Federation Star - September 2014 by Jewish Federation of Collier County

The Officers, Board of Trustees and Staff wish you

L’Shanah Tovah! Celebrating Jewish Life in Collier County, Israel and the World

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

www.JewishNaples.org INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

4A Women’s Cultural Alliance 5A Men’s Cultural Alliance 7A Community Focus 13A Jewish Interest 18A Tributes 19A Israel & the Jewish World 21A Business Directory 22A Rabbinical Reflections 24A Focus on Youth 26A Synagogues 28A Organizations 30A Community Calendar 31A Community Directory 3B Commentary

10A Inaugural “One Book, Southwest Florida”

Y September 2014 - Elul 5774 / Tishrei 5775 Y

Vol. 24 #1

Federation concludes search for new executive; Jeffrey Feld assumes duties on August 29 By Alvin Becker, Federation President

fter a six-month national search, the Jewish Federation of Collier County has approved the selection of Jeffrey Feld as its new Executive Officer. Formerly of Memphis, Tennessee, where he served as Executive Director of that community’s Jewish Federation for 15 years, Jeffrey begins his duties in Naples on August 29. The following is an excerpt of the report of the Federation’s Search Committee in which it recommended Jeffrey’s selection: “The Search Committee of the Jewish Federation of Collier County has completed its search and is very pleased to unanimously recommend Mr. Jeffrey Feld to the Executive Committee of the Board. After a thorough and careful search, it was clear to the Committee that Jeffrey was an excellent match for the needs of our community, and that he has the skills and personal attributes which will bring our Federation to the next level. Jeffrey grew up in Pittsburgh,

tion received the national Sapir Award graduated from the University of twice for annual campaign accomplishPittsburgh, and received his Masters ments under Jeffrey’s leadership. from the University of Maryland. He Jeffrey developed a chose a career in Jewcommunity-wide strategic ish communal service plan and was a featured and worked in a numspeaker at numerous comber of venues: JCCs, munity events as well as summer camps, and serving as a key member of as Executive Director collaborative community of two Federations – efforts and committees. Savannah and MemHis community leadership phis. His numerous capability was a major achievements earned strength noted by his refhim many awards and erences. honors as well as leadIt is with great conership roles among Jeffrey Feld fidence and pleasure that his peers and in the the Committee introduces Jeffrey to forums of The Jewish Federations of the Collier County community.” North America. “We are absolutely delighted with Most notably, Jeffrey conducted Jeffrey’s selection,” said Alvin Becker, nine consecutive record-breaking anPresident of the Jewish Federation of nual campaigns for the Memphis Jewish Collier County, “and we look forward Federation where he served for 15 years. to Jeffrey and his wife, Susan, a college He also played an extensive role in obeducator, becoming part of our Naples taining significant endowment gifts for community.” the Foundation. The Memphis Federa-

“Am Echad” – One People 11A Israel solidarity rally at Naplies Pier

24A March of the Living experience

1B 15 things you didn’t know about the Iron Dome

A special message from Alvin Becker, Federation President

ou’ve heard the joke a thousand times: “What do you get when you put three Jews together? ...four opinions.” Jewish people often hold different opinions on a whole range of social, political, economic and religious issues. But on one subject – the safety and welfare of fellow Jews – there are no differences of opinion but invariably a coming together. This unity was amply demonstrated in the response to the crisis precipitated by the launch of rockets against Israel in early July. Along with hundreds of other similarly-situated Federations, the Jewish Federation of Collier County was asked to support The Jewish Federations of North America’s STOP THE SIRENS initiatives on the ground in Israel. Working with our overseas partners the Jewish Agency, the JDC, and World ORT, Israeli children were moved out of harm’s way for respite in camps;

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

trauma counseling for the elderly and the disabled was offered; and meals for housebound seniors were delivered. In addition to counseling, other activities for children in the range of rockets were provided. Educational camps were offered and schools stayed open. In addition to notifying potential donors of the special campaign, this

Federation approved an Emergency Grant from its budget to the STOP THE SIRENS efforts. We are proud of our collaborative efforts which remind us that regardless of other sincerely-held differences of opinion, we are, after all…“Am Echad” – One People.

Federation Star September 2014

Luxury Knows No Limits.

JEWISH FEDERATION

Milestones David Willens JFCC Executive Director

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KEVIN AIZENSHTAT

e all have milestones and defining moments in our lives and I want to share a personal milestone with you. Last month I celebrated 28 years in the Jewish Federation system. When the reality of this anniversary struck me, I stopped and took a deep breath and then realized how fortunate I am to have reached that milestone. When I look back over nearly three decades of Jewish communal work, I am amazed at the progress of the three communities in which I have had the privilege to work and of my own personal progress in the field. After having been a commercial banker in Miami for 15 years, in 1986 I started my Jewish communal service at the Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation as an Assistant Director. Six years later, I moved on to be the Endowment Direc-

None but all of us

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JFCC Officer & Board Member Since 2006

Alvin Becker

“Kevin provided us with exceptional service. His ability exceeded our expectations.” — Dr. Joel and Jane Waltzer —

Federation President

239.777.1451

707 12th Avenue South Naples, Florida 34102 | www.gcipnaples.com

Fed Cup VI Rescheduled to:

Sunday, December 21 at 20 TwinEagles

tor for the Jewish Community Board of Akron, Ohio, and served that community (my mother’s hometown) for eight years before accepting the position as Executive Director of the Jewish Federation here in Collier County. I have learned a great deal. I directed the annual campaign and learned all about endowment and planned giving and of the many ways people can leave a legacy to causes important to them. But I have also had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and share with them in the joys of giving. This is probably most meaningful to me…to be able to help people perpetuate a bit of themselves and our precious heritage. This month we will celebrate the Jewish year 5775. This too is a milestone. It is another anniversary of Jewish life and of the values that we hold near and dear to us and to our families, for millennia. In the coming year, may you and your loved ones find peace and contentment, good health and much happiness, and may you reach all your milestones in grand style. I wish you a very Happy New Year.

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

ntending a summer read, I opened Doris Kearns Goodwin’s The Bully Pulpit – a history of the first decade of the Progressive era in the United States. Her story is told through the relationship between Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft – a close bond until 1912 when they both pursued the Presidential nomination. The Bully Pulpit is also the story of the muckraking press – investigative journalists like Ida Tarbell, Lincoln Steffens and William Alan White – led by their publisher S.S. McClure. Their writings propelled the forces of reform and were instrumental in fashioning an activist role for government. In her preface, Goodwin quotes McClure who, exhorting his readers to pursue reform activities, said, “There is no one left, none but all of us.” I put The Bully Pulpit aside in early July when the longstanding conflict between the State of Israel and Hamas turned into reports of deadly rockets

and murderous tunnels. Within hours of those initial reports, stories began to appear criticizing Israel’s self-defense measures and justifying Hamas’s actions. Who was to respond to those reports which were replete with exaggerations, incorrect assertions and misstatements of fact? Almost immediately, The Jewish Federations of North America, local Jewish Federations (including your Jewish Federation of Collier County), the Anti-Defamation League and countless other individuals and organizations responded by writing articles for publication, holding rallies, sending letters to the op-ed pages of their local newspapers, and circulating countless emails to their members and constituents – all with a view to setting forth the facts and countering the arguments of the misinformed and non-informed. You should be proud that the Jewish Federation of Collier County, in addition to helping to raise funds for Israel’s needs at this critical time, also helped to raise awareness of the background and facts of the conflict. When I return to The Bully Pulpit, I will recall with pride that when we needed people to support Israel at a critical time, “none but all of us” stepped forward.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS THEY HELP MAKE THE FEDERATION STAR POSSIBLE.

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3A Federation Star September 2014 JEWISH FEDERATION

September 2014 Federation Star

Tzedakah redux Phyllis Seaman

Published by

Federation VP & Campaign Chair 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 2201 Naples, Florida 34109-0613 Phone: (239) 263-4205 Fax: (239) 263-3813 www.jewishnaples.org Email: info@jewishnaples.org Officers President: Alvin Becker Vice President: Kevin Aizenshtat Vice President: Phyllis Seaman Vice President: Berton Thompson Secretary: Wallie Lenchner Treasurer: Jerry Sobelman Immed. Past President: Judge Norman Krivosha

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

Past Presidents

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

can’t believe that it’s September already and we are preparing for the High Holy Days. The summer has certainly flown by, and I hope yours was wonderful. As always, the holidays make us sit back and reflect on the past year and take stock of our families and our commitment to our faith, our people and our future; to question, am I committed enough to our community religiously, socially and financially, to feel good and proud of where I am right now? I have focused before on teaching our children tzedakah, hence the title of this article. This subject is so important for our future. The children are our future, not only Jewishly, but in every aspect. A caring child will become a caring adult. Happily, many of our Collier County teens and pre-teens are now involved in BBYO and BBYO Connect. Some are involved with volunteering and helping out at the Jewish Family & Community Services food pantry. That brings me to a fun and educational way to do something different with the kids or grandkids on their school vacations. In April, when our granddaughters Isabel (10) and Tess (8) were visiting from London, I wanted to take a break

from the usual. I decided on an afterof the way there. As I’ve mentioned noon of tzedakah by shopping for the before, your tax deduction is the same food pantry. Not only was it a lesson in now as it will be in December. Giving tzedakah, but also a lesson in math and now will help us better evaluate our aleconomics. We started at Costco with locations, which is done now, for all our my giving each of them $50 to work assistance requests. The more you give with. The object was to see how they the more we can give! could stretch the dollars to get the most I ask you to please consider your nutritious food for their budget. With gift to the 2014 Campaign...NOW. paper and pencil and lots of thought they Please think twice and consider an filled a grocery cart. They were having increase of 10-20% or more over last so much fun that I raised their budget year or your planned gift. If you have so they could purchase more staples. We never made a gift or haven’t done so in then drove to the food pantry and they a while...please help now. We need you! stocked the shelves with their purchases To those who have made your gift and donation. or pledge...Thank you! Our Federation, through your supFor the new year, a little more port and commitment, allowed us in tzedakah wouldn’t hurt, but it really 2013 to contribute $240,000 to Jewish could help. Family & Community Services. L’Shanah Tovah. We continue to support youth and Youth Programs & Youth Education adult education and ● Beth Tikvah - Adult & Youth Education programs in our lo● BBYO Naples cal synagogues. Our ● Chabad - Camp Gan/Preschool of the Arts/Hebrew School continued support in ● Temple Shalom - Preschool & Religious School Scholarships Israel and overseas ● Hillel at Florida State University sustains humanitarLocal Humanitarian & Social Services ian and social services ● Jewish Family & Community Service for Jewish children Israel & Overseas Humanitarian & social services ● JFNA - Overseas Core Assessment and needy elderly in ● Neve Michael Children's Village over 60 countries. That ● Yad LaKashish - Lifeline for the Old means food, transpor● Sapir Community Center - Kfar Saba tation and sometimes ● World Union - Preschools in Kiev, Ukraine just a hand to hold. ● Taglit-Birthright Israel We are in the last ● ORT - school transportation in Eastern Europe Cultural Programs & Adult Education quarter of our cam● Holocaust Museum & Education Center paign. Our goal is ● Jewish Congregation of Marco Island - Jewish Film Festival $1.5+ million, and we ● Jewish Congregation of Marco Island - Cultural Series are more than one third Unmet Needs

WHERE YOUR DOLLARS GO

Board Members Emeritus Hans Levy Shirley Levy

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

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.

Isabel and Tess stock the JFCS Food Pantry in April 2014

● Greater Naples YMCA - Disaster Relief ● JFCS - Developing Healthy Socialization Skills ● Collier County School - "Check It Out: Let's Stop Bullying" ● Typhoon Haiyan Relief Efforts National Jewish Advocacy Organizations ● The Israel Project ● Anti-Defamation League ● American Friends of Magen David Adom ● Jewish National Fund ● American Jewish World Service Federation Committees and Activities ● Jewish Community Relations Council ● Fund for Human Needs ● Stand Up for Justice Grant ● Catholic-Jewish Dialogue ● Israel Advocacy Committee ● Camp Scholarship Committee ● Evy Lipp People of the Book Event ● Women's Cultural Alliance ● Men's Cultural Alliance

Israel Advocacy Committee monitors events in Israel and plans for season

By Jeff Margolis he Israel Advocacy Committee of Collier County has spent a great deal of time this summer monitoring the volatile situation in the Middle East. Members participated in a number of webcasts from various organizations providing updates regarding the violence in Israel and Gaza. Some members have even traveled to other Florida cities to hear speakers provide current and detailed information. Committee members have also been tracking the BDS movement and the recent decision by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA to divest its portfolio holdings of companies that do business in Israel. It should be noted that local Presbyterian churches are not participating in this boycott. But while the committee has been busy monitoring current events, it has also been planning activities for the upcoming season. The committee is pleased to announce that Dr. Sabi Shabtai, internationally renowned authority on terrorism, will be speaking in our community on Wednesday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m. (location to be determined). Dr. Shabtai was born in Israel and served in the intelligence branch of the IDF and as a member of the Israel Foreign Service. He received his PhD from the University of Chicago and is currently

on the faculty of the National Institute ters. This film, which is based on the Against Hate Crimes and Terrorism, bestselling book by Yehuda Avner, was located in Los Angeles. Be sure to check shown to the community this past July future issues of the Federation Star for and is being brought back by popular more information about Dr. Shabtai’s demand. Additional Israel 201 programs visit and his speaking topic. are scheduled for January 21, February The Israel Advocacy Committee 18 and March 18. Stay tuned for details. is also planning a BIG event in April. The members of the Israel AdvoBIG (Buy Israeli Goods) is a festival of cacy Committee would like to wish all area vendors who sell products made of our readers L’Shanah Tovah and, in Israel. The committee would like to with it, our hopes for a prosperous schedule the event before Passover so New Year. that the community can purchase items for the holiday. Please plan to join us to support this important event. IAC co-chair Steve Brazina has also announced plans for the continuation of last season’s very well Do you enjoy talking to people? Are you outgoing? Volunteer to answer the phones, take messages and received Israel 101 direct calls for a couple of hours a week – Monday education program. through Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – at the FederaThe first session of his tion office. year’s Israel 201 proRequirements: gram will take place on A desire to help with the Jewish Federation goals; Wednesday December an interest in donating a few hours of free time each 17 at 2:00 p.m. in the week; the obligation to maintain confidentiality. Federation Commu-

Volunteer Opportunity Phone/Receptionist

nity Room with the screening of the Moriah Films production of The Prime Minis-

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

Federation Star September 2014 WOMEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE

JEWISH FEDERATION www.WomensCulturalAlliance.com / 215-820-6697

Past, present and future By Elaine Soffer, WCA President ith the 2013-14 WCA season drawing to a close, I want to send my sincere thanks and appreciation to the WCA board members and the entire WCA membership for all of their generous support during this year of leadership transition. The notes that I received from so many of you have been very encouraging and greatly appreciated. This past year many members assumed new leadership roles, including helping to plan and implement new programs. I was able to participate in – and enjoy – many of them. Most WCA programs require a great deal of advance planning, and many of the programs during our very successful 2013-2014 season were due to the efforts of WCA past-president Jane Hersch. Without Jane’s diligence and tireless efforts, WCA would not be the vibrant organization it is today. The number and types of programs that WCA offers is not static – nor is our programming limited to only those that are listed in the annual program guide. During the course of the past season, many new and very successful programs were added to the original calendar and publicized through the WCA weekly eBlast. I am very excited about the programs that have been planned for the upcoming year and think that you will be too! The 2014-2015 season will be filled with continuing programs as well as with innovative and appealing new programs. First-time offerings include one-day craft workshops that will pro-

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vide an opportunity for you to get in touch with your creative side and take home lovely pieces that complement your home décor. WCA will also be offering a series of wellness presentations to introduce current trends on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. WCA members will have opportunities to get an “inside look” at parts of our lovely corner of paradise that are generally not open to the public. Several art studio tours have been planned, including visits to the studios of a multimedia sculptor, a National Portrait Gallery award- winning artist, and an

course, a highlight of our upcoming year will be the very popular WCA Speaker Series! (You will have the opportunity to read about some of our guest speakers in an upcoming WCA article.) I encourage you to be an active participant in the exciting 2014-15 season. The new 2014-2015 Program Guide, which lists all of the WCA programs, special events, trips and interest groups that have been finalized, will be mailed to WCA members later his summer, along with the invitation to the 2014 WCA Welcome Back Luncheon on Thursday, November 13. Make sure that you have paid your WCA dues so

2014-2015 WCA Board of Directors with WCA President Elaine Soffer (back row, fifth from left); not pictured: Paula Handloff

acclaimed Peruvian artist. WCA appreciates the generosity of the artists for opening their studios to WCA members. WCA will also be venturing outside of our immediate area with trips to art fairs in St. Petersburg and Miami, as well as a visit to the magnificent Marie Selby Gardens in Sarasota. Our members will also have the chance to participate in other adventures, including shelling on a secluded beach, visiting an orangeprocessing facility located in a quaint town, touring the Ding Darling Wild Life Sanctuary on Sanibel, and joining one of two photography safaris. Of

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

that you receive this important mailing! When you receive your copy of the program guide, read through it annotating events that are of interest to you, and then sign up for the programs and special interest groups that you want to attend. Don’t wait too long as some events fill up quickly! By participating in the programs listed in the guide, you will be enriching your own WCA experience.

Events that were still being planned when the program guide went to press will be announced through the WCA Weekly eBlast. Our eBlast is not only a great source of information about new and upcoming programs and events, it also includes a calendar of scheduled programs to assist you in advance planning. Be sure to read the eBlast each Thursday so that you are kept up to date on “WCA happenings.” If you have an idea for a new program, please contact me or Paula Handloff, the new WCA Program Director. Much of WCA’s successful programming was sparked by a member’s personal interest in a specific topic or activity! In addition, if you want to help with any of the WCA programs, be sure to let WCA Volunteer Coordinator Rona Segall know of your interest. She will help to find the right spot for you. I am looking forward to the start of our new season and welcome your involvement and participation in Women’s Cultural Alliance. I also look forward to greeting you at the WCA Welcome Back Luncheon on November 13. If you want to become a new member or renew your membership, fill out the membership form on this page and mail it, along with your check for $60, to the Federation. For more information about WCA and the benefits of membership, please visit www.WomensCultural Alliance.com.

Women’s Cultural Alliance: 1,000 members strong and growing!

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.

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MEN’S Cultural Alliance Membership Form 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

Membership: $56 or $64 (includes name badge) minimum

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: ___________________________________________

5A Federation Star September 2014 JEWISH FEDERATION

September 2014 Federation Star

JCRC moves into its second year

By Joel Pittelman, Chair

ast year, the board of the Jewish Federation of Collier County transformed the Community Relations Committee (CRC) to the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC). The membership of the JCRC consists of representatives of 14 Jewish organizations in our community as well as several “at-large” members, who for many years have been involved with non-denominational community relations organizations. Much of the Council’s efforts in our first year focused on how we can build coalitions with other organizations that share the Jewish community’s concern with issues of social justice. Guided by the Federation’s previous involvement in the areas of public education and social service, we granted several monetary awards to recognize and support programs in the larger Naples community. The JCRC presented the “Stand Up for Justice Award” to Kathrene Pitt, a 5th grade teacher at Sea Gate Elementary School, for creating a unique teaching program to counteract bullying and racism at her school. Award Chair Beth Povlow explained that Ms. Pitt’s program met with such success that her teaching technique has been an example and model for instructors throughout the country and the world. The JCRC presented its “Human Needs Award” to two deserving social service agencies in our community: The Lighthouse of Collier County, which provides services to the visually impaired, and the Naples Equestrian Challenge, which provides individuals who are physically or mentally challenged with opportunities to ride, care for and bond with horses. Gail Smith, Chair of the Human Needs Award Committee, explained, “Granting financial awards to these two agencies is a gesture of the Jewish community’s participation in addressing the needs of the general community.” The JCRC was fortunate to have Northern Trust’s partnership in sponsoring last year’s Human Needs Award. The Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County (CJD), presently cochaired by Martin Gauthier and Marvin Weisberg, has been in existence for many years, working to advance the cause of mutual understanding and appreciation for our differences as well as our commonalities. The JCRC is fortunate to have this important coalitionbuilding organization under its auspices.

Through the able leadership of Ida Margolis, the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue partnered with the Collier-Lee Chapter of Hadassah to bring the very powerful production of Warsaw: A Story in Song to Naples and Fort Myers. Over 1,200 people, including many youths, viewed the musical drama. The JCRC works closely with the Israel Advocacy Committee (IAC), presently co-chaired by Betty Schwartz and Steve Brazina. The Committee’s mission is to promote a positive image of Israel by sponsoring communitywide programs to distribute information throughout Collier County, which complements the efforts of the JCRC. This past year, the Israel Advocacy Committee conducted a Forum Series that featured speakers who brought to our community the latest information regarding the critical issues facing Israel today. Among those speakers were Dr. Eric Mandel, dedicated to informing the public about Israel and combating extremism and anti-Semitism; Amb. Brad Gordon, who discussed the topic of Israel and the Iranian Threat; and Mr. Ofer Bavly, the former Israel Consul General to Florida and Puerto Rico. Occasionally our Jewish community encounters problems that are unique to us. When the Collier County School District inadvertently scheduled the FCAT Achievement Test on the day following the first Passover Seder, JCRC member David Goldstein and Federation Executive Director David Willens immediately contacted the school board. Within a day, the test schedule had been changed. The JCRC has begun working on an initiative to report and respond to anti-Semitic incidents that may occur in Collier County. The JCRC will serve as the collection point for reporting such incidents. Working closely with the Anti-Defamation League’s Southeast Florida office, we will also develop appropriate procedures that will provide comfort to victims and referral to resources to provide corrective action as required. In addition to working within our own community, the JCRC lent its voice in support of several initiatives of the Jewish Council of Public Affairs (JCPA). The JCPA is a highly respected national organization comprised of Jewish Community Relations Councils from around the country. Our Council adopted two resolutions. The first, which was introduced by Steve Brazina, addressed

rising anti-Semitism in Europe. The second resolution was introduced by Sue Hammerman and addressed federal funding for programs serving people with physical disabilities. Jane Schiff represented our JCRC at the JCPA Plenum in Atlanta this past spring. At that meeting, Jane was also elected Treasurer of this national organization. In the coming year, the JCRC will be formalizing its membership structure and creating bylaws that will include establishing a nominating committee to select members and officers, ensuring a succession of leadership for the JCRC’s future. As the JCRC begins its second year, we will accelerate our coalitionbuilding efforts as we strive for social justice. It is our hope that just as we have lent our support to other social service organizations, they will offer their support to us in our moments of need. The JCRC’s success this past year is partly the result of our restructuring to have an active, broad-based membership that represents our entire Jewish community. The JCRC has also greatly benefitted from the guidance and assistance of Federation Executive Director

David Willens and Federation Community Program Director Jill Saravis. The work of the JCRC is made possible by the strong and generous support of our Jewish Federation. As we begin a New Year, I wish each of you and your families a year of good health and happiness. May 5775 be a year of peace throughout the world. We wish to acknowledge and thank the members of the Jewish Community Relations Council for their dedication and service: Joel Pittelman, Chair; Steve Brazina, Vice Chair; Ida Margolis, Vice Chair; Gail Smith, Vice Chair. Members: Susan Hammerman, Beth Tikvah; Morris Herstein, Chabad Naples; Nancy Shuster, HJH; Stephen Goldenberg, JCMI; Sandra Wolf, NCJW; David B. Goldstein, ACLU; Stan Lipp, Americans United SCS; Stuart Warshauer, Friends/ Library; Ruth Dorfman, PFLAG; Herbert Herman, NAACP; Linda Wainick, JFCS; Marina Berkovich, ORT; Betty Schwartz, IAC; Beth Povlow, SUFJEG; Jane Schiff, JFCC; Beth Wolff, JFCC; David Willens, JFCC; Jill Saravis, JFCC.

With the stock markets all-time highs, the time is ripe for a different kind of savings … and giving. If you have marketable securities that have increased substantially in value, now is the time to consider a gift of appreciated securities to the Jewish Federation of Collier County. For securities held longer than one year, you can deduct their full fair market value and avoid paying capital gains tax. This tax-wise benefit in turn means that you can make your donation for as little as fifty cents on the dollar. Please consider gifting appreciated securities to satisfy existing pledges, make a new gift to the 2014 Campaign or even a gift to the Federation’s Endowment Fund. While your gift may have a minimal impact on your portfolio, it will do a world of good for the Jewish Federation and for our community. For more information, please contact David Willens, Federation Executive Director, at 239.263.4205 or david@jewishnaples.org. Thank you.

Get ready for an exciting MCA season

By Jeff Margolis he Men’s Cultural Alliance of Collier County (MCA) is pleased to announce its new “Welcome Back Luncheon” on Tuesday, November 11 at the Vasari Country Club. The featured speaker will be personal security expert Carrie Kerskie. Ms. Kerskie is founder of the Association of Certified Identity Theft Investigators and is a member of the Collier County Identity Theft Task Force. She is also the author of Your Public Identity: Because Nothing is Private Anymore and will speaking about identity theft. Be sure to join us for this opening luncheon and very timely topic. The Planning Committee of MCA is also proud to announce the inaugural season of its Speaker Series. Due to member requests, the committee has put together an excellent series on a wide variety of topics. The first program, slated for Wednesday, December 10, is entitled “Plant-Based Lifestyle and the Reduction of Heart Disease, Cancer and Diabetes.” The program is presented by Dr. Anthony London, former director of Coronary Care at St. Anne’s Hospital in Amsterdam, New York, and MCA

member Dr. Robert T. Lampert. Other special events planned for this season are tours of the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida, the Collier County 911 Call Center, and the recently reopened Collier Car Collection of the REVS Center for Automotive Research. Be on the lookout for the MCA Program Guide for 2014-2015. You will find a great deal of information about upcoming luncheons, speaker series programs, and club activities. We are sure that you will find many events of interest. If you would like to start your own special interest group, please contact MCA Chair Steve Brazina at sbrazina@aol.com. MCA events are open to all MCA members. Please note that dues are seasonal and are due now for the upcoming season. Membership in the MCA includes membership in the Jewish Federation of Collier County. You can use the membership form on the previous page. The members of the Planning Committee wish all members a Happy and Healthy New Year. L’Shanah Tovah.

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Federation Star September 2014

JEWISH FEDERATION

Catholic-Jewish Dialogue update By Marv Weisberg, co-Chair

ummertime and the livin’ is easy”...for many of us. However that cannot be said for the members of the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue steering committee. For this group of tireless souls, this summer has been anything but “easy living” as we’ve been busy planning activities for next season. While our Marv Weisberg event schedule is still somewhat tentative, I want to give you a “heads up” on what to expect and, in some cases, dates to put (in pencil) on your calendar. As in past seasons, some of these dates/times may change, but this is what we currently have cast in (soft) concrete. I will keep you informed as we get closer to “season” and the concrete hardens on the schedule. This is our “hold the date” schedule: ¡¡ On Sunday, November 9 at 2:30

“

p.m. (this date and time is firm) we will be having our annual Kristallnacht Commemoration. This year we will be at Temple Shalom of Naples, 4630 Pine Ridge Road. We are still putting the final touches on the program, but I can assure you that it will be uplifting, and our keynote speaker will address a topic that is very much a worldwide contemporary issue. ¡¡ In December, we will be holding a “Faith Weekend.” This has been very successful in the past, with both Catholics and Jews attending each other’s services and learning how each religion worships the same god in different ways. Jewish services will be held at The Naples Jewish Congregation on Friday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m., and Catholic Services will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church on Sunday, December 7 at 5:00 p.m. ¡¡ The January program will be somewhat of an experiment that should

prove to be very interesting. We will be presenting a “Reader’s Theater” based on the book On Heaven and Earth. I will divulge more information as we get closer to the program but, for now, let’s just say that the book is a number of informal conversations between two Argentineans, one a bishop and the other a rabbi, on various theological and worldly issues. The program, which will be a theatrical presentation of several of these conversations, will be held in the Federation Community Room at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6. ¡¡ Those of you who were here last year heard Dr. George Blewitt speak on Anti-Jewish and Anti‑Catholic violence in today’s world. For our February program, Dr. Blewitt will be expanding on his presentation and speaking on the very timely topic of “Anti-Religious Violence in Today’s World.” The date, time and venue will be announced as soon

If your information has NOT changed, you do not have to do anything. If your information HAS changed or if you are NOT listed in the 2014 edition, complete and return this form.

Todah Rabah… Thank You

as we have a firm commitment. ¡¡ Finally, at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 22 in the Federation Community Room, two of our clergy will present the first of a six-part series of short films, “Walking G-d’s Paths.” These films are designed to stimulate discussion between Catholics and Jews on various topics. The films will be followed by a discussion among the attendees. Several other possibilities are also being looked at including movie and/ or book discussions. We also intend to co-sponsor a number of events with GenShoah of Southwest Florida. Finally, I would like to welcome two new members of our steering committee, Michael Feldman and Judith Gauthier. You might find it somewhat interesting that Judith and my co-chair, Marty, happen to have the same last name. That’s because they recently got married! We all wish you both a hearty mazel tov, congratulations, and good luck in your new life together.

The Jewish Federation of Collier County expresses its appreciation of Fuller Funeral Home for providing the community with a wallet-size Jewish Holiday Calendar for the coming year.

Jewish Community Directory

Our Jewish community continues to grow. To help everyone keep in touch with one another, your Jewish Federation of Collier County will be publishing the 2015 Community Directory. Free copies will be made available to all. But first...

We need your help! We’re gathering information now so we can distribute the new Directory in December 2014. ÎÎ If your information has NOT changed from what appears in the 2014 edition, you do not have to do anything. We will print the same information in the next edition. ÎÎ If your information has changed, or if you are not listed in the 2014 edition, complete and return this form by mail or by fax. All requested information is optional. ÎÎ If we do not hear from you by October 31, we will assume we have your permission to publish your name(s) and contact information as we currently have them in our files.

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY 2015 The Jewish serves 3,200 Jewi Federation of Collier County sh households in Naples, Marc and the surroundi o Island ng communities and addressin by recognizing g the charitabl e, educational, humanitarian, cultural, and social serv ice needs of the in our commun Jews ity and around the world.

Jewish Federat ion of Collier 2500 Vanderb County ilt Beach Road , Suite 2201 Naples, FL 34 109 239.263.4205 www.jewishna ples.org

Copies of the 2014 Directory are available at the Federation office.

Please check one of these boxes

{

 Yes! Please include me/us in the 2015 Directory. Only include information you’d like in the Directory.  No, please do not include me/us. Please provide us with your name(s) and address.

Contact information: (please print clearly)

(M) Male

(F) Female

First Name(s): (M) ____________________(F)____________________Last:_____________________________ Florida Address: _________________________________________________________________________ City:_______________________________________________ St: ______ Zip: ___________________________ Phone: Local: _________________________________ Northern: __________________________________ (M) Cell: __________________________ (M) Email: ____________________________________________ (F) Cell: _________________________ (F) Email: ___________________________________________

Additional information:  full-time resident  part-time resident: we arrive in SW Florida on: _____________________ we head north on: _____________________________

Please return by October 31, 2014.



Fax your completed form to: (239) 263-3813

 Jewish Federation of Collier County or mail it to:

2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Ste. 2201 Naples, FL 34109

7A Federation Star COMMUNITY FOCUS September 2014

September 2014 Federation Star

www.holocaustmuseumswfl.org / 239-263-9200

HOLOCAUST MUSEUM & ED CTR OF SWFL

Holocaust Museum update Amy Snyder Executive Director

t was a busy summer at the Museum. Many visitors and groups toured our “Hollywood’s Who’s Who in World War II” exhibit, an author presentation was held on the Audrey Hepburn book Just Being Audrey by author Margaret Cardillo, and we presented our 11th annual professional development seminar for teachers. The workshop was open to teachers across Florida. The three-day program

included presentations by Holocaust education experts from Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, and from the U.S. Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. Facilitated by Museum Education Specialist Sam Parish, the teachers heard from a broad range of speakers: Steffie Kaye, Head of Education at Yad Vashem, who provided an overview of the “Echoes and Reflections” Teacher Resource Guide on the Holocaust; Peter Black, Senior Historian of the U.S. Holocaust Museum; Phil Snoberger, a liberator with General Patton’s army; Rob Nossen, Holocaust survivor and Museum docent, spoke about his family’s experiences; Jim Percoco, from the Friends of the National World War II Memorial, who provided information on how to

rabilia (MMM) at Naples Airport, where Greg Garcia discussed the U.S. Military’s involvement during World War II. Teachers were encouraged to work with MMM’s collections to create their own ideas for curriculum units, “trunk show” ideas, and potential field trips to the Museum for their classes. We look forward to a busy September, with a visit by the Pledge Riders Steffie Kaye, Head of Education at Yad Vashem, giving her presentation motorcycle organization and Lois Bolin, who gave information during its cross country “Never Again” about the National History Day proride stop in Naples, and the beginning gram, and its Naples opportunities. of our educational programming for the The program also featured a field new school year. trip to the Museum of Military Memouse memorials to teach lessons about the past; Sandy Mermelstein representing the Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg; and Drs. Colleen Boyette

Jewish Family & Community Services update

Dr. Jaclynn Faffer JFCS President/ CEO s I begin to write my article for this issue, I cannot help but reflect that this is the fourth year I am privileged to wish all of you L’Shanah Tovah on behalf of the board and staff of JFCS. August marks my four-year anniversary in Naples and as professional leader of this wonderful organization. With your consistent support, JFCS has grown and expanded our services to meet the needs of our community. More people are seeking

our services and, as a result, the summer has been a busy one. Let me share what has been happening: ¡¡ Our Senior Center membership has increased to 332, with Wednesday lunches averaging 100+ in attendance – even in the summer! ¡¡ The Senior Center is now open 4.5 days a week, with vibrant art classes, knitting, cards and Mahjong, among the many programs provided. ¡¡ JFCS began a weekly program for men with early stage dementia. ¡¡ Food Pantry usage has increased, and thanks to the community and our partnership with the Harry Chapin Food Bank our shelves have remained stocked throughout the summer. Of course your food

¡¡

donations are ALWAYS needed and most welcome. JFCS now has two full-time licensed clinical social workers providing mental health services to children, adolescents, adults and seniors. Underscoring the word “community” in our name, we have forged partnerships with Brookdale Center for Rehabilitation and Healthy Living and NCH, and are now delivering on-site caregiver support at those locations. The JFCS Volunteer Program began in February 2013. We now have a corps of more than 80 volunteers, all screened and trained, and all doing wonderful work for those we serve. Our work with emergency financial

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assistance continues and we help those who need us to keep the lights on, roofs over their heads, and food on the tables. Once again this year we helped 40 children get ready to go back to school with Walmart gift cards. All of you reading this article have helped JFCS grow, and have helped us be the place to turn to when assistance is needed. Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, January 20, 2015, for our 3rd Annual Community Fundraising Event. We will be celebrating “An Evening for Better Tomorrows,” chaired by Susan and Dr. Nat Ritter, and co-chaired by Scott Hansen, at the Naples Sailing and Yacht Club. More information to follow. L’Shanah Tovah.

Federation Star September 2014

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Preview of films, speakers and special events scheduled for the public by GenShoah

By Ida Margolis

embers and friends of Generations of the Shoah of SW Florida (GenShoah), as well as those interested in the Holocaust, should mark their calendars for a season full of extensive programs that include films, speakers and special events. GenShoah meetings, which are held the third Sunday of each month from 4:30 to 5:00 p.m., are open not only to children of Holocaust survivors (the Second Generation), but to all those who are interested in the mission of GenShoah, which is: Promotion of Holocaust education, preservation of memories of the Holocaust, connection of members of the Second Generation to one another, and support of the Holocaust Museum. Meetings are generally held at the Museum and are followed by programs. This season, in addition to the Sunday programs at 5:00 p.m., two very special events are planned. On Sunday, October 19, GenShoah program chair Steve Brazina will present the film Escape from a Nazi Death

Camp. This is the incredible story of Jewish prisoners who staged a bloody breakout at Sobibor, the remote Nazi death camp in east Poland. On Sunday, November 16, there will be a presentation of Six Million and One, a fascinating portrait of a filmmaker and his siblings as they retrace the footsteps of their late father, a Holocaust survivor. This is an instructive documentary on many levels, especially for those with an interest in intergenerational transmission of trauma. A discussion will follow the screening. On Sunday, December 21, at 4:30 p.m., there will be a Hanukkah pot luck dinner at a member’s home, followed by a discussion, led by Shelley Lieb, of Primo Levi’s The Periodic Table. A major community event will take place on Wednesday, January 7 at 7:00 p.m. when Michael Stolowitzky, the rescued son in the book, Gertruda’s Oath, will make a special appearance at Temple Shalom in Naples. The “One Book, Southwest Florida” selection,

Jewish Caring Support Group now at JFCS offices

he Naples Jewish Caring Support Group has been meeting for over five years at Temple Shalom. The group was founded by Florette Kahn when she and her friends watched illness attack their loved ones. Feeling isolated by the job of caregiving, they sought a safe place where they could discuss their distress and find ways to handle difficult situations. The confidential group environment provided support, comfort and encouragement. We are honored that the founders of the Naples Jewish Caring Support Group have asked Jewish Family & Community Services to facilitate the group that has helped so many. The Naples Jewish Caring Support Group has moved to the JFCS offices at 5025

5775

Castello Drive, where it is facilitated by Donna Levy, RN, the JFCS geriatric case manager. Ms. Levy is a psychiatric nurse with extensive experience in helping individuals and groups cope with the struggles of caregiving and loss. Group meetings are free and are offered the second and fourth Mondays of each month from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Please contact Donna Levy at 239.325.4444 or dlevy@jfcsswfl.org for more information.

Gertruda’s Oath is the story of a Catholic woman and a Jewish child trapped in the horrors of WWII as they embark on a journey of survival. Gertruda’s Oath, a true story of extraordinary courage and moral strength, transcends history and religion to reveal the compassion and hope that miraculously thrived. This event is co-sponsored by the Collier County Library, the Holocaust Museum and Temple Shalom. The Emmy Award nominated documentary 50 Children: The Rescue Mission of Mr. and Mrs. Kraus will be presented on Sunday, January 18. This film tells the too long untold story of a heroic Jewish couple from Philadelphia, who traveled to Vienna in 1939 to save what would become the single largest known group of children allowed in the U.S. at that time. The Jewish Cardinal, the true story of Jean-Marie Lustiger, the son of Polish-Jewish immigrants, who maintained his cultural identity as a Jew even after converting to Catholicism and joining

the priesthood, will be a special presentation at Temple Shalom on Wednesday, February 11. The docudrama portrays how Lustiger found himself as a mediator when nuns wanted to build a convent in Auschwitz. This event is co-sponsored by Temple Shalom. On Sunday, February 15, Beth Tikvah will be hosting speaker Dr. Phil Jason, co-editor of Don’t Wave Goodbye: The Children’s Flight from Nazi Persecution to American Freedom. Helene Gaillet de Neergard, author of I Was a War Child, a memoir of WWII, will be the featured speaker on Sunday, March 15. Space is limited and reservations are required for all events. Contact me at ida.margolis2@gmail.com or 239.963.9347 for more information about GenShoah, to receive email notifications, or if you are interested in attending GenShoah meetings.

Beth Tikvah

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

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

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

Wishing you and those you love a sweet New Year of happiness, contentment & peace.

Estelle & Stuart Price

Judd & Fran Knox

Phyllis & Michael Seaman

Wishing you and those you love a sweet New Year of happiness, contentment & peace.

Karen Slater & Larz Spangberg

Jane & Rabbi James Perman

Cathy & Scott Silver

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May you have a good and sweet year.

L’Shana Tova Umetukah

David Willens

Roberta & Dan Sussman

Look for more New Year greetings from members of our Jewish community throughout this issue.

L’Shana Tova

Rosalind & Morris Herstein

Bobbie & Gene Katz

L’Shana Tova

Jerry & Honey Sapir

Sheila & Alvin Becker

Susan & Joel Pittelman

Lee & Elaine Soffer

9A Federation Star COMMUNITY FOCUS September 2014

September 2014 Federation Star

JCMI Jewish Film Festival to launch its 14th season By Isabel B. Price, Ph.d n Sunday, December 14, the Jewish Film Festival of the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island kicks off its 14th season screening quality films that showcase the Jewish experience for the Naples/Marco audience. Our audiences grow each season as the word gets out that going to a JCMI Jewish Film Festival program is like celebrating a Jewish holiday. It is thought provoking and entertaining, and there is always a delicious reception. Our audiences include old and young, observant and non-observant as well as our nonJewish friends. It’s where you meet your

old friends, make new friends, ask questions and exchange opinions. After all, Jews are a verbal people. We have been known as “People of the Book,” and now we are also “People of the Film.” The Israeli film industry is thriving and its films are award winners. In addition, all over Europe and the United States, independent filmmakers are finding unique stories, some about the Holocaust, some about the lives of Israelis and Palestinians, and some about American celebrities who came to these shores as immigrant children from shtetls in Ukraine and became authors and composers and Broadway

ZOA SWFL Chapter presents The J Street Challenge

By Gene Sipe, VP, ZOA Southwest Florida Chapter he Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) of Southwest Florida’s 2014-15 season lineup brings top caliber speakers and educational programming to the area. We open the season with The J Street Challenge, a film about the American Jewish community and its relationship with Israel. The screening will be held on Tuesday, October 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Chabad Jewish Center of Naples, 1789 Mandarin Road. About The J Street Challenge: “The film examines the rise of an activist organization whose idealistic message appeals to many who are frustrated by the Middle East conflict and want peace between Arabs and Jews. During this hour-long screening, you’ll see why the critics of Israel call it ‘The film you shouldn’t see.’ Leaving no stone unturned, producer/writer Avi Goldwasser exposes J Street as fraudulent, claiming to be ‘pro-peace, pro-Israel,

when in fact it’s a pro-Palestinian front organization.’” Experts appearing in the film include Alan Dershowitz; Caroline Glick, Deputy Managing Editor of the Jerusalem Post; Andrea Levin, Executive Director, Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America; Daniel Gordis, Senior Vice President and Koret Distinguished Fellow at Shalem Center; Josh Block, CEO and President of The Israel Project; Lenny Ben David, Former Deputy Chief of Mission, Israeli Embassy to the U.S.; Noah Pollak, Executive Director, Emergency Committee on Israel; Richard Landes; and Ruth Wisse. The program is open to the public and the cost is $10 per person. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP by email to info@zoaswfl.org or by mail with your payment to ZOASWFL, P.O. Box 881, Estero, FL 33928-0881.

Jason Isaacson addresses AJC West Coast FL audience

By Jeff Margolis

he only suitable solution (to the Israel-Palestinian crisis) is a negotiated solution.” So stated Jason Isaacson before a packed audience of almost 200 during a Lunch & Learn held recently in Sarasota. Isaacson, who is the AJC (American Jewish Committee) Associate Executive Director and Director of Government and International Affairs, noted that Israel is ready for peace and Israel is eager for peace. His comments came at the same time that the IDF was beginning to press a ground initiative in Gaza. During his talk, entitled “A Hard Road to Peace,” Isaacson expressed his concern about the criticism and lack

of support for Israel by the European Union as well as positions of individual European nations. He had recently met with a wide variety of government officials including U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. After his formal remarks, Isaacson fielded questions from the audience on topics ranging from the achievability of a two-state solution, the reporting of the Israel-Palestinian crisis in the media, and the recent formation of the Palestinian Unity Government which includes Hamas. Collier County was represented at this event by Naples residents Ida and Jeff Margolis and Shelley and Bob Goodman. Brian Lipton, Regional Director of AJC West Coast Florida, invited everyone to attend the AJC Global Forum scheduled for June 7-9, 2015, in Washington, D.C. For more information about this conference or AJC, please call Brian At the AJC Lunch & Learn: Shelley & Bob Goodman, Jeff Margolis and Brian Lipton, Regional Director of AJC West Coast Florida at 941.365.4955.

“

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

stars. All these stories become excellent films that connect us to the lives of Jews all around the world. The Jewish Film Festival is remarkable because although it ranks as one of the smallest, it is a treasure, a brilliant diamond among festivals, because of the quality of the films presented and its proven ability to entertain and educate our Naples and Marco audiences for 14 years. Come, join us for a fantastic season ahead, starting with our December blockbuster, The Jewish Cardinal, a most successful and popular film cur-

rently playing at other Jewish film festivals. The January screening is The Outrageous Sophie Tucker, who started in vaudeville and became known around the world. In February we screen Disobedience, an incredible story of a Portuguese diplomat who singlehandedly saved 3,000 lives from the Holocaust. We close in March with the terrific Molly Picon, star of Yiddish stage and screen, singing and dancing in the masterpiece Yiddle With His Fiddle, made in Poland in 1937. Come, join us and enjoy! See you at the movies!

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10A Federation Star September 2014

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Inspirational true story is inaugural “One Book, Southwest Florida” selection By Ida Margolis

ertruda’s Oath: A Child, a Promise, and a Heroic Escape During World War II by Ram Oren is the selection for the inaugural “One Book, Southwest Florida” program. This program is based on the very successful “One Book, One Community” programs that have been conducted throughout the U.S. The goal of this program is to engage the community in dialogue, to promote understanding, and to serve as a springboard for discussion of universal topics such as loyalty, justice, family and faith. Gertruda’s Oath is the page-turning true story of Michael Stolowitzky, the only son of a wealthy Jewish family in Poland, who was just three years old when WWII broke out. His father, desperate to settle his business affairs, left Michael in the care of his mother, and Gertruda Bablinska, a Catholic nanny

devoted to the family. After Michael’s mother has a stroke, Gertruda promises the dying woman that she will make her way to Palestine and raise Michael as her own son. Gertruda’s Oath is a story of extraordinary courage and moral

strength in the face of horrific events. Like Schindler’s List, it transcends history and religion to reveal the compassion and hope that miraculously thrived. Sponsors of “One Book, Southwest Florida” include the Collier County Library in conjunction with Florida Jewish History Month, GenShoah of Southwest Florida, County Public, the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida, and Temple Shalom. A number of other organizations are endorsing this program, including At the committee meeting at South Regional Library for “One Book, the Catholic-Jewish Southwest Florida” are Patricia DeGroot, Administrative Supervisor Collier Dialogue of Collier County Library, Denise McMahon, librarian who will be facilitating book County, WCA, MCA, discussions, Jeff Margolis, Ida Margolis and Steve Brazina

NJC Open House

aples Jewish Congregation is having a member-sponsored Pot Luck Open House on Friday, September 12. Dinner will be at 6:00 p.m., followed by the 7:30 p.m. Shabbat service. An Oneg will follow

the service. NJC is located at 6340 Napa Woods Way, Naples, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation. To join us and meet the congregation, contact Ruth at rusruthie@gmail. com or 239.352.6992.

NAPLES

Can we kvell!

he American Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon took place on Sunday, 6 July at Sugden Regional Park, Naples. Grace Plager came in first place in her age group (50-54) for the Triathlon (swim 1/4 mile, bike 10 miles, run 3 miles), and Richard Plager (age 86) came in first in his age group (70+) for the Duathlon (run 1 mile, bike 10 miles, run 3 miles). Both Grace and

JEWISH CONGREGATION Naples Jewish Congregation, a Reform congregation, strives to meet the needs of mature adults with warmth, fellowship, study and participation in Jewish observances. We are devoted to the revitalization of our Jewish heritage, the Jewish community and discovering a Judaism that is spiritually and socially meaningful. We welcome non-members for the High Holy Days Services. For more information, visit our website, naplesjewishcongregation.org, or call Peter Weissman at 239-352-4395. HIGH HOLY DAY SERVICES Grace and Richard Plager

Rosh Hashana

Yom Kippur

Wednesday, September 24 7:30PM Thursday, September 25 10:00 AM

Friday, October 3 Kol Nidre 7:30 Saturday, October 4 10:00 AM

Rabbi Sylvin Wolf Cantorial Soloist Jane Galler NJC Choir, Alla Gorelik, Director Kol Nidre Cellist, John Marcy

Yizkor Service Neilah Service

4:00 PM 5:00 PM

Richard are members of the Jewish Federation of Collier County and Beth Tikvah of Naples. ***

the Collier-Lee Chapter of Hadassah, and the City of Naples. In addition, Southwest Florida is very fortunate that Michael Stolowitzky has agreed to make two appearances in Naples. He is scheduled to speak at Temple Shalom on Wednesday, January 7 at 7:00 p.m. and at South Regional Library Branch (8065 Lely Cultural Parkway) at l:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 8. There will be numerous discussions of Gertruda’s Oath throughout Southwest Florida prior to Mr. Stolowitzky’s visit to Naples, including at the Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida on Monday, October 13 at 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday, December 10 at 10 a.m., and at branches of the Collier County Library. For additional information, email me at ida.margolis@gmail.com.

The Telly Awards recently named ABG World as a winner in the 35th Annual Telly Awards for the film titled Naples, Florida Redefining Paradise.” With nearly 12,000 entries from all 50 states and numerous countries, this is truly an honor. The half-hour documentary is the filmmakers’ vision of this iconic city and its uniqueness as the crown jewel of Southwest Florida. The film is an independent production by Naples Cinematographer and Music Composer Alexander Goldstein, and Scriptwriter and Producer Marina Berkovich. (Source: Naples Daily News) *** Attorney Yale Freeman was recognized in the practice area of “Criminal Defense: White Collar” by Super Lawyers, a rating service. This honor is limited to only 5 percent of the attorneys in each state. Freeman represents individuals and companies faced with allegations of criminal impropriety, and handles internal investigations on behalf of victims of fraud. (Source: Naples Daily News)

Followed by Break the Fast

We gather at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6340 Napa Woods Way, Naples

Interested in your family’s history?

The Start of the New Year May the sounds of the Shofar signal peace and unity for Israel and good health and contentment in our lives.

Samuel & Judith Friedland

The Start of the New Year May the sounds of the Shofar signal peace and unity for Israel and good health and contentment in our lives.

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

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

Your Friends at The Jewish Congregation of Marco Island

L’Shana Tova

Eileen Green & Family

Sylvia Datz

Nora & Rony Joel

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”.

11A Federation Star COMMUNITY FOCUS September 2014

Temple Shalom events open to the community

For more information on these events, call 239.455.3030.

emple Shalom will have an Open House before our Shabbat Services on Friday, September 12 at 6:30 p.m. We will have the answers to all those questions you have about our Temple Family. Open to all and there is no charge. Wine, cheese and good company. How could you go wrong? *** The Temple Shalom Sisterhood proudly reopens the Judaica Shop on Sunday, September 14. The Judaica Shop is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m, Wednesday afternoon from 4:00 to 6:15 p.m. (when Religious School is in session), and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. *** “Shab-bark Shalom!” Temple Shalom is delighted to invite you to our third annual Blessing of the Animals

on Sunday, October 26 at 12:15 p.m. Rabbi Miller and Cantor Azu celebrate the wonderful animals that bring so much joy to our lives. Please make sure your pet is leashed or in a carrier, and join us on our outdoor patio, adjacent to the Social Hall. *** Come to the cabaret! On Sunday, November 16, the entire Jewish community is invited to join together and celebrate everyone’s return to Naples with our annual Welcome Back Community Dance. This is a great way to see your friends who have been away and see some new faces as well. Let’s kick off the season together! The festivities will begin at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Shalom, with music provided by Manhattan Connection. Watch this space for more information!

Israel solidarity rally pproximately 250 people gathered at the foot of the Naples Pier on Sunday, August 3 at 5:00 p.m. for “Stand With Israel/ Naples” – an Israel solidarity rally. Several rabbis and local dignitaries spoke during the event, which was coordinated

by the Jewish Professionals of Southwest Florida. For an album of 75 photos taken at the event, please visit the photo section at www.facebook.com/ JewishFederationofCollierCounty. Photos courtesy Ted Epstein

September 2014 Federation Star

11A

12A Federation Star September 2014

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU presents From My Family’s Kitchen Recipe Contest Home cooks are invited to submit their best recipe

o you think your grandmother’s gefilte fish recipe is good enough to win a prize? How about your homemade pickles? Can your rugelach satisfy any sweet tooth? To celebrate the closing of its wildly popular exhibition, Growers, Grocers & Gefilte Fish, the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU presents a unique Recipe Contest to find the best Homemade Pickles, Gefilte Fish and Rugelach in Florida! Home cooks over the age of 18 with a great, original recipe for homemade pickles, gefilte fish or rugelach are invited to enter this special contest. A panel of celebrity judges will select the winning recipes on Sunday, September 21 at 3:00 p.m. The panel includes Chef Alan Susser, Danny Serfer from Blue Collar, Josh Marcus from Josh’s Deli, NBC 6 Anchor Adam Kuperstein, Linda Gassenheimer from WLRN and The Miami Herald, and Miami-Dade Commissioner Sally A. Heyman. This special event will be hosted by local filmmaker and foodie Billy Corben (Cocaine Cowboys and The U). Contestants can view the official rules and download the Recipe

Contest Entry Form online at http:// bit.ly/JMOFcontest or by calling the JMOF-FIU Marketing Department at 786.972.3170. Entry forms must be received by 5:00 p.m., Friday, September 12. Contestants must bring 10 samples of their entries to the museum between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 21 prior to the judging at 3:00 p.m. No caterers or professional chefs are permitted to enter. Contest prizes include: 1st Prize: A one-year JMOF-FIU Donor Level Membership ($125 Value), gift certificates to local restaurants, signed cookbooks by local chefs, your photo with the winning recipe in TILES (JMOF-FIU’s newsletter), a Winner’s Certificate to proudly display, and of course bragging rights! 2nd Prize: JMOF-FIU Family Level Membership ($50 Value), a $36 gift certificate to the JMOF-FIU Museum Store, and your photo in TILES. 3rd Prize: JMOF-FIU Individual Membership ($36 Value), an $18 gift certificate to the JMOF-FIU Museum Store and your photo in TILES. The event is free for JMOF-FIU members; all others are free with museum admission. To RSVP, call

From the JMOF-FIU Collection: Kitchen in Home of Henri and Rose Levy at 1030 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, c.1927

786.972.3175 or email info@jewish museum.com. Growers, Grocers & Gefilte Fish: A Gastronomic Look at Florida Jews in Food is on view through October 5, 2014. For a complete and list of programs, please visit the calendar page at www.jewishmuseum.com. About JMOF-FIU: The Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU is located at 301 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, and visitor hours are TuesdaySunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It’s the only museum dedicated to telling the

story of 250 years of Florida Jewish heritage, arts and culture. The museum is housed in two adjacent, lovingly restored historic buildings that were once synagogues for Miami Beach’s first Jewish congregation. The museum’s permanent exhibition is MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida, 1763 to Present. Its temporary history and art exhibitions change periodically. For more information, call 305.672.5044 or visit www.jewishmuseum.com.

Kosher Food Alert – Preparing for the New Year, Shabbos and simchas Submitted by Lynda Stewart, Academic Dean for Maimonides Hebrew Day School, for Beverly Leah Mitchell, Kosher Food Coordinator for Chabad of SW Florida

s a Jewish Community we are growing! Local Jewish consumers and their families no longer have to travel to Miami and East Coast locations to purchase their kosher groceries. For the past four years, Beverly Leah Mitchell has been pioneering the adventure of the Kosher Food Alerts. Her ideals and faith have been important to reach the goal of kosher shopping in our own territory. There has been extensive research, discussion and negotiations for decreased pricing and local availability of kosher products by communicating with store managers and buyers, district distributors and corporate associates. She has built the needed connections with the Jewish Federations of Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties, the local rabbis, Chabads and temples through emailing monthly announce-

ments, distributing Kosher Food Alert flyers, making numerous phone calls and sending text messages to see this happen. Today 75% of the shelf foods found in our local chain stores are kosher. We are pleased to present, in time for the High Holidays, the latest updated list of stores, contacts and kosher foods in our Southwest Florida home area to help you continue our traditions and customs. The management at these locations are very willing to accommodate us. They will keep the store shelves, freezers and refrigerators stocked with kosher foods at the most affordable competitive prices. But it is up to us, the Jewish consumer, to work together with the management by patronizing these stores and purchasing what we need. The Publix at Market Place in

AUDITION Our 21st Season of performing Classical and Popular music for Naples area communities

Beginning a New Era of Excellence

Introducing our New Conductors: Max Rabinovitsj, Artistic Director and Conductor Dr. Trent Brown, Chorus Director and Ass’t Conductor

Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2014 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM First Presbyterian Church 250 Sixth St. South, Naples, FL ð W E A R E L O O K IN G F O R T A L E N T E D INSTRUMENTALISTS AND SINGERS

ORCHESTRA OPENINGS FOR ALL POSITIONS

CHORUS OPENINGS FOR ALL PARTS (ESPECIALLY MEN)

Call now to schedule your audition Orchestra: 401.884.5598 (Michael Boudreau) Chorus: 239.348.1344 (Sheila Tuthill)

Pelican Bay, Naples (8833 Tamiami Trail N, at the corner of Vanderbilt Rd., 239.596.1982): Contact Store Manager Mr. June Quiva or Meat Manager Raul Saldiyar, who continue to serve the needs of their Jewish customers. We appreciate Publix ever expanding offerings throughout the year for kosher foods and additional items for special events and holidays, and for being the exclusive Collier County store to offer fresh kosher and pre-packaged poultry and meats, kosher frozen meals, and a variety of Mealmart oven-ready meals, luncheon meats, stuffed cabbage, and Empire turkey hot dogs. Check out the kosher shelf foods and the new expanded selection of kosher wines from Israel. See Manager Gene Nicols for a 5% discount on four bottles or 10% on eight or more bottles or a case. To help you observe our kosher traditions, call and place orders for Shabbos, a special event or holiday. Specify your kosher needs. Trader Joe’s, Naples (10600 Tamiami Trail, North Naples in the Granada Shoppes, 239-596-5631): If a Kosher item is not in stock, it can be ordered at the Customer Service Dept. Visit www.traderjoes.com for a complete list of kosher products. It’s also available at the store to use as your shopping or ordering list. Whole Foods Market, Naples (9101 Strada Place in The Meracato, 239.552.5100): Store Manager Barry Krin at Customer Service or the Grocery Dept. buyer will be happy to assist with your special orders and specific needs. They have an array of appealing kosher shelf foods, processed pastry, and fresh Glatt Kosher Valley chicken, Cornish hens and ground turkey, Organic Whole Foods 365 brands of fruits & vegetables. Look for the “Kosher Wines” section and their Wine Specialist, who can help you with the selections. There is also a kosher aisle that carries numerous items. www.JewishBonita.com/kosher food is part of Chabad of Bonita Springs & Estero, providing the service of outstanding kosher catering by Rebbetzin Luba Greenberg. Included are prepared lunches and dinners that can be ordered on the website and either be picked up at Chabad or delivered. Weekly twisted

and break-off egg challahs and rolls, kugel, roast brisket & potatoes, roast chicken, gefilte fish and more are available. Call Rabbi Mendy Greenberg at 239.949.6900 with specific questions. Aroma Market & Catering (8819 Stirling Road, Ft Lauderdale, 954.252.2600 or www.aromamarket. net) is working with Chabad of Naples. They have a full line of fresh poultry, meat, produce and catering for Shabbos, holidays and all your simchas. They will take orders on the website for delivery to Chabad on Thursdays. For more information, call Rabbi Fishel Zaklos at 239.262.4474. Moses Delivers (530.456.6737): New to the Southwest Florida kosher food scene, Moses Delivers is a door-todoor, by the case, kosher food delivery service offering close to wholesale prices. They carry numerous varieties of kosher poultry and meats, freezer items, grocery items, as well as dairy and fish products. Delivery to our area is at least once a month, and more often upon request depending on order size, particularly in the holiday seasons. For price lists and more information, call or email mosesdelivers@gmail.com. This Kosher Food Alert is under the support and supervision of the Chabads of Southwest Florida. If you have any questions, need recipes, or wish to change your existing kitchen to a kosher kitchen, call your local rabbi or Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz at Chabad of SWFL at 239.265.4848. Rabbi Minkowicz will be emailing monthly Kosher Food Alerts. To get on the list, email him at info@chabadswfl.org. You can also contact Beverly Leah Mitchell, Coordinator & Researcher for Chabad Lubavitch, at 239.939.5888. She is diligently working with the Chabad rabbis to develop and research kosher foods in our local supermarkets, health food stores, schools and hospitals. She continues to work so that members of our Jewish community do not have to travel to the East Coast to observe kosher traditions. From all of us at Chabad of SWFL and Maimonides Hebrew Day School, may you and your family have a Happy New Year.

13A JEWISH INTEREST Federation Star September 2014

It’s Yontif…make a fuss!

By Jill Saravis y grandmother makes the best…let’s not get into THAT argument! Tzimmes is just one of those dishes that we all remember as “Mmmm…” Especially during a holiday, we fondly remember which addition MY grandmother adds, whether it is pineapple, yams, apricots, raisins, kneidel or real schmaltz. One thing for sure is that what really makes it the best is the one special ingredient every one of them adds: the love that they put into it. Whether you use your grandmother’s beautiful old casserole dish that always reminds you of her in the kitchen, or a brand new one, the following recipe is not difficult to prepare with some of your own magic, creating a new legend for future generations. Simply add any of the optional additions (the fruits and root vegetables). Traditionally, Tzimmes – meaning fuss (they will think you did for hours) – is a sweet and savory root vegetable and fruit stew that is rich and delicious. It can also be prepared without the meat

for those meatless meals. This dish is healthy and delicious and perfect for welcoming a sweet new year with your friends and family. I have heard that this recipe also makes wonderful leftovers; however, no one has ever left a morsel to be able to prove it. Cooks often make Tzimmes for a holiday meal because it is even more flavorful if prepared the day before, cutting down the stress of getting ready for company. And it can be adapted for a large group of people, getting thrifty by adding more carrots and potatoes. In my home, Tzimmes is a meal, but in others it is a glorious side dish. The recipe below has been adapted by our very own David Willens’ “Grammy,” Anna Gordon. Fleishig Tzimmes (Serves 4-6) Basic Ingredients: • 2 lbs of short ribs (brisket or stew meat) • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced or diced • 2 tbs of vegetable oil or schmaltz • 2 1/2 cups of water or broth (enough to just cover the ingredients) • ¼ cup each honey and brown sugar (sweeten as desired) • 2 lbs of sweet potatoes peeled and

quartered • 2 lbs of carrots, peeled and sliced (baby carrots are depicted) • 1 peeled and cored apple, diced • 1 lb of dried fruit (prunes, apricots, raisins) • zest of one lemon and one orange • Kosher salt and ground pepper to taste Optional Ingredients: • Butternut squash, white or yellow potatoes, parsnips, 1 stalk thinly sliced celery, pineapple or mandarin oranges, extra lemon juice, parsley, cinnamon • For thickening: 1 tbs of browned flour or 1tbs starch melted in 2 tbs of water, kneidel (see recipe below) • Or create your own! Directions: 1. Pat the meat dry and season with salt and pepper. 2. In a large saucepot, sear the meat in oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot (you may have to work in batches). 3. Remove the meat and set aside. Drain excess fat, leaving enough to sauté the onions. When the onions are translucent, add in the water or broth, scraping up the flavorful bits on the bottom. 4. Add the meat back in the pot along with the rest of the ingredients. At this point, you can either simmer this dish on top of the stove or transfer to an ovenproof dish and simmer it, covered, in a preheated oven at 350 degrees. Simmer on top of the stove or in the oven for a minimum of 2 hours, maximum 4 hours, until the meat literally falls off the bone. Season with salt and pepper to taste Hints: Do not boil; add in extra liquid as needed. This can be vegetarian by removing the meat. Potato Kneidlach • 4 medium-large potatoes, peeled and grated • 2 tbs grated onion • ¼ cup grapeseed or olive oil • 4 large eggs • 2/3 cup potato starch • 3 tbs matzo meal • 1 tsp sea salt • 1/2 tsp baking powder • freshly ground black pepper to taste • nutmeg or parsley to taste (optional) XX Beat the eggs and oil together. Gently fold in the remaining ingredients (do not beat). Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight. If the dough does not hold together, slowly add more potato starch as necessary, just until it can hold a shape. During the last hour of cooking, carefully tuck the small blobs (about a tablespoon) under the meat, immersing in the stew broth Shanah Tovah Umetukah (A Good and Sweet Year)!

September 2014 Federation Star

13A

JCPA congratulates Rabbi David Saperstein

he Jewish Council for Public Affairs welcomes with great excitement President Obama’s nomination of Rabbi David Saperstein to serve as the State Department Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom. “For decades, David has been not just a treasured colleague – he is family. And so this news is not just a milestone for our community and our country, it is a cause for joy and celebration. We are truly shepping naches,” said JCPA President Rabbi Steve Gutow. “Every day, the news is filled with troubling stories of religious persecution – anti-Jewish riots in Paris, forced conversion or exile of Christians in Iraq, and anti-Muslim violence in Burma. There could be no better person to lead our nation’s efforts to make this world a safer place for people of faith, particularly religious minorities.

David’s entire career has been devoted to speaking up for the least among us. This next chapter will direct his stunning talents to the global stage in every sense of the phrase ‘repairing the world,’” continued Gutow. “We have deeply appreciated his close relationship with the JCPA, his presence at countless JCPA Plenums, his passionate speeches on too many issues to name, and the brilliant way in which he has helped to shape communal policies in our resolutions session, frequently bringing us to consensus stances on issues that seemed to divide us,” said JCPA Chair Susan W. Turnbull. For David’s exemplary life according to the social justice imperatives of Judaism, Jewish history, and the protection of the Bill of Rights, he was awarded the Albert D. Chernin Award, the JCPA’s highest award, in 2003.

L’Shana Tova

Donna & Richard Goldblatt

Jeff & Ida Margolis

Suzanne & Adam Paley

L’Shana Tova

L’Shana Tova Sandy & Arlene Levin

L’Shana Tova Women’s Cultural Alliance

5775 Sue & Don Zulanch

Opening Doors to Luxury Real Estate

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

14A Federation Star September 2014

Jerusalem Post Crossword Puzzle

JEWISH INTEREST

September 1939 and the outbreak of WWII By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD n September 1, 1939, Nazi Germany invaded Poland. Two days later, as a consequence of that invasion, Britain and France declared war on Germany. Although the conflict that would become World War II was, at that stage, still localized to those countries (as well as the countries of the British and French Empires), it carried an awful poDr. Paul Bartrop tential to spiral into something much worse. Germany was already allied to Fascist Italy and, a few days before the invasion, Germany had signed an alliance with the Soviet Union. For several years prior to this, smaller countries all over Europe had been coalescing into alliances and groupings for their mutual defense in case of the unthinkable. What did this mean for the Jews of Europe? It is important to realize, I think, that the war that began 75 years ago this month did not coincide with the start of the Holocaust – though it must also be said that Nazi anti-Jewish measures in Poland were not long in coming. Indeed, within a month the first ghettos were established, with Nazi Germany taking advantage of Poland’s conquest in order to begin persecuting the Jews. This, however, was a piecemeal persecution. At the beginning of the war the Nazis did not yet quite know what to do with the millions of Jews they had just seized. After all, the previous six years had not seen a complete eradication of Jews from Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakia, and Jewish numbers in this “Old Reich” were substantially less than they were in the newly-occupied territories. The question of how to deal with the much larger Polish Jewish population was therefore one that made the Nazis pause – though only for a short while. The upshot of Nazi interim measures – which were to remain in place, and would then drive the Final Solution as it developed – was the creation of a system of ghettos throughout Nazi-occupied Poland. When teaching about World War II and the Holocaust, I find that the question often comes up: “Was the Holocaust unique?” My answer is always the same. The Holocaust of the Jews was, quite clearly, a singular event – just as the Armenian Genocide was different from Rwanda, Cambodia was different from Bosnia, and East Timor was different from Darfur. Each has its individual characteristics, distinct from those of others. Despite this, the Holocaust – still yet to be worked out when the war began – was Different (with a capital D),

in scale, in breadth and in its origins. This was the case even as we acknowledge that all historical phenomena are of themselves unique in that they will never again occur in exactly the same way. Every genocidal act of the past century, whether of the Hereros, Armenians or Ukrainians, or taking place in East Timor, Cambodia, Bosnia or Rwanda, has been characterized by specific developments which cannot be transferred from one setting to another. Possibly the best that objective historians can hope to identify in these events are the features that are common or different, and from this ascertain whether some sort of general pattern can be discerned. What, then, should be the key question about the Holocaust? Perhaps what needs to be asked is not “Was the Holocaust unique?” but, rather, turning the issue upside down, “What is unique about the Holocaust as a case of genocide?” – in other words, to assume its uniqueness (as we should do with all others as well), and then move straight away to identifying the feature or features that define its specific character. The main tool the Nazis employed to achieve their murderous aims could be found in the death camps, and it is these institutions, thoroughly unprecedented in purpose and design, that make up the starkest feature of the Holocaust. Nothing, either before or since, approximates the Nazi death camps in design, intention or operation. The outbreak of war in September 1939 did not see the immediate establishment of these camps, though the invasion of Poland generated the circumstances that would allow for them later. Nowhere has any other malevolent regime introduced establishments like the Nazi death camps of LublinMajdanek, Treblinka, Bełzec, Sobibór, Chełmno or Auschwitz-Birkenau. They were, and remain, thoroughly unmatched in human history. As such, they became the most lucid and unequivocal statement German National Socialism made about itself, demonstrating beyond doubt that it was an anti-human ideology in which respect for life counted for nothing. Put together, all these aspects of what the death camps represented added up to a new dimension of genocide. This, of course, could not have been foreseen 75 years ago, when war broke out in September 1939. For all the persecution that had thus far taken place in the Old Reich, the Holocaust, as we have come to understand it, had not yet begun. The “ground zero” of the Final Solution – the extermination camps – was still several years away. 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.

n Tuesday, September 2, the Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University will be sponsoring a symposium to recognize the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II. The symposium, entitled “War is Declared: September 1939,” will take place in the Cohen Center, room 213, starting at 1:00 p.m. (with a projected finish of about 4:30 p.m.). Attendance is free and open to the public. This unique event will focus on six different countries – Germany, Britain, France, Poland, the United States and India – and their response to the invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939,

and the declaration of a state of war by Britain and France two days later. The panel will be comprised of interstate speakers Dr. Steven Leonard Jacobs (University of Alabama) and Dr. David Weinberg (Wayne State University), and local scholars from FGCU, including Dr. Paul Bartrop, Dr. Erik Carlson, Dr. Joanna SalapskaGalleri and Dr. Eric Strahorn. Once each speaker has addressed the audience (and after a coffee break), the panel will conduct an open forum (including a Q&A) with the audience. For more information, contact Dr. Paul R. Bartrop at pbartrop@fgcu.edu or 239.590.7239, or visit http://www. fgcu.edu/hc/.

By David Benkof, DavidBenkof@gmail.com Solution on page 27A Across Down 1. American Jewish women Lazarus 1. Subj. in an ulpan for new Americans and Goldman 2. High school at Yeshiva U. 6. Spielberg’s Mossad agent in “Munich” 3. Canadian author Richler (“The 10. Like some challah Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz”) 14. Crush grapes for wine 4. Art Buchwald was one in the 15. Month with a Rosh Chodesh on Marine Corps April 19, 2015 5. Mississippi location of “In the Heat 16. Tribe (but not of Israel) of the Night,” starring Lee Grant 17. Stage in Kafka’s “Metamorphosis” 6. Immigrants to Israel who founded 18. Part of Gilda Radner’s Saturday Rishon L’Tzion and Gedera 7. Yiddish saying about how tough night TV show 19. Tallit parts it is to be Jewish: “S’iz shver tzu 20. Theodor Herzl’s German-language zayn ___” book about a Jewish state 8. Pupiks 23. Location of a 1942 Warsaw uprising 9. There ___ Jews in Mecca 10. Genuine, in Yiddish 25. Canadian actor Jacobi 26. Sign when the Stephen Sondheim 11. 1978 film in which Olivia NewtonTheater on B’way is packed John sang “Hopelessly Devoted to 27. One kind of computer Davka You” 12. Yeshiva subject makes software for 13. Broadway’s Maury who won 28. Gazans and others 31. Northern Israeli city Beit ___ Best Musical Tonys for “Titanic” 33. Tchelet, essentially and “Nine” 35. Tchelet, essentially 21. Jeremy of musical comedies (“Newsies”) 36. Word that precedes and follows 22. Sarah Silverman’s rabbi sister “by” in a song from Stephen Schwartz’s “Godspell” 23. It competes against anti-Semite 37. Stage name for “Little House Henry Ford’s company (abbr.) on the Prairie” star Eugene 24. Famous first name from the Maurice Orowitz American Revolution 42. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) 29. Yes from Congresswoman Debbie 43. Word before and after “Lady” in Wasserman Schultz the title of a Bob Dylan song 30. Politician Abzug known for her 44. Shia LaBeouf vehicle “___ hats Stevens” 32. “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. ___” (1913 46. Gur who wrote about detective film co-directed by Carl Laemmle) Michael Ohayon 34. It sponsors the Jewish Student 49. African city with an Israeli embassy Union (JSU) 51. Monologuist Ensler 36. Like some stale bagels 52. Agy. many yordim deal with 38. Puts a kugel in the oven 53. The ___ of Steve (2000 film 39. ___ Ba’Omer (day for weddings) starring Ayelet Kaznelson) 40. Supervised, as by a mashgiach 55. Songwriter Tom (“Poisoning 41. She’arim competitor among Pigeons in the Park”) Jerusalem women’s seminaries 57. Woodrow Wilson appointed him to 45. ___ Tamid (Synagogue name in the U.S. Supreme Court Camarillo, CA and Cleveland, OH) 61. Dance introduced to Palestine in 46. Rachel’s handmaid in Genesis 1924 47. “___ is hidden for him in the 62. ___ O. (Freud’s name for Bertha ground” (Job 18:10) Pappenheim) 48. Trouble, to a Yiddish speaker 63. Drive from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv 49. Greene and Michaels of TV in less than 45 minutes 50. The ___ (Jewish Daily Forward 66. “One young he-goat for ___ feature on intermarriage) offering” (verse repeated 12 times 54. Addis ___ (birthplace of many in Numbers 7) Ethiopian Jews) 67. Gambles at one of Sheldon 56. Zoo animal and Israeli export Adelson’s casinos 58. Ziering and Kinsler 68. British pamphlet “___ into the 59. Prefix for Zionism or Semitism Synagogue” 60. It sent Judith Resnik into space 69. Philosopher Moses who influenced (abbr.) Labor Zionism 64. Reaction to seeing a “Maus” 70. Israel’s continent 65. Bergen-Belsen residents in 1948 71. Policy ___ (Rahm Emanuel types) (abbr.)

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15A JEWISH INTEREST Federation Star September 2014

Stars of David

By Nate Bloom, Contributing Columnist Editor’s note: Persons in BOLD CAPS are deemed by Nate Bloom to be Jewish for the purpose of the column. Persons identified as Jewish have at least one Jewish parent and were not raised in a faith other than Judaism – and don’t identify with a faith other than Judaism as an adult. Converts to Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish. TV and Related Doings I hope it works out, in some cosmic sense, for ANDI DORFMAN, 29, the titular star of the 10th season of The Bachelorette. She and contestant Josh Murray, 30, announced their engagement during the season finale (July 28). As I see it, the couple faces two possible big problems: Although his mother is Jewish, Murray and his siblings were raised in their father’s Catholic faith and Josh Murray is reportedly a devout Catholic. Also, Dorfman has reportedly given up her job as an Atlanta-area assistant district attorney – in favor of seeing where her celebrity will take her. This is a risky strategy. The producers of The Bachelorette didn’t think she was a very hot TV ratings commodity. She was reportedly paid “only” $50,000 for her time on the show. Some past Bachelorette stars received as much as $200,000. Still, they are a very good looking and charming couple and I think they have a reasonable shot of landing lucrative TV jobs on one or more cable TV channels. The upcoming season of the hit HBO series Girls will include guest appearances by MAUDE APATOW, 15, and NATASHA LYONNE, 35. Apatow is the daughter of producer/director JUDD APATOW, 47, and she got very good reviews for her performance as PAUL RUDD’s older daughter in her father’s film, This is 40 (2012). Lyonne has made a great career and health comeback from the mental and drug problems that almost killed her a decade ago. Her sobriety led to being cast in a lot of TV guest shots and she hit gold in 2013 as a guest star (Nicky Nichols) in the first season of the Netflix series Orange is the New Black. She was promoted to a series regular for the second season. Meanwhile, rock musician JACK ANTONOFF, 30, the “live-in” boy-

friend of Girls star LENA DUNHAM, 28, has had a hot summer. He had a big single (We are Young) and CD hit (Some Nights) with his band “Fun” in 2012 (the single sold 7 million copies; the CD sold 5.1 million). His solo project, under the band name “Bleachers,” is a critical and sales smash (the CD, called Strange Desire, was released July 2014). Antonoff, who grew up in New Jersey and attended a Jewish day school, recently told the website “Vulture” that he can pull off “the vaguely Nazi look” that his haircut gives him because his face is “so Jewish.” Teyve on Capitol Hill; Shatner in Space It’s rare when a prominent TV journalist casually gives us bits about his/her Jewish background. They tend to be buttoned-up about their private life. But I guess RICK KLEIN, 37, the political director of ABC News, was in an expansive mood when he recently spoke to “The Hill,” a political news website. Klein, a Long Island native, and the father of two young sons, dropped these Jewish nuggets: “I will never forgive D.C. for its lack of diners and solid Jewish deli options” and “I was big into drama club in high school. I played Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof under the stage name Ricky Klein.” Star Trek inspired generations of astronauts and space engineers. So, when WILLIAM “Capt. Kirk” SHATNER tweets NASA and the European Space Agency, they respond quickly and politely. On August 2 he asked NASA how they were doing and they replied that the space station was doing well and wished Shatner a happy weekend. On August 6 he asked the Europeans how they were doing and they responded that their Rosetta space probe was just about to orbit a comet (which it began doing on August 8). Shatner replied that he didn’t know

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September 2014 Federation Star

15A

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

So here’s the deal: Email Nate at nteibloom@aol.com, tell him you saw this ad in the Federation Star, and include your phone number (area code, too). Nate will then contact you about doing a “limited” family history for you at a modest cost (no more than $100). No upfront payment. about Rosetta. The European Agency’s amusing reply: “Rosetta has been on a 10-year mission to boldly go where no one has gone before.” Serious Moment: Celebs on Gaza Most celebrities have refrained from saying anything about the fighting in Gaza/Israel. A simple Google News search will reveal which celebs have expressed some opinion and, even, in some cases, withdrawn or tempered prior statements. I will add one headsup: The Hollywood Reporter, which can be read online, has an easily findable section of well-written Gazarelated articles that both summarizes and analyzes what celebrities and entertainment executives are saying and thinking. If you are really interested in this subject, I would suggest you read its insider coverage.

Lauren Bacall LAUREN BACALL, who died on August 12, was born Betty Joan Perske on September 16, 1924, in the Bronx, New York, the only child of Natalie Weinstein-Bacal, a secretary who later legally changed her surname to Bacall, and William Perske, who worked in sales. Both her parents were Jewish. Her mother emigrated from Romania through Ellis Island and her father was born in New Jersey to Polish parents. A two-time Tony winner and an Oscar nominee, Bacall was the first “openly” Jewish film actress to achieve super-stardom (few knew THEDA BARA and HEDY LAMARR were Jewish). She wasn’t, by the way, a “first cousin” of SHIMON PERES, the Israeli president, as many bios say. They are all repeating a factual error.

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16A Federation Star September 2014

JEWISH INTEREST

A brilliant mosaic of voices, genres and insights By Philip K. Jason, Special to the Federation Star

a Hungarian-born refugee who once knew Hannah’s father all too well when Hannah was a child. In fact, Gila worked in the Hebrew school of the his high-end literary novel is temple the Groffs belonged to. As we challenging and enthralling. It will later discover, Gila knew Meyer points in many directions, but Lansky at least as well. So, yes, all of its intertwined journeys ultimately these lives touch: Gila also knew Belhave a rich closure. A fiction made in len, author of a book called Kid Bethpart of purported memoirs, it probes lehem that fashions King David as a the nature of memoir both philosophitwentieth-century gangster. cally and psyAnd then we jump back to meet chologically. The Gila Konig in Tel Aviv circa 1972 durpsychology of iming the time of Lansky’s failed appeal migrant status and for citizenship and asylum in Israel. identity is another The reputed tough guy is “understatconcern, here uned” and mannerly. Konig and Lansky derstood as havare both immigrants to different couning a connection tries (Lansky to the U. S.) at different to the Jewish contimes. They are part of the immigrant dition throughout nation that is the still-dispersed Jewish Phil Jason history. The novel people and, somehow, accounts for the also explores the violent edge of Jewexistence of a Jewish mafia – even an ish experience, using the poles of King Israeli mafia. David and Meyer Lansky as well as Then we jump back to New York the quandary of an incessantly armed at the end of the Roaring Twenties and Israel. find a much younger The novel’s timeLansky, making his line begins in 2012 beway in the world fore shuttling back and of crime and easily forth at intervals large available women. and small. We meet HanAnd so it goes, nah Groff, a journalist layers of re-imagined nearing forty, who opens history and biography her relationship with her with pure invention readers by telling of a artfully blended into meeting with her father the mix, their several that underscored the disvoices – all strangely tance between them. She haunted – wrapped mentions her first book, inside of Hannah’s. Zachary Lazar “a memoir of my brief Intriguing secondary marriage,” and then goes on to tell of characters, including Hannah’s father, her 2009 visit to Israel. Hannah feels an Israeli journalist named Oded Voss compelled to research and investigate who serves as Hannah’s guide and inthe murdered poet-essayist David Belterpreter during her research on Bellen, len. and a piecemeal portrait of King David But this quest leads to Gila Konig, – the primal Jewish gangster. I Pity the Poor Immigrant: a Novel. Zachary Lazar, Little, Brown. 256 pages. Hardcover $25.

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Hannah in particular, but also the other characters in this literary mosaic, is endlessly introspective. One of the novel’s major sections is Hannah’s memoir of her investigation into Bellen’s death. She describes Bellen’s 2008 collection of poems as “in many ways a critique of current Israeli policy in the Occupied Territories.” This characterization suggests a motive for Bellen’s murder, but there are other possibilities. Following Bellen’s path allows Lazar, via Hannah, to bring the reader through Israel’s political, artistic and physical landscape. It seems as if murder is everywhere. Lazar also creates a voice and technique for Bellen’s own work, which forms another part of the intricate mosaic. When Hannah meets Bellen’s son Eliav, she learns even more about a heavy depression that clouds Israeli life. When she meets Eliav’s ex-wife, still other tones enter the novel. Jewish mafia stories weave in and out of the novel, touching on Lansky’s later doings in Las Vegas, Cuba and Miami. The attraction of I Pity the Poor Immigrant lies in its sheer inventiveness, its surprising juxtaposition of incongruent elements that eventually click into place. Portions of the book are made up of short, polished vignettes that turn around in the reader’s brain like mismatched puzzle pieces until they fit. For example, as part of an extended linking of such short pieces – presented as a stretch of David Bellen’s essay called, of all

things – “I Pity the Poor Immigrant” – Lazar juxtaposes a piece called “Intifada” and another called “Permanent War.” The first piece, set in Israel in 2001, records events of the Second Intifada while at the same presenting Bellen’s worry over his son’s further withdrawal from their relationship. “Permanent War” jumps to the constant conflict between “American’s heartland Protestants” and the threatening immigrant tides. The tides brought those who would become the Italian and Jewish gangsters, sometimes attacking the establishment, sometimes murdering each other. Zachary Lazar spins these two passages in a way that allows them to echo and reflect one another. Eventually, the book becomes a hall of mirrors, its various narrators, tales and techniques forcing the reader to do the work needed to own the important insights that it offers. Making that effort pays off big time. Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeritus of English from the United States Naval Academy. He reviews regularly for Florida Weekly, Jewish Book World, Southern Literary Review, and other publications. Please visit Phil’s website at www.philjason.wordpress.com.

What do you think? The Federation Star wants to know! Send your letters and comments to

fedstar18@gmail.com.

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17A Federation Star September 2014 JEWISH INTEREST

September 2014 Federation Star

17A

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18A Federation Star September 2014

Tributes

TRIBUTES Tributes require a minimum donation of $18.

Tributes to the Federation Campaign

To: Irv Litt Wishing you a speedy recovery From: Arlene & Bob Subin

To: George Karpman In honor of your 75th birthday From: Maxine & Harvey Brenner

To: Nancy Kaplan & Family In memory of your beloved husband, Hal Kaplan From: Mary & Michael Weiner

To: Jerry Kravet In honor of your 90th birthday From: Marie Hersh

To: Harriet & Les Kallenberg In memory of your beloved daughter, Allyson From: Dee & Dr. Dick Bittman

To: Rosalee & Jerry Bogo In your honor From: Rebecca & Lewis Card Jr.

To: Debbie & Howard Sherman & Family In memory of Howard’s beloved mother From: Rosalee & Jerry Bogo

To: Barbara & Ron Balser In your honor From: Rebecca & Lewis Card Jr.

To: Eleanor Peltz & Family In memory of Frederick Goldstein From: Judy & Ben Peltz To: Merlin Lickhalter In honor of your 80th birthday From: Paula & Ron Meyer To: Ginny & Herb Jermanok & Family In memory of Ginny’s beloved mother, Ann Lewis From: Maxine & Harvey Brenner To: From:

Delores Levin Wishing you a speedy recovery Helen & Dr. Ed Rosenthal Arlene & Bob Subin

To: Sheila Becker In honor of your birthday From: Helen & Dr. Ed Rosenthal To: From:

Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, President & CEO of JFCS In honor of being a recipient of a scholarship to the summer program of the Harvard Business School Barbara & Dr. Robert K. Spiro

To: Dr. Ira Laufer In memory of your beloved wife, Barbara Laufer From: Bunny Levere

To: Judge Norman Krivosha In honor of your special birthday From: Phyllis & Michael Seaman

Tributes to WCA

To: Myra Friedman In honor of your very special birthday From: Gracia Kuller

To: Harriet & Stuart Schweitzer In honor of your granddaughter’s Bat Mitzvah From: Kathy & Dr. Marthy Moss

To: Lee Kaye & Family In memory of your beloved husband, Allan Kaye From: David Willens

To: Norine & Meir Kahila In honor of your daughter’s wedding From: Kathy & Dr. Marthy Moss

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

Dr. Janet Rosenbaum & Family on the passing of her beloved husband, Earl Rosenbaum Ginny & Herb Jermanok & Family on the passing of Ginny’s beloved mother, Ann Lewis Marilyn Borowsky & Family on the passing of her beloved husband, Michael Borowsky Eric & P.J. Meyer & Family on the passing of Eric’s beloved father, William (Bill) Meyer Seyla & Barry Cohen on the passing of Seyla’s beloved father, David Crespin Edith Yorks & Family on the passing of her beloved husband, Charles Yorks Lee Kaye & Family on the passing of her beloved husband, Allan Kaye Solomon Wise & Family on the passing of his beloved wife, Betty Wise Lois & Richard Janger & Family on the passing of Lois’s beloved brother, David Lee Lieberman Jan & Steve Fischer on the passing of Jan’s beloved parents, Jack & Frances Goldenberg Michele Aferiat & Family on the passing of her beloved mother, Yoland Aferiat Craig & Helayne Frankel on the passing of Craig’s beloved mother, Dorothy Frankel Dr. Beth Sulz Azaroff & Family on the passing of her beloved husband, Leonid Azaroff

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19A ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD Federation Star September 2014

September 2014 Federation Star

19A

An Israeli cure for Rx errors

Mistakes in prescribing drugs cause hundreds of thousands of deaths and injuries. Israel’s MedAware has devised a system to identify errors in real time. By Abigail Klein Leichman, ISRAEL21c, www.israel21c.org

hen a nine-year-old Israeli boy died because his primary-care physician accidentally prescribed the wrong drug, internist Dr. Gidi Stein resolved to invent a way to prevent prescription errors – a frighteningly common occurrence estimated to cause injuries and deaths of more than 200,000 patients every year in the United States alone. Three years after that tragedy, a live test version of MedAware’s Prescription Analysis and Alert System – as envisioned by Stein, Tuvik Beker and Prof. Eytan Ruppin – is to be installed in Sheba Medical Center, Israel’s largest hospital, in addition to pilot studies at Boston’s world-renowned Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital. Using big-data analytics of electronic medical records data, MedAware’s technology learns prescription patterns used by actual physicians, and identifies potential prescription errors in real time. “The ease with which a little boy died because of a mistaken click of a button was horrifying to me as a physician and as a parent,” Stein tells ISRAEL21c. MedAware is born He was unusually qualified to fix the problem. Before going to medical school, Stein was a software engineer and later earned a doctorate in compu-

tational biology from Tel Aviv University, where he teaches clinical medicine and molecular imaging. Ruppin, a professor of computer science and medicine and an international authority in biomedical modeling and machine learning, was Stein’s PhD adviser. He agreed to cofound the company in 2012, bringing in machinelearning and algorithm expert Beker. “We worked for more than a year doing Israeli pilot studies, working in the middle of the night without pay, and had the good fortune last year to be accepted to the MassChallenge accelerator,” says Stein. MassChallenge, the world’s largest early-stage accelerator, recently opened MassChallenge Israel, its first official program outside of Boston. During the four-month accelerator period, selected Israeli startups have access to world-class mentors, a large entrepreneurial community, training, networking events, free office space and cash prizes. “Boston is the mecca of healthcare, so being there for four months was an eye-opener and a door-opener,” says Stein. “Following our success there, we gathered our first round of investments from Israeli angel investors. That round was extended and we almost doubled our initial investment. We are now in the midst of our second round through [Jerusalem-based] OurCrowd.”

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career in Australia, where prescriptions are still written by hand. “If the handwriting isn’t good, you’re guessing at what you’re supposed to be giving,” Kosowitz says. “Much depends on the skill of the pharmacist in not making a mistake.” Pharmacists in Australia hand type the name of the drug into the computer, hand type user instructions and then take the medication from the shelf and scan the barcode to see if what they typed matches. “If they read the script wrong and filled it accordingly, the barcode will match and they won’t catch the error,” says Kosowitz. “There is absolutely a need for a better system.” In large-scale studies, MedAware’s Prescription Analysis and Alert System identified life-threatening prescription errors that had escaped detection by existing alert systems in more than 1% of the patients. The technology can be fine-tuned according to physicians’ responses and updated data from active patients’ medical records obtained through a partnership with Elad HealthCare Solutions. Abigail Klein Leichman is a writer and associate editor at ISRAEL21c. Prior to moving to Israel in 2007, she was a specialty writer and copy editor at a daily newspaper in New Jersey and has freelanced for a variety of newspapers and periodicals since 1984.

Wishing you and those you love a sweet New Year of happiness, contentment & peace.

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JONATHAN

Existing solutions don’t work MedAware’s system flags errors including prescribing a drug with a name similar to the intended one; prescribing a drug to the wrong patient; and prescribing a drug that is contraindicated by recent laboratory/diagnosis data. Stein says it is unique in the world. “Current solutions are mainly rulebased systems like drug-interaction databases,” Stein explains. “They catch many errors, but there are two problems: First, you can only find what you’ve defined as a rule. There are many random errors that nobody would think of, like a three-year-old boy getting a prescription for a birth-control pill, or a patient without cancer getting a prescription for a chemotherapy drug. These mistakes really happen. “The second problem is that more than seven percent of prescriptions are flagged by current systems, and 90% of those flags are false alarms. That leads to ‘alert fatigue’ and the physician ignores the alert. So in practice, the current solutions don’t work and nobody uses them.” Shimon Kosowitz, a pharmacist at a Rishon LeZion branch of one of Israel’s health maintenance organizations, tells ISRAEL21c that in Israel the thorough checks and balances put in place to prevent mistakes generally work well, but in other countries there is a more acute need for a solution like MedAware is offering. He began his

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20A Federation Star September 2014

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

White City Shabbat breaks Guinness World Record for largest Shabbat dinner with 2,226 diners in Tel Aviv

vegetarian portions, 2,300 diners signed up and another 3,000 on the waiting list. In addition to organizing a dinner for over 2,000 people, White City Shabbat also had to contend with the laws of kashrut, Shabbat and, of course, those of Guinness World Records itself. GWR stipulated that all attendees must be seated and have had The tables are set prior to Shabbat (photo by Steven Winston) tourists had booked tables in advance their first course served by the waitso they could sit together, including ers all within five minutes, and thereNefesh b’Nefesh Lone Soldiers, Hilafter must remain at the table for the lel Latin America, Sackler Medical full hour that it took to School and the Israel Lacrosse team. eat the traditional ShabA range of strategic partners were also bat meal. Table captains involved, including the Municipality were appointed to reof Tel Aviv-Jaffa, the Israeli Ministry port to Patel and verify of Religious Services, ROI Commuthat everyone adhered nity, and Chabad on Campus who sent to the rules. It was also a group of young rabbis to help guide important for the Guinthe crowd. ness judge to know that White City Shabbat co-Director the meal adhered to traDeborah Danan quoted early Zionditional Jewish customs Co-Director White City Shabbat Deborah Danan, basketball player ist thinker, writer and Tel Aviv resifor Shabbat, including Tal Brody, Professor Alan Dershowitz, Canadian MP Irwin Cotler, dent, Ahad Ha’am. “Ahad Ha’am said, the proper prayers, Kidunknown, co-Director White City Shabbat Eytan White, ‘More than Jews kept Shabbat, Shabbat dush, HaMotzi (beneJay Shultz, President of Am Yisrael Foundation kept the Jews’ and White City Shabbat dictions over wine and bread), and that has proven this over and over again in the organizers weren’t breaking any the last few years by providing an alJewish religious laws. ternate family for those that don’t have The evening began with short loved ones close by. In Tel Aviv, vispeeches from Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, brant Jewish life is becoming the fabric Alan Dershwitz, Irwin Cotler and Jay of the city in the way that hi-tech has. Shultz, President of Am Yisrael FounOne of the reasons we started White dation, White City Shabbat’s umbrella City Shabbat is because we don’t beorganization, and was followed by a lieve that Shabbat was given only to giant Kabbalat Shabbat prayer service one particular Jewish denomination. outside of the Hangar. Once the meal Shabbat is a gift given to all types of was underway, organizers controlled Jews and it’s time all of us learn to take the crowd by holding up large signs advantage of it.” at strategic times throughout the meal, Danan’s co-Director, Eytan White, including “Shalom Aleichem,” “Stand said, “Tonight’s epic dinner was the up” and “Sit down.” Many of the key DZvibleman@JohnRWood.com result of a lot of beautiful chutzpah prayers were projected along the inside www.debbiesellsyourhome4you.com and I couldn’t be hapwalls of the venue. pier. It is no coincidence After the Golan that 613 was the date on Heights Winery sponSearch for Southwest Florida today’s calendar just as sored Kiddush, Jay Properties at: it’s no coincidence that Shultz stood on a stage a famous sentence in this in the center of the room, http://dzvibleman.listingbook.com week’s Torah portion hoisted a two-meterof Shelach is, ‘We shall long challah above his 10% of my net commission will be donated to the charity of your choice surely ascend and conhead and roared out the quer it, for we can surely HaMotzi benediction do it!’ That is the magic which kicked-off the of White City Shabbat.” official start of the meal White City Shabbat and Patel’s stopwatch. “Tonight, we all Guinness World Record Certificate is a volunteer-run non(photo by Jay Shultz) profit organization that came together in the acts as the portal for Jewish life in Land of Israel to celebrate Shabbat in Tel Aviv. The organization serves as unity and strength. There has never a matchmaker for Shabbat hospitality, been an easier time in history for the connecting guests with hosts throughJewish people to live here, and it is out the city each week in addition to clear that Tel Aviv is the most exciting hosting large young professional comthing happening in the entire Jewish munal dinners each month, holiday world,” said Shultz, a New Jersey nacelebrations, a Jewish learning series, tive who has been living in Israel for beginners learning minyan, and interthe past eight years. “May our unity of community programming. voice tonight reach and reassure all of For more information about the orAm Yisrael living around the globe, so ganization, visit www.WhiteCityShab they too will soon be as blessed as we bat.com. For more information about are, to come home. L’Shana HaBa’ah the Guinness World Record dinner, B’Tel Aviv!” visit www.worldslargestshabbatdinner. Various organizations, families, com. synagogues and groups of visiting

riday, June 13, 2014, Tel Aviv – On Friday night, June 13, White City Shabbat set the Guinness World Record for the largest Shabbat dinner ever with 2,226 attendees at the Hangar 11 in the port of Tel Aviv. Notable diners included Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv Rav Yisrael Meir Lau, Professor Alan Dershowitz, Ambassador Michael Oren, Israeli basketball legend Tal Brody, Canadian MP Irwin Cotler, MK Elazar Stern, and Mayor of Tel Aviv Yafo Ron Huldai. At 11:00 p.m., a jubilant crowd cheered on as the adjudicator from Guinness World Records™ (GWR), Mr. Pravin Patel, announced the final result. Patel, who was flown in from London especially for the occasion, kept the crowd in suspense as he went through the Guinness rules again and reminded everyone that in order to set the record, GWR demanded that a minimum of 1,000 diners must be in attendance. Consequently, when Patel finally announced that 2,226 diners were included in the record, the crowd erupted in cheers and hollers, before singing Am Yisrael Chai.

Patel, who has been an adjudicator for GWR all over the world, said, “This is my first time visiting Israel and first time experiencing a Shabbat dinner. It has been ‘officially amazing.’ Congratulations to White City Shabbat and the city of Tel Aviv.” To make the Guinness World Record Largest Shabbat Dinner happen, it took almost a year of preparation, 60 days of crowd-sourced fundraising, 800 bottles of wine, 80 bottles of vodka, 50 bottles of whiskey, 2,000 challah rolls, 80 long tables, 1,800 pieces of chicken, 1,000 pieces of beef, 250

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Part of the record-breaking crowd (photo by Casey Kelbaugh, renowned art photographer visiting from NYC, who is not Jewish and was therefore able to photograph on Shabbat)

21A Federation Star September 2014 ISRAEL / BUSINESS DIRECTORY employed 6,600 people and supported more than 23,000 jobs. In Pennsylvania, one Israeli company, TEVA Pharmaceuticals, employs 2,400 people in eight locations, generating 15,800 direct and indirect jobs, $1.2 billion in local income, $4.4 billion in economic output and $115 million in state and local taxes. Moreover, TEVA made $2.9 million in corporate charitable donations and in its advocacy and medical education programs in Pennsylvania in 2013 alone. (Sherwin Pomerantz, Baltimore Jewish Times)

BRIEFS ISRAEL CROWNED WORLD’S TOP CLEANTECH INNOVATOR Israel is the country with the most potential to produce and commercialize entrepreneurial cleantech start-up companies, according to the 2014 Global Cleantech Innovation Index. The report, by the Cleantech Group and World Wildlife Foundation, compiled data on 40 countries and found that Israel “generates the culture, education and ‘chutzpah’ necessary to breed innovation, plus it has the survival instinct.” (Niv Elis, Jerusalem Post)

2,000-YEAR-OLD TROVE OF ANCIENT COINS FOUND IN ISRAEL

A 2,000-year-old trove of rare bronze coins from the Second Temple period was discovered in Israel, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced recently. The discovery was made after pottery shards discovered several months ago, during construction to widen the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv Highway, led archaeologists to continue their excavation. “The hoard, which appears to have been buried several months prior to the fall of Jerusalem, provides us with a glimpse into the lives of Jews living on the outskirts of Jerusalem at the end of the rebellion,” said IAA excavation directors Pablo Betzer and Eyal Marco. Inside a buried ceramic box researchers found 114 bronze coins dating to the fourth year of the Great Revolt by the Jews against the Romans. The discovery was announced on the Ninth of Av, the Hebrew date where Jews com-

ISRAELI CYBER EXPORTS 2ND ONLY TO U.S. Israeli exports of cyber-related products and services last year reached $3 billion, some 5% of the global market and more than all other nations combined apart from the U.S., according to Israel’s National Cyber Bureau (NCB). “In June, Prime Minister Netanyahu noted that Israel is “a land flowing with milk and cyber.” (Barbara Opall-Rome, Defense News)

ISRAEL’S ECONOMIC IMPACT ON THE U.S.

More than 200 Israeli-founded businesses located in Massachusetts booked over $6 billion of revenue and generated nearly $12 billion in economic benefit to the state, representing 2.9% of the state’s GDP in 2012. These companies directly

September 2014 Federation Star

21A

See section B for many more items covering Israel as well as Commentary pieces. memorate the destruction of the Second Temple. (Fox News)

CYPRUS INAUGURATES ISRAELI-BUILT WATER DESALINATION PLANT Cyprus inaugurated its sixth desalination plant at Vassilikos on June 30, built by Israeli company IDE Technologies. “The desalination plant inaugurated today, along with units already operating and those already upgraded, guarantee that Cyprus will not face the problem of drought again,” said President Nicos Anastasiades. (Cyprus Mail)

TECHNION’S NANOSE CATCHES LUNG CANCER 90 PERCENT OF THE TIME A cancer-detection technology that “sniffs out” malignant tumors is set to be commercialized, after a study showed that a device based on the Technion-developed “NaNose” system successfully detected lung cancer in patients with up to 90% accuracy. By detecting the special “odor” emitted by cancer cells, the NaNose system can detect the presence of both benign and malignant tumors much more quickly, efficiently and cheaply, said Dr. Hossam Haick of the Technion, who helped develop the technology. Lung cancer diagnoses require invasive procedures such as bronchoscopies, computer-guided biopsies or surgery. The NaNose-based breathalyzer, on

the other hand, doesn’t require anything more than a patient’s breathing into the device in order to come up with an initial diagnosis. (David Shamah, Times of Israel)

ISRAELI MINI-FARM COULD FEED THIRD-WORLD HUNGRY

An Israeli-developed mini-farm that can grow vegetables anywhere has won a prize as the most promising project to help developing countries improve their economies. Project co-creator Nitzan Solan says the Livingbox “is the perfect system, because it lets anyone anywhere grow vegetables without the need for fertile soil, or running water and electricity, and with minimal farming skills.” “The five square meter size is perfect for a family of four or five.” Livingbox is based on hydroponics – the science of growing vegetables in water. Vegetables can take root in water when the right nutrients are added. Once it’s set up, the system is self-sustaining, requiring nothing more than household waste. “We can grow vegetables using three types of organic waste – from fish waste, with leftover organic waste like rotten vegetables or peels, and even using (animal) waste.” All three systems generate the nitrogen plants need to thrive, said Solan. (David Shamah, Times of Israel)

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22A Federation Star September 2014

RABBINICAL REFLECTIONS

The Hope Rabbi Ammos Chorny

common element which makes Jews feel at home, no matter where they are, is the singing of the Hatikvah during community and civic events. During the summer months, young Jewish campers throughout the land gather to sing Hatikvah and read the prayer for Israel or for the IDF. A friend of mine, who is spending some time at Camp Ramah, reports that there has been a prevalent feeling of helplessness in the air, just as it is at home. Even in camp, as we do at home, campers and staff watch the news, check the Internet, and worry. With unending rockets from Gaza over the last few weeks, it is truly a miracle that there have been so few

Israeli civilian casualties. But with every Israeli soldier killed, our hearts clutch. Did we know him? Did we know his/her family? And with every announcement of innocent civilians in Gaza killed by Israeli airstrikes, or by errant bullets, we cringe. Yes, it’s a war, a just war of defense. But we hate to do it. The discovery of tunnels, dozens of tunnels, is horrifying. We know their purpose is not to shelter Gazans from air attacks, but to kill Jews; to allow Hamas to infiltrate Israel, kidnap Israelis, and murder children and families. We had no idea that there were so many, and so widespread, but we are grateful that the IDF has found them and, as of this date, hopefully destroyed them. We worry about what’s happening in the rest of the world. Anti-Semitic riots in Europe. Anti-Zionist rallies in Boston, New York and other places. But we are grateful that much of the world supports Israel’s self-defense, while we know their patience wears thin as casualties

mount, and we need to worry about Israel’s isolation on the world stage. Last Sunday afternoon we gathered at the Naples Pier to show our support for Israel and her mandate to do all that is necessary to protect her citizens. And like the children at camp, we concluded our gathering with the singing of Hatikvah. But unlike our young campers, we don’t have to feel helpless. Instead, we ought to be reassured that there are many things we can do: we can stay informed, read the news and op-eds, inform our opinions, and speak and make Israel’s case to friends and neighbors. The Jewish Federation of Collier County (along with Federations across the country) opened an Israel Emergency Fund for donations to helps Israeli civilians with trauma counseling, with safe places for children to play, with respite care for those Israelis under constant bombardment. If you have friends or family in

Israel, now is the time to reach out to them with words of support and comfort. Email them, send Facebook messages, call them. They will tell you that life goes on, things are normal, and they are telling the truth. But they are also deeply worried about their son, or their neighbor’s son, who may have been called up to go to Gaza. They will appreciate your support. And finally, a traditional Jewish response to any event is prayer – prayers of thanksgiving and prayers of supplication. I invite you to join me in synagogue on Friday nights or Shabbat mornings as we offer prayers for the speedy resolution of the conflict and the restoration of quiet and shalom. I know that we are all praying for wisdom for Israel’s, and our own country’s, political leaders, for bravery and safety for members of the IDF, and for a time when all children and all families – Israeli and Palestinian – can sleep peacefully in their beds at night.

What will define the year ahead? Rabbi Adam F. Miller

ith the approaching start of 5775, I pose the following question: What separates one year from another? In her iconic poem, The Dash, poet Linda Ellis encourages us to consider what one finds on a tombstone – the dash between the year of our birth and the year of our death. The poem concludes, “So, when your eulogy is being read, with your life’s actions to rehash… would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent YOUR dash?” Her powerful words force us to think about the journey we are taking. Looking closer, we realize that the dash has the effect of blending all the years of our life together. How do we give each year distinct meaning and make it

memorable? Borrowing from Passover, what makes this year different from all other years? One way to make this year meaningful is to seek out ways to move beyond our comfort zones. It is in our nature to gravitate toward experiences that we enjoy, or feel familiar, and to develop patterns. While these routines may bring a sense of comfort, they also can effectively limit our ability to make a difference. Over time, we begin to resist trying new things, as well as activities that represent change. Author David Bornstein interviewed several individuals who had sparked positive social changes in their communities. When asked to reflect on what inspired them, one woman explained, “If it feels comfortable – I’m going to sign this petition; I’m going to post it on Facebook – then you’re not doing enough to move things forward. You’ve got to have butterflies in your belly, your heart has to be racing, your palm has to be sweating.” We can achieve remarkable results when we are

willing to embrace the excitement and trepidation that come from pushing ourselves beyond our normal boundaries. Reflect on the year that we are finishing and those experiences that stand out. From this perspective the mundane daily activities fade away, as do those times when we played it safe. Indeed, those nondescript pieces make this year look like any other. What makes a year memorable are the unique times. I look back on my year and several experiences stand out in sharp relief: welcoming our third child (definitely different than two!); shaving my head in memory of the remarkable Superman Sam z”l; and agreeing to travel to Kenya (although now postponed for safety reasons). Those moments challenged me to move outside of my comfort zone and gave the year definition. Before 5774 ends I am pushing myself to once again go beyond my comfort zone – physically going to Israel. For months I have spoken about the importance of standing with Israel – at services, during the memorial service

for the three Israeli teens, and at the Israel solidarity rally at the Naples Pier. Those were meaningful, but they did not challenge my routine. As you read this, I will be landing in Miami, having spent several days on a JNF solidarity mission. I already feel that sense of excitement and trepidation that comes from pushing outside my comfort zone, and I know that this will be another memorable part of my year. 5774 may be in its twilight, but 5775 will soon dawn with new opportunities. As you consider what made your last year notable, think about what will define the year ahead. May the new year be a memorable one, having brought us the strength and courage we need to stretch beyond our comfort zones. May it be full of blessing and hope. And may this year be a year of peace for us, and our people everywhere. Wishing you a Shanah Tovah U’Metukah from my family and on behalf of the whole Temple Shalom family.

Israel’s pain is our pain; her safety, our gladness Rabbi Sylvin L. Wolf

oday is August 3 and I’m supposed to be writing a message for September. Normally, I would be writing a message for our new year – the High Holy Days – and their meaning for us. I’ve spent days thinking of a message, but Israel’s war with Hamas has consumed my attention. In addition, there has been a rise in anti-Jewish and anti-Israel sentiments in France, Germany and the U.S. Individual Jews and synagogues have been attacked. This news is unsettling. Tuesday, August 5, will be Tisha B’Av – the 9th day of Av – an annual fast

day which commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem and the subsequent exile of the Jews from the Land of Israel. Coming as it does at this time of war, I recall the tragic elements of our history and of our constant fight for survival. (Let’s pray that by the time you read this, the current war will have ended.) As a result of the current events in Jewish life, I find it hard to concentrate on a High Holy Day message. Instead, I share a statement by Rabbi Eric Yoffie, former President, Union for Reform Judaism, and a prayer. The State of Israel has a special hold on our soul. Israel is the very essence of our being. The Torah that spells out for us a way of life and a religious destiny also binds us to a land, and Jewish life cannot be sustained without Israel at its core…Israel’s pain is our pain; her safety, our gladness…

High Holiday services/events will take place on the following dates: Selichot: Sep. 20 Erev Rosh Hashanah: Sep. 24 Rosh Hashanah: Sep. 25-26 Yom Kippur Eve: Oct. 3 Yom Kippur: Oct. 4

Please contact the area’s temples for their specific schedules and more information.

(Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, President, Union for Reform Judaism) Nahum Waldman composed the following: We pray for Israel, Both the mystic ideal of our ancestors’ dreams, And the living miracle, here and now, Built of heart, muscle, and steel. May she endure and guard her soul, Surviving the relentless, age-old hatreds, The cynical concealment of diplomatic deceit, And the rumblings that warn of war. May Israel continue to be the temple that magnetizes The loving eyes of Jews in all corners: The Jew in a land of affluence and relative peace Who forgets the glory and pain of his being, And the Jew in a land of oppression whose bloodied fist Beats in anguish and pride Against the cage of his enslavement.

May Israel yet embrace her homeless, her own, And bind the ingathered into one people. May those who yearn for a society built on human concern Find the vision of the prophets realized in her. May her readiness to defend Never diminish her search for peace. May we always dare to hope That in our day the antagonisms will end, That all the displaced, Arab and Jew, will be rooted again, That within Israel and across her borders All God’s children will touch hands in peace. May this be our prayer and may we and all Israel be inscribed and sealed in the Book of Life. L’Shanah Tovah Tikateivu V’teichateimu. Sandy joins me in wishing you and yours a good year.

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23A RABBINICAL REFLECTIONS Federation Star September 2014

September 2014 Federation Star

23A

Keep the change – only returns allowed this year Rabbi Fishel Zaklos

t the beginning of this holiday season, my personal prayer is that all of us here, as well as our brothers and sisters globally, enjoy a healthy, safe and sweet New Year. As we prepare ourselves spiritually for the High Holy Days, I wonder about the dynamic of change and transformation, especially when there is energy of ‘selfimprovement’ in the air. The big buzz word is ‘teshuvah,’ commonly translated to mean ‘repentance,’ and implies change, fixing and ‘time to shape up.’ How realistic is this notion of transformation? Are we meant to reinvent ourselves annually? I don’t think so. Teshuvah properly defined literally means ‘to return’ and ‘returning.’ That’s what it’s all about –

not reinventing. The High Holy Days afford us incredible opportunities to return to our basic nature, our core, our truest selves. When we do that, and reach past life’s daily dramas and tune into our essence, the Neshama, something magical happens. We realize that transformation isn’t necessary because all the answers and greatest potential are right there, at our core, fueled by the divine spark inside each of us! None of us needs to change (phew), we just need to return to our essential selves and harness the greatness that is already there. We should not even consider past mistakes as a reflection of our fundamental identity, but learn from them, change and be empowered even further to return to our innate G-dliness. So this year, keep the change – only returns allowed! Bronnie Ware, a worker in palliative care, noted that when faced with mortality, the most common regret of

dying patients was, “I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.” We are born with strength, and although we might temporarily stray, it’s not hard to return to that inner potential. We don’t want to live a life of “What if...?” or “If only...” The young Rabbi Weinreb, now a leading rabbi in America, was advised to contact the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of blessed memory. He encountered a life crisis and was deeply disturbed by unresolved questions about G-d, his career, family and faith. Reluctant to identify himself to the Rebbe’s secretary, he said he was, “A Yid von Maryland (a Jewish man from Maryland).” As the secretary relayed his problem to the Rebbe, he heard the Rebbe say, “Tell him that there is a Jew who lives in Maryland that he can speak to. His name is Weinreb.” Stunned, Weinreb replied, “But my name is Weinreb!” The Rebbe said: “Oib azoi, if that’s the case, then he should know that sometimes, one needs to speak to himself.”

Weinreb understood. The Rebbe said, “You’re looking for answers outside yourself because you feel lost. But the best answer is already inside you. There is more wisdom in you than you realize. Believe in yourself, and you’ll be surprised by what you can accomplish. It’s time for Weinreb to have a talk with Weinreb. It’s time for Weinreb to believe in Weinreb.” Weinreb learned to heed his inner voice. We sometimes question ourselves and occasionally feel lost, with nowhere to turn. On Rosh Hashanah, G-d says He wants us to believe in ourselves, and trust ourselves – start the New Year afresh. We have a choice: stand on the curb and watch traffic go by, or look both ways and within, cross the street safely, to a new beginning. Let’s give birth to ourselves, live fully, and with a whole heart. When we strive to make this year a kinder year, a happier year, a more Jewish year, we won’t be struggling alone. G-d will be at our side.

An expression of hope that evil will be transformed into good Rabbi Edward M. Maline, D.D.

his past summer I was expecting to enjoy a relaxing and refreshing summer sabbatical. It was anything but that because of the multiple crises and tragedies we experienced in America and throughout the world. Hardly a day went by that we did not witness a litany of woes domestically and abroad that caused us much anguish, sorrow and dismay. To name but a few: ¡¡ The immigration crisis at the U.S.Mexican border ¡¡ The conflict between Russia and Ukraine which resulted in the downing of the Malaysian airliner, killing 300 innocent people ¡¡ The emergence of ISIS in the Middle East, forcing Christians to convert to Islam ¡¡ A new terror group forming an Islamist State in Iraq and Syria

¡¡ The ongoing civil war in Syria ¡¡ Continuing turmoil in Sudan, Libya and Nigeria ¡¡ And last, but certainly not least, the resumption of the conflict between Israel and Hamas causing fear, death and destruction to members of the IDF and the citizens of Gaza. Of great concern is the bias of the media covering the events, the falsification of the truth about Hamas, and the fact that Israel abandoned Gaza in 2005 hoping Gaza would improve its economy by developing a tourist industry along the Mediterranean coast instead of an arsenal of rockets and tunnels to wreak devastation upon the citizens of Israel. Equally disturbing is the rise of anti-Semitism, particularly in Europe, and the mass migration of French Jewry to Israel. Equally abhorrent was the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teens and the appalling revenge murder of a Palestinian youth by Jewish extremists; surely an act that is unacceptable to the ethics and morality of Jewish tradition. It seems that the world is in turmoil

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and we are facing an Armageddon the of gloom and doom with an expression likes of which we have not seen before. of hope that evil will be transformed Terrorism, rocketry and other weapons into good – exile and alienation will end of mass destruction threaten us as never and restoration and renewal will return. before. We are afraid to fly, we fear airOur liturgy every Shabbat, festival planes and airports are no longer safe – and Holy Day ends with a note of hope the terrorists have affected the way we that on THAT day – meaning the future live and put fear into our hearts. – the world will be ONE as God is ONE. As we approach the Jewish New This must be “our” hope as well; Year, it is supposed to be a somewhat that the New Year will augur in a time joyous and hopeful time when we look when we shall sit under our vine and fig forward to a new year that will be better tree and none will make us afraid. Yes, than the year that has passed. a time when terrorism will cease and How can we be hopeful? It is difsanity, unity and concord will again rule ficult, if not impossible, to say the least, the earth, when violence will no longer yet we are mandated by our faith and be heard or seen in our lands. Ken Yehee tradition to be a hopeful people. The Ratzon. Thus, may it truly be. May the WORLD CLASS theme of Israel’s national anthem, HaNew Year 5775 indeed be a New Year tikvah, means “The Hope.” The ancient for the Jewish people, the State of Israel ENTERTAINMENT ~ SOUND & LIGHTING Hebrew prophets ended their messages and all humankind.

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24A Federation Star September 2014

FOCUS ON YOUTH

Preschool of the Arts update

By Ettie Zaklos, Preschool Director he 2014-2015 school year is off to a great start with the exciting late-summer news that we have scooped up the Champion Choice Award for Child Care in the 12th Annual Southwest Florida Choice Awards for the third consecutive year. And this year, we have added another award to our list – the Champion Choice Award for Educational Services! We are truly humbled by – and thrilled about – the accolades that local Naples residents have once again showered on us. Thank you! What makes us happy? Of course, the awards and recognition for what we do at Preschool of the Arts always makes us happy. Our success, however, is only true success when we see how it translates to the learning opportunities and successes of our preschool children. And so, what makes us the happiest is the start of a new school year when we see our preschool children arriving at school with their new backpacks, new lunchboxes and, of course, new shoes (how do our children’s feet not fit into their sneakers after a couple of months of summer?). When our teachers see those new backpacks, they don’t just see something that is used for carrying “stuff” to and from school. Those backpacks show us our children are growing up, branching out, and becoming part of a bigger world. They have places to go, things to do and lots to learn and share with the world. Our teachers view those

backpacks as the place where tangible proof will be seen of the learning, hard work and fun our children experience at Preschool of the Arts. Artwork will come home in those new backpacks, but it’s not just artwork. It’s our children’s learning about the world around them and the expression of that learning through art. Books will come home in those new backpacks, but it’s not just books. It’s our children’s knowledge of letters, letters that become words, words that become sentences, and sentences that become creative thoughts and ideas. And, because our children are hunters and gatherers, you can also expect to find their little “treasures” – stones, leaves, feathers, a butterfly wing – things they will pick up as they explore their surroundings.

A successful child is one whose mind and body are both fueled with equal and good intention. Preschool of the Arts is proud to be a peanut/nutaware school. We strive to maintain the safest possible environment, which means our preschoolers are not allowed to bring food that contains peanuts or nuts. We also have a kosher policy, which means children have to bring in either a dairy or pareve lunch (no meat allowed) – which can make things pretty tricky for everyone. So, here are some suggestions for nut-free, kosher, eco-healthy preschool lunches to pack in those new lunchboxes on those busy school mornings! Sandwich/bagel/crackers with: Egg salad Tuna fish

Summer of the Arts campers and counselors

Jelly + cream cheese Jelly + butter Jelly + Sunbutter Cheese Fruit and vegetables: Cut up/sliced fresh fruit; apple sauce Cut up/sliced vegetables Hummus Edamame (soybeans) General: Raisins, dried fruit, pretzels (no trail mix) Cheese sticks or slices, yogurt (no granola) Crackers (cheese, wheat) Chips Pizza (no pesto) Macaroni & cheese Spaghettios Pasta + butter Pasta + sauce (no pesto) Vegetable/noodle soup My teachers and I look forward to another successful and healthy year of exploration, learning and fun at Preschool of the Arts, where we will be filling our children’s backpacks through our Art & About Program that focuses on local guest artists who visit our preschool to talk about their art and do hands-on activities, and our everexpanding Visual Arts, Performing Arts and Culinary Arts programs. For more information, please contact me at 239.263.2620 or naplespre schoolofthearts@gmail.com, or visit www.naplespreschoolofthearts.com.

My March of the Living experience By Zoe Van Slyke n April 25, 2014, I got off a plane in Krakow, not knowing what to expect as I began my March of the Living experience. I braced myself for an emotional journey as I nervously entered the gates of Auschwitz and Birkenau. I waited to feel sadness. But I didn’t. I looked at my peers, some paralyzed by grief and horror at what they saw, and couldn’t understand why I did not feel the way they did. On Yom HaShoah we were among 10,000 people from around the world. We marched from Auschwitz to Birkenau to bear witness to the atrocities preformed on our people. We retraced the steps of all those before us who unknowingly marched to their death. We became survivors. At that moment, “The March of Death” became “The March of the Living!” As I led my group of 150 peers, I proudly held the sign that says BBYO. Yet, I still did not feel emotionally connected or grief stricken like my peers. What I did feel was pride and passion for who I am and what I am a part of. The march concluded with the singing of Hatikvah, reaffirming “Am Yisrael Chai” – The Jewish People Live! In hindsight, I think I had to be so empowered by my Jewish pride to prepare myself for what was to come. On April 29 I entered Majdanek. It was there when it hit me. It was there where I was able to touch and feel what my people felt; that I finally understood. I was struck by such overwhelming, almost crippling sadness and sorrow in that moment. I touched the scratch marks on the walls of the gas chambers. I could feel their fear. It was a profound

Zoe (center) on the March in Poland

connection that will never leave me. I saw the ashes of 68,000 of my people – openly displayed in beautiful mausoleum, that you could almost reach out and touch them. Maj-danek, a death camp that is preserved and could be functioning within 48 hours, was real to me. A camp at the edge of a town that was visible for all to see, but no one did anything. They could hear the screams, but no one stood up. They could see the smoke from the ashes, but they didn’t stop it. I knew at that moment what it really means to be Jewish. I felt pride like never before, and know it is my responsibility to stand up for those who have no voice. After our week in Poland, we embarked to the great land of Israel. Proudly and forever changed, we marched on

Aviv, where Israel was declared a state. Bearing witness to the horrors in Poland, and seeing now what is happening

At the Western Wall

On Masada

in Israel, I am affected deeply. Throughout the mass genocide of the Holocaust, people were silent. Silence=Acceptance. I am Jewish and I will not let this happen again. I am HUMAN and I can’t let this happen again. Please stand with me and support Israel and our people. We must make sure the Holocaust doesn’t happen again. Educate others. Unite as a com-

munity. Be tolerant. Be kind. Be Jewish. I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank the donors of the Jewish Federation of Collier County, BBYO, and Mr. and Mrs. Nossen for financially making this trip a reality. With the support of my community, I have been able accomplish so much in my short 17 years! I will give back as much as I can and make the world a better place. Thank you!

Jewish Bedtime Stories & Songs for Families

Zoe in Poland representing BBYO

Yom HaAtzmaut (Independence Day), armed with a deep understanding of why Israel is so important to Jews and to the world. It was a day filled with joy and celebration with my BBYO family, the organization that has changed my life, on this trip that changed my life. The week in Israel consisted of dancing, food, history, love, friendship, happiness and pride. Together we climbed Masada, floated in the Dead Sea, explored the Jewish Quarter, and visited the spiritual city of Tzfat. Proudly we sat in Independence Hall in Tel

The PJ Library program supports families in their Jewish journey by sending Jewishrelated books and music on a monthly basis to children for free.

Sponsered by

Arthur & Susan Karp

FamilyPJ Charitable Foundation, The Library is Inc A Supporting Foundation of brought to the Collier The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee County community Visit the FederationFamily website to sign up! by Jewish Services. For more www.jfedsrq.org information, call Follow us at facebook.com/pjlibraryofsarasota 239.325.4444.

25A Federation Star September 2014 FOCUS ON YOUTH

September 2014 Federation Star

25A

The top ten reasons why parents are choosing the “TSP experience” By Seyla Cohen, Preschool Director

rom our family to yours, we wish you a happy and healthy school year. Here are the top ten reasons: 10. Our school is blessed with educated, wonderful and committed staff, some of whom have been here for over 20 years. Our teachers are warm and nurturing and will care for your child’s every need. 9. Our classes are small and personal. There are two teachers in each class, with a low student-to-teacher ratio. Director and the teachers constantly look for new and improved ways of teaching, and continue their education by taking related early childhood courses. 8. We have a one-of-a-kind Science lab, “Professor Einstein’s Laboratorium,” where children can explore the world of nature firsthand, travel through the solar system in a planetarium-like setting, examine and grow plants,

research animals, learn about the human body and anatomy, investigate the ecosystem, discover the world of archeology, and perform a vast array of experiments. 7. The state-of-the-art playground and bike path help our students develop their gross motor and social skills. 6. We provide a wonderful Jewish education to your child. Children learn about the Jewish holidays and Jewish values through various ways of stimulating their minds and senses: music, art, cooking, dance and literature. 5. We are all a family. Your child will be greeted each morning with smiles and hugs. We get to know all of your children. We are always here to listen to your suggestions and concerns. We have an active Parent Teacher Organization (POTS) which helps you stay involved in your child’s education and ensures that this is your school, too. 4. Your child’s overall educational and personal experience will be enhanced by our Specials, including music, art, technology, movement, science, storytelling and foreign language. We have an amazing children’s library (aka Storyland). This beautifully decorated room includes a complete library of children’s books, a stage for dramatic play, a puppet theatre, dress-up clothes, and felt board stories galore!

Naples BBYO kicks off the school year ounded on May 3, 1924, with the first chapter of the high school fraternity, the Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA), for young men in Omaha, Nebraska, BBYO grew to include young women with the founding of the B’nai B’rith Girls (BBG), AZA’s sister program, on April 22, 1944, in San Francisco, California. Today, BBYO is a welcoming home to more than 40,000 Jewish teens who take part in programming around the world. Participants find a safe place where they can be themselves, learn, lead, serve and have fun with friends who become brothers and sisters. “This past summer, many Naples teens took part in various summer programs focused on a wide array of topics like leadership and volunteering. We’re looking forward to another great term with BBYO in Naples with events like Regional Kickoff and the All Florida Convention,” said Jason Randall, current AZA chapter president. Teens can expect a variety of different programming from ice skating

social nights to celebrating the Jewish holidays together. The BBYO fall term calendar is full of fun activities for teens to meet new friends and develop more leadership skills. “BBYO is like my second home and my second family. BBYO has helped open my eyes to so many different opinions and views that have helped me become a better person. I look forward to all of the events because I never know the new thing I might learn,” said Zoe Van Slyke, current BBG chapter president. Events in September for Naples BBYO include a pool party on Sunday, September 7, before the All Florida Convention on Friday, September 12. For middle school students, there will be a bowling event on Saturday, September 20. For more information about these upcoming programs, contact Lory Conte at LConte@bbyo.org.

Tamara Zishuk from Orlando and Zoe Van Slyke from Naples participated in a BBYO Summer Experience in July. They advocated for equal rights at the Human Rights Campaign office in Washington, D.C.

It is a magical place where our children look forward to going each week. 3. We have assembled a cutting edge Tech Lab which was created with the abilities and interests of preschoolers in mind. This work center includes ageappropriate tablets, laptops, interactive iPad and TV interfaces, digital cameras, and child-friendly photo and video editing software, as well as many other technology-related learning opportunities. The atmosphere is comfortable, allowing little ones to learn about technology as well as test out their abilities to design and create. 2. Our Mommy and Me (15 months - 26 months) and Baby and Me (birth - 14 months) programs are each an incredible way of getting you and your

child involved in the temple and our community. Led by Miss Jane Galler, you and your child will participate in creative music, art and play activities. These classes are a wonderful way to have fun with your child, while providing an opportunity for each of you to develop lifelong friendships. 1. We prepare your child for his or her future. Your child will receive all of the educational and social tools needed to go off to elementary school and into the world. Both public and private schools in Naples are grateful and rave about the readiness of the children who have been through our program. For more information, contact me at 239.455.3227 or scohen@naplestemple. org.

Beth Tikvah Youth Education: “Lost-and-Found” Jews By Aviva Chorny

oxes labeled “Lost and Found” are common sightings in synagogue offices overflowing with books, pens and pencils, and odds and ends of clothing. Great is the joy on the finder’s face when he or she locates a misplaced article. But this is not the only kind of Lost and Found box in our Jewish schools. We often find students and parents who seem to be lost within the atmosphere of the synagogue. Like the articles in the Lost and Found box, they often remain in their isolated corners unnoticed. Occasionally, however, they “find themselves” and are found by others. Their eyes shine when they finally discover some way to express their inner qualities. Sometimes it happens when a student who has had a quiet scholastic

career creates a drawing which eloquently expresses Jewish feelings. At other times, one of our young students leaves our school prayers with his eyes alight with the first-time realization that he or she belongs. Then there are the times a student finds himself holding high the Havdalah candle and proudly participating in this beautiful ceremony. It often occurs to parents, too, when they leave an Adult Education class or program and after an intense discussion about Jewish concepts. Rabbi Ammos Chorny and I urge all who have lost articles to reclaim them in our Lost and Found box. We urge all students and parents who are part of the human Lost and Found box to let us help them find their Jewish selves.

HEY KIDS! What are your plans for the summer of 2015? Would you like to go to a Jewish Summer Camp or visit Israel? The Jewish Federation of Collier County, Temple Shalom and Temple Shalom Men’s Club, together offer PARTIAL scholarships for Jewish Summer Camps and the Israel Experience for teens.

Sara Klausner (at right) attended Chapter Leadership Training Conference (CLTC) in West Virginia this past summer

ConneCt with your Jewish Community

www.facebook.com/

facebook.com/jfedsrq JewishFederationofCollierCounty

There are scholarship opportunities for all Jewish children in the community regardless of congregation affiliation. For information and a scholarship application, contact your local synagogue or call the Jewish Federation at 239.263.4205.

Scholarship request deadline is December 1, 2014.

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

26A Federation Star September 2014 TEMPLE SHALOM

SYNAGOGUES www.naplestemple.org / 239-455-3030

A spectacular and dramatic week in Israel By Cantor Donna Azu

s I write this month’s article, it’s been 12 days since I left Israel and I’m still wrapping my head around the events that took place while I was there. Despite the tragedies that took place and are still taking place, it was a spectacular and dramatic week in Israel reconnecting with my colleagues, my family, my teachers and the land. I returned to Israel to attend the American Conference of Cantors (ACC) annual convention. It was a week filled with numerous opportunities for learning the latest trends in Israeli society and culture; traveling from one end of the country to the other in search of insight and inspiration; listening to the newest music coming from Israel; singing sacred songs alongside our Israeli brothers and sisters; and, finally, with praying. Included in our experiences was a workshop and tour of BINA, a secular Yeshiva meaning wisdom. BINA is the leading organization at the intersection of Jewish Pluralism & Social Action in Israel. The organization strives to strengthen Israel as a democratic pluralistic society, by emphasizing Judaism as a culture, through Jewish values of tikkun olam. At the Leo Beck school in Haifa,

we attended the concert of Arab and pray. In the past, those who opposed Jewish teenagers making music and Women of the Wall have held demonbuilding bridges together. This was a strations, yelling, spitting and throwing window into the “other” Israel that we objects at the women. Yes, we were do not hear about on CNN. They are yelled at to leave, but it didn’t escalate Israeli and Arab teenagers who make beyond that. We wore our tallitot, held music promoting peace. Young people who very simply see the humanity in the other and see another way. The group is called Heartbeat. Heartbeat unites these teenagers to build critical understanding, develop creative nonviolent tools for social change, and amplify their voices to influence Cantor Donna Azu (at center wearing white tallit) with Women of the Wall at the Kotel the world around them. The highlight of my visit was coup our siddurim, and prayed strong with leading a service held at the Kotel with our voices over all of the chaos around Women of the Wall. Women of the us. The men in our group created for us Wall’s mission is to achieve the social a wall of protection behind us, and we and legal recognition of the rights, as all felt their strength with the angels women, to wear prayer shawls, pray singing on high above this holy ground. and read from the Torah collectively It was an incredibly moving morning I and out loud at the Western Wall. They will never forget. meet monthly on Rosh Chodesh to pray The last night was a triumphant final and sing together, and they joined the gala concert at the gorgeous YMCA hall women of the ACC as we gathered to across from the King David hotel. It was

CHABAD JEWISH CENTER OF NAPLES

an array of Jewish music – traditional chazzanut, Yiddish, Jazz, Ladino, tributes to Arik Einstein and Naomi Shemer, and much more. It was called Kaleidoscope. And it was stunning. On the last day we gathered for a final service and goodbye overlooking the Jerusalem – a dazzling view – with tears in my eyes as the conflict with Hamas was heating up. Back safely at home, my heart breaks for Israel. A Jew has to hope. Giving into despair is not an option. I pray that peace will arrive soon for both sides. *** Temple Shalom looks forward to welcoming you to our beautiful High Holy Day services. If you have never spent the High Holy Days with us, we invite you to join us as our guest! Active duty military personnel and college students always receive complimentary tickets. If you have joined us in the past, tickets that include all High Holy Day services are available at the cost of $100 per person, and that cost can be applied to temple membership. Reservations are required. For additional information regarding services, tickets or membership, please call the temple office at 239.455.3030.

www.chabadnaples.com / 239-262-4474

Chabad Jewish Center of Naples update

igh Holidays Everyone, from the most experienced to the first-time attendee, is welcome to our uplifting, joyous and inspiring services with a talented cantor. You will always be warmly greeted and feel right at home. Services are followed by a beautiful family Kiddush – a great place to get to know others in the community. Children of all ages meet with their peer groups for special instructive, exciting and enjoyable programs. For more information, call the office at 239.262.4474 or visit www.chabadnaples.com. Hebrew School What a change, when your children can’t wait to go to Hebrew School and

don’t want to miss a day! Learning is fun and exciting with special events. Varied stimulating programs include projects, activities, discussions and special events, guided by a special rabbi from the east coast who does phenomenal workshops with the children from Havdalah to watching a scribe write in the Torah scroll. Sign up today! Some kids come with no knowledge and leave a year later with the amazing aleph champ curriculum, knowing how to read Hebrew. A perfect recipe for that special feeling of success and being proud of one’s Judaism. Jewish Women’s Circle Ladies, get ready for a full season at Chabad Naples for our 10th year of

JEWISH CONGREGATION OF MARCO ISLAND

women enjoying lectures on health and better living. Join and experience the special camaraderie and spirited discussions. Partners Project This year, Partners came together to ‘feel the Love’ – kosher chocolates by Norman Love – at a special annual Partner Recognition Evening. Partners always feel like family, uniting in a cause to support and stand with an amazing organizing that contributes so widely to the community. Join over 300 Partners today by visiting out website or calling our office. 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 has become a vital force with all the vibrant energy of Chabad. We have had great discussions, questions and answers, and classes with Rabbi Fishel. Meetings will resume after the High Holidays. Weekly services and children’s program Join us every Shabbat at 10:00 a.m. for uplifting services, and bring the kids to the incredible children’s program at the same time. Kiddush and a social gathering for the family follow services.

www.marcojcmi.com / 239-642-0800

President’s message Roger Blau JCMI President

ike most of you I’m sure, I’m confused and disappointed by the United Nations and many Europeans who contend that Israel is the aggressor and the war criminal in the military action taking place in Gaza. I pray that by the time this editorial is published the parties will have reached a durable cease fire and that Israel will have crippled Hamas’ capacity for further terror attacks. My confusion and disappointment stem from the facts: Hamas aspires to the dream of a caliphate completely free of Jews and Christians. They strive to realize this dream by pushing these groups out of territories they hope to conquer, converting them to Islam or

killing them. They wish to realize the dream of an exclusively Islamic caliphate ruled by Sharia law. It is obvious to any rational person that Hamas cares not for the safety and well-being of the Palestinians in Gaza. Israel is accused of targeting civilians. But it is Hamas that places missile launchers beneath schools, alongside hospitals and residences. How can anyone fail to understand that Israel must logically return fire to locations from which incoming rockets attacking Israel originate? Israel is ludicrously accused of “apartheid.” Yes, Israel desires to retain its Jewish majority, Jewish identity and Jewish culture. But Christians and Muslims are included as equals in Israeli society. Many become citizens, serve in the military, hold public office, operate businesses and maintain churches and mosques inside Israel. By contrast, Hamas has a very simple objective – kill all the Jews. So, how in the world does Israel earn the

label of apartheid aggressor? is a civilized peace-seeking nation. How JEWISH CONGREGATION OF MARCO ISLAND Let’s recall who started this current it can be accused of war crimes simply 991 Winterberry Drive conflict. It was Hamas who fired thoubogglesIsland, my mind. Marco FL sands of rockets into HIGH HOLY DAYS SCHEDULE 5775/2014 Israel. It was Hamas EREV ROSH HASHANAH who built tunnels into WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2014 Israel to give terrorist 8 PM SERVICE bombers easy access ROSH HASHANAH THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2014 to Israel. It is Hamas 10 AM SERVICE who ruthlessly and FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 deliberately murders 11:00 AM TASHLICH SERVICE (ON THE BEACH-MEET AT JCMI 10:30) civilians. 8 PM SHABBAT SHUVAH By contrast, IsCEMETERY MEMORIAL SERVICE rael drops leaflets to SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 warn Gazans of im1PM JEWISH MEMORIAL GARDENS pending air raids by YOM KIPPUR - KOL NIDRE the IDF. It is Israel FRIDAY OCTOBER 3, 2014 who provides elec5:30PM PRE-KOL NIDRE DINNER 8 PM SERVICE tricity, food, water YOM KIPPUR and medical supplies SATURDAY OCTOBER 4, 2014 to Gazans. It is Is10 AM SERVICE 3:30PM AFTERNOON SERVICE, YIZKOR, NE’ILAH rael that sets up field 6 PM BREAK THE FAST DINNER * hospitals to care for Visitors and Guests are welcome. The charge for all guests is $100 per person injured Gazans. for the High Holy Days Services (Rosh Hashanah and/or Yom Kippur). Tickets will be available for pick up at our office beginning September 5 Israel has proven from 9:00AM to 2:00PM. *There will be a charge for these dinners. time and again that it

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

27A Federation Star September 2014 SYNAGOGUES BETH TIKVAH

September 2014 Federation Star

27A

www.bethtikvahnaples.org / 239-434-1818

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

e wish everyone an uplifting and comforting High Holiday season. Wherever we worship, let us dedicate this time of spiritual renewal and new beginnings to strengthening our local and international Jewish community and rallying support for Israel. L’Shanah tovah tikatev v’taihatem! Beth Tikvah is pleased to announce that Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services will be enhanced by the talents of guest cantor Hazzan Elaine Shapiro. Cantor Shapiro is a true trailblazer. She is the first woman whose studies at the JTS School of Sacred Music led to immediate employment as cantor at a Conservative synagogue. In South Florida, Cantor Shapiro has served in fulltime capacity at Temple Beth El in West Palm Beach and, most recently, at Temple Sinai in Delray Beach. She is a noted teacher of liturgy and cantillation, who has served as mentor to many aspiring cantors. As a distinguished member of the Cantors Assembly, Hazzan Shapiro has taken a leadership role in that presti-

gious body by serving as Chairperson of the Southeast Region and as the first woman elected to the Executive Board of the Cantors Assembly. Hazzan Shapiro’s elegant soprano voice and vast classical repertoire have made her an artist whose talents are much in demand throughout the concert halls of America and Europe. She participated in the Concordia Youth Chorale on its European Tour and was a scholarship winner at the Academy of the Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. H e r a p p e a rHazzan Elaine Shapiro ances in the world of opera have included performances with the Connecticut State Opera, the Manhattan Opera Singers, and the International House Performing Arts Foundation. As a guest soloist, Cantor Shapiro has sung with the Florida Symphony, the Zamir Chorale, and the Choral Society of the Palm Beaches.

NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION

As a wife, mother, teacher, concert performer and cantor, Hazzan Elaine Shapiro’s boundless energy and enthusiasm for life have made her a pioneer in the efforts of women to expand their opportunities in today’s society. Beth Tikvah is proud to have Hazzan Shapiro as its Visiting Cantor for the 5775 (2014) High Holidays. High Holiday ticket order forms can be downloaded from the Beth Tikvah website, where the schedule of services from Selichot to Simchat Torah/Shemini Atzeret will be posted. To request the information by email, please provide contact information. Book Discussion Group Our Book Discussion Group will resume on Monday, September 29 at 7:30 p.m. with an exploration of Ronald H. Balson’s Once We Were Brothers. This book was reviewed in the June issue of the Federation Star. Other fall selections will be listed in our October column. Selichot Beth Tikvah’s Selichot observance begins on Saturday, September 20 at 8:30 p.m. We will view Unetane Tokef or another film relevant to the themes

of the occasion, discuss it briefly, and then turn to Selichot prayers. Check our website for the High Holiday schedule and reservation details. Youth Education Program Though the school year is already underway, there is still time – and room – for your children or grandchildren in our program. Contact Phil Jason at 239.287.8921 for information. The registration form can be downloaded from our website. Religious services schedule Friday services begin at 6:15 p.m.; Saturday services begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude with a Kiddush Luncheon. Sunday morning minyan runs from December through March at 9:00 a.m. We regularly convene Yahrzeit minyanim upon request. 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, please call 239.434.1818, email bethtikvah naples@aol.com, or visit www.bethtik vahnaples.org. You can reach Rabbi Chorny directly at 239.537.5257.

www.naplesjewishcongregation.org / 239-234-6366

President’s message

By Suzanne L. Paley, President

he past few months have gone by swiftly, maybe too swiftly! We have had excellent attendance at our Shabbat services, which is the norm since we only meet once a month in the summer. I found myself missing all the friendly faces I was so accustomed to and wishing everyone “Shabbat Shalom.” I am truly looking forward to the High Holy Day season and welcoming everyone “home.” This summer has certainly been an eventful one with the crisis on our Southwestern border and the fighting in the Middle East. This has caused me, and many others, to do some serious thinking about both situations, which I found very frustrating. There are no easy answers for resolving either crisis. I recently read Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline, as well as Flight From the Reich by Deborah Dwork and Robert Jan Van Pelt; inadvertently timely selections on my part. Both books examine the plight of children escaping from the potential horrors of where they lived. Real orphan trains existed in the U.S. from the mid-19th century until

1929. The program was a well-meaning way of getting orphaned children out of the slums and tenements of large eastern cities. These orphaned children were living in horrific conditions, often with no one to ensure they would make it to the next day. Children were taken from the streets and overcrowded orphanages, and eventually placed on trains heading west. The idea was for them to be fostered or adopted by nice mid-western families. This was the case for some, but often the older children became no more than slave labor to the people who took them in. In Flight From the Reich we are shown the reality of the Kindertransports, and what parents went through in order to save their children from the Nazi horrors coming to Germany in the mid to late ’30s. A heart wrenching decision for all the parents, a terrifying journey for the children, and a difficult adjustment when they arrived in a new country to be “saved.” So I ask myself, what is the right thing to do with the thousands of children crossing our borders illegally “to be saved?” What about

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all the Palestinian children who are being killed or injured in daily battles? Are there answers that uphold our moral convictions and at the same time satisfy our political thinking – whatever that may be? It makes one think, but there are no easy answers. As NJC members, we know for sure that when children need help in Naples, we answer the call without hesitation. Recently, some of you donated school supplies, clothing, or money to purchase them to the Shelter for Abused Women and Children. Last winter, many of you donated money to provide food for homeless children on the weekends during the school year. In a campaign led by the late Robert Welling, we garnered enough money to provide weekend meals for 10 children for almost two school years. As schools are again in session, we know in our hearts that we are making a difference in the lives of these “kids,” as Bob was so fond of calling them. Our temple and the Naples

community at large have lost a man who stood up to be counted and who acted on his convictions. Every community needs more men like Bob Welling. We should be honored that he was a part of our congregation. Wishing you all L’Shanah Tovah – may the year be sweet, may you be healthy and may we have peace in the world. NJC will have an Open House on Friday, September 12, complete with our Shabbat service preceded by a Pot Luck Supper and followed by a special Oneg. Please come and meet us. We are very friendly and our services are lively and festive. We welcome nonmembers to our High Holy Day services at a cost of $150 per ticket. Ticket prices will be applied toward membership dues if you join by the end of the year. To purchase tickets and for more information, please contact Peter Weissman at stormx2407@aol. com or 239.352.4395.

Jerusalem Post Crossword Puzzle Solution to puzzle on page 14A

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

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

Hadassah update Lynn Weiner President

recently returned from Hadassah’s 97th National Convention in Las Vegas. Over 800 Hadassah members, Associates and supporters attended, including Collier-Lee Chapter of Hadassah members Karen Ezrine, Suzann Yussen and Associate Steve Yussen. The Keynote Speaker was Randi Zuckerberg, sister of Mark Zuckerberg and Founder/CEO of Zuckerberg Media, who spoke about her beginnings at Facebook and the current dotcom world. Dr. Avi Rivkind, Head of the Shock Trauma Unit at Hadassah Hospi-

tal, spoke about the current situation in Israel. Marcie Natan, National Hadassah President, presided over the three-day event. Bret Stephens, Pulitzer Prize winner and correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, debated Ari Shavit, journalist at Haaretz and author of the book My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel. Jamie Gangel, news correspondent, conducted an engaging interview with her husband, Daniel Silva, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Gabriel Allon book series and current book The Heist. A young Israeli boy told us via video how he was accidentally electrocuted and brought to Hadassah Hospital for treatment. He spoke about his recovery and the wonderful doctors and nurses at Hadassah. When the lights went up, David was on stage,

JEWISH WOMEN INTERNATIONAL

now a handsome young man on his way to medical school! Another young Israeli girl, who was treated for cancer at Hadassah Hospital, told her story of survival on video, then appeared on stage and had her Bat Mitzvah at the Convention in front of everyone there! Hadassah introduced several new initiatives, including “The Uplift Project,” a breast cancer awareness program; “Every Step Counts,” a walking challenge for heart health; and the new “eMember” online level of membership. During the convention, Hadassah raised a total of $1.5 million! All in all, it was a wonderful and exciting event. Save the date for the Hadassah Fall Meeting and Luncheon on Tuesday, October 28 at the newly renovated Vanderbilt Country Club in Naples. Jeff Margolis will tell us the incredible story of the “Jews of Sosua” in the

Dominican Republic. Hadassah’s Annual Major Donors/ Keepers of the Gate Event will be held on Sunday, December 14 at 10:30 a.m. at Quail West Country Club in Naples. The book Gertruda’s Oath: A Child, a Promise, and a Heroic Escape During World War II by Ram Oren will kick off “One Book, Southwest Florida.” Hadassah will be conducting several book discussions (to be announced). Two “One Book, Southwest Florida” community-wide events are planned – Wednesday, January 7 at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Shalom in Naples and Thursday, January 8 at 1:00 p.m. at the South Regional Library Branch on Lely Cultural Parkway in Naples – with a very special guest speaker! For more information, please see the article on page 10A.

www.jwi.org / 239-498-2778

JWI works to assure “dolls” are remembered SUNDAY

MONDAY

Millie Sernovitz JWI Past International President o you remember Mahalia Jackson? How about Haym Salomon? Can you guess how many th th 5 or 6 graders can tell you who Ralph J. Bunche was? Or be able to identify Chief Justice Louis D. Brandeis? Thanks to a dedicated group of “doll ladies,” elementary school children have been learning about role models from the African American and Jewish communities since the early 1950s. In 1952, Jewish Women International, then known as B’nai B’rith Women, created the “Dolls for Democracy” program to teach tolerance to elementary school children. Originated as a response to a need for programming among neglected inner-city children, the original program included a successful African American businessman and a middle-class white Jewish woman. The “doll lady” would show students

dolls that were crafted in the likeness dren about the life journey and achieveof these historical figures. The dolls ments of historical figures who each had a disability to overcome, while applying and the stories helped illustrate that talent, genius, devotion to democratic the principles of their work to the notion ideals, and service to mankind are not of tolerance in a way that was easily the characteristics of any single group understood by the children. Each person of people. represented as a doll, was someone who, The dolls used for the project were made by reason of his or her own feeling of by Cecil Weeks of Independence, Missouri. love for mankind, had strengthened ties These dolls were handmade with an unparalof understanding and leled attention to detail. cooperation among all people everyThe Eleanor Roosevelt doll, for example, wore where. Women across a hand-beaded replica of one of the First Lady’s the country rose to inaugural gowns. the challenge and 90 The progressive communities ordered “Doll Lady” with students dolls, including an ideas and programming of “Dolls for Democracy” was ahead adaptation of the program used by JWI of its time – 10 years before the height Canada. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) lent its support and cooperation. of the Civil Rights Movement. At a Everyone knew a doll lady or was a doll time when schools were still segregated in parts of the country, these Jewish lady. Scripts for different dolls were women brought “Dolls for Democracy” made available, and while some women used them, many women did their own to as many schools as possible, regardresearch and became experts about the less of race or socio-economics. lives of the dolls they were teaching. “Dolls for Democracy” taught chil-

HUMANISTIC JEWISH HAVURAH

Betty Singer, of the Albert Einstein chapter in Wayne, New Jersey, was a doll lady from the 1970s until her area program ended in 2012. Throughout her years teaching, she learned which dolls the students would recognize and which they would not. While students may be able to learn about these figures through textbooks, Singer notes that many of the doll ladies lived through the years of these people and were able to add personal stories in their lessons. JWI has complete collections of the dolls and is currently working with a major museum to include this important piece of American history in its collection. We are collecting stories from dolls ladies across the country. If you were a doll lady or remember “Dolls for Democracy” coming to your school, and would like to share your story, contact Meredith Jacobs at mjacobs@jwi.org. To learn more about the JWI’s “Dolls for Democracy” or other JWI endeavors locally and nationally, please contact Millie Sernovitz at 239.498.2778 or millie@sernovitz.com. Also visit the JWI website at www.jwi.org or its companion website for Jewish Woman magazine at www.jwmag.org.

www.humanisticjewishhavurahswfl.org / 239-398-3935

Humanistic Jews and the High Holidays

Paula Creed President he Humanistic Jewish Havurah of Southwest Florida will commemorate Yom Kippur on Saturday afternoon, October 4, to be followed immediately by a “break the fast.” The event will be held at The Carlisle, 6945 Carlisle Court, Naples. Visit our website at www.humanisticjewishhavurahswfl.org or call Dena Sklaroff at 239.591.0101 for details. As Judaism progresses into the 21st century, new explanations and reasons for continuing our traditions are required if they are to remain meaningful. You may ask, “Why do we want to keep them?” It seems they appeal to our human instincts, and they connect us with our people through time and space. The “High Holidays” are about the com-

munal nature of Jewish life. They serve as important links to our Jewish past, while retaining meaning for our Jewish identity today. Rosh Hashanah The Jewish year begins in the fall with the celebration of Rosh Hashanah on the first day of Tishri. The Torah refers to Rosh Hashanah as Yom Terua, the Day of the Sounding of the Shofar, or Yom Hazikaron, the Day of Remembrance. The holiday was not call Rosh Hashanah (literally, “head of the year”) until Talmudic times reflecting a long-standing debate about whether the year began in the spring (close to Passover) or in the fall. In rabbinic (Orthodox) Judaism, Rosh Hashanah is seen as an annual day of divine judgment. Humanistic Jews, like others in the contemporary Jewish world, recognize this fall festival as a time of renewal, reflection and new beginnings. But while others seek favor from God, we interpret Rosh Hashanah as a time for self-reflection and as an affirmation of human power and human dignity. It is

a time to consider the possibilities for change, for improvement, for happiness, that human beings can create for themselves. As the first day of the Jewish year, Rosh Hashanah marks a turning point, a separation between what was and what will be. Rosh Hashanah offers Humanistic Jews an opportunity for concentrated reflection on our actions of the past year, a time to change course, and resolve to act more consistently upon humanistic moral and ethical principles. Yom Kippur Historically, Yom Kippur is a time of awe and reverence, a Day of Repentance, when human beings seek divine forgiveness for sin. Penitential prayer and fasting form the heart of the historic observance of Yom Kippur. The Torah commands no drinking or eating (except in the case of risk to health) and other restrictions. Yom Kippur has a different significance for Humanistic Jews. We make Yom Kippur a time of self-forgiveness and forgiveness of others. The traditional and powerful melody of Kol Nidre

is sung in most Humanistic Jewish communities. But because its historic text, which excuses Jews from carrying out vows not sincerely made, is unacceptable to Humanistic Jews, the text has been amended to reflect the humanistic obligation to keep all promises made in a spirit of justice and caring. The Yizkor (memorial) prayer beginning Yizkor elohim nishmat (May God remember the soul of …), becomes Nizkor (Let us remember), a more meaningful concept for Humanistic Jews. A Nizkor service affirms that human beings preserve the memory of the dead. Fasting, in the rabbinic tradition, is self-mortification or abstinence from pleasure. However, Humanistic Judaism finds no value in preemptive fasting or in fasting to avert danger. Fasting on Yom Kippur is not required. Because Yom Kippur is a holiday in which we celebrate our ability to change and grow, and our responsibility for our own direction, it is, above all, for secular Humanistic Jews, a holiday of self-respect.

29A Federation Star September 2014 ORGANIZATIONS ORT AMERICA – GULF BEACHES CHAPTER

September 2014 Federation Star

29A

www.ort.org / 239-649-4000

Hella Amelkin: Holocaust survivor, ORT loyalist

By Helene Dorfman Fuchs

ella Amelkin discovered ORT in 1950 as a 15-year-old Holocaust survivor newly repatriated to Vienna from Switzerland, along with her father and older brother. Her mother died in Auschwitz. Post-war, ORT saw as its primary mission teaching survivors in DP camps vocational skills, and ORT was actively recruiting young people like Hella to help fulfill that mission. Because ORT was founded in Russia, Hella’s father, Armin, feared it was a Communist organization (Austria historically had no separation of Church and State, so his fears were grounded in that perception). He refused to let her join. Fast forward to 2006. Her husband, endocrinologist Lawrence Ziff, had died, barely a year after they moved to Naples fulltime. Hella, bereft and lonely, was looking for an undertaking to keep busy. At the suggestion of her friend and neighbor, Jill Goode, a founding member of Gulf Beaches Chapter, she joined the ORT board as financial secretary. “I joined ORT to keep myself occupied, but I quickly found it appealing to work toward the goal of educating

children. Everyone in ORT has that common goal,” Hella says. Born in Berlin to Austrian parents, Hella and her brother survived thanks to luck and pluck – mainly the courage of a 17-year-old Jewish schoolgirl holding dual French-Swiss citizenship. In 1942, Hella, 7, and her 9-year-old brother, Uriel, were smuggled from France into Switzerland by the teenager, Aimee Stauffer-Stitelmann, under circumstances that read like a Hitchcock film: an outwitted guard, children hidden in a railroad Hella Amelkin compartment, and a man on a bicycle waiting for them on the Swiss side. For eight years they lived with foster families. Hella and her brother survived, eventually reuniting with their father, once a wealthy lawyer for a Jewish-owned Berlin department store who was thrown out along with the owners in 1938. The family fled to Austria, then Belgium and the south of France. Back in Vienna in 1950, Hella graduated from a French high school,

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN

returning to Switzerland to study interpreting at the University of Geneva. She met and married her first husband, a Brooklyn native in medical school in Geneva. Both her son and daughter were born in Switzerland. In 1960, she and her family moved to the U.S. After divorcing her first husband in 1978, Hella worked in Manhattan. She managed her cousin’s Israeli arts and craft boutique, a job that took her to Paris for two years and introduced her to Agam, the celebrated Israeli artist. Later she worked as a translator for an engineering firm headed by an Austrian Jew who built the famous Checkpoint Charlie Museum in Berlin.

Hella speaks three languages fluently – French, German and English. Her jobs in Switzerland and the U.S. linked her to such celebrities as the actor George Sanders (as his secretary), whom Hella describes as a “mensch,” the movie star Van Johnson, and the architect I. M. Pei. It has been a remarkable life, thanks to the bravery of the teenage heroine who, by smuggling Hella out of Nazi-occupied France, provided the chance for survival. To learn more about Hella’s experiences as a Holocaust survivor, contact the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida in Naples at 239.263.9200.

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

239-353-5963 / 239-354-9117

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

he officers and board of NCJW wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year. Our luncheon meetings last season were delicious and informative. Our first guest was Kara Laufer, Director of Business, Naples Botanical Garden. We learned that the Garden was started by a group of eight dedicated people and now consists of 170 acres, with 120,000 visitors per year and 700 volunteers. A new building phase will include a new visitor’s center with a café, and educational activities for teachers, children and adults. Susan Daugherty, former Executive Director at Temple Shalom, spoke at our meeting about Naples’ invisible population – homeless children. Members were invited to join Temple Shalom in providing travel-sized toiletries for distribution to these children. In November, we were fortunate to have Amy Snyder, Executive Director of the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida, as our speaker. Amy spoke about the impact the museum has in the community. The museum tries to make history personal to everyone who visits. Dedicated volunteers, and the survivors and liberators in our community are what make

the museum so special. The museum is authorized by the State of Florida to provide training for teachers, and creates age-appropriate programs for children. Learning about the Holocaust is used as a vehicle to teach tolerance. In December, we had our annual Visions Luncheon for visually-impaired elders. Thanks to Jane Galler for her wonderful entertainment. We joined JFCS to prepare and deliver Chanukah baskets to the Jewish elderly in our community, and participated in the Women’s Chanukah Tea. In January, we enjoyed a delightful afternoon at the Broadway Palm. The cast provided a beautiful performance of South Pacific, an American classic. At our January meeting, we were honored to have Nancy Lascheid and her daughter Leslie, CEO of the Neighborhood Health Clinic, as our guest speakers. Founded in 1999 by Nancy, a retired trauma nurse, and her husband Bill, a retired physician, the Neighborhood Health Clinic provides medical care for the working poor of Collier County. The program, which began with one volunteer and eight patients, now has 10 fulltime and 10 part-time employees supporting the efforts of more than 700 volunteers – approximately 250 physi-

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

Be sure to see section B for numerous items covering Israel & the Jewish World as well as Commentary pieces.

cians, 100 nurses and 350 non-medical personnel – with 14,000 patients in the database. Clinic patients are working but uninsured community members. Services are provided to both adults and children. In February, we visited RCMA (Redlands Christian Migrant Association) in Immokalee. RCMA is a statewide organization providing quality childcare and education from crib to high school and beyond. Gloria Padilla, RCMA Area Coordinator organized our visit. We met with a social worker who was helped by RCMA, and is now employed by the Charter School. We met with the math and science coach at the Charter School, toured the preschool and had lunch with 5th and 6th graders. Our guest speaker at our February meeting was Amy Cotton, Senior Legislative Associate in the Washington office of NCJW. She spoke about “What’s Really Going On In Washington,” primarily about the Affordable Care Act. Our annual Fashion Show in March, always a successful crowd pleaser, featured fashions from Pretty Women, modeled by our members. We again joined JFCS to deliver

Passover baskets to Jewish residents in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and private homes. And we provided a Passover program at an assisted living facility. Our season concluded in April as we honored our Life Members, Naples Envelope & Printing Co., JFCS and RCMA. Our guests were Jeff and Hannya of Naples Envelope & Printing Co.; Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, President/CEO, Jewish Family & Community Services; Gloria Padilla, Area Coordinator for RCMA; and Ellie Ramirez, Director of PEP (Parents Educating Patents), a program of Family Network Disabilities, which is funded by the Florida Department of Education. Ellie is an RCMA graduate. Our community service projects, including Educational Volunteers and Knitting Project, continue through the season. We also collect can pop tops for Ronald McDonald House and box tops for education. Please join us as we begin another busy, productive season. Our opening luncheon is on Tuesday, October 21 at the Vineyards Country Club. See you then.

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

991 Winterberry Drive Marco Island (239) 642-0800 Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:30 - 1:30 Friday Evening: Before & After Shabbat Service

30A Federation Star September 2014

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Get the Service you Deserve September 2014 – 5774/5775 SUNDAY

MONDAY 1 LABOR DAY

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

1:30pm HDH Board Mtg

12:15pm BT Torah Study 1:30pm CJD Steering Cmte 4:00pm JFCC Exec Cmte

1:00pm JCMI Bridge 1:30pm JCRC Meeting 4:30pm BT Youth Ed Program 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School

11:00am JCMI Mah Jongg

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

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

9:00am BT Religious School

10:30am JFCS Naples Jewish 10:00am Jewish Genealogy Caring Support Group 12:00pm JCMI-S Lunch Mtg 12:15pm BT Torah Study 7:30pm JFCC Board Meeting

9:00am BT Religious School 9:30am TS Sunday School

12:00pm NJC-S Book Club 1:00pm HDH Study Group

9:00am BT Religious School 9:30am TS Sunday School

10:30am JFCS Naples Jewish Caring Support Group

1:00pm JCMI Bridge 4:30pm BT Youth Ed Program 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School

11:00am JCMI Mah Jongg 1:00pm NJC Board Mtg 3:00pm HM Exec Cmte Mtg 7:00pm TS Exec Cmte Mtg

6:15pm BT Services 6:30pm TS Open House 7:30pm CHA Services 7:30pm NJC Open House/Svcs 7:30pm TS Services 8:00pm JCMI Services

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

12:15pm BT Torah Study 7:00pm TS Board Mtg

1:00pm JCMI Bridge 4:30pm BT Youth Ed Program 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School 5:00pm TS Hebrew School

11:00am JCMI Mah Jongg 12:00pm NJC-M Mtg 4:00pm BT Board Mtg 7:00pm JCMI Board Mtg

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

9:30am BT Services 9:30am JCMI Services 10:00am CHA Services 10:00am TS Services 7:30pm TS Selichot Reception 8:30pm BT Selichot Services

12:15pm BT Torah Study

25 26 27 9:30am BT Services Erev Rosh Hashanah ROSH HASHANAH ROSH HASHANAH

1:00pm JCMI Bridge

Call your synagogue for services schedule 28

9:00am BT Religious School 9:30am TS Sunday School

7:30pm BT Book Group

12:15pm BT Torah Study

Call your synagogue for services schedule

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

Candle lighting times: September 5: 7:24 September 12: 7:16 September 19: 7:08 September 26: 7:00

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 September 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 Neil Shnider, President Caren Plotkin, Religious School Dir. Seyla Cohen, Preschool Director Peter Lewis, Organist/Choir Director Shabbat Services: Shabbat Eve - Friday 7:30 p.m. Shabbat - Saturday 10:00 a.m. • Sisterhood • Men’s Club • Adult Education • Havurot • Youth Groups • Religious School • Judaic Library • Hebrew School • Pre-School • Adult Choir • Social Action • Outreach

Naples’ only Judaica Shop

CHABAD NAPLES JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER serving Naples and Marco Island 1789 Mandarin Road, Naples, FL 34102 Phone: 262-4474 Email: info@chabadnaples.com Website: www.chabadnaples.com Rabbi Fishel Zaklos Dr. Arthur Seigel, President Ettie Zaklos, Education Director Shabbat Services Shabbat - Saturday 10am • Camp Gan Israel • Hebrew School • Preschool of the Arts • Jewish Women’s Circle • Adult Education • Bat Mitzvah Club • Friendship Circle • Smile on Seniors • Flying Challah • Kosher food delivery The Federation Star is published monthly, September through July, by the Jewish Federation of Collier County. 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road Suite 2201 Naples, FL 34109-0613 Phone: 239-263-4205 Fax: 239-263-3813 E-mail: info@jewishnaples.org Website: www.jewishnaples.org Volume 24, No. 1 September 2014 40 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 October Issue Deadlines: Editorial: September 2 Advertising: September 8 Send news stories to: fedstar18@gmail.com

September 2014 Federation Star

31A

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 653-9874 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

Torah Study and Saturday Services

Shabbat Services Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. May - August: services once a month

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

Sisterhood • Men’s Club Adult Education • Adult Choir Social Action • Community Events

Shabbat Services Friday 8:00 p.m.

BEING JEWISH IS A TRUST

(just west of Mission Square Plaza)

Phone: 434-1818 Email: bethtikvahnaples@aol.com Website: www.bethtikvahnaples.org Rabbi Ammos Chorny Stuart Kaye & Rosalee Bogo, co-Presidents Phil Jason, Vice President Sue Hammerman, Secretary Shabbat Services Friday evenings at 6:15pm Saturday mornings at 9:30am Youth Education - Adult Education Community Events

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

Jewish Federation of Collier County

Being Jewish is a trust. We are entrusted to safeguard the precious heritage received from our predecessors, which must be handed down intact to our children and heirs. All sorts of forces would take this heritage away from us. And if we let them, or walk away on our own, we betray that trust. But if we preserve and protect what we have been given, we can leave this world with a sense of personal and historical integrity. This is no small matter when, as we come closer to the end than to the beginning of our lives, we begin to reflect on the meaning and purpose of our existence.

Keep the Trust

Make A Gift That Unites Our Heritage and Our Hopes

For more information, contact the Jewish Federation of Collier County 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

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Phone: 263-4205  Fax: 263-3813 Website: www.jewishnaples.org Email: info@jewishnaples.org • Federation President: Alvin Becker • Executive Director: David Willens

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jewish War Veterans Post 202,Collier Co. Chapter • Commander, Gil Block, 304-5953 • Senior Vice Commander, M/Gen. Bernard L. Weiss, USAF Ret. 594-7772

Men’s Cultural Alliance • President: Steve Brazina, 325-8694

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

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

ORT - Gulf Beaches Chapter • President: Marina Berkovich, 566-1771

Women’s Cultural Alliance • President: Elaine Soffer, 431-7905

Federation membership

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

32A Federation Star September 2014

Together, we do extraordinary things Dear Friend, Thanks to your generosity, we’re helping to make the world a better place. At the Jewish Federation of Collier County, we believe that no child should go to bed hungry; that every senior has the right to live with dignity; and that all Jews should be able to live – anywhere in the world – without fear of persecution. That’s why our work focuses on helping people in need, rescuing those in danger, and keeping Jewish life strong.

Together, we will feed the body and nourish the soul. With economic woes continuing all over, food banks everywhere are struggling to keep up with the growing demand. In Israel more than 200,000 families don’t have enough to eat. In Russia and Eastern European countries, home to the world’s poorest Jews, thousands of families and elderly people are forced to choose between paying rent and buying food. Fighting hunger for the most vulnerable abroad and at home is all part of what our Federation does.

Together, we will help seniors age gracefully and safely. Seniors are among the most vulnerable during an economic crisis. So we support local programs like Jewish Family & Community Services that helps older adults maximize their benefits, receive vital services, and participate in social and educational programs. In Israel, where 100,000 Holocaust survivors live below the poverty line, we help fund supportive programs for the elderly, offering them dignity and an array of services. And in Russia and Eastern Europe, Federation-funded centers provide life-saving medical care, home care, and winter relief to 168,000 impoverished older Jews; yet, tragically, the need is so great that over 60,000 others have been turned away due to a lack of funds. We are determined to help change that.

Together, we will respond in times of crisis. When natural disasters and humanitarian crises strike, we are often the first on the ground with aid, comfort and support. We can respond so quickly because we work closely with local and overseas partners to raise funds and coordinate relief. Over the past few years, we’ve assisted victims of hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, fires, and Israel emergency situations. And we’ll always be there to help in emergencies, anywhere in the world.

Together, we will build Jewish identity and invest in our future. Jews are feeling renewed excitement about their own Judaism and about celebrating our ancient and precious heritage. Federation funds preschools, Hebrew and Sunday schools, and family-life education programs in synagogues and JCCs, which are centers for Jewish life and learning in our area and all over this country. Plus, since 1999, more than 350,000 young adults from 54 countries have been to Israel on life-changing Birthright trips – including those from our own community. In Eastern Europe we’re nurturing a resurgence of Jewish identity. Not long ago, few Jews in this region felt secure enough to practice Judaism or talk about it with their children. Today thousands of children attend Jewish day schools and Jewish camps and Hillels.

So can we count on you this year? Please, will you rush the most generous tax-deductible gift you can to the Jewish Federation of Collier County’s 2014 Annual Campaign? We believe that helping people in need and nurturing the Jewish community is both our privilege and our historic responsibility. When you join us today and take a stand for what you believe… together, we can continue to do extraordinary things! Sincerely,

Phyllis Seaman

David Willens

VP & Campaign Chair

Executive Director 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 2201, Naples, FL 34109 239-263-4205 www.jewishnaples.org

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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

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Y September 2014 - Elul 5774 / Tishrei 5775 Y

Vol. 24 #1

15 things you didn’t know about the Iron Dome Israel’s anti-missile defense system has a 90 percent success rate. Betcha didn’t know there are toy car parts behind its features. By Viva Sarah Press, ISRAEL21c, www.israel21c.org

he Iron Dome anti-missile defense system is without a doubt the champion of Israel’s current conflict with Gaza. Without it, the hundreds of missiles fired by Hamas into Israel day after day would have likely caused many deaths, and severe damage. Regular people and security experts alike all want to know more about this box-like contraption that is helping keep the Israeli population safe from the barrage of rockets. Here are 15 facts you may not know about the Iron Dome system: 1. Iron Dome is the world’s only dual mission system that provides an effective defense solution for countering rockets, artillery and mortars as well as aircraft, helicopters, UAVs and PGMs. It can detect and intercept rockets and artillery shells headed for population centers within a 43.4-mile (70-kilometer) range. 2. A toy car sold by Toys R Us inspired developers in building the Iron Dome. One of the leading developers recently told Hayadan , the TechnionIsrael Institute of Technology’s magazine, that due to schedule and budget constraints, some of the missile components were taken from a toy car he had bought for his son at a local Toys R Us store. 3. The Iron Dome system was designed to be operated easily by an average woman soldier 160 centimeters (63 inches) in height and 48 kilograms (106 pounds) in weight, according to Hayadan. 4. Iron Dome can handle multiple threats simultaneously and efficiently. The system only intercepts an incoming rocket if it is deemed a critical threat. A unique interceptor with a special warhead detonates any target in the air within seconds. 5. The cost of launching a missile from the Iron Dome at a threatening rocket has been reported to cost anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000. The rockets fired by terror groups at Israel are estimated to cost between a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. 6. It took less than four years to develop the Iron Dome system from an idea to the drawing board to combat

readiness. In 2007, a year after the Second Lebanon War, then Defense Minister Amir Peretz chose the Iron Dome to be developed as Israel’s defensive answer. In March 2011, the Iron Dome was declared operational. In April that year, the advanced missile interception system successfully shot down its first Grad rockets fired by Hamas from the Gaza Strip at Israel. 7. When the Iron Dome system was chosen to be developed into Israel’s defensive solution against shortrange rockets, many critics predicted it would never work. One of the project leaders said: “We knew that eventually our critics would get our response,

An Iron Dome missile battery near Tel Aviv. Photo by Flash90.

which came in April when the first operational deployment destroyed eight out of eight rockets aimed at Ashkelon and Beersheba.” Indeed, the strangelooking battery contraption was hailed as the hero of Operation Pillar of Defense. Today, operators of the system report a best-in-the-world 90 percent success rate. 8. Israeli contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israeli company mPrest Systems designed and programmed the core of the Iron Dome management system. 9. Iron Dome operates in all weather conditions, including low clouds, rain, dust storms or fog. 10. Aesthetics were important to the designers and developers of the system. One developer told Hayadan: “I wanted the battery system to look super-modern and threatening, because it was obvious that within an hour of its use it would be featured on the likes of CNN and Al-Jazeera.” 11. During Iron Dome’s deployment, the IDF realized that it is also effective against aircraft up to an altitude of 32,800 feet (10,000 meters), according to a report by the Hebrew-language

SAVE THE DATES FOR THIS SEASON’S TWO BIG EVENTS:

Flightglobal magazine. 12. Iron Dome is jointly funded by Israel and the U.S. Israel provided initial funding and development, which allowed for the deployment of the first two Iron Dome systems. In 2010, the U.S. government contributed $205 million toward its development. In 2011, Haaretz published a report stating that Israel would invest $1 billion in Iron Dome batteries. In 2012, the American government approved another $70 million package for further R&D. In 2014, the U.S. Senate Appropriations defense subcommittee agreed to provide $351 million for Israel to secure the Iron Dome system. 13. Iron Dome is the first of a planned three-part defense system – Iron Dome, Magic Wand, Arrow – that could be operational by the end of the year, according to Rafael. Magic Wand is designed to intercept projectiles with ranges between 70 kilometers (45 miles) and 300 kilometers (180 miles), like the large arsenal of Hezbollah rockets in Lebanon. The Arrow system is for longer-range threats from Iran. The three components will complete

A missile from the Iron Dome is fired in response to rocket attack from Gaza. Photo by Flash90.

what Israel calls its “multilayer missile defense.” 14. The developers of Iron Dome – from Rafael and the Ministry of Defense Administration for the Development of Weapons and Technological Infrastructure – won the prestigious 2012 Israel Defense Prize for their technological breakthroughs in developing the groundbreaking system. 15. Two young Israeli innovators run Facebook and Twitter accounts following the Iron Dome’s successes. Viva Sarah Press is an associate editor and writer at ISRAEL21c. She has extensive experience in reporting/editing in the print, online and broadcast fields. Her work has been published by international media outlets including Israel Television, CNN, Reuters, The Jerusalem Post and Time Out.

At Magen David Adom, saving lives is what we do.

Whether the emergency is a rocket attack or a heart attack, the paramedics of Magen David Adom, Israel’s emergency medical response and blood-banking agency, save lives in Israel every day. As we enter the new year hoping for peace, we must continue to prepare for routine and terror-related emergencies, replenishing supplies depleted during Operation Protective Edge. If you’re looking to make a difference for Israel and secure the nation’s health and safety for the coming year, there’s no better way than through a gift to MDA. Please give today. Shanah Tovah.

Federation’s Annual Community Celebration Saturday, January 31, 2015 * * * * *

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

AFMDA Southeast Region 1900 NW Corporate Blvd., Suite W-310 Boca Raton, FL 33431 Toll-Free: 800.626.0046 • southeast@afmda.org www.afmda.org

Federation Star September 2014

ISRAEL DEBUTS MICRO ROBOT IN ANTI-TUNNEL CAMPAIGN

Israel debuted the Micro Tactical Ground Robot (MTGR) built by Roboteam, a locally-developed micro robot, to explore the labyrinth of tunnels and concealed shafts supporting subterranean arms depots, command posts and cross-border attacks from Gaza. Several systems are already operating with combat engineering units against dozens of tunnels and multiple access points concealed in homes and civilian structures throughout Gaza. MTGR is tasked for high-risk surveillance, mapping and explosiveordnance-disposal missions. It weighs less than 20 pounds and is built to clear obstacles, climb 8-inch stairs and maneuver in tight, dangerous terrain. Its five onboard cameras, internal microphone and infrared laser points generate intelligence and targeting data 360 degrees around the vehicle. (Barbara Opall-Rome, Defense News)

THE MEDIA’S ROLE IN HAMAS’ WAR STRATEGY

The IDF has found a Hamas training manual that advises its combatants to use civilian shields. Hamas’ war strategy works like this: 1. Attack Israel’s civilians to provoke a counter-attack. 2. Hide behind Palestinian civilians while forcing them to stay, guaranteeing that the return fire wounds or kills civilians. 3. Encourage Western news media to play up the civilian suffering. 4. Conjure a firestorm of outrage around the world that eventually pressures Israel into desisting from counteroffensive measures. The Hamas strategy is win-win. If the Israelis abort a strike to avoid civilian casualties (as they often do), then

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

BRIEFS Editor’s note: Since the Federation Star is a monthly publication, the editorial in this issue has been compiled in early to mid-August and proofed on August 18. The issue should arrive in mail boxes on or around August 26. Thus, the editorial about Israel that has been included or edited reflects this timeframe. I understand that the situation in Israel is dynamic. So I’ve included information that I believe will still be relevant by the time you get to read it. Hamas is spared the blow. If an Israeli strike causes civilian casualties, Hamas has dead babies to parade before the cameras. (Richard Landes, professor of history at Boston University, American Interest)

A SOLDIER RETURNS FROM GAZA

First Sgt. Max, from Great Neck, New York, joined the IDF through the Machal program – a 14-month service for foreign volunteers. He chose to serve in the Golani Brigade. “We spent a week inside [Gaza],” he said, “and didn’t see a single person.” They heard the air force strikes ahead of them and the artillery all around. They took fire “from every direction” and barreled out of their armored vehicles when they reached tunnel shafts, but they never saw the enemy’s face. His own platoon leader was wounded along with several other soldiers and, in the absence of an officer, he was given command of the platoon. Suddenly, all eyes were on him. He led from the front, like all lowto-mid-level Israeli officers, and realized that “every movement I make, everything I do, will impact them in the most significant way.” A twitch of fear, a moment’s hesitation – all would be picked up on immediately by the troops. He said that despite the intensity of the battle in Shejaiya, the most memorable moments of the war were the

reception the soldiers received from the rural communities of Kfar Maimon and Nir Moshe, near Gaza. People came from everywhere, carrying home-cooked food and insisting on feeding them. Adults took mops from their hands and cleaned the bathrooms for them. “There’s nothing like that anywhere else in the world,” he said. (Mitch Ginsburg, Times of Israel)

EXPERT: IDF FULFILLED ALL ETHICAL REQUIREMENTS IN GAZA

The Israel Defense Forces carried out Operation Protective Edge in Gaza in compliance with ethical requirements, according to Israel Prize laureate Professor Asa Kasher, who helped formulate the IDF Code of Ethics. “Every battalion commander has an officer in charge of locating civilians, and everything is overseen by too many lawyers, who help direct the operation on the ground. The number of casualties is irrelevant – it does not speak of omissions or any wrongdoing on the part of the IDF.” Israel is facing a torrent of aggressive criticism because “there are people whose perspective is very shallow. They are shown photographs of a destroyed house and a doll’s severed leg, photographs that are sometimes even from Syria, and they cry out. They do not understand anything and they feel the need to express a shallow sort of good-heartedness that has them momentarily identifying with the underdog.” (Naama Lansky, Israel Hayom)

THE UN HANDMAIDEN OF HAMAS

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is one of the UN’s most perverse, destructive creations. In Gaza it essentially functions as Hamas’ handmaiden. During the clashes of recent weeks as Israel sought to stop rocket attacks by Hamas and to destroy its terror tunnels, UNRWA Commissioner-General Pierre Krahenbuhl publicly condemned Israel, accusing the Israelis of “serious violation of international law.” Hamas controls UNRWA’s staff unions in Gaza, where in 2012 a Hamasaffiliated slate swept 25 of 27 seats. The 30,000 staff on the payroll are almost all Palestinian. With a budget topping $1 billion, the agency’s welfare programs relieve Hamas of many of the costs of servicing the enclave it controls as its launchpad for terror. In 2011 the agency opened an office in Washington run by two former U.S. government insiders: Matthew Reynolds, previously the State Department’s assistant secretary for legislative affairs, and Chris McGrath, previously a media-events director for Sen. Harry Reid. Thus, U.S. tax dollars fund UNRWA officials now lobbying in Washington to obtain yet more money for an agency entwined with the rocket-launching, tunnel-digging

rulers of Gaza. (Claudia Rosett, Wall Street Journal)

MEET THE HAMAS BILLIONAIRES

How did Hamas leaders, who were born and raised in refugee camps, become so wealthy? Col. (res.) Dr. Moshe Elad, a lecturer in the Middle East Department at Western Galilee Academic College, explained that the money came from “legacies from the deceased, money from charity funds... and donations from various countries. It started with Syria and Saudi Arabia, with Iran added later and becoming one of Hamas’ biggest supporters, and ended with Qatar, which has now taken Iran’s place.” When fundraisers began operating in the U.S. to collect money for Hamas, “One of those fundraisers was Dr. Musa Abu Marzook, the number 2 man in Hamas. At the beginning of the 1990s, he began a fundraising campaign in the U.S. among wealthy Muslims, while at the same time founding several banking enterprises. He himself became a conglomerate of 10 financial enterprises giving loans and making financial investments.” The U.S. arrested Marzook in 1995 and expelled him without trial in 1997. “In 2001, in the investigation of the September 11 events, it turned out that he had extensive financial connections with alQaeda, including the transfer of funds to the 21 al-Qaeda operatives accused of the attacks.” Today, “Arab sources estimate his wealth at $2-3 billion,” Elad says. “Estimates around the world are that [Khaled] Mashaal is currently worth $2.6 billion.” “Most of the money that went into the pockets of people in the Gaza Strip was obtained through tunnel deals and the creation of a flourishing smuggling market, which it is believed has created several hundred millionaires in the Gaza Strip...The man pulling the strings from Egypt with the tunnels is none other than the number two man in the Muslim Brotherhood, Khairat el-Shater.” (Ella LevyWeinrib, Globes)

Israel has a new 24-hour Internet news channel: www.i24news.tv/en/tv/live

Israel has a new 24-hour Internet news channel broadcasting in English (also French and Arabic) from Tel Aviv. It is a 24-hour news feed (from the Israeli perspective) and is intended to rival CNN, Al-Jazeera, BBC, etc. It covers world news but also has a specific Israel news section. The channel’s owner is Patrick Drahi, and the CEO is Frank Melloul, who had previously played a critical role in establishing French 24-hour news channel France24. Melloul has said that one of his goals for the station is to change the international “point of view about Israel.” Although the station would receive no funding from the Israeli government, Melloul said it would battle prejudice against, and ignorance about, Israel with facts and diversity. In South Florida, there are also several broadcast segments of i24news on Comcast Channel 239 (JLTV – Jewish Life TV).

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

3B Federation Star September 2014 COMMENTARY

September 2014 Federation Star

Zionism is about Jewish homeland and sovereignty By Gene Sipe, VP, ZOA Southwest Florida Chapter

s the quote attributed to Albert Einstein goes, “Insanity (or mishegas for you Yiddish speakers) is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results.” This simple concept seems to be inconceivable in Gaza, Judea, Samaria and within the halls of the White House, UN and EU when it comes to the State of Israel. Israelis have a state/homeland. Israel’s Arabs want to have a state, too, but they want the same piece of real estate where Israel currently exists. This has been the reality for more than 65 years, during that time the Arabs have been attempting to evict the Jews from that land. Also a reality, is that Israel is not going away. The Israeli Arab population has been continuously throughout this time been indoctrinated by their leaders and the UN, which has perpetuated the longest running refugee prototype in the history of the world, that they can have

their state and on this very same real estate. No one in their entire population under the age of 65 has any reason to believe differently. Is it any wonder that they cannot conceive of the mishegas in their world precept? Is it then also not meshuga for the Israelis to continue to deal with this population in the same manor? Israel continues to try to find a peaceful coexistence with the Arab population through negotiation, and the Arabs respond with violence. After the first intifada, Israel entered into peace accords in Oslo to be re-joined with a second intifada. On the Lebanon border, multiple defensive wars have been required to keep rockets from raining on Israeli citizens. Given the opportunity to self-rule, after Israel forcefully evicted its own Jewish residents from Gaza, the Arabs spent billions on weapons and tunnels, forcing Israel to send in ground forces not once, but three times in the course of nine years.

As I write this amid yet another ceasefire, Israel again searches for a negotiated peace. Unfortunately, the Arab leadership, both parties of the “unified” government, blatantly declare to their citizens and the world that they have no intention of disarming. So how long will it be before the tunnels are rebuilt and the stockpiles replenished? To Israel’s credit, they were willing to attempt trying to allow their Arabs the opportunity to self-govern with the Unilateral 2005 Gaza Experiment. It didn’t work. The result increased violent aggression and further reinforced the Arab’s belief that violence furthers their cause. All of the well-intended (and notso-much) countries and organizations inserting themselves into negotiations continue to perpetuate the myth that negotiation is viable. Peace through negotiation is only possible after a sworn enemy no longer has the ability or desire to wage war. This Arab population with more than 65 years of continuously

reinforced hatred has no reason or impetus whatsoever to maintain a peaceful existence with Israel. Weapons capabilities, now reaching into the center and heavily populated portions of Israel, causes the number of Israeli citizens who are no longer content with “doing the same thing over and over again” to grow. The percentage of Israelis in support of their administration is at an all-time high. For the first time since the founding of the state, a 3/4 majority of Israelis support disarming and preventing regrowth of the terrorists’ infrastructure. Zionism is about Jewish homeland and sovereignty. Israel must be allowed to resolve this problem and have U.S. support to do so. As Zionists in the Diaspora, we must be diligent in support of our leaders who support Israel, and encourage them to stand firm on Capitol Hill against those who wish to continue the mishegas of the “same thing” again.

Lesson eighteen of Gaza War: Gallup poll: 93% of U.S. Jews back Israel By Moshe Phillips and Benyamin Korn, August 5, 2014

t’s hard to imagine any issue on which more than 90% of American Jews agree. Is anti-Semitism bad? Are latkes good? Are reruns of Seinfeld worth watching? Yet we finally do have one such issue. According to a new Gallup Poll released on August 1, when asked about the Gaza War, 93% of American Jews said they sympathize with Israel, 5% sympathize with both sides, and 2% sympathize with the Palestinians. Note that the poll was carried out amidst a veritable tsunami of pro-Palestinian news media coverage in the United States. American Jews have been bombarded daily with heart-rending images of frightened or wounded Palestinians. The New York Times, especially, has done its utmost to perpetuate the notion that the Palestinians are innocent victims of Israeli brutality. Just before the poll results were released, a front-page story in The Forward, reporting on American Jewish opinion regarding the war, was headlined “Many Jews Rally For Israel, While Some Protest Gaza War.” The headline alone conveyed the impression that a substantial proportion of U.S. Jews were criticizing Israel. According to the body of the article, “a series of opposing rallies and protests have drawn Jews on both sides.” Reinforcing the idea of a deep division in the community, six of the nine individuals interviewed in the article were critics of Israel. (And even one of the pro-Israel demonstrators was quoted not in support of Israel, but in defense of the right of the critics to speak out against Israel.) The Gallup Poll clearly demonstrates the opposite: that the division, if one can call it that, is more than 9 to 1 in support of Israel. (Note that the respondents were not forced to choose between Israel and the Palestinians; they had the option of choosing “both sides.” Yet only 5% did so.) How is it that there is such overwhelming – almost unanimous – support among American Jews for Israel in this war? After all, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is routinely por-

trayed in the news media as “rightwing,” and most American Jews are supposedly liberal to left-wing. So shouldn’t they be opposing Netanyahu’s war policies (even though they are backed by an overwhelming majority of Israelis)? Furthermore, most American Jews voted for Barack Obama, and the Obama administration has often been harshly critical of Israel’s conduct of the war, while showing sympathy to the Palestinians. So shouldn’t they be supporting Obama? Moreover, this is a community that has – over three generations – repeatedly given birth to dissident organizations that are opposed to Zionism or Israel. In the 1940s, it was the American Council for Judaism, a group established by anti-Zionist Reform rabbis. In the 1970s, it was Breira, organized by former anti-Vietnam war radicals. In the 1980s, it was the New Jewish Agenda, created by New Age activists. More recently, J Street has emerged. One of J Street’s oft-repeated claims is that the mainstream pro-Israel organizations do not speak for most American Jews – that there is a silent majority in the Jewish community favoring J Street’s positions. Certainly if one were to believe the fawning media coverage it has received, J Street would appear to have the support of a significant number of American Jews. But the new Gallup Poll strongly suggests otherwise. It’s not that there has been much of a shift to the “right” in the Jewish community. In fact, American Jews haven’t abandoned an essentially liberal outlook all that much. It’s the world that has changed. Beginning with the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993, many Palestinian leaders and spokesmen attempted to convince the world – and American Jewry – that they had become moderate and no longer sought the destruction of Israel. For some twenty years, American Jews watched as the “moderate Palestinian” myth gradually fell apart. The “jihad” speeches … the hate-filled Palestinian school books … the attempt to smuggle in a ship filled with fifty tons of weapons … the sala-

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ries for imprisoned terrorists … Every new development chipped away at the Oslo illusion. It all reached a terrible climax in Gaza. Israel finally did what Israeli and American Jewish doves had long demanded: it unilaterally withdrew every Israeli soldier and citizen from every inch of Gaza. It was the ultimate test of Palestinian intentions. And how did the Palestinians respond? By burning down the greenhouses Israel left them, electing Hamas terrorists as their leaders, and firing thousands of rockets into “occupied

Sderot,” “occupied Ashkelon,” and now, “occupied Tel Aviv.” American Jews have responded to this sobering new reality as any normal, logical, rational thinking people would respond. Lesson eighteen of the Gaza war: There is an overwhelming American Jewish consensus in support of Israel. The authors are members of the board of the Religious Zionists of America. This is the eighteenth in a series. To view previous installments, please visit http://www.phillyreligiouszionists.org/ lessons-from-the-gaza-war/.

Federation Star September 2014

COMMENTARY

Hamas versus Israel: Moral Fog Awards By David Harris, Executive Director, AJC, July 24, 2014

n the current conflict, there are those who refuse to grasp the simple, stark truth. Although the distinction between Israel and Hamas couldn’t be clearer – between a democratic nation and a terrorist organization, between the victim and the aggressor, between a society that protects its civilians and one that uses them as human shields, and between a military that operates by a strict code of conduct and a group governed by no scruples whatsoever – some consider all that irrelevant, unimportant, or beside the point. When moral clarity is needed, they live in a moral fog. Here, among a larger pool of candidates and in no particular order, are my winners for Moral Fog Awards: Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who said: “We have been witnessing this systematic genocide every Ramadan since 1948. Now, [Israel’s] barbarism has surpassed even Hitler’s.” But, then again, what else would we expect from the recipient of the Muammar Al-Gaddafi International Prize for Human Rights (named for the late Libyan strongman), host of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir (who is wanted for genocide by the International Criminal Court), and author of the unforgettable statement, “A Muslim could never commit genocide”? African National Congress Deputy Secretary General Jessie Duarte, who declared: “The African National Congress (ANC) condemns in the strongest terms the barbaric attacks on the defenseless Palestinian people of Gaza.” She continued: “As we move towards the month of August and are reminded of [the] atrocities of Nazi Germany, surely we must ask the people of Israel has the term ‘lest we forget’ lost its meaning. The State of Israel has turned

the occupied territories of Palestine into permanent death camps. The killing of any child irrespective of race, color or creed must be condemned.” Maybe a visit to “the defenseless Palestinian people of Gaza” would educate Ms. Duarte about a small strip of land with an arsenal of more than 10,000 rockets and an elaborate underground network of terror tunnels, or perhaps a journey to Gaza’s border with Egypt to see that Cairo has sealed it. And then, perhaps a visit to several Nazi extermination factories, from Auschwitz to Belzec, would show Ms. Duarte what real death camps were like. The Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), purporting to speak on behalf of 120 member countries, announced: “[Operation Protective Edge] has once again reminded the world of the sad tragedy of the Palestinian nation and flagrant breach of rules and principles of international law by the Zionists.” The statement added that Israel is “employing the most lethal weapons against the defenseless inhabitants.” But then again, in another telling reminder of the state of the world, the current chair of this group, comprising well over half the globe’s nations, is Iran – yes, Iran – and the speaker was Iran’s president. What’s astonishing is not his comment about Israel, a country he won’t even cite by name, but rather that some democratic members of NAM allow Tehran to speak in their name. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who asserted that Israel’s latest attacks have “initiated a higher phase of its policy of genocide and extermination with the ground invasion of Palestinian territory, killing innocent men, women, girls and boys.” He added: “Venezuela also rejects

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Palestinian refugees and generations of descendants – not to mention its disturbing pattern of looking the other way on incitement and terrorism. Jewish Voice for Peace, which released a statement titled, “Jews across the U.S. Oppose the Assault on Gaza.” The group called “for an end to the devastating assault on Gaza” and claimed that the “violence has a root cause: Israel’s illegal occupation.” From an organization most recently seen in Detroit joining with proBDS supporters at the Presbyterian Church’s General Assembly, it’s not surprising that, once again, it identifies with Israel’s adversaries. Amnesty International, which has now initiated a petition calling on the French government to impose an embargo on arms exports to Israel. When it comes to all things Israel, Amnesty cannot be described as particularly sensitive or sympathetic. But calling for an arms embargo against the only democratic nation in the region while Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and a range of other actors all seek Israel’s destruction takes things to a new level. Indeed, it is tantamount to wishing for Israel’s end. United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), which, on Wednesday, voted, 29-1, with 17 abstentions, in favor of a resolution assigning blame for the conflict to Israel and absolving Hamas of any responsibility, and calling for a “commission of inquiry,” reminiscent of the onesided Goldstone Commission created after the Israel-Hamas war in 2008-9 – whose report was eventually repudiated in large part by Judge Richard Goldstone himself. That China, Russia, Cuba, Venezuela and 11 members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference voted in favor came as little surprise, but that such democratic countries as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica and the Philippines lent their support to this travesty is disappointing. But, then again, the UN Human Rights Council has obsessively focused on Israel more than any other nation on earth, while ignoring egregious human rights violations that don’t suit the interests of the “automatic majority” on the council – a council, by the way, on which Israel has not been able to sit for decades. For more information, visit www.ajc.org.

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the cynical campaigns trying to condemn both parties equally, when it is clear you cannot morally compare occupied and massacred Palestine with the occupying state, Israel, which also possesses military superiority and acts on the margins of international law.” Coming from the leader of a country that is Iran’s best friend in Latin America, staunch ally of Syrian President – and war criminal – Bashir Assad, home to a Hezbollah branch, and hotbed of state-sponsored antiSemitism, what else would we expect from Maduro? British Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament David Ward, who tweeted, “The big question is - if I lived in #Gaza would I fire a rocket? - Probably yes.” He continued, “Ich bin ein #Palestinian - the West must make up its mind - which side is it on?” Ward’s astonishing comment stands in stark contrast to British Prime Minister David Cameron, who has shown an admirable understanding of the stark realities on the ground – and the true nature of Hamas as an enemy of Western values. Italian Philosopher Gianna Vattimo, who said, “I’d like to shoot those bastard Zionists.” When asked on air whether he would like to see more Israelis killed, Vattimo, who described himself as “a non-violent person,” responded: “Of course!” He also said that Israel was “a bit worse than the Nazis.” No wonder Italian Jewish leaders have denounced Vattimo as an outand-out anti-Semite, given his views on Israel and Zionism and his belief that there’s truth to the infamous Protocols of the Elders of Zion. By the way, he’s not just Italy’s problem. As a professor, he has been a visiting faculty member at several American universities. Students beware! United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) In two separate incidents, UNRWA “discovered” rockets stored inside its own school grounds in Gaza. Instead of confiscating or destroying the weapons, reports indicate that the agency returned the deadly rockets to “local authorities,” meaning Hamas. The only surprise here is that anyone would be surprised, considering UNRWA is a refugee agency created more than 60 years ago not to resettle anyone, but rather to provide welfare to, and stoke the revanchist anger of,

Let’s show our continued care, love and commitment to Israel and its citizens and raise the bar higher – let’s raise a lot more than our “fair share”. Senator Richard Stone at Work in his Washington, D.C. Ofﬁce, c. 1975.

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5B Federation Star September 2014 COMMENTARY

September 2014 Federation Star

Hamas versus Israel: Moral Clarity Awards By David Harris, Executive Director, AJC, August 7, 2014

n an earlier piece I offered ten candidates for the Moral Fog Award. These were countries, institutions and leaders who couldn’t, or wouldn’t, make a clear moral distinction between Israel, a democratic nation seeking nothing more than quiet on its border with Hamas-ruled Gaza, and Hamas, a terrorist regime determined to fulfill its charter calling for Israel’s destruction. Before moving on to my top ten candidates for the Moral Clarity Award, it’s worth noting two must-additions to that first list. One is Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, who, mind-bogglingly, condemned Israel for not sharing its Iron Dome system with Gaza’s “governing authority,” i.e., Hamas, and faulted the U.S. for assisting Israel with the defensive shield and not doing the same for Gaza. And the other are the five Latin American nations – Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador and Peru – that recalled their ambassadors from Israel, a step taken by no one else. These countries, to the surprise of many, showed a lack of sensitivity to the danger faced by Israel from Hamas, and to the millions of Israelis forced to rush to shelters at a moment’s notice as rockets and missiles, more than 3,000 in total, were aimed at their country. And now to the Moral Clarity Award winners, noting that, fortunately, there were more worthy candidates than space provides for here. The United States, which remains Israel’s closest friend and most indispensable ally. Never for a moment did the U.S. question Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas-instigated violence. When it came to the 47-member UN Human Rights Council, the U.S. stood totally alone in opposing a pernicious resolution that ignored Hamas’s culpability and called for a new Goldstonelike investigative commission targeted at Israel. And the life-saving Iron Dome system was made possible with the invaluable support of the Obama administration. To be sure, there have been a few testy moments between Washington and Jerusalem during the tension of war, but they shouldn’t be confused, not for a moment, with the strength

of this enduring, unique and mutually beneficial relationship. The United States Congress, which doesn’t agree on a whole lot these days, but took two vitally important steps over the past month. The first was to adopt unanimous resolutions in both the Senate and House voicing support for Israel in the face of Hamas rockets, missiles and infiltration tunnels. And the second was to approve additional funding for the Iron Dome system – unanimously in the Senate and with only eight dissenting votes (of 435) in the House. The bill was immediately signed into law by President Obama. What remarkable expressions of bipartisan friendship and understanding! Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, a hero to many for his consistent support of Israel and the Jewish people, who stood by Israel’s side throughout the conflict with Hamas. Here’s a quintessential Harper comment: “Canada is unequivocally behind Israel. We support its right to defend itself, by itself, against these terror attacks, and urge Hamas to immediately cease their indiscriminate attacks on innocent Israeli civilians. Canada reiterates its call for the Palestinian government to disarm Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist groups operating in Gaza, including the Iranian proxy, Palestinian Islamic Jihad.” Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, another staunch friend of Israel, who said: “We recognize Israel’s right to self-defense, and we deplore the firing of rockets, the constant firing of rockets from Gaza into Israel.” No moral ambiguity or evasiveness from the Australian leader, but rather the straightforward we-say-it-as-we-see-it approach we’ve come to expect from Down Under. Paraguay, which steadfastly refused to join with its Mercosur partners in the South American economic bloc – Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Venezuela – in singling out Israel for criticism while ignoring Hamas’s responsibility for initiating the current conflict. Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt, the leader of the country that, in 1943, went to extraor-

dinary lengths to save almost its entire Jewish community from the clutches of the occupying Nazis, who declined to join with fellow Nordic countries in signing a joint statement strongly criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza. British Prime Minister David Cameron, who weathered strong criticism from leaders of his coalition partner, the Liberal Democratic Party, the opposition Labor Party, and even a Conservative member of his own Cabinet, to defend Israel’s right to defend itself, and who condemned “Hamas’s refusal to end their rocket attacks despite all efforts to broker a ceasefire.” Egypt, the most populous Arab country and Gaza’s neighbor, which better than many Western countries understood the true nature of Hamas, its organic link to the Muslim Brotherhood, and the threat it posed not only to Israel but also to moderate Arab regimes. In particular, Egypt was most helpful on various fronts. First, it shut down the smuggling tunnels connecting Gaza and Egypt, which were an essential artery for Hamas to bring in weapons and component parts. Second, whether it said so or not, it fully grasped the necessity of Israel responding to Hamastriggered violence. And third, it played an essential role in seeking to broker a ceasefire arrangement, providing a needed alternative to the pro-Hamas Qatar-Turkey track. As Egypt’s foreign minister,

Sameh Shoukri, said at one point: “Had Hamas accepted the Egyptian proposal, it could have saved the lives of at least 40 Palestinians.” (With the benefit of hindsight, the number could have been in the hundreds). Azerbaijan Airlines, British Airways, Czech Airlines, Ukraine International Airlines, and the other airlines which ignored the FAA’s misguided decision and continued flying in and out of Israel’s Ben-Gurion Airport. They understood the airport was safe and well-protected, and they refused to join in the knee-jerk reaction of too many other airlines. And speaking of the FAA, no such list would be complete without Michael Bloomberg, New York’s threeterm mayor and a pilot himself. As soon as he heard about the FAA’s warning, he booked a ticket on El Al and flew to Israel. In a CNN interview explaining his decision, he said: “The fact that one rocket falls... a mile away doesn’t mean you should shut down air traffic into a country and paralyze the country... That’s how terrorists win. You can’t do that.” Now, if that’s not moral clarity, what is? The last month has been a test of moral vision. While too many failed the test, happily, there were those that passed with flying colors. We should remember who’s who. For more information, visit www.ajc.org.

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Federation Star September 2014

A genocide catechism By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD

n view of the large number of accusations of genocide that have been made against Israel recently, it is appropriate that we go back to first principles in order to fully appreciate just what it is that is being discussed when the term “genocide” is invoked. The following guide has been produced in order to assist in this regard: Q. What is genocide? A. A crime. Q. Is it a bad crime? A. Yes. For many people, it is the worst crime that can be committed; indeed, it has been termed “the crime of crimes.” Q. What makes genocide a crime? A. International legislation. Q. What is that legislation? A. The United Nations Declaration on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide 1948. Q. What does it say? A. It says that genocide is any one of a number of actions “committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such.” Q. What is meant by the phrase “in whole or in part?” How much constitutes “part?” A. No one knows. It has never been put to the test. Q. Could the killing of just one person be classed as “part?” A. Why not – provided the intention on the part of the perpetrator was to kill any members of the group that could be found. The intention to destroy is the crucial factor here, not how many are killed. Q. Wouldn’t that just be murder, and not genocide? A. In the normal run of events it should be murder; but if the state permitted the destruction of the group (however large it might be), then that would constitute something beyond murder, in this case, genocide. Q. What if the “intent to destroy” is not apparent, or present? A. Then there is no genocide. Intending to destroy the group, “as such,” is the main criterion for genocide. Q. What are the actions mentioned by the United Nations Convention? A. (a) Killing members of the group; (b) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; (c) Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; (d) Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; (e) Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group. Q. Are political deaths included as genocide? A. No. The UN Convention does not allow for that.

Q. Are deaths in combat included as genocide? A. No. The UN Convention does not allow for that. Q. Are deaths caused through “collateral damage” included as genocide? A. No, because these deaths did not take place as part of a deliberate intent to destroy the group as such. Q. Why is it so important to adopt such a legalistic perspective regarding genocide? A. Because if we did not do so, we would just be considering a theory, or someone’s point of view. Q. What would be wrong with that? Everyone is entitled to their view. A. Yes, but that would have no bearing on bringing the perpetrators to justice, or recognizing their responsibility for this crime. Q. Is Israel committing genocide in Gaza? A. To answer this, you need to look again at the UN Convention, and consider whether or not Israel has a demonstrated intent to destroy the inhabitants of Gaza as such. Q. If that’s the case, then why are a lot of people saying that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza? A. Probably because labeling Israel with the charge of genocide paints Israel in the worst possible light. Remember, genocide is the “crime of crimes,” and to be labeled with this is a most terrible and odious charge. Q. What does this show about how some people understand the meaning of genocide? A. It shows that genocide is a misunderstood concept; that it is the first place some people go in order to explain mass violence or attack countries (such as Israel) with which they disagree; and that genocide is used as a loaded political term rather than one demanding respect. Q. Is this a bad thing? After all, all violence is wrong. A. Yes it is; but in the first place, initiating it must be considered as worse. Q. Did Israel initiate the current violence? A. No. Q. Is Israel committing genocide in Gaza? A. No. Q. Does Israel have an “intent to destroy” the population of Gaza? A. No. Q. Do the people of Gaza have an “intent to destroy” the population of Israel? A. You’d better ask them… 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.

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

COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY BRIEFS MORAL CLARITY IN GAZA

We routinely hear this Israel-Gaza fighting described as a morally equivalent “cycle of violence.” This is absurd. What possible interest can Israel have in cross-border fighting? Everyone knows Hamas set off this mini-war. And everyone knows the proudly self-declared raison d’etre of Hamas: the eradication of Israel and its Jews. Apologists for Hamas attribute the blood lust to the Israeli occupation. Occupation? Does no one remember anything? Nine years ago worldwide television showed the Israeli army pulling settlers off synagogue roofs in Gaza as Israel uprooted its settlements, expelled its citizens, withdrew its military and turned every inch of Gaza over to the Palestinians. Instead of building a state, Gaza Palestinians spent the better part of a decade turning Gaza into a massive military base, brimming with terror weapons, to make ceaseless war on Israel. They built mile upon mile of underground tunnels to hide their weapons and their military commanders. They spent millions importing and producing rockets, launchers, mortars, small arms, even drones. They deliberately placed them in schools, hospitals, mosques and private homes to better expose their own civilians. And they fired rockets at Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. To deliberately wage war so that your own people can be telegenically killed is indeed moral and tactical insanity. It’s to the Israelis’ credit that amid all this madness they haven’t lost their moral scruples. Or their nerve. (Charles Krauthammer, Washington Post)

ARE ISRAELI ACTIONS IN GAZA “DISPROPORTIONATE”?

Myth: Because far more Gaza residents than Israelis have been killed, the Israeli actions are “disproportionate.” Fact: In the Pacific Theatre in World War II, over 2.7 million Japa-

nese were killed, including 580,000 civilians, as against 106,000 Americans. Does it follow that Japan was in the right and America was in the wrong? Just having more dead on your side does not make you right. Proportionality in the Law of War has nothing to do with the relative number of casualties on the two sides. If a target has high military value, then it can be attacked even if there will be some civilian casualties in doing so. By this measure, Israel’s efforts to destroy missiles before they can be fired at Israeli civilians, even if that places Palestinian civilians at risk, seems to conform perfectly to the Laws of War. There is no requirement that Israel place the lives of its own citizens in danger to protect the lives of Palestinian civilians. (Alex Safian, CAMERA)

WHY I FLEW TO ISRAEL

Just hours after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration prohibited domestic airlines from flying to Israel, I boarded an El Al flight to Ben-Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv to express solidarity with the Israeli people and show the world that Israel’s airports remain open and safe. Secretary of State John Kerry arrived at Ben-Gurion just before I did. As a pilot, I’ve always had enormous respect for the outstanding job that the FAA’s dedicated professionals do each day. But on this issue, the agency failed to consider the full implications of its action. It was a wellintentioned but poorly thought-out decision. Ben-Gurion is the best protected airport in the world, and Israel would not keep Ben-Gurion open if it were not secure. By prohibiting U.S. carriers from flying into Ben-Gurion, the FAA handed Hamas a significant victory – one that the group will undoubtedly attempt to repeat. The FAA has, regrettably, succeeded only in emboldening Hamas. Israel was entirely justified in crossing into Gaza to destroy the tunnels and rockets that threaten its sovereignty. I know what I would want my government to do if the U.S. was

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7B Federation Star September 2014 COMMENTARY

September 2014 Federation Star

WSJ republishes Op-Ed from 1968: ‘The Jews Are a Peculiar People: Things Permitted to Other Nations Are Forbidden to the Jews’ By Joshua Levitt, July 31, 2014, www.algemeiner.com

he Wall Street Journal on Thursday republished an OpEd, originally printed by the LA Times in 1968, by a non-Jewish winner of the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom who spoke of the condition and treatment of the Jewish people and their struggle to defend Israel. Written after Israel’s victory in the 1967 War, what is striking is that the challenges faced by Jews and Israel then are almost the same as today. The Op-Ed was written by Eric Hoffer, a social philosopher who first worked the docks as a longshoreman. Born in 1902 and died in 1983, Hoffer wrote nine books and won the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Op-Ed was posted in-full by FLAME, Facts & Logic About the Middle East, which said that although the article was written 46 years ago, it

“is as timely and applicable today as then.” Eric Hoffer, LA Times, May 26, 1968: The Jews are a peculiar people: things permitted to other nations are forbidden to the Jews. Other nations drive out thousands, even millions of people, and there is no refugee problem. Russia did it, Poland and Czechoslovakia did it. Turkey threw out a million Greeks and Algeria a million Frenchman. Indonesia threw out heaven knows how many Chinese and no one says a word about refugees. But in the case of Israel, displaced Arabs have become eternal refugees. Everyone insists that Israel must take back every single Arab. Arnold Toynbee calls the displacement of the Arabs an atrocity greater than any committed by the Nazis.

Other nations when victorious on the battlefield dictate peace terms. But when Israel is victorious, it must sue for peace. Everyone expects the Jews to be the only real Christians in this world. Other nations – when they are defeated – survive and recover, but should Israel be defeated it would be destroyed. Had Nasser triumphed last June he would have wiped Israel off the map and no one would have lifted a finger to save the Jews. No commitment to the Jews by any government, including our own, is worth the paper it is written on. There is a cry of outrage all over the world when people die in Vietnam or when two Negroes are executed in Rhodesia. But when Hitler slaughtered Jews no one remonstrated with him. The Swedes, who are ready to break

off diplomatic relations with America because of what we did in Vietnam, did not let out a peep when Hitler was slaughtering Jews. They sent Hitler choice iron ore and ball bearings, and serviced his troop trains to Norway. The Jews are alone in the world. If Israel survives it will be solely because of Jewish efforts. And Jewish resources. Yet at this moment Israel is our only reliable and unconditional ally. We can rely more on Israel than Israel can rely on us. And one has only to imagine what would have happened last summer had the Arabs and their Russian backers won the war to realize how vital the survival of Israel is to American and the West in general. I have a premonition that will not leave me; as it goes with Israel so will it go with all of us. Should Israel perish the holocaust will be upon us.

You cannot have a country in which the Muslim population doubles each decade (as in Britain) and radical Islamist groups teach young Muslims to make the Israel-Palestine issue their prime concern, and expect the result to have no impact. Even if they have British citizenship, it is hard to say that they are British in any recognizable sense of the term. If they were, they might think that a simple sense of fair play ought to dictate that a country being bombarded with missiles on a daily basis should have the right to respond by hitting the sites from which those missiles are fired. Europe’s Israel-haters are no real problem for Israel, but they are the greatest possible problem for Europe. (Douglas Murray, Gatestone Institute)

Israel is risking Israeli lives in surgical strikes to destroy weaponssmuggling tunnels created with building materials Israel allowed into Gaza for infrastructure projects to benefit Palestinian society. Israel has agreed to two humanitarian cease-fires. In the first hours of those ceasefires, Hamas rained down over 70 missiles onto Israel civilians. Israel is doing its best, sacrificing its own children to preserve the lives of Palestinians. I am done trying to apologetically explain Jewish morality. I am done apologizing for my own Jewish existence. Having watched in this last week anti-Semitic “die-ins” in Boston, violent assaults against Jews in Los Angeles and Antwerp, and an almost pogrom at a synagogue in Paris, I’m done mincing my own words. We will do what we must to protect our people. We have that right. We are not less deserving of life and quiet than anyone else. No more apologies. (Rabbi Menachem Creditor, Huffington Post)

Briefs...continued from previous page attacked by a rocket from above or via a tunnel from below. (Michael R. Bloomberg, former mayor of New York City, Bloomberg)

LIFE UNDER FIRE

As an American-born journalist living in the central Israeli city of Rehovot, 32 miles north of Gaza, I’ve encountered the same existential dilemma each night for several weeks: Is it safe to take a shower now? A siren blares through my living room windows a few times a day, a warning of rockets fired from Gaza. That means I have 90 seconds to scramble down two flights of stairs to our building’s basement safe room. Which means that before I decide to step inside the shower, I doublecheck my iPhone apps and Twitter feeds to see when and where the last rocket fire episode occurred. For me, and for most Israelis, everyday parts of life like walking outside and driving have presented similar quandaries as the country has come under attack. As I drive, I constantly glance to the side to identify a suitable place to seek shelter should the air raid siren begin to blare. (Sharon Udasin, New York Jewish Week)

PALESTINE AND DOUBLE STANDARDS

Over the weekend (August 2-3) there was saturation coverage of an Israeli strike near a UN-run school that killed 10 people, three of them members of Islamic Jihad. The State Department pronounced itself “appalled.” At the same time, more than 1,500 Pakistani civilians have been reported killed and more than a half-million residents were displaced since the government’s offensive began in mid-June. If there was a similar outcry with respect to the conduct of Pakistan’s army, I must have missed it. In Iraq, some 1,600 people were killed in the month of July. In Syria, more than 1,800 people have been killed in just the last 10 days. In Libya, roughly 200 people were killed last month in artillery and rocket clashes between rival militias. In Nigeria, nearly 3,000 people have been killed so far this year, and another 500,000 have been made refugees. People often point out how peculiar it is that the Jewish state seems to arouse a level of condemnation that never seems to apply equally elsewhere. But perhaps the real racism is the indifference to Muslim suffering around the world when the person dropping the bomb or pulling the trigger is another Muslim. (Bret Stephens, Wall Street Journal)

ALL THE NEWS HAMAS SEES FIT TO PRINT

The New York Times appears to be complying with a Hamas demand that the only pictures from Gaza are of civilians and never of fighters. The most influential news organization in the world is manufacturing an utterly false portrait of the battle – precisely the portrait that Hamas finds most helpful: embattled, victimized Gaza civilians under attack by a cruel Israeli military. Nearly every picture from Israel depicts tanks, soldiers or attack helicopters. And every picture of Gaza depicts either bloodied civilians, destroyed buildings, overflowing hospitals, or other images of civilian anguish. It is as one-sided and misleading a depiction of the Gaza battle as one can imagine. There are no images of Israelis under rocket attack, no images of grieving Israeli families and damaged Israeli buildings, no images of Hamas fighters or rocket attacks on Israel, no images of the RPGs and machine guns recovered from attempted Hamas tunnel infiltrations into Israel. (Noah Pollak, Weekly Standard)

HAMAS NEEDS THE PALESTINIANS’ DEATHS IN ORDER TO CLAIM VICTORY

The majority of Palestinians has opposed firing rockets into Israel. These rockets will achieve nothing. Palestinians have called on Hamas to stop firing on Israel and to try to negotiate. But Hamas has never considered Palestinian needs. So they have continued to fire rockets at Israel, knowing full-well what the result would be: Hamas paved the road for the death of our people. Indeed, Hamas needs these deaths in order to claim victory. Death of its own people empowers Hamas, enabling it to accrue more money and more arms. The lesson is that we must rid ourselves of Hamas and completely demilitarize Gaza. Then we will open up the border crossings. I say this as a loyal Palestinian and because I care for my own people. (Bassem Eid, human rights activist and political commentator, i24 News)

THE ISRAEL-HATERS ARE A PROBLEM FOR EUROPE

Outside the Israeli Embassy in London, as in many capitals of Europe, demonstrators hold posters that say, “Stop the Holocaust in Gaza.” There is no “Holocaust” in Gaza. Anybody can see there is no similarity between the organized and systematic murder of 6 million Jews by the Nazis and the precision targeting of Hamas rocket sites.

I’M DONE APOLOGIZING FOR ISRAEL

I am a progressive American rabbi who leans left pretty hard. So, when it comes to Israel, many of those with whom I engage in social reform expect me to react to Israel’s military actions in Gaza with scorn and criticism. To those who suggest that Prime Minister Netanyahu is over-reacting to the missiles, I offer this response:

Federation Star September 2014

M AY Y O U R N E W Y E A R B E G O O D A N D

SWEE