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:
2A Community Relations Comm. 6A Women’s Cultural Alliance 9A Community Focus 10A Jewish Interest 14A Tributes 16A Israel & the Jewish World 19A Focus on Youth 21A Commentary 23A Rabbinical Reflections 24A Synagogues 26A Organizations 28A Business Directory 30A Community Calendar 31A Community Directory 1B Jewish Happenings
4A Mission to Israel – part two
20A BBYO Naples update
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January 2013 - Teveth/Shevat 5773
4B Our Torah Opening Festivities
Vol. 22 #5
The carob tree Judge Norman Krivosha President
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here is an ancient Talmudic story describing how one day a young man traveling along a road came upon an elderly man planting a carob tree. “Old man,” said the younger, “What are you doing planting a carob tree at your age. Don’t you know it takes more than seventy years before a carob tree gives its first dates. You will be long gone before the fruit appears.” To which the older man replied, “My young son, long before I appeared, some wonderful men planted a carob tree so that when I came along, the fruit would be available. All the more, am I required to plant a carob tree now so that when future generations come along, even though I shall be gone, the dates will be here for them.”
That is the same obligation each of us living today, who can, owe to the future. While there may not be a great need to plant a carob tree in Collier County, through the Jewish Federation of Collier County we have an opportunity to insure that our future generations continue to have the needed support we can leave for them. We already have an Endowment Fund in place, created by wonderful individuals who wanted to “plant a carob tree” during their lifetimes. But it is inadequate to do the job that truly needs to be done. The requirement to provide for those in need of mental healthcare through Jewish Family & Community Services will continue, as will our support of our community religious schools and youth programs such as BBYO and Hillel. And while we would hope that one day sufficient peace and stability will come to Israel, in the foreseeable future our assistance remains a vital resource. It is therefore imperative that as many as can, help “plant the carob
tree” now. There are multiple ways to do so. Place a provision in a will or trust so that once you no longer need the use of all of your funds, some amount will go to the Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation of Collier County, the principal to remain intact and the interest to be used for the annual needs of the Federation. If you own a small or large life insurance policy, which you will not have a real need for upon your death, make the Jewish Federation the beneficiary of the policy, so once again the principal remains intact while the interest can be used annually for the needs of the Federation in supporting the many agencies and individuals who require assistance. In this way, you can continue to play a role in the welfare of the community and for Jews the world over, even after you are gone. Now, at the beginning of a new secular year, is the time to take action. If we can assist you or provide information to accomplish this goal, we hope you will not hesitate to call us for information.
A fitting Tribute for Shereen David Willens JFCC Executive Director
1B Community Service Day draws 165 volunteers
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his past summer I was dedicated to the end of life care for my beloved wife, Shereen. She fought her disease with the strength and courage of a lion. To honor her memory, I have received our Federation Board’s approval to dedicate all tribute donations made to the Federation in her memory to an endowment fund. With these donations, plus my resources, I will establish our community’s first individual Campaign Endowment Fund – as a Lion of Judah Endow-
Jewish Federation of Collier County Inc. 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Ste. 2201 Naples, FL 34109
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ment – named for Shereen. The result will be an endowment fund of $100,000 or more. Every year, $5,000 will be transferred from this fund to our Annual Federation Campaign, in Shereen’s name, making her a Lion of Judah forever. This makes every gift made in her memory – a gift that keeps on giving to our community – in perpetuity. Shereen was not active, because of my involvement; but she was always there in the background, encouraging me in the important work of the Federation. She edited my monthly articles and reviewed major pieces of correspondence, which I felt deserved her eagle eye
and flair for perfection. My heartfelt thanks go to so many people who shared their care and concern for Shereen and for me and our family during this difficult ordeal. And my thanks go to all who made contributions in her memory. I thank the Federation leadership for their understanding; and, to the Federation staff who kept the organization running so smoothly during my absence. It is only fitting that I should reciprocate and help provide a gift for our community, one that will not only bolster our efforts for years to come, but will also memorialize my Shereen…my love, my life.
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