Do you hear what I hear?

Marina Berkovich JHSSWF President

An old Arab proverb says, “If you do not know where you are going, you will find yourself somewhere else.” Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida has been on a steady trek of collecting, documenting, preserving and celebrating local Jewish history since April 2010. It is our 13th anniversary, and our painstaking work resonates as far as Israel, where all our Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers films are now a part of ANU Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv. All our films are broadcast-quality original productions.

The resonance after the Feb. 6 premiere of “Spaiser Family Story” and March Local Jewish History Film Festival was loud and clear — please make more films like this; there are many interesting people in Southwest Florida, each with a story to capture. We hear you, we absolutely agree and we need extra resources to complete these wonderful community expectations.

In April, after we all celebrate Passover, we will commemorate Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM). Why is it important to celebrate it? The month of May has been selected for annual nationwide recognition of achievements and contributions by Jews to the U.S. We are all immigrants and descendants of immigrants of various times, countries, degree of religiousness and different cultural practices. What unifies us unfailingly is that we are Jews, and we stand together in times of peace and prosperity as well as in times of adversity, as one people, dispersed, yet united in our Jewish identity, whatever it may mean to each of us.

Marina Berkovich, Alexander Goldstein, Mitch Spaser, Rabbi Fishel Zaklos, Robert Davidson and Shellie Specter at Chabad of Naples after premiere of "Spaser Family Story." Photo credit: Lois Bolin

On Tuesday May 2 at 3 p.m., we will present “SWFL Florida Jewish Pioneers: Helen Weinfeld.” is documentary is about Naples’ very first and self-appointed Jewish historian, who documented and preserved much of the early story of Jewish life in Collier County. This free of charge event is of particular interest and value to newcomers, who are typically unfamiliar with local Jewish history. But old-timers and repeat viewers are welcome to experience it again. In-person events are as nostalgic as Weinfeld’s recollection of her early days in Naples. As of the date of this publication, Weinfeld is about a Chai short of 120. May she be blessed with good health to live to this historic age.

On Tuesday, May 9 at 3 p.m., we will share the story of “Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers: The Labodas of Fort Myers,” our original production. is film covers the days of the Jewish communities in Lee and Charlotte counties as told by its Jewish Federation co-founder Sheila Laboda. Dr. Jerry Laboda is an expert on the life and history of Abraham C. Myers, a confederate Provisions General and southern Jewish gentleman, after whom the city of Fort Myers is named. A short film about that will also be a part of that afternoon’s program. The Laboda children were raised in Southwest Florida and found their successes locally.

Both May 2 and May 9 programs are no fee and will be held at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center.

Are you interested in sponsoring this or any other event? Please contact us at office@jhsswf.org.

You may now purchase Jewish Historical Society of SWFL memberships online or mail us a check. A family membership is $54; individual membership is $36; student membership is $18; and corporate sponsorship is $300. If mailing a check, please send to The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida, 8805 Tamiami Trail North, Suite #255, Naples, FL 34108.

We can be reached at 833-547-7935 (833-JHS-SWFL), www.jhsswf.org or office@jhsswf.org. The Virtual Museum of SWFL Jewish History is located online at http://jewishhistorysouthwestflorida.org/.

The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida is a section 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Contributions are deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.