Thank you

Jane Schiff, Federation Board Chair

In 2013, my husband’s health was deteriorating and it was obvious that another winter in Atlanta (even though the winters are not severe) was not in his best interest, so we picked up and moved to Bonita Springs. We knew one couple. We also knew that they had a very established life here that would not include us, except occasionally. My husband was ill and limited in what activities he could handle; I was in perfect health. I don’t like the sun, I don’t play golf, I don’t play card games and I had no interest in working full time, but I have always been interested in Jewish communal life. I grew up knowing and being involved in Federation, synagogue life and many other Jewish organizations including NCJW, ORT, AJC, JCPA, JFNA and the Breman Museum (the Atlanta Holocaust Museum).

So, when we moved here, I wanted to use my talents and knowledge in the area I felt comfortable. And now, 10 years later, I am writing an article in the Federation Star to thank each and every one of you for welcoming me and allowing me to become a part of the history of the Jewish community of Naples.

Being board chair of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples truly fulfilled a lifelong dream of making a difference in the Jewish community and its relationship to the greater community. If our Jewish community is strong and vibrant, we are able to openly and positively show that Jews enhance and enliven the greater community.

The Jewish community of Naples and its surrounding area is growing by leaps and bounds. In a few years, we will most likely do another demographic/needs assessment study and find out exactly how much growth has occurred. But, certainly, in numbers of WCA and MCA members, we know there is growth. And Naples is starting to attract a somewhat younger demographic since working from home has normalized after the pandemic.

In the years since I have been in this area, Federation has doubled its Annual Campaign. We are one of the few, if not the only, Federation in the national system that has been able to accomplish this feat. Why? Because of you. You moved here, you realized there are needs, and you joined us to take care of the needs of Jews in Naples and around the world.

The needs in our local community are growing, just as the community grows. More students need help to afford a Jewish education; more Holocaust survivors move here; hurricanes cause needs; and the list goes on. You stepped up when we asked.

Other communities ask how we are increasing our campaign while so many communities are experiencing declining campaigns. The answer is: We are where the community is growing and, as always, Jews step up to take care of other Jews. That is what makes this work so rewarding and gives me such joy. I am so proud to be a part of this community at this time in its development.

The Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center was a six-year project. It was a dream, and it took an amazing team to make it a reality. I am and will remain extremely proud that I was a part of the team that brought it to life. From the foundation of the strategic plan and the demographic/needs assessment study to all the final details for the building, without each and every aspect and each and every person in all those committees — all the workers, all the staff of Federation and every company that had even a finger in the project — what we have would not have been.

I have heard over and over, from so many of you and almost every visitor, that the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center exceeds expectations. And, from my point of view, the only thing I wanted to achieve was a place where people would want to gather, feel comfortable and utilize. Week four of being open saw about 1,000 people come through the doors. That is success! Every day the building is used by multiple groups for various activities. That also is success! I come in and look at the board to see what is happening in the building that day, and my heart fills with pride. I feel I made a difference. When gentile friends and community members stop me to say how thrilled they are that we are here and they are using the building as well, I know the building was worth all the effort.

The best part of being board chair for me was meeting and working with so many of you. The shared vision, the exceptional work ethic and the camaraderie has made these years the best “work” experience of my life. While I am hesitant to start naming names, as I know I would forget so many, I must single out the close working relationship that I have had with Jeffrey Feld throughout the six years.

My favorite Jeffrey story is: One day, about six months ago, we finished a conversation, for which I have no recall about its content, and hung up. About 10 minutes later, the phone rang. It was Jeffrey. He immediately said, “Oops, I called the wrong wife, I didn’t need to talk to my work wife again.” We have worked hand in glove. He has been a wonderful partner in growing the Jewish community. That was his goal when he moved here, and I was happy to sign on to that goal.

In conclusion (the two best words in any speech or article), I want to say that these six years have given me more than I gave to the organization. It has given me pride, a sense of belonging, great friends and a personal sense of accomplishment. These have been interesting, challenging and rewarding years. I greatly appreciate the opportunity Jewish Federation of Greater Naples gave me.

I know Federation is in good hands with the new Board Chair, Nat Ritter, who is capable, smart, caring and has been super involved in getting the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center up and running. I plan to continue to see if I can be helpful going forward as I do whatever I can to help Ritter and the new board move from strength to strength.