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 info@jewishnaples.org Y June 2012 - Sivan/Tammuz 5772 Y Vol. 21 #10 INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
5 Community Relations Comm. 6 Women’s Cultural Alliance 8 Community Focus 11 Jewish Interest 14 Tributes 15 Israel & the Jewish World 18 Focus on Youth 20 Commentary 23 Synagogues 25 Organizations 28 Business Directory 30 Community Calendar 31 Community Directory
2012 Federation Annual Meeting
O
n Tuesday, May 8, the Jewish Federation of Collier County held its Annual Meeting in the Federation Community Room. 80 members attended the program, commencing with presentations of our Community Relations Committee’s “Upstander” and “Stand Up For Justice” Educator Awards. Following a dessert reception, the meeting continued with the Nominating Committee report, offered by Dr. Joel Waltzer, and Installation of our new Trustees and Officers by outgoing Federation President Rosalee Bogo. Many existing Trustees and Officers were re-elected for an additional
term and the Federation welcomes the following new Trustees: Dr. Tracey Roth, Arlene Sobol, Dr. Daniel Wasserman and Barry Zvibleman. The two new Officers elected are Judge Norman Krivosha, President, and Jerry Sobelman, Treasurer. We welcome all these new leaders
to the important work of the Federation. Our new President, Judge Norman Krivosha, has served on many other organization boards and expressed his pleasure and honor to serve the Federation and our community in this capacity.
See pages 2, 3 and 5 for David Willens’ and Rosalee Bogo’s reports at the Federation’s Annual Meeting.
4 th
4 Annual FED CUP a huge success
Annual Meeting photos courtesy of Ivan Seligman
7 2012 Educator Award – “Stand Up For Justice”
Incoming President Norman Krivosha
The new Federation Board of Officers and Trustees
2012 Collier County Upstander Award By Melissa Keel, Community Program Coordinator
T
9 Up, Up and Oy Vey! at the Holocaust Museum
10 ZOA update
he Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation of Collier County established the Collier County Upstander Award to acknowledge an individual in our community who stands up and speaks out on issues important to the Jewish community. The Community Relations Committee proudly presented the 2012 Upstander award to Ruth Dorfman. Ruth Dorfman is an exceptional person. Locally, she is a member of the board and a great advocate of PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). This organization promotes the health and well being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons, and their families and
Jewish Federation of Collier County Inc. 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Ste. 2201 Naples, FL 34109
Prsrt Std US Postage Paid Permit #419 Ft Myers FL
friends, through support to cope with an adverse society. It also provides education to enlighten an ill-informed public and advocacy to end discrimination and secure equal civil rights. Five years ago, Ruth founded the PFLAG Interfaith Convocation that has been held annually since then. At this event, the community is brought together through music and prayer to foster a sense of acceptance and belonging for all people of faith to pray together without discrimination, disenfranchisement or stigma. This year the convocation was held at Temple Shalom on May 6.
Ruth Dorfman, Founder of the PFLAG Interfaith Convocation, and Ann Jacobson, Community Relations Committee Chair
Only 7 seats left for the WCA/Federation trip to Israel April 4-12, 2013. See page 7 for details.
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Federation Star June 2012
Yochi Melnick
JEWISH FEDERATION
Giving recognition
Sales Associate
David Willens
Languages: Hebrew/ English
JFCC Executive Director
Direct: (239) 269-6527 Office: (239) 262-7131 Email: yochi.melnick@comcast.net Coldwell Banker Previews International 550 Fifth Avenue S Naples, FL 34102
Opening doors For you
jewish Happenings in June June 12: June 13: June 25:
ZOA Southwest Florida Chapter meeting, screening of documentary Iranium, page 10 Rabbi Simcha Weinstein, author of Up, Up and Oy Vey!, Holocaust Museum, page 9 Book Group, Beth Tikvah, page 23
For a continuously updated community calendar, visit www.jewishnaples.org. INDEX Columns David Willens.............................2 Jewish Federation......................1-7 Community Relations Comm.......5 Women’s Cultural Alliance.........6 Features Book Review............................12 Calendar, Candle Lighting........30 Commentary.......................20-22 Community Focus.................8-10 Focus on Youth......................18-19 Tributes.....................................14 Community Directory................31
Organizations Hadassah..................................25 Holocaust Museum.....................9 Humanistic Jewish Havurah......26 Jewish War Veterans.................27 Naples Jewish Social Club........25 NCJW.......................................26 ORT America..............................27 Synagogue News Beth Tikvah...............................23 Chabad....................................24 Naples Jewish Congregation......23 Jewish Cong. of Marco Island....24 Business Directory..................28-29
Allow me to share with you my Executive Director’s Report to the members of our Federation present at our Annual Meeting on Tuesday, May 8, 2012.
G
iving is what our organization is all about. Tonight is no exception. All year, we educate and encourage our donors and constituents to contribute to our cause – this is only part of the giving equation. And the other part of our mission, as a Jewish Federation, is to give those charitable dollars to many worthy initiatives and causes that benefit individuals and organizations. This strengthens and protects our people, as well as the overall community in which we live… tikkun olam…repair the world. Recognition is also a form of giving. Earlier this evening we gave recognition to an individual in our community who speaks out in advocacy for fairness and respect. We gave recognition and monetary awards to educators who have shown exemplary efforts in teaching their students how to counter bigotry and bullying, and
to stand up for justice no matter what religious, racial, cultural or other differences exist. Later this year we will give recognition and a grant, through our Community Relations Committee’s Human Needs Award, to organizations in our community which serve the needs of many, and makes our lives as Jews that much better…again, tikkun olam. Ten years ago we gave, so that there is a Holocaust Museum & Education Center in our community today. Earlier this year, we did it again when we helped to launch the new Jewish Family & Community Services agency. It is our mission as a Jewish Federation and our nature as Jews to give. Tonight, at this Annual Meeting of our Federation, we give the baton of leadership to new people who will help guide and direct all of our giving activities. But before we do this, we want to give recognition to those who have served our organization and our community so well. Trustees We want to recognize several outgoing Trustees of our Board. Would Millie Sernovitz, Nancy Kahn, Eric Feinstein, Susan Ritter and Bobbie Katz please step up to the podium so that we can acknowledge you and
continued on page 3
Summer Entertainment! MAY 26 - JUNE 24, 2012 An udderly charming musical for the family
by James E. Grote & George Howe
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3 Federation Star June 2012 JEWISH FEDERATION thank you for your dedicated leadership and service to our Federation and our community. Please accept our Certificate of Appreciation. I want to recognize two outgoing Officers: Kenneth Shevin When has Ken Shevin not been involved in our Jewish community? Ken moved to Naples 22 years ago. In the early days, he got involved with Jewish Family Services and became its first president. At Temple Shalom, he was active on committees and served
For six years, you have served our Jewish Federation in grand style, with class and with the most admirable dedication. I think the toughest challenge we have had is to find your successor, because you are one tough act to follow. Under your vision and leadership, we have accomplished great things. Here are just a few examples: We moved to this office space, which is our answer for a Jewish Community Center, serving so many individuals and organizations in our Jewish community. You saw the need for better communications, beginning with our weekly email blast. With our Federation Star newspaper, Connections magazine, email blast and website, we have done a terrific job of outreach to feature the Federation and our community. And you helped increase our outreach Outgoing Treasurer Kenneth Shevin and David Willens through more programas their treasurer, and for the past eight ming, like events at The Phil. years, Ken has done a masterful job Under your watch, the Women’s as treasurer of our Jewish Federation. Cultural Alliance was formed and is Outside of his fulltime profession as thriving and providing a portal for a CPA, Ken has also been active with nearly 800 women to learn more the Chamber of Commerce, served as about our Federation and to make our treasurer of the University of Michicommunity “feel like home.” gan Alumni Association in this area, and is on the Finance Committee of the Naples Zoo. If Ken Shevin had billed us for all of the hours that he gave to this organization preparing our Form 990, budgets, financial statements, working with auditors and the countless meetings which he attended…and donated that money back…he would be one of our biggest givers. I have had the pleasure of working with Ken and sharing humor, as well as our serious business of giving. What I respect most about Ken is that through all of the bumps in the road – and some of those bumps have been mountains – he has held steadfast Outgoing President Rosalee Bogo was to the mission of the Federation and to recognized with a Crystal Flame award his sound accounting principles. Ken, it is with deep admiration It has taken time, but through your that I present to you, on behalf of all of leadership we have attracted many us, this beautiful Shabbat Plate, in apyounger people to our board, to help preciation of all that you have done for us build communal leadership for the our Federation and our community. future. You have told me that this is You deserve this and so much where you would now like to focus more. your energy and attention. Rosalee Bogo And you have brought us but This is one of those happy/sad moinches away from a $1Million Annual ments for me, and I know for all of Campaign – our goal for this year. us. How do you say “thank you” to Rosalee, you have been a beacon someone who has given so much of of light to all of us. Tonight you will herself to this organization, to her pass the gavel on, but before you do, synagogue, and to many other orgait is my pleasure to present to you, nizations in our Jewish and general on behalf of the Officers, Board of communities? Rosalee, you moved to Trustees and staff, this beautiful Naples, joined our board and became Crystal Flame with our love and adour president not knowing hardly a miration, in recognition of the light soul, and have become an integral that you have brought to our Jewish Federation. part of our community, respected and We thank you! highly regarded by all.
June 2012 Federation Star
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For a continuously updated community calendar, visit the Federation’s website at www.jewishnaples.org.
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Federation Star June 2012
JEWISH FEDERATION
4th Annual FED CUP a huge success
T
he Federation’s 4 th Annual FED CUP Golf Outing, held on April 29, was a tremendous success and raised over $13,000 for our Camp/Israel Scholarship Program. For many years, the Federation and its partners have been able to award partial scholarships to deserving kids and teens in our community
to attend Jewish summer camps and for summer Israel trips. We cannot stress the importance of keeping the next generation of Jews connected to their precious heritage. At lunch, the participants heard testimony from Ezekiel LaFevers and Philip White, two young teens who benefitted from the scholarships we awarded, telling everyone how meaningful and life-changing the Jewish camp experience was for them. 78 golfers participated this year, our largest field of players since the FED CUP was initiated. The weather was overcast most of the day, but it was perfect for a comfortable game of golf. Winners of the 2012 FED CUP – Dr. Peter Jaffe, sons Connor and Kyle, and Dr. Joel Waltzer, Kevin Aizenshtat, with Kevin Aizenshtat, FED CUP Chair FED CUP Chair, and his able committee of Jerry Bogo, David Braverman, Steve Coleman, Susie Goldsmith, Linda Sims and Dr. Joel Waltzer, did an incredible job of securing sponsorships and silent auction items, and arranging for a wonderful event. Our thanks go to Anthony Solomon and A grand day for golf, auctions and family – Jon Bigel, his family, developers Marcy Aizenshtat, Kevin and Jacqui Aizenshtat of TwinEagles, for their with their sons, Bryce and Max
Announcing the launch of...
considerations to us for this important event, which included golf, cart service, a scrumptious lunch following the game and lots of extras. This year, we reached out for corporate and individual sponsors for each hole and donation of items for the goodie bags. Our thanks go to the following sponsors and corporate donors: • Kevin Aizenshtat, Realtor • Rosalee & Jerry Bogo Rosalee Bogo, Ellen Gersh and Phyllis Seaman • BrightStar – Life Care/ handled registration Kid Care/Staffing – • Golfsmith Warehouse John Botsko • The Putting Contest generously • First American Bank sponsored by LTCi Marketplace – • Flash Forward Solutions – Mitchell Dannenberg Jason Flegel And our special thanks to all of • Dr. Ramon Gonzalez – the businesses in the community who Doctor of Chiropractic offered us wonderful auction items; • Grand Woodworking – Neil Heuer and to our event participants who bid • Dr. Eric Hochman – on and won the many fabulous items Rheumatology from the following: • Legacy Title & Escrow – • Waldorf Astoria Naples Edward Wollman • Waldorf Astoria Orlando • PRO BAR – Stephen Coleman • Naples Grande Golf • Provident Jewelry – Jarrod Kaplan • The Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort • RAMM Metals, Inc. – • Calusa Pines Golf Michael Pierce • Massage Envy • Rogers Wood Hill Starman • TwinEagles Golf – & Gustason PA CPA – Rabbi Adam Miller Sheldon Starman • Capt. Drew Moret – • Royal Palm Recast, LLC – Islamorada Fishing Stephen Coleman • Dr. Joel F. Waltzer • Phyllis & Michael Seaman • BV Yoga • TAX SAVERS – Tax & Financial • B.R. Cohn Winery – Dan Cohn Services – Bill Somers • Tiburon Golf • TwinEagles – Anthony Solomon • PGA Superstore • Wells Fargo – The Private Bank – • Provident Jewelry Mark Koestner & • Robert of Philadelphia Rosemarie Ressegiue Hair Design • Dermatology & Dermarsurgery • Olde Cypress Golf of Naples – Dr. Joel F. Waltzer • Grey Oaks Golf – • Shereen & David Willens Dr. & Mrs. Mort Friedman • Dr. Brian D. Wolff – • Bokamper’s Neurology Center • CORE360 Wellness • Menchie’s – Cherie Pollack • FITNESS Inside & Out • Chick-Fil-A • Alexander’s Restaurant • Edwin Watts • Grand Woodworking • PGA Superstore
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FED CUP committee members with the kids and teens attending the luncheon
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JEWISH FEDERATION 5 Federation Star June 2012 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
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. Coord. Iris Doenias, Office 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
June 2012 Federation Star
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Outgoing President’s report at Federation’s Annual Meeting Rosalee Bogo
F
or me, the past six years have been filled with experiences that I will long remember. They have been fulfilling, exciting, fun and challenging. It has been such an honor to be a part of this community. I feel that I arrived at the right time, when this Jewish community was beginning to grow, and I have seen it explode. I know that our Federation has been a catalyst in making this happen. I am thankful that I had a role in this. I have personally gained more than I have given. I have been provided with an opportunity to meet so many incredible people and to work with so many of them in a variety of ways. Among the groups that have played an important role in my terms of leadership are my Executive Boards and Boards of Trustees. Their involvement and support of our Federation has been so important in the growth and success of our organization. Having the rabbis and presidents
of our different synagogues attend our meetings and events has been very important to me. Supporting other leadership in our community and having them support us has also allowed me to learn more about the other organizations and become friends with their leadership. All of this has contributed to the cohesiveness that is apparent in our community. I cannot say enough about the staff with whom I have worked. It always amazes me that this Federation only has four employees. The productivity that comes out of this office is amazing. Melissa joined the staff at the time I became involved. She lends such support to every program that we have. Iris and Deborah, who are newer to our staff, also bring a great attitude and work ethic. Those who have volunteered to chair events and committees and help in our office also played a key role in our success. Now what can I say about David. We have worked so well together. I respect him for his work ethic, and for his ability to do so many things that we would have to hire other people to do. He is trustworthy, organized, detail-oriented, interested in everything going on in our community,
helpful to anyone who needs him, and is so dedicated to his job as executive director. There are many weeks that I saw and spoke to him more than my husband, Jerry. And speaking of Jerry – patient, understanding of my time needed elsewhere, willing to get involved to help me out whenever I needed him, an incredibly wise sounding board, and the biggest fan I have. He has shared my best of times and my lowest points. He is a true partner for which I am so very grateful. But there is a new man in my life with whom I am now in love with. Norman Krivosha, my knight in shining armor. Norman answered the call for our need of a president. He is well-respected in our community, articulate and wise, with an understanding of the work of the Federation and its important role in the community. I hope that Norman will find this job as gratifying as I have found it. He will be supported by an amazing Board of Trustees, and I am there for him anytime he needs me. Thanks to all of you. This is truly bittersweet for me. I will miss being at the head of the table, but look forward to my next life experience. Thanks to all of you for being here tonight.
Community Relations Committee update Ann Jacobson Community Relations Committee Chair
T
he Catholic/Jewish Dialogue celebrates its tenth anniversary this year and many exciting programs will be offered under its auspices. ¡¡ The Readers and Thinkers group will offer three book discussion sessions (in September, December and March) and suggests the following books for your summer reading: Coming Together for the Sake of God, by Hanspeter Heinz and Michael Singer; Cushing, Spellman, O’Connor: The Surprising Story of How Three Americans Transformed CatholicJewish Relations, by Rabbi James Rudin; Sophie Scholl: The Real Story of the Woman Who Defied Hitler, by Frank Donough. The books are available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble. ¡¡ Two movie discussions will also be held on Journey to Justice and Paper Clips. These discussions will occur in October and February. ¡¡ Jack Conroy, PhD will hold two mini-classes on the Dead Sea Scrolls in January.
The above classes are free but reservations are required and can be made by calling the Federation office at 239.263.4205. ¡¡ The Catholic/Jewish Dialogue is planning an intergenerational community service project in early December. ¡¡ Two possible Dialogue sessions will be held, entitled “Why do
Jews and Catholics come together to work towards the common good? Because Isaiah and Matthew Said So. Find Out Why.” These sessions will be held in January and February. ¡¡ The Kristallnacht Convocation will be held on Sunday, November 4. Rabbi James Rudin will be the keynote speaker.
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Federation Star June 2012 WOMEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE
JEWISH FEDERATION www.WomensCulturalAlliance.com / 239-948-0003
Summer fun at WCA By Jane Hersch, WCA President
T
he fun never stops at WCA – even in the summer! A third of our members already live here fulltime, and many more are selling their northern homes and finding that life in Southwest Florida is fabulous all year. The big question usually is: Why did I wait so long to do this? Just remember, WCA is always here for you! This summer, WCA is offering several fabulous free programs for our members. To start the summer off, in May, one hundred members enjoyed breakfast and a private fashion presentation at Nordstrom. We learned: what to wear, when to wear it, and how to accessorize it. We also had a chance to have makeovers as well as private consultations in many departments. What a fun way to kick off our summer programming! June takes WCA members into the garden at The Planted Pot with advice on which are the best plants and herbs for growing in the Florida
summer sun and the appropriate pots to put them in. In addition, we will be treated to taste honey that has been harvested by the owners. WCA members will have the opportunity to participate in a special evening at The Promenade in Bonita Springs in June. Following dinner at The Silver Spoon, we will visit the art galleries and enjoy the music at The Promenade’s ARTWALK. July finds us at the Plastic Surgery Associates office of world renowned cosmetic surgeon Dr. Stanley Gulin for a morning to remember! We will meet the surgeon, find out about the “state of the art” in cosmetic surgery for 2012, including some of the newest procedures, and then tour Dr. Gulin’s facility, meet his staff, and have private consultations.
Many more surprises are in store for the lucky WCA members! To wrap up our summer of fun, in August we will head to downtown Naples for a fashion seminar by WCA member Marilyn Hellman, owner of Marilyn’s. Marilyn will answer the question for us: Help! What do I do? I have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear. Several WCA groups will also be meeting during the summer: Dinner Dames (who, once a month, eat dinner out together), The Single Connection (for single, widowed and divorced women, who eat out and have other adventures together), and The WCA Couples Group, which has dinners planned at Miramare and Joey D’s. If you are not a member of WCA, it is time for you to join. At WCA,
796 members!
Women’s Cultural Alliance Membership Form Please check one: r New r Renewal
the fun never stops, not even in the summer! To join in the fun, please complete the membership application below. Shortly after your application is received, you will begin to receive email notices of WCA events.
Save the Date WCA’s Welcome Back Luncheon Featuring Keynote Speaker Kathleen van Bergen, CEO and President, The Philharmonic Center for the Arts
Friday, November 16 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Grey Oaks Country Club
Membership: $60 for the year includes all study groups. 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: _________________________________________
Jewish Caregivers Support Group Providing care for a chronically-ill relative can overwhelm even the best intentioned person. Often, caregivers themselves become ill because taking care of their loved ones has affected their own health. They think they’re handling the chores okay, but the stress keeps mounting as they must stand by and watch their loved one deteriorate and slip toward the inevitable. Statistics indicate that over ninety percent of caregivers eventually leave their sick relative. We’ve all heard stories about the frail and vulnerable parent shipped off to this child or that, only to be abandoned and sent to a nursing home when that caregiver can no longer go on.
The needs are relentless. This is a job with no defined goals, one that can cause exhaustion, frustration, guilt and depression. The chores can be demeaning and unpleasant. But leave your spouse? Your parent, who tended you through childhood and put up with the same kinds of unpleasantness? How could you? And yet it happens, more often than not, because the self-preservation urge is even stronger than the guilt. What to do? Come to the Jewish Caregivers Support Group that meets in the Temple Shalom chapel at 10:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month. Membership in the group, led by a retired licensed psychotherapist, is open – at no charge
– to anyone in the Jewish community, irrespective of the kind of maladies being cared for. What happens here is totally confidential, so you can bare your soul, vent your frustrations, ask for advice – what has worked for others in this situation that you might apply to your own. Several started attending as caregivers and have now transitioned to needing grief support – which the group also embraces. Florette Kahn, LCSW, leads the group. An experienced psychotherapist, she is also caregiver to her husband, who suffers from a debilitating illness. Both as a professional and as an active caregiver herself, she KNOWS. Assisting her is Phyllis Lazear.
If this group sounds like just what you need, all you have to do is show up. For more information, call Phyllis at 239.352.2907 or Florette at 239.354.4209.
Next meetings: June 11 & 25
7 Federation Star June 2012 JEWISH FEDERATION
June 2012 Federation Star
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2012 Collier County Educator Award – “Stand Up For Justice” By Melissa Keel, Community Program Coordinator
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n October 2010, an annual $250 Educator Award was established by the Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation of Collier County. This award recognizes Middle School and High School teachers, guidance counselors, school librarians, media specialists and administrators who demonstrate outstanding, unique and replicable education initiatives countering bigotry and bullying. All nominees must have created lessons of their own design or successfully made adaptations from other programs, and should be able to show evidence of a positive nature as a result of implementation. These lessons or activities should teach students to “stand up for justice” no matter what religious, racial, cultural or other differences exist. The judging committee of Educator Award Coordinator Beth Povlow, Ruth Dorfman, Ann Jacobson, Melissa Keel, Jane Kiester, Barbara Silver and Gail Smith reviewed all the submissions and decided to honor two school guidance counselors by issuing two awards. This year’s winners, Jonah Nicosia and Jennifer Correa, Guidance Counselors at Manatee Middle School, were inspired to continue to expand the anti-bullying program initiated by last year’s award-winner, Lisa Garby, also from Manatee Middle School. Their activities included: XX Reflection Monday, when morning announcements included quotes about tolerance that students were asked to reflect on during firstperiod classes; bookmarks were distributed. XX Orange and Black Bully-free Bracelets were sold ($1) to promote Unity Day where Orange shirts were allowed to pull together as a school to promote tolerance and stand up against bullying. XX Random Acts of Kindness Day began with a Liberty Mutual commercial promoting passing on kindness during first period. Smarties with a random act of kindness written on them as well as Pass It On cards were distributed after the commercial. The goal was to have the card passed on at least three times that day. XX Students put on skits that showed bullying in action, followed by classroom discussions. Guides to Bullying Prevention with resources were handed out. XX Partnerships with community agencies such as the Shelter for Abused Women and Children were developed. The Agency’s RAISING GENTLE’MEN program was introduced to selected 8th grade boys once a week for eight weeks, exploring stereotypes, societal expectations, female stereotypes, and the power of language and how it can degrade or uplift people. Midway during the course, 8 th
grade girls were asked to join the group so they could benefit from this group that promotes gender equality and works to end violence in our society. Jonah Nicosia and Jennifer Correa worked tirelessly this year to promote kindness, tolerance, fairness and a sense of pride in all the students. “Manatee Middle School is honored and proud to have two wonderful, caring, hardworking counselors advocating on the behalf of all students and staff,” said Lisa Garby, 8th grade Language Arts/AVID elective teacher.
Award winners Jonah Nicosia and Jennifer Correa, Guidance Counselors, Manatee Middle School; Lisa Garby, nominator for this year’s winners, teacher and last year’s first-place Educator Award-winner from Manatee Middle School; Peggy Aune, Principal, Manatee Middle School
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WCA is planning a trip to ISRAEL WCA is planning a trip to ISRAEL April 4-12, 2013 April 4-12, 2013 for WCA and for WCA and Update Your Passport…We’re going to Israel adult Federation Update Your Passport…We’re going to Israel adult Federation WCA is planning a trip to ISRAEL members WCA is planning a trip to ISRAEL members April 4-12, 2013 Optional Extension to Eilat & Petra, Jordan, April 13-15
April 4-12, 2013Jordan, forExtension WCA and adult Federation members Optional to Eilat & Petra, April 13-15 What’s for included: April 4-12 WCA and adult Federation members
4 nights –April Inbal4-12 Jerusalem We will also offer an Extension to Eilat & Petra, Jordan, April 13‐15 What’s included: 2 Pastoral Hotel – located in the 4 nights – Kfar InbalBlum Jerusalem We will also offer an Extension to Eilat & Petra, Jordan, April 13‐15 What’s included: April 4‐12 Upper thePastoral banks ofHotel the Jordan River 2 nightsGalilee – Kfaron Blum – located in the 4 nights – Inbal Jerusalem What’s included: April 4‐12 2 nightsGalilee – David Aviv River Upper onIntercontinental the banks of theTel Jordan 2 nights – Kfar Blum Pastoral Hotel – located in the Upper Galilee on the banks of the Jordan River 4 nights – Inbal Jerusalem • Transfers to and from airport Tel / hotel 2 nights – David Intercontinental Aviv 2 nights – David Intercontinental Tel Aviv 2 nights – Kfar Blum Pastoral Hotel – located in the Upper Galilee on the banks of the Jordan River • Guides Transfers to and from airport / hotel 2 nights – David Intercontinental Tel Aviv • Transfers to and from airport / hotel • Full Israeli breakfast each day with a lunch or dinner Guides Guides •• Transfers to and from airport / hotel • Entrance Full Israelifees breakfast each day with a lunch or dinner •• Full Israeli breakfast each day with a lunch or dinner Guides • Tips to guides, Entrance fees driver, hotel staff •• Entrance fees Full Israeli breakfast each day with a lunch or dinner • Two options fordriver, tours hotel (included) Tips to guides, staff on days 3, 4, 5 & 6 •• Tips to guides, driver, hotel staff Entrance fees •• Two options for tours (included) on days 3, 4, 5 & 6 • Two options for tours (included) on days 3, 4, 5 & 6 Tips to guides, driver, hotel staff Not included: Airfare, insurance, meals not mentioned • Two options for tours (included) on days 3, 4, 5 & 6 Not included: Not included: Airfare, insurance, meals not mentioned • EXTENSION: Airfare, insurance, meals not mentioned April 13-15 to Eilat and Petra, Jordan Not included: • EXTENSION: Airfare, insurance, meals not mentioned April 13-15 to Eilat and Petra, Jordan What’s Included: What’s Included: 3 nightsEXTENSION: April 13‐15 to Eilat and Petra, Jordan – Isrotel Royal Beach Eilat EXTENSION: April 13‐15 to Eilat and Petra, Jordan 3 nights – Isrotel Beach Eilatand back to Tel Aviv • Flight from Royal Tel Aviv to Eilat What’s Included: Flight 3 nights – Isrotel Royal Beach Eilat from Tel Aviv to guide Eilat and back to Tel Aviv • 1-day Petra tour with What’s Included: 1-day Petra tour withand guide • Full Israeli breakfast Friday night dinner •3 nights – Isrotel Royal Beach Eilat Flight from Tel Aviv to Eilat and back to Tel Aviv • Full Israeli breakfast and Friday night dinner •• 1‐day Petra tour with guide Flight from Tel Aviv to Eilat and back to Tel Aviv
•• Full Israeli breakfast and Friday night dinner PARTICIPATION LIMITED TO TWO (2) BUSES – 1‐day Petra tour with guide • Full Israeli breakfast and Friday night dinner PARTICIPATION LIMITED TO (2) BUSES – Approximately 80 Members PARTICIPATION LIMITED TOTWO 40 MEMBERS
Members WE WILL LIMIT PARTICIPATION TO ONLY TWO (2) BUSES – Approximately 80 Members COST OF TRIP – estimateApproximately of $2,500/person 80 AIRFARE (COACH) – est. of $2,000/person WE WILL LIMIT PARTICIPATION TO ONLY TWO (2) BUSES – Approximately 80 Members COST OF TRIP – estimate of $2,500 per person AIRFARE (COACH) – estimate of $2,000 per person
Single – estimate of $1,000 Business Class upgrade available COST OFSupplement TRIP – estimate of $2,500/person AIRFARE (COACH) – est. of $2,000/person Single Supplement – estimate of $1,000 Business Class upgrade available COST OF TRIP – estimate of $2,500 per person AIRFARE (COACH) – estimate of $2,000 per person Single Supplement – estimate of $1,000 Business Class upgrade available EXTENSION EXTENSION TO EILAT AND PETRA – estimate of $1,200 per person TO EILAT AND PETRA – estimate of $1,200/person Single Supplement – estimate of $1,000 Business Class upgrade available Single Supplement estimate $400 Single Supplement – estimate of $400 EXTENSION TO EILAT–AND PETRAof – estimate of $1,200/person EXTENSION TO EILAT AND PETRA – estimate of $1,200 per person Single Supplement – estimate of $400 Single Supplement – estimate of $400 RESERVATIONS FOR LAND PACKAGE WILL BE ACCEPTED WITH $500 DEPOSIT PER PERSON PAYABLE TO THE
JEWISH FEDERATION OF COLLIER COUNTY. ITINERARY AND APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE RESERVATIONS FOR LAND PACKAGE WILL BE ACCEPTED WITH $500 DEPOSIT PER PERSON PAYABLE TO THE FEDERATION OFFICE OR EMAIL IRIS@JEWISHNAPLES.ORG FOR AN ELECTRONIC COPY. JEWISH FEDERATION OF COLLIER COUNTY. ITINERARY AND APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE
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COMMUNITY FOCUS
Federation Star June 2012
Jewish Family and Community Services update Dr. Jaclynn Faffer JFCS Executive Director
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ast week someone came by to visit our new Jewish Family and Community Services offices. Of course I was proud to show him our JFCS Food Pantry, complete with an entrance from the rear of the building for privacy, and plenty of space to store our much needed food. Unfortunately, what was glaringly obvious was the empty space on our shelves. As “season” draws to an end, our food supply dwindles, but the
need is only increasing. Our visitor asked how we handle such a situation, and I explained that we will put out an appeal and, if we need to, we will purchase the supplies that are most needed. What occurred next was truly amazing, and truly a mitzvah! Our visitor offered to not only supply us with cases of food, but to buy us four more units of shelving so that we will have even more room to store what is most needed by families and individuals who are experiencing food insecurity and turn to us for assistance. The shelves were delivered a few days ago, assembled by volunteers Dick Goldblatt and Jim Sernovitz, and are now stocked with cans of tuna, jars of peanut butter, soups, pasta and other staples. All
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of this occurred because someone stopped by to say “hello” and took the time to listen and understand the needs of the JFCS clients. This is what we mean by “tzedakah”! On May 8, JFCS hosted a breakfast for our “Seder-in-a-Box” partner congregations, Beth Tikvah, Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, Naples Jewish Congregation and Temple Shalom, and to celebrate our agency winning the national “Kovod” award for community collaboration from the Association of Jewish Family and Children’s Agencies (AJFCA). The award was presented at the AFJCA Annual Conference in Houston, Texas in April. Our breakfast was sponsored by BMO-Harris Bank and we gratefully acknowledge
its generous support. In past articles I have mentioned our “Kesher” networking group for Jewish professionals between the ages of 21-30. They held their first Shabbat dinner on April 27 and a good time was had by all. Please check out KesherSWFL on Facebook. Thank you for all you do for JFCS and for helping us help so many!
Kesher networking group for young professionals Shabbat dinner
GenShoah plans for future activities By Ida Margolis
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enerations of the Shoah of SW Florida (GenShoah) is beginning to plan activities for next season. The group is currently planning to hold meetings the third Sunday of each month from October to May at the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida in Naples. At the last meeting, members discussed plans, activities and events for next season, and numerous excellent ideas were presented. In addition to meetings, it was suggested that social activities and trips be planned. It was decided that a survey be sent to members so that all ideas can be considered. A number of members volunteered to help design the survey which will be emailed to all members. Volunteers will be needed for many
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of the activities that have been suggested. I am grateful to everyone who attended meetings, offered ideas and helped with the many activities that we had this year. If you are a child of Holocaust survivors (a 2g), a grandchild of survivors (a 3g), or if you share our mission of helping to preserve the memories of the Holocaust, you are welcome to come to meetings and activities. If you have any questions or suggestions or if you are not on the email list for this group and would like to be, please email Ida Margolis at mrsmarg@comcast.net. Individuals who have requested to be on the e-mail list receive updates about meetings, minutes of meetings, and information about Holocaust related projects, events and activities.
What if there was one place… ÎÎ to meet the needs of Jews and non-Jews, young and old, wherever they live? ÎÎ inspired by bold, often daring pursuits of social justice and human rights? ÎÎ you could make stronger by rich traditions of advocacy, education, responsibility and tzedakah?
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HOLOCAUST MUSEUM & ED CTR OF SWFL www.holocaustmuseumswfl.org / 239-263-9200
Up, Up and Oy Vey! By Amy Snyder, Executive Director
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t was in November 1938 when blind hatred swept German Jews during Kristallnacht, The Night of Broken Glass. The planet needed a hero – fast. Who could have predicted that this hero would be one concocted by two Jewish boys in Ohio? Jerry Seigel and Joe Shuster carved out a character that became that hero, and an American icon: Superman!” (Simcha Weinstein, Up, Up and Oy Vey!, page 21). Throughout June and July, the Holocaust Museum will be hosting the exhibit, American Cartoonists, Nazi Germany and the Holocaust, which explores the use of political cartoons and comic books as a means to fight the Nazi Regime. Included in the exhibit are the works of comic book artists from the 1930s and 1940s like Jack Kirby and Joe Simon; the art-
work of Arthur Szyk; and the political cartoons of Theodor S. Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss. Propaganda, positive and negative, comes in all shapes and sizes, and is designed to influence the general public. In the WWII era, Walt Disney and Dr. Seuss marched their distinctive styles to the beat of the American drum, encouraging citizens of the U.S. to unite with Western Europe against the threat of the Nazi Regime. Superman, Daredevil and Captain America, among others, appeared on the scene to fight evil and restore freedom. Today, comic books and graphic novels, as well as political cartoons, still affect the public in ways that other media cannot. The impact of a powerful image stays with us long after we’ve forgotten the words. The inspiration of a superhero changes our
understanding of what a single person can accomplish. We invite you to join us on Wednesday, June 13 to hear from Rabbi Simcha Weinstein about the Jewish roots of America’s favorite superheroes. His book, Up, Up and Oy Vey!, has received rave reviews and will be available for purchase and signing. The time and location of this event are yet to be determined.
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Yom HaShoah Service at Temple Shalom
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By Jeff Margolis
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n Sunday, April 15, members of the Naples community gathered at Temple Shalom to remember those who were tragically killed during the Holocaust. A somber procession of Holocaust survivors, children of Holocaust survivors and even a granddaughter of a survivor participated in a candle lighting ceremony as part of the remembrance service. The featured speaker was Cesare Frustaci, a local resident who was a survivor of the Holocaust. He recounted many of his experiences and his quest to be reunited with his mother. Holocaust survivors Ann Jacobson and Lorie Mayer, along with Amy Snyder, Executive Director of the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida, led those assembled in a prayer against hate. Cantor Donna Azu of Temple Shalom chanted Eil Malei
Rachamim, a hauntingly beautiful prayer for the dead. Participants who did readings included Steven Brazina, Martin Gautier, Melissa Keel, Harvey Chodock, Ida Margolis, Ken Wetcher, Jane Galler and Rabbi Adam Miller. Holocaust Remembrance Day is celebrated at this time every year in communities around the world. This year’s Yom HaShoah program was a collaborative effort of the following organizations: Beth Tikvah, Naples Jewish Congregation, Temple Shalom, Catholic/ Jewish Dialogue of Collier County, GenShoah of Southwest Florida, the Jewish Federation of Collier County, and the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida. According to a recent article in USA Today, the number of Holocaust survivors is diminishing at quite a rapid rate, just like World War II veterans who were liberators. In the not too distant future, there will be no survivors left to tell their stories and to warn a complacent population that such an event could happen again somewhere in the world. Yom HaShoah stands as a reminder of the horrors of the past and a tribute to the victims as well as survivors.
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NAOMI ALEXANDER
Once Upon a Time in LITHUANIA & the Florida Connection T hru September 30, 2012 English artist Naomi Alexander, ROI, records the last remnants of Jewish heritage in Lithuania today. Alexander traveled the country depicting her impressions of the people and their communities. The Museum adds photographs, artifacts and stories from Floridian Jews whose origins are from Lithuania. Kitchen interior, Zeizmariai, detail, oil on wood, 2003.
Organized by the London Jewish Cultural Centre in association with the Ben Uri Gallery, the London Jewish Museum of Art.
Woman of Telz and red door, oil on wood-triptych, 2002.
Local Sponsors: Sarita, Jimmy & Lidia Resnick and Deborah & Bruce Kaye in memory of Sonia & Nochim Golomb.
MEL FINKELSTEIN: PICTURING THE MAN BEHIND THE CAMERA Thru October 14, 2012
Featuring a lifetime of work by acclaimed photojournalist Mel Finkelstein, these images from the 1950s-1980s focus on iconic symbols of our cultural past, Mel Finkelstein & Kim Novak, from presidents to performers, giving a gelatin silver print, 1960. sense of this larger-than-life man and Exhibit curated by Donna Wendler and Susan J. Geier his world of time, place and celebrity. and circulated by the Mel Finkelstein Family Trust. Partially sponsored by Congregation Beth Jacob
The Beatles, gelatin silver print, 1964.
Also enjoy our core exhibit MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida, Museum Store & Bessie’s Bistro
Get the latest information on upcoming community events and cultural activities, news from Israel, important news updates and lots more.
Send an email to info@jewishnaples.org or visit www.jewishnaples.org.
The Museum is supported by individual contributions, foundations, memberships and grants from the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Arts Council and National Endowment for the Arts; the Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners and its Cultural Affairs Council and Tourist Development Council; and the City of Miami Beach and its Cultural Arts Council.
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COMMUNITY FOCUS
Federation Star June 2012
Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) update By Gene Sipe, VP, Southwest Florida Chapter ZOA
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he April ZOA meeting was hosted by Temple Beth El in Fort Myers. The program, “Combating Anti-Semitism on our Campuses,” that was presented by ZOA’s Florida Regional Director, Joe Sabag, Esq., could not have been more timely. Approximately 200 Jewish students at Florida Atlantic University had just been targeted by a group called Students for Justice in Palestinian (SJP). This particular action consisted of posting “mock” eviction notices on dorm-room doors. The notice had the approval stamp of the Housing Dept. and a mock Palm Beach County Government Seal, and had the appearance of official eviction proceedings. However, the body of the document contained its intended message in false statements and simply could not be interpreted as anything but anti-Semitic bigotry disguised as anti-Israelism. The Zionist Organization of America and the Anti-Defamation League demanded that the university condemn these acts. The ZOA reported that the fliers were anti-Semitic and designed to “delegitimize and demonize Israel by implying that it
engages in institutionalized racism.” The Anti-Defamation League called the findings of the university’s investigation “unsatisfactory” and called for “greater transparency” and for the university to make public the measures taken against university staff and the consequences for students who were involved. This was not an isolated incident. The university had previously been notified by the Zionist Organization of America of the SJP’s history of public calls for violence against Israel. The ZOA visits every major campus in Florida at least once per year, meeting with students and administrators on such matters. They have documentation of campus anti-Israel programs and they track the activities and funding of their organizers. They assist administrators in dealing with these issues and provide students with the information they need to have when confronted by these groups. They are also teaming up with another group, Step Up for Israel, by hosting meetings about the fliers and the “local anti-Israel movement in South Florida. Students attending universities
across the country are being assailed with well-coordinated rhetoric and malicious attacks similar to this incident. ZOA has taken the forefront in opposing this activity. In addition to meeting with administrators and students, ZOA also suggests students be provided a copy of Myths and Facts by Michael G. Bard, for concise, factual information on the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict. The ZOA also sponsors ZOA Student Leadership Mission trips to Israel and a Campus Activism Network. ZOA-CAN sponsors chapters on campuses across the country where students are exposed to dynamic speakers and informative booklets about Israel. They receive assistance in on- and off-campus programming from the national ZOA, and they are invited to participate in national student Israel advocacy workshops. The ZOA Campus Activism Network publishes a national student proIsrael magazine, The College Zionist, and currently distributes nearly 15,000 copies. Student Leadership Mission trips meet with Knesset Members, journalists and policy experts. These trips are intended for students who are
Joe Sabag & Jerry Sobel at the April ZOA meeting
Israel activists on their campus, or are planning to become Israel activists on their campus after the trip. The next Southwest Florida Chapter meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Beth Tikvah, 1459 Pine Ridge Road, Naples. We will be screening the documentary Iranium. This video is a timely film presenting the dangerous scenarios posed to the free world by a nuclear Iran. RSVP no later than two days prior to the event. To learn more about the ZOA, visit www.zoa.org. If you are interested in learning more about our local chapter, e-mail chapter president Jerry Sobel at jerrysobel@aol.com or me at mrnsrvr@gmail.com with your questions.
New exhibit opens at the Jewish Museum of Florida Mel Finkelstein: Picturing the Man Behind the Camera
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his exhibition examines a lifetime of work by acclaimed photojournalist Mel Finkelstein. From the late 1960s to the late 1980s, when readers rifled through The Daily News to see “what happened in New York yesterday,” more often than not, their view of the city and themselves came through the lens of Mel Finkelstein. Few photojournalists in history have had a direct, immediate and continuous relationship with a mass audience as Finkelstein, from the time of his youth to his untimely death at age 60, when he was photo editor at The New York Post. This collection of photos from the 1950s-1980s focuses on iconic symbols from our cultural past, giving a sense of this larger-than-life man and his world of time, place and celebrity. The exhibit is full of candid images
of well-known personalities, from presidents such as Kennedy, Truman and Eisenhower, to performers such as Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, The Beatles, Kim Novak, Marilyn Monroe and Sylvester Stallone. Finkelstein’s ability to “play the hunch” resulted in his capturing the special moments that tell a story. As he is quoted saying, “The right spot at the right time. That’s what this business is all about. Sometimes you stay in one spot and other times you play hunches and you would cruise.” On his wits and his guts, his hustle and his hunches, Finkelstein managed with stunning regularity to be in the right spot at the right time. Finkelstein had an uncanny nose for news, sniffing out an important
story among the many routine occurrences that came over the police radios or phone tips. He cared as much about the story behind his photos, as their dramatic potential. He began covering race riots in Harlem and became committed to civil rights reporting, even when he was unwelcome because he was white. Finkelstein summarized, “It’s such an overwhelming thing to look back, year after year after year, what you have seen, what has happened before your camera and what your camera has captured. You sort of get the feeling that you’re part of the continuity of history.” Mel Finkelstein (1932-1992) started working for The JournalAmerican as a 16-year-old high-school student. He stayed through its merger into The World-Journal-Tribune and
House sitting/pet sitting services available Non-smoker / non-drinker available for house sitting and/or pet sitting (long or short term). Excellent references. Reasonable rates. For more information, call 239.285.4722.
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that paper’s demise in 1967. For the next 20 years he worked at The Daily News, then joined The New York Post in 1988. This exhibit was curated by Donna Wendler and Susan J. Geier, and circulated by the Mel Finkelstein Family Trust. Partially sponsored by Congregation Beth Jacob. Mel Finkelstein: Picturing The Man Behind The Camera will be on display through October 14, 2012. About the museum The Jewish Museum of Florida is housed in two adjacent lovingly restored historic buildings on South Beach that were once synagogues for Miami Beach’s first Jewish congregation. The Museum’s focal point is its core exhibit MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida - 1763 to the Present and temporary history and art exhibits that change periodically. Currently on display: Once Upon a Time in Lithuania & the Florida Connection through September 30, 2012. A Collections & Research Center, several films, Timeline Wall of Jewish history, Museum Store filled with unique items, and Bessie’s Bistro complete the experience for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. The Museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums. Open daily 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except Mondays, Civil and Jewish holidays. Admission: Adults/$6; Seniors/$5; Families/$12; Members and children under 6/always free; Saturdays/free. The Museum is located at 301 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach. For more information, call 305.672.5044 or visit www.jewish museum.com.
JEWISH INTEREST 11 Federation Star June 2012
Stars of David
By Nate Bloom, Contributing Columnist Jews rock the Hall of Fame This year’s induction ceremony for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame took place on April 15 and was first televised on HBO on May 5. Look for encore showings throughout the summer and, no doubt, the program will be available for months via the HBO “on demand” feature. It will come out later this year on DVD. Individual inductees: (1) singersongwriter LAURA NYRO (194797) was born Laura Nigro, the child of secular parents. Her maternal grandparents were Russian Jewish, as was her father’s mother. Her paternal grandfather was Italian Catholic. Nyro wrote very well-crafted songs that others turned into big hits, including Wedding Bell Blues, Stoned Soul Picnic and Eli’s Coming. Ovarian cancer claimed her. She was inducted by a tearful BETTE MIDLER, 66, who said at the ceremony: “In a world of imitators...she was a complete original. She was an ornament on the Earth.” (2) DON KIRSHNER (1934-2011), inducted as a “nonperformer,” was the genius producer/ executive who was critical to the creation of most of the best rock music of the early to mid-’60s. His stable of in-house songwriters included CAROLE KING, NEIL SEDAKA, BARRY MANN, CYNTHIA WEIL and NEIL DIAMOND. He created the Archies and the Monkees rock bands. King, 70, inducted him, saying: “He was one of the most significant influences on popular music in the
20th century.” Bands: (1) The Red Hot Chili Peppers, a hard rockin’ band, whose original line-up (and Hall inductees) includes two Jewish members: JACK IRONS, 49, the original drummer, and HILLEL SLOVAK, the original lead guitarist. Born (1962) in Israel, the son of Holocaust survivors, Slovak’s great talent was overwhelmed by drugs and he died (1988) of an overdose. (2) Guns N’ Roses: STEVEN ADLER, 46, the group’s original virtuoso drummer. He’s battled a serious drug problem for decades. (3) The Beastie Boys, the best “white” rap group of all-time, its line-up has always been: (the late) Adam Yauch, ADAM HOROVITZ, 45, and MIKE DIAMOND, 46. Although the band has sometimes touched on Jewish themes – the ‘two Adams’ come with asterisks. Horovitz is the son of a Jewish father (famous playwright ISRAEL HOROVITZ) and non-Jewish mother, while Yauch was the son of a Jewish mother and a non-Jewish father. Both were raised secular. Yauch, long a devout Buddhist, was very ill on April 15, and wasn’t able to be at the ceremony. He was 47 when cancer took his life on May 4. The Beastie Boys’ Jewish ties never were that deep, but they made a number of Jewish references in their songs over the years. These references are most numerous in the 2004 album, “To the Five Boroughs.” Background on Barrymore I don’t write often about interfaith
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June 2012 Federation Star
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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. celebrity weddings. However, as I write this (in early May) actress Drew Barrymore, 36, is scheduled to marry her Jewish fiancé on June 2 and reliable reports say that it is likely that the groom’s family rabbi will preside. If this all comes to pass, which is likely, you have already seen reports about a Jewish wedding and wonder what’s up with that. Barrymore’s fiancé is WILL KOPELMAN, 33, a fine art consultant. His father, ARIE KOPELMAN, 71, is the now-retired head of Chanel, America (a subsidiary of the famous French company which is owned by the French Jewish brothers GERARD and ALAIN WERTHEIMER). Will’s sister, JILL KARGMAN, 37, is a well-known columnist and novelist. His mother, COCO, is from a distinguished Sephardi Greek family. I would call the Koppelmans moderately religious based on bio “bits and pieces.” Barrymore had a chaotic childhood family life and I suspect she’s drawn to Will Kopelman’s very stable and accomplished family. Barrymore has always been secular and the
couple’s Jewish wedding will likely be a Reform Jewish ceremony which doesn’t require that the non-Jewish partner convert to Judaism. Not long after the engagement was announced, Barrymore’s press rep said a tabloid report that she was converting was untrue. The nuptials are set to take place at Barrymore’s fabulous estate near Santa Barbara, California. It’s likely that her almost life-long mentor, STEVEN SPIELBERG, will have a role in the wedding. The bride is a few months pregnant, by the way. Barrymore does have a Jewish half-brother. Her father, the late actor John Drew Barrymore (1932-2004), the very troubled son of the legendary actor John Barrymore (1882-1942), was married four times. His first wife was actress CARA WILLIAMS, now 87. Born Bernice Kamiat, she got an Oscar nomination for playing a poor Southern widow who fancies TONY CURTIS in The Defiant Ones (1958). Her short marriage to Drew’s father produced a son, former actor JOHN BLYTH BARRYMORE, now 57.
Interested in Your Family’s History? Ten years of doing a Jewish celebrities column has turned Nate Bloom (see column above) 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.
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.
12
Federation Star June 2012
JEWISH INTEREST
Book Review From shipwrecks to salvation: breaking the blockade By Philip K. Jason, Special to the Federation Star Blockade: The Story of Jewish Immigration to Palestine: 1933-1948, by Gerald Ziedenberg. Authorhouse. 204 pages. $24.95 hardback, $19.95 trade paperback. E-book available.
A
lthough this study has several problems, it is nonetheless extremely useful and deserves our attention. It is not smoothly written, and it is unclear in too many places. It is not organized for maximum impact. The author has not made use of many recent books that are relevant to the topic. What does it Phil Jason have going for it? First of all, Gerald Ziedenberg exhibits a passionate concern with creating a fair-minded rendering of this important slice of 20th century history. Secondly, he introduces unique primary materials, namely, interviews with survivors of the blockade experience conducted in 2010 and 2011. As one might expect, Ziedenberg’s treatment is mostly chronological, but it is also topical – which is what forces some sections to take readers over the same ground they’ve already traveled. He begins with an overview of the Balfour Declaration and the British Mandate, then moves on to the main business of the immigration experience. Ziedenberg recognizes
Hebronics
N
ew York City public schools have officially declared Jewish English, now dubbed Hebronics, as a second language. Backers of the move say the city schools are the first in the nation to recognize Hebronics as a valid language and a significant attribute of American culture. According to Howard Ashland, linguistics professor at Brooklyn College and renowned Hebronics scholar, the sentence structure of Hebronics derives from middle and eastern European language patterns,
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British are blocking the seathree distinct phases of immigration path to survival. The heart following Hitler’s rise to power in of Ziedenberg’s book, and 1933. The first phase, essentially lewhat I expect will most fully gal, lasts until the later thirties. After engage his readers, is his the Arab revolt in 1936, the mandate narrative of the failed and administrators tightened immigrasuccessful attempts to overtion quotas to Palestine. This second come the blockade. These phase runs through the war years and stories are told in terms of is a period in which Britain’s naval the seacraft themselves: blockade is largely successful. In the age, condition, size, numpost-war period, beginning in 1945, ber of passengers, routes, supplies and there is much more intense and effecliving conditions. tive piercing of the blockade, along They are also told as the stories with other efforts against the British of individual experiences. Here the forces in Palestine. thirteen interviews that Ziedenberg The author is careful to differenconducted serve him well in particutiate among the various components larizing the physical and psychologiof the Zionist movement and to sift cal ordeal of a wide through the political biases range of personaliof these oft-times adverties. The passages sarial factions. of the book based Clearly a Zionist himon these interviews self, Gerald Ziedenberg is bring the past alive. not blinded by his sense of The author also Israel’s necessity and his draws upon the prelove for the country. That viously published is, he clearly recognizes testimony of other that others, let’s call them blockade-runners. Palestinian Arabs for conFor the most venience, suffered greatly part, Ziedenberg deboth before and after the Gerald Ziedenberg scribes the transit creation of the Jewish state. of motor-driven boats. However, he However, this issue is not his main has a chapter on “The Sailboats” that focus. is particularly riveting in which he The clock is ticking, the Jews of traces several of these fragile sailboat Europe are being slaughtered, many voyages. are heading for Palestine, and the
as well as Yiddish. Professor Shulman explains, “In Hebronics, the response to any question is usually another question with a complaint that is either implied or stated. Thus “How are you?” may be answered, “How should I be, with my bad feet?” Shulman says that Hebronics is a superb linguistic vehicle for expressing sarcasm or skepticism. An example is the repetition of a word with “sh” or “shm” at the beginning: “Mountains, shmountains. Stay away. You should want a nosebleed?” Another Hebronics pattern is moving the subject of a sentence to the end, with its pronoun at the beginning: “It’s beautiful; that dress.” Shulman says one also sees the Hebronics verb moved to the end of the sentence. Thus the response to a remark such as “He’s slow as a turtle,” could be: “Turtle shmurtle! Like a fly in Vaseline he walks.” Shulman provided the following examples from his best-selling textbook, Switched-On Hebronics: Question: “What time is it?” English answer: “Sorry, I don’t know.” Hebronic answer: “What am I, a clock?” Remark: “I hope things turn out okay.”
English response: “Thanks.” Hebronic response: “I should be so lucky!” Remark: “Hurry up. Dinner’s ready.” English response: “Be right there.” Hebronic response: “Alright already, I’m coming. What’s with the ‘hurry’ business?” Remark: “I like the tie you gave me; I wear it all the time.” English response: “Glad you like it.” Hebronic response: “So what’s the matter; you don’t like the other ties I gave you?” Remark: “Sarah and I are engaged.” English response: “Congratulations!”
Other chapters treat issues such as detention and captivity, the Tehran children, the special situation of legal immigration, the substantial presence of Jews in the British police and armed forces in Palestine, post-liberation activity and, of course, the Exodus story. He calls the Exodus “the ship that launched a nation.” Ziedenberg’s narrative is aided by the many fascinating photographs and several maps that he includes for the reader’s edification. Along with the customary bibliography, glossary and index, the author provides a special bonus – thumbnail sketches of the future lives of those who had risked breaking the British blockade. Concludes Gerald Ziedenberg, “The inability of the Jews of Europe to flee to their sole sanctuary cost the Jewish people and the world dearly.” Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeritus of English from the United States Naval Academy. He reviews regularly for the Naples edition of Florida Weekly and for Fort Myers Magazine. For more of Phil’s insights and reviews, as well as literature/publishing links, visit his website at www. philjason.wordpress.com.
Hebronic response: “She could stand to lose a few pounds.” Question: “Would you like to go riding with us?” English answer: “Just say when.” Hebronic response: “Riding, shmiding! Do I look like a cowboy?” To the guest of honor at a birthday party: English remark: “Happy birthday.” Hebronic remark: “A year smarter you should become.” Answering a phone call from son: English remark: “It’s been a long time since you called.” Hebronic remark: “You didn’t wonder if I’m dead yet?”
Israeli Dancing: The Jewish Aerobics Every Sunday at 4:00 p.m. at the Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers Prior to attending, please confirm time and date. Call the Federation at 239.481.4449 or email instructor Marsha Kistler at mkiss417@aol.com.
JEWISH INTEREST 13 Federation Star June 2012
June 2012 Federation Star
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10 tough Jewish characters in movies By Ronn Torossian, May 7, 2012
T
he Avengers opened this weekend to the biggest film opening of all time – making over $200 million at the box office in a single weekend in cinemas in North America, and set to become one of only a handful of movies to gross $1 billion worldwide. Unknown to many is that these characters were created by three Jews (Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Joe Simon), and the film consists of an all-star team of Marvel superheroes. The media has not often portrayed Jews as tough, but in real life there are many tough Jews, and there are also many tough Jewish characters in movies. It’s a list open for debate, but it consists of movies with mass-market appeal, no gangsters, and is written by a PR agency owner, not a rabbi. In no particular order, a list of the top 10 tough Jewish characters in movies: Tuvia, Zus and Asael Bielski in Defiance – one of the greatest Jewish movies ever: These are three Jewish warrior brothers who fought the Nazis. They are tough but decent good real-life (and on screen) heroes. Ari Ben-Canaan in Exodus: Ari is the heroic underground commander who outwits the British to bring Jewish immigrants into postwar Palestine. (Fittingly, Paul Newman, who portrayed Ben-Canaan self-identified as Jewish, “because it’s more of a challenge.”) Avner in Munich: Avner and the
other Mossad agents were strong Jews who let terrorists understand that Jewish blood is not cheap. In the comedy movie Knocked Up, a few Jewish characters discuss how great it was to watch tough Jews beating people up, killing them and taking revenge. I agree. The Bear Jew in Inglorious Bastards: The bat-wielding Sgt. Dony Donowitz, aka “The Bear Jew,” played by Eli Roth in Quentin Tarantino’s movie about American Jewish soldiers in the immediate aftermath of World War II, depicted a Jewish soldier who beat Nazis to death with a baseball bat. Richie Roberts in American Gangster: Russell Crowe plays a detective who wears a Star of David and tracks down a drug lord stopping at nothing to win. Zohan Dvir in Don’t Mess with the Zohan: Surely the toughest hairdresser ever, this ex-Israeli commando played by Adam Sandler was a kindhearted fighter with extreme capabilities. Walter Sobchak in The Big Lebowski: What a character, but an absolute tough Jew who defends the faith. “Three thousand years of beautiful tradition, from Moses to Sandy Koufax...YOU’RE RIGHT I LIVE IN THE PAST!” Taylor Reese in Knockaround Guys: Vin Diesel’s character has him take off his jacket where he had a huge Star of David tattoo on his arm.
He then beat the toughest bully in a neighborhood bar to a bloody pulp. David Greene in School Ties: Portrayed by Brendan Fraser, Greene is a working class tough kid who wins a football scholarship. He’s handsome, smart and hardworking, and challenges his racist classmates and the school administration. Tevye in Fiddler on The Roof: Perhaps the most famous Jewish character in theater or movies, he is indeed a tough man who manages to keep his family together, knows when to laugh, and keeps his faith despite tremendous difficulty. He stands up to the thugs who disrupt his daughter’s
wedding and keeps the faith. There were some close runnersup, including Charlton Heston as Moses, and multiple Kirk Douglas characters. Chazak Ve’ematz (Be Strong and Have Courage) are words from the Torah, and it’s beautiful to see courageous Jews portrayed on screen as they are in real life. As you watch The Avengers, think of strong tough Jews – and don’t get distracted by gorgeous Jewish actress Scarlett Johansson. Ronn Torossian is the CEO of 5WPR, a leading PR firm and Author of “For Immediate Release.
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Federation Star June 2012
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Tributes
Tributes to the UJA Federation Campaign To: Bart Charlow Wishing you a full and speedy recovery From: Shereen & David Willens To: Susie & Ron Goldsmith In honor of your 45th wedding anniversary From: Karen & Neil Moss To: From:
Yale T. Freeman In honor of being elected incoming president of Temple Shalom Shereen & David Willens
To: Alene Wiseman & Family In memory of beloved husband, Alvin Wiseman From: Aileen Marcus To: From:
Cissy Dezen In honor of your special birthday Corinne & Lee Kapor Anne & Peter Klein
To: Barbara Meltz In honor of your birthday From: Sandy & Maury Raizes To: From:
Alvin Becker Wishing you a speedy recovery Arlene & Bob Subin Dorothy & Irvin Litt Lois & Richard Janger
Jewish Federation of Collier County extends: • Condolences to Arthur David on the passing of his beloved mother, Mona Feldman • Condolences to Rona Javitch on the passing of her beloved husband, Lee Javitch
JEWISH INTEREST
Mezuzah mitzvah By Arlene Rutstein
T
he mezuzah stayed, a solitary sentinel, tacked in place, on the front doorpost. House is sold. I’d moved on, mezuzah hadn’t. I’d taken the furniture and the coffee pot, not a problem, but stopped when it came to mezuzah removal. So when Sam, my old neighbor, says, “Walter will help you,” I welcomed the offer. Walter calls a short time later. “I have your mezuzah,” he says, “and when I get the right size screws I’ll hang it for you in your new home.” I’m thinking, “Shouldn’t I have the rabbi?” But Walter’s only trying to help. And, as promised, Walter shows up. Time’s running short. “I checked out what should be done,” he says. “You’re an Ashkenazi Jew, so I place this one third of the way down on the portal.” He knew. “And it’s angled just this way,” he continues. “Now, if you were Israeli, well then it would be this way.” So he demonstrates. “Hmm, a little unorthodox, but may work.” I check the parchment,
which is clear and readable, so I chant the blessing. Walter begins his work. He finishes, and then I do the Ve’ahavta, In Hebrew first, then in English for the two of us. It seems right enough. Vows are made. Then, decidedly off script, and perhaps prodded by piety, Walter, baptized Waldislav, makes his Catholic confession. He had tacked that mezuzah on a wrong door down the block. Realizing his error, he quickly removed it, found the right address and, this time, he rang the bell. Oy vey! Can you imagine an unknowing non-Jewish neighbor discovering this strange cylinder on the doorpost of his home? Sound familiar? It should. It’s what I almost did. But that’s a non-crisis now. “It’s a mitzvah of mezuzah. You’ve helped me create my Jewish home. I’m so grateful,” and I hope he’s reassured. Now I’m doing the old familiar fingers to mezuzah and then fingers to lips. I’m home again.
The work of the Jewish Federation of Collier County represents both our community and our community’s most generous tradition — to give to others even in the most difficult times.
June 2012 ISRAEL & THE WORLD 15 Federation StarJEWISH
June 2012 Federation Star
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Young Diaspora Jews launch ‘Clean the Land’ campaign in Israel
Following Masa Israel’s Building Future Leadership program, four Israel Government Fellows create nationwide annual project to beautify Israel
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n May 18, hundreds of young adults working, volunteering and studying in Israel took part in Clean the Land, a day devoted to picking up litter in communities throughout Israel, as well as educating about recycling, sustainability and environmental protection. Launched by four young Diaspora Jews who are currently serving as Fellows in government ministries through Masa Israel’s Israel Government Fellows, the grassroots project seeks to encourage a more eco-friendly nation. Masa Israel, which runs 200 programs in Israel for 10,000 young adults, is a project of the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Government of Israel. Clean the Land was born in an entrepreneurship workshop during Masa Israel’s Building Future Leadership (BFL), an intensive leadership week that brought together 400 young adults from around the world this March. During a brainstorming session at BFL led by PresenTense, the creators – Max Friedenberg, 23, University of Illinois graduate from Vernon Hills, Illinois; Sam Silverlieb, 26, Harvard University graduate from Montville, New Jersey; Joel Wanger, 24, Northeastern University graduate from Crofton, Marlyand; and Daniel Barnett, 26, University of
Sydney graduate from Johannesburg, South Africa – decided to model the initiative after the annual Clean Up Australia Day. “All year, we’ve been upset that the trash in Israel destroys the country’s historic sites and natural beauty,” said Wanger. “Building Future Leadership provided us with the platform to get our idea off the ground, along with a network of other young Jewish leaders who are passionate about making a difference in Israel.” As part of the initiative, Clean the Land secured garbage bags and gloves from the Israel Securities Authority, which will be distributed to the communities taking part in the effort. Barnett expressed that the initiative could never be possible without corporate and government participation. “This initiative illustrates how young adults on Masa Israel experiences are able to truly immerse themselves in Israeli society,” said Masa Israel’s North American Director, Avi Rubel. “With participants like these among the 10,000 who come to Israel each year, Masa Israel is proud to be building a much stronger Jewish community.” For more information about Clean the Land, visit www.cleanthe land.org or contact Rachel Sales, at
racheltr@masaisrael.org. About Masa Israel Masa Israel Journey connects young adults, ages 18-30, to immersive five to12-month internship, volunteer and academic programs in Israel. Masa Israel is a project of the
Government of Israel and the Jewish Agency for Israel and is made possible through the generous contributions of the Jewish Federations of North America and Keren Hayesod-UIA. Visit www.MasaIsrael.org for more information.
For daily news stories related to Israel & the Jewish world, visit www.jewishnaples.org.
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Federation Star June 2012
ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD
BRIEFS GOOGLE STREET VIEW IMAGES OF ISRAEL GO ONLINE
BNEI MENASHE ALIYA FROM INDIA TO RESUME THIS SUMMER
Google Maps Street View images of Israel are available online. The 3D mapping project began with car- and tricycle-mounted cameras snapping photos from the streets of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Haifa – offering a panoramic look at Israel’s three largest cities. To protect both national security and citizens’ privacy, Google agreed to skip sensitive facilities and blur peoples’ faces. (Times of Israel)
MUSIC MOGULS TO ARTISTS: DON’T BOYCOTT ISRAEL Leading music executives, talent agents and entertainment lawyers have joined together in the nascent group Creative Community for Peace (CCFP), a nonprofit seeking to counter artist boycotts of Israel. While some high-profile musicians have succumbed to pressure to cancel their Israel tours, many prominent artists are still performing there – Lady Gaga, Elton John, Rihanna, Paul McCartney and Leonard Cohen are just a few who have taken the stage there in recent years. This summer, 46 musical acts are scheduled, including Madonna, Rufus Wainwright, Herbie Hancock and Lenny Kravitz. (Los Angeles Jewish Journal)
For the first time in five years, a large group of Bnei Menashe immigrants from northeastern India is slated to make aliya this summer. 50 families, numbering 250 people, will arrive in August and settle in the Galilee. More than 1,700 Bnei Menashe moved to Israel over the last decade. (Jerusalem Post)
FREE ISRAELI CATARACT CLINICS TREAT 1,000 ETHIOPIANS When the seven-person crew from the Israeli volunteer organization Eye from Zion arrived in a remote region in Ethiopia in February to provide free cataract surgery, they were expecting several dozen patients. 1,400 showed up. The organization has performed the 20-minute procedure on thousands of people in Asian and African countries. After an initial 170 operations in the regions of Debark and Gondar, Eye from Zion founder Nati Marcus planned to return with another team of four eye doctors, a couple of nurses and a technician over the course of the year to finish the job for those on the waiting list. No one at Eye from Zion receives
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ISRAEL’S HANDICAPPED MIRACLE Israel’s determination in tackling the physical problems that arise either from natural causes, terrorism or war is astounding and says much about Israel’s moral lesson to the world. The Jewish state is in fact the world’s most important laboratory for healers of diseases. There is an amazing quantity of research, inventions and newfound techniques for curing and helping the ill, the blind, and the paralyzed to return to normal life. Scientists at Hebrew University have developed the drug Exelon for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and traumatic brain injuries. The Weizmann Institute has led the development of promising new therapies for acute spinal cord injuries. In Israel it is very common to see children with Down’s syndrome in television programs and there are special parks for disabled people. Paraplegic war heroes are the protagonists of soap operas and disabled athletes are extremely successful. 2,248 “children of Chernobyl” were brought to Israel for treatment after the nuclear plant meltdown in Ukraine. (Ynet News)
U.S., MIDDLE EAST FORCES WAGE HUGE WAR GAME Some 10,000 troops from the U.S., Jordan and 15 other countries in the region are preparing to launch the first-ever live-fire drill involving air, land, marine and special forces operating as a joint task force. The three-week exercise – dubbed Eager Lion 2012 – began May 9, with forces deployed throughout Jordan, including near the border with Syria and in the Gulf of Aqaba across from Israel. This year’s exercise marks the first time forces will train for irregular warfare, special operations and counterinsurgency under a coordinated joint task force. (Defense News)
22,993 ISRAELI FALLEN SOLDIERS AND TERRORISM VICTIMS 126 new names have been added to the list of Israel’s fallen soldiers and terrorism victims who were honored at Remembrance Day events. Israel now has 10,524 bereaved families who have lost 22,993 loved ones. The families include 2,396 orphans and 4,992 widows. A one-minute siren was heard at 8:00 p.m. on the eve of Yom HaZikaron, followed by a ceremony at the Western Wall. The following day, a two-minute siren was heard as Israelis observed a second moment of silence, followed by numerous memorial services. The placing of a flag with a black “Yizkor” (remembrance) ribbon on the grave of each and every fallen soldier or terror victim is an expression of the state’s deeply held honor and respect for the fallen. It embodies the participation of the whole country
in the shared grief of all the bereaved families, orphans and widows. The Ministry of Defense estimated that over one million Israelis paid their respects at the 44 military cemeteries and burial plots across the country. (Israel Ministry of Defense)
HALL OF NAMES FOR THE FALLEN OF ISRAEL’S WARS TO BE ESTABLISHED IN JERUSALEM The Israeli Cabinet recently approved the establishment of a “Hall of Names” for the fallen of Israel’s wars, in the military cemetery on Mt. Herzl in Jerusalem. Prime Minister Netanyahu said, “We have no central hall to enshrine the memories of the fallen of Israel’s wars...We are a people that overflows with memory. We are doing this out of deep recognition of the contribution of the fallen, and I hope that such places will no longer be necessary.” (Prime Minister’s Office)
June 2012 Federation Star “very proud.” 80% say they prefer to live in Israel over any other place in the world, while only 9% would rather live abroad. 83% intend to display their national pride by flying a flag outside their house or on their car on Independence Day. 65% said they see themselves as Jews first, then Israeli. 21% feel more Israeli than Jewish. 81% said they feel an affinity towards Diaspora Jews. (Israel Hayom)
POLL: 93 PERCENT PROUD TO BE ISRAELI According to a poll of Israelis conducted in honor of Independence Day, 93% are proud to be Israeli, and 70% describe themselves as
ISRAEL’S GAS DIPLOMACY After Israel survived its war of independence, it set about winning friends in the Middle East among non-Arabs, including Iran and Turkey, two nonArab regional powers that became full-blown military allies. Now Israel’s periphery strategy is back big time, thanks largely to hydrocarbon diplomacy. Israel has known gas reserves of $130-billion in the Mediterranean,
“… a humorous “… a humorous yet yet heart -rending heart -rending journey…” journey…”
continued on page 27
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“This book will have you smiling “ i lnl d aT t hoins ebpoooikn tw a h a v e y o u s m i s h e d d i n g t e a rl si nagt a a tn ootnhee p r .o i n t a n d shedding tears at a I fn oytohue’rr.e s e n s i t i v e
IMPRESSIONS OF AN IDF RESERVE SOLDIER Last week I returned from monthlong IDF reserve service in Judea and Samaria. Israelis maintain a daily routine under a constant threat to their lives. Jewish communities must be surrounded by a fence so their residents won’t be butchered. I suddenly understood how truly shocking it is that I’m lying in ambush in mud near a Jewish community on the eve of a holiday, just to prevent the murder of Jews. The Palestinians do not draw their hatred for Israel from the soldier at the checkpoint. They take in the hatred from the PA and Hamas TV. They get the hatred from incitement at mosques, schools, and the photos of martyrs adorning every wall and square in their cities. (Yaniv Blumenfeld in Ynet News)
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about expressing Is fu cyhoeum ’ roet si o en n ss ,i tbi v ee a b roeuftu e ca l xnporte tsos irnega d s u c h e m i t i n p u bolti ico. ”n s , b e c a r e f u Rose, l not to read Samantha iCharleston t i n p uMercury blic.” Samantha Rose, Charleston Mercury
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Federation Star June 2012
FOCUS ON YOUTH
Preschool of the Arts update By Ettie Zaklos, Preschool Director
L
ooking back at our inaugural year of preschool, it gives me great pleasure to see how Preschool of the Arts isn’t just an Early Learning center where children are nurtured by professional and loving staff in a beautiful modern facility equipped with the most educational sound resources. Preschool of the Arts has evolved and become a family! The camaraderie, warmth and sense of community are amazing! The relationships and interactions with teachers, children and parents are heartwarming and uplifting. I am truly humbled and proud of
the success of Preschool of the Arts, which opened its doors in August 2011 with just two classrooms. Within three months, our classes were full, prompting us to open a third classroom. We are proud to announce the opening of a fourth room this fall to accommodate our rapidly growing school. What makes our school so exceptional? Why have we experienced such astounding growth? These questions have been answered by our preschool families as well as by grandparents, visitors and anyone who walks through our doors, who say,
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“The excellence and quality of Preschool of the Arts shines through in every aspect of their program.” From our new, clean, safe and state-of-theart facility to our loving, devoted and professional staff, to our outstanding academics and wide range of special activities, Preschool of the Arts has everything that a parent can ever want in a preschool for their child. Our approach at Preschool of the Arts is to continuously reach higher, to improve and enhance the children’s experience, and to exceed the expectations of our families. In that spirit, Preschool of the Arts is the only preschool in Collier County to be certified green by the Eco-Healthy Child Care (EHCC) program in Washington, D.C. Preschool of the Arts will also be offering Voluntary Pre Kindergarten (VPK) for the 2012-2013 school year for children who turn 4 by September 1, 2012. Preschool of the Arts offers full and half-day programs for children ages 18 months to 5 years old. For more information about Preschool of the Arts or to schedule your personal
Preschool of the Arts children are amazed as a chick hatches from its shell
Our new baby chick friends!
tour, call 239.263.2620 or visit www. NaplesPreschoolOfTheArts.com. Join us for one of our open house events: Sundays, June 24 or July 1 from 2:00 4:00 p.m. We are located at 1789 Mandarin Road (in the heart of Naples, just across from Coastland Mall).
Camp Gan Israel – “Around the World”
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amp Gan Israel is dedicated to enriching the lives of children from diverse backgrounds and affiliations. Our premier camp, located in the heart of Naples, enjoys a well deserved reputation as a trendsetter with creative programming. We invite you to see firsthand the magic of Camp Gan. Anticipate a high spirited, memorable summer! Camp Gan prides itself on its exceptional staff members, chosen for their warmth, sensitivity and care for each child. Experienced counselors are well trained in safety. Each counselor is a role model, promising children lasting friendships and guidance. An indication of the close bond between campers and counselors are the tearful good-byes on the last day. Our theme this summer is “Around the World.” We will focus on a different country each week, and incorporate that country into our daily activities. Exciting field trips include
travel to cool places twice a week: C’MON, Chuck E. Cheese, Sun-NFun Lagoon, Pump It Up and more! Campers enjoy swimming twice a week in the large outdoor pools in the area under constant supervision of certified lifeguards. Supervised by an experienced coach, campers develop sportsmanship, athletic skills and the confidence to enjoy a variety of sports, including basketball, soccer, tennis, volleyball and more! Our campers experience a wide variety of activities, tailored to their age group and interests. From scavenger hunts to woodworking, from performing arts to tae-kwon-do, our professional instructors help children acquire new skills and have fun in the process! Camp Gan Israel is for children ages 6-13. Camp runs from June 25 to July 20. For more information, contact Director Ettie Zaklos at 239.263.2620 or visit www.cginaples.com.
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
FOCUS ON YOUTH 19 Federation Star June 2012
June 2012 Federation Star
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Temple Shalom Preschool – It’s graduation time! By Seyla Cohen, Preschool Director
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an we possibly be at the end of another exciting school year? We’ll say farewell to our fouryear-olds with great pride and a bit of sadness as so many of them have been with us for three years. We are pleased that the children are so well prepared to move on to kindergarten. They have been taught phonics and sight word basics, preparing them for a solid reading foundation. Writing journals have been used as a tool to expand the creative process using imaginative thinking and phonetic sound-out words. A basis for math, emphasizing simple addition and subtraction skills, have been taught through the use of manipulative and sorting instruments. Children have been trained in small motor development to help perfect their cutting and tracing dexterity, as well as the proper grasp of writing
utensils. In science, these children have learned measuring, sink and float concepts, and participated in experiments using basic chemistry. Art, cultural studies, geography, current events, and other higher-level teaching have provided our students with knowledge of the world around them. We are proud to say that a majority of our Pre-K students are reading or surpassing beginning reading, writing and math skills. Over the years, graduates of Temple Shalom Preschool have gone on to become community leaders, National Merit scholarship winners, and straight-A students; they have been involved in the NASA program, film production, gifted programs, and leadership positions. Temple Shalom has a track record to be proud of. We continuously strive to learn from the past and make adjustments and improvements to keep Temple Shalom Preschool’s reputation as the premier school for Naples area preschoolers. Our little ones have grown so big and capable of many things from when they began their preschool journey. This reminds us that time moves fast. Each stage of our child’s growth brings wonderful new changes, but we should
try to slow down and appreciate what is happening now. So don’t wish away those sleepless nights! Be amazed at the stages your child goes through and enjoy them all. Sit on the floor and play with them, read them a book at night, know that before long they will be able to read to you. Listen to your child tell
you about their first day in school. All too soon you will hear about their first day in high school or college. Cherish and love every minute that you have with these little angels. We are so blessed to have the children with us and appreciate every moment we are able to be a part of their lives.
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Federation Star June 2012
COMMENTARY
Happy 64th Birthday, Israel!
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hat’s so special about a country’s 64th birthday? Well, in the case of most nations, perhaps not all that much, unless the country happens to be Israel, which celebrates its birthday this year on April 25 and 26. Israel has the dubious distinction of being the only U.N. member state whose right to exist is regularly challenged, whose elimination from the world map is the aim of at least one other U.N. member state, Iran, and whose population centers are deemed fair game by Hamas-controlled Gaza and Hezbollah-dominated Lebanon. Thus, Israel’s sheer act of survival from year to year is itself noteworthy. None of the countries that are serial human-rights violators – not Iran, North Korea, Belarus, Zimbabwe, Sudan or any of the others – gets anything near the relentless, obsessive, guilty-till-proven-innocent scrutiny that democratic Israel receives from U.N. bodies, with their built-in, antiIsrael majorities, in New York and Geneva.
No other country is the target of such non-stop, well-funded, and highly-organized campaigns to discredit, delegitimize and demonize a sovereign state. No other country faces such systematic attempts to launch boycotts, divestment campaigns and sanctions against it, not to mention flotillas and flytillas, and all the while those behind the efforts, claiming to speak for human rights, blithely ignore places like Syria, where thousands were killed in the past year alone, because they can’t claim an Israeli connection. And no other country has its right to self-defense challenged as Israel does, even though it does no more than any other nation would do if confronted by periodic terrorist assaults and deadly missile and rocket attacks. I have enormous admiration for Israel – for its resolve, resilience, courage and ingenuity. Other nations might have succumbed, after 64 years of uninterrupted hostility, to the enemies trying
continued on page 28
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COMMENTARY 21 Federation Star June 2012
June 2012 Federation Star
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Yom HaShoah and the founding of the modern State of Israel
By Chaim Shacham, Consul General of Israel to Florida and Puerto Rico, April 19, 2012
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ix Million. The number is beyond one’s ability to comprehend. Behind this number are six million individuals. Six million souls with six million different hopes and dreams. Together, they were the soul and the collective aspiration of the Jewish people. The Jewish people, one of the oldest peoples of the world, were in those dark days of Chaim Shacham the Holocaust the most defenseless people of the world. With no homeland, no state, no army, no means with which to protect itself by itself. Since its exile from the Land of Israel in the year 70 CE and the loss of its national independence, the Jewish nation had to depend upon other nations for its security and well-being. Although the Jewish people were miraculously able to survive, the results of this historical incongruity were disastrous. After almost two thousand years of teetering between fleeting tolerance and murderous persecution, this un-
tenable reality of nationhood without the means of self-defense culminated in the Holocaust – the systematic mass genocide unique in the annals of human cruelty by several orders of magnitude. As unique in history as the Jewish people itself. In the wake of this unfathomable and indescribable atrocity, the Jewish nation rose up from the ashes, took its destiny into its own hands, and reconstituted the State of Israel – the reborn nation-state of the Jewish people, reestablished in the Land of Israel, the cradle of its history. Founded upon the inspiration of the Biblical prophets, and the lessons of two millennia of exile, the cornerstone of this State is the national commitment that the Jewish people no longer be beholden to the whims of others for its survival; that the Jewish people no longer be forced to convince others that the clear, present and existential threats that it sees before it are actually real; that the Jewish people no longer be forced to convince others that they are worthy of their protection. In other words – the re-establishment of the State of Israel has again provided the Jewish people with
the most basic element of national survival – the right to self-defined self-defense. On this, the annual observance of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, coinciding with the 69th anniversary of the Warsaw ghetto uprising, it is again time to remember, and never forget. For Israel, its people and its leaders, this remembrance has a very real dimension. It is remembrance through national pro-action. This is a defining moment for the State of Israel. Iran, whose leaders continue to deny that the Holocaust even EXISTED, is as we speak contemplating a new Holocaust. Like Nazi Germany in the thirties, the regime of Ayatollahs boasts openly of their desire to destroy the Jewish nation. And their declarations are supported by their actions. Their nuclear program is well documented, as is their wake of terrorist carnage against Jewish targets throughout the world. The writing is on the wall, and they mean what they say. Until today, they have used every means at their disposal to strike out at Israel and kill Jews: through proxies or by their own hand, with rockets against cities, guided missiles against
buses or airplanes, truck-bombs against Jewish community buildings, kidnappings against Israeli civilians and reservists, hit teams against diplomats, and anything else they can use. There is no reason to doubt that if they were to succeed in gaining a nuclear weapon, they would eventually use it as well. Yes, the Jewish people do not dwell on this earth alone. Israel has allies, the greatest one being the United States. Thankfully, the Iranian threat is now of common concern. It is now viewed as a global threat, and serious international effort is being made to confront it. Yet, although international sanctions and diplomatic coercion are the best option, for Israel, this is an existential issue, and all options remain on the table. So, Israel being what it is meant to be, will do what it needs to do. The world must understand that this is not 1938. No Israeli government will sit idly by as Iran gains nuclear capability. Israel was created to remember. Israel was created to give active meaning to the words “Never again.”
Where are the demonstrations, boat fleets, backpack heroes and angry artists calling for boycotts? By Pilar Rahola, March 3, 2012
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hat would happen in our cities if the situation in Syria slid a little further down the map? What if, instead of an Arab dictator massacring its Arab population, “as usual,” this would be a flash of the Arab-Israeli conflict? What would happen in these places? The streets would be filled with loud pro-Palestinian screamers, calling for the excommunication of Israel, some universities would stage boycotts, the usual pseudo-artists would produce proselytizing videos, and the old idea that Jews are the only problem in the world would get once again installed in the corners of their consciences. And all this would happen using parameters that have nothing to do with the situation in other countries. In Israel, nobody massacres at demonstrations; there is no dictator killing its people, as the complex and decades-long conflict is promoted ad nauseam by its neighboring countries. All this in the hopes that the war against Israel never ends, having even a threat from Iran of mass destruction and obliteration. And yet, whilst missiles are falling daily on its population, fanatical groups in the South are re-arming, and with the constant harassment by a whole Islamist army in the north, when Israel shoots a single bullet, our streets shout their indignation. Israel never had the right to defend itself and, for many, has no right to exist. But when the dead fall under the
bullets of the old friends of the Socialist International, those same ones who just two days ago, were considered liberators of peoples – silence… What a powerful silence! Of course, the day after the tyrant is overthrown, everyone will raise their voices against him and forget that they too were his accomplices. Was it not an attack of amnesia that some had with Mubarak, who only some months before had been a great friend of world socialism? What about Ben Ali? And even with Gaddafi, who paraded himself on the Paseo de la Castellana with tent included. And of course there is Syria, the great ally of the Soviet Bloc, “the paradise of the struggle of Third World peoples against Yankee and Zionist imperialism.” I can still see the leaflets in the style of the European left, and whose victims never interested anyone. In fact, the current president only lives up to the killings of his father, but this time in plain daylight and impunity. But nothing – neither ship fleets nor rallies nor backpack heroes; no boycotts, no outraged artists – nothing. No tears of solidarity for the dead of Syria, because all their tears have long been dried out…against Israel. So to all these devotees and banner holders, where lies the heart of their movement? In the love of their fellow man, or in the hate towards others? Because if it’s the love of the oppressed peoples, they would
have a lot of work in the area before arriving in Israel, starting with Syria and Iran, going down to Yemen and Saudi Arabia, to continue their protesting. However, there is only Israel, which says a lot about their prejudices and all about their enormous moral hypocrisy. Pilar Rahola is a Catalan journalist, writer, and former politician and MP. She studied Spanish and Catalan Philology at the Universitat de Barcelona. She has published several books in Spanish and Catalan, and is a columnist at La Vanguardia in Spain, La Nación in Argentina, and Diario de América in the United States. She appears frequently on television and has taken part in several university lectures.
For more information, visit www. pilarrahola.com.
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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.
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COMMENTARY
Federation Star June 2012
A reason for optimism within our community back pages of the paper or late segments of a show. The reality is that we do have positive news – we do have reasons to hope. As we prepare for the Adam F. summer, a time of reflection, let us do Miller so with three stories that emphasize reasons for optimism in the Jewish community of Collier County. The first story took place in midoday’s news – in paper, on April, when the Holocaust Museum & television, or online – reveals Education Center of Southwest Flora world of conflict, tragedy and ida, led by Executive Director Amy wrongdoing. Local and national meSnyder, brought together synagogues dia are filled with war, political strife and local Jewish organizations for a and religious disagreements. Teasers Yom HaShoah service. Highlighted for the evening news often include by the moving story of Holocaust surheinous crimes, concern for products vivor Cesare Frustaci, this emotional that may be dangerous, and tragic event united our local Jewish comstories involving celebrities. munity. In doing so, we fulfilled the Coverage of news overseas ofteaching of noted 20th century philosofers no relief – from the financial pher and Rabbi, Emil Fackenheim. crisis in Europe to uprisings in Syria Fackenheim postulated the They had never been in a 614th commandment – one is community where a Reform obligated to continue Jewish rabbi and a Chabad rabbi life and deny Hitler a posthumous victory. When we stand would be together – even together as one Jewish comto perform the mitzvah of munity, we stand in defiance against those who tried to dehonoring the dead. stroy our people. Am Yisrael Chai – the Jewish people live! to the threat of a nuclear Iran. Even April also marked the first meetIsrael fails to bring a reprieve, where ing of a unique effort to enhance Jewrecent stories included the struggle of ish youth programming in Southwest women to pray freely at the Western Florida. Sparked by the effort of Marc Wall, growing concern over Iran, and Saperstein, a national board member the ongoing threat of rocket attacks. of B’nai Brith Youth Group (BBYO), While it appears that lead stories a partnership has formed between rely heavily upon fear to motivate Temple Shalom, Beth Tikvah, Chabad viewership, the news does contain of Naples, and the Jewish Federahappier stories. These human interest tion of Collier County to explore the stories are generally relegated to the
Rabbi
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creation of a pluralistic Jewish youth group under the auspices of BBYO. Supported by the congregations, this effort would bring together all Jewish middle school and high school students including those who are unaffiliated, for youth group activities. We have learned from the national BBYO office that this type of collaboration is unprecedented, and reflects the community-oriented focus of the Jewish organizations in Collier County. Finally, I would leave you with an image that speaks to the diverse and cooperative nature of our community. Sadly, beloved Temple Shalom member Alvin Wiseman passed away last month. Rabbi Fishel Zaklos, having studied with Alvin’s grandson in Yeshiva, attended the burial where everyone present participated in the ritual of filling in the grave. Afterward, family members shared their awe at what they had witnessed – at one point Rabbi Zaklos and I were standing side-by-side, shovels in hand, as we placed dirt in the grave. These family members had never been in a community
where a Reform rabbi and a Chabad rabbi would be together – even to perform the mitzvah of honoring the dead. The world may be filled with conflict and strife, but there is blessing and reason for optimism within our community. May the light of those blessings shine out into the world – inspiring all to heed the words of Rev. O Eugene Pickett, “We pray that we may live not by our fears, but by our hopes…”
“Love your fellow as yourself” Rabbi Fishel Zaklos
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havuos is a time to remember how, 3,324 years ago, we all gathered at Mt. Sinai to receive the Torah. It is also a time to reflect on the significance of the famous mitzvah: “Love your fellow as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18) – a monumental, and oftentimes challenging, mitzvah. Despite the bumper sticker that asserts, “I know I must be special because G‑d doesn’t make mistakes!” (okay, I cleaned it up a little), we live in a time where people often doubt themselves and feel detached from those around them. But regardless of our status or position, each and every one of us plays a vital role in the perfection of our world. If we realize that everyone is here for a purpose, we can more easily fulfill the mitzvah to love your fellow as yourself. The story is told of Wolfgang Mozart and one of his beautiful sym-
phonies in Vienna. The emperor of Vienna graced the symphony with his presence, even though he was tone deaf and slept through the entire performance. As Mozart finished, he passed the emperor who called out, “Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, job well done, but it was a little too long.” Without pausing, Mozart responded, “Nay, your majesty. There was not a superfluous note, nor was there a missing note.” Only a true composer can say something like this. Just like musical notes in a perfect symphony, no person is superfluous to G-d, the true Composer. If we but internalize that we are true children of G-d, we will come to recognize that each of us has an important purpose. In this era of low self-esteem, however, this whole concept may seem unobtainable to those who simply don’t love themselves. “If I don’t love myself and if I only see the (usually imaginary) negative in myself, how can I possibly perform this all-important mitzvah? How can I accept another if I don’t accept myself? How can I give someone the benefit of the doubt if I don’t grant it to myself?”
What is obvious, then, is that the mitzvah to love your fellow must begin with nurturing a true love and respect for yourself. One thing we must know is that we are full of goodness. No matter how negative and harmful your actions might be from time to time, it doesn’t make you bad or evil. There’s so much more to you than that. So here’s a challenge: 1. Take a piece of paper and make two columns. In the right-hand column write down ten of your positive attributes and on the left side write down ten negative characteristics. 2. Time yourself to see how long it takes to fill up each column. 3. Repeat until the right column wins. When we learn to love and appreciate our positive qualities – and ourselves as a whole – we can love others in turn and fulfill this important mitzvah. A healthy Jewish people is one big, caring family in which each individual is as concerned for the other as he is for his own self; where one Jew faces rough times and the
others hold his hand; where one meets good fortune and all of us celebrate; where no one is labeled or alienated for his or her beliefs, behaviors or background. When the Jewish people arrived at Mt. Sinai, they were suddenly taken by the G-dly atmosphere that surrounded them. All their differences, their disagreements, simply disappeared. As we celebrate the holiday of Shavuos each year, we are reminded again of our fusion as one people, the Jewish nation. How wonderful and unique is the Naples Jewish community! So many wonderful Jewish organizations, all working in harmony to strengthen the community as a whole and bring more light and goodness into the world. This is what Shavuos is all about. On Shavuos, seize this great opportunity to go to a local synagogue and listen to the reading of the Ten Commandments. Take your family and even young children. Recreate the Sinai experience. Close your eyes and allow yourself to be absorbed by the collective memory of the awesome moment when we became “one people, with one heart.”
For a continuously updated community calendar, visit the Federation’s website at www.jewishnaples.org.
SYNAGOGUES 23 Federation Star June 2012 BETH TIKVAH
June 2012 Federation Star
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www.bethtikvahnaples.org / 239-434-1818
Beth Tikvah update Stuart Kaye Beth Tikvah President
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s we prepare this column, we are in the midst of the seasonal change that lessens our numbers for several months. Many have already headed north for Chicago or Toronto or the New York area or elsewhere. Others are about to leave. We will miss them. Now is a time for thinking back over the previous year, determining what worked well and what not so well, and why. It’s a time for adjustments and planning for 5773. The biggest change at Beth Tikvah will be the arrival of Rabbi Ammos Chorny as our spiritual leader. We profiled Rabbi Chorny in our last column. We can’t wait to have him and his wife, Aviva (introduced below), with us. They will visit us during our celebration of Jason Randall’s Bar Mitzvah on the Shabbat of June 1 and 2. Congratulations to Jason and his family. We are thrilled to be the
home of this covenantal simcha. Randall announcement Neil and Linda Zell Randall proudly announce that their son, Jason Brett Randall, will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, June 2 at Beth Tikvah. Jason, a 7th grader at the Community School of Naples, participates in Builders Club, Advisor Council and World Quest. He also runs on the middle school crosscountry and track teams. Jason has been playing and the guitar for four years and has just produced his first CD, It’s Alright. In his free time, Jason enjoys building websites and creating computer games. According to Jason, “Becoming a Bar Mitzvah at Beth Tikvah means sharing my faith and my talents with my kehillah.” Book Group Our Book Group will meet on Monday, June 25 for a discussion of Deborah Feldman’s controversial autobiography Unorthodox, which deals with her rebellion against the Hasidic Satmar community in which she was raised. “An unprecedented view into a Hasidic community that few outsiders ever experience...Unorthodox reminds us that there are religious communities in the United States that restrict young women to
naples jewiSh cONGREGATION
marriage and motherhood. These Congregation, Sunday School at women are expected to be obedient to the Combined Community Jewish their community and religion, without School, and tutored adults with question or complaint, no matter the special needs? 8. is the mother of three adult (and price.” – Minneapolis Star-Tribune Meet Aviva Chorny independent) children and the Did you know that Aviva Chorny... grandmother of one brand new 1. was born in Bogotá, Colombia to grandchild? Polish immigrants? 9. loves, and teaches, 2. met her future husband Israeli dancing? in Kindergarten? 10. does beading that 3. graduated with high is displayed in various honors from the Judaica shows? Religious services Speech Pathology and Audiology program schedule Friday services begin at at the Universidad del Rosario? 7:30 p.m.; Saturday ser4. d i d p o s t - g r a d u a t e vices begin at 9:30 a.m. studies at the Teacher’s and conclude with a KidAviva Chorny College of Columbia dush Luncheon. Sunday University (New York)? morning minyan runs from Decem5. studied in Israel for a year during ber through March at 9:00 a.m. We regularly convene Yahrzeit minyanim her husband’s JTSA year in Israel, upon request. Please join us at any both at Hebrew University and the Schechter Institute? service. Our participatory worship services and most other events are 6. while back in Bogotá with Ammos for several years, promoted held at 1459 Pine Ridge Road just west of Mission Square Plaza. For cultural programs for young Jewish women, participated in more information, call 239.434.1818, email bethtikvahnaples@aol.com or the PTA, and helped him build a new business? visit www.bethtikvahnaples.org. 7. taught Hebrew School in Altoona, Pennsylvania, at Agudath Achim
www.naplesjewishcongregation.org / 239-234-6366
President’s message By Don Pomerantz, President
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ith all due respect to T. S. Eliot, April is not the “cruelest month,” but rather a month of renewal for our congregation. On March 30, at the annual congregational meeting, the membership overwhelmingly renewed Rabbi Sylvin Wolf’s contract and elected the slate of nominees for the 20122013 Board of Directors. The Board of Directors and I are confident that our continued harmonious relationship will solidify the good work we have done and will engender innovative ideas and events in the future. Renewal does not mean dismantling. The beauty and inspiration of our Shabbat, High Holy Days and holiday
F A Q
services with Rabbi Wolf, Cantorial Soloist Jane Galler, Musical Director Alla Gorelik and the Choir are the foundations of our congregation. The joy and camaraderie fostered by our Purim, Simchat Torah, Chanukah and Passover celebrations are essential to our congregation. Friendships are created and strengthened through the Sisterhood and Men’s Club. For me the word “renewal “signifies “rejuvenation” and “expansion.” We are witnessing changes now in the format of the NJC newsletter, increased activities in the Sisterhood and Men’s Club, and the strong interest in the Rabbi’s Adult Enrichment sessions. We are pleased that he has consented to offer two meetings a month from November through April.
How do I get items into the Federation Star? Email your articles and photos to federationstar@comcast.net. What are the Federation Star deadlines? Items are due the 1st of each month. If the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is the next business day. Where can I get a copy of the Federation Star? If you’re not on our mailing list, send an email to federationstar@ comcast.net with your name and address. Copies are also available at several local synagogues and the Federation office. How do I place an ad in the Federation Star? Send an email to jacqui1818@gmail.com or call Jacqui at (239) 777-2889. For a media kit, visit the Federation Star page at www.jewishnaples.org.
His dedication provides a significant opportunity for us to expand not only our knowledge of Jewish thought, but to demonstrate to the community another component of NJC’s religious offerings. It is incumbent on the newly elected Board of Directors that the concept of renewal be an essential part of its mission. After the April meeting, it became evident that this will happen. The areas of membership and publicity are crucial to our growth and visibility in the Jewish community. People will not come if they don’t know we exist. Therefore, the board, with the help of the rabbi, is embarking on a “renewed” plan to make sure that our presence will be seen and
heard. Peter Weissman has offered to chair the Membership Committee and Arlene Rutstein, the Publicity Committee. Open houses, effective mailings, and print ads in the Federation Star and Naples Daily News cost money. One of the reasons for raising the dues was to give us the opportunity to publicize systematically. To renew and expand our congregation, your individual involvement is essential. If you wish to help, please let Rabbi Wolf or any board member know. As we transition from weekly Shabbat services to monthly, the board is striving to retain what is special about our congregation while planning to enhance its vibrancy.
What’s the best way to reach the Jewish community in the Naples area? You’re holding it in your hands! Reach over 6,000 Jewish residents through the Federation Star. For more information or to place an ad, call Jacqui Aizenshtat at 239.777.2889.
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SYNAGOGUES
Federation Star June 2012 Chabad Jewish Center OF NAPLES
www.chabadnaples.com / 239-262-4474
Chabad Jewish Center of Naples update
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havuot blintz buffet and ice cream party: Join us Sunday, May 27 at 5:00 p.m. for the opportunity to once again hear the Ten Commandments and accept our beautiful gift from G-d. A simultaneous children’s program will be offered. Following the reading, there will be a blintz buffet and family ice cream party. RSVP at www.chabadnaples. com or call 239.263.2620. Camp Gan Israel: Camp registration is in full swing! Now in its 8th successful year, Camp Gan is gearing up for the most exciting summer yet! Our camp, located in the heart of Naples, enjoys a well deserved reputation as a trendsetter with creative programming. Campers participate in a wide range of exciting activities and field trips in a warm, upbeat environment. Camp runs June 25 - July 20 for children ages 6-13. Registration is available on a week-by-week basis. Call 239.263.2620 for more information or to register. We are also excited to announce
powering Jewish women through Summer of the Arts, our summer cultural learning experiences. This program for children ages 18 months season, we uncovered the soul, spirit - 5 years old. Summer of the Arts runs and mystical dynamism of being a June 11 - July 20. Chabad Naples Annual Partner woman, examining issues such as beauty, love, relationships, career, Project: As we continue the year in our beautiful, new building, we ask family, education and spirituality. We had a lovely group of women that you consider partnering with us this season. We started by learning to bring the joy of Judaism – including successful social and humanitartogether, and the lessons were thought provoking and inspiring. We then ian programs – to many more people throughout Collier County. enjoyed delicious lunch buffets and great camaraderie. Many Partner opportunities are Next season, be on the lookout still available and we will gratefully for some amazing guest speakers acknowledge all our Partners and and social events! If you would like Premier Partners for their dedication to the Naples Jewish community. For more information or to receive a brochure, please call Ettie Zaklos more information or to receive your partnership package, please call 239.262.4474, email rabbi@chabadnaples.com or visit www.chabadnaples. com. L u n ch and L ea rn : Rebbetzin Ettie Zaklos leads a lunchtime program dedicated to inspiring and emChabad Women’s Lunch and Learn with Rebbetzin Ettie Zaklos
JEWISH CONGREGATION OF MARCO ISLAND
at 239.207.7645 or e-mail chabad naples@gmail.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. Weekly email & mailing list: If you would like to be added to our weekly updates or mailing list, contact the center at 239.262.4474 or email rabbi@chabadnaples.com. Flying Challah: Each week, the Chabad Jewish Center of Naples randomly and lovingly distributes freshly baked challah to individuals, couples and families in our community. If you would like to suggest someone to receive a “flying Challah,” please call Ettie at 239.263.2620 or email chabadnaples@gmail.com. Amongst the programs offered at this center are Preschool of the Arts, Hebrew schools, teen groups, youth programs, synagogue services, Flying Challah, holiday outreach projects and adult education classes. On the social services front, the center offers crisis counseling and hospital visitations, and operates the nonsectarian Friendship Circle, providing special assistance and programming for children with special needs. For more information please call Chabad at 239.262.4474.
marcojcmi.tripod.com / 239-642-0800
President’s message Stephen Goldenberg JCMI President
I
t is generally believed that Passover is one of the most celebrated of our Jewish holidays, the one we all participate in from the time we are kids until, well, today. So I do hope that everyone had a wonderful and meaningful Passover, full of family and food (generally two essentials for just about every Jewish celebration)! But down here in Southwest Florida, Passover has another meaning. It is the holiday that marks not just the exodus from Egypt of our forebears, but it also marks the great exodus of a large portion of our
congregations from Florida to their homes up north. (Wherever that may be, we hope it is full of milk and honey for them.) On Marco Island the symbolism of the holiday even carries over to how they leave us; they literally Pass over the Jolley Bridge with water on each side! Sort of a symbolic re-enactment of the Biblical exodus, except no one is after them and, hopefully at least, it shouldn’t take them 40 years to get home! It must seem to many of our congregants that our temples and places of worship must also symbolically make a change with the Passover season and go into a sort of exodus from the activities that we all engage in during season. However, it isn’t so. The boards and committees that are in charge of activities continue 12 months a year. There is planning to do, arrangements to be made, budgets
to be developed, repairs and replacements throughout our buildings to be contracted for, as well as Shabbat services, which continue for many of us throughout the summer. We are fortunate at JCMI to have our rabbi with us through June, when Rabbi Maline takes his annual vacation, and to have our Cantorial Soloist, Hari Jacobson, with us all summer long so that our Friday night Shabbat services continue uninterrupted. A special part of our summer Shabbat services is the D’var Torah. Each week this summer one person from our congregation out of a group of dedicated volunteers takes the responsibility to prepare and deliver that week’s D’Var Torah. We get to hear many interpretations, many different styles, many moments of laughter and of reflection, and, even sometimes, moments of clarity as
these congregants often take the opportunity to not only relate the Torah’s stories as written but also try to make them relevant to today’s world. And like everyone else we are busy preparing for the High Holidays, which will be upon us sooner than we expect. Though our numbers may be diminished during the summer season, I can assure you our enthusiasm and our spirit here at JCMI remains high. We know our friends will be back in the fall and we look forward to their return and a new year of hope, friendship, laughter, learning, fellowship and peace. It may not be Passover for another year, but we hope that all of us will have the opportunity to share in the joys of having a Jewish “home” to return to soon. It is the goal of JCMI to be that Jewish home for many of us. Thus may it be.
Read the current and previous editions of the Federation Star online at www.jewishnaples.org.
ORGANIZATIONS 25 Federation Star June 2012
June 2012 Federation Star
COLLIER/LEE CHAPTER OF HADASSAH
25
www.hadassah.org / 239-676-3052
Hadassah update Shelley Skelton President
A
s our season in Southwest Florida winds down, things at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem are revving up. In October, the dedication of the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower will take place as we celebrate Hadassah’s Centennial, and many of our chapter members will be there to witness and take part in this grand occasion. Since 1912, in pre-State Israel, and continuing after the establishment of the State of Israel, Hadassah has set the standard and created much of the infrastructure for Israel’s national healthcare. Hadassah hospital welcomes every individual who requires medical attention without regard for race, religion, gender, ethnicity or political persuasion – and has done so since its inception. Committed to excellence in healthcare, medical research and medical education, it treats more than one million patients annually. Hadassah physicians have
pioneered innovative and unique medical treatments, introducing them not only to Israel but to many areas of the world. Their clinical and research achievements have gained Hadassah an international reputation for excellence. How proud we are to promote the continuing fundraising efforts of this organization. How pleased we are to announce Cumulative Giving as an incentive for encouraging Hadassah supporters. As of March of this year, with any gift of $1,000 or more, all subsequent gifts of any amount will accumulate in your “Hadassah Account.” This will bring you that much closer to reaching Hadassah’s prestigious Founders Level of $25,000. Cumulative giving gives every donor/ member the opportunity to reach this level, and new and creative ways to reward donors/members for their generosity are being explored. Another exciting way to commemorate Hadassah’s Centennial is the creation of a special Centennial Commemorative Book titled: Thin Threads - Real Stories of Life Changing Hadassah Moments. This book will contain real life stories written by those whose lives have been touched by Hadassah. The Hadassah
naples jewiSh Social Club
unit that pre-sells the greatest number of Centennial Commemorative and Collector’s editions will win a roundtrip flight to Israel awarded by the publisher, Kiwi Publishing, Inc. The individual winner will be chosen by and from the Hadassah unit that has pre-sold the greatest number of books. A unit must pre-sell a minimum of 10 books in order to be eligible. The Commemorative Edition is $29.95 (hardcover) and the Collector’s Edition is $180, a leather-bound limited edition (no more than 500) personally signed by the current National President. Another proud moment in the life of the Collier/Lee Chapter of Hadassah – our very own Iris Shur, a pastpresident and current vice president of our chapter, is one of only a handful of authors whose real life stories will be published in this book. Iris has graciously offered to sign each and every book sold by our chapter, along with the National President who will be signing the Collector’s Edition. For more information and to purchase a book, please call me at 239.676.3052. Please remember that State of Israel Bonds can be used to pay for Life Memberships, Yahrzeit Cer-
tificates, Crown of Esther payments, Keeper’s payments, any pledge over $100 and, of course, major gifts. They also make wonderful gifts for the Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Incidentally, have you checked your deposit boxes or vaults recently? You may find expired bonds which you can redeem, reinvest or donate to Hadassah! Last but not least, we welcome Hadassah’s new Executive Director/CEO, Dr. Janice Weinman, beginning June 18. She is currently the President of Kids in Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.). Weinman is familiar with Hadassah’s life-changing work in the United States and Israel. She was an inaugural board member of the Hadassah Foundation, which seeks to improve the status, health and well-being of women and girls in the U.S. and Israel. Her list of credentials is impressive and we are privileged to welcome her into the Hadassah family. Please feel free to contact me at 239.676.3052 if you have any questions or comments. If you are traveling in the coming months, enjoy the summer! Those of us remaining in paradise look forward to your safe return!
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 spectrum. We encourage members to jump on board and let your ideas take shape. April event – Pizza and Game Fun Party This was a great pizza and game afternoon brought to us by Harvey and Carolyn Chodock. Carolyn and Harvey went all out for this event with the pizza, wine and other refreshments. March event – Concert and Dinner We were treated to a fine performance of the renowned Naples Orchestra and Chorus. Sondra Greer planned this terrific event. The orchestra played a number of spirited American songs and wonderful patriotic numbers. The dinner at the Trattoria Per Tutti Restaurant was excellent, and a good time was had by all. February event – Dinner and Movie We held a dinner and movie night at Sterling Oaks with a Myron Cohen movie. Seventy-five members attended. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the food and movie, and left with full stomachs and in a great mood. It was a fun evening for all. Thanks to Rowena Galerston for planning this event.
Summer events and next season Several events are being planned for the summer months and next season. Watch for announcements. New ideas Share your ideas with us. The board is always seeking new ideas and events. We have had many successful events in past seasons including Ice Cream Socials, Kentucky Derby Parties, Big M Cruises on the Gulf, Chanukah Parties, Annual Dinner Dances, Compton & Bennett’s laugh-a-minute performances, and the Miniature Golf Outing to name a few. Our events were very successful according to the rave comments by our members and guests. 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. Thirty 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 in 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. Contact Tilda Ellis at 239.949.9913. Our Mahjongg game is a spirited one played weekly at Long Shore
Lake Clubhouse in Naples every Thursday. Twenty ladies or more attend our Mahjongg games. 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 Pauline Taxman at 239.775.1632 or Sondra Greer at 239.353.4468. We are always open to suggestions for special interest groups as we
do in Bridge and Mahjongg. For Sunshine matters, please contact Judy Lansat for updates on members’ health and life events at 239.352.0287. For Membership matters, please contact Sondra Greer 239.353.4468. Summer contacts Contact our co-chairs Arnold Bresnick (239.566.1126 or abnaples@comcast. net) or Harvey Chodock (239.949.4927 or harveychodock@earthlink.net).
26
ORGANIZATIONS
Federation Star June 2012 NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN
239-353-5963 / 239-354-9117
National Council of Jewish Women update By Linda Wainick, co-President
A
nother busy season concluded with our April meeting. Our immediate past-president, Sandra Wolf, chair of the nominating committee, thanked our officers for their efforts and commitment to NCJW and presented a beautiful rose to each outgoing officer, and installed our new officers. Our new board members are Bobbie Katz, Linda Wainick - coPresidents; Vice Presidents: Program - Fran Nossen, Advocacy - Elissa Goldstein, Community Service Marilyn Goldenberg, Membership - Marilyn Dano, Fundraising - Carol Emerson; Secretaries: Corresponding - Maraline Rane, Financial Cheryl Lash, Recording - Carol Klein; Treasurer - Ellen Gurnitz; Trustees: Carolyn Greenberg, Muriel Hurwich, Phyllis Lazear, Edythe Winters. Thanks to our fundraising efforts, we presented checks to RCMA (Redlands Christian Migrant Association) and Jewish Family & Community Services. Also making a presentation
was Carolyn Greenberg, who along with her husband, Bill, celebrated milestone events. Many donations were made in their honor to NCJW, and Carolyn and Bill chose RCMA and JFCS as the recipients. RCMA was represented by Gloria Padilla, area coordinator of the early childhood programs. RCMA, the largest non-profit childcare provider in Florida, is a leader in high quality early childhood services. Our section contributes financial aid to early childhood programs for at-risk migrant and farm workers’ children. Gloria was a recipient of RCMA services, went on to higher education, and is now a devoted member of the management team. Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, Executive Director, represented Jewish Family & Community Services. Our section contributes to the JFCS Children’s Fund, which provides financial support for children receiving services from JFCS – mental health counseling, emotional support, and financial
HUMANISTIC JEWISH HAVURAH
assistance to individuals and families who are struggling with the challenges that affect day-to-day life. We also honored Jeff Silverman of Naples Envelope & Printing Company for his outstanding work on our publications. Our Life Members were honored with a special presentation by Life Membership Chair Pearl Thall. Beautiful copper roses, created by Pearl’s husband, Stanley, were given to our Life Members present. This was a lovely tribute to those women who have made a commitment to NCJW with their Life Membership. Thank you, Pearl and Stan, for this unique honor. Last month, I thanked our wonderful volunteers. Inadvertently omitted from Knitting was Marci Margolis; and from Courtwatch were Carol Goldman, Susie Golubock, Bobbie Nemerson, Maraline Rane, Debbie Slutsker, Annette Smith and Joan Weinstein; and to Joan, special thanks for all her help.
NCJW and the Titanic NCJW was a small but ascendant organization at the time of the disaster, having recently established a national network of 250 representatives to help immigrant Jewish girls. When the Titanic’s rescue ship, the Carpathia, docked at Pier 54 on April 18, 1912, the New York Chapter of NCJW was there with a welcoming committee, led by a “Mrs. Perlman” and the curiously named Mrs. American, according to an April 20, 1912, article in the Forverts – to transport survivors in borrowed cars to the Hospitality Society and the Clara de Hirsch Home for Working Girls, a charity that provided lodging and vocational training to immigrant girls. Like many women’s organizations at the time, NCJW became a clearinghouse for donations for Jewish and non-Jewish survivors alike. “The Council will keep in touch with the women and girls until they are properly adjusted in normal condition,” according to an April 19, 1912, New York Times article.
www.humanisticjewishhavurahswfl.org / 239-495-8197
Jewish history from the perspective of Humanistic Judaism Paula Creed President
J
ewish history is the saga of a vulnerable international family. It is the tale of its struggle to survive. The Jewish personality is far more than the official piety. It is a collection of useful skills that do not derive from theology but come from human ingenuity, from the response of a desperate people to the cruelty of fate. Alertness, ambition, intellectuality, skepticism,
and absurdist humor – although not present in all Jews – manifest themselves in enough Jews to make them group characteristics. A proper understanding of Jewish history is the key to a humanistic Jewish identity. Without a distinction between established ideology and real experience, the Jewish story is a tale of religious piety that is quite ordinary and that cannot explain why Jews are the way they are. Only when we discard the conventional approach to the Jewish past, can we understand the humanistic dimension of the Jewish experience. Human ingenuity and the absence of God are not the themes of Talmudic commentaries. A new approach to Jewish his-
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.
tory is necessary. But it is also difficult. Most popular presentations of the Jewish experience insist on the primacy of religious ideas. God and Torah (even when they are viewed as human creations) are regarded as the basic Jewish glue and the motivating powers of Jewish behavior. The implication is if God and Torah are illusions, they are positive illusions. If they fade away, so will the Jewish personality – and the Jewish identity. This religious emphasis distorts the way we approach the past. Since the most important religious figures lived a long time ago, the distant past becomes primary. The age of the prophets, priests and rabbinic fathers outshines any other time. Moses becomes more significant than Einstein. Amos becomes more definitive than the 18th century English financier, Nathan Rothschild. The epic period of rabbinic Judaism stands out as the crucial time of Jewish achievement. The laws of the Bible and the Talmud, the stories of sacred scriptures, the petitions of the prayer book are of human creation. They are the products of human insight, human desire and human vested interests. They are reflections of particular times and particular places. The stories of King Saul were written by the priestly employees of his enemy King David. The sacrificial ritual of Leviticus was designed by the priests who would benefit from it. Since the days of Baruch Spinoza, the idea that the
Bible is of divine dictation has been open to question. Human need – not divine aloofness – is responsible for what Jews did and said. It is also responsible for distorting what Jews did and said. The motivation for recording events and happenings was no dispassionate desire to keep a diary. It was the obvious need to use history to push political programs and religious ideologies. Seeing God behind all events is not necessary to explain what happens; rather we find human desires and natural laws as the more logical explanation. In contrast, the theological mileage that one can get from Jewish history is, by modern standards, insufficient. In March and April, the Humanistic Jewish Havurah of Southwest Florida met to view the first two lectures of a series presented by Rabbi Sherwin T. Wine, the founder of Humanistic Judaism. We were impressed by his humanistic approach to Jewish history. Over the summer, members plan to continue their self-directed study groups to broaden their knowledge about the philosophy of Humanistic Judaism and Jewish history. To discover more about us, visit www.humanisticjewishhavurhaswfl. org. This article is extracted from Chapter X of Sherwin T. Wine’s book, Judaism Beyond God, Society for Humanistic Judaism (1985)
ORGANIZATIONS 27 Federation Star June 2012
June 2012 Federation Star
ORT AMERICA – GULF BEACHES CHAPTER
27
www.ort.org / 239-649-4000
Candles stand for ORT students at Gulf Beaches installation By Helene Dorfman Fuchs
I
t’s tradition: Jewish people light candles for joyous occasions (for sad ones, too, but this story has a happy ending). Jill Goode hewed to this practice on April 17 at an installation luncheon for ten board members at Buca di Beppo restaurant. As she symbolically lit candles representing ORT students here and abroad, she recounted their success stories. (Board members Arlene Oppenheim, programming chair, and Lloyd Rauch, tributes chair, were unable to attend.) As Jill, chapter co-founder, adviser and financial secretary, handed a candle to education chair Harriet Hirsch, she said, “This represents Deepa, a student at ORT India. Because of ORT, she can choose her future career path: Jewish education, computer literacy and office software, tourism, or early childhood care and education. And even though her parents cannot provide it, she will have lunch every day. This candle reflects Deepa’s gratitude for many new opportunities – and a daily meal. “Our second candle burns for Daniel. He is a student of ORT Argentina whose parents lost everything in the 1997 recession and have not yet recovered. ORT Argentina has provided medical services, counseling, even meals for Daniel and his siblings. His father attends classes at the Ariel Job Center, a job placement and retraining
service for unemployed adults.” Recipient: Simonne Kott, corresponding secretary and community chair. “The third candle glows for Irina, a student of ORT KesherNet in Belarus. Until Irina became an ORT student, she did not know what it meant to be Jewish. She is learning about her Jewish heritage while studying computer technology. This candle shines with the hope that an ORT education will prepare Irina and her family to make aliyah.” Recipient: Marebe Crouse, portfolio coordinator. “We light the fourth candle for Pierre, a student of ORT Montreuil in France. Because of increased antiSemitism in Europe, Pierre’s parents feel the need to send him to a Jewish day school where he can receive an excellent education and strengthen his Jewish identity in a safe environment.” Recipient: Hella Amelkin, treasurer. “Our fifth candle burns for Sara, an Ethiopian student in Israel. Sara, afraid and feeling like a stranger, was at risk of dropping out of school. But ORT teachers helped her learn Hebrew, the traditions of Judaism and the customs of her new country as well. This candle reflects Sara’s pride in learning to be a productive citizen of her new country.” Recipient: Midge Rauch, contributions and ORT Shabbat chair. “The sixth candle shines for
Belinda, a student of ORT South Africa who is also a teacher in a township school, where ORT prepares teachers to work with students at risk. This candle burns with aspirations that the children of South Africa will join other children of the world on an equal footing.” Recipient: Dottie Magen, Gulf Beaches co-founder and outreach chair. “We light the seventh candle for Lia, a student in the ORT Renzo Levi High School, the only Jewish school in Rome. It has an upgraded technology department and stateof-the-art language laboratories. Lia and her family cannot afford tuition or transportation, but ORT provides scholarships to cover these fees and the opportunity to continue studying in a Jewish environment.” Recipient: publicity chair Helene Fuchs. “The eighth candle shines for Ivan, a student at ORT Bramson in New York. He came to this country looking forward to a new life, but after months of seeking work he lost hope. Miraculously, a friend directed him to ORT Bramson, where students from 45 countries speaking more than 25 different languages study English as a Second Language and a variety of work-training programs. The eighth candle illuminates Ivan’s vision of fulfilling the American dream.” Recipient: events chair Sandee Weseley. “The ninth candle represents
Delcho, a student at Zarem/Golde ORT Technical Institute in Illinois, where he is learning the language and fulfilling his longtime dream of becoming a professional photographer. After successfully completing ESL studies, he is now a student in the digital graphics/web design program.” Recipient: president Marina Berkovich. “The tenth candle represents Lidia, a youth leader from Kishinev, Moldova. ‘Every day when I enter the classroom,’ Lidia says, ‘I know that on that very same day around the world there are tens of thousands of students just like me going to their own ORT school, in different locations and speaking different languages, but bound together by their hunger for education and desire for a better life.’” Recipient: Jill Goode.
At the installation luncheon: Above: Helene Fuchs, Midge Rauch Below left: Hella Amelkin, Marebe Crouse, Sandee Weseley Below center: Marina Berkovich, Simonne Kott, Harriet Hirsch Below right: Jill Goode, Dottie Magen
Israel briefs...continued from page 17
JEWISH WAR VETERANS 239-304-5953
Jewish War Veterans update By Gil Block, Commander Post # 202
W
e have had no recent meetings, but we are still closing off the year in style. At this time of year we visit the seven high schools in Collier County and hand out awards to the deserving Cadets participating in JRROTC. These programs are very active here in Collier County. In the past, we handed out Medals and a Certificate to the selected Cadets. This year, we have added a monetary award of $100 for each Cadet selected for the Jewish War Veterans at each high school.
Irv Berzon, Sam Oshry, Lloyd Rauch and yours truly will be attending the assemblies, and handing out the awards. This program was started by Lloyd Rauch, and he has continued this work. We will not participate in the Memorial Day program this year as the holiday falls on Shavuot. Our next regular meeting will be in October. We would like this to be an open meeting so that we can possibly show the community what we do and pick up some new members.
with some estimating that twice as much will materialize as exploration continues. Cyprus is also discovering immense amounts of gas in the sea bed adjacent to Israel’s. The two are now developing their gas jointly, with plans to export it to Europe or Asia or both. Greece is now talking of joining in joint ventures. Israel’s periphery strategy includes other European countries such as Christian Romania and Bulgaria, and Muslim Albania, which has been a standout defender of Israel in the UN. Israel also has allies such as Georgia and Azerbaijan in Central Asia, and works with predominantly Christian Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia and South Sudan to fend off Iran and Islamist terrorism. Israel’s stock in East Africa is
particularly high because of its role in gaining independence for South Sudan. Over much of South Sudan’s half-century struggle for independence, Israel almost single-handedly armed and supported the black African rebels against what was widely recognized as genocide and enslavement perpetrated by the Arabic rulers based in northern Sudan. (Financial Post-Canada)
ISRAELI UAV TECHNOLOGY TRENDS According to Israeli Air Force statistics, UAVs carry out almost half of today’s missions and major military campaigns (such as Operation Defensive Shield in Gaza in January 2009).
continued on page 29
For daily news stories related to Israel & the Jewish world, visit the Federation’s new at www.jewishnaples.org.
28
Federation Star June 2012 ACCOUNTANT
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A. STEPHEN KOTLER
TYLER B. KORN, ESQ.
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NEW YORK, NY
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
ATTORNEY - REAL ESTATE • Residential and commercial closings • Title insurance • Community Association Law
Ellen A. Goldman, Esq.
Direct: 239.593.2954 Toll-Free: 800.876.7962 Fax: 239.593.2990 egoldman@porterwright.com
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 9132 Strada Place, 3rd Floor, Naples FL 34108
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Phone: (239) 659-3937 Fax: (239) 659-3984 sschwartz2@med.miami.edu
Happy 64th Birthday, Israel!...continued from page 20 everything under the sun to destroy them and, short of that, to demoralize and isolate them. But Israel has not flinched. It refuses to cave. It keeps confounding its foes. Its commitment to a two-state accord with the Palestinians, polls reveal, remains unshakeable, even as many Israelis can’t help but wonder if the Palestinians, given one chance after another for sovereignty, truly share Israel’s aim of Jewish and Palestinian states living side by side in peace and harmony. Moreover, in a recent global survey, Israelis came out the 14th “happiest” country in the world, and Tel Aviv ranks as one of the top “go-to” destinations for young people. How can it be, Israel’s adversaries ask, that these “sons of monkeys and pigs,” as radical Muslim preachers openly refer to the Jews, manage to stand tall, strong and, yes, optimistic? How can it be, its adversaries ask,
that this nation of just under eight million, grown from only 650,000 at its birth in 1948, repeatedly defeats far more populous Arab foes that have been arrayed against it? How can it be, its adversaries ask, that these Jews, seemingly led to slaughter like sheep by the Third Reich, suddenly learned how to defend themselves and vanquish larger Arab armies, within three years of V-E Day? And how can it be, its adversaries ask, that Israel, with no natural resources to speak of until recent natural gas findings (yet to be exploited), could achieve a first-world economy, catapulting it into the OECD; doubledigit winners of Nobel Prizes; and a top-three ranking in new NASDAQ listings? Too often, Israel’s adversaries have come up with misguided, if selfsatisfying, answers, usually elaborate conspiracy theories inspired by antiSemitic tropes.
In reality, though, the answer is much simpler. It derives from an ageold connection among a land, a faith and a people. Many have tried to sever the link. All have failed. Consider the words of Ezekiel, expressed some 2,700 years ago: Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will take the people of Israel from the nations among which they have gone, and will gather them from all sides, and bring them to their own land; and I will make them one nation in the land, upon the mountains of Israel... And the desolate land shall be tilled... And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the Garden of Eden. Or, to fast forward from the ancient prophet Ezekiel to the prophetic Winston Churchill: The coming into being of a Jewish State in Palestine is an event in world history to be viewed in the perspective not of a generation or a century, but in the perspective of a thousand,
two thousand or even three thousand years. Churchill added that the state’s establishment was “one of the most hopeful and encouraging adventures of the 20th century.” Indeed, it continues to be in the 21st century. To be sure, Israel, like all democratic societies, is a permanent work in progress. Much remains to be done. From grappling with a less-thanideal electoral system to dealing with religious zealots who invoke a “higher authority” than the state, from addressing a yawning gap between rich and poor to balancing the Jewish and democratic nature of the country, from the decades-long pursuit of peace to the defense of the country in a turbulent region, Israel has no shortage of challenges. But, above all, Israel is a won-
continued on next page
BUSINESS DIRECTORY 29 Federation Star June 2012 PIANO LESSONS
Piano Lessons
June 2012 Federation Star P R I N TI N G
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Want to see your business in this spot? For more information or to place an ad, call Jacqui at (239) 777-2889.
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Elli Taylor, P.A., Broker Associate To receive quarterly market reports or monthly newsletters, please contact me: (239) 860-2064 etaylor@johnrwood.com www.ellisellsnaples.com
School, Home-school & College Iris Bland, PhD. 352-1027 cell: 682-9965 Mathematics, SAT, ACT
Martin Erdsneker, MS 784-2677 Physics, Science, Mathematics, SAT, ACT Florence Levin, MS 793-7965 cell: 777-5046 HS & College Biology, AP Biology, Anatomy, Physiology Call individual instructor for rate and scheduling
Happy 64th Birthday, Israel!...continued from previous page drous “adventure.” I feel privileged daily to see the fulfillment of the prayers of generations longing for a return to Zion from forced exile. Witnessing Soviet Jews arriving in Israel as Saddam Hussein’s Scud missiles came raining down, while Israel did not miss a beat in welcoming the newcomers, reveals the country’s character. So, too, being in Rambam Hospital in Haifa during the Hezbollah missile attacks. One minute, a siren would sound and everyone would calmly go, or be moved, to the bomb shelters. The next minute, after the all-clear signal, the scientists would return to their labs to continue cuttingedge research in cancer, diabetes and stem cell therapy. Or being in Barzilay Hospital in Ashkelon, where victims of Hamas’ strikes against Israel were taken for medical care, and seeing Palestinian patients from Gaza in rooms adjoining the Jewish wounded.
Or getting to know Save a Child’s Heart, an Israeli program that provides life-saving pediatric heart surgery. Many of the children come from Arab countries that deny Israel’s very existence. Or seeing the scrawling on a Tel Aviv wall shortly after 21 young Israelis were killed at a discotheque – “They won’t stop us from dancing.” Or watching an Israeli Arab Supreme Court justice – who, incidentally, refuses to sing Israel’s national anthem – sit on a panel that upheld the conviction of an Israeli ex-president on charges of rape. No, this Israel may not feature prominently in the media, I’m sorry to say, but it is the Israel that pulsates daily with a love of life, of freedom and of the land. It is the Israel I know and cherish. Happy 64th Birthday, Israel! For more information, visit www. ajc.org.
Israel briefs...continued from page 27 Elbit Systems’ Skylark-2, which became operational in late 2011, is now deployed in the south for intelligence gathering. The system is part of efforts to intercept attacks from the Sinai Peninsula. Frontline commanders want to see inside the buildings where terrorists are holed up, and know exactly what is happening. Israel is developing almost imperceptible, soundless mini-UAVs capable of flying through open windows and airshafts, and then transmitting pictures to a ground station. (Israel Defense)
ISRAELI PRESIDENT IN CANADA TO STRENGTHEN TIES Israeli President Shimon Peres recently praised Canada as an “exceptional country” and thanked Canada for its “uninterrupted friendship” from Israel’s first day of statehood to the present. “Canada is always positive, never indifferent, never
neutral,” he said. Gov. Gen. David Johnston – Peres’ Canadian equivalent – welcomed the president with an official ceremony, including full military honors and a 21-gun salute, and wrapped up the day with a state dinner. (Cnews-Canada)
TURKEY-ISRAEL TRADE UNAFFECTED BY POLITICAL CRISIS Economic relations between Turkey and Israel have not been impacted by the political crisis that resulted after the Mavi Marmara incident. In 2011, imports from Israel reached an all-time high of $2 billion, compared to $1.36 billion the previous year, while exports to Israel were $2.4 billion, up from $2 billion in 2010. The only areas of Turkish-Israeli relations badly affected are military cooperation and tourism. (ZamanTurkey)
30
Federation Star June 2012
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
June 2012 / 5772Get the Service you Deserve
SUNDAYlighting MONDAY Candle times:
June June June June June 3
10
1: 8: 15: 22: 29:
24
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
7:57 8:00 8:03 8:05 8:05
4
5
1:00pm HDH Board Mtgs
10:00am TS-S Board 10:30am JCMI-S Board
11
12
10:30am TS Caregivers Support Group
17
WEDNESDAY
TUESDAY
12:00pm JCMI-S Gen Mtg 7:30pm ZOA meeting
SATURDAY
1
2
7:30pm BT 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
6
7
8
9
11:30am CHA-M Lunch 1:00pm JCMI Bridge
11:30am JCMI Mah Jongg 1:00pm NJC Board Mtg
7:30pm BT Services 8:00pm JCMI Services
9:30am BT Services 9:30am JCMI Services 10:00am CHA Services 10:00am TS Services
13
14
15
16
11:30am CHA-M Lunch 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 7:00pm BT Torah Talk
11:30am JCMI Mah Jongg 3:00pm HM Exec Comte 6:30pm HDH Eve Group
7:30pm BT Services 8:00pm JCMI Services
9:30am BT Services 9:30am JCMI Services 10:00am CHA Services 10:00am TS Services
18
19
20
21
22
23
12:00pm NJC-S Book Club 1:00pm HDH Study Group
7:00pm Exec Cmte
11:30am CHA-M Lunch 1:00pm JCMI Bridge
11:30am JCMI Mah Jongg 4:00pm BT Board Meeting
7:30pm BT Services 8:00pm JCMI Services
9:30am BT Services 9:30am JCMI Services 10:00am CHA Services 10:00am TS Services
25
26
27
28
29
30
7:00pm TS Board Mtg
11:30am CHA-M Lunch 1:00pm JCMI Bridge
11:30am JCMI Mah Jongg 3:00pm HM Board Mtg 7:00pm JCMI Board Mtg
7:30pm BT Services 7:30pm NJC Services 8:00pm JCMI Services
9:30am BT Services 9:30am JCMI Services 10:00am CHA Services 10:00am TS Services
2:00pm CHA Preschool Arts 10:30am TS Caregivers Open House Support Group 7:30 BT Book Group
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.
• ISRB: Israel Bonds • 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 and Community Services • JNF: Jewish National Fund • JWV: Jewish War Veterans • 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.
June 2012 COMMUNITY DIRECTORY 31 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.
June 2012 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 Friday 8:00 p.m.
Shabbat Services
Torah Study and Saturday Services
Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. May - August: services once a month
• Sisterhood • Men’s Club • Brownstein Judaica Gift Shop
Sisterhood • Men’s Club
• 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 21, No. 10 June 2012 32 pages USPS Permit No. 419 Publisher: Jewish Federation of Collier County
Weather or Not ... If you’ve flown the coop for the summer months, it’s still great weather here for planning charitable gifts with the Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation of Collier County. With the stock market in a whirlwind, the climate is perfect for gifting appreciated stock. Don’t be smog about it – you could be lightening the taxes on your capital gain. The forecast for a sunny future is a gift that will provide increased income for you and build a slush fund for the Jewish community. No high pressure. The benefits are clear. We’re hoping for a blizzard of activity and a heat wave of smart people planning gifts. Stop saving for that rainy day! Get cirrus about making a gift. Do it monsoon! For more information on gift planning, call David Willens, Executive Director, at (239) 263-4205.
President: Stuart Kaye Vice President: Phil Jason Secretary: Sue Hammerman Shabbat Services Friday evenings at 7:30pm Saturday mornings at 9:30am Youth Education - Adult Education Community Events
Jewish Organizations to Serve You in Collier County (All area codes are 239 unless otherwise noted.)
Jewish Federation of Collier County Phone: 263-4205 Fax: 263-3813 Website: www.jewishnaples.org Email: info@jewishnaples.org • Federation President: Norman Krivosha • Executive Director: David Willens
American Technion Society • Chapter Dir: Jennifer Singer, 941-378-1500 • Naples Chairman: L.C. Goldman, 592-5884
Collier/Lee Chapter of Hadassah • President: Shelley Skelton, 676-3052
Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida • President: Joshua Bialek, 263-9200
Humanistic Jewish Havurah of Southwest Florida • Paula Creed, 495-8484
Israel Bonds • Reva Pearlstein, 800-622-8017 • Tyler Korn, 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
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. Coord. – melissa@jewishnaples.org Iris Doenias, Office Assistant – iris@jewishnaples.org Deborah Vacca, Bookkeeper – deborah@jewishnaples.org
Design: Federation Media Group, Inc.
Ted Epstein, Editor, Federation Star – federationstar@comcast.net
Send news stories to: FederationStar@comcast.net
Phone: (239) 434-1818 Email: bethtikvahnaples@aol.com Website: www.bethtikvahnaples.org
Jewish War Veterans Post 202,Collier Co. Chapter
General information requests – info@jewishnaples.org
July/August Issue Deadlines: Editorial: June 1 Advertising: June 7
(just west of Mission Square Plaza)
Please note our email addresses:
Editor: Ted Epstein, 239-249-0699 FederationStar@comcast.net
Advertising: Jacqui Aizenshtat 239-777-2889
31
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
32
Federation Star June 2012
AUGUST 7 DEADLINE
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This High Holiday season, say L’Shana Tova to all your friends in September’s Federation Star! The Federation Star is continuing the practice of publishing your High Holiday greetings to your family and friends wherever they may be. Please subscribe to a space in the September 2012 issue of the Federation Star. Call the Federation office at 239.263.4205 for more information.
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