Adieu to all

Steven Chizzik President

As I sit down to write my final Federation Star column, I want everyone to know that it has been my pleasure to serve as president of Beth Tikvah these last two years. Hopefully, my service to our wonderful synagogue will be remembered as one in which many positive changes have occurred while keeping the tradition of conservative Judaism alive and well here in Greater Naples. Beth Tikvah has grown enormously during my two-year tenure as president, and I know the synagogue has continued its reputation of warmth and caring that has become our calling card.

I must thank Rabbi Chorny for all he does for Beth Tikvah and for being my friend and offering his guidance during my tenure. I would also like to thank our board of trustees and committee chairpersons whose expertise and experience is most appreciated, as well as all those people who go above and beyond for Beth Tikvah’s interests.

In the columns that I’ve written here, I’ve tried to bring Jewish values to many of today’s world issues. I’ve enjoyed your many comments and I hope I may have precipitated some conversation in your homes. I would welcome anyone reading this to experience Beth Tikvah’s shabbat service, where I can be found every Saturday, and join me after services for a savory kiddush in our beautiful outdoor garden for the day’s discussion. I hope to see you there!

I’ve shared some beautiful poetry with you from my favorite poet, Emily Dickinson. I’d like to finish today with some beautiful verses from our Torah:

May Adonai bless you and guard you.

May Adonai show you favor and be gracious to you.

May Adonai show you kindness and grant you peace.

I hope everyone has a joyous Passover!

I again would like to remind everyone that Beth Tikvah is offering new members their first year’s membership free of charge. If you or a friend wishes to experience the warmth and community found at Beth Tikvah, please join us.

Please see the calendar below to view all the great events taking place at Beth Tikvah this month.

Beth Tikvah happenings

April 5, 6 p.m. – First Seder

• April 6, 9 a.m. – Passover 1st day services

• April 12, 9 a.m. – Last day Passover;Yiskor

• Every Tuesday at 12:15 p.m. – Rabbi Chorny’s Lunch and Learn via Zoom

• Friday services begin at 6:15 p.m. in person and via Zoom

• Saturday services begin at 9:30 a.m. in person and via Zoom

• Sunday morning services begin at 9 a.m. in person and via Zoom

• We convene Yahrzeit minyanim upon request.

Please check the Beth Tikvah website, www.bethtikvahnaples.org, for details regarding all our events.

You may reach Rabbi Chorny directly at 239-537-5257.

Beth Tikvah is the affiliated congregation in Greater Naples of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ). We are grateful to the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples (JFGN) for support of our Scholar in Residence, Naples Jewish Film Festival and All things Jewish programs.