Federation Star - May 2013 by Jewish Federation of Collier County

Celebrating Jewish Life in Collier County

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

www.JewishNaples.org INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

2A Community Relations Comm. 6A Women’s Cultural Alliance 7A Community Focus 11A Tributes 14A Focus on Youth 17A Commentary 19A Rabbinical Reflections 20A Synagogues 22A Organizations 24A Business Directory 26A Community Calendar 27A Community Directory 1B Jewish Interest 5B Israel & the Jewish World

4A Yom HaShoah commemoration

7A Righteous Among Nations recognition

9A Volunteers fill 75 Kosher for Passover food bags

14A Ben’s Mitzvah project

May 2013 - Iyar/Sivan 5773

Vol. 22 #9

Israel – a place where we, our children and our children’s children can visit forever Judge Norman Krivosha President

s I sit at the table in the apartment Helene and I have rented for our Passover stay in Jerusalem, I am once again awed by being in Israel for a Yom Tov. Being in Israel for any holiday is special, but Pesach is extra special. It is the only place in the world where even the restaurants change dishes for the holiday. Having kosher for Passover pizza or a hamburger on a Pesach bun in a crowded Jerusalem restaurant is like nothing else you have ever experienced. And there is something further exciting about greeting everyone you meet on the street with a hearty “Hag Sameach.” Or to travel to the Jewish market just before the holiday begins. One can believe you are with Indiana Jones. But being in Israel is more than sights and sounds and smells. It enables you to once again see life on the ground as it really is. To see a vibrant, bright and mostly free society conduct its daily business. To see people committed to living each day to the fullest, mindful of the hazards, but unwilling to give up living because of the possibilities of danger. To observe beautiful young people, some going into the army, some in the army, some out of the army, but all believing that there is a bright future which must be planned for and lived. One afternoon we drove with a family to the West Bank to see some of the communities, both Israeli and Arab. If one was not aware of the problems which exist with regard to the settlements on the West Bank, one might believe they were visiting any new town in the United States. We sat in a multilevel shopping mall having lunch at the Aroma Espresso

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

Bar overlooking shops containing the latest in fashion, in the town of Ma’ale Adumim. Let me not, however, mislead you. While much looks wonderful on the surface and is, the obstacles to success are challenging. Not only are the external political problems huge, but the internal problems are as well. If the current government can hold, and that is not a sure bet, changes may be occurring in Israel that will affect many lives. One thing, however, you can be sure of. There will be an Israel today and in the future. What it may ultimately look like geographically or politically may be open to debate, but there is no debate that there will be an Israel.

I am further convinced that now, perhaps more than ever, Israel needs the support of Jews in the Diaspora. She needs our support in encouraging her to find a solution to the Arab problem. Doing nothing is not a choice and most Israelis, including the government, now believe that to be true. And Israel continues to need our support financially, as it seeks ways to overcome its financial problems. I am grateful that there is an Israel to which I can visit. I pray that with the wisdom of the Israeli people and the support of the Diaspora Jews, emotionally as well as financially, it shall be a place where we, our children and our children’s children can visit forever.

See Section B for “Jewish Interest” and “Israel & the Jewish World” items

Federation Star May 2013

JEWISH FEDERATION

Community Relations Committee update

Luxury Knows No Limits

Ann Jacobson

Consider Me Your Trusted Real Estate Advisor I am honored to help you locate your dream home or sell your property. “Kevin provided us with exceptional service. His ability exceeded our expectations.” — Dr. Joel and Jane Waltzer —

Kevin Aizenshtat

Realtor® and JFCC officer & Board member since 2006

Community Relations Committee Chair PFLAG to hold Annual Interfaith Convocation PFLAG (Parents, Friends & Families of Lesbians & Gays) invites the public to attend its Sixth Annual Interfaith Convocation to be held on Sunday, May 5 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Monica Episcopal Church, 7070 Immokalee Road, Naples. A reception will follow the Convocation. Ruth Dorfman and Elissa Goldstein are co-chairing this event. CRC recognition program The Community Relations Commit-

tee has a new recognition program to honor speakers and persons who provide free services to the CRC. Those recently honored with a JNF certificate for a tree planted in Israel included Israel Affairs speakers, Lenore Greenstein, June Sochen, Carl Steinhouse, and attorney Mike Durant, who developed the license agreement for the “Step Up for Israel” program. Interfaith seder held at Moorings Park Retirement Community Moorings Park Retirement Community held its first Interfaith Passover Seder. It was initiated by Rev. Dr. Terry Wimberley, Moorings Park Chaplain, and resident Ann Jacobson. Chef Tom Martin prepared the meal. Twenty residents, both Jewish and non-Jewish, attended and participated in the seder.

Men’s Cultural Alliance (MCA) 707 12th Avenue South Naples, FL 34102 239.777.1451

www.gcipnaples.com

To be put on the eNewsletter list, email Steve Brazina at sbrazina@aol.com. You must be a member of the Federation to sign up for the MCA!

Fed Cup V

May 5, 2013 at TwinEagles

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

Want to meet other men for golf, tennis, cards, lunch, discussion groups and a host of other activities? The MCA’s first season is wrapping up but there’s still a lot going on.

The Federation Star delivers! Introduce your business to a POWERFUL demographic and reach over 6,000 Jewish residents in the Greater Naples area! Contact Jacqui for ad rates and deadlines at 239.777.2889 or jacqui1818@gmail.com.

This month’s advertisers 13

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

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

This publication is brought to you each month thanks to the support of our advertisers. Please be sure to use their products and services, and mention that you found them in the Federation Star. Abbie Joan............................4B ABG World............................5B AMAZN Films....................16A American Auto Transporters.11A Andrea’s Organic Day Spa....4A Applebee’s........................insert Beth Adelman, Realtor®......25A Kevin Aizenshtat, Realtor®....2A Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.25A BR Consulting Group............5B CallSaul-YourPersonalDriver.25A Classic Transportation.........25A Coni Mar Designs................24A Dr. William Ertag, FAAN.....25A Kathy Feinstein, MS............24A FGCU...................................7A Fuller Funeral Home.....24A,7B Dr. Steven Goldberg..............1B Dr. David Greene.................10A Gulfcoast Foot & Ankle........4B Hadassah..............................6B Hodges Funeral Home...........2B

Israel Bonds...........................3A Jewish Museum of FL-FIU...7A Tyler B. Korn, Attorney........24A A. Stephen Kotler,Attorney..24A LTCi Marketplace...............24A Dr. Morris Lipnik...................3B Moorings Park.....................28A N. Benjamin Interiors............4A Naples Diamond Service......24A Naples Envelope & Printing.25A Naples Luxury Travel Adv...25A Naples Players.......................9A Naples Rug Gallery................8A Palm Royale Cemetery.11A,24A PFLAG................................1A Lynne Powers, Realtor®........5B Preferred Travel..........12A,13A Patricia Rodinsky, Realtor®.25A Sheldon Starman, CPA........24A Storm Force.........................14A Dr. Robert Teitelbaum.........25A Debbie Zvibleman, Realtor®..8A

3A Federation Star May 2013 JEWISH FEDERATION

May 2013 Federation Star

Israel Scouts come to Naples Friday, June 21 By Ted Epstein, Editor Federation Star et ready! The Tzofim (Israel Scouts) Friendship Caravan is coming to Naples on Friday, June 21 for several special events. The Caravan is made up of five girls, five boys and two Caravan leaders from all over Israel. In order to be in the Caravan, these teenagers went through a highly competitive selection process and were chosen based on their maturity, fluency in English, and performance skills. Scouting is big in Israel, with over 60,000 members, and those chosen to participate here are selected for their ability to best represent the State of Israel. As shlichim, or Israeli delegates, these teens have a love for Israel and a desire to share that with North Americans. The Scouts are bright and dynamic performers. Their singing, dancing and storytelling are high-energy and upbeat. They will have you singing and dancing in your seat or, if you are lucky, dancing with them. The Scouts spend the 10 weeks of summer performing in synagogues and churches, schools and summer camps, even nursing homes – wherever people want to share their love for Israel. Naples events with the Scouts Plans for the day include a one-hour performance at 5:00 p.m. at Temple Shalom, participation in the Friday night services at the temple, and an afternoon gathering with the children in our area at 2:30 p.m. at Chabad

Naples. All events are free. Final details will be shared in the June issue of the Federation Star and in the Federation’s eNewsletter blasts. The Scouts events in Naples are co-sponsored by Federation Media Group, Inc. and the Jewish Federation of Collier County. Hosting the Scouts The hosting experience is often times the most exciting and meaningful part of the Caravan’s visit. Community members are responsible for hosting

the twelve Caravan members. The hosting relationship goes far beyond providing food and a bed – the host families become true surrogate families during their stay. Families love bringing the Caravan into their homes, getting to know the teens and learning more about Israel. It is a valuable and unforgettable experience. Responsibilities include Friday night sleeping arrangements, Friday transportation to/from the events, and Saturday morning breakfast and local transportation. If you have children at home, this would be a real treat for them. If you are interested in hosting one of the Scouts or team leaders, contact me at fedstar18@ gmail.com or 239.249.0699 for more information.

ATTENTION: 2013 FED CUP PARTICIPANTS We are excited and ready to welcome you to our FIFTH ANNUAL FED CUP ON SUNDAY, MAY 5 We’re playing at the best time of the year, at a phenomenal course with cart, boxed breakfast, beverages on course, goodie bag, on-course prizes for hole-in-1, lunch, awards banquet and some incredible auction items for you to bid on. And the best part is that proceeds from this event will enable a number of kids and teens in our Jewish community to receive scholarships to attend Jewish camps this coming summer.  Location: TwinEagles located on ‘north side’ of Immokalee Road –

7 miles east of I-75.

Not Just a Bond, a Bond with Israel

Reva Pearlstein Assistant Director

Monica DiGiovanni Registered Representative

 8:00 AM Registration and Warm Up

 There will be a 9:00 AM Shotgun Start  The expenses for the event are as follows:  $136 for golf, cart and lunch  $18 per person for 3 Mulligans  $10 for the Putting contest – Putting contest will be a 4- to 5-foot straight putt. You have 2 chances to win a sleeve of golf balls and gift certificate.  We encourage you to PRE-PAY to avoid a bottleneck at registration. You can mail your check payable to: Jewish Federation of Collier County – 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., # 2201, Naples, FL 34109 or call the Federation office at (239) 263-4205 with your credit card.

IMPORTANT: To ensure your participation, please reply to Kevin Aizenshtat at kevin@gcipnaples.com or 239.777.1451.

(727) 539-6445 (800) 622-8017 tampa@israelbonds.com www.israelbonds.com Follow Israel Bonds on Facebook and Twitter

 If you have RSVP’d or intend on playing: If you are part of a foursome, please mention the other golfers in the group and include your handicap. If you are a single or partial group, please note this in your response and include your handicap.  Non-golf participants are invited to attend the lunch and auction. Please arrive by 1:30. Cost is $50. Thank you for your interest and support. We look forward to seeing you at the FED CUP.

Development Corporation for Israel. Issues subject to availability. This is a representative sampling of the securities offered. This is not an offering, which can be made only by prospectus. Read the prospectus carefully before to fully evaluate the risks associated with investing in Israel bonds. Member FINRA

Federation Star May 2013

JEWISH FEDERATION

Community commemorates Yom HaShoah By Jeff Margolis

he Collier County community gathered together on Sunday, April 7 at Temple Shalom to commemorate Yom HaShoah. This day is set aside each year to memorialize those who perished in the Holocaust and to honor the survivors and their descendants. Participating rabbis were Rabbi Ammos Chorny of Beth Tikvah, Rabbi Sylvin Wolf of Naples Jewish Congregation, and host Rabbi Adam Miller of Temple Shalom. Cantors Donna Azu of Temple Shalom and Hari Jacobsen of the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island also participated.

The program was sponsored by the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida, the Jewish Federation of Collier County, GenShoah of Southwest Florida, and the Catholic/Jewish Dialogue of Collier County. Candles were lit by Holocaust survivors and their descendants to commemorate the six million who died during the Holocaust. Students from Temple Shalom Hebrew School also participated in the event. The keynote speaker at this year’s event was Cecilia Ahlberg. She is the great niece of Raul Wallenberg, the

Swedish diplomat in Budapest who was able to procure visas to get tens of thousands of Jews out of Hungary during World War II. Ahlberg spoke of her uncle’s humanitarian interest that preceded the war. In relating the life story of her great uncle, she emphasized the difference that one person can make. Ahlberg is currently a Senior Advisor at the Raoul Wallenberg Academy for young leaders and is dedicated to preserving the legacy of her great uncle. Wallenberg is only one of two foreign nationals to be made an honorary citizen of the United States and has also been named an honorary citizen of Israel, Canada and Hungary. He was taken into custody by the Soviet authorities after the war and was never

heard from again. Wallenberg is presume to have died in a Soviet prison in 1947.

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Participants in the Yom HaShoah commemoration on the Temple Shalom bimah

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Dear Dear friends friends and and colleagues! colleagues! A happy and meaningful Pesach! Dear friends and colleagues! A happy and meaningful Pesach! Dear friends and colleagues! We proudlyAcelebrated Pesach in our new Jewish home in Kyiv happy and meaningful Pesach! We proudlyAcelebrated Pesach in our new Jewish home in Kyiv happy and meaningful Pesach! with always-renewed understanding of what it means We proudly celebrated Pesach in our new Jewish hometoinleave Kyiv withproudly always-renewed understanding what it means leave We celebrated Pesach in souls our of new Jewish hometo Kyiv the Chametz of our behind with always-renewed understanding of what itus. means toinleave the Chametz of our souls behind us. with always-renewed understanding of what it means to leave the Chametz of our souls behind us. the Chametz of our souls behind us. May God bless all of us with physical and spiritual health May God bless all of us with physical and spiritual health that we will continue to enjoy life and achieve May God allcontinue of us with and spiritual that bless we will tophysical enjoy life and achievehealth May God bless allcontinue of usProsperity with physical and spiritual and in life all aspects! thatFreedom we will to enjoy and achievehealth and Prosperity in life all aspects! thatFreedom we will continue to enjoy and achieve Freedom and Prosperity in all aspects! Freedom and Prosperity in all aspects! Rabbi Alexander Dukhovny and the

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

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

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

Board Members Emeritus Ann Jacobson Hans Levy Shirley Levy

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

Executive Director David Willens

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

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

May 2013 Federation Star

MCA winds down successful first season By Jeff Margolis

fter an extremely successful first season with membership approaching 300, the Men’s Cultural Alliance has begun to wind down its activities for this season. The final luncheon of the year featured Federation Star Editor Ted Epstein, who provided a cogent and humorous sketch of the growth of the Jewish community in Collier County as well as Southwest Florida in general. MCA is proud to be a part of that growth. Epstein, who recently returned from a visit to Israel, flavored his remarks with stories of his trip. The Men’s Cultural Alliance is open to all men who are members of the Jewish Federation of Collier County. Current interest groups in-

clude tennis, golf, bird watching, fishing, jogging, bicycling, computers, poker, bridge, documentary films, and discussion groups. The group also sponsored a night at a Florida Everblades hockey game. Any member of MCA who would like to start a Steve Brazina and Bob Goodman at the MCA trip to a Florida Everblades game new interest group should events for next season. For those of contact Steve Brazina at sbrazina@ you leaving us for a while, we wish aol.com. Additionally if you have you a safe journey and look forward suggestions for a speaker for next to reconnecting with you upon your season, please let us know. return. For more information about Please check back with the FedMCA, please contact Steve Brazina eration Star periodically throughout sbrazina@aol.com. the summer to learn of plans and

Israel Affairs Committee looks to next season By Jeff Margolis

he Israel Affairs Committee of Collier County recently concluded a very successful season. The organization was the sponsor of several excellent films and guest speakers, and its events culminated with the Israel@65 celebration and the showing of the film Israel Inside. The committee will be busy this summer previewing films for next season, which we are sure will gen-

erate interest and discussion throughout the community. The major event for next season will be the kickoff of Step Up for Israel. The committee, via the Jewish Federation of Collier County, has signed an agreement to obtain a site license for showing films in this series. Produced by Jerusalem Online U, these films explore the topics of Israel and the West, Creation of a State, and Speak up for Israel. Members of the

Israel Affairs Committee have volunteered to attend presentations of these films and facilitate discussions. Gerry Melnick and Jeff Margolis, both with college teaching experience, will be participating in this program. The committee encourages the community-at-large to contact them to arrange for showings next season. Email Gerry at gerry_melnick@ comcast.net or Jeff at jamcounsel@ comcast.net.

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

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

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

Tha

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

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Federation Star May 2013 WOMEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE

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Food, glorious food! By Susan Pittelman, WCA Publicity Chair, and Elaine Soffer, “Serious Foodies” Coordinator and WCA Programming Director

hile it is sometimes said that food is “the way to a man’s heart,” WCA has found that food is a great way for women to have fun and make new friends! Many WCA members participate in WCA’s “Women Who Lunch” and “Dinner Dames” programs, enjoying both delicious meals and each other’s company. But WCA members who are really serious about food have joined the “Serious Foodies” group. This season, more than 200 WCA members have signed up to be part of Serious Foodies and have been able to participate in a wide variety of culinary experiences. Participants in Sue Dean’s strudel class learned the techniques that Sue’s grandmother used as she lovingly stretched the dough on the same shower curtain that had been used over the years. Women went home with both the cherished family recipe and several pieces of homemade strudel. Jane Hersch organized a cooking demonstration at the elegant Italian restaurant Farfalla. Chef/Owner Michael Fattah demonstrated his technique for making fresh mozzarella

and then provided participants with generous portions of this scrumptious cheese. He also demonstrated preparing grey sole with a sauce everyone thought was outstanding! The Serious Foodies enjoyed learning techniques from the chef and eating the delicious lunch. Serious Foodies shared a morning of cooking followed by a lunch consisting of the fruits of their labors at the charming French restaurant Le Lafayette. Cathy Silver, who organized the program, commented, “It was a real treat to be in the small kitchen where great meals are born!” Chef Sebastien Maillard taught the women how to prepare the restaurant’s signature mustard vinaigrette dressing. Sebastien’s surprise dessert, a rich, creamy chocolate mousse, was the perfect ending to a wonderful morning! Chef/Owner Sam Tadros of Figs Grille spoke to Serious Foodies about Mediterranean/Fusion cuisine at a luncheon seminar that was arranged by Rochelle Pollens. Chef Sam explained that his cuisine is a combination of the spices of the East, the sauces of France and Italy, and the

Many WCA members donned lovely hats for the Afternoon Tea at Brambles English Tea Room



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

earthiness of Spain and Morocco. Everyone enjoyed his hummus, roasted eggplant, fig salad, mousaka, and tagine chicken, among other delicacies. Jan Cooperman and Chris Gershon arranged an up-close cooking demonstration at Roy’s Restaurant. Chef Jason Grasty shared some professional food preparation techniques as he prepared a delicious Hawaiian Fusion lunch featuring Hibachi Grilled Salmon and Roy’s Signature Melting Hot Soufflé. The Serious Foodies all agreed that it was a very special event. For those who love chocolate, Debbie Roggero arranged a field trip to the local confectionary Royal Palm Chocolates. Serious Foodies learned about the art of chocolate making and, of course, enjoyed samples of chocolate treats that were not only delicious, but were beautiful as well! One of the highlights of the “Foodies Social Season” was a formal Afternoon Tea at Brambles English Tea Room organized by Denise Samuel, Susan Pittelman and Diane Kaplan. Denise shared interesting facts about tea as well as the origin of Afternoon Tea before the women indulged in a variety of teas and special treats, including scones and clotted cream. The afternoon was so successful that several more afternoon tea experiences are being planned for next year. Serious Foodies toured Oakes Organic Farm in a trip arranged by Gail Nizin. Robert Boyd, a certified Florida Horticulture and Arborist Professional, provided “food for thought,” sharing the pros and cons of eating organic versus nonorganic food. Participants were amazed to see stacked boxes of strawberry plants being irrigated by the drip method, which they learned was developed in Israel. After sampling delicious strawberries, the women went to the

Food and Thought restaurant for an organic lunch and conversation. Serious Foodies who wanted to visit several food establishments in a single afternoon hopped aboard the Naples Food Tour van that was arranged by Jane Podber. Participants visited five different spots, including Seasons 52, Royal Palm Chocolates, Naples Olive Oil Company, Artichoke and Company, and Jacquie’s Jamming, sampling delights at each one. One of the season’s big successes is the Gourmet Cooking Group, the perfect activity for people who like to both cook and eat. The Gourmet Group meets in homes several times during the season, with each home hosting eight to ten people. To encourage meeting new people, the mix of members changes for each gathering. The food is delicious and the conversations are always interesting. The recipes for the enticing menus are provided by Chet Rivel and Norma Rubin, both long-time cooking teachers. And the “frosting on the cake” is that each month, Serious Foodies receive a favorite recipe provided by one of the group’s members. Coordinated by Jane Podber, these recipes provide welcome additions to everyone’s cooking repertoire. Recipes for Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake and German Blueberry Kuchen are among the many that have been shared. If you want to be part of this adventurous and delightful group of women and be able to take advantage of future Serious Foodies events, join WCA today (or renew your membership) and sign up for Serious Foodies. Simply fill out the membership form below. Want to know more about WCA? Check out our website at www.WomensCulturalAlliance.com for additional membership benefits as well as for details about programs available to WCA members.

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

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

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

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

City: ____________________________ State: _____ Zip Code ____________

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

Florida home phone:___________________________________________

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

7A May 2013 Federation Star COMMUNITY FOCUS

May 2013 Federation Star

HOLOCAUST MUSEUM & ED CTR OF SWFL www.holocaustmuseumswfl.org / 239-263-9200

A journey of remembrance, rejoicing and recognition of the Righteous Among Nations Amy Snyder Executive Director

Renée Beddouk, holding the Righteous Among Nations diploma, with Fernande Chassaing Reynard and Henri Chassaing, holding the medal, after the ceremony

Reynard, whom she referred to as her “big sister.” With over 20 Chassaing family members in attendance, Renée returned to the farm where she was “hidden” during the Holocaust. Renée contacted Yad Vashem France in Paris to begin the process of having the family recognized as Righteous Among Nations and the request was approved in July 2012. In a ceremony held in Saint Julie de Coppel, Puy de Dome on March 3, 2013, Fernande and Henri received the medal and diploma from the Assistant Public Relations Ambassador of the Israeli Embassy. Over

40 members of the Chassaing family joined Renée and her son for this wonderful celebration. The Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida invites you to visit the Museum on Sunday, May 26 at 4:00 p.m. to hear firsthand from Renée about this journey of remembrance and rejoicing. Reservations are requested at 239.263.9200. The Museum is located at 4760 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 7 (Sandalwood Square), Naples. For more information, visit our new website at www.holocaustmuseumswfl.org.

Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU

Bat Mitzvah Comes of Age New Exhibit!

Thru September 15, 2013 On Saturday morning, March 18, 1922, Judith Kaplan, daughter of Rabbi Mordecai M. Kaplan, became the first American girl to mark her bat mitzvah during a public worship service. Learn the stories of nearly 100 b'not mitzvah, including many Florida girls and women.

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

he honor of Righteous Among Nations was recently bestowed upon a family in southern France thanks to the efforts of Holocaust survivor Renée Beddouk. In the spring of 1940, the German military invaded France and the country was quickly divided into two sections: the “Occupied Zone” was in the north and included Paris; the “Free Zone” was in central and south France. Renée was about 7½ years old at the time and her parents, Guélia and Bernard Krasnobroda, decided it was safest to leave Paris. They settled in Clermont-Ferrand and placed Renée in the farming village of Estandeuil, about 25 kilometers away. The family of Marc and Marceline Chassaing already included six children and they graciously accepted Renée as their seventh! For the next several years, Renée attended the local school, learned how to knit socks, and became a regular little farm girl.

She received periodic visits from her parents until the summer of 1943. In July of 1943, Guélia and Bernard were arrested and sent to the transit camp outside Paris called Drancy. In October, they were deported to Auschwitz and did not return after the war ended. Renée was collected from the Chassaing’s farm by her aunt and uncle, who raised both Renée and her cousin. Coming to the United States as a budding teenager, Renée did what she needed to in order to put the tragedy behind and create a new life. In so doing, she blocked out most of her memories of the family that took her in during WWII. It was not until 2010, after she had been volunteering at the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida, that Renée decided it was time to find the people who had been so gracious to her as a child. After several months of searching and many disappointing phone calls from friends in France, Renée was thrilled to learn that the family had been located and some of the Chassaing children were still living. In the summer of 2011, Renée was reunited with two of those children, Henri Chassaing and Fernande Chassaing

A touring exhibition presented by the National Museum of American Jewish History and Moving Traditions. Sponsored in part by Congregation Beth Jacob and the Robert Arthur Segall Foundation.

Fryd on Fire by Carol Fryd Opens May 21, 2013

Renée Beddouk and her son with the Chassaing descendants

Carol Fryd’s captivating artworks of Miami and its cultural intersections meld the human figure with fabulous flora and fruit. Her varied techniques combine digital art with mixed media to produce ground breaking work. The combination of bright, fiery colors in this show are matched only by the intensity and heat of the Florida sun. Jenny, collage on canvas, 2012.

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

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

Sixth Annual PFLAG Interfaith Convocation

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Federation Star May 2013

triving to cultivate unity in our community, and understanding and cooperation among groups and individuals of all religious and spiritual faiths, 17 houses of worship are participating in creating the Sixth Annual PFLAG Interfaith Convocation. Through music and prayer engaging our hearts, minds and spirits, our community will experience how good and appropriate it is to join together not just by including, but also by celebrating with the gay and lesbian members of our families. Harmony and unity in song will be heard as a myriad of voices blend in melodies inspired by the psalmists words, “Behold how good and how pleasant it is when people dwell in Unity.” Welcoming people of all faiths to join in this extraordinary endeavor, PFLAG (Parents, Friends & Families of Lesbians & Gays) is sponsoring the Interfaith Convocation. PFLAG is a parent-based organization that was started by heterosexual parents wanting to understand and help their

gay children. PFLAG’s role is to serve as a support group providing a non-judgmental outlet for feelings, questions and understanding, as well as making available resources and educational opportunities. Naples PFLAG meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month. The Convocation will be a unique opportunity to foster a sense of acceptance and belonging for all people of faith to pray together without discrimination, disenfranchisement or stigma. The Convocation will be the chance for all of us, together, to share our traditions and rituals to provide the critical elements of public acknowledgement and social sanctions that are strengthened by communal worship. The Interfaith Convocation will be held at Saint Monica’s Episcopal Church, 7070 Immokalee Road, on Sunday, May 5 at 3:00 p.m. with a reception to follow. The public is welcome. For more information, please visit www.PFLAGInterfaith.com.

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Interested in your family’s history?

Do you have a similar photo in your home? Who are these people? Are they related to you? Do you know where your forebears came from? Why do you want to know? How do you find out? Do your grandchildren know who these people are? Why should you or they care? Researching your family genealogy can help you find the answers to all these questions. And the answers to questions you don’t even know to ask yet. Want to find out how to get started? Come to the next meeting of the Jewish Genealogy SIG (Shared Interest Group) at the Jewish Federation of Collier County offices (2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 2201, Naples) on Tuesday, May 14 at 10:00 a.m. Seating is limited. RSVP to genresearch13@yahoo.com. You will receive an acknowledgement that you have a reservation. Bring a notebook and pen with you to the meeting.

The Naples Jewish Caring Support Group By Phyllis Lazear

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

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

Next meetings: May 13 & 27

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.

COMMUNITY FOCUS 9A May 2013 Federation Star

May 2013 Federation Star

Jewish Family & Community Services update Dr. Jaclynn Faffer JFCS President/ CEO

n March 19, Jewish Family & Community Services held its Annual Meeting and election of board members and officers. John Levy served as the installing officer. Richard A. Goldblatt was installed as Board Chair, Nancy Colodny and Dr. Ed Ezrine as Vice Chairs, Susan Ritter as Treasurer, and Stuart Price as Secretary. Newly elected board members included Scott Hansen, Barbara Levine, Leda Zbar and Judith Zickler. Outgoing Board Chair Millie Sernovitz thanked everyone individually for the hard work done by all during her two-year tenure that helped bring JFCS to where it is today. Dick Goldblatt spoke of the rapid growth experi-

enced by JFCS over the past two years and acknowledged the leadership of Millie Sernovitz. All look forward to an exciting year ahead. And speaking of exciting news, the Naples Botanical Garden is doing its annual “The Garden Gives Back” day in support of the JFCS Food Pantry on Saturday, April 27. Botanical Garden members will receive a free guest pass if they bring an item of non-perishable food to the Garden, and nonmembers will receive $5 off their admission. We are thrilled that the Botanical Garden chose JFCS as its Community Partner and are deeply appreciative of this opportunity to help us feed the hungry. Visit the Botanical Garden website at www.naplesgarden. org for more information. With Passover behind us I am proud to share with you that in partnership with Beth Tikvah, the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, Naples Jewish Congregation, and Temple Shalom, and with the support of

Active season for GenShoah continues By Ida Margolis

seven decades ago.” Blewitt discussed how Sophie and the other members of the White Rose printed and distributed pamphlets that revealed the persecution of the Jews, and tried to rouse their fellow Germans to stand up to the destruction of civil rights all around them and to fight for freedom. “We will not be silent! We are your bad conscience,” wrote the students. Many of those who attended the discussion, including Blewitt and his wife Ann, had visited the memorials to the White Rose members on the campus of the University of Munich. Members of GenShoah were invited to participate in the annual Holocaust Memorial Week at Edison State College. This year’s program, with the theme of “Next Generation: Never Forget,” featured numerous events, speakers and discussions throughout the week of March 18 to 22. GenShoah members Dr. Ken Wetcher, Susan Salamon, Shelley Goodman and Ida Margolis participated in a roundtable discussion titled “Children, the Next Generation.” Wetcher, Salamon and Margolis Ann Blewitt, Dr. George Blewitt, Ida Margolis reflected on growing up discussion of the book and the White as children of survivors, and GoodRose, a group of anti-Nazi students man, a psychotherapist, spoke about organized in late 1942 and early 1943, her professional experiences with who published leaflets pushing for the survivors and children of survivors. overthrow of the Nazis. All of those who were presentDuring the discussion, parts of a ers for GenShoah this season did an recent article written by Jud Newborn excellent job, and the group is now in was read. Newborn noted that this the process of planning programs for year is the 70th anniversary of the next season. Anyone who would like execution of Sophie Scholl and other information about this group or who students of the White Rose resistance, has suggestions for future speakers and that “the examples they set of and events should contact Ida Marcourage in the face of authoritarian regolis at ida.margolis2@gmail.com or pression is as relevant today as it was 239.963.9347. enShoah (Generations of the Shoah) of SWFL continued its active season with a number of events including a presentation about the book Sophie Scholl and the White Rose; a meeting focusing on member discussion of reactions and experiences to public memorials and commemorations of the Holocaust with facilitation by Shelley Lieb and special insights contributed by Steve Brazina and others; and members participating in the Edison State College Holocaust Memorial Week. Dr. George Blewitt , a retired physician and a co-chair of the Readers and Thinkers of the Catholic/Jewish Dialogue of Collier County, presented a summary of Sophie School and the White Rose by Annette Dumbach and Jud Newborn. He then led a group

Volunteers prepared 75 bags of Kosher for Passover food for individuals and families in the JFCS Financial Assistance Program

Publix in the Strand, we prepared 75 bags of Kosher for Passover food for individuals and families in the JFCS Financial Assistance Program. In addition, through a separate fundraising drive, 10 of our JFCS Food Pantry participants who celebrate Easter

received a fully-cooked turkey dinner with all the trimmings, including chocolate bunnies and, of course, Peeps, to enable them to enjoy the holiday. Thank you all for helping us help so many!

SIGN UP FOR THE FEDERATION’S WEEKLY COMMUNITY eNEWSLETTER! 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.

10A Federation Star May 2013

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Jerusalem Post Crossword Puzzle Israeli and International

Folk Dancing Where: When: Why: Teacher:

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

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.

Down 1. Modifying wds. 2. “Evan Almighty” analogy 3. Emulate Groucho Marx 4. Love overseas 5. It’s often parsley 6. Posed for Annie Liebovitz 7. Having a knack for 8. “The ___ Land” (English/Yiddish musical) 9. Juan’s water 10. Air leak sound 11. “Chicago Hope” star Adam 12. “Book of Songs” author, Heinrich 13. Tips 19. The end of Chanukah? 21. Jerusalem Center for Public ___ 25. Left-of-center pro-Israel grp. 26. The “Exodus,” e.g. 27. Actor Klugman (“The Odd Couple”) 28. Farmer’s prefix 29. Sounds on a kibbutz 30. ___ HaChareidis 31. Philanthropist Bronfman 35. Hebrew novelist Abraham 36. Israel’s only official religious municipality 37. Pre-euro money 38. Not even once, in a poem 40. Got ready to drive? 41. “So that he shall have no ___ of spoil” (Prov 31:11) 43. Prolific author Jacob (“A Rabbi talks with Jesus”) 46. Ruling threesome 47. “Aladdin” setting 48. Palm-shaped amulet 49. Build up 50. Yitzchak of the Palmach 51. Wrath 54. ___ Hamikdash (Holy Temple) 56. Org. for olim 57. A little liquor 58. Skye who married one of the Beastie Boys 59. Penny, perhaps 61. Abbr. on a baby announcement 62. Antlered critter

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Across 1. Mighty as ___ 6. “Exodus” and others 11. “That’s the spot!” 14. Beliefs 15. “It’s ___ life” 16. Big name in sporting goods 17. “A Woman of ___, Who Can Find?” 18. Author Joseph (“Jewish Literacy”) 20. Everest guide 22. BlackBerry, e.g. 23. “___ I a stinker?” (Bugs Bunny line) 24. “___ worse than death” 26. Actress Amanda (“Hairspray”) 27. He starred in “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” 32. “___ in Ruins”: Uris 33. First anti-AIDS drug 34. Gluekel of ___ 39. Country where only a quarter of its 40,000 Jews survived the Holocaust 41. Actress Portman who played a “Star Wars” princess 42. Word with cruise or gym 43. “... l’hadlik ___ shel Chanukah” 44. Cut (away) 45. Big name in cosmetics 48. Not a Mitnaged 52. More boorish 53. “Ko ___ Hashem” (“Thus said the Lord”) 54. Logan airport symbol 55. ___ Gaon 60. Albright or Kunin 63. Columbia Jewish historian Salo 64. Beirut-to-Jerusalem dir. 65. Tevye portrayer Theodore 66. Pessimist’s words 67. It’s eaten with an egg before Tisha B’Av 68. Kosher symbol 69. Paris-born actress Anouk

Solution on page 19A

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TRIBUTES 11A Federation Star May 2013

Tributes

Tributes to the UJA Federation Campaign To: Abbie & Paul Sladick In appreciation From: David Willens To: Pearl Thall In honor of your birthday From: Edythe Winters To: From:

Corky Kaplan Get well Phyllis & Michael Seaman Ellen & Dr. Gary Gersh

To: From:

Nan & Michael Suffian In honor of your 50th wedding anniversary Maxine & Chuck Shapiro Ronda Lande & Sanford Sirkus

To: From:

Nancy Greenberg In honor of your special birthday Phyllis & Michael Seaman Harrilee & Ken Shevin Ellen & Dr. Gary Gersh Susan F. Barad Phyllis & Steve Strome

May 2013 Federation Star

11A

Let us remember the children of the Holocaust

Tributes require a minimum donation of $18.

To: From:

Nancy & Hank Greenberg To: survivor Arlyne Monroe By Abe Price, Holocaust In honor of your 60th wedding anniversary In memory of your beloved mother, Harrilee & Ken Shevin Tillie Skeer Phyllis & Steve Strome From: Marcia Jo Zerivitz

To: From:

Geri Joseph & Family In memory of your beloved husband, Burton Joseph David Willens

To: From:

Merrill Kuller Wishing you a speedy and complete recovery Dorothy & Irving Litt

To: From:

Nancy Kaplan & Family In memory of your beloved mother, Catherine Ruth Chamoni Linda & Larry Hyde

To: From:

Florence Feinson In loving memory of your husband, Joel Feinson Barbara & Norman Blumenfeld Carol Soling

To: Corky Kaplan Best wishes for a speedy recovery From: Lois & Richard Janger

Were you

To: From: From:

Dr. Sam Oshry & Family In memory of your beloved wife, Marlene Oshry David Willens Bunny Levere Diane & Gilbert Block In honor of receiving the Torah at Sinai Deana & Dr. Paul Rosofsky

To: David Willens In your honor for leading the seder From: Maxine & Chuck Shapiro To: Marlene Apkon In honor of your special birthday From: Janet & Dr. Earl Rosenbaum

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

Nancy Kaplan & Family In memory of your beloved mother, Catherine Ruth Chamoni Harriet & Merlin Lickhalter

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12A Federation Star May 2013

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Jewish American Heritage Month kicks off May 5 at Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU 2013 theme is American Jews in Entertainment

he Jewish Museum of FloridaFIU (JMOF-FIU), the only museum dedicated to telling the story of 250 years of Florida Jewish heritage, arts and culture, is proud to announce May is Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), a national commemoration of the contributions that American Jews have made to the fabric of the nation’s history, culture and society. The 2013 observance will be held at the Museum at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 5. JAHM was initiated by JMOFFIU and enacted by the 109th Congress. This year’s national theme focuses on American Jews in Entertainment. An enlightening presentation by Professor Stephen Whitfield of Brandeis University and Marcia Jo Zerivitz, founding executive director of the Jewish Museum of Florida, will explore how two percent of the population has had such a huge impact upon the nation’s popular culture.

Immigrant Jewish entrepreneurs and their sons – like Sam Goldwyn, Jack and Harry Warner, and Louis B. Mayer – were integral to the creation of Hollywood. Jews were once the heads, simultaneously, of the three major American television networks: William Paley at CBS, David Sarnoff at NBC and Leonard Goldenson at ABC. Jews have been writers, directors, producers, composers, performers and even clowns in the entertainment industry. “The arrival of over two million Jews from Eastern Europe a century ago coincided with the emergence of mass entertainment in the United States,” said Dr. Whitfield. “This was not entirely a coincidence, as the energies and dynamism of the newcomers and their children were unleashed in the popular arts because so few barriers to entry existed, and because a novel path of upward

mobility became available. The result was a fresh way of forging the national identity and a vehicle for making a diverse society more unified.” Whitfield’s lecture will describe how this combination played itself out in the birth of the Hollywood studios and in the contribution of Jews to the treasury of American humor. Dr. Whitfield holds the Max Richter Chair in American Civilization at Brandeis University, where he has taught since 1972. A native of Houston who grew up in Jacksonville, he earned a B.A. from Tulane, a master’s degree from Yale and a doctorate in American history from Brandeis. He has served as visiting professor of many prominent universities and is the author of

Marcia Jo Zerivitz

Stephen Whitfield

eight books including, most recently, In Search of American Jewish Culture, and numerous scholarly articles. The free program is co-sponsored by the JMOF-FIU, Jewish Community Relations Council of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, and Jewish Federation of Broward County, Community Relations Committee. For more information on JAHM and the national 2013 observance, please visit www.jahm.us. For more information about the Museum, please call 305.672.5044 or visit www. jewishmuseum.com.

Mah Jongg at the Jewish Congregation Marco Island   for advanced beginners,   intermediates and advanced   players on Thursdays from   11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.   Reservations are a MUST.   Call Shirley Posner at  (239) 389-7872. 





Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida

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

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May 2013 COMMUNITY FOCUS 13A Federation Star

May 2013 Federation Star

13A

ORT America Gulf Beaches Chapter Donor Brunch March 24, Arbor Trace clubhouse At left: Lea Mendel, Bob and Helene Fuchs Top right: Marebe Crouse, Hella Amelkin, Midge Rauch Bottom right: Jill Goode, Simonne and Alex Kott

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14A Federation Star May 2013

FOCUS ON YOUTH

Preserving our culture one record at a time By Benjamin Isenberg

ust on the other coast, on the 5th floor of Florida Atlantic University’s Wimberly Library, I found an historic preservation of great importance: The Judaica Sound Archives. JSA has been collecting Jewish music since 2002 and now has the world’s largest collection of Jewish music. I attend religious school at Temple Shalom and in May, this year, I

recordings and old music players. I wasn’t very familiar with the players like the Victrola or audio recordings like the cassette or 8-track tapes. He showed us a lot of old records, some made by Thomas Edison, but mostly 78rpm discs and LPs. I thought it was very interesting how they cleaned the records before saving them digitally. Once clean, the music would be transferred to a computer on which there are programs that can take out the scratches and clicks to make a much better digital recording. Some of the music can be found streaming, free of charge on www.jsa.edu/jsa. We went to other rooms where they have floor-to-ceiling shelves of records. In addition to Jewish music, there are also Jewish songs recorded by non-Jewish artists. The collection

at the archives includes cantorial, comedy, theatre, klezmer, Israeli and other types. Most of the recordings were donated by private collectors from their estates. Toward the end of our tour, a package arrived and we watched as Mr. Roth open it. Inside were some old records from the Israeli Army as well as a few large postcards that had grooves and played a song. They still have a lot of music to go through that hasn’t been unpacked. I plan to go back to help because they really need it. There are a lot of ways that other people can help, too. Maybe you have some music you would like to donate or know someone who does. If you think you would like to find and rescue music, you could become a Zamler (Yiddish for someone who

passionately collects scattered things) in our community. I will be having a fundraiser on the evening of Tuesday, May 7 at KC American Bistro (Pavilion Shopping Center, 885 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples). The restaurant will be donating a portion of your check to JSA. My grandfather, Art Isenberg, and Jane Galler will be playing and singing Jewish music during your dinner. It is recommended that you make reservations, and be sure to say you are there to help Ben’s Mitzvah project. KC American Bistro is open from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. and can be reached at 239.566.2371. Thank you for playing a part in helping preserve our Jewish musical and cultural legacy.

Ben Isenberg with “golden records” in the background, honoring Sound Angels, donors of $1,000 or more

become a bar mitzvah. Part of my preparations for this event is to complete a Mitzvah project. I chose JSA because I was in search of a project that honored my Jewish heritage as well as the tradition of music in my family, as I am a fourth-generation pianist. One day in March, we went to tour the facilities in Boca Raton. Ben Roth guided my parents, grandfather and me through a history of music

Ben Isenberg watches Ben Roth demonstrate a Victrola

Ben with 78rpm records

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FOCUS ON YOUTH 15A Federation Star May 2013

May 2013 Federation Star

15A

Preschool of the Arts update By Ettie Zaklos, Preschool Director

Summer of the Arts is a dynamic six-week summer program for The Minors (ages 18 months to four years) and The Majors (children ages five to nine). Your child will be a part of a warm and nurturing environment under the professional care of experienced, well-trained and qualified teachers. The goal of Summer of the Arts is to expose the children to the world around them through a fun-filled program where they get to experience the arts, music, culture, food, games, crafts and activities from countries around the world. While The Minors will stay on campus throughout the program, The Majors will also get to participate in exciting field trips. To register for our incredible Summer of the Arts program, which runs from June 10 through July 19, please call 239.263.2620. You can enroll your child for the entire six-week program or week by week.

Registration is in full swing for the 2013-2014 preschool year and our classes are filling up faster than expected! Preschool of the Arts, a state-of-the-art education center with modern classrooms and playground – and the only Eco-Healthy Child

Care Center in Collier County – is committed to helping children explore our Jewish and American heritages through a diverse arts program. Our curriculum includes a visual arts program, a performing arts program (music and ballet), a culinary arts program (Little Chefs and vegetable garden), yoga, My Gym and educational (and fun!) field trips. To learn more about our preschool, Winner of the 2012 Preschool Champion Choice Award, visit www. naplespreschoolofthearts.com or, for a private tour of our preschool, please call 239.263.2620. A time to reflect With only a few more weeks until the end of the 2012-2013 preschool year, it’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement of our approaching Summer of the Arts program, and in the importance of planning for the 20132014 preschool year. But it is equally as important to take a few moments to reflect on the preschool year that is coming to an end. And it is truly wonderful and extremely fulfilling for me and my teaching team to look back and see how all the pieces of this year’s Preschool of the Arts “puzzle” have come together this past year. When you open a new puzzle, the puzzle pieces are mixed up in the box – some facing up, some facing down – but they are all there in the box, waiting to be assembled into the bigger picture. This past school year, each of our preschool children arrived with his or her personal “puzzle” and, during the school year, all of the “pieces” of each child – from the inherent

curiosity to the desire to learn – have come together. The children, with careful guidance and instruction, have each had the opportunity to assemble their personal “puzzles.” For the younger children, the puzzle may have been small (perhaps six pieces); for the older children, the puzzle may have been larger (perhaps 24 pieces). And because of this, the so-called bigger picture has been different for each child. Some were learning how to socialize outside their homes and how to share with their new friends, while others who had already mastered these smaller puzzles, were assembling their pieces to include new math, reading and writing skills. And that is our goal at Preschool of the Arts: For our teachers to provide the guidance and structure (the perimeter straight-edged pieces of the puzzle), and then to follow the lead of the children in assembling the inside pieces of each of their puzzles. And, just like you can’t force two pieces of a puzzle together if they’re not meant to fit, so, too, can you not force a child to do something when he or she is not quite ready to make the leap. Encouragement, support and a framework are extremely important. It is these things that allow the child to thrive, secure in the knowledge that he or she is safe and loved by his or her family, and that he or she has the potential to do great things, while being respectful of others. And so, I wish to thank all of

you who have been involved with Preschool of the Arts for the 20122013 school year. It has been a year of learning, personal growth and success for each and every one of our children who have taken risks and been courageous in assembling their personal puzzles. My teachers and I wish each and every one of you a safe summer filled with cherished memories.

Hebrew School 2013-2014

habad Hebrew School is currently enrolling students for our 2013-2014 Hebrew School year. Our curriculum includes: Hebrew reading (using the Aleph Champ reading program); Jewish history; mitzvot and Jewish practice (the hows and whys of Jewish living); and tefillah (prayer). Lessons are engaging and exciting, with lots of projects, activities and discussions that provide meaningful insight into contemporary Jewish life. Our mission is to make the richness of our Jewish heritage accessible to every Jewish child regardless of his or her background or education. Through meaningful experiences and a joyful approach to our traditions, we aim to inspire a love for learning about Judaism, and to develop a strong Jewish identity and commitment to using Torah values as a guide for a meaningful and productive life. Hebrew School is held on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. To enroll your child, please call 239.262.2620 or visit www.chabadnaples.com.

Naples BBYO serves the community By Dara Baer, BBYO Naples Program Associate

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

he Naples BBYO Chocolate picked Relay for Life at Gulfview Seder was yummy and sweet. Middle School. All of our money We had a whole Haggadah raised went to the American Cancer changed to substitute everything in Society. the seder with a chocolate alternaOur Spring Regional Conventive. Some examples of our twists on tion (SRC) is coming up during the the traditional seder were chocolate weekend of May 17-19. This is North twizzlers to represent the shank bone, Florida Region’s (NFR) premiere dessert charoset, and many different convention, filled with chapter spirit fruits for dipping into white, milk and and fun! SRC participants get to endark chocolate. Our marror and matzo joy the following amazing events: sandwiches were S’mores on matzo Regional Senior Life, The State of instead. Sounds delicious! the Region Address as given by our We had many exciting events in Regional Godol and N’siah, Regional April to help our community. First, board elections, and chapter spirit we volunteered at the Holocaust competitions. Teens from all over Museum’s annual Triumph Awards North Florida will get together for at Naples Luxury Imports. Next, we a meaningful Shabbat experience, participated in the Israel@65 event guest speakers, an interactive Israel at Temple Shalom. It was a great program led by StandWithUs, and opportunity to introduce BBYO to a weekend-long celebration of NFR the Jewish community. We also got turning ten years old! to fundraise by selling drinks for our J-Serve project. Finally, we finished April with our J-Serve event, which is BBYO’s international day Naples BBYO Chocolate Seder of service. We

16A Federation Star May 2013

FOCUS ON YOUTH

Temple Shalom Preschool update By Seyla Cohen, Preschool Director

nother school year is coming to an end! At this time of year, both parents and teachers reflect on the year gone by and anticipate the year ahead. Every parent seeks the best education for his or her child, and Temple Shalom Preschool delivers. Throughout the years, Temple Shalom’s Preschool has offered the highest quality education, setting a solid foundation for strong future academic and social development and success. Basic fundamentals of early childhood education are addressed in a loving and supportive environment, including reading readiness, language, math, science and social studies. In addition, students participate in many enrichment programs including performing arts, puppetry, art, story time, music, movement and

computer arts. Our remarkable Storyland Children’s Library helps to nurture a love of reading, and is filled with costumes, puppets and many other interactive activities and opportunities to bring stories to life. Our incredible Science Lab enables our children to explore our world, learning about everything from the depths of the ocean to outer space. Our students develop their motor and social skills on our shaded state-of-the-art playground, “Grand Prix” tricycle track, and screened-in sand and water play areas. Imaginations soar in our art room, with students learning about everyone from Michelangelo to Picasso, while following their own hearts. Temple Shalom Preschool strives to instill a genuine love of learning in a nurturing Jewish environment

with great emphasis placed on honesty, respect, kindness, cooperation and tolerance. Experienced teachers foster a true sense of self-esteem and confidence, individualizing programs to meet the needs of each student. The curriculum and philosophy promote a sense of community through civic program involvement and celebrating traditional annual events. The school’s faculty is comprised of seasoned, educated, experienced and caring individuals who have a longstanding relationship and devotion to the preschool and its students. Over the years, Temple Shalom Preschool has been a favorite with Naples kindergarten teachers. Accolades and compliments are continuously being received from community educators regarding the quality education provided at the school. Graduates of

our program 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’s Preschool has a track record of which we are proud! Seyla Cohen, Preschool Director, and much of her staff have been involved with the preschool since its inception in 1990. They continuously strive to learn from the past and reach for the future as they maintain Temple Shalom Preschool’s reputation as a premiere school for Naples area preschoolers.

Temple Shalom camp, schools and Confirmation happenings

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egistration is currently open for Camp Shalom, a day camp adventure for children 2-5 years of age, and Camp Einstein, a fun and fascinating academically focused journey for children 6-8 years old. Summer activities for our little ones include water play, dance, arts and crafts, foreign language, music, and performing arts, with lots of special surprise visitors! Our older children will explore the wonderful world of science in our incredible laboratory, along with numerous other learning adventures. Camps begin on Monday, June 10. For more information, please contact Seyla Cohen at 239.455.3227. *** The Temple Shalom Preschool proudly invites you to attend its Annual Preschool Art Auction on Thursday, May 2 at 6:30 p.m. It’s a glorious opportunity to experience the creativity of our children while supporting the preschool. You won’t want to miss the biggest night of the year at Temple Shalom Preschool! For more infor-

mation, please contact Seyla Cohen at 239.455.3227. *** The Temple Shalom Religious School proudly welcomes recording artist Sam Glaser on Sunday, May 5 at 11:30 a.m. Sam and the children of the Temple Shalom Religious School will present Kol Bamidbar: A Musical Journey Through the Five Books of Moses. This extraordinary program is brought to you through the generosity of the Temple Shalom Men’s Club. All are welcome. For more information, please contact Caren Plotkin at 239.455.2233. See Caren’s article about this event on page 21A. *** Temple Shalom cordially invites you to attend a service of Confirmation for the Year 5773 on Sunday, May 19 at 10:00 a.m., when our tenth-grade children will confirm their commitment to the faith and heritage of the Jewish people. All are welcome. For more information, please contact the temple office at 239.455.3030.

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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

COMMENTARY 17A Federation Star May 2013

May 2013 Federation Star

17A

Happy 65th Birthday, Israel! By David Harris, Executive Director, AJC, April 4, 2013

or many nations, a 65th birthday may not generate much excitement. But if the country happens to be Israel, which celebrates its birthday this year on April 15-16, it’s another story. Israel has the dubious distinction of being the only UN member state whose right to exist is regularly challenged, whose elimination from the world map is the aim of at least one other UN member state (Iran), and whose population centers are deemed fair game by Hamas-controlled Gaza and Hezbollah-dominated Lebanon. 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 UN bodies, with their built-in antiIsrael majorities, in New York and Geneva. Indeed, Israel is the only nation in the world which has a permanent, separate agenda item at the UN Human Rights Council. All other countries in the world are lumped together under another agenda item. 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 systematic attempts to launch boycotts, divestment campaigns, and sanctions against it, not to mention flotillas and flytillas. All the while those behind the efforts, claiming to speak in the lofty name of human rights, studiously ignore places like Syria, where more than 70,000 have been killed in the past two years alone and numberless more wounded, homeless, exiled and detained. Why this lack of interest in Syria? Presumably because no Israeli connection can be claimed. No other country has its right to self-defense challenged as Israel does, even though it acts no differently than any other nation would if confronted by periodic terrorist assaults and deadly missile and rocket attacks. And no other country is as microscopically examined in the media, from the BBC to the Financial Times, from CNN International to the wire services, leading to such typical whoppers as the New York Times headline on April 4, “Tensions Rise As Israel and Gaza Swap Strikes.” Rockets were fired from Gaza at Israel, Israel responded to defend its citizens, and to the newspaper of record, it’s an antiseptically 50-50 equation between the attacker and the attacked. I have enormous admiration for Israel – for its resolve, resilience, courage and ingenuity. What it has achieved in the past 65 years is breathtaking: the rebirth of a state with a rock-solid democratic foundation; the ingathering of millions of refugees and immigrants from just about every corner of the world; the creation of a world-class economy; the building of

a first-rate army; and a determination to overcome one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after another. Other nations might have succumbed, after 65 years of uninterrupted hostility, to enemies trying 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 repeatedly 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 global surveys Israel comes out among the “happiest” countries in the world; Tel Aviv ranks as one of the top “go-to” destinations for young people; and Israelis’ life expectancy exceeds that of Americans. How can it be, Israel’s adversaries ask, that these “sons of monkeys and pigs,” as radical Muslim preachers openly refer to the Jews (and as Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi declared three years ago, while a Muslim Brotherhood leader), manage to stand tall, strong and, yes, optimistic? How can it be that this nation of just eight million, grown from only 650,000 at its birth in 1948, repeatedly defeats far more populous Arab foes that have arrayed themselves against it? How can it be 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 that Israel, with no natural resources to speak of until recent natural gas findings, could achieve a first-world economy, catapulting it into the OECD; double-digit winners of Nobel Prizes; top-three ranking in new NASDAQ listings; and global recognition as a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship? 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 an-

cient 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, so 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-than-ideal 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 with its neighbors to the defense of the country, Israel has no shortage of challenges. But, above all, Israel is a wondrous “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 at Ben-Gurion Airport even 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 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 cutting-edge research. Or visiting Barzilai 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. Or imagining the role Israel could one day play in the region in helping advance food security, water security, energy security, environmental security, public health security, and knowledge security, all of which will be towering issues in the 21st century. No, this Israel may not now 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. Happy 65th Birthday, Israel! For more information, please visit www.ajc.org.

18A Federation Star May 2013

COMMENTARY

For the sake of diplomacy? By Gene Sipe, VP Southwest Florida Chapter ZOA

n an attempt to restore a deteriorated relationship between Israel and Turkey, Prime Minister Netanyahu undertook a bold gamble at the behest of U.S. President Obama. Each time the U.S. attempts to broker a peace in the region, Israel suffers a financial loss, strategic setback, land loss or, at the very least, humiliation. So why would this latest foray have any different outcome? Once again true to Middle Eastern politics, the subject has little to do with the true matter of the issue. The deterioration of relations between Israel and Turkey is presented to be centered on the capture of the blockade runner, the Mavi Marmara. Even my calling it a “blockade runner” is clouded by the world press and diplomatic doublespeak. Let’s begin by establishing that Israel’s actions were 100% in accor-

dance with International Maritime Law. One does not need 20 years experience in admiralty to clearly see the violations of the vessel and the compliance by Israel as determined by the current governing international rule, the “San Remo Manual on International Law.” The most obvious rule being Rule 98: “Merchant vessels believed on reasonable grounds to be breaching a blockade may be captured.” Anyone following the news prior to the vessel’s departure will clearly recall that the stated intent of the flotilla was to break the blockade. So why is Israel once again being strong-armed into a capitulating apology and remuneration? The U.S. and Turkey are desperately trying to assert their mastery over the region. This is being presented to the unin-

formed as another peace initiative spun as Israel capitulating on their alleged aggression upon innocents. Turkey desires to regain her status as the center for Muslim influence and the anchor for the reborn caliphate. At the same time, it needs to temper the radical aspects of Iran, Syria and Hezbollah to maintain its own stability. The U.S., on the other hand, has to repair its failed attempt to pander to the Muslim world which has resulted in loss of influence and dominance of radical regimes now in control of much of the region. The incident is as much the responsibility of the media and the politicians as those involved in the flotilla. Of course, it would be too much to hope that the world press or the Turkish government would come forward to accept responsibility for encouraging and, at the very least,

glorifying those who actually violated the rule of law. Israel is again being used as a pawn, however, in this scenario they have much to gain. Historically a good trading partner, Turkey may once again be a stabilizing factor in the future of Israel’s interests in the region. If an apology and a million dollars (estimated payoff at the time of this writing) is the price to normalize relations, Israel’s leadership is demonstrating that they are willing to look at a much larger picture. With all of Israel’s bordering neighbors allying against her, this is a gambit with a potentially huge upside. As all three parties involved have something to gain, the potential for success is not only good, it also has tremendous long-term implications for the region’s stability.

from the suffering. When Jewish bodies were smoldering in Nazi crematoriums, the leaders of the western world knew about it and were silent. The International Red Cross was silent, the Vatican and Pope Pious the X11 were painfully silent, and in the face of genocide, silence is collaboration. There was a common bond between the Vatican, the Austrians, Slovaks, Ukrainians, Lithuanians, Latvians , Rumanians, Hungarians, Croats, Poles and the German Nazis – HATRED OF THE JEWS. There were some good people in Europe who risked their own lives to help Jews. My sincere gratitude goes to the men and women soldiers who, at the risk of their own lives, liberated starving people in death camps. It was there, where soldiers destined for battle, became healers, reaching out to save those who were on the brink of death, and to revive human skeletons who had given up on life and had lost faith in humanity. I wish they would have liberated us five years sooner. Right after the war ended, the Cold War started between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. There was no closure. The Nazi criminals escaped justice with the help of former Nazis, some governments sympathetic to the Nazis, Nazi collaborators, the International Red Cross, and the Vatican with Bishop ALOIS HUDAL and his criminal helpers. Hudal, a high-ranking executive in the Vatican, was the

Rector of the Anima, the university for priests in Rome. He organized the “VATICAN ESCAPE ROUTE” for high-ranking Nazi officials in Hitler’s government. With the help of Nazi sympathizers – priests who worked in the Vatican – he moved Nazi criminals from Germany and Austria through monasteries to Rome. And in Rome he made false International Red Cross passports, with false names for these criminals. He gave them money and transported them to Syria, Egypt, Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. He also secured jobs for them oversees. Among those criminals were Martin Borman, Adolph Eichmann, Dr. Joseph Mengele, Alois Brunner, Franz Stangle, and many others who escaped justice. The French revolution liberated the European Jews from the ghettos, but it did not liberate most European nations from anti-Semitism. Do not forget the unsung heroes of the Vilna-Bialystok and Warsaw ghetto uprisings, the Treblinka-Sobibor and Auschwitz uprisings, and a dying generation of Holocaust survivors who confronted unspeakable inhumanity with dignity and bravery. I mourn a world that is dead, but the dead are alive in my heart. I can’t forget and will not forgive the Nazis and their collaborators for what they did to me, my loved ones and my people.

Nazi conspiracy By Abe Price, Holocaust survivor

fter spending six years in HELL under the Nazi occupation of Poland during World War II, I live now in paradise right here in the U.S. Bad and painful memories are imprinted on the pages of my brain – memories of arrests, round ups, robberies, hunger, starvation, barbaric brutality, ghettos, slave labor camps, deportations, concentration camps, extermination camps, murder, hangings, a death march and escapes. Dante’s Inferno is a soap opera in comparison to the HOLOCAUST. The Nazis of the evil empire of Germany and Austria could not have done it without the help of their COLLABORATORS. And who were the Nazi collaborators that murdered over six-million Jewish citizens of Europe? The first collaborators were the VATICAN, when on July 20, 1933, the Holy See signed the CONCORDAT with Nazi Germany. It was negotiated by Cardinal Pacelli and signed by Pious the XI. Cardinal Pacelli was the Papal Nuncio in Germany from 1917 to 1929; later he became Secretary of the State at the Vatican from 1930 to 1939; and later Pope Pious X11 from 1939 to 1959. In 1938, Austria joined voluntarily with Germany and formed the Nazi empire. In 1939, the president of Slovakia, Monsignor Joseph Tiso, became a Nazi collaborator and sold the Slovakian Jews to the Nazis for 20 million dollars. Hungary and Romania became Nazi collaborators and, in 1941, the Ukrainian general VLASOV joined the Nazis with an army of one-million soldiers. The Nazis trained these Ukrainian soldiers to run slave labor camps, concentration camps and extermination camps. Two Austrians were in charge of the six extermination camps in Poland. They were Odillo Globocnic and Christian Wirth.

They both escaped justice because Bishop Alois Hudal made false passports for them. In 1941, the Lithuanians, Lotvians and Estonians joined the Nazis and volunteered together with the Ukrainians into the EINSATZ COMMANDOES that brutally murdered unarmed Jewish men, women and children. European Christianity is different from American Christianity. For many centuries, European Christianity was teaching hatred and spreading lies about their Jewish minorities, while American Christianity was teaching love and tolerance. And the Poles were murdering or selling their Jewish neighbors – who were in hiding or escaped from ghettos or concentration camps – to the Nazis for one pound of sugar. Jewish blood was very cheap. During the war, Poland became the slaughterhouse of all European Jews. Trainloads with Jews in boxed cars were arriving daily from all occupied countries in Europe to the six extermination camps in Poland. Poland was the only country in Europe where Jews were murdered after the war ended. They were murdered by Poles, not by Nazis. Prejudice, racism and stereotyping is an old European tradition including BLOOD LIBEL, that ended up in POGROMS, before the Nazis came to power. The Nazis exploited the long European Christian tradition of antiSemitism; they did not invent it. The Nazis disgraced themselves and the human race when they forced 120 people into the cattle cars. With the doors and small windows closed, and standing room only, without air, water and sanitary facilities, many people suffocated after riding for two days and nights to their destination place – the EXTERMINATION CAMP. The CATTLE CARS became a TORTURE CHAMBER. The devil himself could not have devised such HELL. The gas chamber was a relief

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19A May 2013 RABBINICAL REFLECTIONS Federation Star

May 2013 Federation Star

19A

Interfaith PFLAG Convocation Rabbi Sylvin L. Wolf

want to call your attention to the Sixth Annual PFLAG Interfaith Convocation on Sunday, May 5 at 3:00 p.m. PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) invites persons from all faith traditions to attend this special convocation to be held at St. Monica’s Episcopal

Church, 7070 Immokalee Road. Participants from 17 houses of worship will blend music and prayer in an inspirational program with a celebratory reception to follow. PFLAG is a parent-based organization that was started by heterosexual parents wanting to understand and help their gay children. PFLAG’s role is to serve as a support group providing a non-judgmental outlet for feelings, questions and understanding as well as making available resources and educational opportunities. The following is an excerpt from a previous statement announcing

the first PLAG Interfaith Convocation: Together we are fashioning an interfaith convocation for people of all faiths to foster a sense of acceptance and belonging. The interfaith convocation will be an opportunity for all people of faith to pray together without discrimination, disenfranchisement or stigma. This will be an occasion for the collective “we,” through shared traditions and rituals, to provide the critical elements of public acknowledgment and social sanctions that are strengthened by communal worship. Through music and prayer engaging our hearts and

minds and spirits, our community will experience how good and appropriate it is to join together not just by including, but also by celebrating with the gay and lesbian members of our families. This communal experience will deepen our human understanding in reaching across the boundaries that separate us, to recognize that we are all God’s children and to unite us in our effort to celebrate the joy of community, the gift of diversity and the vision of harmony. Sandy joins me in wishing you a safe and refreshing summer.

importance for Jewish Nationalism. Even after defeat, we make it a point of observing Lag B’Omer to remind future generations of our millenary struggle for freedom. We can see a connection to Memorial Day, as we consider those ancient Israelite soldiers who died trying to overthrow the Romans. How does Parashat B’Hukotai fit in? Within this portion is a long series of curses foretelling what would happen if we stray from God’s way. Some maintain that defeat at the hands of the Romans came because the people turned away from God; hence, the

fulfillment of the curses. In our day, in the wake of our special celebration of Yom Ha’Atzmaut 65 – Israel’s Independence Day – in the words of the Torah, “our enemies continue to try to consume us.” In what seems to be a short span of time, in that tiny spec of land, close to 30,000 Israeli soldiers have laid down their lives for Jewish freedom and, ultimately, for peace. If ever there is a powerful lesson to be learned from these three juxtaposed events, it is the power of the ongoing quest for peace. Let it come in our time!

The quest for peace! Rabbi Ammos Chorny

am often intrigued by the juxtaposition of events in the calendar; and when there are three such juxtaposed events, I wonder if there is a special message. What are these juxtaposed events? First, there is Shabbat B’Hukotai (May 4). Since we never study the Torah portion in a vacuum, but always within the context of the world in which we live, two other events get thrown into the mix. The non-secular event is Lag B’Omer – the 33rd day of the Omer period (April 28), the count-up period between liberation from bondage on Pesach and the giving of the Torah on Shavuot. The secular event is Memorial Day (May 27), when we remember those who gave their lives for our country. Let me start with Memorial Day. A few years ago, Dan Rather, on his CBS radio commentary did a piece on Memorial Day that struck me profoundly. Rather questioned what has become of the meaning of Memorial Day, as it has sadly become suffused by the release of the latest block-

buster movie or mega-sales event! He quoted from an op-ed piece from the Washington Post in which the author recalled how, as a young girl, she and her sister had planned to place, on Memorial Day, an American Flag on the grave of their WWII veteran father. Upon arriving at the grave, they found a flag had been already been set in place and felt very good about the country that could so remember its veterans. Dan Rather pondered, would the next generation arrive at the cemetery to find flags already in place? I, too, worry that all the excitement associated with the start of the summer season will erase the gratitude that we owe our veterans. What about Lag B’Omer? We really don’t know the reason for celebrating this day as unique and separate from the other 48 days of the Omer. A suggestion in the Talmud indicates that on this day, during the Bar Kochba revolt against Rome (132-135 CE), a deadly plague ended, a plague that claimed the lives of 24,000 of Rabbi Akiva’s students. It is also argued that after a string of defeats, the Jewish troops scored a victory. A century earlier, Josephus reports that on this date, the 18th of Iyar, the 1st Jewish revolt against Rome began (66 CE), and that the secret code word for the call for insurrection was ‘Lag B’Omer.’ In time, the day gained

Letter to the Editor Passover seder with the Naples Jewish Congregation By William G. Kaye Again, it is my pleasure to compliment the Naples Jewish Congregation for a lovely seder, which was held on Monday evening, March 25, at Naples Heritage Golf and Country Club. The congregation opened the seder to non-NJC members such as my family and me. As in years past, the seder was led by Rabbi Sylvin Wolf and Cantorial Soloist Jane Galler. Many congregants participated with the readings, and the Four Questions were beautifully recited by two young ladies (one of them just five years old). The traditional Passover foods were expertly prepared and served, and the management of the Club, its head chef and

other chefs, wait staff, and kitchen staff should be commended for their part in making the seder a success. The chefs even prepared handmade matzos, a tasty first for me. A special word of recognition should go to the two ladies from the Naples Jewish Congregation who organized the event: Carolyn Greenberg, who chairs NJC’s overall events program and, especially, Iris Weissman, who chaired the seder event. Both worked together to bring off this singular Jewish happening. It is important to note that the congregation each year opens up its congregational seder to nonmembers who might not otherwise have access to a seder in Naples. For my family and me, such access is a mitzvah, and I thank NJC.

Stay informed throughout the month! SIGN UP FOR THE FEDERATION’S WEEKLY COMMUNITY eNEWSLETTER! 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.

Jerusalem Post Crossword Puzzle Solution to puzzle on page 10A

SYNAGOGUES

20A Federation Star May 2013 Chabad Jewish Center OF NAPLES

www.chabadnaples.com / 239-262-4474

Chabad Jewish Center of Naples update Women’s Circle event Join us on Thursday, May 9 for a pickle-making class at Clive Daniel Home in Naples (2777 Tamiami Trail North) followed by a delicious lunch. You will also get to browse the wonderful showroom with its fabulous furniture and unique accessories. This event will conclude our ninth season of the Women’s Circle at Chabad. We have had so much fun this year and learned and shared so much – from documentary films and discussions to cooking demonstrations, theater productions and last month’s road trip to the east coast of Florida. To join us for our last event of the season, please call 239.262.2620 or visit www.cha badnaples.com. Shavuot celebration Join us on Wednesday, May 15 at 5:00 p.m. for a delicious Shavuot dairy buffet of pastas, blintzes and ice cream. A short service, which will include the reading of the Ten Commandments, will be held before the meal. RSVP by calling 239.262.4474 or visit www.chabadnaples.com to reserve your place online.

Partner Project appreciation brunch We will be hosting our annual Partner Project recognition brunch on Sunday, April 28, to recognize our Chabad Partners. Our special Partner Project at Chabad of Naples is one of the ways to be involved with Chabad. We have seen tremendous success already, thanks to the enthusiastic response of our generous community Partners. Regardless of participation level, each Partner does make a difference as we continue our success in securing our future as a thriving Jewish community. For more information or to receive your Partner Package, call 239.262.4474, email rabbi@ chabadnaples.com or visit www. chabadnaples.com. Shabbat services Our warm and welcoming Shabbat services are held every Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. The Torah Service begins at 11:00 a.m. and includes the rabbi’s insights during the Torah reading. The message is always topical, contemporary, meaningful and relevant. Services are followed by a

delicious Kiddush buffet lunch. Bring your children and grandchildren along with you! Our Junior Shabbat Minyan, a children’s service for ages 3 to 11, gets the kids up and moving as our teachers follow the parsha of the week through games, songs, stories, activities and a snack (and some fun on the outdoor playground, too). It is a wonderful opportunity for your child to learn in a fun environment. To sponsor a Kiddush in honor of or to commemorate someone special, please call 239.262.4474. Flying Challah Each week, we distribute freshlybaked challahs to families in our community. Would you like to welcome a new family to town? Perhaps you are aware of someone who is not feeling well. Or maybe you want to let someone know you are thinking about them. A Flying Challah needs only your suggestion and a call to Ettie Zaklos at 239.262.4474. Chabad Naples Community Care Chabad of Naples has a special committee of professionals and lay volunteers who are available and

JEWISH CONGREGATION OF MARCO ISLAND

trained to visit any Jew in need. If you know someone in the hospital or at home who would appreciate a visit from a fellow Jew, please call 239.261.0772. Weekly email and mailing list If you would like to be added to the our weekly updates and mailing list, call 239.262.4474 or email rabbi@ chabadnaples.com. The programs offered at the Chabad of Naples Jewish Community Center include Preschool of the Arts, Hebrew school, teen groups, youth programs, synagogue services, Flying Challah, holiday outreach projects, Women’s Circle, and adult education classes. On the social services front, the Center offers crisis counseling and hospital visitations, and operates the nonsectarian Friendship Circle, providing assistance and programming for children with special needs. Chabad Jewish Center of Naples is located at 1789 Mandarin Road.

marcojcmi.tripod.com / 239-642-0800

President’s message Roger Blau JCMI President

was privileged to serve as president of the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island during 20042006. It was a wonderful experience but something I thought I would only do one time. When I was approached and asked to serve again as president,

my initial reaction was “No thank you.” My life is filled with the activities of retirement, tennis, boating, deciding where to go for dinner and what shows to see. In the mix, also, is planning visits up north to visit children and grandchildren along with the occasional cruise, trip to Israel or Europe. But then I considered how much JCMI means to my wife Joanne and to me. JCMI was an “accidental” affiliation for us. When we first moved to Marco Island in 1996, I noticed on the map that there was a “Jewish Center”

naples jewiSh cONGREGATION

(as JCMI was originally known) near our home. So, we went to see what services “The Center” offered. We thought they might have tennis or racquet ball courts available because up north, in Michigan, the “Jewish Center” is a community health and cultural club. Certainly the “Jewish Center” in our home town was not a synagogue. Anyhow, once we understood that JCMI was a temple, Joanne and I decided to attend High Holy Day services there. We were blown away. How nice it was to have a “shul just

for us” so close by and with such a close-knit, but at the same time extremely welcoming group of congregants. JCMI has since become a focal point in our island life. So, upon further reflection, I gladly accepted the nomination to become president once again. We love JCMI and we want to see it thrive. We welcome everyone to come join us any Friday evening for Shabbat services and the Oneg which follows. We are located at 991 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island. It’s good to be back.

www.naplesjewishcongregation.org / 239-234-6366

President’s message By Suzanne L. Paley, President Temple elections Shalom! My name is Suzanne Paley and I am the newly-elected President of Naples Jewish Congregation. My husband and I moved here from upstate New York and have been extremely happy with the diversity of opportunities to enhance our lifestyle, especially within the Jewish community. Although I am relatively new to Naples, I am not new to Temple life and administration, having served as a President of our Sisterhood and as Temple Administrator when we lived in Massachusetts. I consider it an honor and privilege to have been nominated and

elected President of NJC, as it affords me the ability to truly give back to my community. I also look forward to expanding my personal network of friends and acquaintances as I get to know and work with more people within the Jewish community at large. Our Board of Directors is composed of dedicated members who are able to make this commitment to our temple. Other officers are as follows: Peter Weissman, Vice President; Carolyn Greenberg, Recording Secretary; Helene Gradolph, Corresponding Secretary; Jim Silverman, Treasurer; and Helen Blatt, Assistant Treasurer.

In addition, the following serve as Directors: Hal Fogelson, May Frank, Rick Jacobus, Rick Saffron, Harvey Sandberg and Stan Weiner. I can feel the excitement, as well as the trepidations, of a new Board of Directors and Officers as we move forward and are responsible for making decisions and plans that can affect the future of NJC as well as our congregants. Given the commitment of Rabbi Sylvin Wolf, our Board and our congregants, NJC will continue with great pride to endorse our mission and continue to meet the varied needs of our congregants and the greater community.

NJC is a Reform congregation. However, the values we hold dear are traditional, as exemplified by our participation in community charitable events and the recent formation of Care Connection NJC. This is a program designed to meet the changing needs of our congregants who, for various reasons, are not as independent as they wish or were in the past. There is room for the expression and acceptance of individuality and personal choices, yet we all come together to serve as family for those of us whose families may be scattered

continued on next page

21A SYNAGOGUES Federation Star May 2013 BETH TIKVAH

May 2013 Federation Star

21A

www.bethtikvahnaples.org / 239-434-1818

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

t its annual membership meeting on March 24, Beth Tikvah expanded its Board of Trustees, modified its leadership structure, and established plans for the coming year and beyond. Dr. Neil Randall is now a board member, and Rosalee Bogo joins Stuart Kaye as copresident. The board was given discretion to add several more members, which it will be doing soon. Thanks to Shep Scheinberg and his Nominating Committee for great preparatory work and to Sue Hammerman for getting out the meeting notice, agenda and proxies. Stepping down from the board is Toby Schleider, whose contributions to the recent building renovation, memorial board design selection, and Heroes recognition display are only some of the many ways in which she has helped Beth Tikvah thrive. Thank you, Toby. The revised schedule of membership dues for 2013-14 is now available. For information, call Phil Jason at 239.598.2880.

Conservative Judaism course The Beth Tikvah Adult Education Program will be greatly enhanced by a new course on Conservative Judaism. Led by Rabbi Chorny, it is keyed to chapters in the widely praised The Observant Life: The Wisdom of Conservative Judaism for Conservative Jews. This book was recently presented as a gift to all Beth Tikvah families with the hope of making it a teaching, learning and living tool. It is an amazing compendium of information and insight, valuable to Jews of all stripes. The first meeting will be on the evening of Wednesday, May 15 as part of our Shavuot experience. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, May 22. Thereafter, the course will meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month until we run into the need to reschedule because of religious holidays. Meeting time is 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. The first four topics are as follows: May 15: Synagogue Life, May 22: Prayer, June 5: Torah Study,

TEMPLE SHALOM

June 19: Shabbat. There is no charge for this course, which will also offer refreshments and socializing. For nonmembers, the book is available at the synagogue at its list price of $35. At over 900 pages, it’s a wisdom bargain! To enroll, please contact the synagogue office at 239.434.1818. Other adult education courses Rabbi Chorny continues to offer two courses on Tuesdays. Torah Study meets at 12:15 p.m., and participants are encouraged to bring a dairy lunch. Liturgical Hebrew, designed to make people more comfortable with the siddur, meets at 4:00 p.m. Sessions run about 75 minutes. Shavuot schedule ÎÎ Tuesday, May 14 at 7:30 p.m. – Erev Shavuot ÎÎ Wednesday, May 15 at 9:30 a.m. – Shavuot 1 (at 8:00 p.m., the course described above begins) ÎÎ Thursday, May 16 at 9:30 a.m. – Shavuot 2 with Yizkor Book Group On Monday, May 27 at 7:30 p.m. our

Book Group meets to discuss Jeffrey K. Salkin’s The Gods Are Broken! The Hidden Legacy of Abraham. The story of Abraham smashing his father’s idols might be the most important Jewish story ever told and the key to how Jews define themselves. In a work at once deeply erudite and wonderfully accessible, Jeffrey K. Salkin conducts readers through the life and legacy of this powerful story and explains how it has shaped Jewish consciousness. Religious services schedule Friday services begin at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday services begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude with a Kiddush Luncheon. We regularly convene Yahrzeit minyanim upon request. Please join us at any service. Our participatory worship services and most other events are held at 1459 Pine Ridge Road just west of Mission Square Plaza. For more information, call 239.434-1818, email bethtikvahnaples@aol.com or visit www.bethtikvahnaples.org. You can reach Rabbi Chorny directly at 239.537.5257.

www.naplestemple.org / 239-455-3030

Temple Shalom Religious School special event By Caren Plotkin

his year the “Our Torah” project has been a central focus in the Temple Shalom Religious School curriculum. Each teacher has incorporated additional lessons and activities into the regular curriculum of the Jewish holidays, life cycle, history, Torah and the ethics and values that Judaism teaches. On Sunday, May 5 at 11:30 a.m., we are very excited to end this school year with a very special musical production entitled Kol Bamidbar: A Voice in the Desert - A Musical Journey through the Five Books of Moses, starring Jewish singer and songwriter Sam Glaser and featuring our Religious School children. This concert is open to the entire community and is generously sponsored by the Temple Shalom Men’s Club. There is no charge for this event. This is not just a concert performance by the artist. What makes

this concert so special is that Sam will perform with the children of the Religious School. The music, while having a soft-rock style, conveys a biblical message that people of all ages will understand and enjoy. Short pieces of witty dialog from the Kol Bamidbar Libretto, co-written with David Sacks, Executive Producer of 3rd Rock From the Sun and The Simpsons, are performed by the kids, bridging the themes of the songs and creating a sense of dramatic continuity that builds to the rousing finale. Kol Bamidbar is a magical event for audience and participants alike, utilizing the impact of an energetic, musical theater-style setting to make Torah accessible and relevant. So, who is Sam Glaser? Sam Glaser is a very talented musician who writes and performs his own music, which is both Jewish and secular. He has his own recording studio in Los

Angeles, Glaser Musicworks, where he not only records his own albums, but writes scores for film, television and radio, and produces albums for a wide variety of recording artists. His music is a mixture of pop, rock and jazz, coupled with timely Jewish concepts. His voice is strong and rich, and he sings with warmth and purpose in getting a message across. Named one of the top ten Jewish performers in the U.S. by Moment magazine, Sam Glaser’s soulful music has become part of the fabric of Jewish life in communities worldwide. While he typically performs in synagogues and Jewish Community Centers, he has appeared at such venues as L.A.’s Greek Theater, Universal Amphitheater, Staples Center and Dodger Stadium as well as on Broadway and at the White House. He has traveled the world over in concert, from Sydney to London to Hong Kong

to Tel Aviv. Glaser performs for the widest array of audiences of any Jewish artist; his devoted fans range from those in the Reform and Conservative movements to the Modern Orthodox and Chassidim. He has performed at the top Jewish national conventions including General Assembly, Limmud, Central Conference of American Rabbis, Coalition for Advancement in Jewish Education, Cantors Assembly, Union for Reform Judaism’s Biennial, Orthodox Union and Hadassah. You won’t want to miss this entertaining and educational production with Sam Glaser and our children. A big Todah Rabah to Jane Galler for her musical direction and for preparing our students. For more information, call the Temple Shalom Religious School office at 239.455.2233.

entire event. These two women are perfect examples of what cooperation and teamwork can produce! I want to remind everyone that as of this month of May, through August, we will only have Shabbat services once a month, on the last Friday evening of each month. Sisterhood’s Book Club will continue throughout the summer months, meeting the 3rd Monday of each month at the Perkins Restaurant on Pine Ridge Road. Our

regular services and activities will resume in September. Shabbat services are held at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Napa Woods Way in Naples on Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. If you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at 239.776.7559 or suzanne. paley@comcast.net. If you choose to use email, please put the words “Temple Info” in the subject line.

Naples Jewish Congregation...continued from previous page across the country. NJC is a small congregation. However, we are dynamic, as evidenced by the wide variety of religious and social activities we offer, be they Shabbat and holiday celebrations, adult education workshops, or theatre events. NJC seder Once again, members of our congregation came together in celebration. We welcomed many nonmembers to join us at our community seder on the

first night of Passover. A meaningful service was lead by Rabbi Wolf. The seder was enhanced by the chanting in Hebrew and reciting in English of the Four Questions by two very charming children as well as additional insights provided by the rabbi. The seder was enjoyed by well over 100 participants. A big THANK YOU goes to Carolyn Greenberg, Chairperson of our Social Committee, and Iris Weissman for planning, arranging and executing this

ORGANIZATIONS

22A Federation Star May 2013 JEWISH WOMEN INTERNATIONAL

www.jwi.org / 239-498-2778

JWI & Temple Shalom join to bring a meaningful Mother’s Day gift for loved ones and women in need Millie Sernovitz JWI Past International President

or the 30,000 women and more than 15,000 children who will spend this Mother’s Day in battered women’s shelters, urgent needs like housing, safety and employment make the holiday just another day to survive. Jewish Women International (JWI) sends bouquets and beauty products from OPI to 200 shelters across the U.S. each Mother’s Day, offering hope and encouragement to moms and their children.

For every $25 contribution made, JWI will send a Mother’s Day card to any woman the donor chooses, letting her know that she’s inspired a gift that’s helping women in need. Proceeds from the Flower Project also support JWI’s year-round initiatives to empower women and break the cycle of abuse. Here is how it works: ¡¡ You choose an amazing woman in your life – mother, grandmother, sister, wife, daughter, daughterin-law – to receive a Mother’s Day card ¡¡ You make a meaningful $25 donation to JWI in honor of this special person ¡¡ JWI sends a beautiful card to your designated recipient stating that a

HUMANISTIC JEWISH HAVURAH

charitable contribution has been made in her honor ¡¡ JWI sends bouquets of beautiful flowers to domestic violence shelters The project is an opportunity for all of us to raise awareness about domestic abuse while JWI delivers compassion and support to women forced to live in domestic violence shelters. Contributions to the Mother’s Day Flower Project can be made by phone (202.857.1300) or online at www.jwi. org/fp. Be sure to note Temple Shalom as your partner of choice! Don’t be shy – tell your friends, family, colleagues and neighbors how the Mother’s Day Flower Project delivers comfort and support to women

living in domestic violence shelters, while it creates a perfect opportunity to raise awareness about domestic abuse. Abuse affects women of every faith, age and socio-economic group, so it is an issue that touches all of us – directly or indirectly, whether we realize it or not. Hopefully you will support JWI through this important project. With each card you give, you create the opportunity to raise awareness about this important issue. To learn more about the JWI’s Mother’s Day Flower Project or other JWI endeavors, please contact Millie Sernovitz at 239.498.2778 or millie@ sernovitz.com. Also, please visit the JWI website at www.jwi.org or its companion website for Jewish Woman magazine at www.jwmag.org.

www.humanisticjewishhavurahswfl.org / 239-495-8197

Havurah to view The Magician of Lublin Paula Creed President

he Humanistic Jewish Havurah will meet on Sunday, May 12 at 2:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Jewish Federation of Collier County, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, to view the film The Magician of Lublin. The film stars Alan Arkin as the artist, master magician, schemer and dreamer who longs to fly like the cranes. Louise Fletcher, Valerie Perrine, Shelley Winters and Lou Jacobi complete the cast in this wonderful story that sparkles with warmth, charm and wisdom. We, as humanistic Jews, are proud of Isaac Bashevis Singer, author of The Magician of Lublin, a great novelist and Nobel Prize winner, and include him in the pantheon of humanistic Jews for his celebration of the invisible in our spirits and the visible in the world. The film we invite you to see with us is a complex philosophical portrayal which includes the struggles in life and religion. After the film, there will be a thought-provoking discussion exploring the meaning of the film and its message to us. Due to limited space, reservations are required. Contact Dena Sklaroff at

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

denas27@aol.com or 239.353.0909. Isaac Bashevis Singer was a leading figure in the Yiddish literary movement. He always wrote and published in Yiddish – almost all of it in newspapers – and then edited his novels and stories for their American versions. He referred to the English version as his “second original.” The first collection of Singer’s short stories in English, Gimpel the Fool, was published in 1957, the title story being translated by Saul Bellow. Many of Singer’s stories and novels have not yet been translated. He was born near Warsaw in 1902. In 1923, his older brother, who was editor for a Yiddish publication in Warsaw, arranged for Isaac to work as a proofreader for his paper. In 1935, Singer emigrated from Poland to the United States due to the growing Nazi threat in neighboring Germany. Singer settled in New York, where he took up work as a journalist and columnist for The Forward, a Yiddish-language

newspaper. After he achieved success as a writer in New York, Singer and his wife began spending time during the winters with the European Jewish community in Miami. Interestingly, a street was named after him in Surfside, Florida, long before he died there July 24, 1991. A full academic scholarship for undergraduate students at the University of Miami is named in his honor. The Yiddish language came into its own in the nineteenth century as nationalism swept through Eastern Europe and Yiddish became the linguistic symbol of Jewish national identity. From the beginning there were two different visions of how to rescue the Jewish nation. One movement was Zionism. The other, cultural faction, concentrated in Eastern Europe before the Holocaust, and was largely interested in developing a popular secularist Jewish culture based on Yiddish, the common language of the Jewish masses. Yiddish-

ist writing was permeated by a love for the ordinary Jewish people in the cities, towns and villages. The Yiddishists accepted the reality of the Jews as a Diaspora nation. In their eyes the Jews would continue as a dispersed nation living in many lands, but they would enjoy the privilege of cultural autonomy. Jewish culture would be the secular substitute for religion. Yiddish would be the national language. However, ideology was secondary to the main job – transforming Yiddish into a language of high culture. Scores of Yiddish newspapers and Yiddish books were published. Yiddish theater made its triumphant debut. Jews coming from secular Yiddish backgrounds who are attracted to Humanistic Judaism, as well as open-minded persons who appreciate the value of their rich Jewish heritage are welcome to join us. Visit www. humanisticjewishhavurahswfl.org for more information.

23A ORGANIZATIONS Federation Star May 2013

May 2013 Federation Star

ORT AMERICA – GULF BEACHES CHAPTER

23A

www.ort.org / 239-649-4000

Beyond 2013! Over and above our expectations! By Marina Berkovich, Gulf Beaches ORT America Chapter President

RT is one of the largest nongovernmental education and training organizations in the world, with activities in more than 60 countries and current operations in Israel, North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Pacific. On March 11, I was invited to the first session of the ORT America Board Meeting at the Los Angeles Jewish Federation, next door to LA ORT College, a Wilshire Boulevard five-story modern building. Now a Los Angeles area university with two campuses, LA ORT, like its Chicago and New York City counterparts, is proud to present ORT’s activities in the U.S. It offers vocational degrees like accounting, business management and medical assistance. We visited the computer graphics room, the computer technology room, the computerized accounting and medical lab classes, peaking into doors and seeing faces representing all races and ages brought together by the common quest of relevant education and the desire to have gainful employment. The ORT job placement rate is nearing 80%. I was just stepping into

the elevator packed with women, one foot in, in fact, when suddenly there was a scream. “Wait, don’t go,” a woman in a medical uniform yelled, dashing toward us. “Please,” she pleaded, causing a momentous confusion. “Let me tell you. I had no idea. You are the people who make it possible. I am so happy I asked what you were doing here.” The women inside the elevator, who had not seen her or heard her words, looked a bit panicked. Since I was halfway out, I started pulling them out and said,“You must see this true ORT experience.” The women circled

Emotional ORT student in LA

the student as she told us of her enormous gratitude to all ORT people for helping her get educated, settled and employable, and giving her a chance to have a solid future. We all cried together and hugged for a few moments, then parted to go down to the bus or back to the classroom to learn the blood pressure measuring technique. I am certain hers was as high as mine. There are only three cities in U.S. with ORT schools, but every ORT student feels the way our anonymous student does. Not everyone chases after us to express their thanks – they only feel it in their hearts. For life. That is the ORT miracle I witnessed every day while I was an ORT instructor. That is the ORT miracle our elevator group was privileged to witness now. Absolutely and unforgettably priceless! ORT has been such an understated force for so long that many of the younger generation have not even heard of it. For over 130

COLLIER/LEE CHAPTER OF HADASSAH

years, ORT has been educating the world, one person at a time. And they speak up. This year, the Gulf Beaches Chapter of ORT America has chosen to support the Kadima Mada program in Israel. Science Journey (Kadima Mada) brings education to periphery communities in Israel – five experimental schools so far, with Tzfat and Bat Yam among them. Results thus far include the first ever planetarium in Israel. The entire community, comprised mostly of Ethiopian Jewry and mostly single mothers, has been helped. Children are engaged in the best learning through smart classrooms, and the prices on real estate in Bat Yam are steadily on the rise. Phase II of the effort was just made possible through a private donation of 15-million dollars from an undisclosed former ORT student. This gift will allow more communities to become part of this incredible educational experience. Join ORT America on the road to better education. Please call Hella Amelkin at 239.649.4000 for further details.

www.hadassah.org / 239-676-3052

Hadassah update Shelley Skelton President

his is unofficial as “Commandments” go, but the Sixth Commandment, of Hadassah’s Ten Commandments for Conducting a Meeting is THOU SHALT BEAR IN MIND THE PURPOSE OF YOUR ORGANIZATION. Every discussion, every question, and almost every program should have something significant to offer our members. And what could be more significant than doing for others? When we reach out to people, we are empowered by the experience of helping someone. We all struggle with the problems of life, and we all might feel overwhelmed at times, but we can almost always find solace in service, doing a good deed and spreading cheer. And so it was, when forty students from the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance decided to spread cheer at Hadassah Hospital with a classical approach to flashmobbing! That’s right – flashmobbing! While flashmobs usually consist of spontaneous pre-choreographed dance performances, these student musicians performed Tchaikovsky’s Waltz of the Flowers in

the lobby of the new Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower. As more and more musical students joined the musical extravaganza, doctors, patients and passers-by were invited to contribute to the performance by waltzing to the music. A video was taken of this surprise concert, and by the end of the video, the Hadassah Hospital lobby was filled with dozens of wood and brass instruments and dancing hospital patrons. The ‘mob’ was organized in honor of Good Deeds Day, an annual event that now takes place in over 50 countries worldwide, but originated in Israel. Good Deeds Day is dedicated to reaching out to “those less fortunate and the vulnerable.” That is the description on the YouTube video posted by Hadassah Hospital. In light of their success, the students have decided to schedule regular concerts at the hospital. These forty students performed a significant good deed, spread cheer and empowered themselves by using their particular gifts and energy to help others. In so many ways, this is what Hadassah is all about! The world is becoming more and more aware of what we already know, that Hadassah Medical Organization treats over one-million patients annually, without regard to race, religion or national origin. It is also notable to remind our supporters that every so often, we

meet someone who informs us that they want their money to stay here in the United States. What does Hadassah do right here? If one is looking to make a contribution that benefits young people right here in the U. S., our Young Judaea camps are the best place to impact future Jewish generations. Camp Judaea is currently raising money to complete six new cabins. There is always need for scholarship money. In the medical world, technical breakthroughs abound. The International Society for Computer Assisted Orthopedic Surgery has designated Hadassah’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery as a Center of Excellence for its outstanding accomplishments, and its innovative use of new technologies and surgical tools.

Every year around this time, our thoughts turn to planning for the next year, as “season,” as we know it here in Southwest Florida, begins to wind down. Our northern members will be traveling, but they will consult by telephone and email, committees will be formed and most of our exciting programs – be they fundraising, educational or just plain “Hadassah Moments” – will be planned over the summer. To those of you who will be leaving, we wish you safe travels and look forward to your return. For those of us who will remain in Paradise, we will continue our planning efforts, calling upon you to assist when possible. We are all looking forward to another exciting and successful year!

Jewish Heritage Video Collection The Jewish Heritage Video Collection (JHVC) is housed and maintained at the Federation’s offices, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Ste. 2201, Naples. 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), please visit www.jewishnaples.org. For more information, call us at 239.263.4205.

24A Federation Star May 2013 ACCOUNTANT

BUSINESS DIRECTORY ATTORNEY - ELDER LAW

ATTORNEY

A. STEPHEN KOTLER

TYLER B. KORN, ESQ.

Sheldon W. Starman, CPA

THE KORN LAW FIRM, P.L.

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

CEMETeRY

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

COUNSELING

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

Advanced Cemetery Arrangement Planning

Teresa Shepp Family Service Counselor

2180 Immokalee Road, Suite 216, Naples

999 Vanderbilt Beach Road Suite 200 Naples, Florida 34108

Phone 239.325.2333

skotler@kotlerpl.com

DIAMONDS & JEWELRY FRANK WEINBERG

NAPLES DIAMOND SERVICE Diamonds, Watches and Jewelry Bought/Sold, Repaired and Appraised Coins – Bullion

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

www.KAFCounselingandSportPerformance.com

E-mail mrfrank3@centurylink.net

FUNERAL SERVICES

INSURANCE

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

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Advanced Funeral Planning Specialists Call about our Pre-Planning Discounts

Mitchell Dannenberg, cltc

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Reach over 6,000 local Jewish residents for as little as $51 a month. For information or to place an ad, call Jacqui at 239.777.2889. naples jewiSh Social Club

bhbnaples@gmail.com / 239-566-1126

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

he Naples Jewish Social Club is a friendly group from southern Lee, Collier and Marco representing the entire Jewish spectrum. We encourage members to jump on board and let your ideas blossom. Brunch at the Patio Café – Sunday, May 5 Join us at 11:00 a.m. for Brunch at the Patio Café, 10711 Tamiami Trail North (US 41 near the corner of 107th Avenue in Naples Park). See Arnold at the door for seating. The Patio has an extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. This event kicks off our spring socials for the club. We will dine in a private area. The costs for breakfast menu items are under $10. Reservations are a must so we can all be seated in the same area. Make your reservations by April 28 by contacting Arnold Bresnick at 239.566.1126 or bhbnaples@gmail.com. Picnic & games fun night – Sunday, June 30 Join us at 2:00 p.m. at the Clubhouse

at the Waterways of Naples, located off Immokalee Road next to the Collier County Fairgrounds. The food will be traditional picnic fare with a cold buffet and hot dogs. The event will extend into the early evening. Dessert and beverage is included. No alcoholic beverages please. An exciting card game with everyone paired into groups is planned. Each person is to bring three pennies and $1 in small change. Every couple is to bring a deck of cards. We need a minimum of 20 attendees to make this event happen. The clubhouse is limited in size to 50 people. Get your reservation in early. Swimming is also available to you. Sondra Greer and Sandy Epstein are planning this event. Please get your reservation checks to Sondra at 935 Tropical Bay Court, Naples, FL 34120. For information and directions, call Sondra at 239.353.4468. The deadline for reservations is June

10. The cost is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Recent successful events Our members enjoyed the culinary delights of dinner at Café Luna and the trip down musical memory lane with the Johnny Cash Concert held at the Norris Center. Our Annual Dinner Dance at Longshore Lake was an extraordinary event. The food catered by the Longshore Lake kitchens was delicious. The well known team of Cahlua & Cream was wonderful in their rendition of many pleasing musical numbers. Bridge and Mahjongg In addition to our regular monthly events, we offer bridge and Mahjongg. Our terrific bridge games, which include social and duplicate, are played respectively on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at Sterling Oaks Clubhouse in North Naples. Games begin at 6:00 p.m. Coffee and cookies are served. The cost is $8 per couple. Reservations are

a must by the preceding Thursday. For Social Bridge contact Tilda Ellis at 239.949.9913; for Duplicate Bridge contact Rhoda Abramovitz at 239.514.1296. Our Mahjongg game is a spirited one played weekly at Longshore Lake Clubhouse in North Naples every Thursday. Lunch is available at the Clubhouse followed by a fast-paced game for experienced players. Be there for lunch at 11:30 a.m. and continue with play ending at 3:30 p.m. Contact Barbara Bresnick at 239.566.1126 or Sondra Greer at 239.353.4468. For membership info, please call Sondra Greer at 239.353.4468. To contact the Naples Jewish Social Club, contact co-Presidents Arnold Bresnick at 239.566.1126 or bhbnaples@gmail.com, or Harvey Chodock at 239.949.4927 or harvey chodock@earthlink.net.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY 25A Federation Star May 2013

May 2013 Federation Star

OPHTHALMOLOGY

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25A

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FELLOW, AMERICAN PROF. WOUND CARE ASSN.

DR. ROBERT D. TEITELBAUM PODIATRIST Stephen G. Schwartz, M.D., M.B.A.

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

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

239-263-4595 FAX 239-263-8851

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TRANSPORTATION

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TRAVEL

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

ur annual fashion show was a wonderful success. More than 120 women enjoyed the delicious lunch provide by the Vineyards, the fabulous fashions, and a variety of great door prizes. Thanks to Carol McDonald of Casual Connection for the fashions and her commentary. The models, arranged for by Carol Emerson, were Marcelle Reiss

Fashion show co-chairs Doris Feuer and Bobbie Katz

and Gina Cannon (mother and daughter), Marilyn Dano, Jeri Hall, Judy Kaufman and Hedy Weinberger. They all looked fabulous in every outfit. Raffles were sold by Carolyn Greenberg and Barbara Gootkin. Special thanks to event co-chairs Doris Feuer and Bobbie Katz. They made it all happen. See you next year! Once again, NCJW along with Jewish Family & Community Services delivered holiday baskets to Jewish residents in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and private homes. Thanks to our volunteers who provide a little bit of Pesach, we know

these visits are greatly appreciated. We also had Passover programs at Tuscany Villa and Harbor Chase. If you would like to become involved in this very meaningful project, please contact Bobbie Katz. I have had the opportunity to volunteer at Parkside School, an elementary school in the Naples Manor community. Parents, educators and the children are eager for our involvement. I assist in a second-grade class on a weekly basis. I have chaperoned on two trips. The first was to the Phil with the second grade. Most of the other chaperones were also volunteers. I rode the school bus and learned

Fashion show models: Marcelle Reiss, Judy Kaufman, Marilyn Dano, Gina Cannon, Hedy Weinberger, Jeri Hall

that for many of the children this was a new experience (most walk to school). The entire first floor of the Phil was filled with children from many different schools. The four performers gave a mostly musical presentation about American history, featuring well-known characters. The children were not familiar with everything, but enjoyed the live show, the music and the theater experience. The second trip was with the fourth grade to the Golisano Children’s Museum. The focus of this visit was a green energy experience. The children visited various parts of the museum, including the art gallery, and had several interactive opportunities to learn about living green. Both trips were very interesting, and much enjoyed by the children. NCJW also has a book club at Parkside which is chaired by Judy Kaufman. Please contact Judy or Linda to get involved. If you like to spend time with children, this is the perfect project for you! *** The Naples/Marco section remembers with fondness Marlene Oshry. Marlene was a life member and served on our board for many years. May Marlene’s memory be a blessing for all those who knew her.

26A Federation Star May 2013

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

the Service you Deserve May 2013 – Iyar/SivanGet5773 SUNDAY lighting MONDAY Candle times:

May May May May May

3: 10: 17: 24: 31:

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY 1

7:42 7:45 7:49 7:53 7:56

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

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

11:30am ORT Board Mtg 5:30pm HJH Shabbat Dinner 6:00pm TS Shir Joy Shabbat 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

2:00pm HDH Board Mtg 8:00am JFCC FED CUP 5:30pm JCMI Bingo Golf Outing 9:00am BT Religious School 11:00am NJSC Brunch

10:00am TS-S Board Mtg 10:30pm JCMI-S Board Mtg 12:15pm BT Torah Study 1:30pm CJD Steering Cmt

9:30am TS Special Event 11:30am CHA-M Lunch 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 1:30pm Israel Affairs Comm 4:30pm BT Religious School 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School 4:30pm TS Religious School

9:30am TS Special Event 7:30pm BT Services 11:30am JCMI Mah Jongg 7:30pm TS Services 3:00pm HM Exec Cmte Mtg 8:00pm JCMI Services 6:30pmCHA Women’s Circle 6:30pm HDH Evening Group 7:00pm Annual Calendar Meeting

9:00am BT Religious School 12:00pm NJC-S Book Club 4:30pm GenShoah Mtg

26 9:00am BT Religious School

27 MEMORIAL DAY 10:30am TS Naples Jewish Caring Support Group 7:30pm BT Book Group

11 9:30am BT Services 9:30am JCMI Services 10:00am CHA Services 10:00am TS Services

15 SHAVUOT

16 SHAVUOT

9:30am BT Services 10:00am CHA Services 10:00am TS Services 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 4:30pm BT Religious School 4:30pm TS Religious School 5:00pm CHA Dairy Buffet

9:30am BT Services 10:00am CHA Services 11:30am JCMI Mah Jongg 1:30pm TS-S Book Bag 4:00pm BT Board Mtg

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

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

12:15pm BT Torah Study 7:00pm TS Exec Cmte

11:30am CHA-M Lunch 11:30am JCMI Mah Jongg 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 3:00pm HM Board Mtg 4:30pm BT Religious School 7:00pm JCMI Board Meeting 4:30pm CHA Hebrew School 4:30pm TS Religious School

9:00am BT Religious School 10:30am TS Naples Jewish 12:15pm BT Torah Study Caring Support Group 7:30pm BT Erev Shavuot 7:30pm JFCC Board Mtg

SATURDAY

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

11:30am CHA-M Lunch 11:30am JCMI Mah Jongg 1:00pm JCMI Bridge 4:30pm BT Religious School 4:30pm TS Religious School

6:00pm HDH Shabbat Under the Stars 7:30pm BT Services 7:30pm TS Services 8:00pm JCMI Services

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

31 7:30pm BT Services 7:30pm NJC Services 7:30pm TS Services 8:00pm JCMI Services

Throughout the year, some holidays fall within the normal work week. The Federation office will be closed in observance of those holidays which are listed in all CAPITAL LETTERS.

Key: • AJC: American Jewish Committee • ATS: American Technion Society • BT: Beth Tikvah • CHA: Chabad Jewish Center of Naples • CHA-M: Chabad Men’s Club • CJD: Catholic/Jewish Dialogue • CRC: Community Relations Committee • HDH: Hadassah • HJH: Humanistic Jewish Havurah • HM: Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida

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

• JCMI: Jewish Congregation of Marco Island • JCMI-M: JCMI Men’s Club • JCMI-S: JCMI Sisterhood • JFCC: Jewish Federation of Collier County • JFCS: Jewish Family & Community Services • JNF: Jewish National Fund • JWV: Jewish War Veterans • MCA: Men’s Cultural Alliance • MDA: Magen David Adom • NCJW: National Council of Jewish Women (Adopted by the Officers and Board of Trustees of the Jewish Federation of Collier County 1/98) To avoid misunderstandings, controversies and destructive divisions among our people, the Officers and Board of Trustees of the “Federation” have adopted the following publication policy: Advertisements: All advertisements, regardless of their sponsor, shall be paid for in full, at the established rates, prior to publication. The contents of all advertisements shall be subject to review and approval of the Federation Board or its designee. Commercial advertisers may make credit arrangements with the advertising manager, subject to the approval of the Federation Board. Regular Columns: Regular columns shall be accepted only from leaders (Rabbis, Presidents, Chairpersons) of established and recognized Jewish organizations within Collier County and the designated Chairpersons of the regular committees of the Jewish Federation of Collier County.

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

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

Federation membership

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

May 2013 COMMUNITY DIRECTORY 27A Federation Star TEMPLE SHALOM OF NAPLES (Reform) 4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34119 Phone: 455-3030  Fax: 455-4361 Email: info@naplestemple.org www.naplestemple.org Rabbi Adam Miller Cantor Donna Azu James H. Perman, D.D., Rabbi Emeritus Yale T. Freeman, President Susan Shechter Daugherty, Exec. Dir. Caren Plotkin, Religious School Dir. Seyla Cohen, Preschool Director Peter Lewis, Organist/Choir Director Shabbat Services: Shabbat Eve - Friday 7:30 p.m. Shabbat - Saturday 10:00 a.m. • Sisterhood • Men’s Club • Adult Education • Havurot • Youth Groups • Religious School • Judaic Library • Hebrew School • Pre-School • Adult Choir • Social Action • Outreach

May 2013 Federation Star

27A

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 Roger Blau, President Shabbat Services Friday 8:00 p.m. Torah Study and Saturday Services • Sisterhood • Men’s Club • Brownstein Judaica Gift Shop

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

Fore!

(just west of Mission Square Plaza)

Phone: (239) 434-1818 Email: bethtikvahnaples@aol.com Website: www.bethtikvahnaples.org Rabbi Ammos Chorny Stuart Kaye & Rosalee Bogo, co-Presidents Phil Jason, Vice President Sue Hammerman, Secretary Shabbat Services Friday evenings at 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.)

Naples’ only Judaica Shop

Jewish Federation of Collier County CHABAD NAPLES JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER serving Naples and Marco Island 1789 Mandarin Road, Naples, FL 34102 Phone: 262-4474 Email: info@chabadnaples.com Website: www.chabadnaples.com Rabbi Fishel Zaklos Dr. Arthur Seigel, President Ettie Zaklos, Education Director Shabbat Services Shabbat - Saturday 10am • Camp Gan Israel • Hebrew School • Preschool of the Arts • Jewish Women’s Circle • Adult Education • Bat Mitzvah Club • Friendship Circle • Smile on Seniors • Flying Challah • Kosher food delivery The Federation Star is published monthly, September through July, by the Jewish Federation of Collier County. 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road Suite 2201 Naples, FL 34109-0613 Phone: 239-263-4205 Fax: 239-263-3813 E-mail: info@jewishnaples.org Website: www.jewishnaples.org Volume 22, No. 9 May 2013 36 pages USPS Permit No. 419

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

It can be rough out there. Feel trapped by the many demands on your time and money? And you just putter around? There’s a fairway to iron out your affairs with a charitable trust or other technique that can slice your tax bill and leave some clubs in the bag for your heirs. You be the driver. Tee off today with a lifetime gift or charitable bequest to the Jewish Federation of Collier County. What better an endowment base we could have for our community if we all chip in. Please join our club. And you can be . . . without par! For more information on gift planning, call David Willens, Executive Director, at 239.263.4205.

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

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

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

Advertising: Jacqui Aizenshtat 239-777-2889 June Issue Deadlines: Editorial: May 1 Advertising: May 7 Send news stories to: fedstar18@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

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

Jewish National Fund

Publisher: Jewish Federation of Collier County

Design: Federation Media Group, Inc.

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

Federation Star advertising – jacqui1818@gmail.com

Like us on Facebook!

ConneCt with your Jewish Community

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

May 2013 - Iyar/Sivan 5773

Stars of David

By Nate Bloom, Contributing Columnist Jackie Robinson: Courage, Allies and Enemies By the time you read this, the movie 42, which opened on Friday, April 12, will be out of most theaters. However, most of the info in this item is historical and always timely – and look for the streaming video/DVD of 42 to be released by summer’s end. The title 42 references the player number of the great Jackie Robinson (1919-1972), the first African-American to play major league baseball. The film follows the college-educated Robinson (Chadwick Boseman), as he is selected by Branch Rickey (HARRISON FORD, 70), the Brooklyn Dodgers’ General Manager, to break the “gentleman’s agreement” that kept owners from signing black players. Robinson agreed to Rickey’s request that no matter how much racist abuse he suffered during his rookie season (1947), he would not react in kind with strong words or by fighting back. Robinson let his talent do his talking for him. The 1947 Rookie-of-the-Year earned the respect of his teammates and millions of fans as he paved the way for other black players. Depicted in the film is one teammate who wouldn’t play with Robinson (Dixie Walker) and players on other teams who directed racial slurs at Robinson or even tried to injure him (Ben Chapman, the Philadelphia Phillies’ player/manager, and St. Louis catcher Joe Garagiola, now 87; Garagiola later re-invented himself as a genial sportscaster).

Robinson’s allies included Dodger shortstop Pee Wee Reese, a Southerner; Dodger pitcher Ralph Branca, now 87; and Hall-of-Fame first baseman HANK GREENBERG (1911-86). Branca, a devout Catholic who was the Dodgers’ pitching ace during the 1947 season, found out in 2011 that his late mother was born Jewish. He told the reporter who discovered this fact that maybe her Jewish background led his mother to teach him to be tolerant of people of any background. Branca welcomed Robinson on his first day with a hearty handshake. Greenberg, unlike the other players above, is not depicted in 42. However, the details of his friendship with Robinson are found in many sources, including the really terrific 1998 documentary The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg, directed by AVIVA KEMPNER. In 1947, Greenberg was the first baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates (all his prior years were with the Detroit Tigers). During a May 1947 game, Greenberg told Robinson, “Stick in there. You’re doing fine. Keep your chin up.” A couple of days later, Robinson told reporters that Greenberg was his “diamond hero” and “Class tells. It sticks out all over Mr. Greenberg.” Check Out Tapper (While You Can) In March, JAKE TAPPER, 44, started as the host of a new CNN news program, The Lead with Jake Tapper. (It airs 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.) Tapper was ABC’s Senior White House Corre-

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.

Vol. 22 #9

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. spondent from 2008-2012. The son of a Jewish father and a mother who converted to Judaism, Tapper attended a Philadelphia Jewish Day School. His wife, too, is a Jew-by-Choice, and his sister, a Conservative rabbi, presided over his wedding. Sadly, Tapper’s early ratings are anemic. The Lead is informative. But it is traditional, “middle-of-the-road” reporting. Programs with a host with a strong point of view, like those on MSNBC and Fox News, are crushing CNN in the ratings. Bill Maher encapsulated this situation with this recent wry remark: “For the Left, there is MSNBC; for the Right, there is Fox; for airport lounges, there is CNN.” CNN has a pattern of recruiting seasoned, quite competent journalists from another network and then has them do a “down-the-middle” newscast that ultimately fails. This is what happened to Paula Zahn, 57 (her ex-husband is Jewish and their children were raised Jewish) and CAMPBELL BROWN, 44, another Jew-by-Choice. Both were heralded when hired as CNN program hosts and

then quietly let go for tepid ratings. Tapper appears poised to follow them and that’s a shame. Short-Term Troika? On Tuesday, March 5, Los Angeles city councilman ERIC GARCETTI, 42, came in first in the open primary to become the city’s next mayor. His father, Gil Garcetti, 71, was the former L.A. District Attorney. Gil’s father was born in Mexico to Italian and Mexican Catholic parents. Eric’s mother, SUKEY ROTH, is an American Jew. Eric was raised Jewish and is a synagogue member. Garcetti will now face City Controller Wendy Gruel, whose husband is Jewish, in a May 21 run-off. If he wins, he will take office in July. If he wins, until the end of the year, the mayors of America’s three largest cities will be Jewish: there’s RAHM EMANUEL, 52, who took office as Chicago’s first Jewish mayor in May 2011; and MICHAEL BLOOMBERG, 71, who completes his third term as New York’s mayor at the end of this year and cannot, by law, run again.

See pages 5B-7B for “Israel & the Jewish World” items

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Federation Star May 2013

JEWISH INTEREST

Novelistic biography reveals Depression-era Jewish immigrant life By Philip K. Jason, Special to the Federation Star

prominent – even dominant. (as well as conversations between The author creates additional Faderman and her mother’s younger context by beginning each chapsister) belong to a wholly different era ter with carefully constructed than the events, beginning perhaps in “Time on the March” introducthe 1960s. Given the richness of the his strikingly intelligent and tions. Having the feel of moviesource material, this reader finds an emotionally wrenching narhouse newsreels, these nuggets unexpected remoteness between aurative traces almost a decade of historical fact are drawn thor-daughter and mother-character. in the life of its main character, Mary largely from contemporary In spite of this sense of distance, and Lifton. Set in New York beginning in reports in Time magazine and the New due no doubt to the author’s skill and 1932, the story explores Mary’s life as York Times. They outline the different inventiveness, a luxuriantly imaga Jewish immigrant from Europe. Her stages of two processes: the horrific ined Mary Lifton explodes from the good fortune is that rise of Nazi Germany and the disaspages. her family got her out trous slide of the U. S. economy. Whether viewed as fiction, biof Latvia long before The story proper begins in 1932 ography or creative nonfiction, My Nazi power and U.S. with Mary already in her mid-thirties. Mother’s Wars is a powerful achievequotas severely limShe had already lived more than half ment. One of its many glories is ited chances for such of her life in the United Prof. Faderman’s porrelocations. Mary’s Phil Jason States. Anti-Semitism, trait of the New York life as an uneducated, which Latvia had in Depression-Era garment Depression-era foreigner, a woman abundance, did not industry. Her descripwithout influence or a meaningful seem to have influtions of work spaces and support system, represents the life enced her relocation at conditions, interactions of many such desperate individuals. the age of seventeen. among employees, and And yet Mary is remarkably well Rather, her marketable operations of union and profiled by the author. This shouldn’t skills in clothing manunonunion shops, are tobe surprising, as the author is Mary’s facture and her detertally engrossing and ring daughter. mination to become a with authenticity. In these I haven’t yet used the word biogprofessional entertainer descriptions, the author raphy to label this work because given Lillian Faderman led her to accept her demonstrates her ability the liberties that Ms. Faderman admits step-sister’s invitation to immigrate. to turn voluminous research into flowto taking, the book could have quite But the sponsorship of the step-sister ing action and imagery. easily been published as fiction. The and her step-sister’s husband created Faderman underscores not only main sources for building character that this industry depended largely on an awkward sense of obligation, and and situation are conversations bethe clash of personalities was extreme. Jewish and other immigrant laborers, tween mother and daughter over the After only a few months, young Mary but also that Jewish ownership was years. Many of these conversations was out on her own. At first, she loved the freedom. However, over time, loneliness engulfed her. By the time of the early years of the Great Depression, Mary had made a quiet life for herself, living in furnished rooms in other people’s apartments and putting in long hours in a series of Garment District jobs. She had few relationships, and little money with which to indulge her To Temple Shalom curiosity or her appetites. But now, as her attractive appearance begins to on their lose its bloom and her dancer’s step to lose its spring, she meets the man of Golden Anniversary, her life. Morris Faderman is her grand Mazel Tov ! and all-consuming passion. However, like a non-union shop, his sense of well-being depends on exploiting her insecurities and isolation. She convinces herself that she can have her wished-for future with Hodges Funeral Home at him: marriage, children, greater Naples Memorial Gardens financial ease. But Morris’s side of 525 111th Avenue North their relationship involves ducking Naples, FL 34108 responsibilities, long absences, false www.hodgesfhatnaplesmg.com promises, and a certain degree of 239-597-3101 abuse. At his insistence, she agrees to abort two pregnancies. The 1930s My Mother’s Wars, by Lillian Faderman. Beacon Press. 264 pages. $25.95.

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slide by with onesided faithfulness. Mary’s naïvete and her passionate nature lead to several bad decisions, but her addiction to Morris is the worst because it is so selfdemeaning. Years later, pretty much a lost soul, Mary takes a stand. Actually, Morris leaves her little choice. When she becomes pregnant a third time, Mary is forty-three. She is surprised, but also certain that it’s her last chance for motherhood. Although her tenuous hold on Morris is clearly weakening, she determines to have and keep the child. There is another obsession in Mary’s life, and that is her desire to bring the family in Latvia to safety. Over and over, she and her sister Ray send money to their mother and their siblings. They attempt to find avenues to get their family to the U. S. under its conservative immigration quotas, or to somehow have them take advantage of loopholes. One possible avenue would require action on Morris’s part, but he refuses. After the family members become Holocaust victims, Mary never can throw off the guilt of her failure. While Faderman gives Mary’s outer life meticulous attention, it is Mary’s inner life that keeps reverberating long after the book is put away. She is always an exile, her life a mixture of disappointment and dignity. That life, of course, is a representative story as well as a particular one. Through it, Faderman reminds us of the emotional suffering of those lucky enough to escape the Holocaust but unable to rescue their loved ones. The narrative of Mary Lifton’s life ends with the birth of Lillian Faderman, who as an author and scholar now in her seventies, gives artistic birth to Mary. This review first appeared in the Washington Independent Review of Books in March. 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.

Men’s Cultural Alliance (MCA) Want to meet other men for golf, tennis, cards, lunch, discussion groups and a host of other activities? The MCA’s first season is wrapping up but there’s still a lot going on.

To be put on the eNewsletter list, email Steve Brazina at sbrazina@aol.com. You must be a member of the Federation to sign up for the MCA!

JEWISH INTEREST Federation Star May 2013 3B

May 2013 Federation Star

New National President of ORT America

of Directors and officers are made inda S. Kirschbaum of Highup of innovative, creative, forwardland Park, Illinois, was elected thinking individuals who bring a wide to a three-year term as Nationvariety of skill sets,” Mrs. Kirschbaum al President of ORT America during said. “I look forward to working with the organization’s Annual Meeting on them to enhance ORT’s worldwide Sunday, March 10 in Santa Monica, programs, services and activities, California. and ensure that we always connect In her inaugural speech, Mrs. with our supporters in creative and Kirschbaum said that “The global meaningful ways,” ORT mission – Educate she added. and Elevate – has never A member of been more relevant.” In IsWomen’s American rael alone, she added, “our ORT for nearly 25 Science Journey (Kadima years in the MetMada) programs have literropolitan Chicago ally turned around school Region, Mrs. Kirschmatriculation rates and baum served on the entire communities in the organization’s Board country’s periphery. The of Directors and Exnewly installed ORT Amerecutive Committee ica Board, Next Generation and has held numerleadership, and leadership Linda Kirschbaum ous local and national around the country are enleadership positions. She has traveled ergized to do all we can to assure that extensively on missions, visiting ORT this generation of Jewish youngsters st schools and programs in Argentina, around the world will have the 21 Cuba, Israel, and throughout the century skills they need for a life of United States. A member of World dignity and hope.” ORT’s Board of Representatives, she Mrs. Kirschbaum also said she is also past chair of the Zarem/Golde would work closely with the organiORT Technical Institute (Skokie, Ilzation’s National Executive Director, linois). Alan E. Klugman, and newly-elected Mrs. Kirschbaum served on the Chair of the Executive Committee Restructuring Committee, which Larry Kadis to further ORT’s mission. helped Women’s American ORT “The newly installed National Board

(WAO) and American ORT to merge into ORT America. She was chair of WAO’s Young Leadership and a graduate of its first President’s Young Leadership Council. Today, she is a strong advocate for ORT’s Next Generation program. A graduate of Northwestern University with a BA in Economics, and the University of Michigan with an MBA in marketing, Mrs. Kirschbaum had 10 years of experience as a marketing and strategic planning consultant with Fortune 500 companies in the food industry, before deciding to stay home to raise a family. She and her husband, Howard, have two adult children, Joanna and Brian. About ORT America ORT America is a Jewish organization committed to strengthening communities throughout the world by educating people against all odds and obstacles. ORT America supports a global network of schools and training programs that reach throughout the United States, Latin America, Israel, Europe, the Baltic and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and Africa, fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of 300,000 young people in 54 countries every day. For more details, visit www.ORTamerica.org.

RT America just concluded its inaugural Leadership Institute, themed “ORT Beyond,” which was held concurrent with its 2013 Annual Meeting, March 9-11 in Santa Monica, California. The three-day meeting brought together supporters from across the country to set a vision and plan to raise funds for programs that Improve, Empower and Employ. Mrs. Kirschbaum was elected at the meeting along with the entire national board of directors. Here are a few highlights: On Sunday, March 10, after the election of ORT America’s new National Board of Directors (2013-2016), renowned motivational coach Deborah Grayson Riegel took participants through the challenges of organizational change in her workshop “Appreciative Inquiry: Shifting Your Organization’s Focus from Problems to Possibilities.” Also on Sunday, attendees heard presentations by lay leadership from the organization’s regions and members of ORT America’s National Next Generation program as well as a brief talk by Uri Resnick, Deputy Consul General of Israel in Los Angeles. On Monday, March 11, participants were taken on an exclusive tour of Los Angeles ORT College after the new Board’s inaugural meeting.

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

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Federation Star May 2013

JEWISH INTEREST

Burning books and burning people By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD

love books. I always have. I like their feel, their smell and, above all, their presence. I like libraries, too. I should confess right from the outset that I’m not a fan of newer electronic media, though perhaps, one day, I might have to make my peace with the newer forms of delivery. For now, though, I’m very happy with books in their traditional form. Dr. Paul Bartrop While I’m in this frame of mind, I have another confession to make: I have never been much of a fan of science fiction. Throughout my life I have probably read fewer than a half-dozen sci-fi novels, and while I have probably seen more than that in movies, it wouldn’t have been all that many. Having said that, I should add immediately that there is one book in the science fiction genre I embraced long ago. Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, was published in 1953. It considers a future society where books are banned and the major role of firemen is to burn any that are found, along with the houses in which they have been hidden. What attracted me to this novel while I was still in school – not that many years after the book’s appearance – was its essential premise. Firefighters don’t put fires out, they start them; books are gathered together for the purpose of destroying them, not for housing them; it is illegal to read books, as that is a crime of dissent against the state. Fahrenheit 451 – the reality, not the novel – is reportedly the temperature at which

paper burns. Looking at the historical record, perhaps the essential premise of the novel isn’t too farfetched. On May 10, 1933 – 80 years ago this month – the Nazis in Germany engaged in a highly-orchestrated campaign of bookburning across the country. University students of the German Student Association (Deutsche Studentenschaft) purged some 25,000 titles of what were termed “un-German” books. That night, in university communities throughout Germany, students marched in torchlight parades and, at given times and locations, would convey into the flames such titles as they found within the university collections. Bands played, speeches were made, oaths were taken, and nationalistic songs were sung. Local Nazi leaders lined up to be heard (and seen). On that awful night, the works of all Jewish and many left-wing authors were burned. These included names such as Franz Werfel, Max Brod, Stefan Zweig, Bertolt Brecht, August Bebel, Karl Marx, Erich Kästner and Arthur Schnitzler. Also purged were foreign writers such as Ernest Hemingway, Jack London, Helen Keller and H. G. Wells. The works of Heinrich Heine, one of the most significant and beloved German poets of the nineteenth century, who had been born Jewish but converted to Christianity in his late 20s, were also burned. His play Almansor (1821) contained words that rang all too true on this horrible night: “Dort, wo man Bücher verbrennt, verbrennt man am Ende auch Menschen.” In English, this translates to the maxim, “Where they burn books, in the end

they will also burn people.” In Berlin, live radio broadcasts from the scene brought the excitement of the book burnings into people’s homes, so that they could hear the speeches (particularly that of Reich Propaganda Minister Josef Goebbels) that took place before some 40,000 spectators. In 34 university towns across Germany the Nazi bookburning night – termed an “Action against the Un-German Spirit” – was a great success. Widespread newspaper coverage reported the event over the next few days, perhaps not all that surprising given the degree to which Goebbels supported the whole idea. It is also worthy of note that the campaign continued beyond May 10. In some places it rained, forcing organizers to postpone their event; in others, local Nazis decided to relocate the occasion to June 21, to accompany celebrations for the Summer Solstice. All this worked to the Nazis’ advantage, as it enabled them to keep the issue of book purging on the front-burner for longer than originally planned. A colleague of mine at the University of Hawaii, Dr. Rebecca Knuth, has explored the phenomenon of book burning throughout history, and has given a name to it: libricide, the practice of destroying, often ceremoniously, books and libraries based on motives that are moral, religious or political in their origins. Book burning is a clear statement a harsh and oppressive regime can make about itself, as it goes about the task of silencing what it considers to be an unwanted aspect of a nation’s culture. As Dr. Knuth has shown, the Nazis were not the first to engage in such

practices, nor were they the last. Yet, as she also shows, regime-sponsored, ideologically driven, and systemic destruction of books and libraries in the twentieth century often served as a prelude or accompaniment to more sinister and destructive human rights catastrophes. Her core argument, with which I agree wholeheartedly, is that the destruction of books and libraries by authoritarian regimes is sparked by the same impulses that can provoke acts of genocide. Quite simply, the common cultural heritage of the world is at stake, as anyone committed to freedom of expression and humanistic values – read, the American people through the U.S. Constitution – will agree. In an interview in 2007, well over a half century since the publication of his book, Ray Bradbury discussed what he understood to be the key to an appreciation of Fahrenheit 451. As he saw it (he died in 2012), the villain in Fahrenheit 451 was not the firefighters nor the state. It was the people of this future state, who acquiesced silently before the assault on their freedom of thought and expression. Did he mean the people of Nazi Germany? He could have done so, but the major thrust of his message was in fact directed against the United States during the McCarthy witch-hunts of the early 1950s…a sobering thought for us all. Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of History and the Director of the Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University. He can be reached at pbartrop@ fgcu.edu.

SIGN UP FOR THE FEDERATION’S WEEKLY COMMUNITY eNEWSLETTER! Get the latest information on upcoming community events and cultural activities, news from Israel and lots more. Send an email to info@jewishnaples.org or visit www.jewishnaples.org.

May 2013 ISRAEL & THE WORLD Federation StarJEWISH 5B

May 2013 Federation Star

Skydive or fly through the skies at an Israeli seaside aerial reserve Discover the secrets of the first Zionist aircraft, get to know the land of Israel from a different perspective, and discover the country’s amazing beauty from above By Ted Epstein, Editor, Federation Star Editor’s note: Recently, I had the good fortune of participating, along with 20 other Jewish press professionals, in an 8-day trip to Israel sponsored by the Israel Ministry of Tourism and El Al. It was a fascinating journey, as expected. This is the third in a series of articles about several of the people I met, places I saw, and things I learned. fter my second skydiving experience several years ago, I vowed to never jump out of a plane ever again. While I enjoyed the experience once the parachute opened, the anxiety leading up to it – from the lesson on the ground to sitting in the airplane as it climbed to 13,000 feet – was something I didn’t want to go through again. That was until my trip to Israel a few months ago. And while I didn’t have the opportunity to skydive during this trip (our tour group had just 30 minutes at the location), I vowed to do so the next time I visited the country. During my group’s visit to the northwest area of Israel, we stopped off at Paradive in Habonim Beach. In addition to being a skydiving and flight operation, Paradive has recently opened a gallery of civilian aircraft and flight artifacts from as far back as the Golden Age of aviation. Paradive owner Dan Mokady gave us a brief history and quick tour of the facility. Mokady, a former Israel Air Force (IAF) deputy squadron commander, has amassed one aircraft afDan Mokady ter another, and they’re now on display at Paradive’s Aviation Gallery. Mokady piloted A-4, F-4 and F-16 jets during his military service and performed with the IAF aerobatic team. Envisioned as a national tourist

center, the gallery houses all manner of objects related to air travel, such as a 1918 wooden propeller, aviation magazines from 1917 to 1928, and even aviator fashions from previous eras. Among the aircraft is a glider designed and built by the late Menachem Bar, a founder of the IAF who began gliding at 16 and didn’t stop until he was 82. There is also a rooftop deck where visitors can dine while watching the restored planes take to the sky at specified times. During a tour of the hangar, Mokady showed us several biplanes including a 1928 Travel Air Fleet, which was previously owned by Richard Bach and featured in his 1977 bestselling book Illusions – one of my favorites during my 20s. Tours at the Gallery On group-guided tours, you will hear wonderful stories about the historical aircraft collection and the rare items on display. The Aviation Gallery offers you an opportunity to go back in time and be inspired from an era in which airplanes were made of cloth and wood. The Gallery also hosts conferences and events in a very special atmosphere, enhanced by the Habonim coastline and the unique collection of historical aircraft. Vintage flights You can also take part in the thrilling experience of flying in an oldfashioned, antique double-winged airplane. Sit in an open cockpit and feel the wind in your hair while flying over the spectacular view of the Habonim nature reserve. Skydiving Ah, yes, back to skydiving. Paradive was established 12 years ago in one of the most beautiful skydiving sites in the world. Skydivers enjoy the amazing views of the Mediterranean Sea, the countryside and the amazing coastline. No previous experience or knowledge is required. You will participate

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in a tandem jump, where you are connected to an experienced, professional instructor who does all the work. After a short explanation, you get on the plane with one of the instructors. He will attach you to the tandem parachute, open the airplane door, and then, together, you jump! Paradive offers the highest skydives in Israel – 13,500 feet on weekends and 12,000 feet on weekdays. I was curious about age and health limitations for skydiving at Paradive.

Dan Mokady told me that jumps are restricted to those between the ages of 12 and 65; and if you’re between 55 and 65, you will need written permission from your physician. So while many of this newspaper’s readers will not be able to jump, their kids and grandchildren certainly will! On your next visit to Israel, if you are interested in taking a journey back through time, to the early days of the aviation world – in a unique setting – I recommend you visit the Aviation Gallery and Paradive in Habonim Beach (just 45 minutes north of Tel Aviv and 20 minutes south of Haifa). For more information, call 972-(0)4-6391068/9 or visit www.airgallery.co.il and www. paradive.co.il. The websites are in Hebrew, but Google does a fine job of translating the text An IAF plane on display at the Aviation Gallery to English.

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

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Federation Star May 2013

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

Israel begins pumping natural gas from offshore stations By Rachel Avraham, April 5, 2013

he Tamar offshore natural gas field, after four years of drilling some 80 miles off the coast of Haifa , has recently begun pumping natural gas into the port of Ashdod. This marks a historic step towards Israel achieving energy independence. The natural gas from Tamar combined with the Leviathan, a nearby, offshore drilling station, is expected to fulfill fifty to eighty percent of Israel’s domestic energy needs over the next ten years, in addition to possibly providing Israel with export opportunities. About 40 percent of Israel’s gas needs are presently met via natural gas and by 2015, that number is expected to rise to about 50 percent. Having Tamar’s gas on tap is expected to save Israel about NIS 13 billion annually on energy costs

due to the energy independence and environmental sustainability that it provides. Furthermore, from an environmental point of view, the use of natural gas from the Tamar reservoir will reduce carbon dioxide emissions within Israel by about 195 million tons, which is a sum so great that it is like removing all cars from all roads within Israel for 14 years. David Yitzchak Teshuva, CEO of Delek, asserted, “This project will change the face of the Israeli economy and will guarantee energy independence for the state. This is a new age, filled with opportunities for the Israeli economy, which can take advantage of the benefits of natural gas on the environmental, geopolitical, social and economic fronts and turn the State of Israel into an important international player.” He continued, “The vision

has turned into a reality. Today, we are again emerging from slavery to freedom; from dependence upon foreign energy sources to independence with natural Israeli gas. This is a huge accomplishment for the Israeli market and the beginning of a new era.” Teshuva added, “The Tamar project is also a technological and commercial milestone for Noble Energy and our partners. First production and the commencement of sales have been achieved in just over four years from discovery. Building on this success, we will work with our partners and the government to sanction the next phase of development at Tamar and the domestic phase of Leviathan.” He claimed that his vision was in accordance with Israel’s goal to remove her reliance on foreign energy sources. “I congratulate the people of Is-

rael on this transformational achievement, which significantly moves them toward energy independence and away from reliance on imports,” said Charles D. Davidson, chairman and CEO of Noble Energy. “Utilizing natural gas from Tamar will provide cleaner air, save the state billions of shekels in energy costs and be an engine for economic growth.” Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu continued, “This is an important day for the economy of Israel. On the holiday of freedom, we are taking an important step toward independence in the field of energy. We have advanced the natural gas sector in Israel over the last decade, which will be good for the Israeli economy and for all Israelis.” Source: United With Israel, www. unitedwithisrael.org

BRIEFS ISRAEL’S BOLD NEW QUEEN

Ethiopian-born Yityish “Titi” Aynaw, 21, was recently crowned Miss Israel. Almost 30 years since the first clandestine Israeli airlift of Ethiopian Jews, Israel has anointed one of them Israel’s most beautiful woman. The past few years have been trailblazing ones for Ethiopian-born Israeli women. In 2011, Hagit Yaso was the first Ethiopian-born winner of the Israeli version of American Idol. In 2012, Belaynesh Zevadia was appointed Israel’s first Ethiopian-born ambassador – to Ethiopia. In January, Pnina Tamano-Shata (of the Yesh Atid party) became the first Ethiopian-born woman to be elected to the Knesset. In 1952, Yemen-born Ora Vered became the first Miss Israel of MiddleEastern Jewish descent. In 1993, in the midst of post-Soviet immigration,

Kiev-born Jana Khodriker won, and in 1999 judges crowned Rana Raslan the first Arab Miss Israel. (Tablet)

FLOCKS OF TOURISTS RETURN TO ISRAEL

Despite the heated military conflict with terrorist groups in Gaza in November, some 184,000 tourists and 49,000 day visitors entered Israel in February, similar to the record-breaking February 2012 numbers and 7% higher than in 2011. (Israel Hayom)

ISRAEL’S JEWISH POPULATION PASSES 6 MILLION

Israel’s population reached eight million over Passover, Yediot Ahronot reported on March 28, with six million Jews, 1.6 million Arabs, and 350,000 non-Arab Christians and others, mostly relatives of immigrants from

the former USSR. There are 5.5 million Jews in the U.S. (two million in New York City alone), 500,000 in France (most of them in Paris), 380,000 in Canada, and 290,000 in Britain. “In the world today there are 13,800,000 Jews,” said Professor Sergio Della Pergola, an expert on Jewish demography from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, who collected the data. (Ynet News)

SIGNS OF A QUIET EXODUS OF JEWS FROM FRANCE

Increasing numbers of French Jews are appearing each week on the Upper West Side of New York City. Zachary, 29, a transport manager from Strasbourg, said: “If New York is full of French Jews, it’s because in 2002, in connection with the second Palestinian Intifada, a season of physi-

the Impact of [women]

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the Impact of [Hadassah]

endless

This Mother’s Day, honor all the women in your life and make an everlasting impact. Give a Life Membership for $212. Enroll at www.hadassah.org/life or call 800.664.5646 This offer is valid January 1-December 31, 2013. A portion of the Life Membership enrollment fee is allocated for a subscription to Hadassah Magazine. In keeping with IRS regulations, membership dues/enrollment fees are not considered to be tax-deductible contributions. ©2013 Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. Hadassah is a registered trademark of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc.

cal aggression began towards us from the Arabs that still hasn’t stopped.” “Episodes occur continuously in the [French] streets or in the subway,” adds Aharon, a designer in a start-up. “They force you to walk with your head down, and put a hat on to conceal the kippah.” The response from the police is to “often not classify the attacks as anti-Semitism but as robberies or violence,” which conceals the true extent of the phenomenon. (La Stampa - Italy)

JEWS WORLDWIDE SEE AN ALLY IN NEWLYELECTED POPE FRANCIS

Jews worldwide welcomed newlyelected Pope Francis as a friend, and pointed in particular to his sympathetic and strong reaction to the 1994 bombing of a Jewish center in his native Argentina. “He has shown deep signs of respect and friendship towards the Jews,” said Riccardo Di Segni, the chief rabbi of Rome. As Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the archbishop of Buenos Aires, Francis “has had a warm relationship with the Jewish community of Argentina, and enjoyed close friendships with many prominent rabbis,” said Rabbi David Rosen, international director of interreligious affairs at the American Jewish Committee. (Washington Post)

FEMALE TECHNICIANS MAINTAIN ISRAELI FIGHTER AIRCRAFT

You see them in great numbers at every Israeli air force base – female technicians preparing fighter aircraft for missions around the clock. Young women in compulsory service with an average age of 19 have become part of the scenery in shelters

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ISRAEL & THE May 2013 WORLD Federation StarJEWISH 7B

May 2013 Federation Star

Israel welcomes Governor’s move to fund Enterprise Florida office in Tel Aviv

haim Shacham, ConsulGeneral of Israel, met on Wednesday, March 13 with the Governor’s Office to discuss Florida-Israel economic opportunities and to thank Governor Rick Scott for his recommendation in the recent State budget proposal to fund an Enterprise Florida office in Tel Aviv. The planned office will join ten other state-funded Enterprise Florida international offices around the world. As Florida’s primary organization devoted to statewide economic development, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to facilitate job growth for Florida’s businesses and citizens leading to a vibrant statewide economy. The International Office Network of

Enterprise Florida provides counseling services for Florida companies looking to export their products and services, as well as foreign companies interested in investing and doing business in Florida. The international offices also provide support for overseas trade and investment missions from Florida. Reciprocally, the State of Israel maintains a Consulate General in Miami, to provide similar services to Israeli and Florida companies with the common goal of strengthening the economic ties between the two sides. A year ago, the Governor led an economic delegation to Israel to explore trade cooperation and expand-

Briefs...continued from previous page housing ready-for-action F-15s, F-16s and Apache helicopters. Compulsory military service brings many women into all units of the Israel Defense Forces. You find them in the infantry, armored units, the navy and in the air force, where they fill positions from radar and electronic systems operators through to line technicians and even aircrews in fighting squadrons. (Flightglobal)

FINANCE MINISTER REPORTS ON ISRAEL’S ECONOMIC PROGRESS

Yuval Steinitz, Outgoing Finance Minister, recently told the Knesset Finance Committee that Israel’s economy went from shrinking 2.4% in 2009 to growing 3.1% at the end of 2012. The debt burden fell from 79.4% of GDP to 73.8% and Israel’s credit rating rose to A+ from A. The unemployment rate fell from 9.5% to 6.5%, while GDP per capita grew 5.2%. (Jerusalem Post)

ISRAEL IS NOT ISOLATED

A close look at Israel’s interaction with countries near and far, as well as with international institutions, belies the claim that it is isolated. In fact, Israel is increasingly acknowledged as a world player in view of its social, economic, technological, financial and diplomatic achievements. Continued high Jewish fertility rates, immense new energy reserves, innovative water technologies, and a frenetic pace of cultural production are all prominent features of modern Israel. There are significant parts of the world that appreciate what Israel is doing and try to emulate its successes. (Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies - Bar-Ilan University)

ISRAEL’S HIGH-TECH PIPELINE TO THE U.S.

Israel is helping the U.S. meet the economic, environmental and nonmilitary security challenges of the future. In the realm of cyber security – which the Pentagon says could pose a strategic threat to U.S. infra-

structure – Israeli systems secure a significant and growing proportion of U.S. telecommunications, financial transactions, utility and other essential computer-dependent operations. Israeli experts and start-ups regularly partner with U.S. firms to develop applications such as instant messaging, Internet telephony and data-mining. In January, Intel executive Greg Slater noted that the latest “Ivy Bridge” and “Sandy Bridge” microprocessors, which accounted for 40% of Intel revenues in 2011, started in Israel. Each year Israel contributes thousands of skilled professionals, hundreds of joint patent applications, and hundreds of coauthored scientific and technical papers to the U.S. economy. Across the U.S., Israeli firms or their subsidiaries have set up manufacturing plants that employ tens of thousands of Americans. Each year, Israel sells the U.S. military about $1.5 billion in advanced items, from specialized munitions to life-saving armor and sensors for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. U.S. and Israeli manufacturers are now partnering to sell Israeli rocket and missile interceptors to U.S. allies. When the U.S. gives Israel $3 billion in annual military aid, 75% of it comes back to purchase American-made products and services. (Michael Eisenstadt and David Pollock, fellows at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, in the Wall Street Journal)

ing economic ties between the two states. Now, due to the Governor’s request for funding, the Enterprise Florida office in Tel Aviv will be able to provide Florida companies that are interested in Israel a vehicle to introduce contacts, coordinate delegations and facilitate trade. There are enormous trade opportunities between Florida and Israel. Key areas of innovation in Israel include life sciences, water technologies, communication, homeland security, aviation, aerospace and new media. With Florida networks covering these growing industries, there are abundant synergies and opportunities for trade and partnerships. Consul-General Chaim Shacham

SAVE THE DATE

stated, “We are confident that a funded Enterprise Florida office in Israel will provide a new level of exposure to Israel’s economy for Florida companies and vice versa. We believe that this proposed funding will enable the EFI Tel Aviv Office to undertake significant action toward fulfilling its mission of bolstering Florida’s economy and job market. We look forward to working together with the new EFI office to further the mutual economic interests of both states. This is truly a ‘win-win’ situation.” For more information, please contact Ariel Roman-Harris, Director of Media Affairs, at 305.925.9413 or mediacultural@miami.mfa.gov.il.

Israel Scouts events in Naples: Friday, June 21 See the article on page 3A for more information.

to clerical positions in the military. Today, they are fighter pilots. Arab-Israelis have served in every Knesset since the beginning of the state. After the latest election, there are 11 Arab-Israeli Knesset members representing three Arab parties. In 1974, 50,000 Israelis studied in an Israeli university. Today, 125,000 Israelis are enrolled in Israel’s universities. (Aaron Sagui, spokesman for the Israeli Embassy in Washington, in the Washington Times)

ISRAEL DEPLOYS ROBOTS FOR DEFENSE

Israeli military specialists and university researchers have developed the Tomcar. It has no driver, no passenger and no remote control. The Tomcar uses cameras and lasers to survey its surroundings and avoid obstacles, while a computer program employs GPS and processes the information the camera and lasers gather to help the Tomcar react appropriately when it needs to make a decision. Currently, 8-10 of these vehicles

patrol Israel’s borders, the first time this technology has been used in the field. (Popular Mechanics)

TURKISH TRUCKS PASS THROUGH ISRAEL TO REACH THE GULF

With the ongoing Syrian crisis, Turkish trucks carrying containers have not been able to get to the Gulf of Aqaba. Iraq was not safe and then Syria became unsafe too. The unrest in Port Said and the continuing security problems in Sinai after the fall of Mubarak did not allow Turkish containers to follow the Iskenderun-Port Said-Sinai-Aqaba route. However, thanks to a private Turkish-Israeli-Jordanian initiative, the Israeli government has allowed Turkish trucks to enter Israel from Haifa and then travel to Jordan. This is a cheaper and safer route. Today, about a hundred trucks a week use this route. The potential is for around 500 trucks per week. (Hurriyet - Turkey)

OBAMA SEES A LAND UNIQUE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

On June 16, 1974, Richard Nixon became the first U.S. president to visit Israel. Recently, President Obama became the fifth president to do so, in a visit that underscored the advancements Israel has made in only four decades. Israel has pursued gender equality with vigor. By 1974, Golda Meir had already served as Israel’s first female prime minister, but the Knesset only had 11 female members. Today, the Knesset boasts 27 female members – a higher percentage of women than in the U.S. Congress. In 1974, women were relegated

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

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