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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jewish Happenings in January January 5: “Mix and Mingle,” Beth Tikvah, page 25A January 5: Saul I. Stern Cultural Series, JCMI, page 2B January 6: Catholic/Jewish Dialogue program, page 10A January 9: Gulf Beaches ORT luncheon, page 2B January 9: ZOA meeting with Dr. Stephen Steinlight, page 3B January 14: Dr. June Sochen lecture, Beth Tikvah, page 3B January 15: JFCS Fundraiser, Naples Botanical Garden, page 9A January 16: AIPAC Middle East Briefing, page 2A, 6B January 16: Naples Klezmer Revival Band Concert, 13A January 17: JNF Naples Tree of Life Award Dinner, page 32A January 18: “Lunch with Rabbi Adam Chalom,” HJH, page 26A January 20: Jewish Film Festival, JCMI, page 18A January 20: GenShoah meeting, page 9A January 20: Dinner Dance, Naples Jewish Social Club, page 27A January 25-27: Scholar-in-Residence, Temple Shalom, page 5B January 27: Int’l Holocaust Day commemoration, page 7B January 28: Jewish Women’s Circle, Chabad, page 25A
For a continuously updated community calendar, visit www.jewishnaples.org.
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JEWISH FEDERATION
Community Relations Committee update Ann Jacobson Community Relations Committee Chair Catholic/Jewish Dialogue Community Service Day On Sunday, December 2 the Catholic/ Jewish Dialogue held a meal-packaging project for Meals of Hope, an organization that provides meals to children in Collier schools as well as individuals and families who receive support from Catholic Charities and Jewish Family & Community Services during the holiday season. According to Stephen Popper, Executive Director of Meals of Hope, 50,000 meals were packaged at this event with the help of 164 volunteers from both the Catholic and Jewish communities. The cost of these meals was underwritten by the participating individuals and the Catholic/Jewish Dialogue. The Community Service Day event, which was held at Beth Tikvah, was chaired by Rabbi Sylvin Wolf and Marty Gauthier. Melissa Keel, Jewish Federation Community Program Director, was the event’s staff coordinator. Participating organizations included Beth Tikvah, Catholic/Jewish Dialogue Steering Committee, Community Relations Committee, Israel Affairs Committee, BBYO, Jewish Federation Board, Ave Maria Law Students, Jewish Federation Business Connection, Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, Naples Jewish Congregation, ORT America, St. Ann Catholic Church and School, St.
Agnes Catholic Church Youth Ministry, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, St. John Neumann Catholic School, St. William Catholic Church, and Seacrest Country Day School. Human Needs Award At press time, the annual Human Needs Award, sponsored by the Community Relations Committee, was scheduled to be awarded at the Federation’s December board meeting. The grant awards will be presented to Angels Undercover and Laces of Love. Angels Undercover provides underwear, socks and school uniforms to school children in need. Laces of Love provides shoes to disadvantaged children in Collier County. Annual Naples Klezmer Revival Band Concert In celebration of Florida Jewish History Month in January, the Community Relations Committee sponsors the Klezmer Concert in cooperation with the Friends of the Library of Collier County. The concert will be held on Wednesday, January 16 at 6:00 p.m. at the Collier County South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway. This year the featured artist will be Sergiu Popa, renowned Klezmer Gypsy Virtuoso Accordionist. Israel Affairs Committee presents Israel Today The Israel Affairs Committee and AIPAC are sponsoring a Middle East briefing featuring Eli Groner, Israel’s Minister of Economic Affairs to the U.S., on Wednesday, January 16 at 2:00 p.m. in the Naples Daily News Community Room, 1100 Immokalee Road. This event is free and open to the public. RSVP required. Visit www.aipac.org/Naples or call Jacki Waksman at 954.653.9053 or Melissa Keel at 239.263.4205.
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3A Federation Star January 2013 JEWISH FEDERATION
January 2013 Federation Star
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Daniel Gordis – a not-to-be-missed opportunity By Carole J Greene
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anny Gordis was the best speaker we ever had. It was beyond any expectation. He set the bar so high that I think we will have a hard time maintaining that level and quality.” – Jewish Federation of Omaha “My synagogue continually clamors for Daniel Gordis to visit us again. His speeches and discussions are inspiring, passionate, learned and eloquent. There simply is not a more effective speaker on Israel – its problems and wonders – than Dr. Daniel Gordis.” – Rabbi David Wolpe, Senior Rabbi, Sinai Temple, Los Angeles “Wow. That’s all I really have to say. Wow. Gordis’ speech was absolutely amazing. He hit a home run; knocked it clear out of the park. Couldn’t have asked for anything more. The event exceeded all expectations, and he was an enormous reason for that.” – Rabbi Yonatan Yussman, Ed.D., Head of School, Jewish High
School of Connecticut I’ve presented just a few of the testimonials to our featured guest speaker for the Evy Lipp People of the Book Cultural Event on Wednesday, February 20. Rabbi Daniel Gordis, Senior Vice President and the Koret Distinguished Fellow at the Shalem Center in Jerusalem, is also an acclaimed author and columnist whose writings about Israel’s religious, political and cultural issues inform readers and stimulate discussion. One can only guess at his topic for the evening, but as I write these words, we are in the sixth day of a post-ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. He could start there – or finish there – but he is likely to mention it. He might focus on the launching of missiles by Hamas into Israel that precipitated the confrontation, the Israeli response, or the political pressures applied to
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both sides to come to the negotiating table. Plenty there for a speech much longer than he’ll have time for in his presentation at Temple Shalom. What else? He could talk about one of his books, for which he recently received the National Jewish Book Award: Saving Israel: How the Jewish State Can Win a War That May Never End. Ahh, yes, we’re back to the “war” issue. With Israel’s precarious position in the Middle East, a neighborhood of enormous enmity, war is almost never back-burnered. Perhaps he’ll bring into the discussion his latest book: The Promise of Israel: Why Its Seemingly Great-
est Weakness Is Actually Its Greatest Strength. Plenty of food for thought on this subject. Regardless of the topic, Gordis will command our attention for that evening and our admiration for long after. Each year’s Evy Lipp People of the Book Cultural Event is presented as a membership perk available to all who belong to the Jewish Federation of Collier County. To join for the first time or to renew your membership, call 239.263.4205 or see the flyer on page 7A. But hurry, for this event is always subscribed to capacity.
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Federation Star January 2013
JEWISH FEDERATION
Mission to Israel – part two Phyllis Seaman Federation VP & Campaign Chair This is my continuing story of the incredible National Federation Campaign Chairs Mission to Odessa and Israel, which I attend this past summer. I hope I have done a good job sharing all that I experienced and learned from the mission. ur day started at 7:15 a.m. with breakfast and meetings. There was a panel discussion with some of the most important and famous media representatives in Israel: Alon Ben David – television correspondent and writer; Ruth Sinai – journalist (won Israeli Pulitzer Prize); and Dr. Reuven Hazan – He-
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Phyllis and a camper
brew University professor, political correspondent at CNN, Fox and other networks. Alon Ben David’s topic was “Iran’s Ticking Time Bomb.” He began by quoting Dickens in relation to Israel at this point and time (the date was July 13). This is the best of times and the worst of times. A remark we would hear many times in the next few days by some very important people in Israel. Alon also stated, as did others, that decisions would be made between then and now on Iran. The price for a strike would be very high for a regional war. He discussed the power struggle in Egypt, food shortages, and foreign and Egyptian money being taken out of Egypt. He felt the U.S. has to support the liberals in Egypt. The next conflict will be disastrous. Alon’s voice was so soothing we were spellbound even though he spoke of such serious and frightening consequences. This all seems so odd now when I’m typing this on Thanksgiving, having to make my deadline, less than 24 hours after the ceasefire of the nine-day military action in Gaza. Ruth Sinai spoke about “Cheese & Housing – last year’s Cottage Cheese uprising of Israel’s middle class.”
In the summer of 2011, 400,000 people took to the streets for social justice. The rise in the price of cottage cheese (an Israeli staple) and housing became the Cottage Movement. It was the summer of discontent for Israel. Their anger did get a commission to give free childcare for all children from the age of three. Dr. Reuven Hazan’s topis was “Hawks vs. Doves.” He discussed Israeli security in very American terminology – they will circle the wagons; err on the side of caution; hunker down. Israel’s fragmentation could be its undoing. The problems between the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) and secular Israelis, especially concerning military service, are a major problem. Now on to a happier subject. The Ethiopian Absorption Center at Mevaseret Zion In 1991, 14,300 Ethiopians were flown to Israel on Operation Solomon. It takes 18-24 months in an Absorption Community Program at a cost of $100,000 per person. The Absorption Center, besides teaching Hebrew, modern lifestyle, and Jewish cultural things, celebrates the
Phyllis and Pnina
Ethiopian culture instead of making them feel different. They have to help the men even more. Ethiopian men like to garden and hang out and talk with the other men, so the Center has gardens tended by the men. By October 2013, the last of
continued on next page
Ethiopian children
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5A JEWISH FEDERATION Federation Star January 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 Treasurer: Jerry Sobelman Assistant Treasurer: Jerry Bogo Immed. Past President: Rosalee Bogo
Board of Trustees Alvin Becker 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
January 2013 Federation Star
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Israel – part two...continued from previous page the Ethiopian Jews will be in Israel. Mevaseret Zion has 1,200 residents. They leave when they are ready and then have their conversion. Once they leave, the government provides loans for housing. This is one of the final chapters for their Aliyah. We were so thrilled to share time with some beautiful children at the summer day camp at the Absorption Center. I had the pleasure of experiencing their enthusiasm as a “mad scientist” made ice cream with pudding and other ingredients in dry ice; and participated in a music class with the teacher playing a huge didgeridoo and the kids playing other wooden instruments. I think their favorite activity was photography, as they took our cameras to photograph each other. The more newly arrived children shied away from the cameras. We rushed back to our lunch with MK Shlomo Mula (Kadima Party) and some of the many talented and motivated Ethiopian young leaders who are contributing to Israeli society and the Ethiopian community in Israel. Minister Mula told us he traveled to Israel with a friend over 20 years ago. In 1992 he and a friend went to the government and convinced them to
give free college educations and social integration for Ethiopians 20-28 years old. We had the pleasure of meeting so many of these success stories. Their degrees were in the arts, science, medicine, education and government. Pnina, a lovely young woman who sat next to me at lunch, told me she came to Israel at three with her mother and grandmother. Pnina proudly told me that she is the Director of Hillel at Tel Aviv University. This is one of the many things that your donation to the Jewish Federation of Collier County makes possible with our partner agencies JAFI (Jewish Agency for Israel) and Hillel. We returned to our hotel to relax and get ready for Shabbat. Rabbi Michael Paley, our Scholar-in-Residence, along with a cantor and some wonderful singers, led a beautiful, joyous Kabbalat Shabbat at the Southern Wall excavation in the Old City.
Many of us then proceeded to have some personal time for reflection and prayer at the Western Wall. Our Shabbat dinner in the hotel courtyard was extremely festive, with singing, dancing, socializing, and knowing we could finally sleep in the next morning after another18-hour day. Thanks so much to all of you for the great success of our 2012 Campaign. Now, we are counting on your continued support for 2013 and the biggest campaign ever. We have some really great events coming up in the next few months, as we celebrate Israel@65, and I hope to be able to greet and thank each of you personally for your support of our Jewish Federation. Michael and I wish you a Happy, Healthy and Peace-Filled Year! Stay tuned for Israel part three: Shimon Peres & more.
Read the current and previous editions of the Federation Star online at:
www.jewishnaples.org
Past Presidents Gerald Flagel, Dr. William Ettinger, Ann Jacobson, Sheldon Starman, Bobbie Katz
Board Members Emeritus Ann Jacobson Hans Levy Shirley Levy
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
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Federation Star January 2013 WOMEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE
JEWISH FEDERATION www.WomensCulturalAlliance.com / 239-948-0003
WCA makes it easy to “Make New Friends and Keep the Old” By Susan Pittelman, WCA Publicity Chair
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re you new to the Naples area and looking for friends? Have you recently retired and now have time to make new friends? Are you interested in meeting new people and forming more close friendships? Joining the Women’s Cultural Alliance is the solution! WCA has a variety of Social Groups to help you meet other wonderful women (like yourself!). WCA also has a Social Group for couples. Couples Group at WCA The WCA Couples Group, coordinated by Jane Hersch, is in its second year. In order to be part of this group, like all the Social Groups, you have to be a member of WCA . Currently over 400 WCA members have joined this year-round group. (Yes, it meets in the summer, too!) Jane Hersch explained, “We have had dinners at Incas, Miramare, Café Figaro, Real Seafood, and Figs Grille; and dinners are now being planned for May, June and July 2013.” A branch of the Couples
Group, Hand and Foot Canasta for Couples, was formed last season and continues to be very successful. New this season are a cocktail party at an art gallery owned by a WCA member, a musical evening at Bower School of Music at FGCU, and three discussion groups on international topics for “couples only” at Federation, led by a very famous speaker! Dinner Dames Dinner Dames, a successful WCA Social Group, began five years ago to give WCA members a chance to dine together monthly at Naples area restaurants. More than 75 women have participated in this special group. In addition to having a positive dining experience at outstanding restaurants, many of the “Dinner Dames” have become good friends! Coordinator Ferne Walpert said, “Women are encouraged to invite new friends to our dinners – and they do!” If you prefer to socialize at lunch instead of dinner, WCA also offers “Ladies Who Lunch.” Lunches
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Women’s Cultural Alliance Membership Form Please check one: r New r Renewal
are held monthly at local restaurants. Members get to spend time with different women each month, as table seating is randomly assigned. Singles Connection The WCA Singles Connection was formed last year to provide an opportunity for single women to meet and socialize together. Once a month, widowed, divorced and single WCA members get together for dinner, happy hour, theater, a movie or a special program. In October, the Singles Connection enjoyed a beautiful sunset as they dined at La Playa. On Election Day, the group gathered for a (nonpartisan) dinner at the Pelican Bay Sandpiper. They dressed in red, white and blue, and created their own ballots! The Singles Connection met in December for a Chanukah celebration that was a huge success. Everyone enjoyed the grab bag and had fun dressing in blue, white and silver. There are 66 members in the group and about 20 women participate in each Singles Connection event. Singles Connection Coordinator Marilyn Siegel said that participants are very happy for the opportunity to get together. Women have made some new great friends as they continue to have wonderful
times together. WCA Canasta Day High on the list of WCA Social Groups are the women who gather each week to play canasta, a very popular WCA activity. In addition to a weekly canasta game, WCA sponsors an Annual Canasta Day, which this season will be Wednesday, March 13. Co-Chair Hope Abel commented, “Registrations are already streaming in for Canasta Day.” Co-Chair Donna Goldstein added, “Women are calling, emailing and making plans for a table reservation.” Hope and Donna will try to arrange tables for women who do not have a foursome. A delicious lunch, friendship and fun will round out this very special afternoon. This special event, open only to WCA members and their guests, is a social happening not to be missed! Join WCA and discover all that your membership in WCA can bring you – including new friendships! Fill out the membership form on this page today. Check WCA’s website at www.WomensCulturalAlliance. com for additional membership benefits as well as for details about these Social Groups and other programs available to WCA members.
850 members!
WCA now has a membership gift card. Give the gift of membership in WCA to a friend, relative or as a hostess gift for someone who is not yet a member. For more information, please contact Linda Simon, WCA Membership Chair, at lgsimon2947@yahoo.com.
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 January 2013 JEWISH FEDERATION
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January 2013 Federation Star
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You can now make a donation to the Jewish Federation of Collier County’s 2013 Campaign via the web. It’s safe and secure. Simply click on the ‘Donate Now’ link on the ‘Ways to Give’ page at www.JewishNaples. org to get started.
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JEWISH FEDERATION
Federation Star January 2013
Inspiration abounds at General Assembly By Dr. Karen Ezrine, Vice President, Jewish Federation of Collier County
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n November I was honored to represent our Jewish Federation at the General Assembly (GA) of the Jewish Federations of North America in Baltimore – my previous “up north” home. Despite our status as a small Federation, we face the same issues that were the overarching concerns for all city sizes, and echoed throughout the meetings: How do we sustain a vibrant Jewish community when so many young people leave their home towns? How do we engage young leaders in the mission of Federation? What are the mechanisms for reaching out for new ideas and for developing new leadership? How can we continue to take care of our Jewish communities as the needs escalate? The young people who were at the
GA were inspiring, dedicated and so enthusiastic that I felt proud to interact with them. I met a young woman who started programs in wine bars and in Starbucks with Facebook and Twitter, who encouraged her peers to give just $15 a month (that’s only a few lattes!). I met a young man who has a program to address the needs of children of color who are Jewish either because they are adopted or because their parents are bi-racial. I met TaglitBirthright Israel participants who were inspired to engage with Jewish volunteerism because of their Israel experience. These are the people who, because of their emotional attachment to the mission of Federation, will lead the next group of volunteers and donors. They seek connection through
their commitment to tikkun olam – they are the “hands-on” generation. And it was absolutely amazing to hear about the response of Federation to hurricane Sandy. The Emergency Committee quickly convened and immediately allocated money, opened mailboxes in order to collect donations, and mobilized staff in the Washington, D.C. office to distribute the dollars appropriately according to donor intent and the needs of the affected communities. On the ground in New York, local Federations and synagogues had volunteers who worked to provide essential services such as food, clothing and shelter – all this despite personal loss. This is the heart of what Federation does and what we need to keep doing. Every speaker – Elie Wiesel,
Natan Sharansky (Chair of the Federation Board), Michael Siegal, Rabbi Rick Jacobs (Scholar-in-Residence), and David Gergen, to name a very few – addressed what we should be doing to engage this generation in connecting to Jewish volunteerism and to the State of Israel. I was also delighted to have a preview, during two sessions, of what we will be hearing from Rabbi Daniel Gordis at our Evy Lipp People of the Book Cultural event on Wednesday, February 20. We may be assured of an eloquent and stimulating discussion of his views on what Israel stands for as an ethnic nation-state. In 2013, the GA will be held in Israel – as Israel turns 65.
Israel Affairs Committee previews upcoming film By Jeff Margolis
M
embers of the Israel Affairs Committee had the opportunity to screen excepts of the film Israel, Inside at their recent meeting. The film is part of a larger public relations effort to show the nation of Israel in a more positive light. It focuses on Israel’s scientific and technological advances rather than its religious history or military might. The film was presented by Matt Weisbaum, who is part of the Step Up for Israel Project. This project, headquartered in Israel, has developed films for use is high school and
college classrooms as well as for the general public. The purpose is to create outreach education and establish a positive dialogue about Israel. The Committee is exploring the possibility of obtaining rights to show these well-produced films at future events. Israel Inside will be shown as part of the gala Israel@65 event scheduled to take place Sunday, April 14 at Temple Shalom. More information on this festive event will be forthcoming. The Committee also discussed plans for the upcoming Middle East Briefing. This important event fea-
turing Eli Groner, Israel’s Minister for Economic Affairs to the United States, will take place on Wednesday, January 16 at 2:00 p.m. in the Naples Daily News Community Room, 1100 Immokalee Road. This event is free and open to the public. Please confirm your attendance by visiting www. aipac.org/Naples or call Jacki Waksman at 954.653.9053 or Melissa Keel at 239.263.4205. This event is off the record and is closed to the media. The Israel Affairs Committee welcomes Alan Gordon as a new member.
Be sure to see Section B for more Jewish Happenings in our area in January and February.
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COMMUNITY FOCUS 9A January 2013 Federation Star
January 2013 Federation Star
9A
Bountiful holiday season for JFCS Dr. Jaclynn Faffer JFCS Executive Director
T
he 2012 holiday season, including Thanksgiving and Hanukkah, was a bountiful one for Jewish Family & Community Services of Southwest Florida and the individuals we serve, thanks to the generosity of so many good friends in the community. Thanksgiving Twenty-eight families who are part of the JFCS Financial Assistance program received complete turkey dinners thanks to the generosity of donors from the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island and an anonymous JFCS board member.
Hanukkah Ten families with children received beautifully wrapped gift boxes and baskets filled with thoughtful and creative presents such as gift cards to local stores and restaurants, family membership to the Naples Zoo, age-appropriate toys and clothing, and something special for Mom and Dad, as well! A very heartfelt “Thank You” to Tracey Albert for organizing her group of friends to perform such a mitzvah. Approximately 30 seniors, all participants in the JFCS Senior Outreach and Support program, enjoyed a very special Hanukkah “Just Lunch” generously sponsored by Beth Tikvah. Two chefs brought smiles to everyone’s face as they prepared omelets to order. “Just Lunch” is a monthly lunch program where seniors get together to schmooze and enjoy good food and good times.
tact me at jfaffer@jfcsswfl.org or Thank you to all for helping JFCS 239.325.4444. make the holiday season brighter for JFCS has many exciting plans for those we serve. 2013, including the expansion of our We are all looking forward to volunteer program. I look forward to “Planting Seeds for Better Tomortelling you more about it in the next rows,” an evening to celebrate JFCS’s edition of the Federation Star. A ever expanding impact in our comHappy and Healthy 2013 to all! munity. Invitations are out and responses are coming in! The evening takes place at the Naples Botanical Garden on Tuesday, January 15. Carol Weisman, President of Board Builders, internationally known speaker, author, trainer and consultant, will discuss her book, Raising Charitable Children. Myra and Mort Friedman and Carol and Marv Lader are chairing the event. For more 30 seniors enjoyed a Hanukkah “Just Lunch” information, please con-
GenShoah invites public to presentation marking 70th anniversary of Warsaw Ghetto uprising By Ida Margolis
G
enerations of the Shoah of SW Florida’s (GenShoah) next meeting will be held on Sunday, January 20 at 4:30 p.m. at the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida. Following a brief discussion of agenda items, Gerry Melnick, former Director of the Holocaust Resource Center at Kean University in New Jersey, will give a history of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising which began Gerry Melnick in January 1943. Between the months of July and September 1942, about 350,000 Jews were transported from the ghetto to the death camp of Treblinka. Approximately 50,000 remained in the ghetto yet to be transported to the death camp. From those remaining, a cadre formed the ZOB, a Jewish fighting group with the avowed purpose of resisting further deportations. The
January deportations were the impetus to the Warsaw Ghetto uprising which was the largest Jewish uprising in German-occupied Europe. It was also symbolically very important and was an inspiration for other ghetto uprisings. After Gerry’s presentation, Ida Margolis will give an overview of Warsaw, a musical drama that commemorates the Warsaw Ghetto uprising. Musical numbers from the show will be presented. Anyone interested in the history of the Holocaust and particularly in
The Naples Jewish Caring Support Group
W
hen engulfed with stress, have you ever craved the closeness you once had with family and friends? For the last four years the Naples Jewish Caring Support Group has provided us with a safe and friendly environment. Talking through our pent-up emotions is possible because we know confidentiality is paramount with our group. We have become a cohesive, understanding and sensitive group of men and women who give each other the gift of experiential wisdom. We are led by a retired psychotherapist, Florette Kahn. Florette practiced with her husband for over twenty-five years in New Jersey, doing individual and
group therapy. She is in the discipline of Clinical Social Work, holds an MSW degree and is licensed (LCSW). Phyllis Lazear assists her and is a retired educator from Ohio. We welcome new members. We meet in the Temple Shalom Chapel the second and fourth Mondays of each month, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. This is a free service to the entire Jewish community. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information, please call Phyllis at 239.352.2907.
Next meetings: January 14 & 28
the history of Jewish resistance during the Holocaust is invited to attend. In addition, any community members who are survivors or relatives of survivors are extended a special invitation and asked to contact Ida Margolis prior to the meeting. The mission of GenShoah is: the promotion of Holocaust educa-
tion, preservation of memories of the Holocaust, connection of Second Generation members to one another, and support of the Holocaust Museum and Education Center of SW Florida. For information on GenShoah, please contact me at ida.margolis2@ gmail.com or 239.963.9347.
JEWISH INTEREST
10A Federation Star January 2013
Elections, anniversaries, and the Nazis By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD, Professor of History, Director, Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies, FGCU
I
n thinking about the recent election here in the United States, my mind went back to a series of elections that occurred some eight decades ago in Germany. There, throughout 1932, the Weimar Republic was under siege from anti-democratic forces bent on its destruction. The two major parties attracting votes, the Nazis and the Communists, were Dr. Paul Bartrop both dedicated to overthrowing the republic and establishing their own form of totalitarian rule. It is often said that Adolf Hitler was elected into office, but the fact is that in a presidential election in March 1932, Hitler only received 36.8% of the popular vote compared to President Paul von Hindenburg’s 53%. In the last free election he faced, his share of the popular vote actually decreased. At elections for the Reichstag in 1933, the Nazis went down from 37.27% in July to 33.09% in December. The longer Hitler went through 1932, the less the German people
seemed to want him. With this in mind, and again with our own recent election before me, I was attracted to a facsimile of a New York Times headline from January 30, 1933: “Hitler Made Chancellor of Germany but Coalition Cabinet Limits Power; Centrists Hold Balance in Reichstag.” I had seen this headline many times before, but perhaps my sensibilities were more acute on this occasion. Note the language employed by the Times: “coalition cabinet limits power,” and “centrists hold balance in Reichstag.” In January 1933 there were genuine thoughts that Hitler could be reined in and that, perhaps, his anti-democratic and anti-Semitic expressions would settle down now that he had been appointed to high office. And herein is the rub: he was appointed. In a bid to bring some stability to what had been an impossibly unstable situation, President Hindenburg engaged Hitler in a caretaker capacity until truly democratic elections could be held, in a coalition government where the Nazis held only three cabinet positions. Hitler, it was anticipated, would do the dirty work
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of getting rid of the Communists, and then the traditional order would resume. As one member of an elite family was reputed to have said of Hitler’s appointment, in a well-known jibe, “we’ve hired him.” On the evening of January 30, 1933, Hitler was seen standing at an open window watching a torchlight parade of 25,000 Nazi troops march through the streets of Berlin. Beaming, he is said to have exclaimed, “No power on Earth will get me out of here alive.” It was an appropriate comment on how he viewed this supreme success. Within a month he had placed himself in such a position of authority that he was able to manipulate circumstances so as to suspend the constitution, entrench himself in office (still in an emergency capacity), and, within two months, establish the country’s first concentration camp at Dachau. Even then, in spite of all that and massive voter intimidation, he only attracted 43.91% of the vote at new elections on March 5, 1933, still not enough for an absolute majority. After this, Hitler gave up on asking the German people what they wanted. By March 23, with the help of his Nationalist Party coalition col-
leagues, he had passed an Enabling Act which allowed the Cabinet to enact laws, without the approval of the Reichstag, for an initial four-year period. Within four months, all other parties had been eliminated and Germany was a one-party state. This month thus sees another of those important anniversaries in our history. Hindenburg’s miscalculation in appointing Hitler as caretaker Chancellor led to disaster for Germany, for Europe, and for the world – and, of course, for the Jewish people. Perhaps things could not quite have been foreseen that way at the time, though as we know, when we see things with 20/20 hindsight everything becomes much clearer. Before January 30, 1933, Germany possessed what was, on paper, arguably the most democratic constitution in the world. After then, Hitler managed to destroy that constitution and establish his dictatorship in a matter of months. The knowledge of this should give us all pause, and reflect on the many checks and balances our own democratic system, thankfully, demands.
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.
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11A JEWISH INTEREST Federation Star January 2013
January 2013 Federation Star
11A
Freedom Sunday’s 25th anniversary – a reminder of what’s possible By David Harris, Executive Director, AJC, December 4, 2012
E
xactly 25 years ago on December 6, more than 250,000 people gathered in Washington to call on the Kremlin to open the gates and let Soviet Jews emigrate. Freedom Sunday, as it came to be known, was the largest Jewish-organized gathering in American history. The timing was not random. Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev was scheduled to meet with U.S. President Ronald Reagan the next day. It was to be the Soviet leader’s first official visit to the U.S. In 1987, the number of Jews allowed to leave the USSR was pitifully low. Many Soviet Jews continued to languish in the Gulag for their activism, while some refusenik families were living in limbo behind the Iron Curtain for years counted in double digits. I had the privilege of serving as the national coordinator of Freedom Sunday. It was an exhilarating and inspiring experience, but it had its challenges. First, we had barely five weeks’ notice of Gorbachev’s arrival date to
plan the event. The myriad details, big and small, made it a 24/7 job for the dedicated team in charge of assembling the pieces. Second, the record attendance for a Jewish rally in Washington was 12,000 to 13,000 people. That was to support Israel in a defining time of war.
from a given city or college campus, then an amended report of two, or three, or four or five. Anecdotally, organizers also began hearing about those planning to show up who had never attended a protest rally but felt this was history in the making and wanted to be a part of it. It was especially noteworthy to
Much credit goes to Natan Sharansky, who insisted there be a mass rally and set the goal at 250,000 participants. Frankly, no one had a clue how we would attain the number, but Sharansky was not easy to dissuade. What would our number look like against that unimpressive backdrop? Could a poor turnout actually damage the Soviet Jewry cause by signaling to the Kremlin a low level of interest in the issue? And third, despite the impression of a united Soviet Jewry movement, there were deep fissures between the so-called establishment and the activists – in typical Jewish fashion. Would everyone put aside their perceived differences and stand together as one for this single day? Much credit goes to Natan Sharansky, the legendary prisoner of conscience who spent nine years in the Soviet camps and was released in 1986, for setting the organizers’ sights high. He insisted there be a mass rally and set the goal at 250,000 participants. Frankly, no one had a clue how we would attain the number, but Sharansky, given his courageous and principled history, was not easy to dissuade. It was extraordinary to watch those five weeks of preparation unfold. Most striking was to see the response of Jewish communities across the United States, in Canada and in other countries. Reports would trickle in of one bus or planeload
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see how many times people referred to the Holocaust, saying that American Jews needed to learn the lessons of history and speak out. In the end, more than 250,000 people participated. The weather was brisk but sunny. We had no shortage of prominent speakers, including Vice President George H.W. Bush. Media coverage was extensive. Indeed, Voice of America broadcast the rally to Soviet listeners, which we later learned was a huge morale boost for Jewish listeners. And as history has recorded, when Reagan and Gorbachev met in the Oval Office the next day, the American leader cited the rally as an unmistakable expression of public
opinion and urged his Soviet counterpart to heed the message. The rest, as they say, is history. The gates began to open ever wider, and more and more Soviet Jews left. Eventually, more than a million Russian-speaking Jews settled in Israel, profoundly transforming the country and revitalizing the Zionist spirit. Unexpectedly, Germany became the fastest-growing Diaspora community in the world, with tens of thousands of new arrivals from the Soviet space. And the U.S. drew hundreds of thousands, to the point where more than 10 percent of the Jewish community hails from the Soviet Union or now, in one of my favorite sets of initials, the FSU. Not only is this history important as a remarkable chapter in the Jewish journey that should be far better known, but also it can serve as a case study in what is possible, against all the odds, if only the Jewish people stand together, persevere and join forces with others of good will. December 6 is a date worth celebrating for what it achieved – and as a telling reminder of what is possible. David Harris is the executive director of the American Jewish Committee. He served as national coordinator for Freedom Sunday for Soviet Jewry, December 6, 1987.
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12A Federation Star January 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. Still Showing in Many Theaters On December 13, The Guilt Trip, a comedy, opened in theaters. It’s about Joyce Brewster, a Jewish mother (played by BARBRA STREISAND, 70), and Andy Brewster, her inventor son (played by actor SETH ROGEN, 30). The Brewsters take a 3,000-mile road trip across America, driving from New Jersey to San Francisco. Along the way, Andy tries to sell his invention. Rogen and Streisand were interviewed last month by Time magazine’s JOEL STEIN. Rogen immediately revealed that the whole “road trip” took place in a studio not far from Streisand’s Malibu, California home. Rogen added that he and Streisand never sang together during breaks in filming. But she did regale him with “war” stories: like turning down a proposition from Marlon Brando and smoking pot with the late English comic actor PETER SELLERS (whose mother was Jewish). Streisand told Stein she was going to pass on the movie because she had long limited herself to supporting parts (like Meet the Fockers) in which her role was filmed in a week. However, not long after, Streisand said, she read the Guilt script out loud with her son, and he thought she should do it. Her “yes” decision was also influenced by the prospect of working with Rogen. She said about Rogen, “I’d seen a few of [his movies]. I was a little shocked because I’m sort of a prude. He just said that? He showed that? Oh my God! But I thought he’s really cool. So I thought, yeah, good. Two different generations put together.” The Guilt Trip was written by DAN FOGELMAN, 40. He wrote the very charming animated film Cars (2006) and the intelligent romantic comedy-drama hit Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011). Schedule to open on Tuesday, December 25, are Les Miserables and Parental Guidance. The former is a film adaptation of the enormous musical stage hit. The original French musical was written by two French Jews (CLAUDE-MICHEL SCHONBERG, 67, music; and ALAIN BOUBIL, 72 lyrics), and the English lyrics are by HERBERT
KRETZMER, 87, a South-African born English Jew. The film stars Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe, and Hugh Jackman. SACHA BARON COHEN, 41, has a supporting role (Monsieur Thénardier, a thief). Parental Guidance stars BILLY CRYSTAL, 64, as a grandfather who is accustomed to calling the shots, with BETTE MIDLER, 67, as his much mellower wife. Things get testy when Crystal tries to use his “oldschool methods” when babysitting his grandkids. Hunky Hebrews The annual People magazine “Sexiest Man Alive” issue hit the newsstands in late November. Actor Channing Tatum was on the cover – which means he holds the title for this year. By my count, there are 19 Jewish guys depicted in the issue – but realize there is a hierarchy of “sexiness” based on the size of the guy’s photo. “The best” is a full-body shot photo and these guys got that honor: JAKE GYLLENHAAL, 31, PAUL RUDD, 43, MAX GREENFIELD, 32 (New Girl), singer MICHAEL BOLTON, 59, and ALEX KARPOVSKY, 30ish. Karpovsky, a respected indie filmmaker, plays Ray Ploshansky on HBO’s Girls. Ray manages a coffee shop and is close friends with Charlie, a lead character. A recurring character in the first season, Ray will be a regular character in the 2nd season, starting in January. Karpovsky is the only child of Russian Jewish immigrants. His father teaches computer science at Boston Univ. On Dave Brubeck: a Mensch Famous jazz musician and composer Dave Brubeck died on December 5 at age 91. Many wrongly assumed he was Jewish. Born a Protestant, he converted to Catholicism in 1990. His great mentor and teacher was DARIUS MILHAUD (1884-1974), a famous French Jewish composer who fled France after the Nazi invasion and taught in California until France was liberated. Brubeck named his first son, Darius, after Milhaud. Brubeck was the composer of Gates of Justice (1968), a cantata based on Jewish texts and the writ-
Naples Jewish Congregation OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, January 27, 2-4pm United Unitarian Congregation 6340 Napa Woods Way, Naples We welcome prospective members to join us in a friendly afternoon of information, discussion and music. We would like you to get to know us.
For questions and further details, call Rabbi Sylvin Wolf at 239.234.6366.
JEWISH INTEREST
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. ings of Dr. Martin Luther King that was commissioned by the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. In 2005, Brubeck composed The Commandments, a work whose genesis he attributed to his World War II army experiences – the conflict between the carnage of war and the commandment “Thou Shalt Not Kill.” Brubeck was a great friend of
the Milken Archive of American Music, and LOWELL MILKEN, the founder of the Archive, said this right after Brubeck’s death: “His work will continue to speak an eternal message of hope for the brotherhood of man.” A tribute to Brubeck, and recordings of the two works described above, can be found (and listened to) at www. milkenarchive.org.
YIDDISH CLUB OF NAPLES
meets the 1 and 3rd Tuesday of December, January, February, March and April at 10:00am at Temple Shalom 4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples st
You don’t have to speak Yiddish to enjoy. You just have to enjoy hearing it spoken, read or sung.
Come Schmooze and Enjoy!
The meaning of chutzpah
C
hutzpah is a Yiddish word meaning gall, brazen nerve, effrontery, sheer guts plus arrogance. Leo Rosten writes, “no other word and no other language” can do it justice. Here are two stories that demonstrate the essence of chutzpah: A little old lady sold pretzels on a street corner for 25 cents each. Every day a young man would leave his office building at lunch time, and as he passed the pretzel stand, he would leave her a quarter, but never take a pretzel. This went on for more than three years. The two of them never spoke. One day, as the young man passed the old lady’s stand and left his quarter as usual, the pretzel lady spoke to him. Without blinking an eye she said: “They’re 35 cents now.” ~~~ An old Jewish bubby climbs onto a crowded bus. Standing in front of a seated young man she clutches her chest and says, “Oy! If you knew
what I had, you’d get up and give me your seat.” The man looks at the old woman, and feeling sympathy, gives up his seat. The woman sitting beside the bubby takes out a fan and starts to fan herself. Grasping her chest, the bubby turns and says, “If you knew what I have, you would give me that fan.” The woman gives her the fan. Fifteen minutes later the woman gets up and says to the bus driver, “Stop, I want to get off here.” The driver says, “Sorry, lady, but the bus stop is at the next corner. I can’t stop in the middle of the block.” Again, the old woman clutches her chest and says, “If you knew what I have, you would let me out right here.” Worried, the bus driver pulls over and lets her out. As she’s climbing down the stairs, he asks, “Ma’am, what is it, exactly, that you have? “ She smiles sweetly at him. “Chutzpah,” she says.
JEWISH INTEREST 13A Federation Star January 2013
An impassioned debut novel about the Nazi campaign against “degenerate art” By Philip K. Jason, Special to the Federation Star taken on a major role in the Nazi project. The Nazi ixing romance and horror, plan is to steal history and imagination, or otherwise high art and double-dealing confiscate the artifice, Lisa Barr has fashioned a decadent artdynamic page-turner of young artists works and sell caught up in the Nazis’ rise to power them at top and their leaders’ attempted control prices to help fill the Nazi coffers. over the definition, Julian becomes involved as a sort of sanctioning and purspy, and both he and Rene end up poses of art. severely beaten and imprisoned in We first meet YaDachau for their attempts to thwart kov Klein as a young the Nazi plan. It seems almost incichild, then as a redental that Julian, Rene and Adrienne bellious teenager in are Jewish, for Ms. Barr’s emphasis Phil Jason an Orthodox Chicago suggests that the art issue is looming family. Chafing at the restraints that much larger than the ethnic issue at surround him, Yakov feels compelled this time (early and mid-1930s). to replace his traditional Judaism with Lisa Barr’s own literary brushthe religion of art. Learning about art strokes carry all the colors of passion. and becoming an artist drive him to As she builds her characters, sets her abandon his roots and strike out on scenes, and considers the power of his own, first in New York, and later art and artistic genius, she paints a in Paris. very rich canvas. Her descriptions As Julian Klein, he sets aside his of artworks and of artists at work opportunity to attend a reputable Paris are dazzling, evoking the longings, art school to team up with his new, adfears, manias, and even the hatreds venturous friends and learn from their released in the kaleidoscope of colors master teacher. The bonds between and shapes. There is a lushness of deFelix, Rene and Julian grow powerful, scriptive imagery that is intoxicating, as they spur each other on to finding though it is sometimes overdone. their true styles and subjects. Their Fugitive Colors is, in part, a degree of mutual support is frequently celebration of youth, self-discovery, compromised by their extreme comloyalty and infatuation. Julian over petitiveness. And they compete not and over again acts against his best only for artistic supremacy but for the interests in his subordination to beautiful young women Rene’s needs, enthusi– fellow artist Adrienne asm and plans of action. and unscrupulous model As an intermediary beCharlotte – who are part tween Rene and Felix, of their circle. he walks a careful and The competition is dangerous line. His relaprimarily between the tionships with Adrienne enormously talented Rene and Charlotte are part and the ambitious but of a complex puzzle of mediocre Felix. Rene’s shifting erotic patterns. success embitters Felix, It is ironic that a though he keeps up the novel so concerned with Lisa Barr semblance of friendship. celebrating the joy of art Julian tends to be the peacemaker, a and artistic sensibility is also a novel satellite figure who needs more time that explores the murderous ends of to find his own direction. ambition and jealousy, both on the Their personal stories, romances, individual and the collective scale. and dizzying artistic enterprise beExtreme passion seems to obey no come more and more folded into the laws but its own. story of Hitler’s rise and its effects on Fugitive Colors has a cinematic the world of European art. Just as Nazi feel. I can’t keep from trying to cast policy will include an ethnic cleansthe parts for a blockbuster film based ing of non-Aryan populations, most on this novel. Such qualities have notably Jews, it will also include a already been recognized: the manucultural cleansing of what it considers script won first prize at the Hollywood depraved art. Guess what? It considers Film Festival for “Best Unpublished all of the revolutionary schools of art Manuscript.” Read it and you’ll see developed in the early 20th century to what I mean. be decadent and thus a threat to the Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeritus Uber Race. of English from the United States Julian, Rene and others fight to Naval Academy. He reviews regusave the art, the artists and the gallarly for the Naples edition of Florida lery owners (Rene’s father prominent Weekly and for Fort Myers Magazine. among them) who create or foster For more of Phil’s insights and rethe iconoclastic modern and conviews, as well as literature/publishtemporary masters. Felix, by now, ing links, visit his website at www. has returned to his German roots and philjason.wordpress.com. Fugitive Colors, by Lisa Barr. GIRLilla Warfare Press. 398 pages. $12.95 trade paperback.
January 2013 Federation Star
13A
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SIGN UP FOR THE FEDERATION’S WEEKLY COMMUNITY eNEWSLETTER! Get the latest information on upcoming community events and cultural activities, news from Israel and lots more. Send an email to info@jewishnaples.org or visit www.jewishnaples.org.
FLORIDA MONTH FLORIDAJEWISH JEWISHHISTORY HISTORY MONTH SPECIALEVENT EVENT SPECIAL THE FRIENDS OF THE COLLIER LIBRARY AND THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF COLLIER COUNTY PRESENT
THE ANNUAL NAPLES KLEZMER REVIVAL BAND CONCERT FEATURING: Stu Warshauer, Director & Fiddle; Jane Galler, Vocalist & Guitar; Marty Cohn, Clarinet; Art Isenberg, Keyboard; Arnold Saslovsky, Drums; Dick Johnson, Accordion; Perry Switzen, Bass; Jason Flegel, Keyboard & Accordion
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16 at 6:00PM COLLIER COUNTY SOUTH REGIONAL LIBRARY 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway CALL 239.252.7542 FOR RESERVATIONS
14A Federation Star January 2013
Tributes to the UJA Federation Campaign
To: From:
TRIBUTES
Tributes
Rick Bobrow & Beth Grossman & Family In memory of Rick’s beloved brother, Michael Bobrow David Willens Carol & Bill Goldman Rosalee & Jerry Bogo
To: From:
David Willens and Family In memory of your beloved wife, Shereen Willens Delores & Sheldon Levin Simonne & Dr. Alexander Kott Livia & Phil Kades Shirley & Sid Zetzer Reesa & Larry Yarkin Sunie & Lee Levin Bella Gutshtein & Boris Sandler Belina Garazi Nagar Jan & Marc Gerber
To: From:
David Willens In memory of my beloved mother, Shereen Willens Elissa Plancher & Jason Dix
To: From:
Gracia & Merrill Kuller In memory of your beloved son, Jeffrey Kuller Marilyn Weinstein Rosalee & Jerry Bogo
To: From:
Thelma Goldman & Family In memory of your beloved husband, Paul Goldman Louisa & Sid Kaye
To: From:
Robert & Pamela Cahners In memory of Robert’s beloved mother, Helene Cahners-Kaplan Rosalee & Jerry Bogo
To: Bep Sukaskas In honor of your 90th birthday From: Sandra & Norman Shapiro To: From:
Saundra & Erwin Neiman In honor of the Bar Mitzvah of your grandson, Seth Neiman Sylvia & Judge Lewis Whitman Thelma & Harvey Sandberg
To: Arlene & Bob Subin In honor of your special anniversary From: Ellie & Dan O’Brien
To: Dr. Jeffrey Shein In honor of your special birthday From: Ellen & Larry Sanderson To: Kathy Dibiase & Family In memory of Roselyn Weiner From: Pearl K. Brostoff, Ph.D.
To: From:
Dovie Melnick & Family In memory of your beloved husband, Dr. Irving Melnick David Willens
To: Ron Goldsmith Wishing you a speedy recovery From: David Willens To: From:
Annette Pakula & Family In memory of your beloved husband, Larry Kessel Ellie & Dan O’Brien Ellen & Dr. Gary Gersh Phyllis & Michael Seaman Rosalee & Jerry Bogo
To: From:
Sheila & Howard Agranat In memory of Sheila’s beloved brother, David Wolf Helen & Dr. Edward Rosenthal Thelma & Harvey Sandberg
To: Marcy & Jon Bigel In honor of your wedding, November 24 From: Phyllis & Michael Seaman
The Jewish Federation of Collier County extends: • Condolences to Thelma Goldman and family on the passing of her beloved husband, Paul Goldman • Condolences to the family of Ms. Anne Sekuler on the passing of their beloved • Condolences to Annette Pakula and family on the passing of her husband, Larry Kessel • Condolences to Rick Bobrow & Beth Grossman & family on the passing of Rick’s beloved brother, Michael Bobrow • Condolences to Dovie & Stuart Melnick & families on the passing of their beloved husband and father, Dr. Irving Melnick • Condolences to Norman Pearlmutter & family on the passing of his beloved sister, Dr. Deanna (Dee) Pearlmutter
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JEWISH INTEREST 15A Federation Star January 2013
January 2013 Federation Star
15A
Open call for food-related memorabilia for upcoming Jewish Museum of Florida exhibit Items considered for “Jews & Food” exhibit to open in Fall 2013
I
n Jewish life, food is often a basis for gathering with friends and family to observe and celebrate traditions and life cycle events. The Jewish Museum of Florida (JMOF) is hosting an open call for food and service industry memorabilia for its upcoming exhibit about Jewish culture, community and food. From the pierogies of Poland to the salsas of South America, this ex-
hibition will comprise a wide range of historic items that tell the story of Floridian Jews in the food industry – those who were or still are involved in growing, preparing, distributing, cooking and serving the foods we love. Examples of items that will be considered include menus, advertisements, old photographs, cutlery, napkins, recipes, unique serving platters and other one-of-a-kind souvenirs,
mementos or keepsakes. Since there is no one food or food group that the Florida Jewish community can call its own, JMOF is collecting artifacts and photographs to represent a diverse range of cultural backgrounds from all over the state. Those interested in having items considered for inclusion in the exhibit should contact the Museum’s Assistant Curator, Jackie Goldstein, at 786.972.3166 or asstcu rator@jewishmuseum. com. All submissions must be received by Tuesday, January 15. About the Jewish Museum of Florida The Jewish Museum of Florida is the only museum dedicated to Engler Soup Kitchen in 1929: Abram Engler and telling the story of 250 1940s match book from Cooper’s Restaurant, son-in-law Louis Epstein ran a soup kitchen for the years of Florida Jewish located on 22nd Street in Miami Beach unemployed. Engler donated all of the food. heritage, arts and culture. The Museum is housed in two adjacent lovingly restored historic buildings, at 301 Washington Avenue on South Beach, that were once of nominations of women in diverse he Jewish Museum of Florida, synagogues for Miami Beach’s first professions, from fire fighters to fothe only Museum dedicated to Jewish congregation. telling the story of 250 years of rensic artists.” A Collections and Research CenThe Breaking the Glass Ceiling Florida Jewish heritage, arts and culter, several films, Timeline Wall of ture, is proud to announce its search Award was established by the Jewish Jewish History, Museum Store filled Museum of Florida in 1995. More for nominations for its Breaking the with unique items, and Bessie’s Bistro than 75 outstanding winners have Glass Ceiling Awards. This annual complete the experience for visitors. award is presented to women who been honored with this distinction to date, from a wide variety of fields such have broken the proverbial glass ceiling in professional fields that are noras banking, politics, law, aviation, journalism, sports and entertainment. mally dominated by men. Nominees are also judged based upon activities The awards program, featuring the honorees discussing the obstacles they in the Jewish and civic communities faced and how they broke through the and serving as role models for other “glass ceiling,” is always an uplifting women. The deadline for nominations experience. The 2013 Breaking the is Friday, January 25 at 5:00 p.m. “While there have been outstandGlass Awards ceremony will take ing strides made by Jewish profesplace on Sunday, April 21. sional women throughout the state, To nominate a woman for the it is important that we continue to award, visit www.jewishmuseum. recognize these women as an inspiracom and download the nomination tion to others to aim for the stars,” said guidelines and official form. Forms Jo Ann Arnowitz, Executive Director and further information may also be of Jewish Museum of Florida. “We requested by calling 786.972.3164. encourage the Florida community Event sponsors (as of November to nominate women who they feel 26) include Isabel Bernfeld Anderson are worthy of this honor. Each year and Mr. Kenneth and Barbara Bloom, we receive a fascinating assortment Ph.D.
Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Museum is open daily 1960 menu from Michel’s Restaurant in 10:00 a.m. to Kosher Miami Beach 5:00 p.m. except Mondays, and civil and Jewish holidays. Admission: Adults/$6; Seniors/$5; Families/$12; Members and children under 6/always free; Saturdays/free. For more information, call 305.672.5044 or visit www. jewishmuseum.com.
Museum seeks 2013 Breaking The Glass Ceiling Award nominations
T
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16A Federation Star January 2013
ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD
Across the nation, campuses respond to escalation in Israel By Ryan Yuffe, Jaime Sloane and Talya Feldman, Israel Campus Beat Reporters, November 20, 2012
A
s soon as hostilities between Israel and the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip escalated last week, Israel supporters on campuses across the country leapt into action to share information with their peers. While the Israel Defense Forces and multiple Israeli organizations are using social media to make the case for Operation Pillar of Defense, campus Israel advocates have been writing in their campus newspapers and organizing rallies, events and educational programs. Members of the Zionist Gators, a
pro-Israel group at the University of Florida, used Facebook to publicize a hastily organized event, “UF Stands With Israel Rally,” for the next day. More than 200 students congregated in Turlington Plaza for two hours, where they waved Israeli flags and signs in support of Israel, sang Hebrew songs and chanted “UF stands with Israel.” “A lot of us feel helpless toward the situation because we’re so far away,” said UF junior Tova Miller. “The rally was a great way to unite pro-Israel students, giving us
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a voice by bringing our community together.” At Rutgers University, a steady flow of students participated in a campus rally as they were running to and from classes. Additionally, organizers asked unaffiliated students to sign a petition, and Rutgers junior Alex Zeldin said that more than 400 affixed their names. “We will follow up,” he said, “as many expressed interest in calling their congressional representatives for pro-Israel reasons.” At George Mason University (GMU) in Washington, D.C., 25 pro-Israel students pulled together a last-minute flyering forum in response to an anti-Israel protest. Students reported that Gaza supporters shouted offensive comments into the crowd such as, “Why don’t you blow up some peanut factories because peanut allergies kill more Israelis than rockets do.” Israel-supporters sought to counter the distorted information by distributing leaflets detailing the recent missile strikes against Gaza. For many of the pro-Israel students involved, this was their first conflict-response event. GMU Hillel Director Ross Diamond expressed pride at the mature and productive manner in which the students handled the situation. “Despite having to hear heinous and despicable things from anti-Israel protestors, the
students were able to create a forum for dialogue which addressed the issues while providing a safe space on campus for students to participate and engage their peers,” he said. “Students laid their emotional lives on the line in support of the State, and showed their love for Israel far beyond what anyone could have ever imagined.” While many student groups have organized campus events in support of Israel, others have joined with the broader, off-campus, community. On Tuesday night, students from multiple campuses attended a citywide rally organized by Boston’s Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) at Congregation Mishkan Tefila, in the Boston area. According to estimates, approximately 2,000 people packed the room to hear Jewish lay leaders and politicians from throughout Massachusetts speak. Israel advocates from Brandeis University, Boston University (BU), Tufts University and Northeastern University were all present at the rally. Governor Deval Patrick expressed his solidarity with the people of Israel and the pro-Israel community. “I came here tonight to stand with my friends,” Patrick said. “To stand with my friends who are worried sick about their friends and
continued on next page
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January 2013 ISRAEL & THE WORLD 17A Federation StarJEWISH continued from previous page their family, here and in Israel. And… to stand with all of those who, like me, yearn for peace.” Noting that the crowd included children, teens, parents and grandparents, in addition to students, BU sophomore Anita Knopov said, “I thought the sense of community was incredible. Israel has the support of so many towns and states in America.” “The rally was truly amazing,” added Brandeis sophomore David Koas. “It’s great to see so many different people from the entire Boston area come together to support such an important cause.” In Chicago, students from Loyola University, DePaul University, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and other campuses participated in a community rally in support of Israel on Tuesday at the Thompson Center in downtown Chicago that drew hundreds of people from the area. “It is good to see other people supporting your side,” said DePaul University junior Grace Ruggiero, who is president of her school’s Hillel. “As students, we face a lot of antiSemitism and anti-Israel speech, so coming to a rally like this has made me feel a lot better, and made me realize that I am not alone.” Other students at the Chicago rally said their efforts focused on sharing messages about Israel as widely as possible. “We need to show a variety of people that this is an issue for everybody,” said Alex Amchislavskiy, a
senior and Hillel president at Loyola University, “and that Israel is one of the greatest countries in the world.” Students from BU and Tufts University have organized to publish an opinion piece in the Boston Globe, detailing Israel’s justified actions in the recent escalations, according to Jack Goldberg, a junior and the AIPAC campus liaison at BU. More than 10 Israel groups from schools throughout New England have cosigned the opinion piece, which he hopes will be published in the coming days. As an Israeli attending college in the United States, Nate Chertok, a junior at UIC and co-founder of his school’s Students for Israel group, said that initiating conversations and raising awareness among his fellow students is an important part of the battle. “If we aren’t going to do it, who will?” Chertok asked. “The war isn’t only there. It is also here. We have to fight on both fronts.” Sometimes, campus events bring brief glimpses of hope. The UF rally last week was countered by about a dozen students representing Students for Justice in Palestine who chanted “Free Palestine” and distributed antiIsrael pamphlets. At one point, however, students from SJP and the larger pro-Israel rally came together, chanting in unison, “We want peace!” Visit www.israelcampusbeat.org for the latest Israel trends and events on campus.
January 2013 Federation Star
17A
Fed Cup V
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.
13
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.
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18A Federation Star January 2013
ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD
President Peres receives credentials of new ambassadors From the Office of the President
P
resident Peres met this morning (December 4) with the new Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto at a formal ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem in which five new ambassadors, among them Archbishop Lazzarotto, presented their Letters of Credence to President Peres. President Peres congratulated Archbishop Lazzarotto on his position and said, “I have the highest regard for His Holiness and I was glad to see that he started to Tweet. Today we have the best relationship between Israel and the Holy See in the last 2,000 years. That is the main story and I hope those relations will continue to improve. We feel that the relationship now is deeper and wider than ever before, a relationship that looks to the future.” President Peres added that in Israel, “There is an attempt by the
thing is to have goodwill and look countries. I am certain that you will heads of the three religions to make peace, peace amongst the people not for what we have in common, what make a real contribution in expanding the cooperation between us in many just the governments. It’s a great unites us, and always find a common fields of endeavor.” way to walk together. We should work contribution because religion has a The five new ambassadors together for peace, for good underspiritual impact upon people, which thanked the president for the honor is no less important than material standing and for dialogue.” of serving in Israel and for the chance President Peres also accepted strength. It is peace that we need more of contributing to the strengthening of than anything else, peace in faith and the credentials of four other ambasrelations and broadening cooperation sadors: peace in our daily lives.” ¡¡ H.E. Mr. Pjer Šimunović, with their countries. They noted the President Shimon Peres also welAmbassador of Croatia warm welcome they have enjoyed comed Pope Benedict XVI to Twitter ¡¡ H.E. Mr. Andreas Bau, since their arrival in Israel. with a special Tweet which read: Ambassador of Switzerland “Your holiness, welcome to Twitter. For the Israel@65 innovation ¡¡ H.E. Mr. Jaideep Sarkar, Our relations with the Vatican are Ambassador of India at their best and can form a basis to article as well as 12 BRIEFS, ¡¡ H.E. Count John Cornet further peace everywhere.” JEWISH Cd’Elzius, ONGREGATION OF MARCO ISLAND please see pages 8B-11B. Archbishop Lazzarotto said to Ambassador of JEWISHWITH CBelgium ONGREGATION OF MARCO THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF ICSLAND OLLIER COUNTY President Peres, “I have IN theCOOPERATION pleasure ~~~ President wished the am- OF COLLIER COUNTY and honor to convey to IN your ExcelCOOPERATION WITH THE JPeres EWISH FEDERATION PRESENTS For daily news stories related bassadors success and said, “I wellency cordial greetings from His HoliTHE SIDNEY R.PRESENTS HOFFMAN MEMORIALto Israel & the Jewish world, ness Pope Benedict. He sends cordial come you to Israel. We will do all THEcanSIDNEY HOFFMAN MEMORIAL greetings to you and through you to we to helpR.you in your mission visit www.jewishnaples.org. of deepening relations between our the people of Israel. The important
See See
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Jewish Film Festival Jewish Film Festival 2 0 1 2 2 0 1 3 See Y2 o0 u 1A 2 -t2T0h1e3MovJies 12 Y
OUR TH EAR SHOWCASING THE NEWEST AND BEST AWARD WINNING FILMS ON THE EWISH CIRCUIT OUR 12TH YEAR SHOWCASING THE NEWEST AND BEST AWARD FILMS ON THE JEWISH CIRCUIT JEWISH CONGREGATION OF MWINNING ARCO ISLAND Opening Day WITH EDERATION Openi“n DA ay aples/M arTHE co JEWISH PreFm iere OF COLLIER COUNTY HgAV NAGILA (The Movie)” INNCOOPERATION PRESENTS ple2s/PM Marco P remiere GILA (The16, Movie )” NaFilm Sunday“HAVA NADecember 2012 THE SIDNEY R. HOFFMAN MEMORIAL Sunday December 16, 2012 Film 2 PM
Hanukkah Lig g and Hot Potato Latkes/Dessert 1:15 PM From Gold Medal Raisman and the 2012 London Summer 1:15 Olympics to Hanukkah on Marco Island, it’s the tune that rocks the Hanukkah Ligwinnerg Aly and Hot Potato Latkes/Dessert PM
Jewish Film Festival 2012-2013
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ALL PROGRAMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
Clip and Mail ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASETO CONTACT THEWITHOUT JCMI OFFICENOTICE AT (239) 642-0800 ALL PROGRAMS SUBJECT CHANGE Make checks payable to JCMI Jewish Film Fes val, 991 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island, FL 34145-5426
FOCUS ON YOUTH 19A Federation Star January 2013
January 2013 Federation Star
19A
Preschool of the Arts update By Ettie Zaklos, Preschool Director
W
hen you look back on the past couple of months, it’s not difficult to see why Preschool of the Arts was a 2012 Preschool Champion Choice Awards winner. It’s all about thanks and giving Thanksgiving 2012 at Preschool of the Arts saw the children, parents and special friends gathering in the social hall for a Thanksgiving performance and meaningful meal. Every aspect of the special day was infused with the creative spirit and inspiration of the children, from the stage background created by the children, to the 3D table centerpieces, created together with art teacher Ms. Cathy Pisano. A few weeks after the children at Preschool of the Arts gave thanks for family, friends and wonderful teachers, they gave generously to the Shelter for Abused Women and Children in Collier County when they collected and donated dozens of canned goods for the shelter. Before delivering the
canned goods, the children built a symbolic Chanukah menorah from the cans, and parents enjoyed a lively
Preschool of the Arts superstars!
Chanukah performance by the children after which an entertainer kept the children enthralled. Getting even greener Going “green” is not just lip service at Preschool for the Arts. All proceeds from the recent food demonstration and three-course lunch, sponsored by Wynn’s Market and hosted by Executive Chef Annie, benefitted the incredible new vegetable and flower garden at the school. Soon, the children will be harvesting the fruits of their labor
and will have the exciting opportunity to prepare colorful, healthy dishes under the expert guidance of Chef Annie. Ballet The second ballet session at Preschool of the Arts has already filled up with returning and new children excited to take part in one of the preschool’s popular extracurricular offerings. Professional ballet teacher Ms. Amy Glassover continues to instill the principles of ballet – and a love for the arts – in the young ballet students.
Preschool of the Arts ballerinas in the preschool’s ballet studio
New additions Preschool of the Arts is growing yet again. The latest addition to the ever-expanding campus is an Outdoor Artists Corner. Remember collecting fall leaves and doing leaf rubbings in class? Well, imagine an entire outdoor art environment where the children get to learn and develop their senses in a space where art and nature come together. Not only do the children get to enjoy the outdoors during playtime in their modern outdoor play area, they now get to enjoy the wonderful Florida climate during teacher-guided learning center time. Preschool of the Arts is for children ages 18 months to 5 years. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with extended care available. Two, three and five-day programs, and full and half-day programs are available. For more information, call 239.263.2620, email naplespreschoolofthearts@ gmail.com or visit www.naplespre schoolofthearts.com.
Temple Shalom Preschool update By Seyla Cohen, Preschool Director
N
ow that the holidays are behind us, we at Temple Shalom Preschool are in full gear to focus more on academics. It is during this time of year that the bulk of learning takes place. The children are familiar with their classrooms, their teachers and their classmates. They feel comfortable and safe, relaxed and ready. Routines, rules and expectations have been established and the atmosphere is ripe for learning. The foundation is in place and, naturally curious, our little students
are eager to share their expertise in many areas. Letters and numbers begin to form shapes and make sense. How they relate to reading and math is different for particular age groups, and our experienced, educated and wellversed teachers delight each year as students’ minds click as they discover the wonder of knowledge. Children are also academically challenged through the numerous extra-curriculum programs offered. Imaginations soar in Temple Shalom Preschool’s unique Storyland, where literature comes alive through dramatic play, puppetry and storytelling. Technology skills are enforced and taking off in the computer lab. The importance of nutrition and exercise is reinforced in Movement class. Of course, the won-
derful and inimitable Miss Jane continues her amazing music program. Our extraordinary brand new, state-of-the-art Professor Einstein Science Lab has been hugely successful in challenging inquisitive minds. The children enjoy discovering through experimentation and exploration of the world around them. As children begin to grasp new concepts, they develop self-confidence and self-esteem. These attributes are vital to healthy development, creating a strong foundation for further growth and development. At Temple Shalom Preschool, we believe that creating a nurturing, caring and challenging environment helps our children become their best selves!
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.
Photo courtesy of The PJ Library
Ida Margolis (middle left), author of Carrots for Charlie, read to the preschool children and Jane Galler (above left) helped out with the songs
20A Federation Star January 2013
FOCUS ON YOUTH
Students reap rewards of GA By Maya Kraidman, Israel Campus Beat Reporter, November 13, 2012
T
ables labeled with phrases such as “Involved in a pro-Israel group on campus,” “Attended Birthright Israel” and “Studied abroad in Israel” were scattered throughout the ballroom where Hillel’s Student Seminar at the Jewish Federations of North America’s General Assembly (GA) was held on November 11. Energy abounded as over 320 college students and 100 high school students were asked to seat themselves according to the phrase that suited them best. Tables with Israel-related themes attracted a diverse group of student leaders and prompted discussion based on shared experiences and passions. The 2012 General Assembly in Baltimore, Maryland, which began on Sunday and concludes today, served as a stepping stone for many students in the realm of Israel advocacy. ProIsrael students attending the GA seized the opportunity to form relationships based on their shared conviction in Israel’s right to self-determination. Students gathered at Do the Write Thing, a training program for aspiring journalists looking to address Israel’s challenges through the articles that
they write, analyzed media trends, met with journalists reporting on Israel, and learned about Israel in a historical context as they prepared to report on the issues for their communities. Hillel representatives from across the country, many of whom are passionate about campus Israel activism, came together at the Hillel Student Seminar to create networks and engage in dialogue about prevalent subjects facing students today, including Israel. The Baltimore Convention Center was filled with booths promoting campus advocacy organizations and advertisements for free Israel trips, providing students with a myriad of opportunities to further explore their relationship with Israel on campus and beyond. The annual event, sponsored by the Jewish Federations of North America, prompted students to create lasting relationships, express their passion about Israel, and discover new ways to get involved in campus advocacy. While some of the students were specifically involved in Israel activism, others were involved in broader movements and viewed the GA as
BBYO Naples update By Dara Baer, BBYO Naples Program Associate
B
BYO was very busy in December with our Meals of Hope event in collaboration with many local Jewish organizations and the Catholic/Jewish Dialogue. AZA/BBG and BBYO Connect formed a team of ten and helped pack 50,000 meals for the hungry in Collier County. It was a great opportunity to give back to our community. Our AZA and BBG chapters had chapter Hanukkah parties where we lit the menorah, played dreidel, ordered
in dinner and brought homemade desserts. We also roasted marshmallows and did a secret Hanukkah grab bag. For January we have a BBG sisterhood sleepover planned and an AZA boy’s athletic event. We are very excited about our great strides at becoming a wonderful chapter. If you would like more information or if you are interested in joining any of our programs, please contact me at dbaer@bbyo.org or 239.325.1428.
an opportunity to discuss a wide array of issues at hand. For Lauren Donoghue, a junior at the University of North Carolina, the General Assembly presented an opportunity for dialogue between students with differing opinions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Donoghue, who is co-president of UNC’s J Street U chapter, attended the GA for the first time. “The General Assembly should be a time when we come together and tackle the issues within our community,” stated Donoghue. She reported using the GA experience to network with students from other campuses, learn about the challenges her peers across the country face, and “understanding what their campus climates are like and talking to people about what it means to be pro-Israel.” Prior to college, Donoghue was not involved in pro-Israel activity. After friends on campus asked her about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Donoghue began to seek information and support from outside sources. After taking a trip to Israel through J Street, she felt comfortable discussing the “hard questions,” and she came to Baltimore hoping to examine them further with her fellow students. Most of all, she said she wanted to make connections with students despite differing beliefs. “We want to talk to all students. Whatever it means for them to be proIsrael, that is the movement we want to be in,” concluded Donoghue. The GA also provided opportunities for pro-Israel students to meet and engage with representatives of a wide array of community organizations. Aaron Cohen, who serves as vice
president of communication for the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago (and is a member of ICB’s Advisory Board), said Federations, Hillel and other community organizations have a responsibility to support pro-Israel students. Events like the GA allow students to form networks that frame their understanding and advance their visioning of what is important in the realm of Israel activism, he said. “The Chicago Jewish Federation enables a continuity of focus from teen and even youth programming to post-college, young adult programming,” Cohen said. “A big emphasis of youth programming has to do with Israel.” Elizabeth Fisher, the managing director of NEXT: A Division of Birthright Israel Foundation, said that her organization helps foster a continuous connection between students and the State of Israel. Trips such as Taglit: Birthright Israel have become exponentially more important when students return with a newfound connection to Israel and motivation to act on this enthusiasm. While the GA provides invaluable tools for students, she stressed, it is up to them to apply what they have learned to future endeavors. “A conference can facilitate these discussions, but it is the responsibility of the students to bring back what they have learned to their own communities,” she said. “To make real change, students must play an active role in advancing the conversation, and their own advocacy and activism.” Visit www.israelcampusbeat.org for the latest Israel trends and events on campus.
Calling AZA/BBG Alumni and BBYO Parents... Come Celebrate BBYO in Our Community!
Join Naples BBYO’s Friends and Alumni Network (FAN) casual
kick-off event for a late afternoon of fun, networking and reminiscing. Naples Chapter Godol and N’siah (Teen Presidents), Ben Klausner and Victoria Diamond, will share plans for growing BBYO in our community and will update us on BBYO today. Learn how Jewish identity, tzedakah and leadership skills are being developed in our young people. Enjoy Kosher style appetizers and refreshments.
Connect with BBYO alumni and parents Hear about our BBYO programs for teens and tweens in Naples Learn how you can support the Jewish teens of Collier County
When:
January 27, 2013, 4-6pm
Where:
Villages of Monterey Clubhouse (entrance is located on Orange Blossom Drive between Goodlette and Airport Pulling Roads).
Cost:
There is no charge for this event. Naples BBYO is a pluralistic teen movement that is unaffiliated with any specific congregation and open to all Jewish teens in Collier County.
RSVP by January 18, 2013. Email NaplesFAN@bbyo.org or call Bobbie Katz 353.5963 or Marc Saperstein 273.7936.
BBYO members packed food for the hungry at the Community Service Day
21A COMMENTARY Federation Star January 2013
January 2013 Federation Star
21A
UN legitimizes Palestinian terror regimes in Judea/Samaria/Gaza By Morton A. Klein and Dr. Daniel Mandel, November 30, 2012
T
he United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has voted to make ‘Palestine’ a ‘nonmember state’ of the UN. This has done no less than legitimize the two Palestinian regimes that promote terrorism, murdering Jews and Israel’s destruction. How can the world claim to be fighting terrorism when it has just declared that two terrorist regimes should enjoy sovereignty? For years, the UN, controlled by a majority composed of dictatorships and tyrannies, has frequently supported odious and evil causes. This is the organization which gave us the infamous ‘Zionism is racism’ resolution among scores of other anti-Israel, anti-American, anti-democratic resolutions. It is the body that appointed Libya to its Human Rights Council and Iran to its Committee on the Status of Women. True, UNGA resolutions are nonbinding and have no legal force; only Security Council resolutions have legal force. Nonetheless, the Palestinian movement enjoyed a victory. Why? Because this resolution gives aid and comfort to its cause – its actual cause of eliminating Israel as a sovereign Jewish state, not its fictitious cause of creating a peaceful Palestinian state alongside Israel. Consider Fatah/Palestinian Authority (PA) president Mahmoud Abbas’ choice of language. He falsely called the state he professes to wish to live peacefully alongside “racist” and guilty of creating “apartheid” and a “colonial occupation.” No one makes peace with racism or apartheid
or colonial entities – they dismantle them. Can any other meaning be read into Abbas’ words in 2010 to Arab journalists, “If [Arab states] want war, and if all of you will fight Israel, we are in favor”? Abbas insisted, citing UNGA’s 1949 resolution 194 (rejected by all Arab states at the time), on the legally baseless so-called ‘right of return’ of Palestinian refugees of the 1948-49 war and their millions of descendants to Israel, which would end Israel as a Jewish state. The horrid irony is that Abbas’ cause fits the lurid description he applied to Israel. His Fatah party still calls in its Constitution for the destruction of Israel (Article 13) and the use of terrorism as an essential element in the struggle to achieve that goal (Article 19). Indeed, Fatah’s emblem depicts the whole of Israel re-labeled ‘Palestine,’ flanked by images of a Kalashnikov rifle and archterrorist Yasser Arafat. Hamas, which controls Gaza, a portion of the territory Abbas is claiming for statehood, calls in its Charter for the destruction of Israel (Article 15) and the murder of Jews (Article 7). Senior PA officials, including Abbas, Saeb Erekat, Ahmed Qurei and others, have clearly insisted that a Palestinian state be Jew-free. The PA also does not accept the existence of Israel as a Jewish state. Abbas has said this several times; so have other PA officials. Nor has the PA fulfilled its Oslo obligations to dismantle terrorist groups and to end incitement to hatred and murder against Israel in its
schools, media and speeches. To the contrary, the PA calls terrorists shahids (martyrs) and officially honors and glorifies dead terrorists, naming schools, streets and sports teams after them. The PA refuses to arrest terrorists, and pressures Israel to free Jewkillers it has imprisoned – scarcely the action of a regime interested in making peace and ending violence. The Palestinian goal has never been statehood; it has been preventing or destroying Jewish statehood. The proof is that, whenever offered statehood alongside a Jewish state – in 1937 (Peel Commission), 1947 (UN partition plan), 2000 (Barak/Clinton plan) or 2008 (Olmert plan) – they turned it down. What then did the PA hope to achieve? Broadly, three things: ¡¡ Statehood without signing peace with Israel and ending the conflict ¡¡ UN affirmation that all of Judea/ Samaria, Gaza and eastern Jerusalem is ‘Palestinian’ and, where still with an Israeli presence, ‘occupied’ rather than ‘disputed’ ¡¡ Enabling continued conflict with Israel with recourse to international organs that such a declaration will facilitate As Abbas wrote in May 2011 in the New York Times, “Palestine’s admission to the United Nations ... would also pave the way for us to pursue claims against Israel at the United Nations, human rights treaty bodies and the International Court of Justice.” The events of this week have confirmed this Palestinian intention.
Several states, reluctant to oppose the Palestinian UN bid, implored the PA to amend its resolution to indicate it would not pursue legal vendettas against Israel. The PA refused. By voting to approve the PA as a non-member state, the UN has enabled Abbas’ Fatah/PA to take steps in the direction of all these goals. It has served to delegitimize Israel and demonize Jews living beyond the 1949 armistice lines – even Jews living in the eastern suburbs of Jerusalem and the Old City. It is a step towards a sovereign terror state that will share its longest border with Israel. It may be a prelude to more unrest and violence, not peace. The Obama Administration and several other countries correctly opposed the Palestinian UN statehood bid. Now it is the turn of the U.S. Congress. The U.S. can cut aid to the PA, which has, after all, circumvented U.S.-sponsored negotiations and ignored U.S. opposition to this UN move. Also, as former UN ambassador John Bolton argued last year, Congress should legislate a cutoff of all U.S. contributions to any UN agency that acknowledges or authorizes Palestinian statehood. The U.S. provides nearly a quarter of the UN’s regular budget, which in turns funds major UN organs. The UN can decide if it wants Palestinian ‘statehood’ more than U.S. funding. Morton A. Klein is President of the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) and Dr. Daniel Mandel is Director of the ZOA’s Center for Middle East Policy.
Hamas and the PA parties, and having an increasingly unsustainable fiscal budget, which is mainly a result of uncontrolled government consumption. As it stands now, there is no longer a mutual benefit to the current diplomacy model. Despots of the world now congregate in the halls of the modern United Nations, and it has become the source for conflict resolution only as long as the agenda is anti-Israel and anti-American. Under such circumstances, it is long past due that the United States takes a firm stand against funding organizations that take positions against the interests of the U.S. Israel has already taken the firm stand that they will discontinue funding the PA and reallocate funds toward paying the overdue electric bill owed them. Only when there is no longer a single-sided agenda will it be possible to reconsider diplomacy. Currently much of the American public has, in its complacency, lost the priority of world politics and
instead become overly obsessed with domestic issues. Particularly in light of today’s environment of globalization, it is critical for American Jews to become even more informed on these matters, reach out to our friends and neighbors, and share these facts with our fellow citizens. We must also convince them that they must share their views with their Congressional representatives. Only when Congress has the support of their constituents will they be able to stand firm and reinstitute actual diplomacy.
It takes two to tango By Gene Sipe, VP SWFL Chapter ZOA
W
hile Americans have enjoyed a relatively peaceful period since the last world war, diplomacy became a civilized and a quite effective tool for resolving political issues here at home and throughout the Western world. An entire generation, who for the most part has only known the tragedy of war and violence from a news bite, is virtually unprepared to accept the reality that diplomacy will work only when there is a mutual benefit for compromise by both sides. The diplomacy mentality for the last 20 years has failed to produce satisfactory results in resolving international disputes and, worse, has led us to the verge of a nuclear showdown. No longer do world powers respect the diplomacy model and they’ve rendered it laughable. The governing body intended to bring stability and equanimity to world nations has been overtaken by the very nations with the worst human rights policy records in today’s society. Subsequently, that body is completely ineffectual. Hundreds of thousands are brutally slaughtered in Sudan, Rwanda and Syria, to list
only a few, simply because humanity is not on the agenda of these despotic regimes. When an attempt to thwart civil atrocity actually does get enough impetus for a resolution to be passed, it is simply ignored by the perpetrating nation and no meaningful action results. The president of Iran, who regularly threatens to annihilate the State of Israel, responded to the UN sanctions by announcing to the Fars News Agency: “Even if they issue 100,000 of such documents, we won’t care.” Iran incontrovertibly intends to continue to develop its nuclear program. Further, when it suits the agenda of these same regimes, they conveniently disregard their own rules and edicts as well as international law. The UN initiatives of the Oslo Accords clearly and explicitly obligate signatories to resolve disputes directly on a bilateral basis (Articles V, XV & XXI3). Instead of enforcing this agreement, the UN rewards the violators with status as a “non-member state” regardless of their not having any definable borders, having a government engaged in its own civil war between
COMMENTARY
22A Federation Star January 2013
An open letter to William Hague Editor’s note: This was a message a Jewish woman in Britain sent November 19, 2012 to William Hague, the British Foreign Secretary. It has appeared in several columns online, and is reprinted here in case you missed it. ear Mr. Hague, You have stated that if Israel tries to defend its population through a ground offensive in Gaza “it risks losing the sympathy of the international community.” Let me tell you something about the sympathy of the international community Mr. Hague. My father was liberated from Buchenwald concentration camp in 1945, having lost his entire family but gaining the sympathy of the international community at the time. After 6 million Jews had been annihilated at the hands of the Nazi regime, the international community had plenty of sympathy for the Jewish people. There is always plenty of sympathy
D
for victims. Israel doesn’t need the sympathy of the international community. What it needs is to defend its citizens. When, as a tiny country, it gained its independence in 1948, it had to absorb 800,000 Jews who were thrown out of Arab lands in the Middle East, and it did so without fuss and with dignity, giving them shelter and a place of security in which their children could grow up to become productive citizens. When Jordan, Egypt and Syria tried to destroy Israel in 1948 and again in 1967, they took in hundreds of thousands of Palestinian Arabs, but did they give them dignity or shelter? No. They left them to rot in refugee camps in order to maintain a symbol of grievance against Israel and use them as a political tool against the Jewish state. What has arisen in those camps is a complicated situation, but it is what has led to Gaza today. So don’t lecture Israel on inter-
national sympathy, Mr. Hague. Not when Israel has just sent in 120 truckloads of food into Gaza to feed the Palestinian people there, because their own leadership is more interested in using its population as human shields, launching rockets against Israel from within major civilian centres. Don’t lecture Israel on international sympathy, Mr. Hague. Not when Israel targets with as much military precision as it can, only terrorists and their bases, trying its utmost to prevent civilian casualties. Don’t lecture Israel on international sympathy, Mr. Hague. Not when the Palestinian media deliberately uses images of victims of the Syrian civil war and presents them as casualties in Gaza to gain international sympathy. Go read your history books Mr. Hague, and go see that since the beginning of the twentieth century all the Arabs wanted to do was destroy
Israel. Go look at the country of Israel now since the Jews have established a state there. Go read what advances in science, medicine, biotechnology, agriculture and high tech Israel has developed, and dedicated that knowledge to making the world a better place for humanity. Can you imagine any other country that after 60 years of continuously being under attack could have achieved so much? So Mr. Hague, don’t lecture Israel on international sympathy. Israel will do whatever it takes to defend itself from outright attack on its citizens, whether it be from Hamas, Hizbullah, Iran or any other country or terrorist group that attacks it. And if it loses the sympathy of the international community, so be it. We don’t need the international community’s sympathy. We don’t need another 6 million victims. Yours sincerely, Mindy Wiesenberg
Stupid, purposefully misleading or ill-informed By Stephen Brazina
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lthough I probably wouldn’t have used such a coarse title, it does appear that Amy Goodman, the writer of the opinion piece titled “In Gaza, it’s the occupation, stupid” (Florida Weekly, Nov. 29-Dec. 5), is either stupid, purposefully misleading or ill-informed, ignorant and uneducated as to the circumstances surrounding the recent fighting between Hamas and Israel. Completely missing from Ms. Goodman’s piece is any historical background, which could help the reader understand the current situation. She fails to mention that Gaza was occupied and ruled by Egypt from 1948-1967, and that Gazans were confined there without the rights of Egyptian citizenship during those years. Adding further to confusion and misunderstanding is the fact that Ms. Goodman fails to mention that Israel completely evacuated from Gaza in 2005, and that there has not been a single Israeli soldier on the territory of Gaza – except for kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who was held captive by Hamas for five years. She doesn’t mention how the high hopes for Gaza, when Israel evacuated, were quickly dashed when the infrastructure that Israel built was destroyed, Hamas violently seized control from the Palestinian Authority, broke security agreements with Israel and launched unrelenting attacks across the border into Israel. Ms. Goodman also fails to mention that instead of developing Gaza and providing a better life for its residents, Hamas has spent the years since Israel’s evacuation bringing in vast quantities of weapons and executing an unrelenting series of attacks including thousands of rockets fired against Israeli citizens. Most glaringly, Ms. Goodman fails to mention that Hamas has sworn itself to the destruction of Israel and
that it considers all of present-day Israel as occupied territory. Can Ms. Goodman cite any countries with defensive capabilities that would allow its citizens to live under this constant assault? Does not the Israeli government have an obligation to defend its citizens? She apparently resents the fact that the Israeli government is concerned with protecting the lives of its citizens by building bomb shelters, which has kept their casualty count low, whereas Hamas uses the poor citizens of Gaza as human shields to create a high body count for the international media. Does she suggest that Israel deserves these attacks and should not respond? Does she consider the Allied bombing of Japan and Germany during World War II “illegal” acts of collective punishment? She simply states that “there were other alternatives,” without mentioning what they were, and that “it’s time for the international community to take some responsibility for protecting the people of Gaza,” while she denies Israel’s right and duty to protect its citizens. Wouldn’t it be more accurate to say that it’s time for the Hamas government to take some responsibility for creating a better life for the citizens of Gaza, rather than devoting itself to the destruction of Israel? If Ms. Goodman wants to make a difference in making the world a better place to live, she should stop blaming the innocent suffering citizens of Israel and Gaza and demand that Hamas give up its fanatical and suicidal mission to destroy Israel – a mission that has only brought suffering and misery to the peoples of the area. Stephen Brazina is the co- chair of the Israel Affairs Committee and the Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation of Collier County.
Editor’s note: The commentary to the left and below were sent to Florida Weekly in response to a syndicated column it printed in recent issues of its Naples and Fort Myers editions. The writers have given permission to reprint their submissions here. From Jerrold Sobel, ish children have suffered severe President SWFL ZOA Chapter physical and mental disabilities from ife is just full of ironies. I write daily, unprovoked and indiscriminate a weekly newsletter under the rocket attacks. title “The Israeli Advocate.” Nor in Ms. Goodman’s screed is My articles are often published in there any mention of Ariel Sharon’s American Thinker in addition to misconceived plan for peace, uprootother publications. In preparation ing hundreds of thousands of Jews for an article submission, I serenfrom Gaza, granting the strip de-facto dipitously came upon “In Gaza, it’s autonomy, and receiving constant the occupation, stupid,” by Ms. Amy terrorism in return. She also seems Goodman. totally oblivious to the fact that it’s As she glowingly spoke and took these same incessant, indiscriminate up the banner of my subject – Gideon rocket and mortar attacks from Gaza Levy, who wrote a similar piece titled which precipitated these wars to begin “Gaza Accounting” – I immediately with. became impressed that there is an Within her agitprop there is antithesis to the cliché that “Great ample mention of Israeli F-16s in minds think alike.” action, but the author fails to menMs. Goodman, like Mr. Levy, is tion their targets, namely tunnels dug also Jewish and likewise shares the for smuggling sophisticated weapconvoluted belief and absurd notion onry from Iran and Egypt into Gaza. that Israel is somehow the guilty party, Also conveniently omitted are these having taken far fewer casualties in same planes dropping leaflets on the the recent conflict with Hamas. population forewarning them of an In what has become all too comimminent Israeli response in their mon in journalism, neither writer even area – a courtesy no other nation in feigns objectivity in their propaganthe history of warfare ever bestowed upon an enemy. dist diatribes. “In Gaza, it’s the occupation, stuMs. Goodman asks a Gazan pid” is a propagandist piece so replete woman what it’s like to endure an air with prevarication, Joseph Goebbels, raid. But nowhere in the article does the former Nazi minister of propashe interview a mother in the Israeli ganda, would drip with envy. town of Sderot, where for years Jew-
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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.
23A January 2013 RABBINICAL REFLECTIONS Federation Star
January 2013 Federation Star
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Yetziat Mitzrayim Rabbi Edward M. Maline, D.D.
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he going out from Egypt has become the theme song of Jewish life. It is the message of the Book of Exodus. Innumerable times the Torah reminds us that we were strangers in the land of Egypt and we are admonished to remember that we were slaves in Egypt. On the festival of Sukkot, in reciting Kiddush on Shabbat, in singing the Mee Chamocha daily we are reminded of the Egyptian experience of our people – a people who rose from degradation to praise. What did this Egyptian experience teach us? It taught us to be sensitive to the plight of others who
are oppressed, deprived, or victims of degradation as we were in Egypt centuries ago. We have been in the vanguard, in the forefront of those who have labored for social justice, freedom and human dignity. During the Civil Rights Era, Rabbi A.J. Heschel walked with Martin L. King in Selma. We spoke out during the Apartheid era in South Africa. In the early years of the 20th century our rabbis advocated child labor laws as well as an end to quotas on immigration to this country when others sought to impose limitations and restrictions on immigration. I recently saw the film The Last King of Scotland, the story of Idi Amin. At the end of the film there was a caption reminding us that the Israelis launched a rescue mission to free the hostages taken by Palestinians in Uganda. The message of Israel to the world was “Don’t mess with the
Jews.” We will not be victims again without fighting back. Although we left Egypt physically with the Exodus, we also left intellectually and spiritually because Egypt and Israel represent two diametrically opposite cultures. There is another Hebrew word in the word Mitzrayim. It is the word Tzar, meaning “ narrow Dictatorships,” – totalitarian societies are narrow minded. They do not allow for freedom, new ideas, new paths and directions. Egypt was a culture obsessed with death. Judaism and Israel represent a culture dedicated to kedushat hachayim, the sanctification of life. Universities, schools, museums and concert halls were built by Israel even during wars fought for survival. After the Yom Kippur War an Egyptian general said: We can lose 100,000 daily without making a dent in our population. Judaism teaches he who saves one life saves the entire world.
He who destroys one life destroys the entire world. Two cultures diametrically opposite one another. The recent attempt to grab power by President Morsi of Egypt reveals that Egypt is obsessed with autocratic rule since the ancient Pharaohs. Democracy is alien to the Islamic Brotherhood. Freedom is undermined by their desire to impose Shariah law upon their people. The Book of Exodus tells of our going forth from Egypt and how a mighty torrent of water was unleashed upon the world at the crossing of the Sea of Reeds, and those waters will not be abated until every aspect of the mentality of Egypt is left behind us. Terrorism, blind hatred, murder and violence will be displaced by harmony, beauty and concord, and the universal era of freedom will be ushered in and we will all be free at last. This is our hope, our dream, and the themes song of our people.
Every letter and word has meaning Rabbi Adam F. Miller
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n her 2006 book, Eats, Shoots & Leaves, former editor Lynne Truss humorously and passionately defends the need for correct punctuation. Truss makes her point that every comma, period and semicolon matter, using the example of an entry describing the behavior of pandas. The same three words result in vastly different meanings when one states that a panda bear “eats shoots and leaves” as opposed to saying that a panda bear, “eats, shoots & leaves.” The latter description, while humorous, changes a bamboo eating animal into a more violent character. Within the Jewish community, we have long understood the principle that every word, letter, jot and title matter, especially in the area of Torah.
A sofer, Torah scribe, is charged with writing every single scroll exactly the same – carefully following the traditions and customs. Living in a digital age, where everything is done using spell-check and proofreading tools, we marvel at the sofer’s ability to maintain such precision. Those who attended the Torah writing event at Temple Shalom saw firsthand the meticulous and careful technique used by Rabbi Selwynn to write the opening word. Multiply that by the nearly 80,000 words in the Torah and you experience a sense of awe. Although the Torah has no punctuation, even the slightest alteration can have a significant impact on the meaning it conveys. The letters resh and dalet are separated by the dalet having a small protrusion of the top line to the right of the vertical line. Imagine the most important prayer, the Shema, altered by mistakenly leaving off the protrusion of the dalet, thus changing the final word from echad to acher. That small change now results in a prayer that translates
as, “Listen Israel, Adonai is our God, and Adonai is other.” A very different message from “Adonai is one.” Putting aside the difficulty of maintaining the integrity of the original Hebrew text, most of us are also challenged by the barrier of translation. Every translation of Hebrew is, on some level, an interpretation of the Hebrew. One has to be careful to not only capture the meaning of the words in the correct context, but also to proofread the end result. Two English printers made that mistake in 1631 with the publishing of the Adulterer’s Bible where the seventh commandment read, “Thou shall commit adultery.” On a more serious note, there have been many mistaken translations over the centuries which resulted in less humorous, but still inaccurate translations. If not corrected, those errors are passed down through the generations. Additionally, we live in a world in which we often hear Torah and Biblical texts cited as proof texts. Verses from Leviticus are used in discussions
on homosexuality and same-sex marriage. The punishment system of lex talionis, “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth…a life for a life,” is quoted for capital punishment. In most cases, the texts are used only in translation, without a clear understanding of the original context. We wonder, what does the Bible really say? Later this month, Dr. Joel Hoffman will explore the meaning behind the words that we hold sacred as the Temple Shalom Scholar-in-Residence from January 25-27. An engaging professor who has served on the faculties of Brandeis University and Hebrew Union College, Dr. Hoffman will talk about the origin of the Hebrew alphabet and the real meaning behind commonly cited Biblical phrases, and provide a new understanding for the words of Torah. Lynne Truss opened her readers’ eyes to the importance of punctuation in the English language. We are sure to leave Dr. Hoffman’s presentations with an even deeper sense that every sacred Hebrew letter and word has meaning.
Is there a Treasure in your Attic? Yiddish Books are a Cultural Treasure of the Jewish People The National Yiddish Book Center is a non-profit organization working to save Yiddish culture. Please check around your home for old Yiddish books and records, and inquire among friends and relatives. Gifts of these books are tax deductible. Please drop off your Yiddish books and records at the Jewish Federation, for further delivery to the National Yiddish Book Center, or call Louis Rusitzky at 455-6447 to schedule a pick-up. Visit the National Yiddish Book Center at www.yiddishbookcenter.org.
Read the current and previous editions of the Federation Star online at www.jewishnaples.org.
SYNAGOGUES
24A Federation Star January 2013
www.naplestemple.org / 239-455-3030
TEMPLE SHALOM
President’s message Yale Freeman, President
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s I read last month’s edition of the Federation Star, I was truly impressed by the activities that were being offered in our Jewish community. A dinner featuring a former United States Supreme Court Justice, packing food for the hungry, lectures, get-togethers, services, meetings and more. And that was only for the upcoming month or so. We are an incredible community. For the coordination and promotion of these events by the Jewish Federation of Collier County, we are thankful. The Opening Festivities of the “Our Torah” project was a great example of our Jewish community coming together. The six Hebrew letters of the first word of Torah, B’reishit,
were scribed by six individuals or groups. One of those letters was written by a group comprised of 18 Jewish community leaders representing 18 Jewish organizations, who together performed this sacred task of “writing a Torah,” thereby fulfilling the 613th mitzvah. As the months go by, you will hear more and more about opportunities to participate in the scribing of “Our Torah.” Temple Shalom has also become personally involved with a temple community that was devastated by Hurricane Sandy. In addition to participating in the URJ’s Hurricane Relief Program, our temple decided to take it one step further. We reached out to the URJ to determine how we could
naples jewiSh cONGREGATION
play a more direct role in helping out. As a result, we were partnered with Temple Sinai in Massapequa, New York. Their temple had been flooded and most of their congregants’ homes had been flooded and were without electricity; and some people were without homes. Temple Shalom quickly responded to Temple Sinai’s first request: the rabbi wanted to have a Shabbat dinner after the hurricane to bring members together, provide food, share experiences, and celebrate life. Thanks to many concerned and generous members who responded to the call and sent in contributions from chai on up, Temple Shalom provided Shabbat dinner and more. Photos of the event
will be sent to the Federation Star for inclusion in an upcoming issue. We remain in touch with Temple Sinai and will continue to assist them in the restoration of their temple. In the upcoming months you will see a change in Temple Shalom’s monthly publication, The Voice – a freshening up and a new way of presenting events and information. Most important, we will continue becoming the home our members want us to be, where our entire community is always welcome. Be well. My wife Susan and I and our entire family wish you and yours the best for a happy, healthy, prosperous New Year.
www.naplesjewishcongregation.org / 239-234-6366
President’s message By Don Pomerantz, President
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s we enter 2013, the generosity of NJC congregants continues to amaze. When it was announced that Jewish Family & Community Services needed to replenish its food bank, we responded immediately by collecting and delivering 550 pounds of essential food – the largest contribution ever received by JFCS from a single organization. When the Catholic/Jewish Dialogue announced its community-wide food drive for Meals of Hope, which was held on December 2 at Beth Tikvah, NJC formed a team of vol-
unteers who donated time and money for a worthy cause. For those unable to volunteer their time, information from the bema resulted in a generous outpouring of contributions from a large number of congregants. Our presence in the Jewish community of Collier County is heightened by Rabbi Sylvin Wolf’s active role in the Catholic/Jewish Dialogue. His participation in the 10th Annual Kristallnacht Memorial Convocation as well as the attendance of NJC members demonstrates our commitment to all aspects of Jewish com-
munity life. On December 9, NJC had its gala Hanukkah event at the Heritage Golf and Country Club. In addition to the candle lighting, bountiful buffet dinner, 50/50 raffle and dancing, there was the warm companionship of friends. The NJC Sisterhood continues its varied program of activities. On December 4, lunch at Noodle Café &Sushi Bar was followed by a tour of the Rosen Art Gallery. The NJC Men’s Club continues to hold its monthly luncheon and dis-
JEWISH CONGREGATION OF MARCO ISLAND
cussion meetings at the Pelican Marsh Golf Club. On December 2, members attended the football game between the Patriots and the Dolphins. To assure that the spiritual and physical needs of our members are being met, Rabbi Wolf and a large group of congregants are developing a “We Care” program which will identify specific needs of our members and implement procedures to be of help to them. As NJC increases its membership, we strive to be sensitive to the individual needs of our congregants.
marcojcmi.tripod.com / 239-642-0800
President’s message Stephen Goldenberg JCMI President
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o here we are again. A new year, a new beginning, a new chance to make our lives better, a new opportunity to join with others in making this world of ours a better place to, hopefully, leave a lasting legacy of tikkun olam. Maybe 2012 wasn’t such a great year: crippling storms, massive fires, the loss of loved ones, continued unrest throughout the world, and a thankfully, short-lived war in the Middle East. But surely as you look back over the past twelve months there were moments of unexpected happiness, pleasant surprises, and true joy for you and your loved ones. For those of us who make our
homes in Southwest Florida, we are certainly grateful that we survived the year’s hurricane season with little to no problems, but certainly felt for those of our friends who were so savagely effected by Sandy – such an innocent sounding name with such devastating results! And all of us are relieved that the 2012 election season is finally over! It got to a point that we weren’t certain it would ever end. Here in Florida we were bombarded with ads, phone calls, mailers, money requests, cards, letters and unsigned notices left on our doors. Now 2013 is before us. A new year. This is a far different New Year than our Rosh Hashanah. It is not a time for judgment from above, not a time for prayers, charity and repentance. But it is a time to take stock of ourselves, what we do, what we say, and how we act. There is no religious significance for us in this New Year, but it is a time to look forward and
make resolutions for the next 365 days. Sure, we all make the same ones we do each year – lose weight, stop smoking, exercise more, save money, maybe even give more charity. But we can do better. Making resolutions is easy. Keeping them is hard! We at JCMI hope that this New Year you will make resolutions that will be beneficial to yourselves and your families, and will as well be beneficial to our world, including reaching out to help those in need of a helping hand. Our goal is always and should always be “to feed the hungry, clothe the naked.” JCMI regularly collects food for the needy in our community, and donates clothing to schoolchildren in need. We understand our obligation to help repair the world and we strive to do so. Thankfully, we also know how to have fun and enjoy each other’s company. We have weekly bridge games, mah jongg and, of course, the most popular bingo game in all
of Marco Island. We are pleased to have our Jewish Film Festival, which attracts viewers from all over Collier County. Come see David on Sunday, January 20, a film that explores the relationship between Jews and Muslims through the eyes of a young Orthodox Jewish boy and a Muslim Arab boy. Maybe we can see the problems that divide us through a different lens and with hope for the future. Or join us on Wednesday, February 6, when our Cultural Series will focus on Jerusalem. Certainly no topic is more timely, more serious and more threatening than the struggle over the nature and future of that holy city on the hill. We have much to look forward to in 2013. We hope it will be a year of accomplishment, achievement, joy and health. And may it be for all of us a year of Shalom, a year of peace and understanding throughout our community, our country, the land of Israel and all the inhabitants of the earth.
25A SYNAGOGUES Federation Star January 2013
January 2013 Federation Star
Chabad Jewish Center OF NAPLES
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www.chabadnaples.com / 239-262-4474
Chabad Jewish Center of Naples update Jewish Women’s Circle “A Documentary Filmmaker’s Journey in Poland” On Monday, January 28 at 7:00 p.m., Ellen Friedland, award-winning producer and writer, will be the 20122013 Chabad of Naples Women’s Circle Distinguished Speaker. Ellen will screen her film Klezmer Musicians Travel “Home” to Krakow. The 40-minute documentary narrated by Theodore Bikel explores the reasons the annual Krakow Festival of Jewish Culture continues to draw world-renowned Jewish musicians and artists. She will share her personal and professional journey which had led her to produce numerous prized documentaries about Jewish culture and values. There will be a brief discussion following the movie followed by a dessert buffet, during which Ms. Friedland will be available for additional questions. Men are invited to this special event. There is a couvert of $20.
Annual Chabad Gala The Annual Chabad Gala will take place on Sunday, March 3. We will be unveiling our “second phase,” the expansion of our current preschool. Watch for your invitation as well as details on our website. Shabbat Community Dinner Please join us for our next Shabbat Community Dinner on Friday, January 18 at 6:30 p.m. We begin with a brief Erev Shabbat Service at 6:00 p.m. followed by a sumptuous Shabbat dinner for adults and children. Junior Shabbat Minyan We are pleased to announce that Jen Feinstein and Rachel Kassof will alternate in leading our Junior Shabbat Minyan beginning at 11:00 a.m. each Saturday morning. We look forward to a wonderful year with these two incredible teachers. Annual Partner Project We have recently added 15 new Partners. A special Chabad Partners Appreciation evening will be announced soon. We thank all of our Partners who
BETH TIKVAH
touch the lives of so many people each day and have made it possible for us to have our beautiful new building. If you haven’t become a Partner yet, we ask that you consider partnering with us to bring the joy of Judaism – including successful social and humanitarian programs – to many more people. We will gratefully acknowledge all our Partners and Premier Partners for their dedication to the Naples Jewish community. For more information or to receive your partnership package, call 239.262.4474, email Rabbi@chabadnaples.com or visit www.chabadnaples.com. Regular Shabbat services Our warm and welcoming Shabbat services are held each and every Saturday morning beginning at 10:00 a.m. The Torah service begins at 11:00 a.m. and includes the Rabbi’s insights during the Torah reading, which always has a contemporary, meaningful and relevant message. Services are followed by a delicious Kiddush buffet lunch.
Flying Challah Each week, Chabad of Naples randomly and lovingly distributes freshly-baked challahs to families in our community. Would you like to welcome a new family to town? Do you know someone who recently had a baby? Perhaps you are aware of someone who is not feeling well. Or maybe you want to let someone know that you are thinking about them. A Flying Challah needs only your suggestion, and a call to Ettie at 239.262.4474. Chabad Naples Community Care Chabad of Naples has formed a special committee of professionals and lay volunteers who are available and trained to visit any Jew in need. If you know someone in the hospital or at home who would enjoy a visit from a fellow Jew, please let us know at 239. 261.0772. Weekly email and 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.
www.bethtikvahnaples.org / 239-434-1818
Beth Tikvah update Stuart Kaye Beth Tikvah President
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hough 2013 sounds like an unlucky number, we have plenty of reasons to feel lucky about being Jewish citizens of the Greater Naples Area. The strength of our religious and other organizations, and the variety of programs that they offer, is simply amazing. The pages of this newspaper describe a level of activity that rivals that of much larger communities. With the Naples winter season now in full swing, year-rounders and snowbirds will have no reason to complain about finding attractive events to attend. In fact, the problem is only the difficulty of choosing among them. Beth Tikvah is doing its share. As we move into “high season,” we begin a series of lectures and other events that build upon past successes while offering some unique opportunities. Please join us. If you haven’t yet seen our building renovations, drop by and take a look. Lectures For 2013, popular Jewish history lecturer Gerald Ziedenberg offers a second edition of his three-part series on “Epic Trials in Jewish History.” The dates are Thursdays, January 10 (Jonathan Pollard), February 7 (Deborah Lipstadt Libel Trial), and
March 14 (Soviet Doctors’ Plot Trial). There is no charge. All lectures begin at 7:30 p.m. Dr. June Sochen, Distinguished Professor Emerita of History from Northeastern Illinois University, will offer two lectures at Beth Tikvah. On Monday, January 14, Dr. Sochen will be accompanied by her sister, Joyce Schrager. The topic is “Election Recap and Its Implications for Israel.” On Monday, February 18, Dr. Sochen will speak on “Dr. Isaac Max Rubinow, the first medical director of Hadassah (1919-1923).” Co-sponsored by Hadassah Associates. Lectures begin at 7:30 p.m. Sam Geist will provide a business lecture called “What in the World Is Going on? – How Today’s Business Model Has Changed” on Thursday, January 24 at 7:30 p.m. See more about Sam elsewhere in this issue. On Friday evening, January 25, at the conclusion of services, we will have a presentation on the work of ORT, the world’s largest Jewish education and vocational training non-governmental organization. Join us for this special ORT Shabbat. Monday, February 11 brings an exciting book talk and signing with authors Bernard and Fran Alpert. Their new Archaeology and the Biblical Record is causing quite a stir. Find out why at 7:30 p.m. as they answer the question “What is the relationship between what archaeological findings reveal and the historical aspects of the Jewish Bible?” Fun and Fressing “Mix and Mingle” is our adult show-
and-tell phenomenon. It’s a way for people to get to know one another better. Members and nonmembers gather for a casual social event featuring delectable desserts. Each person, or one from each couple, brings an item that has special meaning and speaks about it for a few minutes. It could be a family heirloom, an award, or a special souvenir. Enjoy our fourth Beth Tikvah “Mix and Mingle” on Saturday, January 5 at 7:30 p.m. $15 per person. For more information, call Phil at 239.598.2880 or the synagogue office at 239.434.1818. The Whipping Man We still have a few tickets for the Sunday, March 17 matinee performance at Gulfshore Playhouse. Call
Phil at 239.598.2880. 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 March at 9:00 a.m. We regularly convene Yahrzeit minyanim upon request. Please join us at any service. Our participatory worship services and most other events are held at 1459 Pine Ridge Road just west of Mission Square Plaza. For more information, call 239.434.1818, email bethtikvahnaples@aol.com or visit www.bethtikvahnaples.org. You can reach Rabbi Chorny directly at 239.537.5257.
ORGANIZATIONS
26A Federation Star January 2013 COLLIER/LEE CHAPTER OF HADASSAH
www.hadassah.org / 239-676-3052
Hadassah update Shelley Skelton President
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s we move forward together into Hadassah’s second century, I am compelled to use a quote that I have used before: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” from a story by Charles Dickens that begins in the year 1775, but with a little imagination, could have been written today. Coincidentally, as I was searching my brain for a subject to begin my first President’s message of the New Year, a friend called me espousing the wonders of a newspaper she had just uncovered in her memorabilia. She was so thrilled about it that she wanted to share it with everyone. I am just going to include parts of it, and as I do, you will notice that the words are almost exactly the same as something that could have been writ-
ten today, although these words were written in the early 1950s. • “The State of Israel emerges as a “little power” in the United Nations as a result of its efforts to find a way out of the Korean crisis.” • “UN Adopts Israel’s Peace Proposals” • “Israel constantly working for Peace” • “An immediate cease-fire is called for” • “It is a distinct pleasure to send hearty congratulations to Hadassah on the celebration of its 30th anniversary!” • “...we were nice girls, devoted Zionists, who raised quotas for strange things with names hard to spell, the meaning of which we were always explaining to everybody. We were indeed Zionists in a world where being a Zionist was more than a little odd...” • “As early as October, Mr. Sharett expressed Israel’s deep concern lest the fighting in Korea ignite
HUMANISTIC JEWISH HAVURAH
World peace.” And so time marches on and the headlines are often similar. Hadassah has just marched out of its first 100 years and we are beginning our second century of carrying on the extraordinary work of Hadassah. The efforts of our dedicated volunteers, highly qualified personnel, medical researchers, scientists, doctors, generous donors, and everyone involved in this monumental achievement help to support Hadassah’s initiatives. We also graciously thank all of our friends, colleagues, committee members and board members, without whom none of this would be possible. And we pride ourselves on turning the worst of times into the best of times! Our daytime and evening study groups will continue to meet on a regular basis. In December 16, there was a luncheon for our Major Donors and Keepers of the Gate, hosted by Nancy Wiadro and Ruth Stockinger, at Quail West Country Club. Vice President of Education Elyse Morande entertained at her home for an evening with June
Sochen, an outstanding educator, author and communicator. We will be lunching and watching a Fashion Show at Vanderbilt Country Club on Friday, January 22 with our own chapter members as models, planned and coordinated by Iris Shur and Lynn Weiner. Our Associates, chaired by Gil Rashbaum and Rob Nossen, are presenting “Coffee and Tea, Hadassah and Me” on Thursday, January 31. And our famous annual Mah Jongg and Card Party, chaired by Elaine Soffer, will take place on Monday, January 28, with a fabulous lunch at Cypress Woods Golf and Country Club. And please look for your invitation to a gala evening, “The Borscht Belt Bash,” to be held on Sunday, February 10 at the Club at Olde Cypress, under the leadership of Lauren Becker. These are just a few of the events to look forward to this year. I hope to see you at many of them.
www.humanisticjewishhavurahswfl.org / 239-495-8197
Rabbi Wine’s secular history of the Jews Paula Creed President
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lear your calendar for “Lunch with the Rabbi” at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, January 18 at Shula’s in the Hilton Naples, 5111 Tamiami Trail North, (US41, just south of Pine Ridge Road). Rabbi Adam Chalom, Dean for North America of the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism and Rabbi of Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation in suburban Chicago, Illinois, returns to visit the Humanistic Jewish Rabbi Adam Chalom Havurah. He will introduce Rabbi Sherwin T. Wine’s posthumously published book, A Provocative People: A Secular History of the Jews (International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism, 2012), which he edited for publication. Reservations are required. Contact Dena Sklaroff at denas27@aol. com or 239.353.0909. ~~~ In the fall of 1997, Rabbi Wine gathered a group of illustrious scholars at the Birmingham Temple in Farmington Hills, Michigan, who, together with faculty of the Interna-
tional Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism, addressed the topic or “Reclaiming Jewish History.” Why does Jewish history need to be reclaimed, and from whom? The participants came from several continents and from diverse religious persuasions. What they shared was a commitment to seeking and exploring the truth. The issue had never been dealt with before in any public Jewish symposium. It had too much potential to upset the Jewish community because it dealt with the credibility of the story of the Jewish people as it had been presented by the biblical and rabbinic traditions. The familiar story of our history, dominated by patriarchs, prophets, miracles and divine revelations, has entered into the core literature of Jewish and Western society. It includes familiar names: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David and Solomon. It has familiar dialogue between God and man. Western poetry, painting and sculpture are infused with this story. Jews are attached to this story for obvious reasons. It glorifies the Jewish people and places them at the center of world history. It is shared by the Christian world and gives prestige to the Jewish people in Christian eyes. In the last centuries, historians and biblical scholars began to question the truth of the ancient story. An alternative story, without miracles and supernatural intervention, emerged. This story differed greatly from the traditional one. Scientific biblical criticism and archaeology challenged the
reality of the patriarchs, the Exodus, the Mosaic authorship of the Torah, and the firmly held belief that monotheism goes back to Abraham. “While these conclusions would have been very disturbing to the lay public fifty or more years ago, the consequence was a shameful dichotomy,” stated Rabbi Wine at Colloquium ’97. “In the outside world, the traditional story continued to be taught, even by liberal clergy. In the inside world of scholars and academicians, the alternative story was circulated. The alternative story never penetrated into the consciousness of the broader world.” The dialogue and confrontation among the speakers was as exciting as the presentations. It was clear that the attempt to discuss the history of
the Jews in this secular context was as novel for most of the speakers as it was for most of the audience. So successful was this event that Rabbi Wine announced that a book was emerging out of the experience. Humanistic Jews are grateful Rabbi Wine undertook the task to retrieve our history from the ideological chains of the past. Despite the innumerable tragedies faced by Jewry through the ages, he stresses the triumph of the Jewish people. This humanistic history of the Jews is a celebration of achievement and of courage in the face of centuries of persecution, massacre and murder. (Portions of this article are attributed to Humanistic Judaism, Vol. XXVI no. II pp. 3-4)
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.
27A ORGANIZATIONS Federation Star January 2013
January 2013 Federation Star
ORT AMERICA – GULF BEACHES CHAPTER
27A
www.ort.org / 239-649-4000
Join Gulf Beaches ORT for lunch and musical legends By Helene Dorfman Fuchs
“
T
hrough the Years with Frank and Tony” can only mean Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, not merely to the “jitterbug” and “big-band” generation, but to the millions of fans who have danced and hummed along with their music throughout the decades. And now, Gulf Beaches ORT will present a program dedicated to these two legends – arguably the two greatest pop-music singers of any era. The program will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 9 at the Clive Daniel Home chat room, 2777 Tamiami Trail N., Naples. A vegetarian lunch will be served, followed by a multi-media presentation by music historians Fred and Elsa Katz. The cost for the lunch and program is $32. Please make checks
payable to ORT America and mail to Dottie Magen, 1330 Via Portofino, Naples, FL 34108. All ORT events are open to the public, and all proceeds from these events benefit ORT programs around the world. Fred, a former writer and editor in New York, and Elsa, a former juniorhigh schoolteacher, have been actively involved in the Naples community since retiring and becoming fulltime residents in 2003. Fred has had a lifelong interest in music, both as listener and participant. He played trumpet in the University of Michigan Marching Band and currently plays in the Bonita Springs Community Band. For the past three years he and Elsa have been presenting multimedia programs based on a single
theme to the Collier County libraries, senior residences in Naples, and clubs and organizations such as ORT. “Through the Years with Frank and Tony” includes extensively researched commentary, a visual PowerPoint presentation, and recorded music from Fred’s sizable CD collection. You’ll hear some of Sinatra’s and Bennett’s greatest hits spanning their long careers, and you’ll learn the stories behind the men and their unforgettable music. So join Gulf Beaches ORT on January 9 – and fly to the moon, even if you left your heart in San Francisco. Reserve the dates: XX Friday, January 25: ORT Shabbat at Beth Tikvah. Worship with Gulf Beaches ORT members and guests – and an ORT student.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN
XX Wednesday, February 6 at 11:30 a.m.: ORT Annual Fundraiser. Prepare for an uncommon experience. After lunch at Seasons Restaurant, participants will move to a private home, whose location will not be revealed until everyone has gathered for lunch, to be privy to a spectacular modern art collection. Details to follow, but this is one event you will not want to miss. XX Friday, March 15 at noon: ORT Special Luncheon. Ted Epstein will present “Jewish Life in Southwest Florida” as seen by the editor of three Southwest Florida Jewish Federation newspapers (including the Federation Star) and three editions of Connections magazine.
239-353-5963 / 239-354-9117
National Council of Jewish Women update By Linda Wainick, co-President
P
lease join us on Wednesday, January 16 at 11:30 a.m. at the Vineyards for a delicious lunch and a most informative program. Our guest is Suzanne Graziano, who will speak about “Keeping your Joints Healthy.” She is the Director of NCH Orthopedic and the Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging and Rehabilitation. She has been practicing nursing, specializing in muscle skeletal health, for over 25 years. To make a reservation, please send a check ($22 for members and $25 for nonmembers) to Muriel Hurwich, 11030 Gulfshore Drive, Naples, FL 34108.
Our guest in November, Dr. Kamela Patton, Superintendent of Schools for Collier County, provided an overview of Collier County public schools. 86 different languages are spoken by students. In the past 10 years, the student demographics have changed. Currently, white students comprise 40%, black students 12%, and Hispanic students 44%. 47% of students are from homes where English is not spoken. 61% of students receive free or reduced-cost lunches. District priorities are Student Achievement, Early Childhood Education, and STEM – Science,
naples jewiSh Social Club
Technology, Engineering and Math. Problem solving and analyzing skill sets are emphasized, as well as use of digital technology starting with young children. Another priority is Workforce Development – college and career pathways. Communication is emphasized with parent, teacher and faculty access, and community involvement. We learned that Florida and Texas are the two most legislatively mandated states in the U.S. for education. Dr. Patton welcomes everyone to access www.collierschools.com. Thank you Dr. Patton for a most inter-
esting and informative presentation. On Wednesday, February 27, NCJW will be hosting “Just Lunch,” a Jewish Family & Community Services program for seniors. Volunteers are needed to assist. Please contact Marilyn Goldenberg if you would like to help. Parkside School is in need of volunteers. If you are interested in helping children in a wonderful school environment, please contact Judy Kaufman.
imtwirl@sbcglobal.net / 440-221-6468
Naples Jewish Social Club update By Illeen Mittleman, President
T
he Naples Jewish Social Club is a friendly group from southern Lee, Collier and Marco representing the entire Jewish community. We encourage members to jump on board and let your ideas take shape. Annual Dinner Dance Sunday, January 20 Invitations are in the mail. Join us for our festive Annual Dinner Dance. Entertainment will be provided by Cahlua & Cream. A wonderful dinner is in the works prepared by the Longshore Lake Clubhouse kitchens. The event was planned by the committee chaired by Sondra Greer with Arleen Sivakoff, Pauline Taxman and Arnold Bresnick. Confirm your reservation with your check ($40 for members and $45 for nonmembers) sent to Son-
dra Greer, 935 Tropical Bay Court, Naples, FL 34120, by January 10. The Gala begins at 6:00 p.m. For more information and special dietary needs, contact Sondra at 239.353.4468. Bridge and Mahjongg In addition to our regular events, we offer Bridge and Mahjongg. Our special interest groups of Bridge and Mahjongg remain an active, social part of our group. Many members attend our terrific bridge games which include social and duplicate and 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. Cost is $8 per couple. Reservations are a must by the preceding Thursday. Call Tilda Ellis at 239.949.9913. Our Mahjongg game is a spirited
one played weekly at Longshore Lake Clubhouse in North Naples every Thursday. Twenty ladies or more attend our Mahjongg games on a regular basis. Lunch is served 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 4:00 p.m. Contact Barbara Bresnick at 239.566.1126 or
Sondra Greer at 239.353.4468. For updates on members’ health and life events, call Harvey Chodock at 239.949.4927. For membership information, call Sondra Greer at 239.353.4468. Club President Illeen Mittleman can be reached at 440.221.6468 or imtwirl@sbcglobal. net.
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Send an email to info@jewishnaples.org or visit www.jewishnaples.org.
28A Federation Star January 2013
BUSINESS DIRECTORY www.jwi.org / 239-498-2778
JEWISH WOMEN INTERNATIONAL
JWI releases Sukkot Study Guide: Third in Women, Relationships and Jewish Texts Series Millie Sernovitz JWI Past International President
J
ewish Women International (JWI) released the third in a series of study guides related to Women, Relationships and Jewish Texts. Rethinking Sukkot is designed to spark new conversations about relationships by offering a fresh look at old texts. The guides are a project of JWI’s Clergy Task Force on Domestic Abuse in the Jewish Community, a group of prominent clergy committed to promoting Jewish responses and resources that end violence against women. The first guide was released around Purim, and the second was released around Shavuot. One additional guide will be released in the coming year on the topic of Shabbat. Rethinking Sukkot looks at passages from Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) and other texts related to the holiday
to spark conversations exploring themes of inspiration, protection, spiritual growth, and other qualities common in healthy relationships. This guide is designed to be used by anyone who would like to gather in the sukkah to enjoy a holiday meal and thought-provoking holiday-related discussions. “The fragility of the sukkah teaches that there are things we can trust even in times of insecurity; that there are things that anchor us even in times of instability. These are necessary reminders when we go through hard times, as we all must do,” said Rabbi Nina Beth Cardin, director of the Baltimore Jewish Environmental Network. “This guide is one effort to serve as such a reminder, and tangible proof that at such times, we are not alone.” “Many of the themes of Sukkot – such as peace, celebration, thanksgiving, family, kindness and unity – are building blocks of healthy relationships,” said Rabbi David Rosenberg, Coordinator of Jewish Studies and Orthodox Community Liaison, Jewish
Child and Family Services, Chicago, Illinois. “This guide is a powerful tool that can help us connect the holiday of Sukkot with our goal of fostering healthy relationships in our homes, congregations and communities.” In addition to the conversations which the guide will inspire, JWI has provided supplemental activities that include listening to music, watching a film, and cooking, as well as a mitzvah project that supports building children’s libraries in battered women’s shelters, one of JWI’s signature initiatives. JWI thanks Clergy Task Force members Rabbi Rachel Ain (New York, NY), Rabbi Amy Bolton (New York, NY), Rabbi Nina Beth Cardin (Baltimore, MD), Rabbi Sean Gorman (Toronto, Ontario), Rabbi Marla Hornsten (W. Bloomfield, MI), Rabbi Donna Kirshbaum (Princeton, NJ), Rabbi David Rosenberg (Chicago, IL), and Deborah Rosenbloom (Washington, DC) for their thoughtful contributions to the project. JWI is also grateful to the many Jewish
organizations helping to disseminate the guide. The guide is available for download, free of charge, at www.jwi.org/ holidayguides. JWI’s Clergy Task Force on Domestic Abuse in the Jewish Community is a multi-denominational group representing all parts of the Jewish community and committed to providing leadership by speaking publicly, developing and disseminating resources and training, and providing guidance to clergy working with families experiencing abuse. As with all of JWI’s task forces working on domestic abuse issues, this one includes survivors of domestic violence. To learn more about the JWI’s new Sukkot Study Guide 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.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY ACCOUNTANT
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
THE KORN LAW FIRM, P.L. TAX AND CORPORATE LAW NEW YORK, NY
NAPLES, FL
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
6780 Vanderbilt Beach Rd. • Naples, FL 34119 Telephone: (239) 354-5330 www.palmroyale.net
Want to see your business in this spot? For more information or to place an ad, call Jacqui at (239) 777-2889.
DIAMONDS & JEWELRY
FUNERAL SERVICES
CEMETeRY
PALM ROYALE
C E M E T E R Y
•
M A U S O L E U M
Advanced Cemetery Arrangement Planning
Teresa Shepp Family Service Counselor
ATTORNEY - ESTATE PLANNING 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
KOTLER LAW FIRM P.L. 999 Vanderbilt Beach Road Suite 200 Naples, Florida 34108
Phone 239.325.2333
skotler@kotlerpl.com
COUNSELING
Margaret Passeri, LCSW Counseling services for individuals & couples COUNSELING CENTER 1415 Panther Lane, Suite 223 Naples, FL 34109
239-571-0435
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
E-mail mrfrank3@centurylink.net
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
Advanced Funeral Planning Specialists Call about our Pre-Planning Discounts
Mitchell Dannenberg, cltc
(239) 461-5511 http://ltcimarketplace.com
29A BUSINESS DIRECTORY Federation Star January 2013 Interior DECORATOR
January 2013 Federation Star
29A
OPHTHALMOLOGY
NEUROLOGY
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
PIANO LESSONS
Piano Lessons with Jo Ann Kravitz 239-293-6819
In your home Ages 6 to 106 Affordable Rates BS in Music Education
P R I N TING
REAL ESTATE
Beth Shaw Adelman, GRI, Realtor® Naples Fine Home Specialist
239.571.4791 Beth@Bocaexecutive.com www.Bocaexecutiverealty.com/Naples Newest location at Naples Bay Resort! 1490 5th Avenue South, #A1-104 Naples, Florida 34102
TRANSPORTATION
PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS WHO HELP MAKE THE FEDERATION STAR POSSIBLE.
Be sure to mention you saw their ad in the Federation Star.
Phone: (239) 659-3937 Fax: (239) 659-3984 sschwartz2@med.miami.edu
PODIATRIST DIPLOMATE, AMERICAN BOARD OF PODIATRIC SURGERY
FELLOW, AMERICAN PROF. WOUND CARE ASSN.
DR. ROBERT D. TEITELBAUM PODIATRIST
239-263-4595 FAX 239-263-8851
4763 TAMIAMI TRAIL, N. NAPLES, FL34103
DrBob@NaplesPodiatry.com
PSYCHIATRY Melanie Bacal Korn, M.D. FACFE, DABFM, DABPN, BCETS
Board Certified in Psychiatry No desire for self-fulfillment should ever be dismissed as insignificant. Newgate Tower, Ste 302 5150 Tamiami Trail N. Naples, Florida 34103
REAL ESTATE
Rickie Klein
T 239.354.4311 F 239.354.4310
REAL ESTATE
Your trusted, credible, expert advisor for Naples luxury real estate mobile 239.404.2618 RickieKlein@comcast.net www.RickieNaples.com
TRANSPORTATION
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?
TRAVEL
There is! Federation. It starts with you!
30A Federation Star January 2013
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Get the Service you Deserve January 2013 – Teveth/Shevat 5773 SUNDAY
MONDAY
WEDNESDAY
TUESDAY 2
1 NEW YEAR’S DAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
3
11:30am CHA-M Lunch 11:30am JCMI Mah Jongg 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 1:00pm NJC Board Meeting 2:30pm CRC Meeting 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School 4:30pm TS Religious School
SATURDAY
4
5
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 7:30pm BT Mixer 7:30pm JCMI Cultural Series
8
9
10
11
12
9:00am BT Religious School 10:00am NCJW Board Mtg 9:30am JCMI Rabbi Adult Ed 2:00pm HDH Board Mtg 11:00am JCMI-S Fundraiser 5:30pm JCMI Bingo 2:00pm CJD Series
10:00am TS-S Board Mtg 12:00pm JCMI-S Gen Mtg 12:00pm TS Brown Bag Ln 12:15pm BT Torah Study 12:15pm CJD Dead Sea Scrolls Mini-Course 1:00pm JCMI Dup Bridge 7:30pm JFCC Board Mtg
11:30am CHA-M Lunch 11:30am ORT Meeting 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 4:30pm BT Religious School 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School 4:30pm TS Religious School 6:00pm JFCC Major Gifts 7:30pm ZOA Program
11:30am JCMI Mah Jongg 2:30pm Israel Affairs Cmte 3:00pm HM Exec Cmte 5:30pm TS Rosh Chodesh 6:30pm HDH Eve Group 7:30pm BT Lecture
9:00am HM Conference 9:30am WCA Board 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 1:00pm HM Conference 6:00pm TS-S Square Dance
13
14
15
16 more events on calendar at www.jewishnaples.org 9:30am HJH Board Mtg 11:30am NCJW Gen Mtg 12:0pm NJC Men’s Club 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 2:00pm Israel Affairs/AIPAC 6:00pm CRC Klezmer Cncrt 7:00pm TS WIJL
18
19
9:30am TS Special Event 10:30am TS Naples Jewish Caring Support Group 5:30pm JCMI Bingo 7:30pm BT Lecture
12:00pm CJD Dead Sea Scrolls Mini-Course 12:15pm BT Torah Study 1:00pm JCMI Dup Bridge 5:00pm JFCS Fundraiser 7:00pm TS Exec Cmte
17
9:00am BT Religious School 9:30am TS Special Event 10:00am NJC Educ. Prog. 11:00am JCMI-S Deli/Bakery 11:00am JFCC Newcomers 2:00pm CJD RT Poetry 5:00pm JFCS Patron Event
11:30am JCMI Mah Jongg 12:00pm TS Adult Torah Chanting 1:30pm TS-S Book Bag 4:00pm BT Board Mtg 6:00pm JNF Naples Gala
5:30pm CHA Community Shabbat Dinner 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
20
21 MLK DAY
6
7
22
23
24
25
26
8:00am TS Blood Drive 12:00pm NJC-S Book Club 9:00am BT Religious School 5:30pm JCMI Bingo 9:30am TS Mitzvah Day 9:30am JWV Meeting 2:00pm HJH Gen Mtg 2:00pm JCMI Film Festival 4:30pm GenShoah meeting 6:00pm NJSC Annual Gala
10:45 HDH Luncheon 12:15pm BT Torah Study 1:00pm JCMI Dup Bridge 7:00pm TS Board Mtg
11:30am CHA-M Lunch 11:30am NCJW Fundraiser 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 4:30pm BT Religious School 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School 4:30pm TS Religious School 7:00pm TS Taste of Judaism
11:30am JCMI Mah Jongg 12:00pm TS Adult Torah Chanting 3:00pm HM Board Mtg 6:30pm CHA Movie Night 7:00pm JCMI Board Mtg 7:30pm BT Lecture
11:30am ATS Lunch/Lecture 7:30pm BT Services 7:30pm NJC Services 7:30pm TS Services Scholar-in-Residence 8:00pm JCMI Services
9:30am BT Services 9:30am JCMI Services 10:00am CHA Services 10:00am TS Services
27
28
29
30
31
9:00am JCMI Men’s Club 9:00am BT Religious School 10:00am NJC Educ. Prog. 4:00pm RCCN Holocaust Remembrance 5:00pm BBYO FAN Event
10:30am TS Naples Jewish 12:15pm BT Torah Study Caring Support Group 1:00pm JCMI Dup Bridge 11:30am HDH Card & Mahj 6:30pm AFMDA Event 12:00pm MCA Men’s Lunch 5:30pm JCMI Bingo 6:30pm CHA Dist. Speaker 7:30pm BT Book Group
Candle lighting times:
11:30am CHA-M Lunch 9:30am JCMI Women’s 1:00pm JCMI Bridge Interfaith Breakfast 4:30pm BT Religious School 11:30am JCMI Mah Jongg 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School 12:00pm TS Adult Torah 4:30pm TS Religious School Chanting
January January January January
4: 11: 18: 25:
5:30 5:36 5:41 5:46
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: 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.
January 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. 5 January 2013 44 pages USPS Permit No. 419
January 2013 Federation Star
JEWISH CONGREGATION OF MARCO ISLAND
NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION
BETH TIKVAH
(Reform)
(Conservative)
991 Winterberry Drive Marco Island, FL 34145 Phone: 642-0800 Fax: 642-1031 Email: mgr.jcmioffice@embarqmail.com Website: 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
Don Pomerantz, President Jane Galler, Cantorial Soloist Shabbat Services
Shabbat Services Friday 8:00 p.m. Torah Study and Saturday Services • Sisterhood • Men’s Club • Brownstein Judaica Gift Shop
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
Sneezy, Grumpy, Dopey, Doc, Sleepy and Happy And you thought there were seven?
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
Bashful.
• President: Shelley Skelton, 676-3052
We’d like you to make a lifetime gift or bequest to the Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation of Collier County that will benefit the Jewish community. Happy? It will dwarf anything else you do. Snow joke. For more information on gift planning, contact David Willens, Executive Director, at 239.263.4205.
Collier/Lee Chapter of Hadassah 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, 254-0400
Jewish Family and Community Services of Southwest Florida Phone: 325-4444 • Chairperson: Millie Sernovitz • Executive Director: Dr. Jaclynn Faffer
Jewish National Fund • West/Central FL Office, 800-211-1502 Uri ext 8910, Beth ext 8911
Please note our email addresses:
Jewish War Veterans Post 202,Collier Co. Chapter
David Willens, Executive Director – david@jewishnaples.org
• Commander, Gil Block, 304-5953 • Senior Vice Commander, M/Gen. Bernard L. Weiss, USAF Ret. 594-7772
Melissa Keel, Community Prog. Dir. – melissa@jewishnaples.org
Editor: Ted Epstein, 239-249-0699 fedstar18@gmail.com
General information requests – info@jewishnaples.org
Design: Federation Media Group, Inc.
Ted Epstein, Editor, Federation Star – fedstar18@gmail.com
Send news stories to: fedstar18@gmail.com
Phone: (239) 434-1818 Email: bethtikvahnaples@aol.com Website: www.bethtikvahnaples.org
Well there are. We’ve been called a lot of the above, but number seven we’re not.
Iris Doenias, Administrative Assistant – iris@jewishnaples.org
February Issue Deadlines: Editorial: January 2 Advertising: January 7
(just west of Mission Square Plaza)
• Chapter Dir: Jennifer Singer, 941-378-1500 • Naples Chairman: L.C. Goldman, 592-5884
Publisher: Jewish Federation of Collier County
Advertising: Jacqui Aizenshtat 239-777-2889
31A
Deborah Vacca, Bookkeeper – deborah@jewishnaples.org Federation Star advertising – jacqui1818@gmail.com
Naples Friends of American Magen David Adom (MDA) • Exec Dir: Robert Schwartz, 954-457-9766
Naples Jewish Social Club • President: Illeen Mittleman, 440-221-6468
National Council of Jewish Women • Co-President: Bobbie Katz, 353-5963 • Co-President: Linda Wainick, 354-9117
ORT - Gulf Beaches Chapter
Read the current and previous editions of the Federation Star in a unique online format at
www.jewishnaples.org
• 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
JewisH nATionAl Fund
Naples Tree of life
TM
AwArd dinner Honoring Myra Janco daniels January 17, 2013 • 6:00 pm Quail West golf and country club 5950 Burnham road • naples, fl 34119
Myra Janco Daniels,1st Lady of the Arts in Naples, is a shining example of one person making a profound difference. She is the Founder, Former Chairman, President and CEO of the Philharmonic Center for the Arts and Naples Museum of Art. Recently retired, she is credited with creating “The Phil,” which stands as a unique model, combining the performing and visual arts with an orchestra, museum, and educational programs for children and adults. A very speciAl evening performAnce “BroADWAy comes Alive” A trip through the yeArs of Berlin, gershWin, hAmmerstein AnD more! feAturing Duo concerts piAnists, Dick hymAn AnD Derek smith Proceeds from the 2013 Naples Tree of Life™ Award Dinner will benefit the construction of the Amphitheater at the Be’er Sheva River Park, which will dramatically change the culture in the Negev. It is the dream of the Naples Community to be able to name the stage in honor of Myra Janco Daniels. tickets, congratulatory ads and sponsorships are available for this event. for more information, please contact uri smajovits at usmajovits@jnf.org or Beth glickman morris at bmorris@jnf.org or 800.211.1502, x891.
jnf.org
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
Y
January 2013 - Teveth/Shevat 5773
Vol. 22 #5
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Jewish Happenings
First Annual Catholic/Jewish Dialogue Community Service Day a HUGE success
165 volunteers package 50,000 meals for distribution to 160 organizations in Collier County
T
he Catholic/Jewish Dialogue of Collier County conducted its first Community Service Day event at Beth Tikvah on Sunday, December 2 for Meals of Hope. Rabbi Sylvin Wolf, from the Naples Jewish Congregation, suggested the idea of a day of service in our community to the Catholic/Jewish Dialogue Steering Committee a few months ago. Approximately 165 volunteers from the following organizations participated: Beth Tikvah, Catholic/ Jewish Dialogue Steering Committee, Community Relations Committee, Israel Affairs Committee, BBYO, Jewish Federation Board, Ave Maria Law Students, Jewish Federation Business Connection, Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, Naples Jewish Congregation, ORT America, St.
Ann Catholic Church and School, St. Agnes Catholic Church Youth Ministry, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, St. John Neumann Catholic School, St. William Catholic Church, and Seacrest Country Day School, as well as members of the Jewish Federation and Marco Island community. There was an amazing spirit of community, high energy, enthusiasm and a lot of hard work among the young and young-at-heart volunteers. For many, this was their first handson volunteer experience. The 50,000 meals that were packaged will be distributed to 160 organizations in Collier County, including the Collier School District, Catholic Charities, and Jewish Family & Community Services of Southwest Florida. Ann Jacobson, co-Chair of the
From L to R: Don Pomerantz, Samantha Axline from St. Ann Church, Rabbi Sylvin Wolf, Sandy Wolf, Hank Greenberg
Volunteers from St. Ann Catholic School and the Jewish Federation of Collier County
Make your Memory a Docu Docu--Memory
®
Catholic/Jewish Dialogue, said, “Isn’t it amazing what Catholics and Jews can do together. This is an effort to build on in the future.” The event committee wishes to thank Rabbi Ammos Chorny, Susan Hammerman and the members of Beth Tikvah for all of their help with preparations for the event. Special thanks to Jean and Ron Amodea for providing music to keep everyone in great spirits, and to Marina Berkovich and Alex Goldstein of ABG World Video & Audio Production for their efforts as well. The Catholic/Jewish Dialogue Steering Committee recognizes Melissa Keel for all of her hard work in the planning and
implementation of this most successful community event. With donations still coming in, the participating organizations raised approximately $12,000 that Meals of Hope uses to purchase all of the food items and supplies. Meals of Hope, under the direction of Steve Popper, conducts these meal-packaging projects throughout South Florida to meet the needs of “food insecure” individuals and families in our community.
Additional photos from this event can be found on page 2B.
(Left side, front to back) Samantha Korn, Zoe Van Slyck, Mia Feldman, (right side, front to back) Elissa Wolf, Laura Mitrani
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2B
Federation Star January 2013
JEWISH HAPPENINGS
Saul I. Stern Cultural Series A musical afternoon with opens its 19th season Frank Sinatra & Tony Bennett
T
he Jewish Congregation of Marco Island with the Jewish Federation of Collier County opens the 19th season of the Saul I. Stern Cultural Series on Saturday, January 5 at 7:30 p.m. with an evening of music by the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra Brass Quintet. The series is named for the late Saul I. Stern, an important benefactor of the synagogue, and an important contributor to the Collier County community. The Brass Quintet is playing for the seventh season at the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island. The program opens with Fire Dance for
Brass by DeLorenzo and continues with music by George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, Shelton Brooks, Jack Petits and William Handy. Following the performance there will be a Viennese table featuring homemade delicacies and a tasting by Starbucks. The musicians are known for their outstanding talents and include Matthew Sonneborn, trumpet; Tracy Leonard, horn; Michael Zion, trombone; Aaron McCalla, tuba; and James Dallas, percussion. For tickets, call the temple office at 239.642.0800 or complete and mail the order form on page 11B.
J
oin Gulf Beaches ORT at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 9 in the hospitality room of Clive Daniel Home, 2777 Tamiami Trail N., Naples, for a musical afternoon devoted to Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. Music historians Fred and Elsa Katz will present a multi-media show based on the songs and lives of these two great pop singers, possibly the best of all time.
To reserve your spot, send a check for $32 payable to ORT America to Dottie Magen, 1330 Via Portofino, Naples, FL 34108. The cost includes a catered vegetarian lunch. All proceeds of the event, which is open to the public, benefit ORT programs around the world. For more information, please contact Dottie at 239.596.2536 or Dotsflowers@aol.com.
Community Service Day photos Most photos from this event were taken by Les Schwartz from Naples Jewish Congregation
Ave Maria Law School students boxed 50,000 meals packaged by the 165 volunteers
THEN ...
David Willens, Federation Executive Director, and Judge Norman Krivosha, Federation President
Volunteers from the Jewish Business Connection, ORT America and St. John Neumann Catholic School
City of Hope began 100 years ago with caring Jewish people like you. They wanted to create a healing place for tuberculosis patients, no matter what their race or religion.
Meals of Hope Event Chair Rabbi Sylvin Wolf (Naples Jewish Congregation), and Project Coordinator Melissa Keel (Federation Community Program Director)
(On the left) Hank & Nancy Greenberg, (on the right) Helen Blatt, Maraline Rane, Don Pomerantz
IMPACT THE WORLD ONE LIFE AT A TIME When you give to City of Hope you support research with global reach. u Technology we developed is the basis
NOW...
City of Hope is leading the way with innovative research that has changed the landscape of modern medicine. We are devoted to curing and preventing diseases such as cancer and diabetes — diseases that may have affected you or someone you love.
for “smart” cancer drugs, such as Herceptin, Avastin and Rituxan, that are helping people around the world. u City
of Hope scientists team up with expert researchers across the globe. We are working with Chaim Sheba Medical Center in Israel to understand what causes breast and ovarian cancers.
PRACTICE TZEDAKAH. MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
DEV 19454.np.1001
Scientists at City of Hope are developing new approaches to attacking cancer using the body’s own natural defenses.
Help save lives worldwide. Contact Shari Meehan, Southeast Regional Philanthropy Team, 800-584-6709 or smeehan@coh.org.
JEWISH HAPPENINGS Federation Star January 2013 3B
Special lectures at Beth Tikvah
A
ll lectures begins at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 239.434.1818. Dr. June Sochen, Distinguished Professor Emerita of History from Northeastern Illinois University, offers two lectures at Beth Tikvah. Professor Sochen’s many books include Consecrate Every Day: The Public Lives of Jewish American Women (1880-1980), and From Mae to Madonna: Woman Entertainers in 20th Century America. For the presentation on Monday, January 14, Dr. Sochen will be accompanied by her sister, Joyce Schrager. Their topic is “Election Recap and Its Implications for Israel.” On Monday, February 18, Dr. Sochen will speak on “Dr. Isaac Max Rubinow, the first medical director of Hadassah (1919-1923).” Rubinow was the architect of the Hadassah
medical system in early Palestine. Cosponsored by Hadassah Associates. Sam Geist will provide a business lecture called “What in the World Is Going on? – How Today’s Business Model Has Changed” on Thursday, January 24. No idle armchair philosopher, Sam’s insights stem from years of front-line business experience. He grew his single sporting goods store into a 15-store, $40 million a year national chain before he sold it to his competitor. He opened a marketing and consulting agency based on the full-service customer concepts he had honed in the retail arena, and went on to learn an entirely new set of skills and experiences. When his marketing clients began asking him to speak to their clients, he discovered his true calling. Now he is a prominent speaker and author.
January 2013 Federation Star
3B
Mah Jongg at the Jewish
Congregation Marco Island for advanced beginners, intermediates and advanced players on Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Reservations are a MUST. Call Shirley Posner at (239) 389-7872.
For a continuously updated community calendar, visit www.jewishnaples.org.
ZOA presents Dr. Stephen Steinlight
T
Dr. Steinlight was Director of he next chapter meeting of the Education at the United States HoloZOA will be held at Beth Tikcaust Memorial Council. He is author vah at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesof two books: Fractious Nation? day, January 9. The speaker is Dr. Unity and Division in Contemporary Stephen Steinlight, Senior Policy American Life (UC-Berkeley Press, Analyst at the Center for Immigration 2003); and Children Studies (CIS) in Washingof Abraham (K’TAV, ton, D.C. 2002), an introduction Dr. Steinlight focuses to Islam and Islamism on ascending trends in co-authored with one of immigration and immithe foremost scholars/ gration policy, America’s opponents of Islamism, changing demography and culture, the politics of the late Khalid Durán. Both authors received immigration, the impact fatwas for having writof immigration on the ten the book. nation’s social cohesion, Our programs are and the consequences of Dr. Stephen Steinlight open to the public and massive low-skill immirefreshments will be served. Couvert gration on America’s most vulnerable is $5 per person. Seating is limited groups. He is also concerned with and we ask that you RSVP to Chapter the nexus between immigration and national security in an age of JihadPresident Jerry Sobel at jerrysobel@ aol.com or Chapter VP Gene Sipe ist terrorism and significant Muslim at mrnsrvr@gmail.com by Monday, migration to Western Europe and the January 7. United States.
KRISTEN COURY, PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
WINNER! Tony Award • Pulitzer Prize • Drama Desk Award
“The Borscht Belt Bash” “A MUST-SEE.”
O
n Sunday, February 10, the Collier/Lee Chapter of Hadassah will present a special evening to benefit the extraordinary work of Hadassah. You will be transported to the fun-filled, joyous, carefree days of the Catskill Mountain Resorts – famous for hotels such as The Concord and Grossinger’s – huge, tasty Jewish meals, and exceptional entertainment by the likes of Barbra Streisand, Bob Dylan and Jackie Mason. The “Bash,” to be held at The Club at Olde Cypress in Naples, will serve the Jewish-style food you’ve been craving. You’ll hear popular
songs and Broadway music sung by talented Cantors Donna Azu, Faith Steinsnyder, Donna Goldstein and Cantorial Soloist Douglas Renfroe. You’ll see the modern Naples’ version of Dirty Dancing, a dancing exhibition, and you’ll even learn to cha, cha, cha! In addition, you are invited to join in honoring Muriel and Irv Berzon, Karen and Ed Ezrine, and Lynn Weiner for their community leadership and dedication to Hadassah. For more information, call Lauren Becker at 239.592.5304 or Shelley Skelton at 239.676.3052.
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS THEY HELP MAKE THE FEDERATION STAR POSSIBLE.
DOUG WRIGHT directed by KRISTEN COURY by
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JAN 18 - FEB 3, 2013 Our patrons will receive 10% OFF YOUR TICKET to I AM MY OWN WIFE with a ticket stub to the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of SWFL. Enjoy HALF OFF the regular ticket price at the Museum when you present your e-confirmation or ticket stub. www.holocaustmuseumswfl.org
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4B
Federation Star January 2013
JEWISH HAPPENINGS
Everyone’s talking about Our Torah… including our Torahs!
More than 400 members of Temple Shalom and representatives from 18 Jewish organizations participated in Our Torah Opening Festivities
T
he Opening Festivities for Temple Shalom’s Torah-scribing project took place on Sunday, December 9, and talking Torahs were only part of the fun at this joyful and meaningful event. The Naples Revival Klezmer Band entertained as the sanctuary began to fill. It was standing room only as Temple staff and volunteers took part in the opening procession with each of the 30 individuals holding a sign denoting a Temple organization or activity. After remarks by Temple President Yale Freeman and Rabbi Adam Miller, our Religious School children entered, grade by grade, led by – who else? Moses (aka “Miss Jane” Galler, Music Director)! 175 children found a place on the bimah and sang the Our Torah theme song, Sweet as Honey.
That’s when Temple Shalom’s five Torahs entered the conversation as they welcomed the new Torah in a skit performed by Temple members and Rabbi Miller. Following the blowing of the shofarim, Rabbi Levi Selwyn, our Sofer On Site scribe, spoke and the scribing of “B’reishit,” the first word of Torah, began. The people honored with the scribing of these first six letters represented our past, present and future. Helen Weinfeld, our member of longest standing, scribed the first letter “bet.” The Goldberg family – Ellen, Steve, Max, Mimi and 3-month-old Teddy – scribed the second letter, “reish.” Our clergy – Rabbis Miller and Perman, and Cantor Azu, scribed “aleph,” letter number three. We were pleased and proud as
Kids on the bimah
eighteen leaders of the Collier County Jewish community scribed the fourth letter, “shin.” The Temple Shalom Board of TrustHelen Weinfeld with Sofer Rabbi Levi Selwyn ees scribed “yud,” more letters of Torah were scribed in the fifth letter, and the Byerly family the afternoon. won the drawing to scribe letter six, All who are interested in the mitz“tet.” vah of scribing a letter in Our Torah, “Multi-generational” and “great are invited to contact Dr. Michael kids” were words often heard as evRubner at OurTorah@naplestemple. eryone enjoyed lunch in the Social org to schedule an appointment. Hall following the festivities. Thirty
Community leaders with Sofer Rabbi Levi Selwyn
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JEWISH HAPPENINGS Federation Star January 2013 5B
January 2013 Federation Star
5B
Temple Shalom events open to the community For additional information on any of the events below, please call Temple Shalom at 239.455.3030.
Maggie Anton Luncheon On Tuesday, January 8 at 11:30 a.m., Temple Shalom proudly welcomes the return of Maggie Anton, author of Rashi’s Daughters. Co-sponsored by Sisterhood and the Our Torah project, Ms. Anton will discuss her latest book, Rav Hisda’s Daughter. Hisdadukh, whose Persian name means Hisda’s daughter, is one of the most frequently mentioned women in the Talmud. Her story, set in the household of the 3rd century Babylonian sage, unfolds as this sacred Jewish text is being created by her father, his colleagues and their students. Tickets for this special luncheon are $22 for Sisterhood members, $25 for nonmembers, and $50 for Patrons. Please contact Judi Spintman at 239.348.8713 to make your reservation. ~~~ Rosh Chodesh Group The Temple Shalom Rosh Chodesh Group, a Women’s Gathering, meets at 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays, January 10, February 7 and April 11. Facilitators Cantor Donna Azu and Jane Perman lead a wide variety of activities and discussions that center around issues of importance to Jewish women. This diverse and welcoming group is comprised of women who gather on a monthly basis to celebrate the new month and their lives as Jewish women, and to learn and share as a community. There is no cost, and all are welcome. ~~~ WIJL (Wednesday Institute for Jewish Learning) On Wednesday, January 16 at 7:00
p.m., Temple Shalom welcomes Rabbi Shalom Hammer, motivational lecturer for the IDF, who will present “Israel’s Vision of Continuity: A Rabbi’s Journey - A Soldier’s Story.” Rabbi Hammer imparts the importance of finding inspiration in a country which is consistently threatened. Based on personal accounts and anecdotes, this outstanding and moving presentation convincingly reveals the vision and passion required to help ensure the future of Israel. Incorporating humor and an infectious enthusiasm, Rabbi Hammer will make you laugh and cry at once! Rabbi Shalom Hammer has lived in Israel for 22 years. He served under the Rabbinate Division of the Israeli Defense Forces and currently teaches in Yeshiva Hesder Kiryat Gat/Sderot, which combines study with service in the elite combat forces of the Israeli army. He has authored three books, is a contributing writer for the Jerusalem Post, and is a renowned guest lecturer for communities throughout the Diaspora including the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa and Australia. ~~~ Sisterhood Book Bag There’s still time to join the Temple Shalom Sisterhood’s Book Bag group as they meet at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 17 to discuss The Submission by Amy Waldman. The group typically meet at 1:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month throughout season. Future meetings are as follows: February 21 for Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult, March 21 for The Cat’s Table by Michael Andaatje, and April
18 to discuss The Woman Who Heard Color by Kelly Jones. The Book Bag group meets in the treasure-filled Perman Library, and new attendees are always welcome. The discussions are thought provoking, the women are fabulous, and the snacks are pretty good, too! For more information, contact Helen Weinfeld at 239.261.2421. ~~~ Adult Torah Chanting Class Temple Shalom’s Cantor Donna Azu provides instruction in chanting from the Torah in seven, one-hour lessons. In this class, you will learn how to chant Torah according to the traditional musical system. Participants will be encouraged to put this skill into practice, leyning (chanting) from the weekly portion on selected Shabbat morning services. A basic ability to read Hebrew is essential. One MUST be able to decode Hebrew proficiently in order to take this class. A textbook will be provided. Classes will be held on Thursdays at noon from January 17 to February 28. Tuition is $36 for members, and $72 for nonmembers. For more information or to register, please call the temple office or email rbutterworth@ naplestemple.org. ~~~ Scholar-in-Residence – January 25-27 Temple Shalom proudly welcomes Dr. Joel M. Hoffman as our 2012-2013
Scholar-in-Residence. Dr. Hoffman holds a PhD in theoretical linguistics, has taught at Brandeis University and Hebrew Union College in New York City, and lectured at universities on four continents. He is the author of And God Said: How Translations Conceal the Bible’s Original Meaning (2010) and In The Beginning: A Short History of the Hebrew Language (2004), and the chief translator for the 10-volume series My People’s Prayer Book (winner of the National Jewish Book Award). He also moderates the popular Bible-translation blog “God Didn’t Say That” at www.GodDidnt SayThat.com. ~~~ Women of the Bible Series In honor of Our Torah: Scribing the Future, Temple Shalom’s year-long Torah writing project, Dr. Paula Brody will present an exciting and dynamic series honoring women in the bible. This 3-part series will be held as follows: XX January 28 - Creation and Creativity: A Hands-on Experience XX February 4 - Reenvisioning Eve: The Garden of Eden Through a Contemporary Lens XX February 11 - Biblical Matriarchs: Daughter, Sister, Wife and Mother Each session will be held from 9:30 a.m.to 2:00 p.m. There is a $36 charge for the series, and a light lunch is included.
Write A Letter To God
Join us in the mitzvah of scribing a Torah. Our Torah scribe will be at Temple Shalom on these dates: Sunday, January 13, 2013
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Thursday, May 9, 2013
More dates TBA To schedule an appointment, please contact Dr. Michael Rubner at OurTorah@naplestemple.org, or call the Temple, 455-3030, ext. 202.
Be a part of it!
Stay connected at www.jewishnaples.org.
Federation Star January 2013
JEWISH HAPPENINGS
Board of dirECtors
6B
Estero Fine Art Show™ at Miromar Outlets
Dr. Jaclynn Faffer
Myra and Mort Friedman Marv and Carol Lader
PrEsidEnt / CEo
EvEnt Chairs
A
Planting Seeds For Better Tomorrows An Evening to Celebrate Jewish Family & Community Services of Southwest Florida’s Ever Expanding Impact in Our Community
in Our Communit Ever Expanding Imp
You are cordially invited
ward-winning artist Jessilyn Park studied painting with Leonid Afremov, a RussianIsraeli modern impressionistic artist. Afremov is world renown for using specific oil and palette-knife techniques on his paintings. Jessica incorporates these techniques in her paintings of landscapes, seascapes, cityscapes and people. She uses vivid glowing colors to project happiness and spirituality. Jessilyn believes she inherited her artistic talent from her grandmother, Jeanette, who was also an artist. Jessilyn’s art can be viewed at www.jessilynpark.com and on Facebook. Her art will be exhibited on January 5 and 6 at the Estero Fine Art Show™ from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Admission and parking are free. The show is produced by Hot Works, LLC and includes:
Juried Show: This Fine Art & Craft event showcases artists from around the globe, featuring glass, clay, wood, fiber, jewelry, sculpture, painting, photography and metal. There is artwork for every budget. The focus is on technique/execution, quality and originality. Live Artist Demonstrations: Live art demonstrations will be happening throughout the weekend. Participants can learn techniques of how the artwork is made. Live Entertainment: Various rhythmic music venues are scheduled throughout the weekend for your listening pleasure. Youth Art Competition: $250 in Youth Art Awards for young artists in grades K-8 or ages 5 to 13 will be presented. For more information, contact Show Director Patty Narozny at 941.755.3088 or patty@hotworks. org.
of Southwest Flori
Jewish Family & Communit
to join us for cocktails and hors d’oeuvrers as we stroll among the flowers in the Caribbean Garden toatjoin us for cocktails the Naples Botanical Garden.
An Evening to Cele
Planting S For Bett Tomorro
and hors d’oeuvres Date: January 15, 2013 as we stroll among the flowers Time: 5:30 until 8pm in theWhere: Caribbean Garden Naples Botanical Garden 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples, FL 34112 at the Naples Botanical Garden. Cost: $200 per person
Program: Carol Tuesday, Weisman, President of Board Builders, Date: January 15, 2013 internationally known speaker, author, trainer and consultant to 8:00 pm Children. willTime: discuss her5:30 book, raising Charitable
Cocktail attire Where: Naples Botanical Garden Planting Seeds for Better Tomorrows is generously Sponsored by 4820 Bayshore Drive Cost: $200 per person Program: Carol Weisman, President of Board internationally to join usBuilders, for cocktails and hors d’oeuvrers as we stroll among the flowers in the Caribbean Garden known speaker, author, trainer and at the Naples Botanical Garden. consultant, will discuss her book, Date: January 15, 2013 Children.” Time: 5:30 until 8pm vEnt“Raising Chairs Charitable PrEsidEnt / CEo
You are cordially invited
Event Chairs
of dirECtors Program: CarolBoard Weisman, President of Board Builders, Myra and Mort Friedman internationally known speaker, author, trainer and consultant Marv and Carol Lader Children. Chair Myra Friedman Stuart will discuss her book, raising Charitable
itz, Cocktail attire , DDS, Vice-Chair Bruce Golubock Planting Seeds for Better Tomorrows is generously Sponsored by Treasurer Michael R. Greenberg an, Secretary Bobbie Katz, Past Board Chair oldblatt, Immediate Deborah Kohler RSVPMarvin to Dr.Lader Jaclynn Faffer ny Joel Miller (239) 325-4444 or jfaffer@jfcsswfl.org in l, Lifetime Board Member
Made in Israel
Where: Naples Botanical Garden a and Mort Friedman Cocktail Dr. Jaclynn Faffer 4820 BayshoreAttire Drive, Naples, FL 34112 arv and Carol Lader Cost: $200 per person
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and the Israel Affairs Committee of the Jewish Federation of Collier County cordially invite you to a
MIDDLE EAST BRIEFING featuring
Eli Groner Israel’s Minister for Economic Affairs to the United States in Washington, D.C.
E. Price Wednesday, January 16, at 2:00 p.m. David Rutstein Jennifer Siegal-Miller Naples Daily News Community Room Sheryl Spielman, MD 1100 Immokalee Road Israeli technology is used in everyday life, from cell phones and voicemail to Linda Wainick generic drugs and radiation-free diagnostic machines. Israeli companies are pioneering ground-breaking research in every field: Debby Waranch • medical innovations to detect cancer earlier and treat it more efficiently, • military advances that protect American troops while reducing collateral damage, and • first responder procedures that saved the life of a U.S. Congresswoman.
Could a nuclear Iran bent on Israel’s destruction affect these innovative contributions and the essential foreign investments that fund them? There is no cost to attend. This event is strictly off-the-record and closed to the press. Light refreshments will be served.
5025 Castello Drive • Suite 101 • Naples, Florida 34103 Telephone (239) 325-4444 • Fax (239) 330-7947
www.jfcsswfl.org
Please confirm your attendance by visiting www.aipac.org/Naples or by contacting Jacki Waksman at (954) 653-9053 or Melissa Keel at (239) 263-4205.
JEWISH HAPPENINGS Federation Star January 2013 7B
January 2013 Federation Star
“I Never Saw Another Butterfly” – Voices of the Holocaust By Arlene Yedid
T
he Russian Culture Center presents the commemoration of International Holocaust Day in a unique, compelling interfaith program on Sunday, January 27 at 4:00 p.m. in the Beverly Hall of the Naples United Church of Christ, 5200 Crayton Road. This program is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of incomprehensible terror and loss. The program is, a tapestry of music, poetry and words, weaving remembrance of loss with hope and compassion. The program will dramatically create a living memorial to victims and survivors of the Holocaust. Excerpts from The Diary of Anne Frank and Victor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning are part of the framework of this program. Music
by Shostakovich and Schnittke are an integral part of this program which includes a video production directed by Bella Gutshtein. An exciting visual element is a large screen projecting drawings by children of Terezin Concentration Camp published as I Never Saw Another Butterfly as well as drawings by the children of Darfur. The program narrators will include children. This presentation is dedicated to all children everywhere, especially the innocent casualties of war and strife. The Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany is continuing last year’s sponsorship of this Holocaust program. Admission is free, with donations welcome. Because of limited space, reservations are required. RSVP to Bella Gutshtein at 239.596.8404.
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Federation Star January 2013
ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD
Voicemail for video
Supermodel Noa Tishby helps launch new Israel-based startup, Minit, for bare-bones video sharing via smartphone By Brian Blum, ISRAEL21c
T
less) video of themselves on their here are more mobile phone smartphones – usually it’s just the apps that let you record and upload video than you can person speaking into the camera with no fancy cross-cuts and dissolves – shake a cathode ray tube at. So what’s a tiny Israeli startup in this crowded and post it to the Minit site. The post can be either public for space supposed to do to stand out? others to watch and interact with, or Landing a sexy supermodel and actress as a co-founder would be a good just for selected friends or family to access. Updating Facebook and Twitplace to begin. Noa Tishby, perhaps best known ter is built in. If you enjoy someone’s video minute, you can for selling hit Israeli TV series such as In Treatment post a video response. No text comments are and Homeland to Hollyallowed. wood, has joined Minit, a That ban on text is three-person startup based key to differentiating in Tel Aviv making what Tishby describes as “voiceMinit from YouTube, where text comments mail for video.” Noa Tishby. Photo by Ron Kedmi for Signon can get nasty fast. By Tishby gets proposicontrast, “when you have to comment tioned all the time – and here we mean by the tech set. “But when I on video, you tend to be nicer,” Tishby explains. “You can’t be anonymous saw Minit, I found it very intriguing, hiding behind a keyboard. You’ve got on the nexus between technology and to put your face up there.” entertainment,” she tells ISRAEL21c. “It’s an app, but what comes out of it Minit room are human stories, characters, personWhile putting your minute-long videos out there publicly may be a alities, communities.” fast track to fame (Tishby, not surThese human stories start when prisingly, has the most videos and Minit users shoot a 60-second (or
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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. followers so far on Minit), the private side is in many ways more intriguing. It’s also where Minit hopes to make some money. For a fee (the public Minit is free), you can set up your own “room” and invite the people you want to join — family members or business associates, perhaps. A Minit room could be used by corporations to provide a space for product teams to discuss new software features, or a company can create an easily updated video feed before, during and after a corporate retreat. Minit is close in concept to Socialcam, another mobile app that allows users to post quick videos of themselves and that is far more polished and popular. And also more complex, Tishby says. Minit strips away the bells and whistles to focus on the one-on-one conversations. Whether that will be enough to stand out still remains to be seen. The company is still in a very early stage and entirely bootstrapped by its founders. The product is pretty barebones and crashed several times when we tried it. (Tishby urged us to try again – “It must have been a bad day.”) Increasing human contact? Tishby imagines Minit following the usual Israeli high-tech mold – R&D in Israel, marketing and biz dev in the U.S. (that’s Tishby’s role). Her cofounders include CEO Yuval Hofshy, formerly director of engineering at modu, the now-defunct Israeli cell phone manufacturer; and Shahar Feldman, who brings expertise in user interface design and animation. How big is Minit’s opportu-
GARY A. LAYTON, D.D.S.
nity? Hofshy points to Viddy, another video-sharing app, which has tens of millions of users and is adding another 500,000 a day. Minit will start its own massive marketing push by the end of 2012. Tishby may be a well-known celebrity, particularly in Israel, where she is consistently on the “Sexiest Women in Israel” list, but she identifies herself as a philosophical geek at heart. “What is happening now is nothing short of a mutation,” she says, referring to the proliferation of technology and innovation. “We’re in the middle of a technological revolution and we don’t have the perspective yet to know what it’s doing to us or to our kids.” But she’s optimistic about how apps such as Minit can further change social interaction. “If anything, we’re providing a virtual space to increase human closeness,” she asserts. In any case, copping a line from Star Trek (in which she once had a supporting role), “I really think that resistance [to technology] is futile. It’s just a matter of managing, keeping an eye on our children. But we can’t block it out. It’s where the world is going.” Want to know more about Tishby’s thoughts on the future of tech? Send her a video message. Brian Blum has been a journalist and high-tech entrepreneur for over 20 years. He combines this expertise for ISRAEL21c and Israelity as he writes about hot new local startups, pharmaceutical advances, scientific discoveries, culture, the arts and daily life in Israel.
Jewish War Veterans meeting
(ROOT CANAL THERAPY)
Since 1976
Phone 262-2677
www.garyalaytondds.com
Please join us at our next meeting, Sunday, January 20 at 9:30 a.m. at the Federation offices, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Ste. 2201, Naples.
January 2013 ISRAEL & THE WORLD Federation StarJEWISH 9B
January 2013 Federation Star
9B
BRIEFS ISRAEL AIDED VICTIMS OF HURRICANE SANDY
Israel Flying Aid, an Israeli global humanitarian organization, distributed supplies of gas, food, batteries and generators to Hurricane Sandy victims. “Food was distributed to hurricane victims on the south shore of Long Island, the Nassau County Police, the Freeport Fire Department and the Red Cross shelter at Nassau Community College,” said Joel Leyden, an Israel Flying Aid operations specialist. North American operations manager Moti Kahana said, “We are proud to help the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut communities, people who have provided assistance to Israel throughout the years.” (Israel News Agency)
U.S. AID TO ISRAEL HELPS AMERICAN DEFENSE FIRMS
U.S. military aid to Israel means Jerusalem will remain a hot market for American defense firms for years to come. Under U.S. law, Israel must spend 73.7% of congressionally appropriated foreign military financing (FMF) funding in the U.S. Federation-halfPg-9.75X7.5_Layout 1 12/8/12 The Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint
Strike Fighter leads the big-ticket programs funded by annual FMF, followed by ongoing purchases of the firm’s C-130J and a $735 million contract for Honeywell engines used to power Israel’s new fleet of Alenia Aermacchi M-346 trainer jets. General Dynamics will produce hulls and materiel kit sets for up to 600 Israeli Namer troop carriers over the next eight years at its Lima, Ohio, facility. (Defense News)
HOLOCAUST TRACING SERVICE STILL REUNITING FAMILIES
Wilhelm Thiem was two years old when an SS man pulled him from his mother’s arms in 1942 in Lodz, Poland. He never saw her again. He has spent a lifetime wondering what became of his mother, who his father was, and whether he had any real relatives left. Last month, Thiem, 72, received a letter from the International Tracing Service (ITS). “They told me I have an aunt in Lodz who’s still alive and who knew me,” Thiem said. “They also sent me my birth certificate and that of my mother. Now I know for sure for the first time when my birthday is.” The ITS is the world’s biggest archive of original documents relat5:19 PM Page 1 ing to the Holocaust. It still helps to
Clive and Daniel at their bar mitzvahs
reunite 30 to 50 families per year. (Der Spiegel-Germany)
THE BIRTH OF ISRAEL’S IRON DOME
Israel’s Iron Dome rocket-defense system spent the past two weeks successfully blasting 421 Hamas rockets out of the sky. The system limited Israeli casualties to six during the seven days of bombardment. Despite initial Pentagon misgivings, President Barack Obama has given $275 million to the project
since 2010. For years, Pentagon experts dismissed Iron Dome as doomed to fail and urged Israel to instead try a cheaper U.S. approach. But an Israeli mathematician-general, along with a labor-organizer-turned-defense-minister, pushed the project through. In 2004, then-Brig. Gen. Daniel Gold, who also has a Ph.D. in mathematics, was named director of the Ministry of Defense’s Research and
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PRESENTS
Evy Lipp People of the Book Cultural Event FEATURING
Dr. Daniel Gordis Wednesday, February 20, 2013 see the reservation form on page 7a
Proud to be part of this SW Florida community since 1977.
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CLIVE DANIEL
local. original. exceptional.
HOME
2777 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, Florida 34103 • 239.261.home(4663) • www.clivedaniel.com
10B Federation Star January 2013
ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD
continued from previous page Development department, responsible for overseeing the development of new weapons systems. In the summer of 2006, Hizbullah in Lebanon fired more than 4,200 rockets into northern Israel, killing 44 Israelis over 33 days. Suddenly, stopping rockets was a government priority. In November 2006, Gen. Gold directed Rafael to begin full-scale development of the Iron Dome project. (Wall Street Journal)
ISRAEL SPECIALIZES IN UNUSUALLY SHAPED DIAMONDS
In a global market experiencing the pressures of recession, one area is stable for the companies that specialize in it – the niche for unusually shaped diamonds on watches. While the companies specializing in small round stones are largely based in India, the diamond manufacturers focusing on alternative shapes are mostly located in Israel. A coterie of Israeli companies
supplies the highest echelons of the Swiss watch industry, using technology often developed by Israelheadquartered Sarin Technologies, to cut unusually shaped diamonds with meticulous precision and generate design options electronically. (Financial Times-UK)
ISRAELI AMBASSADOR VISITS HER ETHIOPIAN HOMETOWN
Belaynesh Zevadia left her village in Ethiopia when she was 13 years old in order to immigrate to Israel. Nearly three decades later she has returned as the official Israeli envoy. Visiting her home village and the school she used to attend, “I told the kids I attended their school and they were shocked.” The ambassador arrived with a group of Israeli eye doctors who work with Eye from Zion, providing medical humanitarian aid. The doctors set up two clinics where they are to undertake an eye surgery “marathon,”
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aiming to restore the eyesight of some 1,000 Ethiopians, including some who have been blind for many years. (Ynet News)
THE TRUTH ABOUT GAZA
In 2004 as editor of the Jerusalem Post, and in 2006 in a Wall Street Journal column, I made the case that Israel was smart to withdraw its soldiers and settlers from the Gaza Strip. I was wrong. If Israel had maintained a military presence in the Strip, it would not now be living under this massive barrage. The diplomatic and public-relations benefit Israel derives from being able to defend itself from across a “border” and without having to get into an argument about settlements isn’t worth the price Israelis have had to pay in lives and terror. Put simply, Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza yielded less security, greater diplomatic isolation, and a Palestinian regime even more radical and emboldened than it had been before. (Bret Stephens in the Wall Street Journal)
WHAT I SAW DURING OPERATION PILLAR OF DEFENSE
I participated in Operation “Pillar of Defense” as an officer in the IDF. When I moved to Israel and enlisted, I joined a unit called the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), which is devoted to civilian and humanitarian issues. My job is International Liaison Officer in the Gaza office. There were IDF officers who stayed up all night under a hail of rockets, brainstorming ways to import medical supplies and food to the people of Gaza. I can tell you it is true because I did it every night. I work closely with representa-
tives of the international community, and although our perspectives may differ, we maintain relationships of mutual respect born of a common goal; I am here to help them succeed in their work improving the quality of life in Gaza. I learned over the past ten days that the true test comes with crisis. At exactly the point where most militaries would use the heat of war to throw out the rulebook, we worked harder than ever to provide assistance wherever and whenever possible. The world talks about “disproportionate” numbers of casualties as the measure of what is right and wrong – as if not enough Israelis were killed by Hamas. I spend many hours with the UN, ICRC and NGO officers reviewing maps to help identify, and avoid, striking civilian sites. One of our pilots who saw a rocket aimed at Israel aborted his mission when he saw children nearby – putting his own civilians at risk to save Gazans. Every day, I coordinate goods with a young Gazan woman who works for an international aid organization. Last month we forged a bond when we had to run for cover together when Hamas targeted the Kerem Shalom Crossing – attacking the very aid provided to its own people. (2nd Lt. Nira Lee in American Thinker)
AMERICA, ISRAEL, GAZA, THE WORLD
For some, Zionism itself is an illegitimate idea and a state that has no right to exist has no right to defend itself. Anything it does to defend itself is a crime. This is how Hamas and many others think and it is why people in this camp are able to work themselves up into such a froth of indignation and rage when Israel responds to their fire.
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ISRAEL & THE January WORLD 2013 Federation StarJEWISH 11B
January 2013 Federation Star
11B
continued from previous page Certainly if a terrorist organization were to set up missile factories across the frontier in Canada and Mexico and start attacking targets in the U.S., the American people would demand that their President use all necessary force without stint or limit until the resistance had been completely, utterly and pitilessly crushed. Americans might feel sorrow at the loss of innocent children and non-combatants killed when overwhelming American power was used to take the terrorists out, but they would feel no moral guilt. The guilt would be on the shoulders of those who started the whole thing by launching the missiles. Thus when television cameras show the bodies of children killed in an Israeli air raid, Jacksonian Americans are sorry about the loss of life, but it inspires them to hate and loathe Hamas more, rather than to be mad at Israel. They blame the irresponsible dolts who started the war for all the consequences of the war and they admire Israel’s strength and its resolve for dealing with the appalling blood lust of the unhinged loons who start a war they can’t win, and then cower behind the corpses of the children their foolishness has killed. The whole situation strengthens the widespread American belief that Palestinian hate rather than Israeli intransigence is the fundamental reason for the Middle East impasse, and the television pictures that drive much
of the world away from Israel often have the effect of strengthening the bonds between Americans and the Jewish state. Far from seeing Israel’s use of overwhelming force against limited provocation as harsh or immoral, many Americans see it as courageous and wise. It strengthens the sense that in a wacky world where a lot of foreigners are hard to understand, the Israelis are honest, competent and reliable friends – good people to have on your side in a tight spot. (Walter Russell Mead in American Interest)
FALLING FOR HAMAS’ MEDIA MANIPULATION
Hamas’ media strategy is to portray Israel’s unparalleled efforts to minimize civilian casualties in Gaza as indiscriminate firing at women and children, to pervert Israel’s rightful acts of self-defense into war crimes. Its goals are to isolate Israel internationally, to tie its hands from striking back at those trying to kill our citizens and to delegitimize the Jewish State. Hamas knows that it cannot destroy us militarily but believes that it might do so through the media. Media also emphasize the disparity between the number of Palestinian and Israeli deaths, as though Israel should be penalized for investing billions of dollars in civil-defense and early-warning systems and Hamas exonerated for investing in bombs
rather than bomb shelters. The imbalance is also of language. “Hamas health officials said 45 had been killed and 385 wounded,” the New York Times’ front page reported.”Three Israeli civilians have died and 63 have been injured.” The subtext is clear: Israel targets Palestinians, and Israelis merely die. (Michael Oren, Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., in the Washington Post)
WITH EYE ON IRAN, GAZA CONFLICT REASSURES NETANYAHU
Both on the diplomatic and military front, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will draw some comfort from his offensive against Gaza as he switches his gaze once more to his main strategic challenge – Iran. The Israeli military inflicted serious blows to Hamas’ weapons arsenal, much of it sourced from Iran, and showed that it has cutting-edge technology for missile defense. Israel’s new Iron Dome interceptors knocked out 421 incoming rockets from Gaza, scoring an 84% success rate. “The Iron Dome has proved itself to be a game changer... and has undoubtedly lessened the threat of Hizbullah,” which is estimated to have up to 60,000 rockets pointing at Israel, said Yohanan Plesner, a member of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. “Almost 1,500 rockets have
caused a relatively astounding level of low casualties.” There is little doubt in Israel that Iran suffered a diplomatic setback this week. “It was very important for Iran to see a major rift between Israel and Egypt,” said Meir Javedanfar, an Iranian expert. Israel managed to stave off a major split with Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi and opened a welcome window of dialogue. Moreover, the cease-fire brokered by Morsi made clear that Hamas is very much in the Egyptian camp. (Crispian Balmer, Reuters)
POLL: AMERICANS INCREASINGLY BACK ISRAEL AGAINST IRAN
Americans increasingly back the U.S. aiding Israel militarily should it come under attack from Iran after a strike on Tehran’s nuclear facilities, according to a new poll by The Israel Project released on November 28. 71% said the U.S. should come to Israel’s defense if Tehran fires on Israel, compared with 61% in a 2011 TIP poll. Conversely, 22% of those surveyed in November oppose such intervention, down from 33% in 2011. In addition, 57% said they thought the American government should oppose a UN resolution recognizing a Palestinian state without an agreement between the parties, while 27% said the U.S. should support such a resolution. (Jerusalem Post)
The Jewish Congregation of Marco Island in conjunction with the Jewish Federation of Collier County presents The 2013 Saul I. Stern Cultural Series – now in its 19th year!
Saturday, January 5, 2013, 7:30 p.m.
THE NAPLES PHILHARMONIC BRASS QUINTET returns with a delightful variety of music – classical and popular. A fantasy of pastries follows the program with a sampling from Starbucks.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013, 7:30 p.m.
Chaim Silberstein lives in JERUSALEM and is a lifetime scholar of the history of that city. He will discuss the knowledge he has acquired from his research, tracing the existence of Jerusalem from antiquity to modern times.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013, 7:30 p.m.
Howard Hoffer will present an exciting lecture and multi-media program on the DEAD SEA SCROLLS. Hoffer is associated with the Christian/Jewish Scholars from Hebrew University, the Rockefeller Museum in Jerusalem, The Orion and Oxford Center for PostGraduate Studies, and the Israel Antiquities Authority. He has presented throughout the United States and recently during a two-month tour in Canada.
THE 2013 SAUL I. STERN CULTURAL SERIES
For more information, call the Synagogue Office at 239.642.0800. Please send this form and payment to the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, 991 Winterberry Dr., Marco Island, FL 34145. Please send me tickets for the following Cultural Series programs: ____ $75 Patron, series ____ $50 Series for members ____ $60 Series for non-members ____ $20 Single tickets for members ____ $25 Single tickets for non-members _____Enclosed is my check payable to JCMI
For those wishing single event tickets: # of tickets:____ The Naples Philharmonic # of tickets:____ Jerusalem # of tickets:____ Dead Sea Scrolls _____Please charge my credit card: Credit Card #_______________________________________ exp. ____/____
Please mail my tickets to the address below: Name_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip______________________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________________
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 Hebrew 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 life-long connection to Jewish values. But we need your help.
FS0113 Everything Federation does is made possible through the generous donations from members of THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. the community. JewishFederations.org Please consider making a gift today! THE POWER OF COMMUNITY. jfederations @jfederations
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