffan’s wife hid them in plain sight, give each one an art book, and when soldiers came in looking for victims it appeared as those present were actually students in an art class. It says much that in Hungary, where from March 1944 the full force of the Holocaust turned against the Jews like the eruption at Vesuvius, there were some non-Jews who said no in the face of evil. It isn’t much, but even tiny acts can have big consequences – and that, of course, is a lesson we can all leave for future generations. 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.

The Center for Judaic, Holocaust, & Genocide Studies presents

The Holocaust in Hungary, 70 Years On: New Perspectives

March 16-18 at Florida Gulf Coast University For more information, see the article on page 2B and visit www.fgcu.edu/HC/Conferences.html.

17A Federation Star March 2014 JEWISH INTEREST

March 2014 Federation Star

17A

Music for Olympic skaters created by local resident

aples resident Alexander Goldstein worked on 38 versions of Meryl Davis and Charlie White’s Free Dance for the 2013-2014 Olympic Season last summer. In fact, he began working on their programs immediately after the Figure Skating World Championship 2013 ended a year ago in March. Goldstein is a music producer with nearly 40 Olympic medalists to his credit thus far. People always ask what comes first – music or choreography. It is always different. In the case of Meryl & Charlie’s Olympic Free Dance, first came an idea of using Scheherazade by Rimsky-Korsakov. It was during a regular conversation between Olympic coach Marina Zoueva and Goldstein, when they thought: “Would Scheherazade make a good program for Sochi 2014?” After all, everyone idolized the last Davis-White-Zoueva-Goldstein Olympic Original Dance, which was set to an Indian music theme in 2010 and earned them Olympic silver.

Russian music in a Russian-held Olympics could translate to #1. Meryl Davis and Charlie White have actually been the #1 team for the last two years, having edged out the current Olympic champions, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir (Canada), also Zoueva and Goldstein’s team. Tessa and Scott are skating to such Russian classic immortals as Glazunov, Tchaikovsky and Scriabin. These two leading dance teams are more than 25 points ahead of the rest of the world ice-dancers and are basically competing with one another. “It is a very challenging situation to have the top two with the same coach,” said Goldstein. “But for me it is even more challenging, as I have many other teams, including medal contenders Elena Ilynikh and Nikita Katsalapov of Russia. They just finished second in the Europeans because Elena fell. Falling in ice dance is almost unheard of. One of them will most likely be in the 1-2-3 positions at the podium. And of course, I cheer for all of them equally. Each of these teams is uniquely different.”

Goldstein has skaters from 11 countries competing at the Olympics, including Japan, China, Finland, Israel and Australia. U.S. Ladies 2014 Champion Gracie Gold is among them. Also, a magnificent pair, Tatiana Volosozhar and Maksim Trankov of Russia, who just won the Europeans and are expected to fight for gold. Goldstein prefers to watch the games right here in Naples and just smiles when asked why he is not in Sochi. “Sochi is a summer resort I have been to many times. And after 58 billion dollars were injected into the Sochi Olympics, I am sure the Olympics will be awesome to watch – in my office on my large screen TV in the warmth of Naples.” Although he will work on the skating programs for the leading competitors practically until they finish practice the day before competition, Alexander’s work is defined by much more than music for figure skating. Hot off the press is “Ice, Water, Floor,” a music CD produced by Goldstein for skaters,

Editor’s note: As we were about to go to press, the ice-dancing results came in. All three teams on the podium used music produced by Alexander Goldstein – Meryl Davis and Charlie White won the first ever gold medal in ice-dancing for the U.S.; Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir (Canada) won the silver; Elena Ilinykh and Nikita Katsalapov (Russia) won the bronze. Meryl Davis and Charlie White (USA), 2014 Olympic Figure Skating Team Medalists

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir (Canada), 2014 Olympic Figure Skating Team Medalists

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Alexander Goldstein

gymnasts and synchronized swimmers. Originals like Sochi Zarabande and Hip-Hawk are based on classic motifs of Sarabande and Swan Lake by Handel and Tchaikovsky, respectively, and were written for specific figure skaters. Two of his recent long-form chamber music compositions – Rotissimo, based on film music by Nino Rota, and Trio on the Roof, based on Fiddler on the Roof – will be performed this Spring in Texas, Ohio, Spain and South America. His film, Naples, Florida REDEFINING PARADISE, received a 2013 Telly award for its trailer and is very popular. When not composing or directing, Goldstein is writing a memoir. He has worked with many celebrated individuals, including Van Cliburn, Alfred Schnittke and Jerry Hermann, and has many stories to share. As most busy men, Goldstein is humble about his own achievements and, as many who worked with him in Naples have already discovered, he never acts important. He is. You can call him at 239.566.1771 with music and film questions. Or set up an appointment at his ABG World Video & Audio Production office. You can read more at Sport Music.com, FilmNaples.com, AlexanderGoldstein.com and ABGWorld.com.

18A Federation Star March 2014

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

Planting water in Israel

Jewish National Fund isn’t only about planting forests. Some of its newest water-tech projects were recently showcased in Israel. By Karin Kloosterman, ISRAEL21c, www.israel21c.org

rehabilitation projects include cleaning xciting fact about Israel’s land up the polluted Alexander River. use, as the world experiences At the recent water technology massive deforestation: Israel is the only country in the world to have a conference in Tel Aviv, WATEC, JNF net gain of trees in the last 100 years. showcased its expertise and exportable knowledge in water for countries expeThis is thanks to a non-profit and riencing similar conditions as Israel. visionary non-governmental organizaBy dealing with desertification and tion, Jewish National Fund (JNF) – or Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael – set up in water scarcity for the past few decades, 1901 in Israel to develop the land. JNF has acquired ample experience knowing where the rain flows, which Under Ottoman rule at the time, trees can withstand water stress, and Israel was neglected and considered a backwater state infested with malaria. how to make non-arable land better There was a genuine need for a longsuited for people and agriculture. term plan to turn things around. Like dialysis for cities Using donations from generations Elisha Mizrahi, regional director of of Jews in the Diaspora, some 240 milJNF in Israel, tells ISRAEL21c that lion trees have been planted in Israel by WATEC allowed him “to show what JNF over the last 11 decades, including JNF can do in order to enlarge the a few by the Kennedys. availability of water to people in the But its focus is no longer just on peripheries – farmers or the people in greening the desert. TJNF has helped theamunicipalities,” he says. emple Jude build some 180 dams and water reserLand reclamation for cities, parks voirs and has established about 1,000 and landscaping is one key strategy. parks, some of which feature hiking The organization’s biggest achievetrails around water. Some of its flagship ments in water include the reclamation

mple Judea Family Trip to Israel

June 6-14, 2014 (tour dates in Israel) Temple Trip to Israel led Judea by RabbiFamily Marc Sack June 6-14, 2014 (tour dates in Israel) led by Rabbi Marc Sack

of the Hula Valley, Mizrahi explains. The swampy land in northern Israel was once drained to rid Israel of malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Recently, ecologists helped persuade authorities to re-flood the swamp, as it offers a special ecosystem for wildlife as well as a twice-yearly refuge for millions of migratory birds. “In partnership with the farmers, we re-flooded the Hula Valley. JNF took on the burden of carrying the financing of the project,” says Mizrahi. Even animals thought to be extinct, such as the Hula painted frog, have emerged once again, making Israel’s environmental Hula project a model of success for countries and regions with similar aspirations. JNF has also been instrumental in adding a layer of natural water runoff to city ecosystems. Call it dialysis for a city’s aquifers. The Israeli city of Kfar Saba, for instance, is now home to a holistic pilot project based on a water bio-filter where “wintertime water that runs through the city was channeled to the sea,” says Mizrahi. Now that water is being collected, treated and filtered, with some of it going back to the aquifer and some toward local landscaping. A water bridge between nations While Israel’s experience is yet to be applied to neighboring countries with which it has no diplomatic relations – consider Iraq and its devastated marsh-

Youngsters plant trees at Tu B’Shevat, courtesy of JNF (photo by Flash90)

lands – “people are coming from every end of the planet to see what can be done in wide open areas with water reclamation,” says Mizrahi. “We have experience and they want our aid and experience.” Israel, he says, offers such expertise freely. “We are speaking with Africa to help reclaim desert. It’s true that we are exporting our knowledge without any fee. It is important to show other countries that this can be done. We are creating bridges,” says Mizrahi. It’s hard to pin down just one approach or specific technology that Israel uses for water and land reclamation, he says. There are multiple successful approaches. Among its areas of expertise are how to prepare the land, how to capture and utilize water runoff, and which species to introduce in each area to create a forest, he says. Read more about JNF at www.jnf.org. Karin Kloosterman lives in Jaffa, Israel. She is a journalist, writer and blogger who focuses on the environment and clean technology from Israel and the Middle East. Published in hundreds of newspapers around the world, Karin also writes for the Huffington Post and Green Prophet.

Technion: The engine of Israel By Bernard A. Lublin, M.D. This is the third in a series of articles about Technion. e were so hopeful. It was 2005 and Egypt signed an agreement to provide Israel with natural gas. By 2011, Israel was consuming 6.7 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year, and the pipeline Î 2 Nights, Renaissance Hotel, Tel Aviv, was providing 43% of its natural gas 2 Nights, Renaissance Hotel, Tel Aviv, comfort sea-view rooms, June 6-8 comfort sea-view rooms, June 6-8 the wake of the “Arab Spring,” 2 Nights, Kibbutz Guest house hotel Kfar Blum, Upper Galilee, deluxe rooms,needs. June In 8-10 Î 2 Nights, Kibbutz Guest house hotel Kfar Blum, the pipeline was sabotaged over a dozen 4 Nights Mt. Zion Hotel, deluxe Citadel rooms, June 10-14 times. Then, in March 2012, the EgypUpper Galilee, deluxe rooms, June 8-10 Buffett breakfast daily, 2 Shabbat dinners, 2 Kibbutz dinner, Bat mitzvah celebratory tian government canceled the agreeÎ 4 Nights, Mt. Zion Hotel, deluxe Citadel rooms, dinner ment. Israel had no energy reserves, Juneairport 10-14arrival meet/assist and transfer and one departure transferexperienced One group included brown-outs, had to return to diesel-based energy which cost more Î Buffett breakfast 2 Shabbat dinners, 2 Kibbutz 7 days touring with guide +daily, bus and one walking tour Shabbat in Tel Aviv than four times natural gas, and led to a dinners, Bat mitzvah celebratory dinner 24% increase in the cost of electricity. AllÎtheOne newgroup sights airport and all the ancient must-seeand sights in a fantastic customarrival meet/assist transfer, In 2009, Noble Energy and a condesigned Sights include: Rabbinic Kotel tunnels; Ir David excavation unand onetour. departure transferThe included sortium of other petroleum drilling and der Silwan, the original city of King David; Yad Vashem, Har Herzl & Masada, Golan exploration Îjeep 7 days touring guideRiver; + busThe and one walking ride; rafting onwith the Jordan grottoes of Rosh HaNikra; archaeological companies, discovered natural gas in the Eastern Mediterradigtour at Beit Guvrin;in the underground bullet factory at Ayalon Institute; Akko; make Shabbat Tel Aviv nean. Located 54 miles offshore from chocolate in a kosher chocolate factory; and wine tasting in a boutique winery; Old Israel (and within Israel’s “exclusive Jaffa, Independence Hall ; All the new sights and all the ancient must-see economic zone”), it was named Tamar, after the granddaughter of the senior sights in a fantastic custom-designed tour. geologist who located it. It contains Sights include: 256 billion cubic meters of natural gas The Rabbinic Kotel tunnels, Ir David excavation under Silwan, (8 trillion cubic ft.) In December 2010, Noble Energy found the Leviathan Field the original city of King David, Yad Vashem, Har Herzl & Please call for more information of natural gas, 78 miles off Israel’s Masada, Golan jeep ride, rafting on the Jordan River, the Temple Judea Mediterranean coast. Its reserves: 480 grottoes of Rosh HaNikra, archaeological dig at Beit Guvrin, the 239-433-0201 billion cubic meters of natural gas (16 T e m p l e J u d e a underground bullet factory at Ayalon Institute, Akko, make 1 4 4 8 6 A & Wtrillion B u l b cubic Rd. chocolate in a kosher chocolate factory, wine tasting Fino rat M y e r s , F L 3 3 9 0 8 ft.). Israel’s Minister or Water and Enboutique winery, Old Jaffa, Independence Hall and much more. ergy called a meeting of leading energy scientists from Israel’s universities. There was an urgent and immediate need for Israel to have its own petroleum engineers. Israel had none. They were needed for drilling, extraction, pipelaying, transport, constructing strategic reserves and storage units, development of a facility for conversion to liquefied natural gas for export, and potential for a petrochemical industry. 14486 A & W Bulb Rd. Technion was the only university to Fort Myers, FL 33908 respond, establishing its Mediterranean Natural Gas and Petroleum EngineerFor more information, please call Temple Judea: ing Graduate Program. Full professors 239-433-0201 were recruited from the Norwegian

and much more

University of Science and Technology, the Colorado School of Mines and Engineering, the University of Houston and Stanford University. Applicants for study had to have a Bachelor’s degree, with honors, in one of the engineering sciences. In 2011, the first class of 25 students began, graduating in 2013. On March 31, 2013, the first natural gas from the Tamar Field – three miles deep into the surface of the Mediterranean, and 54 miles west of Israel – reached Ashdod, and soon thereafter to the power grid of the Israel Electric Co. and of private Israeli companies. Prime Minister Netanyahu hailed this a “gamechanger” for Israel. And the second class of 25 Petroleum Engineering students began study at Technion in 2013.

BRIEFS OFFSHORE GAS NOW SUPPLIES 45% OF ISRAEL’S ELECTRICITY

Israel has verified finds of 35 trillion cubic feet of gas in the eastern Mediterranean. Noble Energy says that gas from its Tamar field, which began flowing this year, already supplies 45% of the country’s electricity. (Economist - UK)

HOW ISRAELI SNOWMAKERS ARE SAVING ALPINE SKIING

Europe’s Alps have lost half their ice over the last century, one-fifth of it since the 1980s. Some 80 million tourists come to the Alps each ski season. Some 1.2 million Tyroleans depend on glacier skiing for their livelihoods. No wonder then that snowmaking has become a billion-dollar industry. At Pitztal, 30 miles west of Innsbruck in Austria, the IDE All Weather Snowmaker is a $2 million device capable of shooting out 35,000 cubic feet of snow in 24 hours, and is made

continued on page 21A

19A ISRAEL & THE JEWISH Federation Star MarchWORLD 2014

March 2014 Federation Star

19A

19,200 new immigrants arrive in Israel in 2013

60% of immigrants to Israel in 2013 were under the age of 35 and include professionals and academics in the humanities, social sciences, life sciences and exact sciences, including over 700 doctors and other healthcare professionals.

ccording to data compiled by The Jewish Agency for Israel and the Israel Ministry of Immigration and Absorption, some 19,200 immigrants arrived in Israel in 2013, a modest increase from the 18,940 who arrived in 2012. 2013 saw an overall increase of 35% in Aliyah from western Europe, with the arrival of 4,390 immigrants in 2013 as opposed to 3,258 in 2012. The most dramatic increase was noted in Aliyah from France, which saw the arrival of 3,120 immigrants as opposed to 1,916 in 2012 thanks to the Israel experience programs for French Jewish youth and Aliyah encouragement efforts amongst the French Jewish community. 2013 also saw the arrival of some 3,000 immigrants from North

America, and 1,240 immigrants from Latin America in 2013 – a 34% increase over 2012. The largest group of immigrants to Israel in 2013 came from the former Soviet Union and numbered 7,520; 270 immigrants came from eastern Europe. An increase in Aliyah in 2013 was noted elsewhere, as well: 265 immigrants came from Oceania (primarily Australia and New Zealand), a 46% increase; 204 immigrants came from South Africa, a 19% increase; 245 immigrants came from Middle Eastern countries, a 4% increase; and 74 came from Turkey, similar to the number in 2012. Aliyah from Ethiopia was down 44% due to the conclusion of Operation Dove’s Wings, which brought the

remainder of those who have been deemed eligible to immigrate to Israel and which saw the arrival of 1,360 immigrants in 2013, compared to 2,432 in 2012. Another striking characteristic of this year’s Aliyah is its youth: Some 60% of immigrants to Israel in 2013 were under the age of 35, including 37% between the ages of 18 and 34. There was also an increase in the number of young immigrants who participated in unique Ministry of Immigration and Absorption and Jewish Agency programs aimed at easing their integration into Israeli society. As in 2012, a majority of the immigrants to Israel in 2013 were female (some 10,000, compared to 9,000 male immigrants). The oldest immigrant was

a 103-year-old man from the United States and the youngest was five weeks old, also from the United States. Thousands of those who arrived in 2013 are professionals and graduates of academic programs in the humanities, social sciences, life sciences and exact sciences, and more than 700 are doctors and other healthcare professionals. Many have joined special Ministry of Immigration and Absorption and Jewish Agency programs for university graduates. Jerusalem saw the arrival of the largest group of immigrants in 2013, some 2,400 in total. Tel Aviv received some 1,650 immigrants, a 20% increase over the previous year’s 1,373. Source: Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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20A Federation Star March 2014

COMMENTARY

The meaning of Israel: A personal view By David Harris, Executive Director, American Jewish Committee (AJC), January 14, 2014

gainst the backdrop of recent efforts in some academic circles to vilify and isolate Israel, let me put my cards on the table right up front. I’m not dispassionate when it comes to Israel. Quite the contrary. The establishment of the state in 1948; the fulfillment of its envisioned role as home and haven for Jews from around the world; its wholehearted embrace of democracy and the rule of law; and its impressive scientific, cultural and economic achievements are accomplishments beyond my wildest imagination. For centuries, Jews around the world prayed for a return to Zion. We are the lucky ones who have seen those prayers answered. I am grateful to witness this most extraordinary period in Jewish history and Jewish sovereignty. And when one adds the key element, namely, that all this took place not in the Middle West but in the Middle East, where Israel’s neighbors determined from day one to destroy it through any means available to them – from full-scale wars to wars of attrition; from diplomatic isolation to international delegitimation; from primary to secondary to even tertiary economic boycotts; from terrorism to the spread of anti-Semitism, often thinly veiled as anti-Zionism – the story of Israel’s first 65 years becomes all the more remarkable. No other country has faced such a constant challenge to its very right to exist, even though the age-old biblical, spiritual and physical connection between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel is unique in the annals of history. Indeed, that connection is of a totally different character from the basis on which, say, the United States, Aus-

tralia, Canada, New Zealand or the bulk of Latin American countries were established, that is, by Europeans with no legitimate claim to those lands who decimated indigenous populations and proclaimed their own authority. Or, for that matter, North African countries that were conquered and occupied by Arab-Islamic invaders and totally redefined in their national character. No other country has faced such overwhelming odds against its very survival, or experienced the same degree of never-ending international demonization by too many nations that throw integrity and morality to the wind, and slavishly follow the will of the energy-rich and more numerous Arab states. Yet Israelis have never succumbed to a fortress mentality, never abandoned their deep yearning for peace

indifferent world to stop, or even slow down, the Final Solution. And here was a people, numbering barely 600,000, living cheek-by-jowl with often hostile Arab neighbors, under unsympathetic British occupation, on a harsh soil with no significant natural resources other than human capital in then Mandatory Palestine. That the blue-and-white flag of an independent Israel could be planted on this land, to which the Jewish people had been intimately linked since the time of Abraham, just three years after the Second World War’s end – and with the support of a decisive majority of UN members at the time – truly boggles the mind. And what’s more, that this tiny community of Jews, including survivors of the Holocaust who had somehow made their way to Mandatory

Look at the light-years traveled since the darkness of the Holocaust, and marvel at the miracle of a decimated people returning to a tiny sliver of land – the land of our ancestors, the land of Zion and Jerusalem – and successfully building a modern, vibrant state against all the odds, on that ancient foundation. with their neighbors or willingness to take unprecedented risks to achieve that peace, never lost their zest for life, and never flinched from their determination to build a vibrant, democratic state. This story of nation-building is entirely without precedent. Here was a people brought to the brink of utter destruction by the genocidal policies of Nazi Germany and its allies. Here was a people shown to be utterly powerless to influence a largely

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Palestine despite the British blockade, could successfully defend themselves against the onslaught of five Arab standing armies that launched their attack on Israel’s first day of existence, is almost beyond imagination. To understand the essence of Israel’s meaning, it is enough to ask how the history of the Jewish people might have been different had there been a Jewish state in 1933, in 1938 or even in 1941. If Israel had controlled its borders and the right of entry instead of Britain, if Israel had had embassies and consulates throughout Europe, how many more Jews might have escaped and found sanctuary? Instead, Jews had to rely on the goodwill of embassies and consulates of other countries and, with woefully few exceptions, they found there neither the “good” nor the “will” to assist. I witnessed firsthand what Israeli

embassies and consulates meant to Jews drawn by the pull of Zion or the push of hatred. I stood in the courtyard of the Israeli embassy in Moscow and saw thousands of Jews seeking a quick exit from a Soviet Union in the throes of cataclysmic change, fearful that the change might be in the direction of renewed chauvinism and anti-Semitism. Awestruck, I watched up-close as Israel never faltered, not even for a moment, in transporting Soviet Jews to the Jewish homeland, even as Scud missiles launched from Iraq traumatized the nation in 1991. It says a lot about the conditions they were leaving behind that these Jews continued to board planes for Tel Aviv while missiles were exploding in Israeli population centers. In fact, on two occasions I sat in sealed rooms with Soviet Jewish families who had just arrived in Israel during these missile attacks. Not once did any of them question their decision to establish new lives in the Jewish state. And equally, it says a lot about Israel that, amid all the pressing security concerns, it managed to continue to welcome these new immigrants without missing a beat. And how can I ever forget the surge of pride – Jewish pride – that completely enveloped me in July 1976 on hearing the astonishing news of Israel’s daring rescue of the 106 Jewish hostages held by Arab and German terrorists in Entebbe, Uganda, over 2,000 miles from Israel’s borders? The unmistakable message: Jews in danger will never again be alone, without hope, and totally dependent on others for their safety. Not least, I can still remember, as if it were yesterday, my very first visit to Israel. It was in 1970, and I was not quite 21 years old. I didn’t know what to expect, but I recall being quite emotional from the moment I boarded the El Al plane to the very first glimpse of the Israeli coastline from the plane’s window. As I disembarked, I surprised myself by wanting to kiss the ground. In the ensuing weeks, I marveled at everything I saw. To me, it was as if every apartment building, factory, school, orange

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21A Federation Star March 2014 COMMENTARY

March 2014 Federation Star

21A

David Harris...continued from previous page grove and Egged bus was nothing less than a miracle. A state, a Jewish state, was unfolding before my very eyes. After centuries of persecutions, pogroms, exiles, ghettos, pales of settlement, inquisitions, blood libels, forced conversions, discriminatory legislation, and immigration restrictions – and, no less, after centuries of prayers, dreams and yearning – the Jews had come back home and were the masters of their own fate. I was overwhelmed by the mix of people, backgrounds, languages and lifestyles, and by the intensity of life itself. Everyone, it seemed, had a compelling story to tell. There were Holocaust survivors with harrowing tales of their years in the camps. There were Jews from Arab countries, whose stories of persecution in such countries as Iraq, Libya and Syria were little known at the time. There were the first Jews arriving from the USSR seeking repatriation in the Jewish homeland. There were the sabras – native-born Israelis – many of whose families had lived in Palestine for generations. There were local Arabs, both Christian and Muslim. There were Druze, whose religious practices are kept secret from the outside world. The list goes on and on. I was moved beyond words by the sight of Jerusalem and the fervor with which Jews of all backgrounds prayed at the Western Wall. Coming from a nation that was at the time deeply divided and demoralized, I found my Israeli peers to be unabashedly proud of their country, eager to serve in the military, and, in many cases, determined to volunteer for the most elite combat units. They felt personally involved in the enterprise of building a Jewish state, more than 1,800 years after the Romans defeated the Bar Kochba revolt, the last Jewish attempt at sovereignty on this very land. To be sure, nation-building is an infinitely complex process. In Israel’s case, it began against a backdrop of tensions with a local Arab population that laid claim to the very same land, and tragically refused a UN proposal to divide the land into Arab and Jewish states; as the Arab world sought to isolate, demoralize and ultimately destroy the state; as Israel’s population doubled in the first three years of the country’s existence, putting an unimaginable strain on severely limited resources; as

the nation was forced to devote a vast portion of its limited national budget to defense expenditures; and as the country coped with forging a national identity and social consensus among a population that could not have been more geographically, linguistically, socially and culturally heterogeneous. Moreover, there is the tricky and underappreciated issue of the potential clash between the messy realities of statehood and, in this case, the ideals and faith of a people. It is one thing for a people to live their religion as a minority; it is quite another to exercise sovereignty as the majority population while remaining true to one’s ethical standards. Inevitably, tension will arise between a people’s spiritual or moral self-definition and the exigencies of statecraft, between our highest concepts of human nature and the daily realities of individuals in decision-making positions wielding power and balancing a variety of competing interests. Even so, shall we raise the bar so high as to ensure that Israel – forced to function in the often gritty, morally ambiguous world of international relations and politics, especially as a small, still endangered state – will always fall short? Yet, the notion that Israel would ever become ethically indistinguishable from any other country, reflexively seeking cover behind the convenient justification of realpolitik to explain its behavior, is equally unacceptable. Israelis, with only 65 years of statehood under their belts, are among the newer practitioners of statecraft. With all its remarkable success, consider the daunting political, social and economic challenges in the United States 65 or even 165 years after independence, or, for that matter, the challenges it faces today, including stubborn social inequalities. And let’s not forget that the United States, unlike Israel, is a vast country blessed with abundant natural resources, oceans on two-and-a half sides, a gentle neighbor to the north, and a weaker neighbor to the south. Like any vibrant democracy, America is a permanent work in progress. The same holds true for Israel. Loving Israel as I do, though, doesn’t mean overlooking its shortcomings, including the excessive and unholy intrusion of religion into politics, the marginalization of non-Orthodox Jew-

BRIEFS

most ancient. The high regard that the Chinese have for Jews should be a source of pride. Jew-hatred is entirely absent in the world’s largest country. To the extent that Chinese people know something of the Jews, their response to us is instinctively sympathetic. Family, learning, respect for tradition, business acumen – these are Jewish traits that the Chinese also consider to be their virtues. A Jew visiting China senses an affinity with Chinese people, more than can be explained by the commonality of traits. There is a common attitude towards life, and especially toward adversity. (Asia Times - Hong Kong)

continued from page 18A by Israel Desalination Enterprises. (McKenzie Funk, Business Week)

THE IDF OFFICER WHO INTERCEPTS ROCKETS Lt. Aviel Perry, who serves as the commander of an IDF Iron Dome battery, recently intercepted five Gaza rockets headed straight for the Israeli city of Ashkelon. Lt. Perry was on duty at 1:00 a.m. Although the battery’s last interception was two months ago, “We must always remain vigilant and alert, even when we think that an upcoming shift will be normal and uneventful,” he says. When five rockets from Gaza came soaring toward Israel, soldiers in the Iron Dome battery had only seconds to react. Their swift actions resulted in the interception of all five rockets. “You cannot describe the feeling of stopping a rocket that could hurt, injure or kill civilians. This is what we prepare for all the time – to be there at the right time and do the right thing.” (Israel Defense Forces blog)

COMMON TRAITS BIND JEWS AND CHINESE There is no greater compliment to any culture than to be admired by the Chinese, who with some justification regard their civilization as the world’s

SODASTREAM IS A FACTORY, NOT A SETTLEMENT In any other context, worldwide, a private company maintaining a factory in an underdeveloped country to take advantage of its lower labor costs would be regarded as a boon for the hosting country. SodaStream, however, isn’t paying hundreds of Palestinian workers what they’d get from a Palestinian employer. It’s paying the Palestinian laborers Israeli wages, with the social benefits mandated by Israeli law. Nobody lives in the SodaStream factory: it’s a factory. If ever there is peace between Israel and Palestine, Israeli-owned

continued on page 25A

ish religious streams, the dangers posed by political and religious zealots, and the unfinished, if undeniably complex, task of integrating Israeli Arabs into the mainstream. But it also doesn’t mean allowing such issues to overshadow Israel’s remarkable achievements, accomplished, as I’ve said, under the most difficult of circumstances. In just 65 years, Israel has built a thriving democracy, unique in the region, including a Supreme Court prepared, when it deems appropriate, to overrule the prime minister or the military establishment, a feisty parliament that includes every imaginable viewpoint along the political spectrum, a robust civil society, and a vigorous press. It has built an economy whose per capita GNP exceeds the combined total of its four contiguous sovereign neighbors – Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. It has built universities and research centers that have contributed to advancing the world’s frontiers of knowledge in countless ways, and won a slew of Nobel Prizes in the process. It has built one of the world’s most powerful militaries – always under civilian control, I might add – to ensure its survival in a rough-and-tumble neighborhood. It has shown the world how a tiny nation, no larger than New Jersey or Wales, can, by sheer ingenuity, will, courage and commitment, defend itself against those who would destroy it through conventional armies or armies of suicide bombers. And it has done all this while striving to adhere to a strict code of military conduct that has few rivals in the democratic world, much less elsewhere – in the face of an enemy prepared to send children to the front lines and seek cover in

mosques, schools and hospitals. It has built a quality of life that ranks it among the world’s healthiest nations and with a particularly high life expectancy, indeed higher than that of the U.S. It has built a thriving culture, whose musicians, writers and artists are admired far beyond Israel’s borders. In doing so, it has lovingly taken an ancient language, Hebrew, the language of the prophets, and rendered it modern to accommodate the vocabulary of the contemporary world. It has built a climate of respect for other faith groups, including Baha’i, Christianity and Islam, and their places of worship. Can any other nation in the area make the same claim? It has built an agricultural sector that has had much to teach developing nations about turning an arid soil into fields of fruits, vegetables, cotton and flowers. Step back from the twists and turns of the daily information overload coming from the Middle East and consider the sweep of the last 65 years. Look at the light-years traveled since the darkness of the Holocaust, and marvel at the miracle of a decimated people returning to a tiny sliver of land – the land of our ancestors, the land of Zion and Jerusalem – and successfully building a modern, vibrant state against all the odds, on that ancient foundation. In the final analysis, then, the story of Israel is the wondrous realization of a 3,500-year link among a land, a faith, a language, a people and a vision. It is an unparalleled story of tenacity and determination, of courage and renewal. And it is ultimately a metaphor for the triumph of enduring hope over the temptation of despair. For more information, visit www.ajc. org.

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22A Federation Star March 2014

COMMENTARY

Peace Initiative – redux By Gene Sipe, VP Southwest Chapter ZOA

rue to form in regards to ArabIsraeli relations, nothing in the latest round of the U.S. “Imposed” Middle East Peace Initiative is straightforward. The entire Middle East and North Africa is in chaos. Regardless of underreporting by domestic media, these stable governments are at best, barely holding power due to growing dissidents, much of which is being imported for the very purpose of destabilization. Then we have the other extreme, where mass genocide of outright Muslim-on-Muslim war is spilling over the borders of their more stable neighbors. If you have been to Israel, you know that Israelis can be opinionated, stubborn and quite loud. However, for the most part, they are always willing to find a compromise for the sake of peaceful coexistence. You can safely walk the streets of Tel Aviv late at night, for example, without concern for your safety, regardless of your sexual orientation or if you are a woman without a male escort. The government is a democratically elected coalition representing a wide range of the populous, and education and medical care are available to all without regard to religious belief or practice. Most of the threat to the personal safety of an Israeli or a visiting tourist comes from enemies of the state lobbing bombs across the borders or the occasional militant who confounds the rather effective intelligence community. All things considered, Israel is the most peaceful community in the region. So how is it that the U.S. peace brokers and much of the world in general’s answer to the question of how to bring peace to the Middle East is to give away huge chunks of the only land that is peaceful? How does giving away the only strip of land that provides a defensible border for the State of Israel not lure Israel’s enemies to the inevitable full-on assault?

The answer to both of these questions is quite simple: You cannot make peace with people who do not want peace. Almost 10 years ago a bold experiment and test of the makeup of the Arab propensity provided definitive proof. The residents of Gaza were given an opportunity to rule themselves. The Israeli government, knowing full well that the Jewish population of Gaza would be exterminated by the Arabs, forcibly removed them from their homes to live as refugees. The result of this was the destruction of all Jewish-built property, election of a militant terrorist regime for a government, and the daily rain of rockets on schools and playgrounds of their neighbors. To make matters worse, western influences who proffer what I believe is a misguided notion that land for peace is an attainable option, inevitably encourage increased violence because there is gain to be had through escalating the intensity. This approach is comparable to telling a child that it is wrong to pull up the flowers of a garden, but give the child an ice cream each time they destroy a plant. You end up without a garden and a child with a Pavlovian appetite for destruction. When peace brokers actually become serious about forming an effective peace initiative – one that does not involve the destruction of the State of Israel, you will see a completely different negotiation strategy. Living in a peaceful society involves establishing guidelines for tolerance of one’s neighbors and enforcing severe penalties for violation of these guidelines. Negotiations will not begin by rewarding convicted murderers commuted sentences just for the privilege of sitting at the negotiating table. Those whom you have just gifted a beautiful piece of beachfront real estate must understand that raining bombs on children has unacceptable and undesirable consequences.

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

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

Shalom Gardens

at Palm Royale Cemetery

Busted: Knesset member Tibi exposes Israel’s greatness By Isi Stein, January 23, 2014

n Monday, January 20, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper was suddenly interrupted while addressing ministers of the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. I would have expected all parties in attendance to display some level of statesmanship, especially considering the important circumstance surrounding this speech: The Prime Minister was the first Canadian leader to ever speak in front of the Knesset. Prime Minister Harper spoke eloquently of the strong bond between Canada and Israel, chastised those who refuse to recognize Israel as a Jewish state, and condemned groups who obsess over singling Israel out on the world stage. But as Harper dismissed claims of Israel as an apartheid state, exposing the charge as “veiled” anti-Semitism, Arab Member of the Knesset Ahmed Tibi rose up and began yelling erratically at Harper, in what appeared to be a mix of Arabic, Hebrew and English. It was his second outburst in an hour, the first of which had been directed at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu only moments earlier. Tibi accused Israel of apartheid, which, if it were a legitimate claim, would have forbidden him from speaking in the first place. Tibi, a former adviser to the archterrorist Yasser Arafat, and several of the 11 other Arab members of the Israeli Knesset, actively work through both actions and words to vilify one of the greatest and morally-conscious nations on earth. They portray Israel as an “occupier,” they incite hatred against Israeli civilians, and have personally participated in terrorist acts against the same country that they should theoretically be protecting. In 2010, Haneen Zoabi, the first Arab woman to serve in the Knesset, provided a clear snapshot of the true intentions of some of these ministers. MK Zoabi gave credibility to those looking to soil Israel’s reputation by participating in the infamous flotilla incident, organized by the IHH, a radical, Islamist, Turkish terror group, which poses as a humanitarian relief fund. The operation allowed Zoabi and her comrades to sail toward the Gaza Strip, with plans to break a barrier that Israel had set up as a means of ensuring that no weapons fall into the hands of terrorists. After the captain’s refusal to heed Israel’s warning to turn back, IDF soldiers boarded the vessel, armed with paintball guns, in order to minimize civilian casualties. The soldiers were quickly wounded by the “activists” who were armed with knives and metal rods. Though MK Zoabi was able to fool the world, bringing worldwide con-

demnation to Israel for trying to protect its sovereignty, Ahmed Tibi was unable to do the same. In a clearly uncalculated and unintentional move, MK Tibi exposed Israel for what it really is: a democracy, which grants rights to all its citizens, regardless of religion, color or race. If Israel were not a democratic state, it would not allow a figure like Ahmed Tibi to vocally condemn the State of Israel, time and again, based on unfounded claims, as he attempted to do on Monday. Tibi’s ideology also reemphasizes a point of great concern, namely, that Israel is too tolerant. Expressing various viewpoints is important, but not when one of the viewpoints compromises Israel’s safety. ‎The world has for too long used the Palestinian issue to cover up their hate for the Jewish people and these ministers are using their titles in the Israeli government, as representatives of the State of Israel, as a cover for their dangerous intentions. Israel will continue to promote political representation for every group, regardless of their religion, culture or race. But it must crack down on individuals, regardless of affiliation, who do not accept, and who work against, the very ideals that the country stands for. Of late, two decisions by the Elections Commission, which would have disqualified Minister Zoabi from running in parliamentary elections, were shamelessly overturned by the Israeli Supreme Court. We can be sure that members of Israel’s right wing will, justifiably, continue with their attempts to disqualify ministers like Zoabi from future elections. As Mr. Harper asserted in his speech, criticism of any government, especially one which is democratic, is welcomed. But when Israel is consistently singled out by those who ignore concerns of substance, like the slaughter of hundreds of thousands in Syria (including scores of Palestinians), there is clearly a double standard at play, one rooted in an interest far beyond that of equal rights. After yelling at Prime Minister Harper, Ahmed Tibi charged out of the room along with his associate, MK Taleb a-Sana. If only this exit were their last. This article originally appeared in the Algemeiner (www.algemeiner.com). Isi Stein, a New York native, is a recent graduate of the University of Miami, where he earned a Bachelors of Business Administration. He served as president of the Chabad Student Organization at the University and worked tirelessly to strengthen Israel’s image on campus. He can be reached at isi@ steink.com. Follow him on Twitter @ Isi_Stein.

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23A Federation Star RABBINICAL REFLECTIONS March 2014

What Purim is all about Rabbi Edward M. Maline, D.D.

have always advised members not be bring non-Jewish guests to the synagogue on Purim, especially for the first time. Why? The guests would perceive us to be a bizarre, extremely strange cult of people whose service lacks decorum, and is boisterous – especially when reading The Story of Esther as we stamp our feet, boo and hiss the mention of Haman, and cheer the names of Mordecai and Esther. The only parallel I can find for this in Christian churches are those denominations where the congregation responds ‘Amen’ or ‘Halleluyah’ to every statement the minister utters from the pulpit. But that is still a far cry from what we do in the synagogue during our celebration of Purim. Add to this the fact that many dress in costume and make noises with the Ra’ashanim (noisemakers), and we really stand out as being truly different. The uniqueness of our Purim celebration is symbolic of the uniqueness of Purim. We are the only religion that observes a holiday that singles out the danger and evil of prejudice. That is what Purim is all about – how the dislike of the unlike can lead

to serious and disastrous consequences which include the extermination and elimination of the adversary. The late Rabbi A.J. Heschel called prejudice “a disease of the eye and a cancer of the soul.” Why are we the only people who observe a holiday devoted to the evils of prejudice? Perhaps because we have been historically conditioned by our minority status as a people who have suffered from prejudice and have been victimized by it. Therefore, we are particularly sensitive to others who might be targeted for prejudicial treatment. The Jewish people, in celebrating Purim, teach a universal message because everyone is guilty of harboring some kind of prejudice toward others. People in the highest of places, people who are among the most educated and cultured, even presidents of democracies, can be and have been prejudicial in their attitudes toward and ambivalences about certain members of our society. Purim, therefore, is not only a time to let our hair down and express vitriol against enemies past and present, but it is also a time to proclaim our great spiritual message that prejudice is endemic to human nature and is a disease we must combat at the highest levels. In retrospect, maybe we should invite non-Jewish friends to our Purim services so they, too, can learn why we highlight prejudice in our synagogues while celebrating the beautiful and joyous festival of Purim. I wish you all a happy Purim.

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.

Jerusalem Post Crossword Puzzle Solution to puzzle on page 16A

March 2014 Federation Star

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Purim thoughts Rabbi Ammos Chorny

urim has been celebrated with pizzazz and energy since its beginning some 2,300 years ago when the miracle happened. But Purim is about more than just fun. The celebration marks a watershed event in Jewish history and, if we dig a bit, we find that in many ways it is analogous with the challenges of modern Jewish life. Purim occurred almost 70 years after the First Temple’s destruction, during the Jews’ first Diaspora experience. We know they were integrated into the general society and had political influence. The Megillah relates that Mordechai, the head of the Sanhedrin, sat in the King’s Palace; the Midrash adds that he was a general of the royal army. When the king marked the three-year anniversary of his reign with a major feast, the Jews participated. Even as Jews began to slip into Persian culture, they remained unique. Haman was troubled by a nation that was distinct, that worshipped a God who could not be seen. His decrees against the Jews were more ominous than those of other tyrants throughout the ages. There was no place to run.

At that time, all Jews lived within the Persian Empire. Even during the darkest days of the Holocaust or the Spanish Inquisition, Jews could escape to other countries. This time there was no other Jewish community to help out. The threat of annihilation was against the entire Jewish people. How did Mordechai respond to this threat? As the Megillah states, he “sat in the gate of Palace of the King,” and he urged Esther to intervene with the king, but he recognized that Jewish destiny transcends the will of mortal monarchs. Our responses to challenges cannot just involve the realm of nature. Of course we must lobby on behalf of Israel, but we must also recognize that there is something more spiritual that must be attended to. At times, the mystery is overwhelming. The uniqueness of Jews is characterized by our actions. Mordechai fought Haman using diplomacy and courage, but he knew that the spiritual component was crucial to his success. We need to emulate Mordechai by reaching inward to fortify our spiritual dimension as we face external crises. Though the name of God is not mentioned in the Megillah, if we dig deeper we can find the Divine Destiny in the actions of Mordechai and Esther and in our lives today. A very happy and joyful Purim to all!

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24A Federation Star March 2014

FOCUS ON YOUTH

Amazing Birthright Israel By Lauren Saravis and Michael Saravis

By Ryan Zvibleman

his winter I was fortunate enough to travel to Israel through TaglitBirthright. This life-changing trip really connected me with my religion and the people of Israel. It was amazing to see all the history and to finally get a chance to see many of things I learned about in Sunday School. When I was younger I was worried about going to Israel, even though both of my brothers had gone on high school trips. My parents urged me to take this trip

e are Lauren and Michael Saravis, children of Jill Saravis, the Jewish Federation of Collier County’s Community Program Coordinator. We were among the 17,000 college-aged students who had the privilege to join the Taglit-Birthright Israel trips to Israel this winter. Since the inception of the Birthright experience just over 13 years ago, more than 350,000 young adults from 64 countries have had the opportunity to make this special journey – a free peer-group trip to Israel. Our trip was in December, over the winter school break. Our group was organized out of Northwestern University in Chicago. There were 40 of us from

survival as a people over thousands of years, we are bonded to our faith and our heritage. Some of the highlights: We joined a local Israeli family in their home for a Shabbat dinner; then, together as a group, we prayed at the Western Wall. We returned to the Western Wall a few days later, where we celebrated Lauren’s Bat Mitzvah ceremony. All of us bathed in the Dead Sea and climbed Masada. We visited the archeological site at Beit Gurvin, as well as the excavations around The City of David outside the wall of the Old City of Jerusalem. The antiquity amazed us! The spirit of the Israeli people also amazed us. Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are thriving cities with so much energy, passion and culture. In discussion groups over our ten-day trip, we found certain commonalities among the members of our group, namely our belief in G-d. We agreed that many Jews are connected culturally but not religiously. We all came away with a greater appreciation of our faith and a stronger spiritual Michael and Lauren Saravis on the Gilabun Hike in the southern part of the Golan Heights connection to the Jewish the States, and we were joined with eight people. There was a very strong feeling soldiers from the IDF for five days of from our group that we will want to raise the ten-day trip. our children Jewish. At first we didn’t know anyone in We feel so fortunate to have had the the group, but very quickly we built opportunity to build not only special friendships with others, especially with friendships with the members of our the IDF soldiers. group, but the special connection which There were many highlights from we now have with Israel. We thank the our trip, but most importantly, we Jewish Federation of Collier County for quickly realized that there is a Jewish the scholarship we received that helped homeland. Once you see it with your us make this amazing journey and the own eyes, it becomes a reality and you important role that the Federation has in feel the connectivity among all Jewish our community that connects us all. people. We truly feel that through our

riding camels, jeeping, and hiking by waterfalls. From Masada to the Dead Sea to Jerusalem and the Western Wall, every site had a special meaning to me. I was also able to meet with my Israeli cousins in Tiberius who had come from Afula just to meet me! I was so surprised about how welcoming Israelis were. Every Israeli I met would tell me that Israel is my home

Ryan with director Roni Katz on Masada

Ryan Zvibleman at the Western Wall

as I was graduating college and would probably not have the opportunity to do so in the future. Israel is such a beautiful country where you can quickly go from desert to mountains to oceans to a gorgeous oasis. I was also amazed with how the Israelis had the technology to raise so many trees and crops in the desert. Some of my favorite activities were

and it would always be so warm and welcoming. Everyone in my group felt like family by the end of the trip, including the soldiers, who were only with us for five days. The soldiers were the nicest people I have ever met and they were so similar to us. I made so many friends and memories that I will have forever. I hope that every Jewish young adult will have the same life-changing opportunity that I did. I want to thank the Jewish Federation of Collier County and my parents for helping to make this trip possible for me.

For information about sending your child (age 18-26) on a Birthright Israel trip, call David Willens at 239.263.4205.

Taglit-Birthright Israel expanding eligibility to young adults who visited Israel previously New program goes into effect with enrollment for summer 2014.

aglit-Birthright Israel is expanding its program eligibility to now include those young adults who had previously visited Israel as part of a peer trip when they were younger. The organization said the reason for the change in policy was based on an educational assessment that those who may have visited as a teenager would gain a significantly greater understanding and attachment to Israel through the Taglit-Birthright experience as a young adult. Beginning with the summer 2014 registration that opened on February 19, applicants between the ages of 18 and 26 who had made a prior visit to Israel on an organized peer trip before

they reached the age of 18 may now apply. The organization estimates that the expansion will allow thousands more to benefit from the Taglit-Birthright Israel program. To register, visit www. BirthrightIsrael.com. “I am delighted that the TaglitBirthright Israel steering committee supports the decision that every young Jew is entitled to an educational tour of Israel,” said Taglit-Birthright Israel CEO Gidi Mark. “I believe that the decision will strengthen the ties between Israel and the Diaspora, and will provide tens of thousands of young Jews the knowledge needed in their efforts to present a positive image of Israel to the world.”

Taglit-Birthright Israel offers the gift of a free, 10-day trip to Israel for Jewish adults between the ages of 18 and 26. The trip aims to strengthen each participant’s identity as a Jew; to build an understanding, friendship and lasting bond with the land and people of Israel; and to reinforce the solidarity of the Jewish people worldwide. Taglit-Birthright Israel has sent more than 350,000 young Jewish adults to Israel from more than 64 countries and from all 50 U.S. states, including students from nearly 1,000 North American college campuses. Attendees are immersed in an active educational experience that includes visits to Jewish historical sites, histo-

ry museums, Holocaust remembrance sites, the Western Wall, arts and culture programs as well as touring, hiking, discussions, social events, camel and jeep rides in the desert, and more. The trip focuses on three main areas: the narratives of the Jewish people, contemporary Israel, and the formative values of Judaism. Taglit-Birthright Israel has a unique, historical and innovative partnership with the Government of Israel, thousands of individual donors and private philanthropists, and Jewish communities around the world through The Jewish Federations of North America, Keren Hayesod and The Jewish Agency of Israel.

Taglit-Birthright Israel to bring more than 17,000 young Jewish adults to Israel this winter season Largest number of winter participants since non-profit’s inception in 2000

ore than 17,000 Taglit-Birthright Israel participants will attend its free, 10-day educational tour in Israel this winter season, the largest number of young Jewish adults, ages 18 to 26, traveling with the winter program since the non-profit was founded in 2000. Trips began rolling out in mid-November 2013 and will continue through April 2014. With more than 350,000 participants during the past 13 years, the program is expected to reach 50 percent of young Jewish adults around the world within the next five years. “Each year, Taglit-Birthright Israel strives to reach new heights and sur-

pass our own goals and expectations, and this year we’ve gone way above and beyond those expectations,” said Gidi Mark, CEO of Taglit-Birthright Israel. “We remain dedicated to the ideology that bringing the next generation of Diaspora Jews to Israel is a must, not a choice. It is crucial for the survival of the Jewish people as well as for the bond between Israel and the Diaspora.” Mark added that the program itself has undergone a variety of changes over the years in order to attract and connect young participants to each other and to Israel including the establishment of niche trips. This past year, 25 niche

travel groups were targeted to culinary lovers, artists, athletes and physicians, among others. Considered the largest and most successful Zionist project in the Jewish world, Taglit-Birthright Israel offers heritage trips to strengthen each participant’s Jewish identity. The trip aims to build an understanding, friendship and lasting bond with the land and people of Israel and to reinforce the solidarity of the Jewish people worldwide. Since its inception, Jewish young adults have taken part in Taglit-Birthright Israel from 64 countries, all 50 U.S. states, and from nearly 1,000 North American college campuses.

Additionally, 65,000 young Israeli soldiers from prestigious units of the IDF and students have joined various groups on their tours. Taglit-Birthright Israel has a unique, historical and innovative partnership between the Government of Israel, thousands of individual donors and private philanthropists, and Jewish communities around the world through The Jewish Federations of North America, Keren Hayesod and the Jewish Agency of Israel. For more information, visit www.BirthrightIsrael.com.

25A Federation Star March 2014 FOCUS ON YOUTH

March 2014 Federation Star

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Rising young star: Vickie Diamond By Jean L. Amodea

pproaching her last months at home before going away to college next fall, made all the more tense by not having as yet selected her destination, Vickie Diamond, age 18, said that these days she feels a sense of anxiety mixed with excitement. “I am trying to make the most out of my last few months of high school by spending time with my family and friends. It is bittersweet as I look forward to my next journey,” she said. Originally from Fort Myers, and a senior at the Community School of Naples, which she has attended since seventh grade, Vickie excels in science and would like to pursue a career in either medicine or science. “I like to interact with and help people, so medicine would give me that experience. A few colleges I am looking at have new majors that incorporate biology and society – applied science that goes into the real world.” A well-rounded student involved

with extracurricular activities, Vickie is the captain of her school’s varsity tennis team and has been on the team since her freshman year. Even though she enjoyed and played soccer for years, she decided to follow her older sister Allie’s passion for tennis. The student body president, Vickie had oversight of homecoming week last fall and serves as a leader in promoting school spirit, establishing incentives and student activities, and has been a member of the student government for four years. Also active with the Naples BBYO chapter, she was elected the first N’siah - girls’ president from July 2012 to August 2013. Starting the fledging post for girls in grades 9 to 12, recruitment was a primary goal and one that increased markedly during her service to the organization. “I really enjoyed helping Naples BBYO start from the ground up. I am now an active member and am so proud

Nick, Vickie and Allie Diamond

to see how much it continues to grow,” said Vickie. “Being Jewish is a big aspect of my life. I have attended Camp Coleman for three summers, and I went to Israel with NFTY in 2012. Going to Israel was a life-changing experience and really helped form my Jewish identity.” Family is important to Vickie. Along with her siblings Nick, age 11, and Allie, age 20, a sophomore at Florida Gulf Coast University, her mother Nina and father Mike, she attends Temple Shalom in Naples. “My inspiration is my grandmother Nancy Diamond, as she is the strongest person I know. I aspire to be somebody who is as generous and loving as she is. She has a positive attitude and showed me how to face challenges and trials,” said Vickie.

“My dad is the same way and they both always see the glass half full no matter what. My mom is selfless and I admire the way she can take care of her family with total dedication.” Vickie’s parting words of wisdom to her peers are simple: “I have learned thus far that it is always important to keep smiling no matter what. It’s so important to focus on the future and to put all your efforts into achieving your goals.” 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.

The Diamond family at the Colosseum: Mike, Vickie, Nina, Allie and Nick (in the foreground)

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

Naples BBYO builds friendships

he BBYO mission is to engage more Jewish teens, in more meaningful Jewish experiences that inspire a lasting connection to the Jewish people. This is especially important for post-Bar/Bat Mitzvah teens, as they may not have other opportunities for Jewish engagement during high school. To the Naples BBYO teens, BBYO is a fun way to develop relationships with other Jewish teens. Whether it’s a chapter meeting or a social at the ice skating rink, teens are eager for the leadership opportunities and the fun, engaging programs within the Jewish community. Part of the reason that programs are such fun for teens is that they plan the events themselves. At new member convention, Tamara Zishuk, BBYO’s regional president said, “You all look out for one another and show one another that friendship and family have no boundaries. That is something

so special about each and every one of you. It doesn’t matter where you come from, what your personality is like, who you hang out with in school, what you wear, or anything else, you all manage to be friends and it is so inspiring. Thank you all for making North Florida Region BBYO more than a region and turning it into a family.” The emphasis on teen-led programming also gives teens a chance to develop their leadership skills. The teens learn skills in marketing, fundraising and communication that will help them in high school, college and beyond. Lory Conte, BBYO director, said, “BBYO is a global teen movement, and it’s a great opportunity for teens in Naples to meet people not only in their own communities but from all over Central Florida and even all around the world.” Visit www.BBYO.org for more information.

FGCU Hillel update By the FGCU Hillel Board

ith the Spring 2014 semester in full swing, Hillel is busy planning many events for our students and community members. We are planning monthly Shabbat dinners as well as our annual Passover Seder on Tuesday, April 15. We encourage everyone from the community to join us for this Kosher Seder. This is a free event, but donations are always welcome and appreciated. The Seder will take place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Cohen Center Ballroom on FGCU’s campus.

We are sponsoring a Taglit-Birthright Israel trip in May. We are very excited to have the opportunity to experience Israel as a group. If you would like to get involved with Hillel and keep up to date with our important announcements, please email us at swflhillel@eagle.fgcu.edu and you will be added to our email list. You can also find us on Facebook at FGCU Hillel. Thanks for your support and go Eagles!

BRIEFS

SodaStream’s Chief Operating Officer Yossi Azarzar says. Nahida Fares, 28, from Ramallah, said, “There are no job opportunities in the West Bank. Even the jobs that do exist pay no more than $430-$570 a month.” Fares now earns triple those sums. Fares’ husband, a PA security officer, earns $570 per month. (Elhanan Miller, Times of Israel)

continued from page 21A factories in Palestine employing Palestinians is precisely the sort of thing everyone should be wishing for – for the quantifiable advantage of employment and foreign currency. In any other context, this is called FDI (foreign direct investment) and is eagerly sought by politicians. When it comes to Israel-Palestine, however, normal discourse goes silent. (Yaacov Lozowick, Israel’s Chief Archivist)

AT SODASTREAM, PALESTINIANS HOPE THEIR BUBBLE WON’T BURST

Naples BBYO teens attended a new member convention in Lake Placid, Florida, in February. Pictured are: Ben Klausner, Saige Feldman, Taylor Bollt, Cloe Feldman, Zoe Van Slyke, Sara Klausner, Karolena Daitz

SodaStream’s Mishor Adumim plant employs 1,300 workers; 950 Arabs (450 Israeli and 500 Palestinian) and 350 Israeli Jews. Salaries and work benefits – workers confirm – are equal for all workers in comparable jobs, regardless of ethnicity or citizenship. The factory secures Israeli work permits for its Palestinian employees as well as rides from their home and back,

ISRAELI COMPANY TESTING FLYING AMBULANCE DRONE

The AirMule, an unmanned flying ambulance, has successfully completed a series of fully automatic test flights, the Israeli firm Urban Aeronautics announced recently. AirMule is significantly quieter – and stealthier – than a helicopter, and capable of landing in tight spaces with ease. The unmanned hovercraft could also serve civilian functions, rescuing patients injured by natural disasters or delivering food and supplies to isolated populations. (Joshua A. Krisch, Popular Mechanics)

26A Federation Star March 2014

FOCUS ON YOUTH

Temple Shalom Preschool update By Seyla Cohen, Preschool Director

ll parents are invested in providing the best for their children. Beginning at an early age, offering a strong foundation is essential. One of the best gifts a parent can offer is a solid preschool education. So how is this defined? Every child’s needs are different. However, it would be safe to say that a loving, secure place to come where one feels protected and valued is essential. Such an atmosphere affords the student the opportunity to develop a sense of worth and confidence – vital elements to becoming a self-assured and successful individual. Preschool lays the building blocks upon which this groundwork is built. Temple Shalom Preschool (TSP) provides the essential ingredients. With passionate, experienced, devoted staff, a loving environment, state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, and a progressive curriculum, our learners and families thrive. TSP provides a close-knit community in which staff cares and families share stories and experiences. Long-

term relationships often result and a support system is always available. Such components make for a well-connected, well-tooled machine providing a stable ground to base a firm life footing. Once children’s needs are met they are able to be all they can be and learning rockets. The ability to explore, discover and create is released. Students are curious to absorb those skills so important to begin their formal schooling. Reading readiness, math, science, geography, technology, art and history are introduced. A world of knowledge and exposure opens up. Understanding becomes a passion. Now that we are approaching the last quarter of the school year, we are planning registration for the 2014-2015 school year. Those students who are currently enrolled are given first opportunity to sign up for the upcoming year. Once those spots have been filled, enrollment is open to the general public. Providing a nurturing, caring, academically-challenging program, stateof-the art equipment, and experienced,

educated teachers, Temple Shalom Preschool looks forward to continued success for the upcoming school year. Those interested in learning more are invited to call the preschool office at 239.455.3227. Ask for Gloria, the Office Manager, or me to receive information or set up a tour. This year, the Jewish Federation of Collier County has been instrumental in helping to provide exceptional educa-

tion to the students of TSP by donating a very generous contribution. This gift will enable us to give financial aid to the families that want to be part of our TSP family. As the Director of Temple Shalom Preschool, I would like to express a personal “Thank You” to the Federation for this much appreciated grant.

Preschool of the Arts update By Ettie Zaklos, Preschool Director

very day of every month is busy at Preschool of the Arts, but February seemed especially packed full with a wide variety of exciting activities for the tiniest of our students all the way up to our preschoolers’ grandparents. To begin with, we held our third annual Grandparents Day. The children put on a show and danced and sang for the grandparents. We were then treated with a spectacular Exotic Animal Show, complete with snakes, monkeys and even an alligator. We then proceeded to a special gardening activity,

where the children decorated pots and planted flowers with their grandparents as a treasured keepsake. It was also Agriculture Month, when we focused on plants, namely fruits and vegetables. We have recently added a greenhouse to our Preschool, where the children will learn how to properly care for and cultivate edible plants that they will incorporate into our Little Chefs’ cooking classes. The highlight, so far, has been discovering plants that smell like popcorn, root beer and other treats.

Preschool of the Arts children enjoy an eco-friendly art project with a Visiting Artist

We also enjoyed our monthly Visiting Artist, Marile Franco. Marile is an eco-friendly artist who taught the children how to make paint out of flour, water and food coloring. The children then painted slices of tree trunks with their freshly-made paint. Recently, each class studied its own classroom’s namesake: Monet, Da Vinci, Van Gogh, Picasso and Cassatt. For example, students in the Mini Monet class did their own interpretations of Monet’s famous Water Lilies painting, using sponges and Q-tips. The paintings were beautifully displayed and the children were so proud of their masterpieces. Enrollments for both Summer of the Arts and Preschool of the Arts Fall Programs are in full swing. The Summer of the Arts theme this year is Let’s Go Camping!

Preschool of the Arts “Tiny Da Vinci Student” explores painting with balloons

Summer of the Arts is a dynamic six-week summer program for The Minors (ages 18 months to four years) and The Majors (ages five to nine). Your child will be a part of a warm and nurturing environment under the professional care of experienced, well-trained and qualified teachers. The goal of Summer of the Arts is to expose the children to the world around them through a fun-filled program where they get to experience the arts, music, culture, food, games, crafts and activities. While The Minors will stay on campus throughout the program, The Majors will also get to participate in exciting field trips. To register for our incredible Summer of the Arts program, which runs from June 9 through July 18, please call 239.263.2620. You can enroll your child for the entire six-week program or week by week. 2014-2015 registration Registration is in full swing for the 2014-2015 preschool year and our classes are filling up faster than expected! Preschool of the Arts, a stateof-the-art education center with modern classrooms and playground – and the only Eco-Healthy Child Care Center in Collier County – is committed to helping children explore our Jewish and American heritages through a diverse arts program. Our curriculum includes a visual arts program, a performing arts program (music), a culinary arts program (Little Chefs and vegetable garden), yoga, My Gym and educational (and fun!) field trips. For more information or to schedule a visit to our school, please call 239.263.2620 or visit www.naplespre schoolofthearts.com.

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

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

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

27A Federation Star March 2014 SYNAGOGUES BETH TIKVAH

March 2014 Federation Star

27A

www.bethtikvahnaples.org / 239-434-1818

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

eth Tikvah’s Naples Jewish Film Festival runs on the first, third, fourth and fifth Mondays in March at 7:00 p.m. at Norris Center. Visit http://naplesjewishfilmfestival.org for details. Let’s hear the 150-person applause for Bob and Shelley Goodman who ran our spectacular Yiddishkeit Night. The klezmer music by our own Naples Klezmer Revival Band, and the comedy by lawyer-raconteur Alf Kwinter were terrific. And those powerhouse desserts were great too! See photos from this event on page 10B and on our website. Adult Education Rabbi Chorny offers two courses on Tuesdays. Jewish Perspectives, which explores contemporary issues through the lens of Jewish teachings, meets at 12:15 p.m. Liturgical Hebrew, designed to make people comfortable with the siddur, meets at 4:00 p.m. Conservative Judaism, also led by Rabbi Chorny, is keyed to chapters in The Observant Life, an amazing compendium of information and insight valuable to Jews of all stripes. The

course meets at 8:00 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Lecture “The Voyages of the Jewish People in the 20th Century” with popular lecturer, author and historian Gerald Ziedenberg concludes on Thursday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m. with “Exodus 1947,” the true story of the ship that launched a nation. Hunger strikes, ship ramming, and imprisonment awaited 4,500 Jewish Holocaust survivors who wanted only to arrive in their promised land. The story is memorialized in the Leon Uris book and the Otto Preminger movie. Purim plans Purim arrives on the evening of Saturday, March 15. We will begin with a 7:30 p.m. Havdalah service and then enter the zaniest of Jewish holidays with a full Megillah reading and more than a bit of fun. Come in costume, bring your noisemakers, and drown out the villain’s name once again. On Sunday, services begin at 9:30 a.m. and will include a Megillah reading and some wild surprises. Later in the day, we will have our Purim Talent Show. Member and

JEWISH CONGREGATION OF MARCO ISLAND

nonmember families welcome. Nosh some...oh, you know! Meet the author On Thursday, March 20, meet Ellen Rodman, co-author of Pepper, Silks, and Ivory: Amazing Stories About Jews and the Far East. Dr. Rodman is a writer, producer and the president of LN Productions LLC, a production and media consulting company based in New York. Dr. Rodman served as an executive at NBC, launching the first missing children’s campaign in connection with the made-for-television movie Adam, and at Group W, where she accepted a DuPont Columbia Award for Whispering Hope, the company’s outreach program on Alzheimer s disease. Former family entertainment reviewer for The New York Times, Dr. Rodman’s subjects range from culture & media to education & health. Dr. Rodman will talk about her new book, which will be available for sale and signing. Arthur Miller’s All My Sons Join the Beth Tikvah group on Sunday, March 30 for a 3:00 p.m. matinee at Gulfshore Playhouse.

This electrifying American classic focuses on two families in the aftermath of World War II. In a quiet Ohio neighborhood, a marriage proposal unlocks secrets and threatens to shatter the American dream. Arthur Miller, son of Polish-Jewish parents, won the first Tony Award ever given to a playwright and cemented his status as one of America’s greatest writers. Tickets are $40 per person. Call Phil at 239.598.2880. 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 convene Yahrzeit minyanim upon request. Please join us at any service. Our participatory worship services and most other events are held at 1459 Pine Ridge Road just west of Mission Square Plaza. For more information, call 239.434.1818, email bethtikvahnaples@ aol.com or visit www.bethtikvahnaples. org. You can reach Rabbi Chorny directly at 239.537.5257.

www.marcojcmi.com / 239-642-0800

President’s message Roger Blau JCMI President

t my last birthday I passed the age my father reached when he died. That’s the kind of thing that gets one’s attention. I look at photographs of my father

and try to imagine him being younger than I am. It’s difficult to comprehend. Even when I look at photos of him when he was much younger than I am now, he still “looks older” because he’s my dad. I wonder, “Why am I so blessed to live beyond the years of my father?” I think I know the answer, at least in part. My father made sure that I received an education that enabled me to have a healthier career choice than he was

Chabad Jewish Center OF NAPLES

able to have. That education enabled me to pursue a career that was beyond his reach as a poor Polish immigrant to the U.S. around 1920. My father, like many if not most Jewish fathers of his day, put the education of their children at the very top of their list of obligations. After my father died, I looked in his wallet and found a note he left for me when he went to work one morning at 3:00 a.m. (Yes, every day he went to work at 3 o’clock in the morning.)

The note, which was attached to some folding money, said simply: “Roger: for books.” I had written on the note: “Thanks Daddy.” I took the money and left the note on the kitchen counter. Years later I discovered that he carried this note in his wallet all that time. My father worked until the day he died at 67. I retired at 50 and moved to paradise. Thanks for everything, Dad. I love you!

www.chabadnaples.com / 239-262-4474

Chabad Jewish Center of Naples update 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 Wednesday, with a wide variety of exciting speakers and programs. Call ahead to let us know you are coming.

Purim Purim can be exciting, and what could be more exciting than Purim with an African theme! This year’s festivities promise to be a blast. Visit www. chabadnaples.com/purim for more information. Partners’ brunch Our Partner Project has grown to 300 members since its inception. At Chabad, although our incredible Partners are very special to us all the time, once

naples jewiSh cONGREGATION

a year we like to meet and greet over a friendly brunch. Be sure to join us on Sunday, March 23 at Chabad. Passover Seder Chabad’s very popular and well-attended Passover Seders are usually sellouts, so reserve Monday, April 14. 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. Kiddush and a social gathering for the entire family follows services. Hebrew School Introduce your children to their heritage and ensure their meaningful participation. Varied stimulating programs that include projects, activities and discussions provide insights into contemporary Jewish life. Hebrew School is held on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Registration is still open.

www.naplesjewishcongregation.org / 239-234-6366

Naples Jewish Congregation update By Suzanne L. Paley, President

everal months ago a syndicated column appeared in the Naples Daily News detailing one gentleman’s experience with not feeling welcome at a church service. This column generated a lot of response, both in the news and among congregations. I am happy and proud to say that Naples Jewish Congregation has had, and continues to have, a reputation for being a very friendly and welcoming congregation. Several members who have just recently joined our temple have commented on how welcoming everyone is. Comments include: “I was so pleased to come to a service and see other seniors like ourselves.” “Your ser-

vices seem joyful and happy as well as thoughtful.” “For a small congregation you certainly have a lot going on – so many activities to choose from.” Our adult Reform congregation represents a variety of Jewish backgrounds as well as a variety of different stages of life. We have couples, singles, recent singles, retirees and people who are still working full and part time. I feel that each person has something to contribute – a piece of a puzzle, if you will, that makes up our congregation. As president, I try to incorporate many of the Jewish traditions that seem lost on our younger generations. This also helps to make people feel at home and

welcome. I hope that those of you who are currently unaffiliated, or looking for a change, will join us for Friday night Shabbat services or at one of our events that are open to the entire Jewish community. For more information, please call me at 239.776.7559, or Rabbi Wolf at 239.234.6366. On Friday, March 7, our Shabbat service will be conducted by members of our Men’s Club. Please join us at 7:30PM as the men take over the bimah for the first of what they hope will become an annual event. On Friday, February 28 we will hold a Pot Luck Supper followed by our Shabbat service. During the service,

I will be assisted by my cousin, James Good, who is the nephew of Rabbi Alexander Goode, of the Four Chaplains. He will provide some personal memories and stories about his uncle, as well as stories from the fateful night of February 3, 1943. This is my segue to my next announcement. On Sunday, March 30 at 4:00 p.m., our “Sunday Night at the Movies” will present The Jazz Singer – from Al Jolson to Neil Diamond. Why is this my segue? Because Rabbi Alexander Goode was married to Al Jolson’s niece, Theresa! (I know, it’s a bit of a

continued on next page

28A Federation Star March 2014 COLLIER/LEE CHAPTER OF HADASSAH

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

Hadassah update Lynn Weiner President

y now you have probably heard that Hadassah is bringing the acclaimed theatrical production Warsaw: A Story in Song to both Naples and Fort Myers on March 8 and 9 for a Hadassah Benefit. This will be our big fundraiser of the year! Chairwomen Ida Margolis and Rhonda Brazina and their team have worked tirelessly to ensure that this courageous and important story will be told in our local communities. Ida’s daughter, Jamibeth Margolis, is a Broadway director who has put together a stellar New York cast in addition to local and regional actors. The writer and composer will also be here. Warsaw has played to sellout crowds across the Northeast and this will be its

Florida premier. Please join us and invite your friends and neighbors to attend this unparalleled event which will be performed on Saturday, March 8 at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Beth El in Fort Myers, and on Sunday, March 9 at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Shalom in Naples. This event is open to the whole community. Both performances will benefit Hadassah and Hadassah Medical Organization. General Admission is $36, and $10 for students. Sponsorships are also available. Sponsors will be invited to an elegant dessert reception after the show to meet the director, composer and cast. For more information or tickets, contact Ida Margolis at ida.margolis2@gmail.com or 239.963.9347, or Rhonda Brazina at rfbraz@aol.com. If you would like to be a Table Captain and reserve a sponsor table at the dessert reception for you and your friends, contact me 239.598.1009 or lynninaples@yahoo.com. Here are some interesting Hadassah facts. Collier/Lee Chapter is part of the Florida Central Region of Hadassah

which has 8,500 members and 1,400 Associates (male affiliates of Hadassah). There are 36 regions across the country and 800 local chapters! Hadassah International supports Hadassah Medical Organization and has chapters all over the world! The new Director General of Hadassah Medical Organization in Jerusalem is Avigdor Kaplan. His specialty is hospital management. Marcie Natan is the current National President of Hadassah. Hadassah has just sold “Hadassah House,” the building in New York that has served as its headquarters for many years. Hadassah’s National offices will move to three floors of a high-rise building on Wall Street at the end of 2014. Upcoming programs March will be a busy month for Hadassah. The men of Hadassah will have an Associates Brunch on Sunday, March 2 at noon at L’ Osteria Restaurant at the Town Center in Village Walk in Naples. RSVP to Jack Wiadro at jwiadro@ comcast.net or 239.269.6200.

On Wednesday, March 19 at 1:00 p.m. at the Jewish Federation of Collier County offices, Fran Nossen will present “A Drop in the Budget: Tools and Tips to Manage Your Household, Your Life Events and Your Organizational Activities.” For details, call Fran Nossen at 239.591.3956. Our Spring Meeting and Luncheon will take place on Tuesday, March 25 at 10:45 a.m. at Wyndemere Country Club in Naples. Our guest speaker from Jewish National Fund will give a presentation on “Positively Israel.” In addition, we will have another “Hike for Health.” For details, contact Debbie Slutsker at 763.442.2045 or debbie-slutsker@comcast.net. For our Daytime Study Group, contact Arlene Yedid at 239.455.1912 or arleney2001@embarqmail.com. For information on the Evening Activity Group, call Lauren Becker at 239.592.5304. I hope to see you at Hadassah!

www.ort.org / 239-649-4000

ORT AMERICA – GULF BEACHES CHAPTER

If you liked the private-art tour, register for the March art series By Helene Dorfman Fuchs

o paraphrase Vincent Price, the late actor, author and art connoisseur, Dr. Laurence Sibrack and his wife, Rita, know what they like and, more important, like – no love – what they know. Their audience – Gulf Beaches ORT members and supporters – could “feel the love” on January 23 as Dr. Sibrack conducted a tour and gave a talk in the couple’s comfortable home. This, the second annual private-art tour sponsored by Gulf Beaches, was the chapter’s major 2014 fundraiser. The Sibracks, warm, welcoming and enormously knowledgeable, have collected glass and ceramic art for about 20 years. The collection is international in scope. The Sibracks have personally met most of the artists, and they shared stories about their travels, the artists, and the meaning and inspiration of the sculptures. Art is displayed ubiquitously, but there’s no clutter. On one table sits a Dale Chihuly, a magnificent silvery blue piece from his “silver series,” with flowers wound around the sculpture. Look in another direction and you see a work by Chihuly’s student, Toots Zynsky. She used threads of glass to make a vibrant red vessel flat as a pancake. One piece that attracted attention stands alone in a corner. A mannequin wearing a colorful strapless dress made entirely of glass beads, it was purchased from the Horchow catalog, proving that art can be found almost anywhere. Even if you missed the private-art tour, you still have a chance to immerse yourself in art. Plan to participate in the chapter’s three-part “Just Dessert” series in March, which features clay artist Richard Rosen and art historians Dottie

Magen and Ellaine Rosen (no relation to Richard). All programs begin with dessert at 1:00 p.m. The cost is $75 for the series or $28 for a single program. On Thursday, March 13, Ellaine Rosen will present “Jewish Artists of the Paris School” at the Jewish Federation of Collier County, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. A graduate of Columbia University, Ellaine has a bachelor of religious education from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America and a master’s degree in education from Harvard. She has been a docent at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh for more than three decades and a docent at the Baker Museum in Naples since 2009. On Wednesday, March 19, Richard Rosen will demonstrate his work at Rosen Gallery & Studios, 2172 J&C Blvd., Naples. His work combines sculpture, painting and occasionally woodworking. Representative pieces can be seen in the Collectors’ Corner of Artis—Naples, at Sweet Art Gallery and at the Center for the Arts on Marco Island. In 2009, one of his clay sculptures took Best in Show at the 30th annual Naples National Art Festival. Rosen, who teaches Clay Handbuilding classes for adults and children at his gallery, has said that he strives to make his art “fun and stimulating.” On Monday, March 24, Dottie Magen will lecture on “Caravaggio, the Artist and the Man” at the Jewish Federation. She is a founding member and former president of Gulf Beaches chapter. She graduated from Temple University, has a master’s in education and counseling from Antioch, and completed an art appreciation program at

Naples Jewish Congregation...continued from previous page stretch, but as a kid growing up with family stories, I thought it was special that my cousins were sort of related to a movie star!) The event will be held at the Federation offices. Please reserve your seats by contacting Les Schwartz at 239.254.9086 or ELIAS21@gmail.com. There is no charge, but a contribution is always welcome. If you like to eat deli and you like to laugh and have fun, please join us

for our Purim Fest on Friday, March 14 at 6:00 p.m. prior to services. We will have a deli supper that you can purchase for $15 and you can make your own gregor. Then we will all participate in a short Shabbat service, followed by the Megillah reading and a Purim Shpiel presented by some very special guests stars. To reserve and pay for your deli supper, please contact Pat Levy at 239.597.3124 or plevy02@aol.com.

Florence Feinson, Rita Sibrack, Dottie Magen, Larry Sibrack (photos by Bill Kruschel)

the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia. A former docent at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, she has been a docent at Artis—Naples galleries and Baker Art Museum since 1994. She teaches art history classes at the

Renaissance Academy of Florida Gulf Coast University, Hodges University and the Shell Point Academy of Lifelong Learning. For reservations and more information, call Dottie at 239.596.2536.

Hella Amelkin and Marebe Crouse

Glass art from Sibrack Collection

Simonne and Alexander Kott

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.

29A Federation Star March 2014 ORGANIZATIONS

March 2014 Federation Star

29A

239-353-5963 / 239-354-9117

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN

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

t our January meeting, we were honored to have Nancy Lascheid and her daughter Leslie, CEO of the Neighborhood Health Clinic, as our guest speakers. Nancy, a retired trauma nurse, and her husband Bill, a retired physician, founded the Neighborhood Health Clinic in 1999 to provide medical care for the working poor of Collier County. The program began with one volunteer and eight patients. Now there are 10 full-time and 10 part-time employees supporting the efforts of more than 700 volunteers – approximately 250 physicians, 100 nurses and 350 nonmedical personnel. Clinic patients are working but uninsured men and women employed in food services, child and adult care, construction, pool and lawn services, and housekeeping work in our

community; 14,000 patients are in the database. For $20, a visit includes medication and treatment. An angel fund assists with payments for those patients who pay what they can. The Neighborhood Health Clinic is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization governed by a board of directors comprised of community leaders. It is funded solely by the community through individual donations, the United Way, foundation grants, businesses, religious groups, and civic organizations. The Clinic does not accept any government funding. The Clinic offers: ¡¡ a medication room which serves as a dispensary, enabling patients to leave with their medications ¡¡ several specialty clinics: cardiology,

HUMANISTIC JEWISH HAVURAH

¡¡

¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡

dental, dermatology, endocrinology, ENT, gynecology, hepatology, lipids, neurology, rheumatology, urology patient education and research projects including diabetes selfmanagement, colon cancer screening, hepatitis C treatment, healthy lifestyles, quit smoking now, breast health and social services basic lab services with more complex procedures referred out at no charge radiology services referred out at no charge behavioral health services referred out at no charge hospitalization at NCH and Physicians Regional, including care by specialty physicians, provided at no charge to the Clinic or its patients

Clinic hours are convenient for working people: Monday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. More than 200 patients are treated in a typical week. Thanks to the Lascheids for sharing the story of the Neighborhood Health Clinic. What a wonderful resource in our community. Special thanks to Maraline Rane for providing this information. *** Please join us for our annual fundraiser fashion show luncheon on Thursday, March 20 at 11:30 a.m. at the Vineyards Country Club. Our own members will model fashions by Pretty Woman. Please send your check for $35 to Carolyn Greenberg, 6095 Manchester Place, Naples, FL 34110.

www.humanisticjewishhavurahswfl.org / 239-398-3935

Purim – a holiday with Humanistic Jewish content Paula Creed President

he Humanistic Jewish Havurah of Southwest Florida will present an original Purim spiel at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 16 in the Community Room of the Jewish Federation of Collier County, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 2201, Naples. Come and celebrate this ancient Jewish holiday, and enjoy the Jewish tradition of tumult, noise, fun and laughter! Reservations are being accepted by Dena Sklaroff at denas27@aol.com or 239.591.0101. Purim evolved from a nature festival, bound up with the passing of winter and the approach of spring, a holiday Jews adopted from their non-Jewish neighbors. From the beginning it had the characteristic of a spring masquerade, a

festival of play and frolic, of merriment and mischief, of abandon and wine drinking. It was one of several “welcome to spring” fertility festivals. Yahveh was not in its original cast of characters. Rival deities who had their origins in Babylonia held center stage. Marduk (Mordecai) was the god of the heavens. Ishtar (Esther) was the goddess of the fertile earth. Haman was the underworld devil, comparable to Hades in a Greek setting. Ishtar and Haman, the forces of life and death, vie with each other. Ishtar triumphs. And so, of course, does spring. Like Mardi Gras, the day was filled with dramatic reenactments of the story and sexual liaisons to promote fertility. While the origin of the name “Purim” is obscure, what is sure is that the priests and rabbis cleaned the holiday up for official Jewish use. Marduk and Ishtar could not remain in the story as gods. They reemerged as two nice Persian Jews who were now being persecuted by a Persian devil called Haman. The Book of Esther is a result of these revisions.

But, for the rabbis, a story with no reference to Yahveh – even though enormously appealing to the masses – was highly suspect. If it were not for the fact that the rabbis needed Purim to erase the memory of the Maccabees, the book of Esther would never have been accepted into the Holy Scriptures. Political conflict between the rabbis and the Maccabees brought the Book of Esther into the Bible, and Purim into the official Jewish calendar. Uncomfortable with Purim but faced with a festival that the people would not abandon, the rabbinic leaders found a way to suit it to their purposes. On the thirteenth day of Adar, the day before Purim, Jews celebrated Nicanor’s Day, commemorating a major Maccabean victory over a Greek general named Nicanor. The rabbis, to minimize the influence of their rivals, the Maccabees, turned Nicanor’s Day into the Fast of Esther, immediately preceding Purim, and gave the playful folk holiday their grudging blessing. This political controversy rescued the holiday. Substitution

of Purim for Nicanor’s Day was an attractive alternative to the celebration of the Maccabean victory, and ultimately Nicanor’s Day disappeared. For Humanistic Jews, Purim is a celebration of the heroic in Jewish history, a tribute to human ethical role models. Human courage and ingenuity are the center of a story about the triumph of good over evil. Humanistic Jews celebrate heroes and chastise the villains of the world through modern Purim spiels. The masks of Purim become the faces of Jewish men and women worthy of emulation, from Mordecai to Theodore Herzl and Albert Einstein, and from Esther to Henrietta Szold and Golda Meir. *** Note: The Humanistic Jewish Havurah presents its Passover Seder on Tuesday, April 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the Bonita Bay Club. A traditional Passover menu will be served following the reading of our Humanistic Haggadah. Our website contains the details regarding this event.

www.jwi.org / 239-498-2778

JEWISH WOMEN INTERNATIONAL

JWI receives Avon Foundation grant for Breakthrough Bystander Behavior Training Program Millie Sernovitz JWI Past International President

hile the majority of parents talk to their teenagers about alcohol, drugs and sex, fewer than one-third have a conversation about healthy relationships or dating abuse. Though one in three high school students have experienced sexual abuse, physical abuse or threats of physical abuse from a dating partner, and half of teenagers in relationships report being

controlled, threatened and pressured to do things they did not want to do by his or her partner, nearly two-thirds of parents of teens in relationships do not think their children are at risk. With a generous grant from the Avon Foundation, Jewish Women International (JWI) is empowering adults nationwide to have meaningful conversations and interventions on teen dating abuse with young people. Equipped with the right information and strategies, adults – as parents, coaches, teachers, relatives and neighbors – can positively impact the teens in their lives to have safe and healthy romantic relationships. The project reaches adults where

For a continuously updated community calendar, visit www.jewishnaples.org.

they already are – at their places of work. Through a combination of inperson lunchtime training and a robust set of web tools, the program will focus on understanding and identifying dating abuse and best practices for talking to teens about the issue. JWI’s strong network of 150 women leaders in diverse businesses and organizations, including former Women to Watch, will enable JWI to bring

the Breakthrough Bystander Behavior Training Program to 100 workplaces this year. To learn more about the JWI’s program or other JWI endeavors locally and nationally, please contact Millie Sernovitz at 239.498.2778 or millie@ sernovitz.com. Also, please visit the JWI website at www.jwi.org or its companion website for Jewish Woman magazine at www.jwmag.org.

JEWISH WAR VETERANS 239-304-5953

Jewish War Veterans update By Gil Block, Commander Post # 202

ur annual Fund Raiser Brunch at Chabad Naples was a very successful event. We plan to spend some of the monies on aid to wounded war veterans. We also are planning to distribute fourteen $100 cash awards to deserving Jr ROTC cadets from our Collier County high schools. We will award

two students from each school. We would like to thank all the participants and guests who attended the brunch. Please join us at our next meeting, Sunday, March 16 at 10:00 a.m. in the Community Room of the Jewish Federation.

30A Federation Star March 2014

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Get the Service you Deserve March 2014 – 5774 SUNDAY lighting MONDAY Candle times:

March March March March 2

9:00am BT Minyan 9:00am BT Religious School 9:30am JCMI Rabbi Lecture 9:30am TS Sunday School 11:00am HDH Assoc Brunch 1:00pm CJD Program 4:00pm BBYO FAN event 4:00pm GenShoah speaker 7:30pm JCMI Cultural Series

7: 14: 21: 28:

For Purim events, check with your temple/organization 9:00am BT Religious School 9:30am JCMI Rabbi Lecture 9:30am JWV meeting 9:30am TS Sunday School 10:00am TS PS Safety Day 1:00pm HJH Comm Mtg 4:30pm HM GenShoah

9:00am BT Minyan/Rel Schl 9:30am JCMI Rabbi Lecture 9:30am TS Sunday School 10:30am NJC Adult Enrich

9:00am BT Minyan/Rel Schl 9:30am JCMI Rabbi Lecture 3:00pm BT Theater Outing

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY 1

6:13 7:17 7:20 7:24

8:30am TS Torah Talk 9:30am BT Services 9:30am JCMI Services 10:00am CHA Services 10:00am TS Services 6:00pm MCA Dinner & Comedy Night

10:00am NCJW Bd Mtg 2:00pm HDH Bd Mtg 5:30pm JCMI Bingo 7:30pm BT Film Festival

10:00am TS-S Bd Mtg 12:15pm BT Torah Study 1:00pm JCMI Dupl Bridge 1:30pm CJD Steering Cmte 4:00pm BT Liturg Hebrew 4:00pm JFCC Exec Cmte

9:00am BT Minyan 10:30am TS Naples Jewish 9:00am BT Religious School Caring Support Group 9:30am JCMI Rabbi Lecture 11:00am HM Elliot Katz 9:30am TS Sunday School 5:30pm JCMI Bingo 10:30am NJC Adult Enrich 2:00pm JCMI Film Festival 4:00pm Israel Tennis Center 7:00pm HDH Fundraiser

16 PURIM

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

10:00am Jewish Genealogy 11:00am JCMI-S Bd Mtg 11:30am TS-S Luncheon 12:15pm BT Torah Study 1:00pm JCMI Dupl Bridge 4:00pm BT Liturgical Hebrew 7:30pm JFCC Board Mtg

11:00am JCMI Fashion Show 11:00am JCMI Mah Jongg 11:30am CHA-M Meeting 5:30pm TS Rosh Chodesh 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 1:30pm JCRC Mtg 4:30pm BT Hebrew School 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School 4:30pm TS Hebrew School 8:00pm BT Consrv Judaism

11:30am ORT Board Mtg 5:30pm HJH Shabbat 6:00pm TS Shir Joy Shabbat 7:30pm BT 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

11:00am JCMI Mah Jongg 1:00pm ORT Event 3:00pm HM Exec Cmte Mtg 6:30pm HDH Evening Grp 7:00pm TS Exec Cmte 7:30pm BT GZ Talk

12:00pm JFCC Cardozo Soc Luncheon 7:30pm BT 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 7:00pm TS Adult Purim 7:30pm BT Erev Purim Svcs

11:00am HDH Knowl/Nosh 11:30am CHA-M Meeting 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 1:30pm Israel Advocacy Mtg 4:30pm BT Hebrew School 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School 4:30pm TS Hebrew School

12:00pm NJC-S Book Club 1:00pm HDH Study Group 5:30pm JCMI Bingo 7:30pm BT Film Festival

12:15pm BT Torah Study 1:00pm JCMI Dupl Bridge 4:00pm BT Liturgical Hebrew 7:00pm TS Board Mtg 7:30pm ZOA Event

9:30am HJH Bd Mtg 11:30am CHA-M Meeting 1:00pm HDH Program 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 1:00pm ORT Event 4:30pm BT Hebrew School 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School 4:30pm TS Hebrew School 8:00pm BT Consrv Judaism

11:00am JCMI Mah Jongg 11:30am NCJW Fundraiser 12:00pm NJC-M Mtg 1:30pm TS-S Book Bag 5:00pm BT Board Mtg 7:30pm JCMI Program

7:30pm BT 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

10:45am HDH Luncheon 12:15pm BT Torah Study 1:00pm JCMI Dupl Bridge 4:00pm BT Liturgical Hebrew 7:00pm TS Board Mtg

11:30am CHA-M Meeting 11:00am JCMI Mah Jongg 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 6:30pm HM Annual 4:30pm BT Hebrew School Fundraiser 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School 5:30pm CHA Storytime/ Dinner

10:30am TS Naples Jewish Caring Support Group 1:00pm ORT Event 5:30pm JCMI Bingo 7:30pm BT Film Festival

5:30pm JCMI Bingo 7:30pm BT Film Festival

9:00am WCA Board Mtg 6:00pm BT Eat & Learn 7:30pm BT 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 6:00pm TS-M Theater Fundraiser

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.

31A Federation Star COMMUNITY DIRECTORY March 2014 TEMPLE SHALOM OF NAPLES (Reform) 4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34119 Phone: 455-3030  Fax: 455-4361 Email: info@naplestemple.org www.naplestemple.org Rabbi Adam Miller Cantor Donna Azu James H. Perman, D.D., Rabbi Emeritus Yale T. Freeman, President Susan Shechter Daugherty, Exec. Dir. Caren Plotkin, Religious School Dir. Seyla Cohen, Preschool Director Peter Lewis, Organist/Choir Director Shabbat Services: Shabbat Eve - Friday 7:30 p.m. Shabbat - Saturday 10:00 a.m. • Sisterhood • Men’s Club • Adult Education • Havurot • Youth Groups • Religious School • Judaic Library • Hebrew School • Pre-School • Adult Choir • Social Action • Outreach

Naples’ only Judaica Shop

CHABAD NAPLES JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER serving Naples and Marco Island 1789 Mandarin Road, Naples, FL 34102 Phone: 262-4474 Email: info@chabadnaples.com Website: www.chabadnaples.com Rabbi Fishel Zaklos Dr. Arthur Seigel, President Ettie Zaklos, Education Director Shabbat Services Shabbat - Saturday 10am • Camp Gan Israel • Hebrew School • Preschool of the Arts • Jewish Women’s Circle • Adult Education • Bat Mitzvah Club • Friendship Circle • Smile on Seniors • Flying Challah • Kosher food delivery

March 2014 Federation Star

JEWISH CONGREGATION OF MARCO ISLAND

NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION

BETH TIKVAH

(Reform)

(Conservative)

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

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

1459 Pine Ridge Road Naples, FL 34109

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

Suzanne Paley, President Jane Galler, Cantorial Soloist

Shabbat Services Friday 8:00 p.m. Torah Study and Saturday Services

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

• Sisterhood • Men’s Club • Brownstein Judaica Gift Shop

Art Form If we canvassed our audience, we’d probably discover that quite a few of you have colored the Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation of Collier County and the Jewish community into your wills and trusts. It’s certainly easel enough to do. And if you haven’t, our curator, David Willens, can show you the landscape of charitable giving vehicles. There’s a broad palette available for you to paint the picture of your choice. Why not exhibit your talent at maintaining our Jewish heritage? Sculpt an estate plan with a lifetime gift or bequest to the Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation. And why not do it today while there’s…. Still life?

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 23, No. 7 March 2014 44 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 April Issue Deadlines: Editorial: March 3 Advertising: March 7 Send news stories to: fedstar18@gmail.com

31A

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

Please note our email addresses: David Willens, Executive Director – david@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

Like us on Facebook!

ConneCt with your Jewish Community

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

(just west of Mission Square Plaza)

Phone: (239) 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: Norman Krivosha • Executive Director: David Willens

American Technion Society • Chapter Dir: Jennifer Singer, 941-378-1500

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

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

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

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

Naples Friends of American Magen David Adom (MDA) • SE Reg Dir: Marc Glickman, 954-457-9766

Naples Jewish Social Club • Co-President: Arnold Bresnick, 566-1126 • Co-President: Harvey Chodock, 949-4927

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: Jane Hersch, 948-0003

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

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.

32A Federation Star March 2014

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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

March 2014 - Adar 5774

Vol. 23 #7

Jewish Happenings

Holocaust Museum & Education Center of SWFL presents Triumph 2014 – Lives of Purpose

ne of the best-kept secrets of number of fields, among them artist and World War II will be shared at sculptor Ellsworth Kelly and designer Naples Municipal Airport this Bill Blass. month when the Holocaust Museum & 2014 National Honoree Education Center of Southwest Florida “The Ghost Army” will be the 2014 will honor “The Ghost Army.” National Honoree for the Holocaust Armed with truckloads of inflatable Museum’s annual fundraising event, tanks, a world class collection of sound Triumph 2014 – Lives of Purpose. The effects records, and more than a few event will be held on Thursday, March tricks up their sleeves, this handpicked 27 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Hertz group of G.I.s was known officially as Hangar at Naples Municipal Airport. the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops. The Triumph Awards acknowledge They landed in France to conduct a contributions by individuals and orgaspecial mission, deceiving the Germans nizations who, having overcome adverabout U.S. troop strength and location at sity and opposition, positively affect strategically important sites in France, the lives of others. On hand to accept Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium. the National Triumph Award will be a Little was known about this topveteran of the Ghost Army, and Rick secret unit until the early 1990s. Their Beyer, producer of the recently aired creativity saved thousands of lives. PBS documentary, The Ghost Army. So realistic were their impersonations As the documentary said, “Illusion was of varied and vastly larger U.S. Army their ultimate weapon.” units, that they misled the Germans Earlier in the evening, at 5:30 p.m., into making serious strategic mistakes, the Patron Reception will be held at the and bought time for the U.S. Army until the real men and materials were ready to participate. The unit took part in more than twenty operations from 1944-1945. If Japan hadn’t surrendered, the unit would have played a part in the invasion of Japan as well. Composed of artInflatable tank used by “The Ghost Army” ists and sound technicians, specially recruited and trained, Hertz Hangar. Mr. Beyer will introduce the unit tailored their creations for the and show The Ghost Army” followed by mission at hand. They impersonated a Q&A with the Ghost Army veteran other units, built phony planes, convoys, and Mr. Beyer. gun emplacements and even a fake The Patron Reception event will Headquarters. They set up decoy, yet also include a surprise for the guests. realistic, radio operations. The aircraft As a follow-up to Triumph 2014, in they created were purposely left visible April and May, the Museum will present to fool enemy reconnaissance flights. the related exhibit “Artists of Deception, Many members of “The Ghost Army” the Ghost Army of World War II – A went on to memorable careers in a Multi-Layered Tale of Showmanship

Featuring the Art of the 23rd HQ Special Troops.” 2014 Local Honoree This year’s Triumph 2014 Local Honoree is Ms. Schaeffer McHenry, a graduate of Gulf Coast High School and a cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy. While a student at Gulf Coast, Ms. McHenry created a unique student organization called “The Friendship Circle.” Her inspiration for doing so is her cousin, Sara, who has Down’s syndrome. Sara had a very full and active social life in high school, and never lets her disability get in the way. Ms. McHenry wanted to be sure her own schoolmates wouldn’t miss out on the social aspects of school life due to their disabilities. The organization made such an impact on all the students involved, that Gulf Coast High School administration has made it a permanent club. Ms. McHenry will be present to accept the Award and talk about “The Friendship Circle.” The Museum is very pleased to have as this year’s co-chairs of the event, Ms. Maureen Lerner and Ms. Nancy White, both long-time supporters of the Museum and its educational programs. The Honorary Chairperson for Triumph 2014 is Peter Thomas, a prior

THE ZIG ZAG KID 03.03.14

Documentaries Promotional Videos

Triumph Award Honoree. Mr. Thomas, a well-known narrator and Naples resident, is a World War II veteran of the 104th U.S. Infantry Division. As a young soldier, he participated in both the DDay Invasion and the liberation of the Nordhausen Concentration Camp. Appropriately, given the military focus of this year’s Honorees, the event will be held at Naples Municipal Airport, which served as an Army Airfield training site during World War II. The airport also houses the Museum of Military Memorabilia, which displays a wide variety of donated military uniforms and artifacts from past conflicts. In addition to the presentation of the Triumph Awards, the event includes a Silent Auction and Small Plate Dining provided by some of Naples’ finest chefs. All proceeds from Triumph 2014 benefit the Holocaust Museum & Education Center’s educational programs. Tickets ($150-$450) for both the Patron Reception and Triumph Event can be purchased through the Holocaust Museum. For more information on tickets, Patron levels, Sponsorship opportunities, and any other inquiries, call the Museum at 239.263.9200 or visit www.holocaustmuseumswfl.org.

KADDISH FOR A FRIEND 03.17.14

ORCHESTRA OF EXILES 03.24.14

REMEMBRANCE 03.31.14

ONLY 200 SEATS AVAILABLE

SINGLE MOVIE TICKETS $25 STARTING FEBRUARY 1 IF AVAILABLE

COUNT US IN! I/We look forward to joining with the following level of support (check the option you would like):

Fundraising Capital Campaigns Film. Video. Music. 239-566-1771

www.abg-world.com

Subscriber - $100 per person • One ticket to each of the 4 movies • Private Dessert Reception Opening Night Screen • Recognition as a Subscriber

Individual Movie - $25 per person • Indicate desired movie below: ________________________________ • Indicate number of tickets: ________________________________

All supporters will be recognized in an April ad in the FedStar PLEASE MAIL THIS REQUEST WITH A CHECK MADE PAYABLE TO: NAPLES JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL | C/O BETH TIKVAH | 1459 PINE RIDGE ROAD | NAPLES | FLORIDA 34109

Name(s):

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Address:

Phone:

to purchase tickets or find out how to get involved contact us today info@NaplesJewishFilmFestival.org | Phone: 239.777.7805

TICKETS MAILED FEBRUARY 21

Federation Star March 2014

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

Holocaust Memorial Week at Edison State College

he Lee Campus of Edison State College will observe the Dr. Talbot Spivak Holocaust Memorial Week Monday, March 17 through Friday, March 21. The program, celebrating its eighteenth year with the theme “Life,” is named in memory of Edison’s long-time professor, Dr. Talbot Spivak, whose determination to teach the lessons of the Holocaust both in and outside the classroom led him to create this week-long program with collegewide support in 1996. A major feature of Holocaust Memorial Week at Edison is firsthand commentary by Holocaust survivors. Our local community has been blessed to have a number of residents who are Holocaust survivors and willing to share their personal Holocaust experiences in individual sessions and in lunchtime “roundtable” discussions. Each survivor sits at a different table and is joined by students and visitors. As the survivor shares his/her personal story, listeners

have the opportunity to ask questions they might not ask in front of a large group. Faculty and students state that this is a highlight of the week’s activities. Not to be missed, this activity is highly engaging and educational for students and community participants. For the opening event Monday morning, Holocaust survivor Cesare Frustaci will talk about his experiences during the Holocaust. His biography, You, Fascinating You, was written by Germaine Shames. A musical by the same name is based on the book. Mr. Frustaci will conclude his session with a book signing. Expanding on the success of the roundtable discussions, this year’s program will include a Lunch and Learn with local members of GenShoah, a nationwide network of children and grandchildren of survivors. GenShoah member Steve Brazina will lead a discussion, expanding on information provided in the documentary movie

The Long Way Home, which will be shown prior to his discussion. The film details Jewish Holocaust survivors’ experience in Displaced Persons Camps and after, including the effect that the establishment of the State of Israel had. Dr. Lyman O’Neal’s lecture on Nazi pseudo scientific experiments will be tied to an ethics lecture/discussion led by Dr. Russell Swanson. Dr. Catherine Wilkins will present a talk on how prisoners used art as a tool of survival in the camps. Local artist Myra Roberts will integrate a showing of her Anne Frank artwork with lessons on tolerance.

Students have an active role in Holocaust Memorial Week. Leading up to the week, students will participate in a poster competition and an essay contest. The Readers’ Theater will present dramatic readings of letters written by children of the Holocaust. There will also be a Book Club discussion, limited to Edison students, of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. A public screening of the movie The Boy in the Striped Pajamas will take place on Wednesday, March 19 at 6:00 p.m. in U-102. For additional information, call Professors Cindy Campbell at 239.489.9367, JoAnn Lewin at 239.489.9429 or Rona Axelrod at 239.489.9437.

All events are free and open to the public. The full program schedule will be available after March 1 on the Edison State College website at www.edison.edu/holocaust.

51 presenters at Holocaust conference at FGCU By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD

rom Sunday, March 16 to Tuesday, March 18, the Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers is hosting an international conference to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the start of the Holocaust in Hungary in 1944. It has been generally acknowledged that “The Holocaust in Hungary, 70 Years On: New Perspectives” will be the biggest event of its kind in the world, outside of Hungary itself, in this anniversary year. On March 19, 1944, Hungary was occupied by Nazi Germany, precipitating the Holocaust there – a move which was to initiate the fastest period of

concentrated mass murder of any of the occupied countries. The FGCU conference has brought together scholars from a wide variety of disciplines and countries to explore key issues and recent research relating to the Holocaust in Hungary – a time in which over half-a-million Jews were murdered in the space of eight months. The conference will see 51 presenters participating over two-and-a-half days. These scholars come from Hungary, Israel, Germany, Sweden, France, Canada and all over the United States. The primary aim of the conference is to educate students and members of the public to an area that has not had the full recognition it deserves in

KRISTEN COURY, PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

A IVEETIN GD RAMA ffrom Another RIVETING DRAMA Anoth nnoth othher eerr R RIVE ETTIN NG rom one one of of the the G RREATEST EATESSTT A MEER RRICA ICA N PPLAYWRIGHTS LAYW RRIGHTS IGHTS of GREATEST AMERICAN GREATES AME AM AN PLAYW WRIGHTS of all all time! time!

ALL MY

SONS BY ARTHUR MILLER SET IN SMALL-TOWN OHIO IN THE 1940S, George Deever returns from war to find his father in prison after his machine shop produced defective airplane parts, causing the deaths of many men. Meanwhile, his father's partner, Joe Keller, went free unscathed. As this intense play continues, a marriage proposal unlocks family secrets, illuminates the price of power, and shatters the American dream. Come see this fiery and emotional tale about family, love and the consequences of capitalism that won Arthur Miller the first Tony Award ever given to a playwright and cemented his status as one of America's greatest writers.

Call for Tickets: 1-866-811-4111

Single Tickets Start at $33 • 1/2 Price Tickets 1/2 Hour Before All Matinee Performances The Norris Center • 755 8th Ave. Naples, FL SEASON BENEFACTORS PATTY & JAY BAKER

Men’s Cultural Alliance (MCA) Want to meet other men for golf, tennis, cards, lunch, discussion groups and a host of other activities? Join the MCA today!

For more information or to be put on the eNewsletter list, email Steve Brazina at sbrazina@aol.com.

You must be a member of the Federation to sign up for the MCA!

Catholic/Jewish Dialogue of Collier County Readers & Thinkers group Presents

“Anti-Religious Violence “THE LONG WAY HOME”

Sunday, January - 4:00 p.m. Sunday, March12, 232:00 at 2:00 p.m.

MARCH M ARCH 2 27-APRIL 7-APRIL 1 19, 9, 22014 01 4

SHOW PARTNER

University parking restrictions will be in force (for example, do not park in areas reserved for students with a disability), but free parking for outside guests has been arranged in the Auxiliary Parking Lot (the so-called “Dirt Lot”) and also in Garage 1. Signs for parking will be posted. The conference will be held in the Cohen Center at FGCU, in rooms 213 and 214. While we are unable to provide refreshments for those attending, the Cohen Center incorporates the student dining areas, and refreshments will be available for purchase there. FGCU is located at 10501 FGCU Boulevard South in Fort Myers. For further information and a complete schedule of the program, please consult the website of the Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies at www.fgcu.edu/HC/Conferences. html.

Around the An award-winning filmWorld” and discussion on the establishment of the State of Israel. Presenter: Dr. George Blewitt

+ www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org •

Holocaust memory. The conference will be launched on Sunday, March 16, with a welcome from the Provost of FGCU, Dr. Ronald Toll, and an official opening by the Honorary Consul for Hungary to Southwest Florida, Dr. Stephen Gergatz. This important event promises to offer a major contribution to Holocaust Studies, and will certainly be a feature of activities for the Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies in 2014. Members of the community are invited to attend the conference, which is free. No registration process is required; it is simply sufficient to turn up to the sessions you would like to attend. However, the conference will be taking place during the university semester, and classes will be in attendance. Therefore, space will be limited, and those wishing to attend should plan accordingly.

CORPORATE PARTNER

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS BOB & LINDA HARDEN CHRISTINE PADDOCK

Jewish Federation of Collier County Jewish Federation of Collier County 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Suite 2201, Naples 2500 Vanderbilt BeachRoad, Rd., Ste. 2201, Naples RSVP to: Peter McCabe at 908.763.0495 RSVP to pmccabe@ambs-nj.com or pmccabe@ambs-nj.com

or lenoresue@comcast.net

3B Federation Star March 2014 JEWISH HAPPENINGS

March 2014 Federation Star

Behind the scenes of remarkable Warsaw: A Story in Song – a story of love, courage and hope New York Casting and Stage Director Jamibeth Margolis in conversation with Arlene Yedid

sn’t it unusual to use the story of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, a major part of the Holocaust, as a musical? To some people this may seem unusual, but there are many successful Broadway musicals that deal with serious historical topics such as the Civil War (The Civil War), pogroms (Fiddler on the Roof) or anti-Semitism (Parade). This show uses an epic scope like what you see in Les Miserables. What are the storyline and themes of this work? The musical drama, Warsaw, is based on the true story of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising on April 19, 1943, the largest and most sustained revolt by Jews during the Holocaust. A brave group of Jewish fighters in the Warsaw Ghetto resisted deportation to the Nazi death camps. Warsaw tells the story of Roman, a passionate young Jewish man trapped in the Warsaw Ghetto and separated from his Catholic fiancée, Ana. The couple struggles to

reunite against overwhelming odds. The story embodies the courage and stubborn desire to survive against all odds that defines the Holocaust’s heroes and survivors. Who wrote the music and lyrics? Warsaw is an epic musical drama. Its passionate score soars with the breathless sweep of Les Misérables and the rich harmonic texture of grand opera. The composer, William Wade, has written the scores of Alice with Frank Blocker, and Wounded Knee, which is currently in development. He has written ballets and orchestrations used by major ballet companies. John Atkins, writer of the book and lyrics, has previously written the book and lyrics for the musical Stages and libretto for the opera Redemption. He is currently developing the musical Monster. Are the actors professional New York actors? Nearly all of the performers you will see in Warsaw are

YIDDISH CLUB OF NAPLES

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

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

Come Schmooze and Enjoy!

professional New York actors and have appeared on Broadway or in National Tours in such shows as Fiddler on the Roof, Les Miserables, Cats and The Phantom of the Opera. Your grandmother influenced this work and your life. Why was she so special to you and your mother, Ida Margolis? My grandmother, Janet Moskowitz, was an amazing role model. This production is dedicated to everyone who was touched by the Holocaust, but especially my grandmother, a survivor of Auschwitz and Ravensbruck, who suffered so many losses in her life, yet

believed people should always do what is right and good, to help one another and strive to live in peace. Why is Warsaw: A Story in Song relevant to us today? Warsaw will encourage a new generation to learn from the Holocaust and condemn the anti-Semitism, racism and genocide that is still so prevalent in today’s world. Preventing hatred by advocating tolerance and promoting understanding are goals of great importance. There is a bright future for Warsaw on Broadway and beyond, with its capacity to entertain as well as educate.

Area performances of Warsaw: A Story in Song

here will be only three performances of this show in our area, and a sellout is expected at each venue. The first performance will be on Saturday, March 8 at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Beth El, 16225 Winkler Road, Fort Myers, and the final performance will take place on Sunday, March 9 at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Shalom, 4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples. The general admission for these evening performances is $36 and the student admission is $10. There are sponsorships still available for all performances. The evening performances will benefit the extraordinary work of Hadassah and Hadassah Medical Organization. A matinee will be performed at St. Ann Catholic Church Jubilee Center, 525 9th Avenue South, Naples, on Sunday, March 9 at 1:00 p.m. Ticket prices for the matinee are $25 for general admission and $10 for students. Proceeds from the matinee will help support the Catholic/Jewish Dialogue of Collier County and the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida.

This performance is dedicated to the memory of Ann Jacobson, who a central force in the Catholic/Jewish Dialogue and the Holocaust Museum. Ann was a strong supporter of bringing Warsaw: A Story in Song to our community. Her legacy is a reminder to us of the importance of being courageous, tolerant and kind as well as understanding that the terrors and evils of the Holocaust can and do repeat when we become indifferent. This is the message of Warsaw. Hadassah program co-chairs Ida Margolis and Rhonda Brazina are thrilled that audiences in Naples and Fort Myers will have the opportunity to see this important show that is inspirational and uplifting. The March 9 matinee was planned in the hopes that families with middle and senior high schools will attend, and understand the importance of tolerance. For information about the show, tickets and sponsorship opportunities, call Ida Margolis at 239.963.9347 or email Rhonda Brazina at rfbraz@aol. com.

Federation Star March 2014

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

ZOA presents Daniel Pipes Cultural Series welcomes By Gene Sipe, VP, Southwest Chapter ZOA Rabbi Marvin Tokayer

he January ZOA program featuring Mr. Bret Stephens, 2013 Pulitzer Prize Winner and Editor of The Wall Street Journal, was very well attended. Mr. Stephens’ audience filled the Temple Shalom sanctuary to capacity to hear his insightful perspective on the current situation in Israel regarding the Iranian nuclearization and U.S.-brokered peace talks. Based on the extended question and answer session, his presentation was extremely engaging. Our March program will be presented by Mr. Daniel Pipes, President of the Middle East Forum and Publisher of the Middle East Quarterly Journal. For more than 20 years, Mr. Pipes taught a course titled “International Relations: Islam and Politics,” and he worked for various think tanks where he specialized in foreign policy issues. He is the author of numerous books and policy papers, and has received numerous

internationally recognized awards. He also received an honorary doctorate from Yeshiva University in 2003. Mr. Pipes’ lecture will be presented on Tuesday, March 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Chabad Jewish Center of Naples. Admission to the program is $20. RSVP to the ZOA Southwest Florida Chapter no later than March 14 by email to info@ zoaswfl.org or by mail to Jerry Sobel, 4003 Upolo Lane, Naples, FL 34119. We encourage everyone to bring a friend to these programs. Our goal is that the high caliber of our programming will inspire and promote the most informed Zionists in South Florida. Chapter dues are only $25 per year and help us continue this fine programming. If you would like to become a member or have not yet paid your 2013/2014 dues, please make your check payable to ZOA and mail it to Jerry Sobel at the address above.

he Third Event of the Saul I. Stern Cultural Series will take place Sunday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island. The retired Rabbi of Japan, Rabbi Marvin Tokayer, will discuss Jewish History in Asia. Following his study at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America and his ordination in 1962, Rabbi Tokayer enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Chaplain. He was sent to Japan. After his discharge, he returned with his Israel-born wife, Mazel, to serve the Jewish Community of Japan. He agreed to go for two years, but it was more than a decade that he served as Rabbi of Japan and Director of Culture, Religion and Education for the Jewish Communities of the Far East. For many years he was the only rabbi in the Far East, requiring him to serve the needs of communities that included India, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore and Korea. When he arrived in Japan, Tokyo was had fewer than 1,000 Jews; there was also a smaller community in Kobe.

While there were American and Israelis, the community had its roots in the ravages of war. The congregation was made up of Jews from Siberia, Russia, Europe and Iraq who arrived on routes that often took them first through China. Rabbi Tokayer began a study of the Jewish history In Asia. Jewish families traced their routes to events such as the establishment of the Trans-Siberian railway or to the early days of Jewish merchants who moved in and out of China. Rabbi Tokayer will tell the remarkable history of the saving of approximately 24,000 Jews by the Japanese during World War II. He has written dozens of books. His first book, in Japanese, Wisdom of the Talmud, has sold well over half a million copies and has since been translated to Chinese and Korean. He was given over 8,000 documents, created from 1934 to 1940, detailing the plan of the Japanese to create a haven for Jews in Japan. For ticket information, please call the synagogue office at 239.642.0800 or see the block on page 11B.

On Death and Dying – Revisited By Rabbi James Perman

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

ecause the title of this series may seem a bit unsettling to some people, I feel obliged to explain just what this series is about. When I was starting out as a young rabbi, one of my mentors advised me never to speak to my congregation about death and dying. His exact words were, “Don’t speak about death. Older people are frightened of it and younger ones are convinced they’re never going to die!” That may have been true then, but it certainly isn’t now. There is hardly a film or TV show in which someone doesn’t die. But the same subject is also a real one, and it’s about us. Why talk about this now? Fourteen years ago (February 2000 to be exact), I offered some talks on “Death and Dying” in the Sunday School for Adults. There were probably some compelling reasons for choosing that topic back in the year 2000. Perhaps it was all the hype at that time about Y2K, the Evangelical view of the Millennium, or simply the speculative buzz going around about everything. Well, much more has been written on this subject in the fourteen years that have elapsed since I gave those talks. On a more personal level – far more immediate for me lately – I’ve had to say goodbye to a lot of good friends in our community. And, of course, consciousness of my own aging process now enters into the picture. What I’ve discovered are some solid, hopeful, even comforting ideas that I’m ready to share. Actually, now may just be the perfect time to address those questions that previously went unanswered, or even left unasked. To speak of these things now seems the most natural thing in the world. Today we want to do everything ‘naturally.’ We want our food to be

natural. We want the substances sustaining our health to be natural, unless of course we’re in danger, in which case we’ll tolerate just about anything. We all know – at least rationally we know it – that mortality is not an illness, that everything has a life, a beginning and an end. Our planet itself has a beginning and an end. So why are we so squeamish when it comes to talking about death? We have grown blasé over the loss of life every day in the news. It’s now possible to order a casket at Costco! How much more banal can it get? So, I thought this year might be a good time to revisit the subject. We’ll approach it systematically. We’ll go over the essential thinking of the best minds of our people from the Bible to modern times. Each thinker addressed a different generation as well as a unique set of circumstances, so each had a slightly different perspective on what it means to die. And then we’ll go into some of the modern issues connected with death – our various (and varying) beliefs about an afterlife, and today’s funeral practices from the perspective of traditionally held beliefs. Throughout the sessions, we’ll deal with practical issues of what we ought to be doing right now while we’re alive to ease our own way as well as make things simpler for those who survive us. There are two separate presentations over two Sunday mornings, March 2 & 9. We’ll be looking at traditional wisdom Jews have carried through the centuries, and carefully examine some of today’s biggest challenges and best thinking on the subject. We start at 10:30 a.m. Do bring your friends and continue the discussions on your own. This topic is of universal importance – no one is exempt.

The 2014 Sunday School for Adults Rabbi Emeritus James Perman teaches:

On Death and Dying – Revisited Sundays, March 2 & 9 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Temple Shalom, 4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples As always, no charge, and all are welcome. Bring your friends.

For more information, call the temple office at 239.455.3030.

5B Federation Star March 2014 JEWISH HAPPENINGS

March 2014 Federation Star

Temple Shalom events open to the community

All events take place at Temple Shalom (4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples) unless otherwise indicated.

h e Te m p l e S h a l o m R o s h Chodesh Group…a Women’s Gathering meets at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 6. Cantor Donna Azu leads a wide variety of activities and discussions that center around issues of importance to Jewish women. This diverse and welcoming group is comprised of women who gather on a monthly basis to celebrate the new month and their lives as Jewish women; to learn and to share as a community. There is no cost and all are welcome. For more information, please call the temple office at 239.455.3030. *** On Wednesday, March 12 at 11:30 a.m., Temple Shalom’s Sisterhood and Men’s Club are excited to invite you to a special luncheon presentation by nationally recognized travelogue and

nature photographer Jim Sernovitz, featuring Southeast Asia. Tickets are $15 and include a Chinese food lunch. For more information, please call Allan Kaye at 239.331.8858. *** Join Temple Shalom on Sunday, March 16 for a Purim celebration! The Megillah reading takes place at 10:30 a.m., followed by a wonderful and entertaining Purim shpiel, and our fabulous carnival! All our welcome. Carnival tickets are available through the Religious School. Call the school at 239.455.2233 for more information. *** There’s still time to join the Temple Shalom Sisterhood’s Book Bag group as it meets at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18 to discuss Once We Were Brothers by Ronald Balson. This contemporary legal

thriller follows the relentless pursuit to bring a wealthy Chicago philanthropist before the courts to answer for war crimes. It is also a look back into the lives of small town Poland during World War II. The Book Bag group meets in the treasure-filled Perman Library, and new attendees are always welcome. For more information, call Helen Weinfeld at 239.261.2421. *** Temple Shalom and the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida are proud and honored to bring to our community an extraordinary documentary, Skokie: Invaded But Not Conquered. This original documentary, produced by the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, examines the personalities and issues connected to the attempted neo-Nazi March in Skokie in

the late 1970s. Making extensive use of archival footage, as well as contemporary interviews, filmmaker Todd Whitman explores the impact of the Skokie March then and now. The film will be shown on Wednesday, March 19 at 7:00 p.m., followed by a discussion with Todd Whitman. There is no charge. *** Temple Shalom’s Men’s Club invites you to attend Les Miserables at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre on Saturday, March 29. Enjoy an evening of fine dining and entertainment, and help the Men’s Club support our Jewish community! Tickets for dinner and the show are $75 per person (including gratuities). Dinner is served at 5:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, please call Event Chair Gene Katz at 239.353.5963.

Mothers and daughters celebrate at a Women’s Seder By Caren Plotkin

’dor vador – from generation to generation – we will pass on the stories and history of our matriarchs, the women of the Bible, at the 14th Women’s Seder on Monday, April 7 at 6:00 p.m. at Temple Shalom. Every year, women, both Jewish and non-Jewish, gather to celebrate the women in the Bible. We dance, we sing and we celebrate with our daughters, mothers and grandmothers. We celebrate some old traditions and we introduce new ones. The Women’s Seder is a wonderful opportunity for you to develop and share the mother/daughter, aunt/niece, grandmother/granddaughter bonds that you have as you travel together through history and learn about the strengths and character of the women who came before us as we tell the story of Passover.

Jewish women throughout the world celebrate the Passover holiday every year with an evening of ceremony and remembrance led by women for women. For most participants, these gatherings supplement traditional family and community Seder meals that honor the festival. For some, a women’s Seder is the only connection to Passover observance. For all, this special ritual provides a venue for women’s voices to be heard and their experiences commemorated. Women’s Seders round out the telling of the Passover story by allowing participants to raise questions and add practices that might be out of place in an ordinary Seder. Indeed, women have written Haggadot specifically for use at a women’s Seder. They have also created new liturgy and rituals, poems,

songs and commentaries that expand on the conventional Haggadah text. In addition to some of the traditional symbols on the Seder table, you may see some new symbols incorporated into a Women’s Seder as well. One of the symbols, Miriam’s cup, is a new ritual object that is placed on the table beside the Cup of Elijah. It serves as a symbol of Miriam’s Well, the source of water for the Israelites in the desert. Tambourines, another symbol, are deeply connected to the story of the Exodus as they were used by Miriam and the women when they danced and sang at the shores of the Red Sea after having successfully left Egypt and escaped the Egyptian army. There are other symbols, as well, which will be shared at the Women’s Seder on April 7. Temple Shalom’s Sisterhood spon-

sors the Women’s Seder and all who attend will enjoy this interactive evening of music, primarily composed by singer and songwriter Debbie Friedman, performed by Cantor Donna Azu, Jane Galler and Lori Cohen. There will be dancing and celebrating with tambourines and other musical instruments, so bring yours along or we will provide you with some. Following the Seder there will be a Passover food tasting, so bring your favorite Passover dish to share. This special evening for mothers, daughters, grandmothers, aunts, sisters and women of all ages will leave our guests with a sense of empowerment and admiration for the women of the Bible. For more information or to RSVP, call the Temple Shalom office at 239.455.3030 or see the ad below.

Federation Star March 2014

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

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