Federation Star - April 2013 by Jewish Federation of Collier County

Celebrating Jewish Life in Collier County

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

www.JewishNaples.org INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

3A Community Relations Comm. 6A Women’s Cultural Alliance 9A Community Focus 11A Jewish Interest 18A Tributes 19A Focus on Youth 21A Commentary 22A Rabbinical Reflections 23A Synagogues 25A Organizations 28A Business Directory 30A Community Calendar 31A Community Directory 1B Jewish Happenings 5B Israel & the Jewish World

4A th

9 Annual Evy Lipp People of the Book event

14A A battlefield seder in 1953

April 2013 - Nisan/Iyar 5773

Vol. 22 #8

Ad hoc committee report regarding Federation Star advertising policy Judge Norman Krivosha President

uring the recent Presidential campaign, several of our members raised a question about the propriety of the Federation Star accepting political ads. Additionally, another questioned the propriety of the Federation supporting a petition regarding gun violence following the Newtown, Connecticut massacre. Because I was uncertain as what should be our policy, I appointed an ad hoc committee chaired by Hank Greenberg to investigate the matter and report back to the Board of Trustees. That report can be found in its entirety on page 8A and I invite you to read it. The committee did an outstanding job, devoting many hours to its investigation, and we are all indebted to them for their work. We have now adopted it as our policy.

I call your attention to several important findings in the report. In every case in which the committee contacted a Federation regarding this issue, it found that all accepted political advertising without exception, as well as taking positions on issues of concern to Jews. Had we taken a contrary position, we would be out of the mainstream of Federations in America. According to the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, “Federation papers accept political ads all the time.” Noting that the history of Federations in America has always played an active role in the issues of the day, the Council further said, “Federations are...not merely a Jewish version of the United Way.” I recently had the opportunity to meet and speak with Michael Siegal, the current Chairman of the Board of The Jewish Federations of North America, who pointed out that the fundraising aspect of a local Federation, as with the national Federation, was but only one aspect of the missions of Federations. That historically and to this day, Federations all over

the country engage in non-partisan political activity and that the National organization maintains a strong lobbying office in Washington, concerning issues of importance to Jews. As an example, when one local middle school conducted a “Kick a Jew Day,” your Federation was heavily involved in addressing this despicable activity. We have always been in the forefront of protecting Jews in our community. I recognize that not everyone will be satisfied with the policy as adopted, but I hope that everyone will accept the fact that an honest effort was made to arrive at an appropriate conclusion consistent with the mainstream of Federations; and will not deny to those in need of our assistance your support as a way of punishing the Federation because you may personally disagree with the policy adopted. We must all come together for the greater good of our community here and for Jews the worlds over.

Please see the full report on page 8A.

Tee off at FED CUP V golf outing By Kevin Aizenshtat, FED CUP Chair

23A Rabbi Ammos Chorny’s Installation Ceremony

29A Chabad’s Annual Gala

olfers of all handicaps and all ages are invited to the Fifth Annual FED CUP hosted at TwinEagles Golf Club on Sunday, May 5. The FED CUP is a golf tournament to support the Jewish Federation of Collier County. The all-inclusive cost is only $136 for each golfer. All proceeds will be used to help fund scholarships to send Collier County children to Jewish summer camps and send our teens on Israel summer trips. This golf event is fun and a first-class affair. TwinEagles has been generous to let us host the event on their prestigious course. Show your support and show up for our Federation.

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

Golfers arrive at 8:00 a.m. to filling up quickly. Please contact me at register and warm up for a 9:00 a.m. 239.777.1451 or kevin@gcipnaples. com to register for the FED CUP Shotgun Start. Participants will enjoy experience. a boxed breakfast, golf, cart, and buffet lunch following the golf tournament. There will also be some fantastic silent auction items during the lunch. Awards will be given to the team with the lowest and highest scores. So please come and enjoy a special round of golf and lunch with your friends, to benefit such a great cause. Get your foursome toWinners of the 2012 FED CUP: Dr. Peter Jaffe, gether and make your reshis two sons Connor and Kyle, and Dr. Joel Waltzer; ervations today. Space is (in back) Kevin Aizenshtat, FED CUP Chair

Men’s Cultural Alliance (MCA)

Due to the overwhelming success of the Women’s Cultural Alliance, the MCA has launched! Want to meet other men for golf, tennis, cards, lunch, discussion groups and a host of other activities?

To be put on the eNewsletter list, email Steve Brazina at sbrazina@aol.com.

More than 300 men have already signed up for the MCA!

Federation Star April 2013

JEWISH FEDERATION

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Israel Scouts to sing and dance in Naples By Ted Epstein, Editor Federation Star et ready! The Tzofim (Israel Scouts) Friendship Caravan is coming to Naples on Friday, June 21 for several special events. The Caravan is made up of five girls, five boys and two Caravan leaders from all over Israel. In order to be in the Caravan, these teenagers went through a highly competitive selection process and were chosen based on their maturity, fluency in English, and performance skills. Scouting is big in Israel, with over 60,000 members, and those chosen to participate here are selected for their ability to best represent the State of Israel. As shlichim, or Israeli delegates, these teens have a love for Israel and a desire to share that with North Americans. The Scouts are bright and dynamic performers. Their singing, dancing and storytelling are high-energy and upbeat. They will have you singing and dancing in your seat or, if you are lucky, dancing with them. The Scouts spend the 10 weeks of summer performing in synagogues and churches, schools and summer camps, even nursing homes – wherever people want to share their love for Israel. There are four Caravans that visit each summer: Northeast, Southeast, Midwest and West Coast. The Caravans have been to over 45 states, and have also been to China, the Ukraine, the UK, and even represented Israel at the 2012 Olympics.

Naples events with the Scouts Plans for the day are currently being worked on. They include an early evening one-hour performance at Temple Shalom, participation in the Friday night services at the temple, and an afternoon gathering with the children in our area (location TBA). Final details will be shared in the May and June issues of the Federation Star. The Scouts events in Naples are co-sponsored by Federation Media Group, Inc. and the Jewish Federation of Collier County. Hosting the Scouts The hosting experience is often times the most exciting and meaningful part of the Caravan’s visit. Community members are responsible for hosting the twelve Caravan members. The hosting relationship goes far beyond providing food and a bed – the host families become true surrogate families during their stay. Families love bringing the Caravan into their homes, getting to know the teens and learning more about Israel. It is a valuable and unforgettable experience. Responsibilities include Friday night sleeping arrangements, Friday transportation to/from the events, and Saturday morning breakfast and local transportation. If you have children at home, this would be a real treat for them. If you are interested in hosting one of the Scouts or team leaders, email me at fedstar18@gmail.com for more information and a Host Family Handbook.

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

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3A Federation Star April 2013 JEWISH FEDERATION

April 2013 Federation Star

Community Relations Committee update Ann Jacobson Community Relations Committee Chair Israel@65 celebration to be held Sunday, April 14 Put Israel’s 65 th birthday celebration on your calendar. Israel Affairs Committee chairs Betty Schwartz and Steve Brazina have spearheaded the Israel@65 event, a community celebration in Collier County, with much assistance from Melissa Keel, Federation’s Community Program

Director. It will be held at Temple Shalom, starting at 12:30 p.m. Falafel and other Israeli food items will be available for purchase. Live music, Israeli folk dancing and children’s activities will be presented during the afternoon. Some 13 local and national Jewish organizations that highlight and support Israel will exhibit at the fair. They include AIPAC, American Technion Society, ADL, BBYO, Development Corporation of Israel Bonds, Friends of the IDF, Hadassah, Israel Ministry of Tourism, Jewish Humanistic Havurah, Jewish National Fund, ORT, ZOA, NCJW, and the Jewish Federation of Collier County.

The film Israel Inside: How a “Small Nation Makes a Big Difference will be shown at 3:00 p.m. The film will be introduced by film producer Matt Weisbaum, Managing Director of JerusalemOnlineU. A panel discussion will follow the film with upto-date information about Israel. The public is invited and admission is free. Reservations for the film screening are required by calling the Jewish Federation office at 239.263.4205. CRC Educator Awards The Annual CRC Stand Up for Justice Educator Awards will be presented at the Annual Meeting of the Jewish Federation in May. Nominees for this award are judged on demonstrating

outstanding, unique and replicable education initiatives that counter bullying and bigotry. These innovative projects should yield positive results in student behavior and in school climates. Nominees can include Collier County public school, middle and high school teachers, guidance counselors, librarians and media specialists. Yom HaShoah services Yom HaShoah services will be held on Sunday, April 7 at 11:00 a.m. at Temple Shalom. These services commemorate the six million Jews who perished during the Holocaust.

THE ISRAEL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF COLLIER COUNTY INVITES THECOMMITTEE ENTIRE COMMUNITY TO A DAY OF CELEBRATION OFCOUNTY THE ISRAEL AFFAIRS OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF COLLIER INVITES THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY TO A DAY OF CELEBRATION OF

TEMPLE SHALOM – 4630 PINE RIDGE ROAD, NAPLES TEMPLE SHALOM – 4630 PINE RIDGE ROAD, NAPLES 12:30 – 2:30PM 12:30 – 2:30PM

3:OOPM 3:OOPM

THE COMMUNITY IS INVITED TO ENJOY AN AGENCY EXPO, ISRAELI FOOD, MUSIC AND DANCE. PEOPLE OF ALL AGES, THE COMMUNITY IS INVITED TO ENJOY AN AGENCY EXPO, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN FAMILIES, ARE ENCOURAGED ISRAELI FOOD, MUSIC AND DANCE. PEOPLE OF ALL AGES,TO PARTICIPATE. ESPECIALLY CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, ARE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE. “ISRAEL INSIDE” DOCUMENTARY FILM SCREENING FOLLOWED BY A DOCUMENTARY PANEL DISCUSSION “ISRAEL INSIDE” FILM SCREENING FOLLOWED BY A PANEL DISCUSSION

“Israel Inside” explores the positive characteristics of Israeli society fromInside” a humanistic, and emotionalof perspective. “Israel explorespsychological the positive characteristics Israeli society This insightful upliftingpsychological film sidestepsand theemotional usual conversation of politics, from a and humanistic, perspective. conflict and violence and tellsfilm thesidesteps story of the people, whoseofresilience This insightful and uplifting theIsraeli usual conversation politics, has propelled Israel totells the the forefront world innovation progress. conflict and violence and story of the Israeli people,and whose resilience has propelled Israel to the forefront of world innovation and progress.

Federation Star April 2013

JEWISH FEDERATION

9th Annual Evy Lipp People of the Book event Forging a new conversation… David Willens JFCC Executive Director …was the essence of the presentation of Dr. Daniel Gordis, featured guest speaker for the Federation’s 2013 Evy Lipp People of the Book event held on Wednesday, February 20. Dr. Daniel Gordis is Senior Vice President and a Koret Distinguished Fellow at the Shalem Center in Jerusalem. He is a regular columnist for the Jerusalem Post, and a frequent contributor to the New York Times, in print and online. He has authored numerous books on Jewish thought and currents in Israel, and is a recent winner of the National Jewish Book Award for Saving Israel: How the Jewish People Can Win a War That May Never End, published by Wiley in March 2009. Nearly 800 Federation members were riveted to their seats as Dr. Gordis talked about his vision of Jewish life in America and Israel. Some of Dr. Gordis’ key points were: ÎÎ Statistics show that younger American Jews would not consider the disappearance of the State of Israel as a catastrophe.

ÎÎ Never mind the history that attests to Israel as a refuge; that’s not the point. ÎÎ What is the point? That we need to forge a new conversation about Israel to TEACH our youth why, beyond its being a refuge, Israel is vital to all Jews. ÎÎ Why do Israel’s youth willingly enter the IDF? Not because military service is required, but because maintaining the security of Israel is a natural outgrowth of the value of their Jewish heritage. ÎÎ Jewish youth in America, where

Jews of all stripes have enjoyed fullest acceptance, are the least well-educated in their Jewish traditions, history and the Hebrew language. ÎÎ Where but Israel can one discover laws and lifestyles that embrace the Haggadah? The Bible? The Mishnah? ÎÎ Why does this matter? American Jews must answer this for themselves – then impart that understanding so that Jewish youth, who will soon be running the country and the United

Dr. Daniel Gordis with Drs. Karen & Ed Ezrine (photo by Les Schwartz)

For more photos from this event, please see page 29A.

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Nations, will “get it.” Our thanks go to Karen Ezrine for chairing the event and to Susie Goldsmith for arranging the Patron Reception and Dinner before the lecture. We thank Temple Shalom for opening the doors to the Federation for this annual event. The Jewish Federation wishes to thank the following Patrons for their valued support of this important community cultural event, without which this event would not have happened:

Rosalee & Jerry Bogo* Jeanne & Neil Braverman Linda & Dan Carp Dr. Paula Brody & Merrill Hassenfeld* Drs. Karen & Edwin Ezrine Jean Gelbort Susie & Ronald Goldsmith Nina & Stephen Iser Ann Jacobson* Nancy & Harold Kaplan Jay & Stuart Kaye Lin & Ron Klein Helene & Judge Norman Krivosha Stan Lipp Bobbie & Dr. Bernard Lublin Ben Z. Post & Debbie Laites Estelle & Stuart Price Susan & Dr. Nathaniel Ritter Phyllis & Michael Seaman Myra Shapiro* *Nine-Year Patron

5A JEWISH FEDERATION Federation Star April 2013 Jewish Federation of Collier County 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 2201 Naples, Florida 34109-0613 Phone: (239) 263-4205 Fax: (239) 263-3813 www.jewishnaples.org Email: info@jewishnaples.org Officers President: Judge Norman Krivosha Vice President: Dr. Karen Ezrine Vice President: Dr. Morton Friedman Vice President: Phyllis Seaman Recording Secretary: Kevin Aizenshtat Assistant Secretary: Alvin Becker Treasurer: Jerry Sobelman Assistant Treasurer: Jerry Bogo Immed. Past President: Rosalee Bogo

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

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

Board Members Emeritus Ann Jacobson Hans Levy Shirley Levy

April 2013 Federation Star

Our season ain’t over yet Lion of Judah. It’s a lovely gift for a husband to give to his wife. The Community Celebration event was a fun-filled evening of Federation VP “gambling,” music, dancing, and just & Campaign catching up, renewing acquaintances and having fun after a lovely dinner Chair at Grey Oaks Country Club. Hats off to Jacqui Aizenshtat and Beth Grosss this issue of the Federation man for co-chairing this enjoyable Star and my article reach evening. you, we will be celebrating The Evy Lipp People of the Book Passover and Israel@65. event, as always, was a huge success. These two major times in our Almost 800 people came to hear Jewish history, though separated by Rabbi Daniel Gordis. Thank you to all thousands of years, have shown the our sponsors. Your generosity makes strength of our Jewish identity and our our People of the Book event possible. people to persevere and thrive. Rabbi Gordis spoke about our future This season has been exceptionas Jews. He spoke about the complaally busy, as most of you know. Our cency and high rate of intermarriage in Major Gifts and Lion of Judah event, our younger generation. He discussed as I mentioned in my last article, was Israel and all the problems they still very successful and a wonderful eveface there. ning. Our thanks go to Linda and Dan Federation President Norman Carp again, for their generosity and Krivosha gave a wonderful historical hospitality. I’m hoping we will add a pitch to our audience. He spoke about few more Lions of Judah to the pride our inherent commitment to take care this year. Please get in touch with me of “our own.” When the first Jews if you are considering becoming a settled in New Amsterdam from Brazil – originally from Portugal – in the 1600s, the only way Peter Stuyvesant would allow them to stay was if they committed to take care of their fellow Jews and not Our newest Lions of Judah: Beth Grossman, Phyllis Strome, be dependent upon the Gail Norry, Arlene Sobol and Pauline Hendel colony. As Norman said,

Phyllis Seaman

“This was the start of Federation.” As I write this, a cocktail party to “Reconnect With Your Federation” is planned for Wednesday, March 20 on Marco Island, hosted by Walter Cahn, Joan and Bert Thompson, and Nan and Michael Suffian. Last year’s event was quite successful and this year’s will be even better. Now that season is winding down and many of you will be leaving shortly for your Northern homes, don’t think we aren’t still working here in Naples. Our fiscal year starts January 1 and ends December 31, so we have quite a way to go on the 2013 campaign to reach our milliondollar goal. To reach that goal, I’m asking those of you who may be leaving and haven’t yet made your pledge or sent your gift for this year’s campaign to please consider doing so at this time. I am also asking everyone to consider a 10-20% or more increase if possible. Just think, if an increase in your gift will not adversely affect your lifestyle, how much more it will help so many others through the work of our Federation. Remember, we must continue to take care of our own, in Naples, nationally and in Israel. On Sunday, April 14, our Israel Affairs Committee of the Federation invites the entire community to celebrate Israel@65 at Temple Shalom. Be there! Have a wonderful Pesach!

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

Executive Director David Willens

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

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

Andrea Tretter, Fern Jaffe and Hilary Feldman at the Community Celebration event

Federation President Judge Norman Krivosha, Dr. Daniel Gordis and Helene Krivosha at the Evy Lipp People of the Book event

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Federation Star April 2013 WOMEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE

JEWISH FEDERATION www.WomensCulturalAlliance.com / 239-948-0003

Membership in WCA is soaring! By Susan Pittelman, WCA Publicity Chair

ord is spreading throughout our community that the Women’s Cultural Alliance (WCA) is “the place to be.” With the wide variety of lectures, special events, interest groups, programs and outings offered by WCA, year-round and seasonal residents are discovering that WCA is just what they have been looking for! One WCA member recently commented, “I moved to Naples in 2000, but it wasn’t until two years ago, when I became active in WCA, that I finally felt at home.” Joining WCA is a win-win! An added bonus is that part of the membership dues goes to the Jewish Federation of Collier County. So when you join WCA, not only are you doing something wonderful for yourself, you are also helping to support the projects and programs of our Federation. Last year, “branches” of WCA were started in ten areas up North: Toronto, Cape Cod, Michigan, NYC Metro, Metro West Boston, Connecticut, Washington, D.C. - Maryland – Virginia, Ohio, Illinois, and Delaware Valley. Now, when WCA members leave Naples at the end of the season, they can easily continue the friendships they have formed through WCA – as together they count the days until they return to Naples.

Under the guidance of Linda Simon, WCA’s outstanding Membership Chair, more than 200 women joined WCA just this past year! Linda shares some of her thoughts with us below.

Update on WCA Membership By Linda Simon, WCA Membership Chair

In 2008 a small group of women who had been involved with Brandeis Women’s Committee decided to begin their own organization. All of the women were interested in cultural affairs and wanted to work together. The name, Women’s Cultural Alliance, was chosen to aptly reflect the core philosophy of the group. As word spread among friends, neighbors, and friends of neighbors about this exciting new venture that would emphasize book groups of all genres, art groups, music groups, dining groups – anything that could be imagined – the membership grew quickly. New members had incredible imaginations and group after group was formed to meet the growing needs and desires. The membership, which consisted of informed, intelligent, interesting women who were looking to make new like-minded friends, agreed from the very inception, that

their lives in Naples were greatly enhanced on so many levels by their membership in WCA. That same mission is still evident in 2013. Now, with over 400 activities offered per year, and with an increase of membership from 750 in 2012 to 950 members currently, WCA is limited only by our collective imagination. As the WCA membership chairperson for only a year, I am amazed that the growth of WCA is still predicated primarily on word of mouth. Our reputation has even extended to the east coast of Florida, evidenced by an email from a woman in Westin wanting to know how to contact her local chapter! Another recent email, an example of the importance she placed on membership, was written by a woman who “needed” to join WCA by the very next day and was concerned that her membership form would not be processed within 24 hours. (It was, because she drove to the Federation office and personally delivered it.) But the most telling anecdote is from a WCA member who is a local real estate agent, who related the story of a woman who wanted to buy a home in Naples because she heard so many wonderful things about WCA! I especially enjoy our WCA New Member Coffees, which are held once

a month from November through April. Approximately 20 new members gather at a current member’s home, and every guest has an opportunity to ask questions of WCA President Jane Hersch and to learn about the activities for the remainder of this year and about those that are being planned for coming year. Each New Member Coffee always has one common result: women from all over the U.S. and Canada who came to Naples for all it has to offer are surprised and delighted to discover the added benefits of WCA membership. Enthusiastic conversations between new members who attended the same high school, lived in the same neighborhoods as children, or have similar professional backgrounds have turned into close friendships. Most gratifying, a common theme is that these friendships never would have occurred had it not been for WCA. I mentioned before that WCA relies primarily on word of mouth for its marketing plan, but if you haven’t heard of our organization and are intrigued, or if you would like to learn more about what membership in WCA offers, visit www.womens culturalalliance.com. My membership committee and I look forward to welcoming you at a New Member Coffee. Your new friends are waiting to meet you.

950 members!

Corkscrew Corridor Consortium

WCA’s “Second Act Singers” find fun and friendship through WCA! (Photo by Nancy Lipton)



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

The Women’s Cultural Alliance (WCA) has just created a special branch for members living in Estero, Bonita Springs, Miromar Lakes and South Fort Myers. It is called The CCC - Corkscrew Corridor Consortium. You must be a member of WCA to attend and participate in any of the CCC programs held in these areas. The Women’s Cultural Alliance currently has 950 members, 80 of whom signed up for the CCC the first day!

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

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

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

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

City: ____________________________ State: _____ Zip Code ____________

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

Florida home phone:___________________________________________

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

7A Federation Star April 2013 JEWISH FEDERATION

April 2013 Federation Star

MCA members hear about Arthrex innovations By Jeff Margolis

t its recent monthly luncheon meeting, members of the newly-formed Men’s Cultural Alliance (MCA) heard a presentation from Tim Hoover of Arthrex. The second largest employer in Collier County with over 1,400 workers, the company develops and manufactures surgical equipment for orthopedic surgeons. As a privately held corporation, Arthrex is able to cut red tape and fast track many of its innovations to the marketplace. Its research has led to innovations in arthroscopic

and sports medicine devices. Arthrex better.” Arthrex has recently added to their facilities in Coldevelops over 500 new lier County, building projects each year. The company is number one a new center in Ave in market share for arMaria and developing the former Robb and throscopic devices. Arthrex also proStucky warehouse in Fort Myers. vides educational services for physicians in Steve Brazina, Naples as well as in their the MCA’s coordinator, announced the other locations in Los Tim Hoover of Arthrex Angeles, New York City speaker for the April and Scottsdale. The company motto is meeting. Internationally renowned “helping surgeons treat their patients business and motivational speaker

Sam Geist will discuss his assessment of how to succeed in the business marketplace. This luncheon on Monday, April 15 will be the final luncheon for this season. The MCA is open to all men who are members of the Jewish Federation of Collier County. In its first few months of existence, the membership has grown to 300. For more information about membership and upcoming events, please contact Steve Brazina at sbrazina@aol.com.

Israel Affairs Committee gears up for Israel@65 celebration By Jeff Margolis

he entire community is invited to participate in a grand celebration to commemorate Israel’s 65th birthday. The Israel@65 celebration will take place on Sunday, April 14 from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. at Temple Shalom, 4630 Pine Ridge Road in Naples. Families are invited to partake in Israeli food as well as Israeli singing by the Simcha Singers, Ron and Jean Amodea. There will also be Israeli

dancing performed by the Shalom Dancers. Children’s meals with kosher hot dogs, chips, a drink, dessert and a prize will be available. At 3:00 p.m. adults and students are invited to view the exciting and thought-provoking documentary film Israel Inside: How a Small Nation Makes a Big Difference. Following the showing of the film, there will be a panel discussion with: Matt Weisbaum, Managing

Director of JerusalemOnlineU; a representative of the American Technion Society; Ted Epstein, editor of the Federation Star; and Moti Tadmor, an Israeli businessman in Naples. Reservations for the film screening are required by calling the Jewish Federation office at 239.263.4205. As the end of season approaches, the Israel Affairs Committee is busy planning for the 2013-2014 year. Dis-

cussions about newly available films and thought-provoking guest speakers have been taking place. The Israel Affairs Committee is a sub-committee of the Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation of Collier County. For more information about the committee, please contact Melissa Keel at the Federation office at melissa@jewishnaples.com.

A Passover Message to Our Community Wishing you and yours a very sweet and happy Passover By David Willens, Federation Executive Director

assover is, arguably, the most widely celebrated Jewish holiday. As I was preparing this year, I began to think about “the four questions” and, in turn, the subject of questions in general. In my position as the Executive Director of our Jewish Federation, I’m asked A LOT of questions. The most frequent being, “Why should I give to Federation when I can give directly to the cause I care about most?” I think what people really want to understand is, “Why is Federation different from all other Jewish charities?” We have a Successful Track Record. Federation is a social movement based on an innovative, perhaps audacious, concept: TOGETHER, we have the power to change the Jewish world. For over 30 years, we created and maintained a vital Jewish community locally; we helped build the Jewish state and now Israel is a ‘start-up’ nation without peer; we saved Soviet Jewry; we rescued Ethiopian Jewry and brought them into freedom and modernity; we created a local and national advocacy system to ensure that Jews are NEVER AGAIN without political power; and we developed a seamless local and global network of educational, social and human services that ensures the future of the Jewish people. Whenever and wherever there is a crisis or challenge, the Jewish Federation is there to help.

We believe Community matters. The Jewish Federation is committed to caring for the WHOLE Jewish community and for ALL Jewish people. That’s why we are the region’s leading authority on identifying, communicating and efficiently addressing the needs of our local and global Jewish community. At Federation, the Jewish values of tzedakah, g’milut chasadim, tikkun olam and Clal Yisrael are not simply ideals to which we aspire. They are, in fact, what we do every day. We believe people want to be part of something bigger than themselves and make a far-reaching impact with their philanthropy. We are the Story Arch rather than the Episode. A community is made up of many people and organizations with, at times, competing interests. There is a delicate balance that must be achieved and maintained in order for the community to meet the current and future needs of the Jewish people. We support a wide range of critical local and international organizations and programs that are the keystone for a rich Jewish life. While other organizations may have a narrow focus, the Federation doesn’t have that luxury. We adopt a long range, community based view, taking into account societal and demographic shifts. Often, tough decisions are necessary for the long-term, overall health of the community.

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

We have ‘Skin in the Game.’ We have made a promise to the Jewish people and our Jewish communities that we’ll look out for their interests; that we’ll protect their values; that we will rescue them if they’re in peril; that we’ll educate their children; that we’ll feed them if they’re hungry; that their parents will live in dignity; that we’ll ensure that all Jews have a place in our Jewish community; and that we’ll work for the security of Israel. It’s an awesome responsibility – one we do not take lightly. Yes, the last few years have been tough and we face many obstacles. This is not news to us. Still, we believe the challenges pale in comparison to the opportunities. At Federation, we remain unabashedly optimistic about

the future of the Jewish community. We believe our best days are ahead of us. We know that the unity of the Jewish people is a powerful force for good, for change and for hope. We are certain there is nothing we cannot accomplish TOGETHER. Those who want to support their favorite causes and charities should do so. The Federation is not all things to all people. The Federation IS all essential things for the Jewish Community for ALL Jewish people. If you believe in what we believe – that Community matters more than the Individual – then Federation is for you. Like us, you have a stake in the Jewish Community and a role to play in its future. Dayenu!

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Federation Star April 2013

JEWISH FEDERATION

Report of the ad hoc committee to the Executive Committee of the Jewish Federation of Collier County

orman Krivosha, President of the Jewish Federation of Collier County recently established an ad hoc committee composed of Alvin Becker, Ted Epstein, Yale Freeman, Hank Greenberg, Neil Heuer and Linda Hyde. Its Mission Statement was to review the Federation’s house policy and Federation Star newspaper advertising policy to determine what, if any, changes should be made regarding paid advertising in the Federation Star, and political activity held by others at the Federation offices. We were to report our findings to the Executive Committee of the Federation. The committee’s first meeting was on January 10, 2013, and after interviewing Ted Epstein, editor of the Federation Star, to get background on the publication itself, and its philosophy and practice regarding advertising, we agreed that we should research what other Federation newspapers throughout the country do in regard to political advertising. In contacting other papers, we only told them we were doing some research on political advertising policies; we did not offer any other reason, nor did we offer any comments on our own situation. We heard from Kansas City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Sarasota. In some other cities we contacted, the papers were not published by the local Federation, but were private forprofit enterprises. In every case, they accepted political advertising within guidelines similar to those of the Fed-

eration Star. It became evident and somewhat surprising, that the Federation Star was in the mainstream of policy, and that to not accept political ads would make the Federation Star the exception rather than the rule. In addition, we solicited an opinion from the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. Its response was: “Federation papers accept political ads all the time. They have controversial speakers all the time. As for the “original purposes” of a Federation, one can look back 100 years and see Federations playing an active role in the issues of the day. Nothing has changed on that front. Federations are central community institutions, not merely a Jewish version of the United Way.” We therefore propose the following: The Federation Star Advertising Policy The Federation Star, published by the Jewish Federation of Collier County, recognizes that it has a special role and responsibility in the community. The advertising policy of the Federation Star reflects this special position. The Federation Star reserves the right at all times: 1. To edit all ad copy and to reject ads that do not comply with the state and federal regulations or that are offensive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent, false or misleading, threatening, abusive, deceptive, or otherwise

Heading North? If you’re heading north at the end of the season, we’ll miss you! So let’s stay in touch. Please help us update our files by providing us with your northern address.

Please choose one of the following methods to provide us with the information below: • call us at 239.263.4205 • email your information to info@jewishnaples.org • complete this form and fax it to 239.263.3813 • complete and mail this form to: Jewish Federation of Collier County 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 2201 Naples, FL 34109 nk you!

Tha

Name: ________________________________________________ Northern Address: _____________________________________ _____________________________________________________ Northern Phone: ______________________________________ Email: ________________________________________________ Leaving SW Florida: ___________________________________ Returning to SW Florida: ________________________________

unacceptable/objectionable. The decision to accept, edit or reject advertisements is at the sole discretion of the publisher and staff. 2. To disclose any information necessary to satisfy any legal, regulatory or government request. The placement of any ad within the Federation Star does not imply endorsement by the staff, publisher or the paper. The Federation Star recognizes that members of our community hold a variety of political views and are members of a variety of political organizations. The advertising policy of the Federation Star is to be neutral with regard to partisan political and electoral issues. To that end, the Federation may accept partisan political advertisements, including advertisements supporting or opposing candidates for office. Advertisements in this regard will contain the words, “Paid Advertisement,” around all such advertisements and the Federation Star will include a disclaimer in a box on Page 1A which reads as follows: This issue of the Federation Star contains paid political advertisements. These ads do not reflect the views of, or serve as endorsement by, the staff or leadership of the Jewish Federation of Collier County. This disclaimer will run in all issues that carry such advertisements. It is recommended that a stated chain of command be formally established and noted in the event there are any questionable ads submitted for publication. The chain shall go from Editor to Executive Director to

President, with the final decision, if necessary, resting with the President of the Federation. We were also asked to make a recommendation regarding the Federation’s inclusion, in an emailed newsletter, of an article concerning “gun control.” In reviewing the article, which referenced the petition launched by the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, we found that the petition was about expressing our community’s pain and our resolve to enact comprehensive reform, including meaningful legislation to limit access to assault weapons, and to ensure access to quality mental health care for those who need it. The petition acknowledges the right to own guns; it seeks an approach to a problem that threatens Jews and all Americans. We completely agree that it is in the province of the Federation to comment on social issues within the boundaries of common good. Further, we would like to compliment David Willens for the masterful presentation explaining the position put forth by the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. In regard to the use of the Federation’s meeting room by other Jewish organizations, it is felt that they be permitted the use of the facilities, when available, providing any such meetings are for organizational, educational or social purposes and NOT for political purposes. The Executive Director shall have the responsibility for approving any such use. Having completed our assigned task, this report is respectfully submitted. – Hank Greenberg, Chair

If you’d like more information about the report above, please call David Willens at 239.263.4205.

How having a will empowers you

The right to plan your estate is a priceless privilege With a will you can: ¡¡ Determine how, when and to whom you will distribute your assets ¡¡ Name the Personal Representative who will manage your estate according to your wishes ¡¡ Create trusts for the benefit of your family and loved ones ¡¡ Reduce the burden of the federal estate tax ¡¡ Provide for charitable organizations to which you are devoted Your charitable interests Gifts by will have become an integral part of the philanthropic tradition. Our tax laws encourage the support of charitable institutions through income-tax deductions and estate-tax savings. Organizations you have assisted during your lifetime, such as the Jewish community, will certainly miss your help when you are gone. However, through your

will, you can continue to be a part of their work. It is important to remember that a bequest does not impact your current lifestyle, but will have significant impact on your family and your community after you are gone. You can tailor charitable bequests to meet your specific personal and financial objectives. Those objectives may very well change over time. It is important to review the charitable bequests you have made to see if they continue to reflect your present intentions. What’s next? Are you wondering what your next best step is? Maybe you’d like more information, or maybe you’d like to speak with us directly. Give David Willens, Federation Executive Director, a call at 239.263.4205 or email david@jewishnaples.org. He will be happy to talk with you about planning a charitable gift.

COMMUNITY FOCUS 9A April 2013 Federation Star

April 2013 Federation Star

Jewish Family & Community Services update Dr. Jaclynn Faffer JFCS Executive Director

n Friday, March 1, Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS) celebrated its first anniversary in the offices on Castello Drive. I can still remember clearly the day we moved in. With the dedication and hard work of our Board, and the support of the Jewish Federation of Collier County, we embarked on our new venture. On day one our computer and phone systems were up and running, and by the end of the day our files were unpacked. On day two we were seeing clients… business as usual. However, this year has hardly been “business as usual.” We have witnessed an increase in the challenges faced by our friends and neighbors in our community. More seniors are aging in place and struggling with isolation and frailty. Adolescents are dealing with peer

pressure to experiment with risky behavior, such as substance abuse. Children are experiencing bullying, not only on the school grounds, but also in cyberspace. Adults are still unemployed, and many who have found work are under-employed, struggling to make ends meet, although glad to be back in the workforce. To assist those individuals and families needing help from JFCS, we could not operate with a “business as usual” mindset. Here is what JFCS did: XX We increased our mental health counseling hours to four days a week. XX We increased our geriatric case management hours to full-time. XX Our JFCS Food Pantry increased from two shelving units to six, often stocked with food through our partnerships with area synagogues and community donors. XX Friends of JFCS began having brunches and cocktail parties and writing on the invitation, “Instead of a hostess gift please bring canned goods for the JFCS Food Pantry.” XX Our “Seder-in-a-Box” partnerships increased from two congre-

gations to four. XX The PJ Library increased to 158 children participating in the nationally-acclaimed program of Jewish-themed books and media for children 6 months to 8 years. XX JFCS began publishing a quarterly newsletter. XX The JFCS Board of Trustees adopted the second JFCS Strategic Plan. XX We received a grant from the Retirement Research Foundation to hire a part-time Manager of Volunteer Services, and our formal volunteer program serving seniors began in February.

XX We had our inaugural, and successful fundraising event, “Planting Seeds for Better Tomorrows,” sponsored by BMO Private Bank, at the Naples Botanical Garden. All of these changes enabled JFCS to respond more effectively and comprehensively to the everincreasing needs in our community. We could not have made these changes without you, our donors and friends in the community. Thank you for all you have done to make our first year at 5025 Castello Drive a successful one! We look forward to doing even more in the year to come.

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

Meals of Hope recognizes its partner organizations By Melissa Keel, Community Program Director, Jewish Federation of Collier County

n Thursday, March 7, Lee and Collier organizations that held Meals of Hope packing events in 2012 were recognized at the Meals of Hope offices and warehouse in Naples. Executive Director Steve Popper told the group that in the five and a half years that Meals of Hope has been in Southwest Florida, organizations have packed 16.5 million meals for individuals and families in Lee and Collier counties. The goal of the organization is to feed the hungry in our community. In 2012, 3.5 million meals were

packed in Collier County. With the new building in Naples, the Harry Chapin Food Bank has a much stronger partnership with Meals of Hope and space for perishable foods. Currently, there are 27,000 children in Collier County participating in the free and reduced-fee breakfast and lunch programs. This is an increase of 2,000 children since our Catholic/ Jewish Dialogue meal packing event in December 2012. Meals of Hope has set a goal of packing four million meals in 2013. One of the new projects has children in Collier schools participating in the

The Naples Jewish Caring Support Group By Phyllis Lazear

hen some of my friends and I watched illness attack our loved ones, we found ourselves isolated by the job of caregiving. Some of us became surviving spouses and that left an empty spot filled with grief and loneliness. We craved the closeness we once had with family and friends. Where could we find companionship where it was safe to discuss our distress and find the encouragement we needed? It was then that we joined the Naples Jewish Caring Support Group and found compassionate friends who shared so much with us. Some of us had to make life-changing decisions and it felt good to talk things through in this safe and friendly environment. All this we could do because we knew that confidentiality was paramount to our group. We are our in our fifth year now

and the group has helped us to accept the stress of being a caregiver or a lonely survivor of that journey. We help each other overcome uncomfortable and unwanted feelings, such as anger and frustration, that are the normal human reactions to undesired change. The upbeat attitude and acceptance we find in our bi-monthly meetings comfort us and give us the confidence we need. Our meetings are held the second and fourth Monday of each month from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Temple Shalom has kindly offered the use of its chapel. This is a free service to the entire Jewish community. After our meetings many of us go out for lunch. For more information, please call me at 239.352.2907.

Next meetings: April 8 & 22

Lunch Boxes of Love program. This program hopes to provide 2.5 million

meals to Collier school children over the next three years.

Attending the Meals of Hope recognition program from the Catholic/Jewish Dialogue event were: Rabbi Ammos Chorny, Beth Tikvah; Steve Popper, Executive Director, Meals of Hope; Rabbi Sylvin Wolf, Naples Jewish Congregation; Melissa Keel, Community Program Director, Jewish Federation of Collier County; and Marina Berkovich, President, ORT America and ABG World Videographers

10A Federation Star April 2013

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Generations of the Shoah of SWFL update Minutes from February GenShoah meeting Submitted by Steve Brazina On Sunday, February 17, Ida Margolis welcomed all in attendance at the short meeting prior to the presentation by Dr. Paul Bartrop, Director of the Center for Judaic, Holocaust and Genocide Studies at FGCU, by mentioning that she had received fifty seven reservations for this program. She asked those present to introduce themselves and gave a special thank you to Shelly Lieb, Jeff Margolis, and Gerry Melnick for last month’s program at our monthly meeting, and to Steve Brazina for taking minutes. Under Old Business, Ida mentioned the various programs commemorating International Holocaust Day which took place on January 27 and included a choir concert at the Mercato sponsored by the Holocaust Museum, a musical concert hosted by Bella Gutshtein, and a speaker program at FGCU. Also mentioned was the presentation of the film Paper Clips in conjunction with the Readers

and Thinkers group of the Catholic/ Jewish Dialogue of Collier County at Temple Shalom. Felicia Anchor introduced the film and mentioned at the meeting that there is a new film in the works addressing projects that have been created by students as a result of the original Paper Clips project. Under New Business, mention was made of upcoming events in March and April, starting with the discussion of Sophie Scholl and The White Rose by George Blewitt at our March meeting. Also mentioned was the annual Holocaust Week program at Edison College in Fort Myers during the week of March18 through March 22. We were fortunate to have a faculty organizer from the Edison College Holocaust Week program at our meeting and she spoke of the theme of this year’s program “ The Next Generation – Never Forget.” It was also mentioned that the annual Yom HaShoah program will take place on Sunday, April 7. Also, the Museum’s major fundraiser of the

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.

year will be held on April 6 and 7. At the April 7 event at Naples Luxury Imports, Ann Jacobson and Lorie Mayer, as well as featured speaker Major General Sidney Shachnow, will be honored. Tickets for both the April 6 and 7 events are $250 per person, and tickets for only the April 7 event are $150 per person. Those unable to attend are asked to make a contribution to the Museum in honor of Ann and Lorie. The April meeting, the last of the season, will be held on Sunday, April 21 and will feature a presentation by Steve Brazina, Ida and Jeff Margolis, and Sam and Rene Geist about the National Holocaust Museum program in Boca Raton last December. Summary of Dr. Paul Bartrop’s presentation at the February 17 meeting Dr. Bartrop’s presentation was titled “Last Ditch Haven: Jamaica’s Role in the Re-rescuing of Jews from the Holocaust.” Dr. Bartrop is a native of Australia and mentioned that Jewish refugees were interned in his country as enemy aliens. The story of Jamaica’s role is

a very little known episode in the history of the Holocaust. Much of the details of Dr. Bartrop’s research were from the diary of Mrs. Miriam Stanton, who was one of the Jewish refugees from the Nazis who was stranded in Portugal in 1939. After the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union, these Jewish refugees were given two weeks to leave Portugal by a Portuguese government fearful of angering the Nazis. The refugees made a bold gamble and requested help from Winston Churchill and, surprisingly, the British government provided a safe haven for them in Jamaica. The British had an empty refugee camp in Jamaica to which it transported these Jews. This camp had been readied for use by evacuees from the island of Malta, but as the citizens of Malta were not evacuated, it was used to intern the Jews stranded in Lisbon. Dr. Bartrop elaborated on the conditions at the camp and the assistance provided the refugees by the Jamaican Jewish community. Most of these survivors migrated to other countries after the war. A lively question and answer period followed Dr. Bartrop’s presentation.

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11A JEWISH INTEREST Federation Star April 2013

April 2013 Federation Star

11A

The eclectic genius of Ilan Stavans By Philip K. Jason, Special to the Federation Star

Bat Mitzvah Comes of Age

May 5, 2013

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

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

Come Schmooze and Enjoy!

Judith Kaplan Eisenstein at the 70th anniversary of her bat mitzvah, 1992. Archives, Reconstructionist Rabbinical College.

Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU

Bring this ad in for 2 for 1 admission

FedStar

Elaine in Green Dress, acrylic on canvas, 2009.

his major collection of Ilan Stavans’ shorter writings confirms his place as a premier interpreter of the Jewish experience in the Americas. Primarily concerned with the narrative arts (literature and film), his range is wide and his penetration is deep. As he battles through the distinctions between Phil Jason the intellectual and the academic, the creative spirit and the critical one, Stavans is at once erudite, relaxed and friendly. Often seriously engaged with highbrow achievement, he is not condescending to writers of lower elevation – such as Leo Rosten. Stavans employs his considerable intelligence and knowledge in a particularly therapeutic way. For one thing, he reminds us not to confuse Spanish-speaking Jews with Sephardim. Born into an Ashkenazi Mexican family, he represents a stratum of Latino culture underrepresented on most North American maps of Jewish life and achievement. Yet Stavans has made New York and Boston his homes for half of his life. Intellectually and emotionally, he is at home with the giants (and the overlooked) of modern western culture in both its Spanish and English streams. And let’s not forget about Yiddish! In this dazzling sampler of his work, we encounter short essays (book reviews, brief critical meditations, tributes) and longer sojourns into multi-layered topics: “Thinking Aloud: The Education of Maurice Samuel,” “Rereading Lionel Trilling,” “Sephardic Literature: Unity and Dispersion,” and – of course – the magnificent title essay “Singer’s Typewriter and Mine.” In many of these pieces, Stavans knits the circumstances of his own life into the exploration of his ostensible subject. Somehow, he manages to make this kind of risk-taking productive rather than intrusive. Stavans is in love with the mysteries of languages, and he has the equipment to examine their operations

nineteenth-century Europe. My like: a sum of parts. and their occasional interpenetrations. consolation is the knowledge I’m an American beLadino and Spanglish are among his that my ancestors have roots cause I chose to immiinterests, and translation is for him in the Pale of Settlements, algrate to it in 1985. That a term with so many connotations though I don’t know how deep is, I chose to become a that he employs the word metaphorithose roots are. My full name convert to the religion cally. (oy gevalt!) is Ilan Kalmen we call “America,” to The section of this book titled Stavchansky Slomianski Altchuler become a practitioner, to support, for “Conversations” has a special charm Eisenberg. Stavchansky probably rebetter or worse, its principles. and power. Stavans’ engagement with fers to Stavchany, in the Ukraine. My Q: Am I safe to assume that, in your his counterpart is not the conventional father, Abraham Stavans, a stage and opinion, ‘translation’ is a term with interview, but a more even-handed soap-opera actor in Mexico, shortened multiple meanings, going beyond the exchange. Pieces like “The Buenos the name for artistic reasons, although attempt to render a text composed in Aires Affair, with Nathan Englander” he never made the move to change one language into another? You’ve and “Nostalgia and Recognition, with it officially. I chose Ilan Stavans to translated Pablo Neruda, Borges Morris Dickson” bring us two minds emphasize my debt to and Juan Rulfo from the Spanish rocking back and forth, each him. I discuss this debt into English; Singer from Yiddish to finding a new twist or turn in my memoir On BorSpanish; Yehuda ha-Levi and Yehuda of apprehension in the duet rowed Words (Penguin, Amichai from Hebrew to English; perhaps undiscoverable in 2002). Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson and solo mode. Q: One of your concerns Elizabeth Bishop from English to Children’s picture books, in Singer’s Typewriter Spanish. You’ve also written fregraphic novels, films like and Mine: Reflections quently on the role of translation in Nora’s Will, and the graces on Jewish Culture (Nethe shaping of nations. of marginality are all parts braska, 2012) is about A: For me translation is a way of life. of the eclectic carousel of the future of ethnic idenIn fact, I live in translation without an determined exploration that Ilan Stavans tities in “melting pot original. distinguishes the genius of nations” versus “fruit salad” nations. Q: What do you mean? Ilan Stavans. You discuss this in your new book A: In traveling from one language to Fate Knocking at the Door The United States of Mestizo (Newanother, I no longer know if there is An interview with Ilan Stavans South, 2013), which is based on an a right way of saying things or many by Phil Jason article you published in Humanities. right ways. Q: What binds your interest in comic Can public policy or private advocacy Q: One of your life-long interests is strips and graphic novels on the one lead to one or another outcome in Spanglish. You’ve published a dichand and more traditional critical heterogeneous societies? tionary (Harper, 2003) as well as a explorations on the other? A: The United States is a gorgeous translation of Don Quixote of La ManA: Storytelling is a form of midrash. mosaic of ethnicities. Regardless of cha into Spanglish. Does Spanglish I love telling stories, analyzing them, policy, the nation’s future is Babelseeing them in context. I grew up in a continued on page 13A culture that juxtaposed the word and the image. As a writer, I don’t see one as superior to the other. I also don’t see the distinction between highbrow and popular readerships. The capacity to enthrall knows no boundary. Q: Prof. Stavans, as a character in your graphic novel El Iluminado New Exhibit! (Basic Books, 2012), is directly Opens April 9 involved in a real world adventure. What do you say to those who feel On Saturday morning, March 18, 1922, Judith Kaplan, daughter of Rabbi Mordecai M. that people in academic life somehow Kaplan, became the first American girl to mark her have removed themselves from real bat mitzvah during a public worship service. Learn the stories of nearly 100 b'not mitzvah, world experiences? including many Florida girls and women. A: For me the noun ‘academic’ is A touring exhibition presented by the National Museum of American Jewish History and Moving Traditions. Sponsored in part by Congregation Beth Jacob and the Robert Arthur Segall Foundation. derogatory. It denotes affectation, posturing, pretense. Academic life is shamefully aloof, removed from the nuts-and-bolts affairs of daily Americans. I feel uncomfortable with such elitism. I prefer to get my hands dirty, to delve into the frying pan. Portraits by Inez Hollander Q: Tell me something about the background of the family name. Through vibrant primary colors and strong, unrelenting brushstrokes, this A: In vain I’ve sought my roots in Thru Larry Dreaming About the Beach, acrylic on canvas, 2008.

Singer’s Typewriter and Mine: Reflections on Jewish Culture, by Ilan Stavans. University of Nebraska Press. 392 pages. $24.95.

series documents a community teeming in diversity and captures the emotions of its subjects.

Also see MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida, visit the Orovitz Museum Store for one-of-a-kind gifts and have a snack at Bessie’s Bistro!

Open daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 301 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach Except Mondays, Jewish and Phone: 305-672-5044 Civil Holidays www.jewishmuseum.com The Museum is supported by individual contributions, foundations, memberships and grants from the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, the Miami-Dade County Tourist Developement Council, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissionsers and the City of Miami Beach, Cultural Affairs Program, Cultural Arts Council.

12A Federation Star April 2013

Jerusalem Post Crossword Puzzle

JEWISH INTEREST

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

By David Benkof, DavidBenkof@gmail.com Across 1. It aired “Boston Legal” with William Shatner 6. Brazilian berry 10. Word for Abby 14. Abram’s wife 15. Apparel 16. Beverly Sills, for example 17. ___ is a curved line 18. Gravel-voiced actor Harvey 20. Mug material 22. Authoritative order 23. Sen. Bernie Sanders, e.g. 24. West Bank, e.g. 26. “Little Shop of Horrors” nebbish 28. Rabbi who built the Torah community of Lakewood, New Jersey 32. Title for 28-Across 33. Blathers 34. Historian Tom (“Elvis in Jerusalem”) 38. Happily-after link 40. Union branch 43. R. Crumb’s “___ Steinberger, the Jewish Cowgirl” 44. Comedian Silverman 46. “Sometimes you feel like ___ …” 48. Bleat 49. Announcer portrayed on “Saturday Night Live” by Billy Crystal 53. Hillel alternative 56. Political activist Dayan 57. Amazon zapper 58. Moose cousins 60. Reefs 64. ___ Post (former name of the Jerusalem Post) 67. Baby bird 68. “Must ___?” (“Are we in a hurry?”) 69. Work for JTA, perhaps 70. What Moses demanded Pharaoh do to his people 71. “Raiders of the Lost Ark” hazard 72. “Call it Sleep” author Henry 73. Dangle limply

Solution on page 24A

Down 1. “Chop-chop” 2. Hatred is the ADL’s 3. Avian food holder 4. Dentist’s concern 5. King’s deputy 6. Booze, butts, and bullets bureau 7. Salon job 8. Practitioner of senior-discrimination 9. Country where KISS’s Gene Simmons was born 10. Banned agrochemical 11. “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” refrain 12. Avraham ___ (Our father Abraham) 13. Army leave, briefly 19. Eye sores, really 21. Kidney-related 25. One of Israel’s oldest cities 27. 1960’s TV horse 28. Foe for Xena 29. “___ Nagila” (Jewish folk song) 30. Affirm with certainty 31. Commerce and Labor Secretary Straus (first Jew in a U.S. Cabinet) 35. “Kotter” comic Kaplan 36. How many olim get to Israel 37. Calf raised for its meat 39. Chicago Mayor Emanuel 41. Comic actor Kaufman 42. Actor Matt (“Little Britain”) 45. Quarters 47. Rock climber’s need 50. Historian Ehrlich (“Zion in the Valley: The Jewish Community of St. Louis”) 51. Japanese martial art 52. Like a runner-up, often 53. Tone of many old photos 54. Is within earshot 55. “It’s ___ to you!” 59. Agitated state 61. Lola in “Damn Yankees,” e.g. 62. Block brand 63. “___! Or My Mom Will Shoot” (Estelle Getty film) 65. “The Nanny” has three of them 66. Operation Moses country (abbr.)

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n 2005, Haiti-born filmmaker Raoul Peck directed Sometimes in April, a made-for-television movie about the Rwandan genocide of 1994, produced by HBO. There was nothing mysterious about his title – although referring to the genocide that started on April 6, 1994, Dr. Paul Bartrop there was a certain irony present, as well. The month of April, it seems, is “ground zero” for genocide. April 6 saw the start of the Rwandan Genocide in 1994, resulting in a million killed over the next one hundred days. Also on April 6, in 1992, the Bosnian War started, leading to the largest death toll on European soil since World War II. April 17, 1975 was the date on which Phnom Penh fell to the fearsome Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, resulting in the death of at least one-quarter of the population. The first day of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising during the Holocaust, of course, was April 19, 1943, while April 24, 1915 commemorates the date on which the Armenian Genocide began. Quite clearly, “sometimes in April” things went terribly wrong in many places around the world during the last century. It is without doubt incumbent upon us all to recognize and remember these horrible events during the month of April. In this, the 70th anniversary year of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, we in the Jewish community turn our thoughts specifically as a focus for remembrance. The history is well enough known. On the first evening of Passover, April 19, 1943, the Nazis, under the command of General Jürgen Stroop, attempted to destroy the Ghetto and its Jewish inhabitants as a birthday present for Adolf Hitler. At that time, only about 55,000 to 60,000 Jews remained in the ghetto. The vast majority of the rest, approximately 300,000, had already been transported to their deaths, mainly at Treblinka. Much to the Germans’ surprise, a resistance effort had been organized. A group calling itself the Jewish Fighting Organization (ZOB), composed largely of Zionist young people and headed by Mordecai Anielewicz, prepared to meet the invaders with about 500 inexperienced fighters. Another 250 were attached to a separate group, the Jewish Military Union (ZZW).

The battle, beginning on April 19, lasted until May 16, four weeks later, when the command bunker at Mila 18 was finally destroyed and the ZOB leadership, including Anielewicz, had been killed. In a communiqué on April 23 to Yitzhak Zuckerman, another leader of the resistance movement then working outside the ghetto, Anielewicz wrote, “My life’s dream has been realized: I have lived to see Jewish defense in the ghetto in all its greatness and glory.” The Germans resorted to the technique of burning the houses in the ghetto street by street and block by block. On May 16, General Stroop reported “The Jewish Quarter of Warsaw is no more!” On that day, Stroop personally pushed a detonator button to demolish the Great Synagogue of Warsaw on Tlomackie Street. A leather-bound scrapbook consisting of German memoranda and pictures of the devastation was later presented directly to SS leader Heinrich Himmler. What was the overall significance of the Uprising? The event itself has become a major symbol of the Holocaust. Warsaw was one of the great centers of European Jewish existence before the war, and had the largest Jewish population of any city in Europe. At the same time, it was also a key location of ethnic and religious hatred directed towards Jews as, tragically, the Christian neighbors of Warsaw’s Jews abandoned them to their fate while the uprising was in progress. For their part, it should also be mentioned, the Allies did nothing to assist. The Jews of Warsaw rose against the might of the Nazis by themselves, and with no assistance. The uprising was the first largescale rebellion against Nazi rule anywhere in occupied Europe, though it had no impact on either the outcome of World War II or the Nazi “Final Solution.” The ghetto was left in ruins, and over 56,000 Jews were captured and deported by Stroop’s forces. In actual combat or in crossfire, his units killed up to 7,000 Jews during the uprising. Although the figures are disputed, the number of German casualties amounted to 16 dead and 85 wounded. Despite this massive discrepancy, the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising remains emblematic of Jewish resistance to Nazi tyranny, in what was truly a “war against the Jews.” At this time of the year, there can only be one possible salutation, to which we would all adhere: Lest we forget.

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JEWISH INTEREST 13A Federation Star April 2013 Ilan Stavans interview...continued from page 11A have its correlatives in other language blends? In Yiddish or Hebrew blends? How and for whom do these hybrids function? A: Spanglish is the new Yiddish – a mix of Spanish and English used by Latinos to communicate across national, ethnic and economic lines. Like Yiddish, it was looked down upon by the educated elite as bastardization. Then writers embraced it as theirs, producing novels, theater, music, poetry, hence giving it an incipient standardized syntax. It is spoken by millions not only in the United States but across the Americas. Just as there is a difference between the Yiddish spoken say by Litvaks and Galitzianers, Cubans, Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, Dominicans and others each have their variety of Spanglish. As for Hebrew, its intercourse with Arabic, called Hibriya, is an essential component of Arab-Jewish culture today, which I reflect on in Resurrecting Hebrew (SchockenNextbook, 2008). This so-called border language fits a pattern that also includes Portuñol (Portuguese and Spanish), Franglais (French and English), Chinglish (Mandarin and English), and so on. Q: You are attracted to brainstorming with a partner and transcribing those discussions into published conversations. The topics are the Bible, the concept of love through history, ways of seeing art, and so on. These dialogues have been published by university presses like Yale, Texas,

Duke, Michigan and Wisconsin. They have also been translated into several languages. What is the attraction? How do you set up and energize these conversations? A: The art of the conversation is as old as humankind. Modern times have devalued it, turning it into a bite-size promotional tool. Of course, there’s much more to it: two minds in a tetea-tete, what is Socrates, the father of us all, about? Delving into a subject with a companion is among the most rewarding pleasures in life, not to say in literature. The conversations – real or imagined – Isaac Bashevis Singer had with Richard Burgin, Kafka with Gustav Janouch, Borges with his friend Ernesto Sábato, are, in my eyes, genuine jewels. They open a unique window into the mind of the conversants. I love talking to people. These talks, transcribed by friends, often end up in magazines. But I also enjoy longer exchanges, which take a year, sometimes more. I’ve done several of them myself with historians (Iván Jaksic), journalists (Mordecai Drache), translators (Verónica Albin), philosophers (Jorge Gracia), et al., and no doubt I’m humbler as a result. These encounters generally start during a pleasant dinner. If and when the chemistry is right, the dialogue eventually settles on a specific subject, becoming its center of gravity. Then the conversation continues via email. The mutual desire is to be thorough, to

April 2013 Federation Star

13A

Hanukkah and Thanksgiving: A once-in-eternity overlap his year features an anomaly for American Jews. The first day of Hanukkah coincides with Thanksgiving, on November 28, 2013. It turns out that it has never happened before...and it will never happen again. Thanksgiving is set as the fourth Thursday in November, meaning the latest it can be is November 28. November 28 is also the earliest Hanukkah can be. The Jewish calendar repeats on a 19-year cycle, and Thanksgiving repeats on a 7-year cycle. You would therefore expect them to coincide roughly every 133 (19x7) years. Looking back, this is approximately correct. The last time it would have happened is 1861. However, Thanksgiving was only formally established by President Lincoln in 1863. So, it has never happened before. Why won’t it ever

happen again? The reason is because the Jewish calendar is very slowly getting out of sync with the solar calendar, at a rate of four days per 1,000 years (not bad for a many centuries-old calendar!). This means that while, presently, Hanukkah can be as early as November 28, over the years, the calendar will drift forward, such that the earliest Hanukkah can be is November 29. The last time Hanukkah falls on November 28 is 2146 (which happens to be a Monday). Therefore, 2013 is the only time Hanukkah will ever overlap with Thanksgiving. Of course, if the Jewish calendar is never modified in any way, then it will slowly move forward through the Gregorian calendar, until it loops all the way back to where it is now. So, Hanukkah will again fall on Thursday, November 28...in the year 79811.

understand things as comprehensively as possible. Sooner or later I mention the exchange to an editor friend, who then suggests turning it into a book. If I follow that route, the dialogue acquires the form of a manuscript, which is sent electronically back and forth countless times until every aspect of the subject has been addressed. What I like about these exchanges is their spontaneity, their jazzy nature… To me they feel like fate knocking at the door. ~~~

This review and interview first appeared in the Spring 2013 Jewish Book World published by the Jewish Book Council. Reprinted by permission. Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeritus of English from the United States Naval Academy. He reviews regularly for the Naples edition of Florida Weekly and for Fort Myers Magazine. For more of Phil’s insights and reviews, as well as literature/publishing links, visit his website at www. philjason.wordpress.com.

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14A Federation Star April 2013

JEWISH INTEREST

A battlefield seder in 1953

Editor’s note: Naples residents Perry Goldenberg and Rose Horn Goldenberg met with me recently to share the fascinating story below and provide the photos that accompany it. Captain Joseph Hornstein is Rose’s uncle. n the spring of 1953, the First Marine Division was dug in on a line just below the 38th parallel near the Imjin River in Korea. The North Korean-Chinese forces were maintaining a stable line above the 38th parallel. The war had settled into a series of intermittent artillery and gunfire exchanges between opposing patrols. However, there was no certainty that it would remain this way. It was always possible that the Koreans and their Chinese allies would launch a major attack at any time. All troops remained in a state of preparedness. Captain Joseph Hornstein, Commanding Officer, Headquarters Company of the Headquarters Battalion of the First Marine Division, was reflecting on a conversation that he had had earlier that year with Commander Sam Sobel, Jewish Chaplain of the First Marine Division. Rabbi Sobel had reminded him that Passover was approaching and had wondered if it would be possible to arrange a seder for the Jewish Marines at the Front. It would mean a great deal to them and to their families. Captain Hornstein was pondering the practicality of this suggestion. The Chaplain had offered to contact a Jewish organization in the

United States to obtain the necessary ingredients for the ceremonial meal. After considering all aspects of the question, Hornstein decided that it could be done, and advised Chaplain Sobel to make the necessary contacts in the U.S. He then obtained Battalion and Divisional approval for this special observance. Under his instruction, the mess hall would be set up for the traditional dinner. At about 3:00 a.m. on April 1, 1953, two trucks bearing the necessary elements of the sacred meal pulled into the base through heavy mud and a driving rain. They were immediately unloaded and the materials stored. Later, at sundown of the same day, approximately 200 Jewish Ma-

rines from all units of the First Marine Division gathered at the makeshift mess hall. Eight officers were at the head of the table. Pictured below, they are: the Protestant Chaplain (name not available), Brigadier General Rober O. Bare, the Catholic Chaplain (name not available), Jewish Chaplains Samuel Sobel and Murray Rothman, another Brigadier General (name not available), Lieutenant Colonel Al Getleman and Captain Joseph Hornstein.

The ceremony began when, in accordance with tradition, one of the youngest Marines was asked to bless the wine (see photo above). A few minutes later, following the familiar pattern, the young Marine asked the poignant question, “Why is this night different from all other nights?” Several hours later, 200 weary but spiritually renewed Marines returned through the mud and darkness to their posts.

See Section B of this issue for “Jewish Happenings” and “Israel & the Jewish World” items.

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JEWISH INTEREST 15A Federation Star April 2013

April 2013 Federation Star

15A

JMOF-FIU to honor five inspiring women at annual “Breaking the Glass Ceiling” award ceremony

he Jewish Museum of FloridaFIU, the only museum dedicated to the story of 250 years of Florida Jewish heritage, arts and culture, is proud to announce the winners of the 17th Annual “Breaking the Glass Ceiling” Awards for five women who have been successful in fields generally dominated by men. This year’s winners are: ¡¡ Judge Jeri Beth Cohen (Miami) ¡¡ Sherryl Susan Evans (Tampa) ¡¡ Sonia Pressman Fuentes (Sarasota) ¡¡ Marilyn Hoder-Salmon (Miami) ¡¡ Betsy Kaplan (Miami) Each of the winners will be honored during the museum’s award reception and ceremony which will include presentations made by the honorees describing the obstacles and inspirations they encountered on their individual journeys to success. The program is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 21 at the museum, which is located at 301 Washington Ave. in Miami Beach. The award ceremony will include light refreshments. The cost is $15 for museum members, $20 for nonmembers, and $5 for students. For reservations, call 786.972.3175 or email info@jewishmuseum.com. 2013 Glass Ceiling honorees Judge Jeri Beth Cohen, a dependency court judge in the State of

Florida 11th Judicial Circuit, began her service on the bench in the criminal division at a time when few women held judiciary positions in MiamiDade County. Early on, she was able to break the glass ceiling in many areas, including the first to develop a pilot program for rehabilitating DUI offenders, which won her national awards, and establish a Dependency Drug Court in Miami, one of the first in the nation. She has worked with the Department of Justice to develop curricula and train dependency drug courts across the country, with her drug court serving as a mentor court for The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Judge Cohen is past chair of the Statewide Court Improvement Project responsible for bringing state dependency courts into compliance with federal child welfare requirements. She uses her considerable leadership skills to foster collaboration across systems, enhancing both the understanding of community needs and service effectiveness. She has consistently served as an exceptional role model and mentor for women in her field and devotes countless hours to local, national and international organizations in the Jewish

community. Sherryl Susan Evans served as deputy sheriff for Hillsborough County for more than 32 years. During a year’s stay on a kibbutz in northern Israel, she admired the Israeli women who were prominent members of the local police force. When she returned to her hometown of Tampa, she enrolled in the Criminal Justice program at Florida State University. After graduating, she became the first woman police officer in the St. Petersburg Beach Police Department. Evans went on to become deputy sheriff for Hillsborough County as one of the first women in the department. She walked the beat and patrolled the city of Tampa for several years until she was promoted to the Civil Division. Her approach to her work reflects her humanitarian and Jewish communal values. She has donated time, energy and her own resources to those in need at the worst times of their lives. When hundreds of people were evicted from their homes, she treated them with quiet respect. She is a role model for all in her field, with her generous, sensitive and discreet way of treating those who cross her path.

In 1965, Sonia Pressman Fuentes of Sarasota joined the General Counsel’s office of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) as its first woman attorney. She drafted one of the EEOC’s earliest Digests of Legal Interpretations, its first Guidelines on Pregnancy and Childbirth, and the decision protecting employment rights of stewardesses. In 1966, she became one of 49 founders of the National Organization of Women. She was cofounder of both Federally Employed Women and the Women’s Equity Action League, a charter member of the Veteran Feminists of America, and a longtime board member of the National Woman’s Party. In addition to more than 20 years as an attorney with the federal government, she was the highest paid woman at the headquarters of multinational corporations GTE and TRW. A woman of great energy and zest, she began a second career after retirement, lecturing on women’s rights worldwide, and writing a lively autobiography, Eat First – You Don’t Know What They’ll Give You: The

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16A Federation Star April 2013 “Breaking the Glass Ceiling”...continued from previous page Adventures of an Immigrant Family and Their Feminist Daughter. Inspired by her own Polish family’s immigration story of fleeing Berlin in 1933, Fuentes says that her identity as an immigrant is central to her lifelong commitment to equity and inclusion. Marilyn Hoder-Salmon is the founding director of the Women’s Studies Center at Florida International University (FIU). After earning a bachelor’s degree as a widow with two young children, she worked with the Urban League of Greater Miami. She was a founding member of the Dade County chapter of the National Organization for Women and the Florida Women’s Political Caucus. In 1982, Hoder-Salmon was completing her doctorate in American Studies when she was recruited to direct FIU’s new Women’s Studies Center, which at first granted only undergraduate certificates. She created a welcoming and secure space with an extensive library of materials in the emerging discipline. Hoder-Salmon initiated a Women’s History Month Conference that became a South Florida institution, involving Miamians in the national and international feminist community, and hosted lectures throughout the year. By the time she stepped down in 1999, the center offered a bachelor’s degree in women’s studies and plans for a graduate certificate were under way. She continued at FIU as lecturer and faculty fellow in the Honors College until 2012. Hoder-Salmon brought transformative skills honed by feminist and civil rights activism to promoting women’s studies, and fostered understanding and advancement for women faculty and students.

Betsy Kaplan is the mother of public arts education in Miami-Dade County. As early as college, when she chose to add a B.F.A. to her B.A., she made a commitment to arts education for all public school students. As a teacher, volunteer and politician in Miami-Dade County, Kaplan worked to make that goal a reality, forging her way with tenacity and resourcefulness. As a PTA activist for 25 years, she lobbied local and state government to support arts programs. Committed to under-served students, she was active with the first arts magnet school in Liberty City in 1973. When school districts began cutting electives in the 1980s, Kaplan was elected to the School Board with strong grassroots support, and went on to win three more four-year terms. As a powerful board presence, Kaplan never lost sight of her mission. She insisted that the arts were academic subjects, not extras. She supported arts magnet schools and guarded resources for the arts programs of every school and grade. It is a tribute to Kaplan that the Miami-Dade County school district is nationally recognized as an outstanding model of public arts education. The Breaking the Glass Ceiling Award was established by the Jewish Museum of Florida in 1995. More than 75 outstanding winners have been honored with this distinction to date, from a wide variety of fields including banking, politics, law, aviation, journalism, sports and entertainment. Event Sponsors include Commissioner Sally Heyman, a 2008 Glass Ceiling honoree, Isabel Bernfeld Anderson, and Mr. Kenneth and Barbara Bloom, Ph.D.

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JEWISH INTEREST

Let us remember the children of the Holocaust By Abe Price, Holocaust survivor

he memory of the beautiful and innocent children of the Holocaust is our legacy. One and a half million children were struck down without pity. They were murdered simply for who they were – Jews The young ones, who were silenced forever, were the hope and future of our people. We will never know the extent of human potential that was destroyed – the scientists, the writers, the musicians – gifted talent burned to ashes by German and Austrian Nazi hate, and all their dedicated and blind collaborators. At such tender ages, our children grew old overnight. They quickly learned how to conceal pain, and how to cover up fear. More importantly, with natural compassion they comforted those around them. How can we forget these martyred children? Their lives, their laughter, their gentle love, their strength and bravery in face of certain death are still part of our daily lives. Their acts of courage and resistance remain a heroic inspiration. Their cries to be remembered ring across the decades, and we hear them. They are always in our thoughts, in our sleepless nights, in our pained hearts. While Jews were being deported to the extermination camps, our Gentile neighbors went about their daily lives, insensitive and indifferent to the tragedy in progress. Some were even happy and applauding our suffering and misfortune. I survived by luck, by faith or accident, in order to be a witness to the Nazi crimes and to keep alive the memory of the children, my loved ones, and my people. The Nazis disgraced themselves and the human race when they forced 120 people into a box car and closed the doors and the small windows. Beforehand, the Nazis robbed the people of their valuable possessions and beat and humiliated them. With their guns, whips and dogs, they created hysteria. Without sanitary facilities, air, water and food, and with standing room only, the box car became a torture chamber for the people, for two or three days and nights, riding to their destination place – the extermination camp. The gas chamber was a relief from the suffering. The Nazis behaved worse than beasts in the wild. Beasts kill only

when they are hungry. The more people the Nazis murdered, the hungrier they got. Who did they murder? They were innocent and unarmed civilians, men women and children. After riding in the box car for two days and nights to the extermination camps, when the Nazis opened the doors, half the people were dead. There was no closure when the war ended. The Nazi criminals escaped justice. The killers – Einsatz Commandos – disappeared into thin air with the help of many Nazi collaborators and some governments and institutions sympathetic to the Nazis. They murdered over six-million good and pious people and destroyed the Jewish culture in Europe that had existed for two thousand years. The Nazis should be condemned forever by all civilized people. My prayers were not answered, my dreams not fulfilled. After the war ended and the Nazis were defeated, I hoped to be the judge, jury and executioner of the Nazi murderers known to me. Almost all disappeared into thin air. Liberation by the Allied armies restored many survivors to life, and my sincere gratitude goes to the soldiers who, at the risk of their own lives, liberated starving people in death camps. It was there where soldiers, destined for battle, became healers reaching out to save those who were on the brink of death, to revive human skeletons that had given up on life and had lost faith in humanity. I wish they would have liberated us five years earlier. The American flag is far more than a piece of cloth. It is a symbol of freedom and hope. Our history would have been very different if the State of Israel had existed 75 years ago. Many survivors became part of this great country that adopted us, and we are grateful Americans. This is the land of the free with opportunities and equal rights for everybody. Although we are now in the winter of our lives, we look toward the future because we believe that by sharing our experiences and by bearing witness and educating others, there is hope of protecting new generations of men, women and children who might be abandoned, forgotten, persecuted and murdered. We remember not for ourselves,

continued on page 21A

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JEWISH INTEREST 17A Federation Star April 2013

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. British Dramas with a Jewish Connection The PBS “Masterpiece” series Mr. Selfridge premieres on Sunday, March 31. New episodes will air on Sunday nights through and including May 19. Check your local PBS stations for exact air times. As with most PBS shows, there are also many opportunities to catch weekly “encore” showings, including the first episode. Episodes are also shown online. The series follows the life of department store entrepreneur Harry Gordon Selfridge (1856-1947). Selfridge grew-up in a Midwest “WASP” family of limited means. His father, a small-town general store owner, decided not to return home after serving in the Civil War. Harry’s mother managed to hold things together and eventually became headmistress of a local high school. Harry left school at 14 and, to make a long story short – through talent, luck and pluck – by the 1890s he had become one of the top Marshall Field department store executives. Marshall Field was, at the time, at the top tier of American department stores. By 1906, when Selfridge happened to visit England, he had amassed a personal fortune and his wife was a wealthy heiress. Selfridge was struck by the poor quality of British retailing and decided to open a top-tier department store in the UK. The first store (1909), which he named after himself, was an enormous success, and Selfridge’s department store chain prospered for decades. The series stars JEREMY PIVEN, 47, in the title role. There are similarities between the hyped-up Jewish talent agent Piven played in HBO’s Entourage and the real-life Harry Selfridge. Airing on Wednesdays, April 3 and 10 at 9:00 p.m. is BBC America’s two-part mini- series, Spies of Warsaw. It is from the novel of the same name by acclaimed historical

spy fiction writer ALAN FURST, 71. The series follows Col. JeanFrancois Mercier (David Tennant), a WWI hero, who, in the years leading up to WWII, is drawn into a world of abduction, betrayal and intrigue in the diplomatic salons and back alleys of Warsaw. Of course, he has a torrid and sometimes dangerous romance along the way. Mercier’s bohemian sister has a Jewish jazz pianist boyfriend and Mercier takes under his protection two Soviet Jews who have defected from working for the Soviets (one is played by English actor ALLAN CORDUNER, 62). Ethical Gems It’s been a busy time for actress MILA KUNIS, 29. Early last month, she finished doing publicity interviews for her new blockbuster movie, Oz The Great and Powerful. (It co-stars JAMES FRANCO, 34, whose mother is Jewish; RACHEL WEISZ, 42; and ZACH BRAFF, 37). Around the same time, Kunis was also doing interviews about her decision to be a spokesperson for Gemfields, a UK-based luxury jewelry company with a good ethical reputation. Before she would agree to be their spokesperson, Kunis insisted on touring the company’s African mines and meeting with company’s on-site staff. She was recently interviewed by Entertainment Tonight. Here is part of the ET story: “They take so much pride in their work and they take such good care of their employees,” gushed Kunis of her partnership with Gemfields, a luxury company that produces amethysts, emeralds and rubies, all the while ensuring that their employees in Africa make a living wage and enjoy simple necessities such as electricity and running water. Since recently taking her leave from a high-profile beauty contract, the actress says she wasn’t too keen to put her name behind another company.

April 2013 Federation Star

17A

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 middleoftheroad1@aol.com, tell him you saw this ad in the Federation Star, and include your phone number (area code, too). Nate will then contact you about doing a “limited” family history for you at a modest cost (no more than $100). No upfront payment. “I’ve done that once before and it’s one of the hardest things to do… to pitch a product you don’t stand by,” said Kunis. “The short of it is, I went and visited [Gemfields] in Africa and they are one of the loveliest companies I had the pleasure of actually touring, let alone being a part of. They take care of their community, they put up schools, and they teach the people how to farm vegetables. I mean it sounds so dated and so simple, but very rarely do people take the time.

They say they do, and on paper they do, but in real life they don’t.” I hope that more celebrities follow Kunis’ example and check out the ethics and working conditions of companies they endorse. I’m ready for a celebrity “fair trade” movement in which celebrities bring honor to themselves and the companies they endorse by really checking them out. Everybody will benefit: consumers, employees, celebrities and endorsed “ethical” companies.

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18A Federation Star April 2013

Tributes

Tributes to the UJA Federation Campaign To: From:

Louise Orkin & Family In memory of your beloved husband, Leonard Orkin Bunny Levere

To: From:

Gloria Schaffer & Family In memory of your beloved son, Stephen Schaffer Bunny Levere Marcia & Louis Kamentsky

“To:

Betsy Coplan Erlich & Family Marianne Coplan Schapiro & Family In memory of your beloved mother, Shirley Coplan From: Susan & Bernard Goodman Anita Jacobson & Edward Feldman Leslie & Elliot Kaufman To: From:

Jewish Federation of Collier County In memory of our beloved aunt, Shirley Coplan Kathy & Lanny Solomon

To: From:

Florence Feinson & Family In memory of your beloved husband, Joel Feinson Mae & Judge Morton Riefberg Dorothy & Irving Litt Marilyn Dolid

To: Lenora Goldstein In honor of your birthday From: Judith & Marc Baron

TRIBUTES Tributes require a minimum donation of $18.

To: From:

Debi & Michael Greenberg In memory of your beloved brother, Howard Lassoff Phyllis & Michael Seaman

To: From:

Erika Mark In memory of your beloved husband, Richard Mark Linda & Larry Hyde

To: Leonard Michelman In honor of your 90th birthday From: Bunny Levere To: From:

Rick Bobrow Wishing you speedy recovery David Willens Karen & Neil Moss

To: From:

Nancy & Harold Kaplan In memory of Nancy’s beloved mother, Catherine Ruth Chamoni Helen & Dr. Edward Rosenthal Lois & Richard Janger

To: From: To: From:

Nancy Greenberg In honor of your special birthday Marcy & Jerry Sobelman Toni Front & Family In memory of your beloved husband, Sig Front Phyllis & Michael Seaman Ellen & Dr. Gary Gersh Bunny Levere

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

EDITORS:

Carole Greene

REPORTERS:

Burt & Renee Mahler Mark & Frances Kline Malone

SUBSCRIBERS:

Dr. Scott & Cathy Silver Judge Mort & Mae Riefberg Jack & Judith Kaufman

To: From:

Pearl Thall In honor of your birthday Joan Mann Nancy B. Gold Henny & Mort Porter

To: From:

Dr. Geraldine Feldman & Family In loving memory of your mother, Eleanor Garber Elaine & Lee Soffer

To: From:

Dr. & Mrs. Roger Freeman In memory of your beloved brother, Lawrence Freeman Natalie & Gerald Lewis

To: From:

Arlyne Monroe & Family In memory of beloved mother, Tillie Skeer David Willens

Tributes to the Evy Lipp People of the Book Cultural Event To: From:

Nancy & Harold Kaplan In memory of your beloved mother, Catherine Ruth Chamoni Sheila & Alvin Becker

To: Judy Weisberg Wishing you a speedy recovery From: Sheila & Alvin Becker

The Catholic/Jewish Dialogue of Collier County extends: • Special Birthday wishes to Rabbi Sylvin Wolf

The Jewish Federation of Collier County extends:

• Condolences to Gloria Schaffer and Family on the passing of Gloria’s beloved son, Stephen Schaffer • Condolences to Debi & Michael Greenberg on the passing of Debi’s beloved brother, Howard Lassoff • Condolences to Shirley Slater on the passing of her beloved husband, Herbert Slater • Condolences to Jill Goode on the passing of her beloved husband, Dr. Mitchell “Mickey” Goldenberg • Condolences to Nancy & Harold Kaplan on the passing of Nancy’s beloved mother, Catherine Ruth Chamoni • Condolences to Toni Front & Family on the passing of her beloved husband, Sigmund Front • Condolences to Richard Goldblatt & Family on the passing of his beloved mother, Dorothy Goldblatt • Special Birthday wishes to Rabbi Sylvin Wolf • Special Birthday wishes to Pearl Thall • Special Birthday wishes to Nancy Greenberg

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

FOCUS ON YOUTH 19A Federation Star April 2013

April 2013 Federation Star

19A

Temple Shalom Preschool update By Seyla Cohen, Preschool Director

THEN ... NOW... City of Hope saved the lives of two generations in the Reuter family - father and daughter who received bone marrow transplants a decade apart.

weekly theme entertains little ones, making each week a new and exciting experience. For older kids, CAMP EINSTEIN provides a wonderful link between a carefree atmosphere and maintaining a stimulating educational environment. Parents concerned about keeping learning alive and inquisitive minds active have come to welcome this wonderful program. Literature, science, math, reading, computer and art are provided in a relaxed and engaging environment, helping to provide continuity in education during the long summer holidays. Temple Shalom Preschool Art Auction Students have been working hard to ready their masterpieces for display at the annual Temple Shalom Preschool Art Auction scheduled for Thursday evening, May 2 at 6:30 p.m. Each year, extraordinary art pieces crafted by our preschool children, under the guidance of Art Director Linda Ginsberg, adorn the walls of the Social Hall. Various mediums and innovative techniques are used to produce remarkable designs highlighting our children’s creativity and vivid imaginations. Chil-

dren are thrilled to preview the show earlier in the day, excited and proud to see their projects displayed. Seeing their work beautifully exhibited gives them a sense of pride and confidence, so important to the self-esteem of our Preschool students. The Annual Art Auction is an opportunity for parents, relatives, congregants and friends to gather, mingle and enjoy a pleasant evening of wine, refreshments and music. At the same time, they are given the opportunity to purchase our student’s creations, participate in the silent

auction, and bid on many other items and services auctioned and raffled off. This wonderful and highly-anticipated annual fundraiser benefits the preschool in so many ways. Last year’s event funded our incredible new science laboratory and, along with grant funds generously awarded by Jewish Federation of Collier County, enabled us to support scholarships for Temple Shalom Preschool families in need of tuition assistance. We hope to see you there!

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

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

City of Hope started 100 years ago as a small tuberculosis sanatorium. Even then, we had big ideas about the compassion and dignity that patients deserve — ideas inspired by the Jewish values of our founders. That caring philosophy remains strong, while top doctors and researchers take on diseases such as cancer and diabetes. City of Hope is seeking cures for you, your loved ones and people all over the world.

Photo courtesy of The PJ Library

IMPACT THE WORLD ONE LIFE AT A TIME When you give to City of Hope you support research with global reach. u

We helped pioneer the bone marrow transplant. Today, this lifesaving procedure brings hope and healing to people around the globe facing deadly blood diseases.

City of Hope scientists team up with expert researchers across the globe. We are working with Chaim Sheba Medical Center in Israel to advance bone marrow transplantation.

PRACTICE TZEDAKAH. MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Help save lives worldwide. Contact Shari Meehan, Southeast Regional Philanthropy Team, at 800-584-6709 or smeehan@coh.org. DEV 19842 1012

ummertime – an exceptionally warm season in Southwest Florida during which parents search for constructive ways to occupy and enrich their children’s lives. School may not be in session, but Temple Shalom’s Summer Camps for children ages 2-8 are in full swing! Temple Shalom offers two amazing programs: Camp Shalom for 2 to 5-year-olds, and Camp Einstein for boys and girls 6-8. Both camps offer seven weekly sessions beginning Monday, June 10. CAMP SHALOM provides a fun-filled program for the younger crew including music, art, water play, science in our remarkable new laboratory, computer, Storyland Children’s Library and dance. New friendships are formed and social interaction, so important at this age, is sustained. A

20A Federation Star April 2013

FOCUS ON YOUTH

Preschool of the Arts update By Ettie Zaklos, Preschool Director

2013-2014 registration Registration is in full swing for the 2013-2014 preschool year and our classes are filling up faster than expected! Preschool of the Arts, a state-of-the-art education center with modern classrooms and playground – and the only Eco-Healthy Child Care Center in Collier County – is committed to helping children explore our Jewish and American heritages through a diverse arts program. Our curriculum includes a visual arts program, a performing arts program (music and ballet), a culinary arts program (Little Chefs and vegetable garden), yoga, My Gym, and educational (and fun!) field trips. To learn more about our preschool, Winner of the 2012 Preschool Champion Choice Awards, visit www. naplespreschoolofthearts.com or, for a private tour of our preschool, call 239.263.2620.

Summer of the Arts is a dynamic six-week summer program for The Minors (ages 18 months to four years) and The Majors (children ages five to nine). Your child will be part of a warm and nurturing environment under the professional care of expe-

rienced, well-trained and qualified teachers. The goal of Summer of the Arts is to expose children to the world around them through a fun-filled program where they get to experience the arts, music, culture, food, games, crafts and activities from countries around the world. While The Minors will stay on campus throughout the program, The Majors will also get to participate in exciting field trips. To register for our incredible Summer of the Arts program, which runs from Monday, June 10 through Friday, July 19, call 239.263.2620. You can enroll your child for the entire six-week program or week by week. Story Time with the First Lady of Florida Preschool of the Arts recently hosted Ann Scott, wife of Governor Rick Scott and First Lady of Florida, on our preschool campus. Mrs. Scott was joined by her older daughter, Allison Guimard, and her 14-monthold grandson, Auguste. The highlight of the visit was a special story time for the four and five-year-olds. The story time was preceded by a great debate among the preschoolers as to which book they wanted Mrs. Scott to read. After much discussion, they

convinced Mrs. Scott she needed to read not one, but two books to them. The reading Mrs. Scott gave was both delightful and entertaining. And the preschoolers were not at all shy to share their Warm hugs and smiles from Preschool of the Arts friends thoughts about the two manitarianism and tribute. As part of books – and about life in general – our theme, “Recognizing a Momenmuch to the amusement of Mrs. Scott tous Gift, Building Our Children’s Fuand her daughter. (For those of you ture, it gave us great pleasure to honor who are wondering which two books Laurie and Bruce Pivar, for the Herthe preschoolers selected, they were: man B. Lustigman Charitable FounBig Words for Little People by Jamie dation (Preschool Expansion Pillar Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell, and The Award), as well as to make Preschool Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister.) of the Arts tributes to Dr. Ronald and New yoga class Beth Levine, Mark Schwartz, and We have introduced a new yoga class Dr. Stephen and Melanie Schwartz. to our already diverse preschool We also were honored to screen curriculum. The yoga class encoura video message from Florida Govages self-esteem and body awareness ernor Rick Scott, during which he with physical activity that is noncongratulated our preschool on our competitive. Our preschool children exceptional growth. are learning techniques for self-health Thank you to everyone who and relaxation, while enhancing their helped make this a memorable eveflexibility, strength, coordination and ning – from our on-site babysitters concentration. to our preschool parents – and who Annual Benefit Gala continue to support us in the growth On Sunday evening, March 3, the and success of our preschool. Preschool of the Arts, together with Chabad of Naples, celebrated our vibrant and evergrowing community with an evening at The Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort. It was an exceptional night of philanthropy, huAnn Scott, First Lady of Florida, reads to the preschool children

For photos from the Annual Benefit Gala, see page 29A.

BBYO in Washington, D.C. at International Convention By Dara Baer, BBYO Naples Program Associate

For more information, please contact North Florida Region Program Associate Lory Conte at nfr@bbyo.org.

n February, BBYO held its International Convention in Washington, D.C. We were lucky enough to have Zoe Van Slyke, one of our Naples teens, participate. Here’s what Zoe took away from it: “BBYO’S International Convention in DC 2013 was an unforgettable experience. I got to spend five days with Jewish teens from around the world, with 18 countries represented! We made history as the largest International Convention this organization has ever had. There were so many amazing activities, including picking your own electives programs, STAND UP service opportunities, and electing the international board. My favorite activity was working at my service site. I helped organize the food pantry in L’arche House. L’arche is an organization in which people with and without intellectual disabilities live under one roof and help each other out. I don’t believe, though, that organizing the food was the only thing that made a difference for them. Our friendship and support held much more significance. An employee who works with the company and lives in the house shared stories

and the mission of L’arche. We all listened attentively and the moments we spent there were truly wonderful. On one of the days in D.C., I attended the Connect Summit. Connect is BBYO’s program for middle school-aged students. We have fun with them while engaging them in their Judaism service interests. There is an 80% dropout rate after bar and bat Mitzvahs, and Connect is really trying to change that. I learned ways of how to recruit members, plan creative programs and, most importantly, how to transition them into becoming an AZA or BBG member. I am very thankful that I was able to attend International Convention this year. I gained so much knowledge and experience as a leader. I also made friends and memories that will last a lifetime. It was more than I could ever ask for. The feeling of being with 1,500 Jewish teens from around the world is so special, and I hope we can experience things like this for many years to come.” To learn more about BBYO and our local chapter’s events, or to get involved, please contact me at dbaer@ bbyo.org or 239.325.1428.

21A COMMENTARY Federation Star April 2013

April 2013 Federation Star

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Cry for Argentina By David Harris, Executive Director, AJC, March 3, 2013

rgentina has just approved a memorandum of understanding with Iran to jointly investigate the 1994 terrorist bombing of the AMIA, or Jewish Federation, building in Buenos Aires. The blast killed 85 people and wounded 300. There’s only one problem with the agreement – it’s alleged that the current Iranian regime, plus its proxy, Hezbollah, was responsible for the attack. That’s not speculation, but the conclusion, reached years ago, by the Argentine government! To further underscore the absurdity of this initiative, one of the individuals named by Argentina in the AMIA case – and, since 2007, the target of an INTERPOL “red notice,” meaning Argentina seeks his arrest and extradition – is, in fact, the current Iranian minister of defense. Is Iran about to hand him over to Argentina as a defendant in any trial? Yeah, right! This whole episode would make for gut-splitting political satire were the stakes not so high. After all, what took place in 1994 was the single deadliest terrorist assault in Latin America, and it followed on the heels of an earlier attack on the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires that killed 29 people. For years, I heard with my own ears one Argentine government after another promising to get to the bottom of the case, but fueled by heavy doses of incompetence, hesitation and

corruption, no investigation ever got very far. Meanwhile, families of the victims struggled to come to grips with the absence of justice, while many feared a third attack on a country that just couldn’t quite summon the resolve to pursue the perpetrators. But then things began to change. President Néstor Kirchner, the current leader’s late husband, came to the 2004 AJC Global Forum in Washington. He said, for the world to hear, that the unresolved investigation was a “national disgrace” and justice would no longer be delayed. A determined special prosecutor, Alberto Nisman, was appointed in 2005 and given the mandate to go wherever the evidence took him, be it the tri-border area with Brazil and Paraguay, the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon, Damascus or Tehran. And that resulted in a report that named five Iranians and one Hezbollah operative as linked to the attack, prompting a request for INTERPOL cooperation. Iran fought the move tooth-and-nail, using, above all, its time-tested diplomatic tools of bribery and blackmail. But at the showdown vote during the INTERPOL meeting in Marrakesh, Morocco, Argentina prevailed. When Cristina Kirchner took office in December 2007, succeeding her husband, the momentum initially continued. She had previously spoken out strongly on the case as an

Lobbying for Israel By Gene Sipe, VP Southwest Florida Chapter ZOA

t the time of this writing, Israel is building her coalition government and each party is negotiating for their constituency. American Jews are in the U.S. capital meeting with legislators to reinforce the importance of maintaining support for the Jewish state, and Administration officials of both countries are shuttling back and forth in an effort to demonstrate mutual cooperation. Meanwhile, the world continues to demand peace through Israeli concessions without the slightest compromise on the part of her enemies. There is talk of possibility ceding additional lands to the Palestinian Authority in advance of the U.S. president’s Israel visit. This would essentially reward the land grab of Arabs who built these villages illegally without even consideration of recompense. This “meaningful package of gestures” as it is called, comes without the slightest concession toward a peaceful resolution on the part of the PA. Israelis have seen the result of unilateral concessions. Since handing Gaza to the Arabs, they now pay the price for such action by being forced to dive into the nearest shelter with barely a 12-second warning. For this untenable situation, our lobbyists regally thank the U.S. for continuing to help fund the anti-missile batteries that will hopefully protect innocent

civilians from the worst of the barrage. This, of course, would not be necessary if these rockets were eliminated in the first place. Israel has long been warning of the threat that a nuclear Iran presents to the region and the stability of the world. Iran is enriching uranium beyond any plausible peaceful purpose. They have a history of denial and deceit, and yet Washington continues to talk sanctions and more anti-missile batteries. If this were not a serious enough threat, Al Qaida is infiltrating the Golan and has little incentive not to utilize the thousands of rockets stockpiled on the northern border by Hezbollah. Egypt’s stability deteriorates more each day and, in response, the U.S. continues to fund and arm an anti-Israel government whose control of these weapons is tenuous at best. Israel needs the support and cooperation of her allies. She should be allowed to do what she must to defend herself. If and when the enemies of Israel are willing to acknowledge her existence and sincerely pursue compromise, peace will be forthcoming. Until that time comes, we must use our lobbyists effectively and also ask our friends to encourage the U.S. leadership to stop demanding peace from Israel, but rather support Israel’s self-defense and demand peace from Israel’s enemies.

Argentine senator, including at the AJC Global Forum in Washington months before her election. She noted the double indignity it had brought to her country – a deadly attack against Argentina and pitifully little to show from years of investigation. So, why this new turn of events by the very same leader, aided by her foreign minister, Hector Timerman? Why are they so determined to proceed with the memorandum of understanding, even in the face of a torrent of criticism from within the country, including from many civic groups, media outlets, and political parties (the accord was narrowly endorsed in the Argentine Senate and Chamber of Deputies by votes of 39-31 and 131113, respectively), and abroad? However they choose to cloak it, the most likely answer appears to be a desire to “repair” bilateral relations with Iran. Finding a formula to bring “closure” to the AMIA case would “normalize” the link, in turn yielding tangible political and economic benefits to Argentina. Otherwise, they fear, this issue could drag on for many more years, with Argentina continuing to cut itself off from an Iran hungry to break out of the isolation the U.S. and Europe are seeking to impose – and to which Buenos Aires temperamentally is not

nearly as committed. Also striking has been the Kirchner administration’s thin skin since the deal was first announced. It has lashed out at its critics, even reportedly threatening to complicate life for AMIA if its leadership continues to protest the devilish deal with Iran. But, after all, Argentina is a democracy, and those who disagree are exercising their right to speak out. Moreover, AMIA’s current leaders, some of whom were in the building on that fateful day in 1994, are still grappling with the trauma of what occurred nearly 19 years ago. They have had to bury their colleagues and friends, console the survivors, and constantly worry about the state of security. If they cannot express themselves about this particular Argentine-Iranian accord without fear of intimidation or retaliation, then who exactly is entitled to do so? Every friend of Argentina, of democracy, and of justice should stand with those Argentines, Jews and nonJews alike, who oppose a shameful pact with Iran that, yes, has echoes of the naiveté, self-delusion, and appeasement of the past. Today, I cry for you, Argentina. For more information, please visit www.ajc.org.

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

Letters Policy

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

Abe Price...continued from page 16A but for others and those yet unborn. Knowing that the impossible is possible, there is the chance that history can be repeated unless we are mindful. The task of preserving the Holocaust memory will soon pass to our children and grandchildren; to high school and middle school teachers; to custodians of Holocaust centers; and most importantly to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. But monuments of stone and well-written textbooks are not enough. Personal dedication to remembrance and to telling and retelling the true stories of the brutality of the Holocaust with their lessons for humanity must become a mission for all humankind for all generations to come. In these great institutions of learning, we see many symbols of the ideals that America represents – liberty, equality and justice. It was the collective rejection of such principles by some nations that made the Holocaust possible. Today, let us young and old alike, promise to keep an ever-watchful eye for those who deny and defy these precious principles of

human conduct. Let us remember. America gives us the freedom to be what we are, and preserving our unique heritage contributes to the strength and the diversity of this wonderful country. Suffering is supposed to purify the soul, but too much suffering kills the body. I can’t forget and will not forgive the Nazi killers for what they did to me, my loved ones and my people. It is a personal loss and a national tragedy, a wound that will not close until death itself arrives to heal it over. I mourn a world that is dead, and the dead are alive in my heart. In their death, my loved ones commanded me to live. I am proud to be Jewish – proud of my heritage and ancestors that gave the world the Ten Commandments. My mission is history and Holocaust education. Abe Price is a Holocaust survivor, lecturer, writer and educator. His two books, Memoirs of a Survivor and Tamed by an Angel, are available on Amazon.com. All book proceeds are donated to the Holocaust Museum and Education Center of Southwest Florida (www.hmswfl.org).

RABBINICAL REFLECTIONS

22A Federation Star April 2013

Celebrate your freedom – with hammer and ladder Rabbi Adam F. Miller

would like to share with you a true story from one of my mentors, Rabbi Larry Kushner. After receiving a pulpit in the Boston area, he and his wife moved into their new home. Coincidentally, the home was built the same year in which he was born. For that reason, upkeep of the home took on special significance. For more than a quarter century they lived in that same house. Like most couples, Rabbi Kushner and his wife kept a list of future improvements they wanted to make on the home. Ideas for renovations and redecorating would come and go from the list. Completed tasks would be checked off. New projects would be added, and others crossed off as their

personal tastes and needs evolved. One item always remained near the bottom of the list, the dining room chandelier. To be honest, the chandelier was not broken, nor was it completely hideous. It was just not what they wanted. Still, it was not a high priority. So, while the floors were varnished, walls painted, the roof repaired, and new furniture purchased, the chandelier always remained the same. The chandelier became a talking point among the Kushners’ friends and family when visiting the Kushner home. They all knew that no matter how much ribbing took place, the chandelier was never going to change. This continued on for many years until one day, when Rabbi Kushner’s parents came to visit. Upon entering the house, Rabbi Kushner’s father reached into his luggage and pulled out a large hammer. Curious, the rabbi asked the obvious, “Dad, why do you have that hammer?” “Because,” his father replied, “I am going to go and

break that chandelier that you don’t like. It’s the only way that you are ever going to do anything about it.” Seeing the determination in his father, and understanding the message, Rabbi Kushner agreed that the hammer would not be necessary. Using a stepladder instead, they took down the chandelier leaving only bare bulbs. THAT visual did motivate change, resulting in the purchase of a new fixture the very next day. While we are celebrating Passover, it is a little-discussed fact that our Israelite ancestors remained in slavery for four hundred years without asking to go free. That’s not to say they didn’t complain. They did. It was their cries of frustration and pain that drew God’s attention to their plight. But at no place along the way do the Israelites ever go to Moses or Pharaoh and ask to be set free. Some argue that it was this attitude that necessitated the wonder and awe of the Ten Plagues. God could have easily set the Israelites free. But that act alone would not have been

sufficient. The slaves themselves needed to want freedom – to want a change from the life they had been experiencing. Only by witnessing the miracles could they begin to comprehend that there was a power greater than Pharaoh. Seen from this perspective, the miracles of Egypt were not intended to break Pharaoh’s will. Rather they were needed to break the Israelites out of their routine, the life they had come to accept even with its faults and problems. We all have chandeliers on our to-do lists in life – whose existence we acknowledge, yet never do anything to change. This year, let’s celebrate our freedom with hammer and ladder. Find those things that you dislike, those things that have caused you to complain, yet remain present year after year. Take them down; break them if necessary. Free yourself from the ruts that you may be stuck in. Let a new light shine in place of your old chandelier.

The potential for greatness Rabbi Fishel Zaklos

t a recent event, I was so inspired by the words of my wife, Ettie, that I wanted to share them with you. Ettie spoke about Passover and the Exodus from slavery in Egypt. She did not, however, focus on some of the main players, Moses, Aaron or Yocheved. Instead, Ettie chose to focus on one of the lesser-known players, the heroine in the story of our birth as a nation: Pharaoh’s daughter, the young Egyptian woman, Batya. As the story is told, Batya was down at the Nile River when she heard the cries of a child emanating from a basket floating on the water. Batya retrieved the basket and saw an infant tucked securely inside. She immediately understood that this was the child of an Israelite woman desperately trying to save her baby’s life in defiance of the cruel edict issued by her own father, an edict that called for the systematic execution of every male child of Hebrew descent. A beautiful explanation is given, that while Batya did not know that this child would go on to lead and mold a people who would serve G‑d and the world, and introduce a set of truths and a code of morals, ethics and values to a world otherwise ruled by savagery and oppression, what Batya saw was the potential for greatness

radiating from that basket. She intuited that somehow this one life equaled the entire world. Her mind was made up. She saved the child. Each and every day, we face numerous choices and make many decisions, some minor, some major; some whose importance is immediately apparent; some whose implications only become apparent with the passage of time. Who knows which decision we make today might be “the one” that changes the course of history – for ourselves, for our loved ones, for our community, or perhaps even for humanity itself? Every child is precious and has the potential for greatness. A child who doesn’t receive his or her essential education may very well be the next Moses, the next Albert Einstein, the next Golda Meir, the next Herman Wouk or Elie Wiesel. Every child is a Moses in his own right or a Miriam in her own right. Every child ought to be cherished and celebrated with the same love, compassion, vision and foresight Batya employed at the banks of the Nile River. Every child should be nurtured so he or she can achieve his or her fullest potential. When Moses spoke to the Israelites for the first time, he chose to say but two words: “Vehegadeta Levincha.” Tell the story to your child. Why? Because Moses knew the secret of our people. Moses understood clearly that the jubilance in celebrating the Exodus would eventually fade if we did not do the single most important act: share the story with our children.

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

We should nurture our children and grandchildren through our shared stories and experiences which will allow our children to engage in the fundamentals of education: thinking, recollection, inquiry and action. And so, at the time when the Israelites were about to gain their freedom, they were told to become a nation of educators. To tell our stories

to our children. Civilizations that value the young stay young; those that invest in the future have a future. For me, I am grateful to my wife, Ettie, who instills this in our own family and the children at the Preschool of the Arts each and every day. We should all aspire to be role models for our children.

23A SYNAGOGUES Federation Star April 2013

April 2013 Federation Star

23A

www.bethtikvahnaples.org / 239-434-1818

BETH TIKVAH

Beth Tikvah update military heroes was powerful and inspiring. As this article is being preStuart Kaye pared, Rabbi Elson is getting ready for a return to Afghanistan. We thank Beth Tikvah him for his exceptional contribution President to a glorious weekend. Having him and his wife Fran participate in our Purim services and share in the megilur thanks go out to Rabbi lah reading made the occasion extra Irving Elson, longtime friend special. of Rabbi Ammos Chorny Thanks also to Shelley Goodand fellow 1987 ordination recipient man, who – assisted by many hard from the Jewish Theological Semiworkers including Linda Scheinberg nary. Captain Elson, a senior Navy and Evelyn Hecht – spearheaded the Chaplain, officiated at Rabbi Chorny’s Installation Shabbat dinner. Thanks Installation Ceremony and co-led as well to Burton Meisner for the services during the preceding Shaboverall planning of the Installation bat. His sermon on Jewish American weekend. With these words, I had the honor of participating in the Installation Ceremony: “As I give you this Kiddush cup, I give you the responsibility for each and every member of our congregation. May you guide us and inspire us to reach higher in our understanding of Judaism and life. Stuart Kaye and Rabbi Ammos Chorny You will be bringing our

Rabbi Irving Elson installs Rabbi Ammos Chorny

Photos by Michael Schleider

congregational family to its next level of growth. I give you this to use at the public ceremonies at which you will officiate as we mark entrances and exits, and the passing of time in our congregational family.” A special todah rabah to Sue Brown for chairing the first seder in our recently remodeled location. This past winter was certainly an extremely busy time at Beth Tikvah. Now that spring is here, the pace will be a bit more relaxed. Still, there is plenty going on. April happenings On Sunday, April 7 at 11:00 a.m., join us at Temple Shalom for the Federation’s Community Relations Committee’s Yom HaShoah observance. Rabbi Chorny is in charge of this event. On Friday, April 12 we will have a dairy “Eat and Learn” Shabbat. The meal begins at 6:00 p.m., followed by services at the usual 7:30 p.m. time. Limited seating. $15 for members; $20 for nonmembers. Payment in advance requested. On Monday, April 15 at 6:00 p.m. we will hold a “Celebrate Israel” evening. We will begin at 6:00 p.m. with

Rabbi Ammos and Aviva Chorny

naples jewiSh cONGREGATION

a memorial service (Yom HaZikaron) and then transition into celebrating Israel’s 65th birthday (Yom HaAtzmaut) with Israeli music and food. $10 donation requested. Our Lag B’Omer picnic is on Sunday, April 28 at 4:00 p.m. This has been one of our most popular events over the years with good fellowship and fun, and all those yummy kosher burgers, franks and side dishes. Because parking at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park can be difficult, we’ll return to last year’s comfortable venue, Veterans Park off Immokalee Road. Volunteers needed. $15 for members; $20 for nonmembers. On Monday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. our Book Group explores Lillian Faderman’s reconstruction of her mother’s tumultuous life as a Jewish immigrant in 1930s New York and her struggle to save the family she left behind in Latvia. The book, My Mother’s Wars, provides much detail on the plight of garment workers during the Great Depression. Though fact-based, this biography has a novelistic flair. Religious services schedule Friday services begin at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday services begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude with a Kiddush Luncheon. Sunday morning minyan runs from December through May at 9:00 a.m. We regularly convene Yahrzeit minyanim upon request. Please join us at any service. Our participatory worship services and most other events are held at 1459 Pine Ridge Road just west of Mission Square Plaza. For more information, call 239.434.1818, email bethtikvahnaples@aol.com or visit www.bethtikvahnaples.org. You can reach Rabbi Chorny directly at 239.537.5257.

www.naplesjewishcongregation.org / 239-234-6366

President’s message By Don Pomerantz, President

n recent months, Naples Jewish Congregation has continued to offer a variety of spiritual, civic and social activities. Once again, NJC, under the leadership of Rabbi Sylvin Wolf, is actively engaged in helping Jewish Family & Community Services bring food to families in need. This year, JFCS wants to give every Jewish family with needs a “Seder-in-a-Box.” To provide a variety of support for our congregants, the Care Connection–NJC Committee has finalized a survey that will be sent to every congregant to assess needs on such topics as transportation, home visits, meals and hospital visits. Our congregation understands that it has a duty to care for both the greater Jewish community and our family of members. Sisterhood We thank Ruth Ruskin and Irene

Operant for organizing the Friday, February 15, Shabbat service. In addition to including numerous women readers, Ruth gave a moving talk on Jewish Women Heroes, and Irene presented an insightful analysis of the role of women in the building of the tabernacle. On Saturday morning, the Sisterhood continued its weekend with a sensitive and profound discussion of women’s issues, facilitated by Florette Kahn, a Sisterhood member and a licensed psychotherapist. Men’s Club The Men’s Club was pleased to have as its guest speaker Dr. Harold Fogelson, a congregation and Men’s Club member. Dr. Fogelson gave an interesting and informative presentation on Alzheimer’s disease. His talk provoked insightful questions and personal history.

On Wednesday, March 6, a group from the NJC Men’s Club went to JetBlue Park to watch the Pittsburgh Pirates play the Boston Red Sox. On Thursday, April 18, there will be a joint closing luncheon with the NJC Sisterhood at the Pelican Marsh Golf Club featuring a guest speaker from Technion. NJC Players On Friday, February 22, the NJC Players presented a hilarious Purim Spiel on Hairspray, written by Jane Galler and accompanied by Alla Gorelik. The cast consisted of Eve Naumoff as Esther, Chuck Naumoff dressed like Dame Edna, Molly Goldberg as Auntie Mordechai, Toni Loughman as Patti, Arlene Rutstein as Mrs. Hamen-boo, Luba Rotsztain as Amber Hamen, and Peter Weisman as Cornelius King. The players, costumed in funky

’60s clothes and hairdos, sang and danced to the delight, applause and boos of the congregation. On a more serious note, an NJC theater group attended a powerful and instructive production of The Whipping Man. It is the story of three Jews, two of whom are freed slaves, who return to their Virginia home after the Civil War. It is Passover and an improvised seder is conducted. This theatrical experience was enhanced by a discussion, led by Rabbi Wolf, of the play’s themes and characters. As my term of office ends on March 29, I would like to take this moment to thank Ted Epstein, Federation Star editor, and the Jewish Federation of Collier County, for the opportunity to present to its readers the essential role Naples Jewish Congregation plays in the Jewish community of Collier County.

SYNAGOGUES

24A Federation Star April 2013 Chabad Jewish Center OF NAPLES

www.chabadnaples.com / 239-262-4474

Chabad Jewish Center of Naples update Annual Benefit Gala On Sunday evening, March 3, the Chabad of Naples, together with Preschool of the Arts, celebrated our vibrant and ever-growing community with an evening at The Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort. We were honored to screen a video message from Florida Governor Rick Scott at the event. Governor Scott said he appreciated the work we do to keep the light of Judaism alive and well in Collier County and thanked us for helping enrich the lives of families in Southwest Florida through education and philanthropy. As part of our theme, “Building Our Children’s Future,” it gave us great pleasure to acknowledge this year’s honorees at our gala evening: Patricia and Jerry Cohen (Benefactor Award); Sally Aaron, in recognition of her loving husband, Willard Aaron (Woman of Valor Award); and Laurie and Bruce Pivar, for the Herman B. Lustigman Charitable Foundation (Preschool Expansion Pillar Award). Preschool of the Arts tributes were

made to Dr. Ronald and Beth Levine; Mark Schwartz; and Dr. Stephen and Melanie Schwartz. As part of the gala evening, our guests, from both the Chabad as well as the greater Naples community, enjoyed a wonderful sit-down kosher meal catered by The Executive Caterers from Miami. Speakers included Ed Staros, Vice President and Managing Director of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, and former major of Naples, Bill Barnett. The evening concluded with a side-splitting comedy act by Avi Liberman.

For photos from the Annual Benefit Gala, see page 29A. Summer of the Arts Please see the article on page 20A for detailed information. Shabbat services Our warm and welcoming Shabbat services are held every Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. The Torah ser-

vice beings at 11:00 a.m. and includes the rabbi’s insights during the Torah reading. The message is always topical, contemporary, meaningful and relevant. Services are followed by a delicious Kiddush buffet lunch. And remember to bring your children and grandchildren along with you! Our Junior Shabbat Minyan, a children’s service for ages 3 to 11, gets the kids up and moving as our teachers follow the parsha of the week through games, songs, stories, activities and a snack (and some fun on the outdoor playground, too). Women’s Circle Join us for a fun road trip to the east coast of Florida on Monday, April 8. Bring a friend – or make a new one on the bus. At our destination, you will get to enjoy a tour of Chabad of Bal Harbour, eat lunch at a fabulous kosher restaurant, and shop at a marvelous Judaica boutique. To book your seat on the bus, please call 239.262.2620. Flying Challah Each week, we distribute freshly-

JEWISH CONGREGATION OF MARCO ISLAND

baked challahs to families in our community. Would you like to welcome a new family to town? Perhaps you are aware of someone who is not feeling well? Or maybe you want to let someone know you are thinking about them. A Flying Challah needs only your suggestion and a call to Ettie Zaklos at 239.262.4474. Weekly email & mailing list If you would like to be added to our weekly updates or mailing list, contact the Center at 239.262.4474 or rabbi@ chabadnaples.com. The programs offered at the Chabad of Naples Jewish Community Center include Preschool of the Arts, Hebrew school, teen groups, youth programs, synagogue services, Flying Challah, holiday outreach projects, Women’s Circle, and adult education classes. On the social services front, the Center offers crisis counseling and hospital visitations, and operates the nonsectarian Friendship Circle, providing assistance and programming for children with special needs.

marcojcmi.tripod.com / 239-642-0800

President’s message Stephen Goldenberg JCMI President

his is my last column as president of the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island so I hope you will indulge me as I think about the last twelve months. I do believe that it is fitting that my term runs from Passover to Passover since no holiday, national or religious, is more central to the core of our history. I accepted the presidency humbly and proudly and, to be honest, full of thoughts of how proud my mother would be. Of course, knowing my mother, I am sure she would have told me (as she did when I was first elected to public office) “congratulations, you wanted to become president of the congregation and you succeeded. Good. Now quit – what do you need all those problems for?” You see, I always should have listened to my mother. Now why do I tell this story? My mom has been gone over 30 years but I still think of her fondly and often. In a sense, that is where my sense, my belief in family comes from. Strength, caring, knowledge, reasoning all come from family, and they are what hold families together. And isn’t that why Passover is believed to be the holiday that Jews the world over celebrate. It is the family holiday! We here in Florida are often

separated by distance from our home (somehow where we came from is always referred to as home, no matter how long we have been here) and from our parents, children, aunts and uncles, and our relatives spread throughout North America. That is why most of our temples offer a Passover seder, so that you can celebrate the Passover holiday with your “adopted” family. And JCMI is no different. When I became temple president, I spoke about it as a family congregation. We were originally the Jewish Community Center of Marco Island and though we have changed our name, we remain dedicated to that principle. This is where we as Jews celebrate our joys and come with our sorrows; this is where we laugh and cry; this is where we argue and agree to disagree; and this is where we come when we need to belong… to our family. This is where we know we are safe and understood; where we can pray and think; where we will not be judged except by the Almighty. Our Jewish home. There are so many people here at JCMI who work hard throughout the year to make JCMI a warm and caring Jewish home on Marco Island. Our office staff, Ann Marie Rich and Tina Boxma, do so many tasks and keep so many records that I don’t even think they could tell you all they do! The incomparable Frank Lazzaro and John Nardone keep our building safe, secure, clean and inviting, and their abilities to set up our temple in more configurations than anyone thinks

possible constantly astounds me. Rabbi Edward Maline and our dear Cantorial Soloist, Hari Jacobsen, both share their love of Judaism with us daily and weekly at our Shabbat services and our holiday celebrations. And our volunteers! Our Board and our officers work tirelessly to make JCMI the warm, inviting home we all desire and think we deserve. We owe them all our thanks, our gratitude, our appreciation. The Bingo commit-

tee, the movies, the card games, the gift shop, the Sisterhood, the Men’s Club, all contribute to the atmosphere that makes JCMI such a special place. I personally thank you all. I leave JCMI as its president but I am not leaving JCMI. Why should I? Why would I? It IS my Jewish home here in Southwest Florida. It is where I belong and where I am at home. Blessings to all and my best for our future.

Jerusalem Post Crossword Puzzle Solution to puzzle on page 12A

25A April 2013 SYNAGOGUES Federation Star/ ORGANIZATIONS

April 2013 Federation Star

25A

www.naplestemple.org / 239-455-3030

TEMPLE SHALOM

The voice of Jewish women By Cantor Donna Azu

ecently I sat on a panel for the Catholic/Jewish Dialogue on the topic of the role of women in the Church and Synagogue. As Jewish clergy, I shared the experiences that shaped me and ultimately led me to my role of Cantor. During that discussion I was asked by a member of the audience if I had ever received any opposition or push back in my pursuit of the Cantorate. I was very lucky, as growing up I belonged to a Reform synagogue where men and women were viewed as equals. There was nothing that my male classmates could do that I couldn’t do, and I was never faced with the concept that I would not be able to participate in any aspect of my religion due to my gender. In the halachic, traditional religious world, according to Jewish law, “kol b’isha erwah,” – a woman’s voice is considered a sexual incitement (Babylonian Talmud, Berachot 24a; Kiddushin 70a) and should not be heard. This concept is commonly referred to as kol isha. The halachic exclusion creates a world unimaginable in egalitarian congregations and communities: a world without the voices of women. The feminist movement had an enormous influence on Jewish religious expression and, slowly but steadily, women became equal participants in the synagogue service and in

its leadership circles. In 1972, Rabbi Sally J. Priesand was the first female to be ordained by the Hebrew Union College and, in 1975, Barbara Ostfeld was ordained as the first woman cantor. Soon after, many adult Jewish women read Torah for the first time as adult b’not mitzvah in the 1980s, having been denied the opportunity years earlier by non-egalitarian practices. By the time I decided to enter into the Cantorate, women had been active participants in all aspects of Jewish life for almost 30 years. In fact, presently, there are more women than men applying at the Reform Jewish

seminary. My Cantorial class was made up of all women, and the 2013 class being ordained this May, is also made up entirely of women. In Reform Jewish communities, it is natural for a Cantor to lead her congregation in song, or for a young woman to lead birkhat hamazon, the blessing after meals, for her youth group. As a Cantor, I take the greatest joy in chanting Torah, presenting sermons in song, officiating at life-cycle events and creating lively musical services at my congregation. At our URJ summer camps, at our Biennial gatherings, at our synagogue Shabbat services, and beyond,

COLLIER/LEE CHAPTER OF HADASSAH

music and song are essential to who we are as a movement. In our daily lives and in our sacred moments, a world without the voices of women would be dramatically different in the ways that we pray, sing and connect with each other. For me the Cantorate encompasses so much of what I love: music, education, community, culture and tradition. It’s what I love to do! Those women who came before me had to fight many battles to be accepted and included. It’s because of their strength and perseverance that I am able to represent my community regardless of my gender.

www.hadassah.org / 239-676-3052

Hadassah update Shelley Skelton President

he Borscht Belt, or “Jewish Alps,” is a colloquial term for the summer resorts of the Catskill Mountains that were a popular vacation spot from the 1920s up to the 1970s. Hadassah is the popular volunteer Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc., founded in 1912 and dedicated to Judaism, Zionism and the American Ideal. Today, the region of the Borscht Belt is a summer home for many Orthodox Jewish families. On Sunday evening, February 10, it was the backdrop for a gala benefit produced by the Collier/Lee Chapter of Hadassah, chaired by Lauren Becker and directed by a committee of dedicated and talented volunteers. The event was held in honor of our very esteemed and deserving members, Muriel and Irv Berzon, Karen and Ed Ezrine, and Lynn Weiner.

The evening was reminiscent of the joyous, carefree days of the Catskill Mountains resorts. Upon entry to the Club at Olde Cypress, one was immediately transported in time, with a huge photo display prepared by Phyllis and Chuck Padolsky, of those fun-filled days and familiar hotels. Guests were given the opportunity to watch professional cha cha demonstrations by the Fred Astaire Dance Studio, and were able to choose from many beautiful donated prizes that were offered as drawing items. The delicious Jewish-style food was served buffet style, with stations set up for each course, and guests returned to dine at tables named for the entertainers of the time. Popular songs and Broadway music were performed by Cantors Donna Azu, Faith Steinsnyder, Donna Goldstein and Cantorial Soloist Douglas Renfroe. The musical accompanist was Peter Lewis with disc jockey Michael Cole presiding. Guests were also given the opportunity to stand on stage and tell funny jokes of their choice, a game of Simon Says was under way, and a good time was had by all. The highlights of the evening were the special awards ceremonies

conducted to pay tribute to our honorees. They were honored in three separate ceremonies in recognition of their community leadership and dedication to Hadassah. Each was presented with a beautifully handcrafted, framed certificate. Dessert was served, leaving the guests with sweet smiles on their faces. When the time came for them to say goodnight, their cars were waiting at the front door, since valet parking had been provided. This was our Grassroots Fundraising event of the year and it is a pleasure to thank those who helped make it such a success, with ticket sales and generous donations from friends, relatives, members of the chapter and service providers exceeding our expectations. A very special thank you to all of our generous donors, many of whom made donations to Hadassah in tribute to our honorees, and many of whom donated the fabulous drawing prizes. A sincere thank you also goes out to American Momentum Bank, once again, a generous sponsor of the event. The Borscht Belt Bash received rave reviews – the “borscht flowed,” the honorees glowed and the guests

showed their love and support for not only the honorees, but Hadassah as well! All profits from the event will be used to continue the extraordinary work of Hadassah. Please note that a very special program will be held in the Federation Community Room in Fort Myers, on Saturday April 6, featuring guest speakers Rami and Orna Keren. Dr. Keren is one of the world’s leading experts in water and soil research. Orna Keren worked for the Israeli Ministry of Education and was instrumental in developing extra-curricular programs for middle and high school students. Hadassah members, husbands and guests are welcome. The time is 7:00 p.m. with havdalah at 8:30 p.m. Reservations are required. Please respond to Betty Seidel at herbet364@gmail.com or 239.415.6922, or Doris Loigman at 239.947.4040. Coming up on Wednesday, April 10 is our Luncheon Meeting, featuring keynote speaker, Board Certified Geriatric Psychiatrist, Dr. Marc Agronin, to which Associates and guests are also invited. Please contact me for more information on any of the above mentioned events.

ORGANIZATIONS

26A Federation Star April 2013 ORT AMERICA – GULF BEACHES CHAPTER

www.ort.org / 239-649-4000

The Year of the Arts for Gulf Beaches ORT By Helene Dorfman Fuchs

o the Chinese people, this is the Year of the Snake, but to Gulf Beaches ORT, it continues to be the Year of the Arts. Starting in November at the Bonita Springs Center for the Arts with a lecture on Andy Warhol and a hands-on tour of the facility, the arts have been central to the chapter’s activities and fundraising this year. And on Wednesday, April 3, Gulf Beaches will extend its artistic focus, with a conducted tour of the Patty and Jay Baker Naples Museum of Art’s Painting Women, an exhibit of and by women artists from a collection at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. The tour will begin at 10:30 a.m. under the expert guidance of Gulf Beaches’ own Dottie Magen, an art historian and a longtime museum docent, followed by lunch with the group or on your own at the center’s

outdoor café. There is no charge, except for museum admission and lunch. Donations to ORT America are, of course, welcome and appreciated. The museum is located at 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd. in Naples. For more information on this event, please call Midge Rauch at 239.353.3065. Gulf Beaches’ main fundraiser in February drew some 40 members and guests to a stunningly modern, multiacre Naples home for an intimate tour of a private art collection and a discussion with the art collectors who live with it. A bronze figure by the British artist Lyn Chadwick greeted guests as they entered the gate. Closer to the house the group encountered a large red sculpture by John Henry and golden mask figures by Phillip Jackson. Walking on, viewers came upon the startling Jim Dine “Venus-with-

embedded-saw.” In the rear, stone figures by Israeli sculptor Boaz Vaadia bordered a serene lake, while a seating area allowed visitors to contemplate the calming effect of art and water. After a brief stop at the entranceway koi pond, the genial, charming host led guests inside, where many recognized glassworks by Dale Chihuly. Also on view: a selection of paintings – and one surprise – by Robert Rauschenberg, Sam Francis paintings originating from four separate decades, and large-scale works by Dine, Larry Rivers and Frank Stella, as well as a painting each by Alexander Calder, Karel Appel, Hans Hoffman, Alex Katz and Wolf Kahn. Indoor sculpture by Ernest Trova and Albert Paley, Chakaia Booker, Louise Nevelson, Henry Moore, Marino Marini, Benar Venet, George Rickey and Tom Otterness were on view, as well as a small

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN

collection of Picasso ceramics and small paintings and drawings by Picasso, Katz, Modigliani and Renoir. A walk up to the second floor or into a bathroom rewarded viewers with original graphics by Warhol, Haring, Picasso, Matisse, Lichtenstein, Stella, Longo, Motherwell, Tom Wesselmann and John Chamberlain. The collectors also initiated a salonstyle discussion on art, artists and the art of collecting, proving to all that they not only live by the dictum, “I KNOW what I LIKE” but more impressively, “I LIKE what I KNOW.” Finally, as a special treat, there was a sighting of the Harlequin Great Danes that roam and rule the grounds. To join ORT or renew your membership, please send a $36 check for annual dues to Hella Amelkin, 3200 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Suite 307, Naples, FL 34103.

239-353-5963 / 239-354-9117

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

lease join us for our closing luncheon on Tuesday, April 16 at 11:30 a.m. at the Vineyards. We will be honoring Life Members, RCMA, JFCS, and the Naples Envelope & Printing Co. Please send your reservation with your check ($22 for members, $25 for nonmembers) to Muriel Hurwich, 11030 Gulfshore Drive, Naples, FL 34108. Naomi Buck, Director of Programming & Production for the Naples Philharmonic, was our guest at our February meeting. She manages the Phil Events Operations staff and plans and books events. She has been

at the Phil since 2001. She has performed on Broadway, and has worked with many stars, and managed many events. She worked on the Clinton Inauguration at the Lincoln Memorial in 1992. She has managed productions on the road which can be very complex; for example, Beauty and the Beast traveled with 42 trucks. The mission of the Phil is to enlighten, educate and entertain. Bookings are done two years out. She attends two trade shows a year and works through agencies. She spoke of the difficulty of booking headliners as they don’t like to make commit-

naples jewiSh Social Club

ments. Her presentation was lively, full of anecdotes and very interesting. Thank you, Naomi, for a wonderful program. Several of our members volunteered to participate in “Just Lunch,” a Jewish Family & Community Services monthly program for seniors, which NCJW hosted in February. Thanks to Marilyn Goldenberg, chair, and Gina Cannon, Doris Feuer, Barbara Gootkin, Carolyn Greenberg, Ellen Gurnitz, Bobbie Katz, Millie Sernovitz, Phyllis Twiss and Linda Wainick for a wonderful, warm, successful lunch.

From NCJW National As of February 28, Congress has passed an inclusive Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The House passed the inclusive version of the VAWA reauthorization, bipartisan legislation that had also passed the Senate on February 12. Since its original passage in 1994, VAWA has dramatically enhanced our nation’s response to domestic and sexual violence, leading to a more than 50% drop in the annual incidence of domestic violence. The bill will now go to President Obama and upon his signature, it will become law.

bhbnaples@gmail.com / 239-566-1126

Naples Jewish Social Club update By Arnold Bresnick, co-President

he Naples Jewish Social Club is a friendly group from southern Lee, Collier and Marco representing the entire Jewish spectrum. We encourage members to jump on board and let your ideas blossom. Picnic in June Save the date for a great “Inside Picnic” at the Waterways featuring all the traditional picnic fare. The event is in the planning stages for Sunday, June 30, so mark your calendars. We will be at the Waterways of Naples Clubhouse which is located off Immokalee Road next to the Collier County Fairgrounds. We must limit the number of attendees to 50 due to the size of the clubhouse. Swimming is also available to you. More information will be

coming your way soon. Dinner at Café Luna and Johnny Cash Concert Our members all enjoyed the culinary delights of dinner at Café Luna and the trip down musical memory lane with the Johnny Cash Concert held at the Norris Center. Thanks to Harvey Chodock for planning this memorable evening. The Annual Dinner Dance Our Annual Dinner Dance at Longshore Lake was an extraordinary event. The food catered by the Longshore Lake kitchens was a culinary delight. Cahlua & Cream was wonderful in their rendition of many pleasing musical numbers. The event was planned by the committee chaired by Sondra Greer with Arleen Sivakoff,

Pauline Taxman and Arnold Bresnick. Many thanks to the committee for their tireless efforts to make this event a great success. Bridge and Mahjongg In addition to our regular monthly events, we offer bridge and Mahjongg. Our terrific bridge games, which include social and duplicate, are played respectively on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at Sterling Oaks Clubhouse in North Naples. Games begin at 6:00 p.m. Coffee and cookies are served. The cost is $8 per couple. Reservations are a must by the preceding Thursday. For Social Bridge contact Tilda Ellis at 239.949.9913; for Duplicate Bridge contact Rhoda Abramovitz at 239.514.1296.

Our Mahjongg game is a spirited one played weekly at Longshore Lake Clubhouse in North Naples every Thursday. Lunch is available at the Clubhouse followed by a fast-paced game for experienced players. Be there for lunch at 11:30 a.m. and continue with play ending at 3:30 p.m. Contact Barbara Bresnick at 239.566.1126 or Sondra Greer at 239.353.4468. For membership info, please call Sondra Greer at 239.353.4468. To contact the Naples Jewish Social Club, contact co-Presidents Arnold Bresnick at 239.566.1126 or bhbnaples@gmail.com, or Harvey Chodock at 239.949.4927 or harvey chodock@earthlink.net.

27A ORGANIZATIONS Federation Star April 2013 HUMANISTIC JEWISH HAVURAH

April 2013 Federation Star

27A

www.humanisticjewishhavurahswfl.org / 239-495-8197

Humanistic Jewish Havurah discusses marriage equality Paula Creed President

ou are invited to hear David B. Goldstein speak about “Marriage Equality” on Sunday, April 21 at 2:00 p.m. in the Jewish Federation of Collier County Community Room, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 2201, Naples. David will discuss the rapidly changing world of marriage equality, focusing on what is happening in the courts, the state legislatures and the voting booth. Mr. Goldstein, a retired attorney who is active in many progressive organizations in Collier County, presently serves on the boards of Naples PFLAG and the Collier County ACLU. He also serves on the Diversity Committee of the Collier County School Board. Due to limited seating, please contact Dena Sklaroff at denas27@ aol.com or 239.553.0909 to insure

your reservation. Marriage is an old human institution that began in dim antiquity when humans turned to the cultivation of grains and domesticated animals, when the ideas of personal property became strong, and when the production of more and more children as free labor for farming and herding became desirable. Men acquired women as their personal property and used them for the production and rearing of children. Historically marriage was rooted in the partnering of men and women for companionship as well as for the production of children. For humanistic Jews, the chief values of marriage are to provide a stable environment for the rearing of children and to provide long-run stable friendship and companionship for men and women within the framework of a sexually intimate partnership characterized by equality, loyalty and mutual support. A marriage of love and commitment is good not only for the couple but also for the community. Humanistic Jews maintain that sexual behavior is a private matter and that all persons, regardless of

JEWISH WOMEN INTERNATIONAL

sexual orientation, possess the right and deserve the freedom to live their own lives, provided that they do not harm any person or the welfare of the community. Gays and lesbians have the right to the dignity accorded to all human beings. Humanistic Judaism supports marriage rights of same-sex couples. In April 2004, the Society for Humanistic Judaism, our national organization, adopted a resolution to express this support. Humanistic Judaism affirms the inherent worth and dignity of every person, supports the right and responsibility of adults to choose their marriage partners, and is supportive of equal rights and responsibilities for all in the matters of marriage and divorce. Because lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people have been denied the social, economic and political benefits and consequences of marriage and divorce, SHJ supports the legal recognition of marriage and divorce between adults of the same sex, and affirms the value of marriage between any two committed adults with its sense of obligations, responsibilities and consequences.

An overview of the Humanistic Jewish Havurah of Southwest Florida Humanistic Judaism rests on two foundations: the principles of humanism and the historic experience of the Jewish people. Humanistic Jews include both secular and religious humanists. The Havurah is affiliated with the Society for Humanistic Judaism (www.shj.org). The event described above is one of a series of meetings sponsored by the Humanistic Jewish Havurah each month during season. Additionally, we acknowledge the Jewish holidays as celebrations and expressions of our Jewish identity and a means for maintaining a vital connection with Judaism. To celebrate Jewish holidays humanistically is to celebrate the human element in our Jewish tradition. Thus, we gather the first Friday of each month for a Shabbat dinner and invite interested folks to share our observances at Yom Kippur, Chanukah and Passover. As membership increases so will our holiday commemorations. For more information, visit our website at www.humanisticjewish havurahswfl.org.

www.jwi.org / 239-498-2778

Say yes to JWI’s new membership campaign Millie Sernovitz JWI Past International President

hen Kim Oster-Holstein, founder of Kim and Scott’s Gourmet Pretzels and CIO (chief inspiration officer) of Kim and Scott’s Crave Bar, became a Woman to Watch in 2010, the experience had an unexpected outcome: she became a passionate advocate for Jewish Women International. “I found opportunities to connect with a community of Jewish women from different fields and to enjoy our shared roots,” Oster-Holstein says. She is intensely committed to JWI’s work uniting women around the world to empower women and girls. Later, when asked to join the JWI Board of Trustees, she immediately said yes, despite her busy personal and professional life. Now, Oster-Holstein is working to help women connect to Jewish Women International. Using her background in advertising and marketing, she has chaired an effort to rebrand and reposition JWI to reach many more women. “We have talked to Jewish women across the country through a survey, focus groups and informal conversations, and they all tell us the same

thing: They want to connect with other Jewish women,” she says. “They want to be part of a community whose values resonate with their own. And they are passionate about JWI’s mission to empower women and girls.” “Inspired by these findings, we are building a campaign of engagement, which we hope will involve thousands of supporters around the world,” Oster-Holstein adds. Membership re-envisioned What does JWI membership mean for today’s world? Women want to be connected to an organization whose work inspires them and adds meaning to their lives – they just might connect differently than in the past. JWI membership now affords a multitude of ways to engage, both electronically and in person: ¡¡ Bring JWI’s Financial Literacy training to the young women you love ¡¡ Make sure your daughter participates in JWI’s Healthy Relationship program ¡¡ Donate books online ¡¡ Bring a JWI children’s library to a local battered-women’s shelter ¡¡ Join thousands of other women by signing on to JWI’s advocacy network ¡¡ Connect and become an integral part of JWI’s work to provide, in the words of the new JWI tagline, “vision, voice and leadership to empower women and girls”

How you can help First and foremost, JWI wants you to connect by becoming a member. If you’re already a part of our community, become a membership ambassador and help others connect to JWI. Tell friends, colleagues, your rabbi and your book club buddies about the JWI community and encourage them to join. Hand them the card from Jewish Woman magazine or urge them to sign up at jwi.org/membership. A Supporting Membership is $36 and a Youth/Student Membership is $18. Join JWI’s community of dynamic, caring and involved individuals whose collective voice about issues impacting women and girls is heard from the halls of Congress to the

White House. The impact of what JWI does cannot be underestimated, changing the lives – and the futures – of thousands of girls and women who experience our programs. There is strength in numbers. JWI is stronger if we can rely on you. We want you to really belong to JWI. Don’t be a casual observer. Become part of the conversation and action. To learn more about the JWI’s new membership campaign or other JWI endeavors locally and nationally, please contact Millie Sernovitz at 239.498.2778 or millie@sernovitz. com. Also, please visit the JWI website at www.jwi.org or its companion website for Jewish Woman magazine at www.jwmag.org.

Jewish Heritage Video Collection

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

28A Federation Star April 2013 ACCOUNTANT

BUSINESS DIRECTORY ATTORNEY

A. STEPHEN KOTLER

TYLER B. KORN, ESQ.

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

CEMETeRY

PALM ROYALE

C E M E T E R Y

•

M A U S O L E U M

THE KORN LAW FIRM, P.L. TAX AND CORPORATE LAW NEW YORK, NY

ATTORNEY - PROBATE

NAPLES, FL

Board Certified Wills, Trusts and Estate Lawyer

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

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

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

COUNSELING

Kathy A. Feinstein, MS Licensed Mental Health Counselor ~ Sport Performance Consultant

Advanced Cemetery Arrangement Planning

Teresa Shepp Family Service Counselor

KOTLER LAW FIRM P.L. Phone 239.325.2333

999 Vanderbilt Beach Road Suite 200 Naples, Florida 34108

skotler@kotlerpl.com

COUNSELING

Margaret Passeri, LCSW Counseling services for individuals & couples

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

2180 Immokalee Road, Suite 216, Naples

COUNSELING CENTER 1415 Panther Lane, Suite 223 Naples, FL 34109

www.KAFCounselingandSportPerformance.com

239-571-0435

DIAMONDS & JEWELRY

FUNERAL SERVICES

(239) 594-0900

INSURANCE

FRANK WEINBERG

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

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

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

East Naples 4735 Tamiami Trail E. 417-5000

Mitchell Dannenberg, cltc

(239) 461-5511

Advanced Funeral Planning Specialists

E-mail mrfrank3@centurylink.net

Call about our Pre-Planning Discounts

http://ltcimarketplace.com

Interior DECORATOR

NEUROLOGY

OPHTHALMOLOGY

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

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

PO D I A TRIST DIPLOMATE, AMERICAN BOARD OF PODIATRIC SURGERY

PRINTING

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

PSYCHIATRY Melanie Bacal Korn, M.D.

FELLOW, AMERICAN PROF. WOUND CARE ASSN.

FACFE, DABFM, DABPN, BCETS

DR. ROBERT D. TEITELBAUM

Board Certified in Psychiatry

PODIATRIST

No desire for self-fulfillment should ever be dismissed as insignificant. 239-263-4595 FAX 239-263-8851

4763 TAMIAMI TRAIL, N. NAPLES, FL34103

DrBob@NaplesPodiatry.com

Newgate Tower, Ste 302 5150 Tamiami Trail N. Naples, Florida 34103

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

T 239.354.4311 F 239.354.4310

There is! Federation. It starts with you!

BUSINESS DIRECTORY 29A Federation Star April 2013 REAL ESTATE

Beth Shaw Adelman, GRI, Realtor速

April 2013 Federation Star REAL ESTATE

Rickie Klein

Naples Fine Home Specialist

Your trusted, credible, expert advisor for Naples luxury real estate

239.571.4791 Beth@Bocaexecutive.com

mobile 239.404.2618 Rickie.Naples@gmail.com www.RickieNaples.com

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

TRANSPORTATION

REAL ESTATE

TRANSPORTATION

9th Annual Evy Lipp People of the Book Patron Reception & Dinner Photos by David Willens

Above left: Dr. Paula Brody & Merrill Hassenfeld Above right: Dr. Nathaniel & Susan Ritter Top right: Michael Seaman, Dr. Bernie Lublin, Stan Lipp, Norman Krivosha Bottom right: Ron & Susie Goldsmith, Ron & Lin Klein, Phyllis Seaman

Chabad Naples Annual Benefit Gala Photos by Eric Keller Photography and Penny Taylor Photography Above: Jennifer Feinstein, Ettie Zaklos, Carolyn Roth At right: Eadie Gershman, Judy Whisler, Sally Aaron, Robert Crane, Ettie Zaklos Below left: Jim Henderson, Nancy Mathis, Mark Schwartz Below center: Mayor John Sorey and Rabbi Fishel Zaklos Below right: Nir Sharon and Art Seigel

TRAVEL

29A

30A Federation Star April 2013

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

the Service you Deserve April 2013 – Nisan/IyarGet5773 SUNDAY

MONDAY 1 PASSOVER

TUESDAY 2 PASSOVER

9:30am BT Services 10:00am CHA Services 10:00am NCJW Board Mtg 2:00pm HDH Board Mtg 5:30pm JCMI Bingo

9:30am BT Services 10:00am CHA Services 10:30am JCMI-S Board Mtg 12:15pm BT Torah Study

WEDNESDAY 3

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

10:00am ORT America prog 11:30am JCMI Mah Jongg 1:00pm NJC Board Meeting 11:30am CHA-M Lunch 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 1:30pm CRC Meeting 4:30pm BT Religious School 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School 4:30pm TS Religious School

SATURDAY

11:30am ORT Board Mtg 5:30pm HJH Shabbat Dinner 6:00pm TS Shir Joy Shabbat 7:30pm BT 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 TS Naples Jewish Caring Support Group 11:00am Yom HaShoah Commemoration at 2:00pm HDH Board Mtg 5:30pm JCMI Bingo Temple Shalom 6:30 CHA Holocaust Survi vor Evening

10:00am TS-S Board Mtg 11:30am TS-S Luncheon 12:00pm JCMI-S Gen Mtg 12:00pm TS Brown Bag Ln 12:15pm BT Torah Study 1:00pm JCMI Dup Bridge 1:30pm CJD Steering Cmt 7:30pm JFCC Board Mtg

10:45 HDH Luncheon 11:30am CHA-M Lunch 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 1:30pm Israel Affairs Comm 4:30pm BT Religious School 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School 4:30pm HM Lecture Part 3 4:30pm TS Religious School

11:30am JCMI Mah Jongg 3:00pm HM Exec Cmte Mtg 5:30pm TS Rosh Chodesh 6:30pm HDH Evening Group

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

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

9:00am BT Religious School 12:00pm NJC-S Book Club 10:00am NJC Educ. Prog. 5:30pm JCMI Bingo 12:30pm Israel@65 event

11:30am NCJW Gen Mtg 12:15pm BT Torah Study 5:30pm HM Volunteer Appreciation Rec. 7:30pm TS Exec Comm

9:00am BT Religious School 10:30am TS Naples Jewish 12:15pm BT Torah Study 9:30am JWV Meeting Caring Support Group 6:00pm HM WWII Series 7:00pm TS Board Mtg 2:00pm HJH Gen Mtg 5:30pm JCMI Bingo 4:30pm GenShoah Mtg 5:30pm HDH Eve Group Progressive Dinner

28 Lag B’Omer

9:00am BT Religious School 5:30pm JCMI Bingo 10:00am NJC Educ. Prog. 7:30pm BT Book Group 10:00am TS Annual Mtg 4:00pm BT Lag B’Omer Picnic

11:30am JCMI Mah Jongg 1:30pm TS-S Book Bag 4:00pm BT Board Mtg 7:00pm TS Town Hall Mtg

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

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

11:30am CHA-M Lunch 11:30am JCMI Mah Jongg 12:00pm HDH Knowl & Nosh 3:00pm HM Board Mtg 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 4:00pm BT Board Meeting 4:30pm BT Religious School 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School 4:30pm TS Religious School

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

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

Candle lighting times:

17 9:30am HJH Board Mtg 11:30am ATS Lunch & Lect 11:30am CHA-M Lunch 12:00pm NJC Men’s Club 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 4:30pm BT Religious School 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School 4:30pm TS Religious School

12:15pm BT Torah Study

April 5: 7:28 April 12: 7:31 April 19: 7:34 April 26: 7:38

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 • CRC: Community Relations Committee • HDH: Hadassah • HJH: Humanistic Jewish Havurah • HM: Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida

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

• JCMI: Jewish Congregation of Marco Island • JCMI-M: JCMI Men’s Club • JCMI-S: JCMI Sisterhood • JFCC: Jewish Federation of Collier County • JFCS: Jewish Family & 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.

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

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

Federation membership

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

April 2013 COMMUNITY DIRECTORY 31A Federation Star TEMPLE SHALOM OF NAPLES (Reform) 4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34119 Phone: 455-3030  Fax: 455-4361 Email: info@naplestemple.org www.naplestemple.org Rabbi Adam Miller Cantor Donna Azu James H. Perman, D.D., Rabbi Emeritus Yale T. Freeman, President Susan Shechter Daugherty, Exec. Dir. Caren Plotkin, Religious School Dir. Seyla Cohen, Preschool Director Peter Lewis, Organist/Choir Director Shabbat Services: Shabbat Eve - Friday 7:30 p.m. Shabbat - Saturday 10:00 a.m. • Sisterhood • Men’s Club • Adult Education • Havurot • Youth Groups • Religious School • Judaic Library • Hebrew School • Pre-School • Adult Choir • Social Action • Outreach

Naples’ only Judaica Shop

CHABAD NAPLES JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER serving Naples and Marco Island 1789 Mandarin Road, Naples, FL 34102 Phone: 262-4474 Email: info@chabadnaples.com Website: www.chabadnaples.com Rabbi Fishel Zaklos Dr. Arthur Seigel, President Ettie Zaklos, Education Director Shabbat Services Shabbat - Saturday 10am • Camp Gan Israel • Hebrew School • Preschool of the Arts • Jewish Women’s Circle • Adult Education • Bat Mitzvah Club • Friendship Circle • Smile on Seniors • Flying Challah • Kosher food delivery The Federation Star is published monthly, September through July, by the Jewish Federation of Collier County. 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road Suite 2201 Naples, FL 34109-0613 Phone: 239-263-4205 Fax: 239-263-3813 E-mail: info@jewishnaples.org Website: www.jewishnaples.org Volume 22, No. 8 April 2013 40 pages USPS Permit No. 419

April 2013 Federation Star

JEWISH CONGREGATION OF MARCO ISLAND

NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION (Reform)

(Conservative)

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

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

1459 Pine Ridge Road Naples, FL 34109

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

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

Spice of Life Whether you’ve made a mint or not, whatever you’ve salted away may be enough to give you a dilly of a problem with your estate. And you’re no doubt peppered each day with unsavory proposals on how to spend and invest your money. Yes, regardless of your estate, the taxman some day will be cumin, but you can mustard up the courage and move gingerly to keep the tax bite at bay with some simple, plain vanilla and some more seasoned techniques of estate planning and charitable giving. Frequently, we try to impart a little sage advice and curry your favor for a lifetime gift or bequest to the Endowment Fund of the Federation. Have you taken the first step to becoming a tarragon of virtue by consulting with us or your financial advisors and deciding how to clove out a piece of your assets and fennel it to Federation’s Endowment Fund? Don’t you think...it’s about thyme? For more information on gift planning, call Executive Director David Willens at 239.263.4205.

Please note our email addresses: David Willens, Executive Director – david@jewishnaples.org Melissa Keel, Community Prog. Dir. – melissa@jewishnaples.org Iris Doenias, Administrative Assistant – iris@jewishnaples.org Deborah Vacca, Bookkeeper – deborah@jewishnaples.org General information requests – info@jewishnaples.org

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

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

Advertising: Jacqui Aizenshtat 239-777-2889 May Issue Deadlines: Editorial: April 1 Advertising: April 5 Send news stories to: fedstar18@gmail.com

BETH TIKVAH

(just west of Mission Square Plaza)

Phone: (239) 434-1818 Email: bethtikvahnaples@aol.com Website: www.bethtikvahnaples.org Rabbi Ammos Chorny Stuart Kaye, President Phil Jason, Vice President Sue Hammerman, Secretary Shabbat Services Friday evenings at 7:30pm Saturday mornings at 9:30am Youth Education - Adult Education Community Events

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jewish National Fund

Publisher: Jewish Federation of Collier County

Design: Federation Media Group, Inc.

31A

Federation Star advertising – jacqui1818@gmail.com

Like us on Facebook!

ConneCt with your Jewish Community

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IF WE DON’T TEACH OUR CHILDREN WHO THEY ARE,

OTHERS WILL. As they grow up, young Jews will face challenges to their beliefs and identity. We believe the best way to protect our children against ignorance and hate is to educate them. From the pride of a preschooler learning his first H.ebrew words to the confidence of a college student prepared to grapple with anti-Israel sentiment on campus, we’re strengthening Jewish identity and inspiring a lifelong connection to Jewish values. But we need your help.

FS0413 Everything Federation does is made possible JewishFederations.org THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. through the generous donations from members of THE POWER OF COMMUNITY. jfederations @jfederations the community. Please consider making a gift today!

YOU MAKE IT POSSIBLE!

 I hereby pledge and promise to pay my Federation for the 2013 JFCC/UJA Annual Campaign a contribution of:  $36  $72  $180  $540  other $_________  Contribution enclosed (Check #__________)  Please charge my:

 MasterCard

 Visa

 Please bill me  American Express

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

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

Celebrating Jewish Life in Collier County

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

www.JewishNaples.org

April 2013 - Nisan/Iyar 5773

Vol. 22 #8

Jewish Happenings

Sixth Annual PFLAG Interfaith Convocation “We are each other’s harvest; we are each other’s business; we are each other’s magnitude and bond.” – Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Gwendolyn Brooks

hese words evoke the theme of a unique service extolling the brotherhood of mankind, unity and respect – the Sixth Annual PFLAG Interfaith Convocation on Sunday, May 5. Seventeen clergy from a broad array of temples and churches will join with a community choir and several soloists to celebrate diversity and understanding. Those attending will experience a feeling of hope, spirituality and understanding. The manifestation of feelings and shared brotherhood will reflect the theme of this convocation inspired by the psalmist’s words, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for people to dwell together in unity.” PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) promotes the health and well-being of

gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered, their families and friends, through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination and secure civil rights. PFLAG is an international parent-based organization that was started by heterosexual parents seeking to understand and help their gay children. Each of the five previous Convocations has conveyed the conviction of participating clergy of diverse churches and temples and attendees to express the importance of unity while living with diversity. The Convocation’s personal reminiscences have cast light on difficulties of denial of parental love, the damage of being bullied, the torment of having to keep

Clergy, cantors and dignitaries at last year’s PFLAG Interfaith Convocation

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one’s feelings secret, being cast out or demoted from a job, or the difficulty making the choice to be whom one seeks to be. The Convocation provides a moving experience of joining together, praying together, and extolling the beauty of the human spirit that loves, appreciates and accepts. Hopefully, through this uplifting experience, we will be moved to feel that we can and will live in harmony. The Sixth Annual PFLAG Interfaith Convocation, open to all, will be held at 3:00 p.m. at St. Monica’s Episcopal Church, 7070 Immokalee Road, Naples. A reception will follow the Convocation. Your participation with friends and family will provide the seeds for community unity, which will spread understanding and tolerance. For more information,

call 239.206.3267 or visit www. PFLAGInterfaith.com. Welcoming houses of worship taking part in this convocation are: Beth Tikvah, Celebration Metropolitan Community Church, Cornerstone United Methodist, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, First Christian Church, Fort Myers Congregational United Church of Christ, Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, Naples Jewish Congregation, Naples United Church of Christ, Samudrabadra Buddhist Center, St. John the Apostle MCC, St. Monica’s Episcopal Church, Temple Shalom, The Baha’i Faith, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greater Naples, Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers, Unity of Naples Church, Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church.

See pages 5B-8B for “Israel & the Jewish World” items

Federation Star April 2013

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

Scribing – An experience to remember

By Arlene Yedid

hat happens when it’s your day to scribe a letter in the new Temple Shalom Torah? Do you wonder whether the act of scribing will bring to you a closer connection to Judaism and the Torah? Perhaps you are a little apprehensive. Are you worried that your mild hand tremor may destroy the letter? Are you concerned that you may be doing something that invalidates the holiness of the Torah? Shouldn’t a scribe be the only one responsible for scribing in the Torah? Do Temple Shalom members have to pay a fee to scribe in the Torah? Can I encourage my friends in the Jewish community to take part? The Sofer is a specially trained rabbi who follows all of the sacred rules of the Sofer. There is no fee for temple members to scribe a letter. However, you may sponsor a portion of the Torah. I had the occasion to volunteer recently for the Torah Project, observing some surprising things. One doesn’t go in, scribe and leave. There is a set ritual before and after the process. Rabbi Adam Miller is seated at the first table and engages in conversation and offers an overview and expectations. This is followed by the ritual hand washing. Then you will sit down with the Sofer, who is seated under a chupah, the very same one that was used at the opening ceremony in the Sanc-

tuary, symbolizing the holiness of the endeavor. He is an engaging and personable rabbi with a great sense of humor. He takes time to explain the Torah portion, instilling a connection with the Torah. You will be pleased to know that the Sofer holds the quill and controls the writing; your hand holds the feather as well, accompanying him as he guides the writing to make sure there are no mistakes. As is customary for simchas of special occasions, you will celebrate with a visit to the hospitality table that offers not only pastries but schnapps. The next table is the reflection and commitment table, which provides the opportunity to reflect on this experience with Cantor Donna Azu. An album is provided for comments. You also have the opportunity to sign up for community efforts as a means of retaining the Torah connection as part of your life. There are also Torah

Cissy Dezen with the Sofer

Fed Cup V

studies that are scheduled at Temple Shalom. These are some of the insightful comments given by the participants that reflect an appreciation of this unique experience: “To hear about our Letter that we helped finish is fascinating and so on spot with our family. To share in this experience with our children, knowing that one day they’d all Jack and Nancy Wiadro with Sofer Rabbi Levi Selwyn read from it, was overwhelm“A true joy of an experience to ing. We were part of Temple Shalom inscribe a portion of a sacred text. A history and, for that, we are eternally link, a continuity, a bridge across genthankful!” erations, hopefully to be continued.” “It has been a great honor to parThe participants’ feedback has ticipate in this unique event...to be part been overwhelmingly positive, with of the perpetuation of our heritage, to comments expressing how much the feel that we have had a very minute experience exceeded their expectapart in the history of our people. tions. Maybe someday a great grandchild Cited is that this project provides will read from this Torah.” understanding of Torah, a connection “For me it was a very special with earlier generations, and hope for thing. I was brought up the Jewish generations to come. The in a household where Torah Project is much more than a women were not part of feather quill and scribe. It is a means the service, much less of enhancing religious knowledge and called to the Torah. So spirituality, which are necessary for to be able to actually perpetuating our religion. write a letter was a treThe entire Jewish community mendous thrill for me. is invited to take part in this Torah To share this experience project. For Temple members there with my husband made a is no change and for nonmembers special connection. He there is a fee. For information about felt a special connection, setting up an appointment, contact as well with the Jews Dr. Michael Rubner at OurTorah@ who came before us, esnaplestemple.org or call the temple pecially the Jews in Egypt, since that at 239.455.3030. is the portion that our letter was in.

May 5, 2013 at TwinEagles

A golf event for all skills & ages to benefit young Jewish children and 20 teens to experience Jewish Summer Camp and travel to Israel.

Z $136 per participant – includes boxed breakfast, golf, cart and buffet lunch Z 8:00am Registration and Warm Up Z 9:00am Shotgun Start Z Prizes for long drive and closest to the hole Z Boxed breakfast along with coffee and juice bar upon arrival Z Elegant country club buffet lunch after golf Z Awards and Auction

For more information about the event and hole sponsorships contact Kevin Aizenshtat at kevin@gcipnaples.com.

Hannah Samuel, Tammy Strohl-Samuel, Darren Samuel and Nathan Samuel with the Sofer

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

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

JEWISH HAPPENINGS Federation Star April 2013 3B

April 2013 Federation Star

NJC celebrates Rabbi Wolf’s 80th birthday

Interested in your family’s history?

By Carolyn Greenberg

aples Jewish Congregation glowing tributes and talked about honored its rabbi on Suntheir memories of Rabbi Sylvin and day, March 3 at Quail Creek his wife Sandy. Among those honCountry Club. Rabbi Sylvin Wolf oring the rabbi with tributes were th celebrated his 80 birthday Helene Gradolph, Stan Weiner, Don Pomerantz, at a brunch with the congregation. Les Schwartz, Sandy Wolf, and Richard and It was so wonderful to have such a great turnout Marcy Berenson. to honor Rabbi Wolf. NJC Betty Schwartz, Marcy Berenson and families get together to celebrate birthdays and other Carolyn Greenberg were instrumental in organizhappy occasions, and Rabbi Wolf is a big part of NJC’s ing this Congregational Jane Galler as Marilyn Monroe religious family. Birthday Party. When guest arrived at the counBefore Rabbi Wolf blew out his candles on a cake, he had a surprise try club, they were able to sign a poster and a picture of the rabbi. Les visitor. Marilyn Monroe (aka Jane Schwartz designed this poster for the Galler ) came to sing Happy Birthday to the rabbi. It was an amazing end to a occasion. Several members of NJC gave great party that no one will forget.



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Do you have a similar photo in your home? Who are these people? Are they related to you? Do you know where your forebears came from? Why do you want to know? How do you find out? Do your grandchildren know who these people are? Why should you or they care? Researching your family genealogy can help you find the answers to all these questions. And the answers to questions you don’t even know to ask yet. Want to find out how to get started? Come to an organizing 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, April 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.

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Federation Star April 2013

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU presents Bat Mitzvah Comes of Age Exhibit marks “firsts” and change for Jewish American Women

around the state and spanning many n Saturday morning, March decades. The exhibit will open to the 18, 1922 – two years after public beginning Tuesday, April 9 at American women received the Museum, located at 301 Washingthe right to vote – Judith Kaplan, ton Ave. in Miami Beach. daughter of Rabbi Mordecai M. The stories of bat mitzvah “firsts,” Kaplan, became the first American as told in this exhibit range from secugirl to mark her bat mitzvah during a lar to ultra-Orthodox and from small public worship service. town to urban center. It includes the With this revolutionary act, she stories of everyday trendsetters and and her father initiated what would prominent women, such as Supreme become the widespread American Court Justice Elena Kagan, comJewish practice of bat mitzvah. To th munity leader Ruth Messinger and mark the 90 anniversary of Judith Facebook Chief OpKaplan’s bat mitzvah, erating Officer Sheryl the National Museum Sandberg, a Floridian, of American Jewish which illustrate the History and Moving substantial impact of Traditions collaborated bat mitzvah on Jewish to organize a traveling life and on each of the exhibition, Bat Mitzvah featured women. FolComes of Age, featuring lowing her bat mitzthe remarkable story vah in St. Louis in of how, in less than a 1950, Dee Radman century, individual girls, Hermann responded, their parents and rabbis “I can do anything I challenged and changed Judith Kaplan Eisenstein at the want if I pursue it,” communal values and 70th anniversary of her bat mitzvah, practice to institute this 1992, Archives, Reconstructionist when asked about the Rabbinical College lessons she learned in now widely observed training for her special day. Jewish ritual. “We felt this exhibit was a powAs the only venue in the southeast erful portrayal of the role of Jewish to display Bat Mitzvah Comes of Age, women as major contributors of the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU change to Jewish American tradiwill draw Florida connections to the tions,” said Jo Ann Arnowitz, execuexhibit, represented by the stories of tive director of the Jewish Museum more than 40 bat mitzvah ceremonies

KRISTEN COURY, PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

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of Florida-FIU. “The ‘coming-of-age’ ritual is practiced differently throughout various cultures and ethnicities, but each serves as a rite of passage for solidifying a person’s place in their community. We look forward to sharing these women’s stories and those of Jewish women throughout Florida. I think everyone will be inspired by this beautiful and touching exhibit.” This exhibition explores how the tradition of bat mitzvah has evolved and the related changes it sparked in Jewish education, practice and leadership, highlighting the critical role girls played in bringing equality to a patriarchal religion. The exhibit also serves as a catalyst to explore how rites of passage are celebrated in various cultures and religions. As the Florida connection section of the exhibit will explain, the trends in Florida bat mitzvah ceremonies mirror those around the nation, starting with a handful of brave girls in the 1950s and increasing as the ritual grew in popularity over time. Today, bat mitzvah celebrations are as common as bar mitzvah in the state, except in Orthodox communities. Though many Orthodox girls have some form of bat mitzvah ritual, the ceremonies are often held in alternative locations. Three such b’not mitzvah were held at the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU, which is often rented for events in the community. The exhibit will be on display through September 15, with a festive members-only opening at 6:00 p.m., Monday, April 8. Opening event sponsors are Congregation Beth Jacob and the Robert Arthur Segall Foundation.

The museum will present a full array of public education programs to complement the themes of the exhibit, from panel discussions to performances, with multicultural components to attract diverse segments of the community. For more information, call 305.672.5044 or visit www.jewishmuseum.com. usan Wides went to Hebrew classes at Temple Beth-El in St. Petersburg, Florida, commuting one hour each way by bus. As she watched her male classmates progress towards their bar mitzvahs, she decided that her studies should culminate in a bat mitzvah as well. The rabbi at the time, Rabbi Suskind agreed to do the ceremony – the idea and the rabbi himself were both seen as quite progressive at the time. Wides at her T h e s e r- batSusan mitzvah celebration, vice was on a St. Petersburg, January Friday night. 1960. Gift of Susan Wides Burnett. Susan led the service and the rabbi did the Torah reading. She read her Haftorah in both Hebrew and English. It was a very significant portion for her as it was about praise towards women (Aishet Chayil, which translates to “Woman of Valor”). Susan’s Bat Mitzvah paved the way for girls and any women interested in having a bat mitzvah at Temple Beth-El. Years later, both of Susan’s daughters had their bat mitzvahs there as well.

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April 2013 ISRAEL & THE WORLD Federation StarJEWISH 5B

April 2013 Federation Star

A night of Biblical (pro)portions By Ted Epstein, Editor, Federation Star Editor’s note: Recently, I had the good fortune of participating, along with 20 other Jewish press professionals, in an 8-day trip to Israel sponsored by the Israel Ministry of Tourism and El Al. It was a fascinating journey, as expected. This is the second in a series of articles about several of the people I met, places I saw, and things I learned. n my first visit to Israel, in 2009, Saturday night was spent on Ben Yehuda Street in downtown Jerusalem. It was a feast for the senses, with street musicians, Israeli treats, and thousands of people. A few months ago, I spent another Saturday evening in Jerusalem engaging my senses, but in a completely different and spectacular manner. After a relaxing Shabbat at the Inbal Jerusalem Hotel, the group I was with began the evening with a one-ofa-kind multi-sensory experience. The Night Spectacular – Sound and Light at the Tower of David Museum The walls of the magnificently restored ancient Citadel of the city of Jerusalem serve as a stage for a nighttime show which is a celebration of sight and sound. Amidst the archaeological remains in the Citadel’s courtyard and to the sound of original music, the story of Jerusalem unfolds in a majestic blaze of huge, breathtaking images projected on the ancient walls and hidden pathways

of the Citadel in a spectacular sound and light show. Accompanied by an original soundtrack (by Etienne Perruchon), The Night Spectacular enveloped us in a magical encounter with Jerusalem’s rich and colorful history. For thousands of years, footprints have been left, evolving into stories and memories. The Night Spectacular chronicles the creation of the eternal city of Jerusalem, showing Jerusalem as the inner heart and center of the world. The show (created by Skertzo, France) uses trompe l’oeil technology – the stones of the walls and structures fade into the scenes and the screened images surrounded us on three sides for a unique experience. Innovative techniques and a sophisticated computer system operate 20 projectors, 10 video players, 14 computers and 14 loudspeakers. The Night Spectacular, the first of its kind in the world, is for everyone – tourists from Israel and abroad, families, speakers of all languages, and all Jerusalem lovers. It is located at the Tower of David Museum, in the city’s citadel, at the Jaffa Gate entrance to the Old City. The 45-minute outdoor show is made possible with the help of the Jerusalem Municipality, the Ministry of Tourism, the Israel Government Tourist Corporation and the Jerusalem Foundation. For more information and tickets

S O A P S T A R S K A S S I E A N D J I M D E P A I VA

(advanced booking is recommended), visit www.towerofdavid.org.il. The Eucalyptus restaurant After we immersed ourselves in spectacular sights and sounds, it was time to head over (just a short walk) to Eucalyptus to engage our sense of taste and smell. The menu at Eucalyptus focuses on the foods indigenous to the land of Israel, and dishes are made with natural local ingredients including the shivat haminim (The Seven Species) – dates, olives, pomegranates, figs, grapes, barley and wheat. Dishes include stuffed Jerusalem sage leaves, aubergine in pomegranate syrup, and Jacob & Esau’s biblical red lentil stew. Our group was welcomed by chef/owner Moshe Basson, who treated us not only to some amazing dishes but the inspiring history behind the restaurant. I was one of two vegetarians in the group and Moshe brought out several dishes for us to enjoy in addition to the dozens of other dishes we were able to sample. It was a truly marvelous multi-sensory experience. Our taste buds jumped for joy! Dubbed “Israel’s biblical chef,” Jerusalem native Moshe Basson has been exploring and learning about the wild edible delights of the biblical landscape of Jerusalem since he was a child, developing an encyclopedic

knowledge of local edible plants and seeds. The restaurant’s kosher menu changes based on season, on availability, and on Basson’s sense of experimentation. The highlight of the dinner was the Maqluba flipping ceremony, which is performed most evenings. Throughout the day, a Middle Eastern casserole with a variety of vegetables – such as fried tomatoes, potatoes, cauliflower, eggplant – and chicken or lamb are slow-cooked in a pot. When

Chef Moshe Basson with Leslie Honaker of the American Jewish Press Association

it is served, the pot is flipped upside down with the help of a dining guest. A taste of the upside-down casserole is then distributed to each of the diners. Yummy! Eucalyptus is located at 14 Hativat Yerushalayim in the Artist Colony of Hutzot Ha’yotzer. For more information, visit www.the-eucalyptus. com.

Every Letter is a Legacy Everyone is invited to scribe a letter in

OUR TORAH!

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IN THE

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Federation Star April 2013

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

BRIEFS ISRAEL PLANS TO SEND PROBE TO MOON IN 2015

The Space IL organization has as its goal to send an Israeli space probe to the moon in 2015. The miniature smart spacecraft, to cost a tenth of a typical spacecraft, will be the smallest spacecraft ever to land on the moon. Space IL is a non-profit group set up to take part in the international Google Lunar X Prize competition. A $30 million prize will be given to the first privately funded team that lands a robot on the moon, has the robot travel 500 meters on the lunar surface, and sends back video, images and other data to Earth. (Israel Hayom)

BOEING PARTNERS WITH ISRAEL’S ELBIT FOR AIRCRAFT PROTECTION

Boeing will offer directed infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) equipment, produced by Elbit Systems, with all of its military and civil aircraft, under a new memorandum of under-

standing signed by the companies. The threat posed to aircraft by man-portable air defense systems has grown considerably during the past few years, a factor which prompted Elbit’s Elop division to develop DIRCM equipment to protect fixedwing aircraft and helicopters. Successfully flight-tested recently using an Israeli air force Boeing 707 tanker, the C-Music system has been designed to defend large commercial aircraft and VIP transports from attack using infrared-guided weapons. (Flightglobal.com)

INNOVATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST

On January 22, Iranian President Ahmadinejad railed against the West, saying: “Don’t buy our oil? To hell with you. It’s better if you don’t buy...10 times more money will head into people’s pockets through the inventions of our scientists.” Yet Iran hasn’t been an ideal environment for fostering the development of inven-

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

tions with non-military applications. During 1977-2011, 4,508,076 international patents were granted. Less than 3,800 went to Muslim countries. The Iranian patent contribution was 71. These numbers should come as no surprise: the more restrictive a state government is, the less creative are its people. During this same period, Israel’s patents exceeded 22,700 – almost six for every one granted a Muslim country and almost 3,200 for every Iranian patent. This is particularly impressive when one considers the much smaller global population base of Jews compared to that of Muslims (0.2% versus 25%). A 2005 article by James Lacey posted on military.com noted, “In economic terms...the combined weight of the Arab states is less than that of Spain. Strip oil out of Mideast exports and the entire region exports less than Finland.” (James G. Zumwalt, retired U.S. Marine Corps officer and author, UPI)

ISRAEL AWARDS GOLAN OIL DRILLING LICENSE

The Israeli government has awarded a license to drill for oil on the southern half of the Golan Heights to Genie Energy Ltd., headed by former min-

ister Effie Eitam. Former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney is an advisor to the company. Geological tests indicate a large potential oil discovery in the area. The license is highly symbolic for Eitam, who resides on the Golan and fought against the Syrian Army there during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, winning a medal for courage. (Globes)

MADE IN CHINA, BLESSED IN ISRAEL

Descendants of Kaifeng Jews, an ancient community from China’s Henan Province, have come to Israel to reclaim their Judaism. Yage Wong, today Yaakov, and five of his peers, all in their 20s, recently participated in the conversion rituals in Israel, becoming the first group of men from this remote Jewish community to be accepted back into the fold after hundreds of years. They were preceded in 2007 by a group of four Kaifeng women who completed the conversion process in Israel. The Jewish community of Kaifeng was formed roughly 1,000 years ago, when a group of Jewish merchants, presumably from Persia, settled in the region. The Jews lived in a segregated

continued on page 8B

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ISRAEL & THE April 2013 WORLD Federation StarJEWISH 7B

April 2013 Federation Star

The 3D printers that are revolutionizing our lives Meet the Israeli-American company behind the amazing 3D printing technology that allows a disabled little girl to move her arms By Abigail Klein Leichman, ISRAEL21c

n his February 12 State of the Union address, U.S. President Barack Obama announced that “3D printing…has the potential to revolutionize the way we make almost everything.” It’s a huge claim, but one Israeli-American company is already leading the way with a series of quite extraordinary products that are most definitely transforming our lives. In the same way that your computer’s printer deposits ink onto paper to form words and pictures, threedimensional printers put plastics and resins on all sorts of materials to make anything from clothing to advanced medical devices. “It does seem like magic,” says Joe Hiemenz, spokesman for 3D printer manufacturer Stratasys, which has dual headquarters in Minneapolis and Rehovot, Israel. Indeed it was magical when preschooler Emma Lavelle was able to

Emma using her Magic Arms printer-made exoskeleton

use her arms for the first time with the help of a custom-designed robotic exoskeleton made with a Stratasys Dimension 3D printer – so magical that the device has been nicknamed “Magic Arms.” The little girl has a congenital disorder that compromises her joint mobility and muscles. Researchers at the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Philadelphia knew of a metal exoskeleton for

adults suffering similar conditions, but it was too big and heavy for a child. The Stratasys printer enabled them to fashion a lightweight alternative that has been nominated for the Designs of the Year 2013 awards by London’s Design Museum. “It works identical to an inkjet printer – forming a product layer by layer, but making it from some kind of plastic or resin,” Hiemenz tells ISRAEL21c. “A head puts down the material in very thin layers following a tool path created by a CAD [computer-assisted design] file, so whatever you have designed through CAD is going to come out. In the case of Magic Arm, it was plastic coming out of the printer in molten form.” This is the same sturdy plastic used in LEGO bricks. ‘Tech couture’ U.S.-based Stratasys and Israel-based Objet – both leading manufacturers in the 3D printing field – merged in 2012. The line of printers assembled in Israel retains the Objet brand name, marketing VP Arita Mattsoff tells ISRAEL21c. At Paris Fashion Week in January, Dutch designer Iris van Herpen unveiled two ensembles from her new haute couture collection that were made with an Objet Connex multimaterial 3D printer. Massachusetts Institute of Technology Prof. Neri Oxman, who was born in Israel, produced the intricate printed outfits in collaboration with Austrian architect Julia Koerner, a lecturer at UCLA-Los Angeles, and Belgian software developer Materialise. The designer had sought out Oxman after seeing her 3D-printed “Imaginary Beings: Mythologies of

GENTLE ENDODONTICS

This article is included as part of the Jewish Federation’s year-long Israel@65 celebration. During this time, in a series of articles, the Federation Star will spotlight Israeli innovation. the Not Yet” display last spring in Paris. “The Connex line has unique abilities to print different material qualities simultaneously,” says Mattsoff. “The van Herpen skirt and dress have a combination of rigid and flexible parts made of three different material properties. You could not make this dress without the Connex technology. It allows you to really attempt new things in a unique way.” Oxman said, “The incredible possibilities afforded by these new technologies allowed us to reinterpret the tradition of couture as ‘tech couture,’ where delicate handmade embroidery and needlework is replaced by code.” Van Herpen told Fashion Week reporters that she believes “it will only be a matter of time before we see the clothing we wear today produced with this technology, and because it’s such a different way of manufacturing, adding layer-by-layer, it will be a great source of inspiration for new ideas.” Endless possibilities Those new ideas are not limited to fashion or even to medical and dental devices. “This industry started about 25 years ago to make prototypes mainly for the aerospace and automobile industries, and other high-end applications that have deep pockets to explore

new technologies,” says Hiemenz. “They’re not prototypes anymore; they’re real products now.” The medical applications are among the most dazzling, he adds. The 3D printing process has been used to make custom orthotics for disabled American veterans, a better device to treat clubbed feet and even a sophisticated heart surgery tool. The process allows for creating complex interior passages inside devices to carry air or liquids. Design News magazine recently named Stratasys a Golden Mousetrap awards finalist for its Mojo 3D Printer, its Objet30 3D Printer, and its Objet line of digital materials. The Objet product line won the 2012 Leadership in Engineering Program from U.S. publication Design World, and the Objet260 Connex received an innovation award from Dental Advisor magazine. Hiemenz says that the news about Magic Arms has resulted in a flood of inquiries from parents hoping that the printed exoskeleton could help their child, too. A foundation is being set up for this purpose at the initiative of Eric Jenson, who produced a video showing Emma and her Magic Arms. The goal is to make 50 of these exoskeletons per month, perhaps giving them free to disabled children in developing nations. Abigail Klein Leichman is a writer and associate editor at ISRAEL21c.

View an inspirational 4-minute video of Emma and her Magic Arms at vimeo.com/43254602

GARY A. LAYTON, D.D.S.

Jewish War Veterans meeting

(ROOT CANAL THERAPY)

Since 1976

Phone 262-2677

www.garyalaytondds.com

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

Federation Star April 2013

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

BRIEFS continued from page 6B community for hundreds of years before they began assimilating and intermarrying with local Chinese. At its height, the community numbered as many as 5,000. Today, about 1,000 Chinese can trace their roots to them. (Ha’aretz)

OHIO BUYS $42 MILLION OF ISRAEL BONDS

Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel has purchased $42 million in Israel Bonds, the largest single government purchase of Israel Bonds in U.S. history. The purchase was completed March 1. “We believe this is a sound investment for the taxpayers of Ohio and consistent with our strategy of investing in safe and strong securities,” Mandel said. (Cleveland Jewish News)

INTEL ISRAEL MORE THAN DOUBLES EXPORTS

Not Just a Bond, A Bond with Israel Reva Pearlstein Direct Line: 727.282.1126 Assistant Director

Monica DiGiovanni Direct Line: 727.282.1124 Registered Representative

Intel’s Israeli subsidiary more than doubled its exports in 2012 to $4.6 billion and is seeking to bring manufacturing of the company’s next generation of chips to Israel. Intel’s exports, which rose 109% from $2.2 billion in 2011, were boosted by the start of production of chips using 22 nanometer technology at its Kiryat Gat plant, which is now operating at full capacity. Intel, the world’s No. 1 chipmaker, is Israel’s largest private employer, with 8,542 workers, up 10% from 2011. The company has two plants as well as four research and development centers. The company accounted for 20% of Israel’s high-tech exports last year. (Reuters)

HEROES TO HEROES HELPS WOUNDED U.S. VETS RECOVER

After leaving Iraq as a wounded soldier in 2004, Harrison Manyoma of Humble, Texas, remained haunted by his experiences, which had culminated in a roadside car bomb explosion. Last year, he learned of Heroes to Heroes, the organization that takes groups of wounded U.S. war veterans, especially those diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, on a

trip to Israel. For Mr. Manyoma, that journey produced an emotional bridge to healing. Since returning from Israel, his nightmares have disappeared. “And I’ve gotten a sense of peace that I’d thought I’d never find again.” Why Israel? Many American soldiers, returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan shaken and numbed by bloody conflict, have found their communities – and sometimes their families – can’t relate to their condition, says program founder Judy Schaffer. But in Israel, much of the population has been more closely involved with war. “These people can provide the emotional and spiritual support needed to help traumatized vets.” Throughout the trip, the American vets – none of whom has been Jewish – travel with several current and former Israeli soldiers, building bonds as they share experiences. (Christian Science Monitor)

THE DESALINATION REVOLUTION: HOW ISRAEL BEAT THE DROUGHT

For the foreseeable future, Israel’s water crisis is over, says Alexander Kushnir, who heads Israel’s Water Authority. Kushnir identifies a refusal to “rely on fate” as the key to a genuine strategic achievement in a desert region desperately short of natural water. The solution was desalination, on a major scale. The first large desalination plant came on line in Ashkelon in 2005, followed by Palmahim and Hadera. By the end of 2013, when the Soreq and Ashdod plants are working, there will be five plants – built privately at a cost of $2 billion. Of the 2 billion cubic meters of water Israel uses per year, half will be “artificially” manufactured by year’s end – 600 million cubic meters from desalination and 400 from purified sewage and brackish water for use in agriculture. Kushnir adds that Israel also supplies 30 million cubic meters annually to the Palestinian Authority and 70 million to Jordan, in line with formal agreements. (Times of Israel)

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