JCRC Day and Evening of Learning enlightens community

By Joel Pittelman, Jewish Community Relations Council Chair

Among the responsibilities of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) are an education component and efforts to foster good relations between the Jewish and general communities. We believe this year’s Fifth Annual Jewish Community Relations Council Day — and now Evening — of Learning, which was presented virtually on March 7th and 10th, contributes to both of those.

Thank you to all of the guest speakers; program chair Ida Margolis; Ken Goldstein, who assembled the Sunday panel; and the entire Day of Learning Committee for planning two outstanding programs.

The afternoon program, “Chai Time to Visit Jewish Neighbors,” held on Sunday afternoon, featured two speakers. Cantor Donna Azu of Temple Shalom spoke about the Jews of Persia, describing their long history and rituals. The audience was treated to Cantor Azu’s beautiful singing of the unique Sephardic melodies that she performed for her dissertation.

Dr. Ron Duncan Hart spoke about Crypto-Jews, describing their origins, migrations and how they were treated upon their arrival in the Americas.

The evening program, which was held on Wednesday, featured five Naples area clergy, who described their experiences dealing with the pandemic. The panel was chaired by Rabbi Adam Miller of Temple Shalom and included Reverend Edward Gleason of Trinity-by-the-Cove Episcopal Church, Fr. Hugh McGuigan of Our Lady of Light Catholic Church in Estero, Pastor Lonnie Mills of Macedonia Baptist Church and Reverend Dawson Taylor of Naples United Church of Christ.

The wide-ranging descriptions demonstrated the deep commitment these leaders have to their congregants and to the community. During this unprecedented time, they demonstrated creativity, courage and wisdom.

While the virtual program was very successful in achieving its goals, the JCRC is hopeful that next year the Day (and Evening) of Learning can once again be held in person.