Entertainment and Learning
Naples Jewish Congregation Presents “Spirituality in Laughter”
The NJC “Virtual” Artist in Residence program with Rabbi Bob Alper is a tonic for these trying times
N
JC is proud to bring which has garnered rave back, this time “virtureviews, both nationally and ally,” Rabbi Bob Alper, internationally. who has been NJC’s Artist in This unique program Residence on two prior occaexplores the pivotal role of sions, in 2016 and 2019. Bob humor in both ancient and is a practicing rabbi (albeit modern Jewish tradition. Bob Rabbi Bob Alper part-time) whose day job hapexamines why laughter has pens to be as a stand-up comedian. His long been such an integral part of the shows embrace the timeless themes of Jewish culture and a mainstay of daily the centrality of humor to the Jewish Jewish life. This engaging and inspiring experience and the absolute necessity program averages two genuine belly of laughter as a tonic to the trials and laughs per minute! tribulations that have beset the JewBob has authored three books. “Life ish people through the ages. Although Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This” is stand-up comedy doesn’t work in these a collection of warm, inspiring, true times of sheltering in place and no large stories, which a 4-star review in The in-person gatherings, Bob does have a Detroit Free Press called “a volume of program that will work. spiritual gems.” His newer, similar colOn Thursday, Feb. 4, at 7 p.m., Bob lection is called, “Thanks, I Needed will present, via Zoom and through That.” He has also authored the hilarithe auspices of the Jewish Federation ous cartoon book, “A Rabbi Confesses.” of Greater Naples (JFGN), his widely Bob has appeared at such prestiacclaimed “Spirituality of Laughter,” gious venues as the Montreal Comedy
Festival and the Hollywood Improv, as well as on Good Morning America, Showtime, CNN and BBC. He has regularly partnered with Muslim and Christian comedians in his Laugh in Peace tour of college and university campuses as well as synagogues, mosques, churches and corporate events, such as The World Bank. The tour performs throughout North America, Europe and Israel. This Zoom program is free and open to the general public. NJC is most appreciative that the Federation is cosponsoring this wonderful Zoom event and providing the technological expertise to present this program. NJC, a warm and welcoming URJaffiliated Reform congregation serving the Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero communities, values its affiliation with the always supportive Federation. Go to www.naplesjewishcongregation.com for more information.
continued from page 22
family members, 25 were murdered by the Nazis. One of the survivors was the author’s father, who built an industrial empire in Venezuela, but could never talk about the unspeakable experiences of the Holocaust. After he died, Ariana found a trove of letters, diary entries and other items, launching her on a world-wide search to discover more. Sponsored by Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center
contributor to The New Yorker, Bess Kalb saved her grandmother Bobby’s voicemails. When Bobby died at age 90, Bess was not surprised that her voice continued to speak to her. This debut memoir channels the grandmother who regales Bess with stories of four generations of indomitable women and the men who loved them. Sponsored by Naples Senior Center
Monday March 15, at 1 p.m.
The 2020-21 Book Festival will conclude with Pamela S. Nadell, American historian, researcher, author and lecturer focusing on Jewish history. Nadell’s book, America’s Jewish Women: A History from Colonial Times to Today, is a
You will have the opportunity to listen as Bess Kalb tells her story, Nobody Will Tell You This But Me: A True (as Told to Me) Story. Emmy-nominated TV writer for “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” and
Tuesday, March 30, at 7:30 p.m.
CONNECTIONS 2021
gripping historical narrative, in which the author weaves together the stories of a diverse group of extraordinary people, including such luminaries as Grace Nathan, Emma Lazarus, Bessie Hillman and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Together, they showcase how Jewish women maintained their identity and influenced social activism as they wrote themselves into American history. Sponsored by Women’s Cultural Alliance For a complete schedule of events, registration information, book synopses and information about becoming a Patron as well as a list of contributing Sponsors, please visit JewishBook Festival.org. For questions, email Reneé Bialek at rbialek@jewishnaples.org.
A Guide to Jewish Living in Greater Naples
23
