Federation Star - December 2020 by jewishnaples

Join the community-wide

Virtual Chanukah Celebration Thursday, Dec. 10, 5 p.m. Register at www.jewishnaples.org

Jewish Book Festival Kicks Off at 7:30p.m. on Dec. 3! See the JBF pullout section for complete details.

TOMO TOMORROW BEGINS TODAY RRO Celebrating Jewish Life in Greater Naples, Israel and the World

Federation Star 2021Virtual Kickoff2Event 0

2 1 Decem December 1 , 7pm-8:15pm Annual Community Campaign

Published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples Serving Naples, Marco Island and the surrounding communities

www.JewishNaples.org Y December 2020 – Kislev/Tevet 5781 Y Vol. 30 #4

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

st 2021 Annual Community

ber 1

9 Men’s Cultural Alliance 10 Women’s Cultural Alliance 12 Community Focus continued growing needs within our housing, trips to physicians, counseling 13 Tributes community, throughout the world and and daily health supplements. Karen 16 Jewish Interest in Israel for food, shelter, clothing, counYour gift ensures that the Holocaust Deutsch 23 Israel & the Jewish World seling services, medical attention and Museum & Cohen Education Center will Campaign 25 Commentary socialization programming. We hope you continue teaching lessons of the HoloCOME COME DYNALISTEN TO DYNALISTEN TO Chair will be inspired and uplifted by the caust to all eighth-grade students ON OF GREATER NAPLES OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER NAPLES M M 27 Organizations CONV IC DUO THE CONV IC DUO THE ERSAT IN ERSAT IN co-founder Jewish Future Pledge wonderful music of Rich Recht, in Florida and inspire action ION! 32 SynagoguesION! PRESENTS: national celebrity spokesagainst bigotry, hatred Mike Leven is a legendary business executive and visionary philanthropist. 33 on OF Youth ECT NOW “WHAT IN Focus THE CANMIX WE EXPECT USA, ISRAEL NOW IN&THE THEMIX MIDDLE OF USA, EAST ISRAEL STATES?” & THE MIDDLE EAST STATES?” e are getting close and I man of PJ Library, and and violence. Inspired by Warren Buffet’s and Bill Gates’ Giving Pledge, Mike co-founded the 35 Community Directory am very excited to remind his songs of hope, love Your Mikegifts conJewish Future Pledge to carry on his family’s commitment to Judaism. Leven everyone to join usMAKOVSKY for our Inspto and community. tinues i DAVID MAKOVSKY DAVID BASSADOR DENNIS ROSS AMBASSADOR DENNIS ROSS ireprovide d by s a Office of the U.S. Secretary of State, serving as a event senior Office of the the U.S.Jewish Secretary of State, serving as a senior sador/special advisor for multiple US Ambassador/special advisor for multiple US first major seasonal of J favorite and new W e a Mr. Leven currently serves the boards of The Marcus Foundation; AEPi wish F advisor to Process the Special Envoy for Israeli-Palestinian advisor to the Special Envoy foron Israeli-Palestinian strations on the Middle East Peace Process administrations on the Middle East Peace ut re rre Negotiations, Former Editor of the Post. Naples, Negotiations, Former Editor of the Jerusalem Post. Federation ofJerusalem Greater the 2021 Tomorrow Pled Fraternity Foundation; Birthright Israel Foundation; Board of Advisors of Pragerprogramminguto assador Dennis Ross is Counselor andAmbassador Dennis Ross is Counselor and Community Campaign Kickoff Annual Mrcommunity: begins today the The David Makovsky is the Ziegler Distinguished David Hospitality Makovsky is the Ziegler Distinguished . Lev University; HERSHA Trust; Independent Women’s Voice; Turning Point m Davidson Distinguished Fellow atWilliam Davidson Distinguished Fellow at enFestiFellow atevent, The Washington InstituteDec. and director Fellow atat The7 Washington Institute and director F Tuesday, 1, 2020, p.m.! Even as we continue to be Jewish Book r a Washington Institute for Near EastThe Washington Institute offor East USA Board ofHeAdvisors and SESTRA He has served as chief executive officer ternity currentl the Near Project on Arab-Israel Relations. is alsoof the Project on Arab-Israel Relations.Group. 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Inof Advanced Studies (SAIS). rd owith 6 o f event live from the comfort of your home f (distanced), our Jewish Jewish Families Advis ity Council senior director for theSecurity Council senior director for the t 2013-2014, he worked in the Office of the U.S. 2013-2014, he worked in the Office of the U.S. h Systems, the president and chief operating officer of Holiday Inn Worldwide, and e G o r Guest speaker rgia A Secretary of State, serving If as ayou seniorhave advisornot toSecretary of State, serving as a senior to about a shared ral Region, “What and a year as special Region, and a year as via special Sands PJeoLibrary Zoom. yet registered, storyadvisor is still Children, Can We Central Expect in the the president of Days Inn of America. quar C Special Envoy for Israeli-Palestinianthe Special Envoy for Israeli-Palestinian or to Secretary of State Hillaryadvisor to Secretary oftheState Hillary Mike Leven, co-founder o r SysChildren, oratio your evite is in your emailNegotiations. inbox, waiting future, a brighter future and for Mix of USA, Israel and the tems, pWCA Negotiations. am Clinton. Rodham Clinton. n, t Jewish Future Pledge t h t e he MCA for you to click on the button that will a commitment to making and and Middle East?” p reside presicultural d nt o n redirect you to the registration link. If, for An IAC sponsored virtual the world a better place entertaining eprogramf Day us on Zoom Everyone to hear is Ross invited & Makovsky to join us on in conversation! Zoom to hear Ross & Makovsky in conversation! s I some reason, you haveQ&not received your conversation with AmbassadorQ& through perseverance ming and more! Rick and A A Recht aftin evite, youmusicians can register through the evite Dennis Ross and keeping is one d150 er! er! Jewish Rick Recht isDavid one of theafttop touring music continuity, playing over atesour old Register online: Cost: www.jewishnaples.org $10 per household Register online: www.jewishnaples.org each of Makovsky, 7or clickUS the weeklyRick e-blast, or directly on our or click the link in each ourMonday, weekly year eblasts Dec. the linkand in our on weekly eblasts community safe,ge healthy Tomorrow y ear in the top to dates in the abroad. has revolutionized and elevated the nre of uringbegins today the U J e website, www.jewishnaples.org. w and supportive. p ish ro S and music ride a genre of Jewish rock music as a powerful and effective tool for developing Jewish c ian s in J Your gift to the 2021 nd identity k music a abroaYour impacts d pride and identity in youth and adults. . 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Jose Arturo Castellanos’ roduc HebreAgency ur doorganie n w r a organizations and advocacy efforts. zation through BBYO. tions Israel, the American Jewish JointCDistriongre grandsons on how he to helped nrich of our mission; Your donations the Annual Community Campaign are vital to the esuccess to enhance and t o g a t h t i thethequ e Ann Beneficiaries and Leaders will share Your gift supports Senior Center bution Committee and World ORT, to save 40,000 Jewish lives, ual Co ality o enrich the quality of Jewish life by recognizing and supporting the charitable, educational, humanitarian and s o c impactful stories demonstrating the mmu f at JFCS with outreach, mental health a few. i J a ewisname Thursday, Dec. 10 l serv nity C h i l ce ifeIsrael. social service needs of the Jewish times community locally, innaid the State of ampon challenging we still face and thenationally, counseling overseas and Holocaustand survivor by re continued eefor d a page 2

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Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

December 2020

Channukah — That time of year, again By Federation President/CEO Jeffrey Feld and Federation Board Chair Jane Schiff

very year, Channukah, like all the Jewish holidays, comes around before we are ready for it. “Again” or rededication is the reason for the season. The oil lasted eight days, a miracle. Miracles and rededication are what Channukah is all about. And miracles and rededication are what the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples is all about! Our Jewish community is a miracle. And each year, we rededicate our community at our annual community-wide Channukah celebration. This year, it will be virtual, sigh. How we will all miss being together. Next year, there is a possibility that we will be together in our new space, outdoors, of course, as it is doubtful the building will be ready for the very early Channukah that happens in 2021. But if we are back together in Mercato for the Channukah lighting next year, that, too, will be wonderful. We just hope and pray to be back together.

Rededication means reviewing and recommitting to our Jewish values. Tikkun Olam, repairing the world. Federation is your gateway to doing that. Programs for children, programs for families, programs for teens, programs for adults, programs for women, programs for men and programs for seniors.

Annual campaign We touch every segment of our community here, in Israel and worldwide. We do this through our Annual Campaign, which raises funds for every group mentioned above. We distribute the funds through our allocation process, which carefully scrutinizes the needs, requests and amounts available to make sure there is an equitable allotment to each agency and all programs. Your annual campaign contribution is your rededication to our community. It keeps us going and keeps us vibrant. It builds our community, brick by brick.

Jane Schiff and Jeffrey Feld

Capital campaign Your commitment to the Capital Campaign is the cornerstone of the future of our community. When COVID-19 takes its place next to the seasonal flu, measles and other ongoing medical problems, and we start to fully reclaim our lives, as

the Maccabees did so many years ago, we want you to walk with pride, excitement and joy into our new building. To do that, we need you to commit to joining the more than 70 families that have given to the Capital Campaign. We need so many more of you to step up and say “hineni,” here I am. Step up and contribute to our efforts to build the future community of Greater Naples. Step up and show your support for what this community will become and will project as an image to future Jews, who think about this area for their retirement years. Step up and say to our community, “Join us in this venture.” Building, Tikkun Olum and rededication. These are Jewish values. We know you care. You are reading this and all the articles in this and every FedStar, so you do care. You Zoom with us, you contribute to our causes and you are proud members of our community. Your Channukah rededication is now! Thank you!

Happy Chanukah! Reneé Bialek Program Director

ur community-wide Chanukah Celebration is on Thursday, Dec. 10. This event will take place virtually at 5 p.m., so make sure to register in order to receive the Zoom link. The Zoom link is emailed two hours prior to the start of the program to those

who register. The registration link can be found on our homepage at www.jewishnaples.org. The Chanukah celebration event is free to the entire community. We look forward to welcoming you and watching everyone light their own menorah in their home. What a festival of light show this will be!

Important upcoming programs not to be missed

Warm and Happy Wishes at Hanukkah The Festival of Lights is here… light the menorah, play with the dreidel, and feast on latkes and sufganiyot. Celebrate the spirit of Hanukkah with friends and family! HONORING TRADITIONS, strengthening

Every life is unique and deserves to be remembered in a special way. The professionals at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones honor the heritage of the Jewish faith with a meaning-

faith

ful memorial that truly captures the essence of the life it represents. We offer our deepest gratitude for giving us the opportunity to assist you through one of the most challenging times in life, and for allowing us to earn and keep your trust.

525 11th Avenue North | Naples, FL 34108 239-597-3101 | www.HodgesNaplesMG.com

• Monday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m.: Ambassador Dennis & David Makovsky in conversation • The Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival begins on Thursday, Dec. 3. You can find more information on the Jewish Book Festival throughout this Federation Star issue. All of these virtual programs will take place on Zoom. Some programs are free, while others have a fee. More information on all the above programs can be found

throughout this Federation Star and in our Monday weekly e-blast. Please make sure to register via the link that is provided in the weekly e-blasts. If you need help registering, please ask me. A confirmation email will be sent to you immediately after you register. The Zoom link is emailed to you about two hours prior to the start of each program. Please contact me at rbialek@jewish naples.org with any questions. Please like us on Facebook!

2021 Campaign Kickoff...continued from cover Your generous gift supports Leket Tomorrow begins today Israel, which provides hot meals for We are continuing our Matching Holocaust survivors and vulnerable Challenge Grant for your gift, new or seniors; Hatikvah preschool in Ukraine, increased, to the 2021 Annual Comthat enables Jewish life to continue munity Campaign. Jewish Federations and thrive in Kiev; Neve Michael, a of North America (JFNA) has launched children’s home in Pardes Hanna, Israel, a Human Services Relief Matching Fund, serving youth from 4-18 years old which was made possible, in partnerwho have experienced trauma and ship with seven national foundations, abuse; Susan’s House, which employs an $18-million match to the Federation youth between ages 15 and 19, providsystem on a 1:2 basis. JFNA will match ing many the only warm, encouraging $.50 for every new and/or increased dollar environment they have known; Yad commitment to our current Campaign. Lakashish in Jerusalem, providing meals Please help us raise $50,000 of new and transportation for the elderly to a and/or increased gifts now, so that we creative workplace; Yashar LaChayal, will receive $25,000 from JFNA to help providing assistance to the Needy Solthe needy. This challenge is only good dier Fund; the Ethiopian National through this calendar year! Please donate Educational Project; and so many more today for a better tomorrow! worthy programs! Todah Rabah, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

JEWISH FEDERATION

December 2020

Federation Star

A sneak peek at two books from December Jewish Book Festival events

re you ready to enjoy the Jewish Book Festival that begins Dec. 3 and runs through March 30? We wanted to give you a taste of two of the authors and books being featured in December with the following book reviews. Not registered yet? Go to JewishBook Festival.org and reserve your spot today!

Love Is a Rebellious Bird by Elayne Klasson Reviewed by Carole J Greene, Jewish Book Festival Committee Member The title of this novel drew me to it. (Fledgling novelists take note!) “Love is a rebellious bird” are the opening words of “The Habanera,” lyrics from the libretto of Georges Bizet’s opera “Carmen.” The first and the final stanzas of the aria say: “Love is a rebellious bird that nobody can tame, and you call him quite in vain if it suits him not to come. The bird you thought you had caught beat its wings and flew away . . . Love stays away, you wait and wait; when least expected, there it is!” Author Elayne Klasson could not have found a more fitting passage to capture the spirit of her novel. Judith Sherman, the narrator of the story, tells readers she must explore the answers to two essential questions: who is it that we love, and why have we loved these people? She begins with Elliot Pine, the love of her life — literally — whom she meets in fifth grade and loves for 60 years with a passion “consuming, painful and, ultimately,

unsuitable.” As Elliot flits in and out of her life, both of them having long-term relationships with others, Judith’s stories ultimately deliver the answer to the second of those two questions — why she loved her two husbands, and why Elliot chose women other than her. The entire story answers the other question of whom we love. Klasson writes the book as if Judith is telling it to Elliot. Her narrative of family life — first with Seth, father of her twins, Evan and Miriam, then with second husband, Walt, father of Joseph — frequently works in a sentence or two directed to Elliot.

“It wasn’t me you wanted; it was diversion.” “You were the man by which I had measured all other loves.” “I pull the thought of you out of a drawer I keep in my mind.” I found much to like in this book. Klasson summarizes the key element in each chapter in a one- or two-word chapter title: Beauty, Consolation, Magic, Insanity, Being Seen, Elliot’s Table… I applaud her taking such care with those selections. I also appreciate her many evocative descriptions. She talks about Elliot’s manner of running his hand through his thick “Kennedy hair.” Anyone who has ever seen a photograph of JFK knows exactly what she means. Klasson bares her soul in simple sentences: “Once I start out on a path, I don’t like turning back.”

“… when we do not appreciate a gift, it is taken from us.” “Isn’t it interesting that these central facts of who we are, we keep hidden from our children?” The book is a Jewish novel only to the extent that Judith and Elliot were Jewish and grew up in the mid-1950s West Rogers Park region of Chicago, a Jewish neighborhood of privilege. As teenagers, the two worked together to boost him to a high office in a Jewish youth group, at the same time exploring their hormone-drenched sexuality — but not to consummation. I won’t ruin the book’s conclusion, except to say that it reflects the final stanza of Bizet’s aria: “Love stays away, you wait and wait; when least expected, there it is!” continued on page 4

Friday, Dec. 11 at 10:30 a.m. $10 Elayne Klasson grew up in Chicago and is a recent transplant to the Santa Barbara area, where she is a popular lifestyle newspaper columnist. Her professional career has largely been in academia at San Jose State University, with her research and clinical expertise focusing on the mentally ill. Now in her 70s, Klasson relishes the fact that this debut novel was a finalist for the Goldberg Prize for Debut Fiction from the National Book Awards. Appearing with Elayne Klasson will be Nessa Rapoport, author of Evening. This program is being generously sponsored by the Collier/Lee Chapter of Hadassah.

Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

December 2020

a sneak peek...continued from page 3

A Rabbi at Sea by Rabbi Corinne Copnick Reviewed by Iris Shur, Jewish Book Festival Committee Member What’s it like to be a rabbi on a cruise ship? Rabbi Corinne tells engaging stories about her journeys at sea. She also gives you first-hand details of the duties of a cruise ship rabbi and shares stories of her time on board. From Friday night services to seders to performing weddings, she finds joy in every minute of her travels. You will enjoy reading about them. When she was asked whether cruise ship passengers were interested in attending services while on board, she replied, “When you’re in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean without sight of land — just seemingly endless waves — for a week before reaching a port, it certainly puts you in a receptive state of mind to find some time to have a conversation with God.” But the book is not only about her time on cruise ships as she traveled from Hawaii, Australia, South America, Europe, Southeast Asia and beyond. She tells you about her visits at each port and her search for Jewish life and history. Sometimes the Jewish area is designated only by a small sign and sometimes there

Celebrating Jewish Life in Collier County, Israel and the World

is still a vibrant Jewish presence. Rabbi Corinne shares her Judaic explorations with great clarity. You could even use this as a Jewish guidebook for your next trip abroad. One of the stories she tells is about Esther Abrahams, a Jewish convict in Australia who ended up, surprisingly, as the First Lady of the colony! Esther had married a man who became acting governor. When many of us travel abroad, we seek out the Jewish section in the cities we visit. There is something comforting, albeit sad, in synagogues that are hundreds of years old, sometimes no longer in use, visualizing what life was like centuries ago for the Jews in, say, Budapest or Venice. Rabbi Corinne takes you with her as she visits the Jewish section of many ports of call. What was most impressive about A Rabbi at Sea was how informative it was about Jewish cultural life in the past. Rabbi Corinne discusses Jewish luminaries — artists, writers and others — connected with the various Jewish communities she visits. If you haven’t heard of these people, you will immediately want to Google their names to find out more. Mersad Berber, a Bosnian

painter who is said to be one of the bestknown graphic artists in the world, is a favorite of Rabbi Corinne’s. She also loved the work of Cesar Monrique, a Spanish artist, who transformed a black lava tube in the Canary Islands. Rabbi Corinne likened the artistically manipulated tube to a synagogue and had this to say: “Once, even before the Spanish and Portuguese inquisitions, there was a humble Jewish community on this island, Lanzarote. Later, there was a prosperous community of Portuguese Jews who fled their own land and built this island’s economy. Once . . . I take a deep breath. At this moment in time, just for this beautiful moment, I have found what could serve as a synagogue deep in the rocks. Complete with mikveh – and catering service. And my daughter is by my side. Outside the sun is shining.” A Rabbi at Sea is easy and delicious reading. When I went back to check some facts, I found myself rereading almost the entire book. Can’t wait to meet Rabbi Corinne virtually, to hear her stories and enjoy her humor in a more personal way. Expect an entertaining speaker, and hey — think about it — only a very special person becomes a rabbi at age 79!

Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 1 p.m. $10 Author Rabbi Corinne Copnick was ordained in 2015, when she was 79 years old. Rabbi Corinne spent a lifetime in volunteer activities while pursuing her business career, her arts career and her rabbinical career. She was born in Montreal, Canada, and it was there she made a name for herself in radio, film, stage and visual arts. She has authored several other books, including How To Live Alone Until You Like It . . . And Then You Are Ready for Somebody Else. This program is being generously sponsored by Temple Shalom Sisterhood.

Federation Membership

According to the bylaws of the Jewish Federation of Collier County, members are those individuals who make an annual gift of $36 or more to the Annual Federation Campaign in our community. For more information, please call the Federation office at 239.263.4205.

This month’s advertisers This publication is brought to you each month thanks to the support of our advertisers. Please be sure to use their products and services, and mention that you saw their ad in the Federation Star. AFMDA.............................................................................15 Bradford Square..............................................................23 Carlisle, The..................................................................25 Chellie Doepka, Premiere Plus Realty..................................33 Deborah Zvibleman, John R Wood..................................30 Fuller Funeral Home...........................................................18 Ginsberg Eye............................................................6 HarborChase............................................................9 Hilton............................................................................31 Hodges Funeral Home...........................................................2 Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center.................28 James Knafo Architect & Builder........................................33 Jamie Satz, Premiere Plus Realty....................................29

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Federation Star Published by the Jewish Federation of Collier County serving Naples, Marco Island and the surrounding communities

Published by

2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 2201 Naples, Florida 34109-0613 Phone: 239.263.4205 Fax: 239.263.3813 www.jewishnaples.org Email: info@jewishnaples.org Officers Board Chair: Jane Schiff Vice Chairs: Karen Deutsch, Marc Saperstein, Phyllis Seaman Secretary: Rosalee Bogo Treasurer: Elliot Lerner Immediate Past Chair: Alvin Becker

Board of Directors Patti Boochever, Harvey Cohen, Amanda Dorio, Paula Filler, Merlin Lickhalter, Robin Mintz, Les Nizin, William Petasnick, Joel Pittelman, Stuart Price, Nat Ritter, Michael Rubenstein, Jamie Satz, Betty Schwartz, Arlene Sobol, Michael Sobol, Steve Strome, Jay Weiss, Beth Wolff, Jeff Zalasky Past Presidents Gerald Flagel, Dr. William Ettinger, Ann Jacobson, Sheldon Starman, Bobbie Katz, Rosalee Bogo, Judge Norman Krivosha Synagogue Representatives Cantor Donna Azu, Sue Baum, Rabbi Ariel Boxman, Rabbi Ammos Chorny, Shelley Goodman, Rabbi Mark Gross, Sue Hammerman, Rabbi Howard Herman, Stephen P. McCloskey, Rabbi Adam Miller, Rabbi James Perman, Dr. Arthur Seigel, Daryl Sissman, Rabbi Fishel Zaklos Staff Federation CEO/President Jeffrey Feld Renee’ Bialek: Program Director Marcy Friedland: Capital Campaign & Planned Giving Director Janine Hudak: Admin. Coordinator Nathan Ricklefs: Database Manager Teresa Zimmerman: Finance & Operations Manager Federation is the central Jewish community-building organization for Greater Naples, providing a social service network that helps Jewish people locally, in Israel and around the world. As the central fundraising organization for Jewish communal life in our area, strength is drawn from organized committees of dedicated volunteers. Programs include: • Annual Campaign & Endowment Fund • Celebrate Israel • Educational & Cultural Programs • Israel Advocacy Committee • Israel Scouts • Jewish Book Festival • Jewish Community Relations Council • Jewish Young Professionals • Jewish Russian Cultural Alliance • Men’s Cultural Alliance

• PJ Library

• Publication of the Federation Star, Connections and Community Directory • Women’s Cultural Alliance • Women’s Division • Youth Activities Committee – sponsoring youth education and scholarships for Jewish Summer Camp and the Israel Experience

JEWISH FEDERATION

December 2020

Federation Star

The naming of the new building in honor of Nina Iser Capital Campaign spotlight

By Lauren Segal, daughter of Nina and Steve Iser

hen a loved one like Nina Iser passes away unexpectedly, it leaves profound grief and immense challenges for those who remain. Our family, friends and the communities of both Nyack, New York, and Naples were overwhelmed with sorrow at this sudden tragic loss. Nina left behind many broken hearts, unspoken words, unfinished plans and a desk full of papers and notes. Among her notes was the brochure for the new Jewish Federation building in Naples, with her handwriting and comments written all over it. She had been reviewing the papers, planning to donate in memory of her loved ones. Little did she, or anyone else, ever Nina Iser Nina and Steve Iser with their granddaughters Ilana and Wendi Segal expect it to be in honor of her memory, to read. Steve then joined the that her name would grace the new Jewish MCA (Men’s Cultural Alliance), Cultural Center. also under the umbrella of the As many of you know, Nina was a force Jewish Federation of Greater to be reckoned with. She dedicated herself Naples, where Nina and Steve had to the Jewish community, as well as many become active participants. They other organizations that she believed both loved the dinner dances, the would benefit all. Her dedication, paslectures, the trips. They greatly sion, talent and philanthropy has helped appreciated and took advantage many organizations grow and prosper. of all the opportunities provided Nina maintained a kosher Jewish home (except when their grand-girls came to devoted community. Last winter, Nina and followed many of the traditions of her years, eventually as president. She was visit, when all else stopped). At the Jewish was chairing a fundraising celebration beloved family. Her commitment to being then asked to spearhead a hugely sucTHE JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER NAPLES BUILDING Federation, they found their “people,” the in honor of the temple’s “bat mitzvah” involved in the Jewish community led her cessful capital campaign for the building friends that became family, with whom — from the invitations to the flowers, to pursue her Bat Mitzvah late in life, well and expansion of CongregaPINE RIDGErenovation ROAD VIEW they shared their lives with enthusiasm, the venue, the menu — she coordinated after her children had grown and left the tion Sons of Israel. Active members of love and laughter. every detail with the skill and finesse she family home. Her passion and commitRockland’s Jewish community, Nina Nina identified strongly with her was known for. Sadly, it was COVIDment to learning and Judaism endured, and Steve were honored many times Jewish heritage, believed in giving back postponed, and will hopefully take place and she continued to actively participate — by the Federation, Israel Bonds, the generously, doing so with all her heart. sometime next year. in (all) her temples, often honored with Synagogue and the JCC Rockland — for She believed in the future and the future As a new arrival to Naples, the WCA an Aliyah or chanting Haftorah. their efforts to support and help these of the Jewish community of Greater (Women’s Cultural Alliance), an affinity Nina’s passion for volunteering began organizations grow. Naples. It is very fitting and most approgroup of the Jewish Federation of Greater many years ago. She served as president When they began to “winter” in priate that the new building bear her Naples, presented Nina a welcoming of the Rockland Jewish Federation’s Naples, Nina and Steve sought out the name in honor of her memory. It is our group that offered lectures, book clubs, Women’s Division and was honored to Jewish community and dove right in. family’s hope that the Nina Iser Jewish garden trips, cultural events, and social be a Lion of Judah. When she and Steve They joined Beth Tikvah, and became Cultural Center will always be full of opportunities, of which she took full moved to Nyack, Nina became active at active participants, attending services, life and love, ensuring Jewish values and advantage. She often called Lauren to Congregation Sons of Israel, where she kiddushes and events, serving on comopportunities for generations to come. discuss an interesting lecture or book served on the executive board for many mittees, and finding great friends and a

Supporting our new home for the Jewish Federation A welcoming place for all Jews in the Greater Naples area

odah Rabah Our Capital Campaign total to date is $7.5M! We would like to say Todah Rabah, to the following donors that have contributed $500 or more as of Nov. 6. Interested in adding your name to the list in one of our upcoming issues? Contact Marcy Friedland, Capital Campaign Director, at mfriedland@jewishnaples.org or 239-263-4205. Patricia Adkins Stuart & Tess Axelrod Ronald & Barbara Balser Alvin & Sheila Becker Larry & Nancy Bell Andrew & Beverly Blazar Michael & Margery Bluestein Jerry & Rosalee Bogo Steve & Patti Boochever Braverman Family Foundation Stephen & Rhonda Brazina Barbara Carocci

Daniel & Linda Carp Harvey & Katie Cohen Barbara Dave Robert Davidson & Shellie Specter Stan & Karen Deutsch Steven & Shelley Einhorn Ron & Kathy Emanuel Stan & Mignon Farb Jeffrey & Susan Feld Ronald & Paula Filler Marc & Jennifer Fleischer Marcy Friedland Elaine Goecke Gene & Barbara Goldenziel Bill & Carol Goldman David Goldsteen & Marcia Cohodes Michael & Ellen Gordon Howard & Sherry Greenfield Lenore & Rabbi Howard (z”l) Greenstein Merrill Hassenfeld & Paula Brody Steve Iser Larry & Wendy Israelite Joseph & Merrylee Kandel Nancy L. Kaplan

Ed Kaufman James Knafo Gary & Deborah Kohler Gracia Kuller Howard & Gail Lanznar Larry Lechtner Elliot & Helene Lerner Merlin & Harriet Lickhalter Bernard & Bobbie Lublin MCA Stuart & Carol Mest Andy & Robin Mintz Les & Gail Nizin Ben Post & Debbie Laites Harvey Oriel Marshall & Elaine Paisner Judy & Howard (z”l) Palay William Petasnick Joel & Susan Pittelman Stuart & Estelle Price Ilya & Kate Prizel Nat & Susan Ritter Richard & Ellaine Rosen Lyle & Gloria Rosenzweig

Sam & Judy Roth Michael Rubenstein Kenneth & Sheri Sacks Stephen & Bebe Saks Marc & Joan Saperstein Rose Saperstein Jane Schiff Schiff Family Foundation Bill & Caroline Schulhof Ls & Betty Schwartz Phyllis Seaman Donald & Arlene Shapiro Russell & Gail Smith II Michael & Arlene Sobol Elaine Soffer Howard & Janet Solot Stephen & Phyllis Strome Malcom Thomson Jerry & Linda Wainick Jay & Susan Weiss WCA Brian & Beth Wolff Ed & Ellen Wollman Barry & Debbie Zvibleman

Federation Star

December 2020

ISRAEL ISRAEL JEWISH FEDERATION ADVOCACY ADVOCACY COME LISTE COMMITTEE DYCOMMITTEE N A MIC DN TO THE A conversationCO with OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER NAPLES

PRESENTS:

OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER NAPLES

PRESENTS: Dennis Ross

U IN SATIO ON!

NVER

C D C

event “WHAT CAN IAC WE kickoff EXPECT NOW “WHAT IN THE CANMIX WEOF EXPECT USA, ISRAEL NOW IN&THE THE

By Jeff Margolis, IAC Committee Member AMBASSADOR DENNIS AMBASSADOR ROSS & DAVID DENN

heAMBASSADOR Israel AdvoDAV DENNIS ROSS AMBASSADOR DENNI cacy Committee advisor for multiple US Ambassador/special Ambassador/special advisor for Office multip adviso on the Middle East Peace Process administrations on the Middle East Pe ofadministrations Greater Naples Negot (IAC) kicks off its seaDennis Ross is Counselor and Ambassador Dennis Ross is Cou son withAmbassador a virtual conDavid versation William via Zoom with Davidson Distinguished Fellow at William Davidson Distinguished Fellow Ambassador Ross Institute for Near East The Washington Institute for TheDennis Washington of the and David Makovsky onreturning to the Institute in Policy. Prior to returning to the Policy. Prior to an ad Monday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. 2011, he served two years as special 2011, he served two years Johns The title of the program is assistant to President Obama and National assistant to President Obama an of Ad “What Can We Expect in Council 2013the Mix ofSecurity USA, Israel and senior director for the Security Council senior direct Secre Central Region, and a year as special Central Region, and a year the Middle East?” advisor Dennis to Secretary of State Hillary advisor to Secretary oftheSta Ambassador Nego Ross is currently serving Rodham Clinton. Rodham Clinton. Dennis Ross David Makovsky as Counselor and William Davidson Distinguished Fellow at the Washington Institute for Studies at Johns Hopkins University’s Everyone is invited to join us on Zoom Everyone to hear is Ross invited & Makovsky to join us on in conversation! Zoom to hear R Near East Policy. The Institute is a proPaul H. Nitze School of Advanced InterQ&A Israel think tank, whose objective is to national Studies (SAIS). Between 2013 afte improve the quality of U.S. Middle East and 2014, Makovsky worked in the Office r! ww Cost: $10policy. per household Register online: Cost: www.jewishnaples.org $10 per household Register online: Prior to coming toorthe Institute, of the Under Secretary of State, where he click the link in our weekly eblasts or click the link in • Autoimmune Disease Treatment Advanced Cataract Surgery Ross served two years as special assisserved as a senior advisor to the Special Clear Lens Exchange Surgery Vitamin D (Coimbra Protocol) tant to President Barack Obama and Envoy for Israel-Palestinian NegotiaImplantable Contact Lens Surgery • Facial Harmonization National Security Council senior directions. He previously was an editor of The Dysport® Cornea Surgery tor for the central region, and one year Jerusalem Post. Dry Eye Therapy Botox Cosmetic® as a special advisor to Secretary of State Join us for this kickoff event. The cost Glaucoma Care and Surgery Facial Fillers Hillary Clinton. of this unique and outstanding event LASIK PDO Threads Ross is a noted author in the area of is $10 per household. To make reservahis expertise. His publications include: tions for this program, go to this link, 77 8TH STREET SOUTH • NAPLES, FL 34102 “The Missing Peace: The Inside Story of https://jfgn.regfox.com/ambassador239.325.2015 • GINSBERGEYE.COM the Fight for Middle East Peace” (2005) dennis-ross-david-makovsky. and “Doomed to Succeed” (2015). With The Israel Advocacy Committee is David Makovsky, he co-wrote “Myths, an affiliate of the Jewish Federation of Illusions and Peace” (2009), and most Greater Naples. For more information recently, “Be Strong and of Good Courabout the mission and activities of the age” (2019). IAC or to make suggestions for future David Makovsky is currently at the speakers or programs, please contact Washington Institute for Near East Policy Harvey Cohen, committee chair at as well, where he is the Ziegler Distinhwcohen@gmail.com. guished Fellow and the director of the The Israel Advocacy Committee Project on Arab-Israeli Relations. He is wishes everyone a Happy Hanukkah. also an adjunct professor in Middle East

, DEC.EST. MONDAY, DEC. 7 2020 MONDAY 7:00PM 7 2020

• • • • • • •

“The Jewish Federation of Greater Naples” (JFGN) is pleased to announce the revival of its popular Golf Tournament, The Federation Cup.

This important charitable Event will be held at the challenging Lely Classics Golf Course (East Naples). SAVE THE DATE! October 19, 2021

Webinar explores the relationship between Catholics and Jews

“In Our Time,” Nostra Aetate, How Catholics and Jews Built a New Relationship By Martin Gauthier and Leslie Wasserman, co-chairs of CJD

he Catholic Jewish Dialogue of Collier County will present a webinar on Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. via Zoom. The topic is "In Our Time," Nostra Aetate, How Catholics and Jews Built a New Relationship. Author James M. Barrens, who was the Executive Director of the Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies program at St. Leo University, will join us for this program. Copies of the book may be purchased at Barnes & Noble or on Amazon.com. The brief read gives a good summary of how far we have come over the past 55

years. To register for this free program, visit www.jewishnaples.org The mission of the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue is to engage Catholics and Jews in understanding our history and advance the cause of mutual understanding and appreciation of our differences as well as our commonalities. This program is sponsored by the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. This is a free event and is open to the entire community. Please direct questions to: cjdialogue@ naples.net.

JEWISH FEDERATION

December 2020

Yes, you can have it all

Federation Star

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Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

December 2020

TOMORROW BEGINS TODAY

2021 December 1 , 7pm-8:15pm Annual Community Campaign

Virtual Kickoff Event st

Free to the entire Jewish Community. Invite your friends and family and learn how your gift touches so many lives. Guest Speaker

Mike Leven

co-founder Jewish Future Pledge

Mike Leven is a legendary business executive and visionary philanthropist. Inspired by Warren Buffet’s and Bill Gates’ Giving Pledge, Mike co-founded the Jewish Future Pledge to carry on his family’s commitment to Judaism. Mr. Leven currently serves on the boards of The Marcus Foundation; AEPi Fraternity Foundation; Birthright Israel Foundation; Board of Advisors of Prager University; HERSHA Hospitality Trust; Independent Women’s Voice; Turning Point USA Board of Advisors and SESTRA Group. He has served as chief executive officer of the Georgia Aquarium, president and chief operating officer of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, the chairman and chief executive officer of US Franchise Systems, the president and chief operating officer of Holiday Inn Worldwide, and the president of Days Inn of America.

Musical Entertainment by

Rick Recht

Rick Recht is one of the top touring musicians in Jewish music playing over 150 dates each year in the US and abroad. Rick has revolutionized and elevated the genre of Jewish rock music as a powerful and effective tool for developing Jewish pride and identity in youth and adults. Rick is the national celebrity spokesman for the PJ Library and is the Executive Director of Songleader Boot Camp – a national songleader training immersion program held in various cities around the U.S. Rick is the founder and Executive Director of Jewish Rock Radio, the very first high-caliber, 24/7 international Jewish rock online radio station! He is also the Executive Producer of PJ Library Radio. Recht is the Artist in Residence at United Hebrew Congregation in St. Louis, MO.

Your donations to the Annual Community Campaign are vital to the success of our mission; to enhance and enrich the quality of Jewish life by recognizing and supporting the charitable, educational, humanitarian and social service needs of the Jewish community locally, nationally, overseas and in the State of Israel.

DONATE TODAY TO THE ANNUAL COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN visit www.jewishnaples.org

NO GIFT TOUCHES MORE LIVES OF GREATER NAPLES

TO REGISTER VISIT WWW.JEWISHNAPLES.ORG/KICKOFF

JEWISH FEDERATION

MEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE

December 2020

Federation Star

www.MCANaples.org / 516.356.2897

“Sarge” returns to Naples (virtually) By Jeff Margolis

ast year, comedian “Sarge” played Book Festival. Mr. Paper will discuss his to a sell-out house of MCA most recent and controversial book about members and spouses at Off the Pearl Harbor, titled “In the Cauldron: Hook Comedy Club as part of our Terror, Tension and the American AmbasHanukkah celebration. sador’s Struggle to Avoid Pearl Harbor.” On December 20, “Sarge” makes an Just in case you haven’t found encore performance in a slightly different enough to do, here are some other Decformat. Due to COVID-19, an evening ember events. of comedy and celebration with “Sarge” On Dec. 8 at 1 p.m., the MCA Sciwill be presented live on YouTube. Enjoy ence Group will present a program titled “Sarge” from your own couch or patio. “Vaccines, Peach Pits and Creation.” The Cost of this event will be $30 per device. speaker will be Ron Yasbin. Reservations for this special event can be made via the WildApricot portal, found at the MCA website. Celebrate Hanukkah and laugh a little. December will be a month full of virtual MCA events. Here is a sample of our upcoming programs. Jim Sernovitz’ popular travelogue series continues via Zoom with a visit to Peru. This program is Teresa Heitmann Bill Barnett scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 2:30 p.m. MCA’s “Conversations With…” series has several interviews sure to be of interest to members. On Thursday, Dec. 3, at 9 a.m., join in a conversation with Teresa Heitmann, mayor of the City of Naples. Learn about her first months in office and her plans for the future of the city. Kristen Coury Lew Paper On Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 10 a.m., tune into a conversation with The Medical lecture series continues former Naples Mayor Bill Barnett. Find Thursday, Dec. 10, with a presentation out what this prominent local figure has by MCA member Dr. Don Belmont. been up to since leaving office. In the program, titled “UnderstandTheater goers will enjoy the Dec. 14 ing Cardiac Evaluations,” Dr. Vivian conversation with Kristen Coury, founder Wong will also discuss “Skin Health and and CEO of the Gulfshore Playhouse. the Adult Male.” Coury will discuss how the theater has The monthly book discussion group learned to cope with COVID-19 and will get together via Zoom on Dec. 10 hear about the exciting plans for the new from 2:30 to 4 p.m. As of press time, theater to be built in downtown Naples. the book has not yet been selected. This program will be at 10 a.m. Check with chair Stan Farb for details Attention space buffs! Join MCA (stan4miMCAnon@earthlink.net). member Joel Banow when he shares stoThe MCA Speaker Series has interestries titled “Landing on the Moon with ing offerings as well. On Tuesday, Dec. Walter Cronkite.” Banow spent half a 15, Dr. Andrew Dahl will discuss gene century in broadcasting as a producer and therapy. Dr. Dahl is the chief medical director and was actively involved with editor for WebMD. CBS during the great Space Age. This On Dec. 22, historian William program is scheduled for Dec. 3 from Thomas Howell will present a program, 1:30 to 3 p.m. “Adolf Hitler: A Rising Road to Power.” The ever-popular documentary film Be sure to check the MCA website and discussion program continues Dec. 1, (www.MCAnaples.org) for updated with the film “My Dear Children,” which times for all events as well as registrachronicles the untold story of a family tion directions. during the deadly pogroms in Russia If you have not yet paid your memberafter the 1917 Revolution. Members can ship dues or are new to the area and would sign up to view the film and participate like to join MCA, visit the website, www. in the discussion. MCAnaples.org, and click on the MCA The MCA virtual luncheon series conmembership form. A portion of your tinues Thursday, Dec. 17, at 11:30 a.m., membership dues include membership in with a presentation by MCA member Lew the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. Paper. This program is being held in conBest wishes to all MCA members and junction with the Greater Naples Jewish families for a Happy Hanukkah.

There are 3 Ways to Join the MCA!

1. Visit the website at www.MCAnaples.org. Click on the MCA membership form and complete it. You can pay by credit card or check. 2. Send an email with your name, email address and phone number to joinMCA@MCAnaples.org. 3. Mail your name, email address and phone number to Larry Israelite, 8820 Savona Court, Naples, FL 34119. Dues for current year are $90 and include membership in the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

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Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

December 2020

www.WCANaples.org / 215.820.6697

WOMEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE

Use the “Zoom Highway” to connect with WCA North and WCA South (Part Two)

By Susan Pittelman, WCA Publicity Coordinator

t has been impressive to peer into the wide variety of activities offered by WCA’s two satellite groups, WCA North and South. As I shared in last month’s article, WCA North has successfully been using Zoom for months and WCA South began programming through Zoom in October. Even though we are still required to be physically apart, the WCA events provide all members additional opportunities to stay connected. With a simple click onto Zoom, women can see one another and feel part of our welcoming WCA community.

WCA South WCA South was formed in spring 2015 as a result of both the huge success of WCA North and the interest expressed by women who live in the southern and eastern sections of Naples, along the East Trail down to Marco Island. WCA Board Member Lenore Greenstein became the coordinator of WCA South, spearheading this new group. From its inception, WCA South focused on offering programming year-round. This past spring, after Lenore had served as coordinator for five years, Leslie Wasserman and Cathy LoneDawson became co-coordinators and honored Lenore with the title “Coordinator Emerita.”

2015 WCA South Board of Directors (l-r) Sandy Schulman, Leslie Wasserman, Lenore Greenstein, Alice Licker, Pat Sutker and Leda Lubin WCA South has approximately 240 members and continues to grow. When the pandemic hit, all the programs planned for March and April were canceled. Co-coordinators Wasserman and Lone-Dawson held special meetings with their WCA South Board — Cheryl Abrams, Barbara Chester, Enid Dairman, Arlene Greenberg, Linda Hyde, Alice Licker, Bobbi Morein and Coordinator Emerita Lenore Greenstein — to prepare to transition to the new Zoom platform.

WOMEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE

Women’s Cultural Alliance

2020-2021 MEMBERSHIP FORM

The membership year is from September 1 until August 31 of the next year. Dues received after March 1 will be applied to the next season. Please check one:  NEW  RENEWAL (PLEASE fill out the form completely and PRINT CLEARLY!) Is there a change in your information from last year?  YES  NO

W C A

If you checked NO, just LEGIBLY print your name, fill in payment info, sign Event Waiver below, and mail to WCA/JFGN.

Print Name Email (very important)

Spouse/Partner Name

Local Street Address

FL Community

City Florida Phone

State Cell Phone

Northern Address City State In Southwest Florida  Full-time  Part-time from

Zip

No. Phone Zip to

NAME BADGES: New Members receive a one-time name badge as a welcome gift from WCA/JFGN. Returning Members: If you need a new or replacement name badge, please increase your fee by $8.

Print your name as you want it to appear on the badge MEMBERSHIP DUES: $90 (US Funds only, Minimum for the year; includes membership to the JFGN):____ $ I am also including a voluntary donation to the Federation in the amount of: _ $ I am including $8 for a replacement Name Badge: __ $ Total enclosed or authorized: __ $  I will be paying by check. Please make your check payable to JFGN/WCA.

90.00

 I will be paying by credit card. Card Number Expiration Date

Name on Card

CVV

Mail this SIGNED form (with your check or credit card number) to: WCA/Jewish Federation of Greater Naples 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Ste. 2201, Naples, FL 34109 I would like to VOLUNTEER my services/expertise and would be willing to chair or co-chair an activity on the following topic or topics.

EVENT PARTICIPATION WAIVER. By signing below, I accept the terms of this waiver.

As a participant in a WCA event,* I, acting for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns agree as follows: That I waive all rights, claims and/or causes of action of any kind whatsoever that I or my heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns may claim to have against either the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, and/or the Women’s Cultural Alliance, their members, agents, servants, and/or employees, for any loss, injury, or damage sustained by me while participating in a WCA event. This waiver and release shall be construed broadly under the Laws of the State of Florida.

Signature ________________________________________________Date ____________ *Note: Certain higher risk events such as athletic activities or trips require an enhanced waiver to be signed. Contact your activity’s director for more information.

For more information contact Membership Director Harriett Kleinman at hmkleinman@gmail.com 2020-21

The board planned a full season of Zoom programs, including a virtual “Inaugural Luncheon,” speakers, other virtual luncheons, meetings for two book clubs and more. “The creative and intelligent women who serve on our board came up with ideas to make WCA South’s sixth season fun through Zoom. We have so much going on — it is very exciting,” says Wasserman. WCA South held its first Zoom event, a joint program of the Fiction and Jewish Experience Book Clubs, on Thursday, Oct. 8. The members had a lively discussion of The Button Man by Andrew Gross. Many women were eager to read it after hearing the author at last year’s Jewish Book Festival. Bobbi Morein, the liaison for the Fiction Book Group, comments, “I was a little apprehensive about a Zoom book club, but our discussion exceeded my expectations.” Beginning in November, each book group resumed its separate monthly meetings. The Fiction Book Group discussed Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano on Nov. 12 (the second Thursday of the month); the Jewish Experience Book Club discussed Gateway to the Moon by Mary Morris on Nov. 20 (the third Friday of the month). Greenstein comments, “Meeting through Zoom gives more women a chance to join — and to relax in their own homes!” (Reading lists for both book clubs are on the sidebar of the WCA e-blast.) New members of WCA South participated in the two WCA new member coffees held via Zoom in October and facilitated by WCA Membership Director Harriett Kleinman. “The New Member Coffee was a huge success. We socialized virtually and learned about the many opportunities for us to become more involved. It was a great way to connect! We left with bated breath,” comments WCA South member Barb Murray.

Nineteen women Zoomed in with their own homemade lunch for WCA South’s “Inaugural Luncheon” on Oct. 21. Friends reconnected and shared their favorite activities during COVID19, including making “crazy quilt” kimonos, writing a Jewish etiquette and cookbook, watching Netflix and reading. One member relayed her experience dancing to Broadway show tunes with her daughter! Jane Linderman comments, “The luncheon was a great way to visit with each other and have some laughs with our WCA friends!” Each month, WCA South will host either a lecture or a virtual luncheon. Lone-Dawson and Linda Hyde will oversee the lecture series. The topic of the Nov. 18 lecture, the first one in the series, was “Dr. Richard Conrath: A Renaissance Man.” Dr. Conrath, husband of WCA member Karyn Conrath, discussed his former life as a priest, his family’s nomadic lifestyle and how his experiences have become fodder for his crime mysteries. “Richard proves to be a true Renaissance Man in every way,” says Hyde. The next lecture will be held Dec. 16 and will feature Dr. Carolyn Daitch, who will speak on “Taming COVID Anxiety.” The January lecture, which will be presented by talented artist Dr. Paula Brody, will address the topic “Creation & Creativity: Finding Your Inner Artist.” In December, members will have the opportunity to watch the film “Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers — The Greensteins of Marco Island,” which was produced by The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida. “We are excited to show this film, as it features our wonderful WCA South Coordinator Emerita, Lenore Greenstein,” says Lone-Dawson. Although South’s Canasta Chair Enid Dairman explained that canasta is on hold for now, WCA South is certainly taking advantage of Zoom to continue continued on page 11

JEWISH FEDERATION

December 2020

Federation Star

Jewish Community Day and Evening of Learning goes virtual By Jeff Margolis and Ken Goldstein

he annual Jewish Day of Learning promises to be like no other. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the entire program will be presented virtually. The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Naples is pleased to announce a two-day event on Sunday, March 7 at 2 p.m. and Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at 7 p.m. Part one of this not-to-be-missed experience is titled “It’s Chai Time to Visit Jewish Neighbors.” Viewers will have the opportunity to hear from three notable and engaging speakers about Jewish communities around the world — Jews of China, Jews of Persia and Crypto-Jews. Dr. Steven Derfler will speak about the Jews of China. Many in our community may be familiar with Derfler’s popular lectures, including a multipart program on world religions presented by the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. Derfler is an international educational consultant, public speaker, archaeologist, historian, researcher, teacher and author. His area of expertise includes ancient civilizations and development of western religions. Derfler has been associated with institutions in the U.S. and in Israel, including Tel Aviv’s Institute of Archeology, the Israeli Antiquities Authority, The Negev Museum of Beersheba and the Arad Archeological Center. He was a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Now residing in Florida, Derfler has collaborated with the Ringling College Department of Liberal Arts, Florida Gulf Coast University, the Sarasota County Adult and Community Education Program and the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. In future issues of Federation Star, leading up to the Day of Learning, we will profile bios of the other presenters, including author Dr. Ron Duncan Hart, a cultural anthropologist from Indiana University and Naples’ own Cantor Donna Azu from Temple Shalom. The Day of Learning has traditionally been on a Sunday afternoon, but as noted, this year, there will also be an Evening of Learning. This came about because March 2021 is exactly one year after a national emergency was declared. During the initial few months, we celebrated the heroes of the pandemic, including health care workers, the police, firefighters and other essential workers. It was suggested that it would be interesting to hear the stories of other heroes — the clergy. These heroes had to deal with difficult and emotional issues such as funerals, illnesses, depression and abuse

ZOOM IN FOR

Five Fabulous Events in December For full details on these and other events in the Jewish Book Festival, see pages A1-A8 in this issue.

Dr. Steven Derfler as well as celebrations such as weddings, births and other life cycle events. On this Evening of Learning, the following clergy are scheduled to tell their stories: Reverend Edward Gleason, Trinity by the Cove Naples; Fr. Hugh, Our Lady of Light Catholic Community Estero; Rabbi Adam Miller, Temple Shalom in Naples; Pastor Lonnie Mills, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church Naples; and Reverend Dr. Dawson Taylor, Naples United Church of Christ. This year, there is no charge for either program. To be a part of this special community event, just be sure to register in February when registration begins.

Andrew Blauner

Lori Gottlieb

Thursday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Talking with Jim Gibbons, editor of The Peanuts Papers

TWO-AUTHOR EVENT

WCA...continued from page 10 to provide other programming important to members. “When social distancing was first required, we were concerned about what

we were going to do – but Zoom has made it possible for us to continue to hold the activities that we did before. We are very excited about the coming season,

and although it will be different from the past, it will be just as creative and fun,” says Wasserman. No need to feel left out! All WCA members are invited to attend any WCA North or South program. Information about many of the programs appears in the new WCA Program Guide and will be posted in the WCA weekly e-blast.

Elayne Klasson

Nessa Rapoport

Friday, Dec. 11 at 10:30 a.m.

Members of WCA South Zoomed into the WCA New Member Coffee. Lew Paper

Thursday, Dec. 17 at 1 p.m.

Rabbi Corinne Copnick Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 1 p.m.

Don’t miss this year’s Jewish Book Festival! For full details on the 2020-21 Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival — including authors, book descriptions, event dates, registration and more … visit the Book Festival website: www.JewishBookFestival.org

To register, please visit www.JewishBookFestival.org.

Federation Star

COMMUNITY FOCUS

December 2020

Many survivors say stop comparing coronavirus to the Holocaust What do 2gs have to say? Let’s find out. By Ida Margolis, GenShoah Chair

Ida Margolis GenShoah Chair

ast April, only a few weeks into the pandemic, some people and media sources were comparing the coronavirus quarantine to Anne Frank hiding in an attic for years during WWII. At that time, “NJ.com” interviewed a number of Holocaust survivors in New Jersey, including “hidden child,” award-winning Holocaust educator and part-time Southwest Florida resident Maud Dahme. Although New Jersey was a “hot spot” under lockdown at that time, Dahme said she was grateful to be alive and not worry “about someone knocking on the door to take me away.” She continued “Yes, there are many inconveniences, but we’re here and we’re free.” Another survivor, Rosalie Simon, who lives in a large complex that had a reported a number of COVID-19 deaths, said, “It’s a bad situation, but not equal to the Holocaust… there’s no evil here, only tragedy. Obey the rules. Stay home.”

Early during the pandemic, Raritan Valley Community College in New Jersey recognized that Holocaust survivors have a unique perspective on the current situation and started weekly online Zoom meetings, titled “Resilience During Challenging Times: Testimonies That Provide Hope.” During the meetings, survivors gave advice on living through a crisis. The Director of the Holocaust Resource Center at Stockton University, Gail Rosenthal, said of the survivors, “They are role models for us. They are role models of resilience.” Now, months later, it would be interesting to speak to survivors. Just recently, I did have the opportunity to speak with Dahme, and even months later, she said she still feels the same way. “We just need to be grateful and realize how fortunate we are,” she said. From speaking to a number of people, it seems that the survivors’ perspective on dealing with challenges would be encouraging to others. I was asked if children of survivors have unique perspectives in dealing with difficult and challenging situations as well, and how they are dealing with the current situation. I have read only one article on this topic, “COVID-19: Conversations with 2gs,”

ISRAEL ADVOCACY COMMITTEE OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER NAPLES

PRESENTS:

posted by clinical psychologist Irit Felsen. In previous years, we could get together to discuss this topic. By using Zoom technology, we still can. An ideal time to start this conversation can be at the Annual Pot Luck, which will be virtual this year. After a brief presentation about Ariel Burger’s award-winning insightful and beautiful book “Witness: Lessons from Elie Wiesel’s Classroom,” those who are Zooming in can meet in chat rooms. It will be interesting to find out if there Maud Dahme with Ida Margolis are themes that resonate in the Castellanos will be presented by The past months. Holocaust Museum at its virtual luncheon If you are a 2g, or a member of Genon Dec. 10. More information is available Shoah and are interested in chatting or at HMCEC.org just listening, please join us virtually on If you would like to receive the newsSunday, Dec. 13, at 5 p.m. by making a letter or want additional information reservation at HMCEC.org. about GenShoah SWFL, email me at The GenShoah newsletter and Federagenshoahswfl@gmail.com. tion Star will announce future GenShoah A reminder that GenShoah is asking and Holocaust Museum programs, children of Holocaust survivors to tell including one on Feb. 24 with Maud their parent’s stories. The stories need Dahme and other “hidden children” only be 500-700 words, but should follow as well other programs in the “Heroes, a certain format. For more information, Heroines and Helpers” series. In fact, a contact Rochelle at liebro@gmail.com. fascinating hero story about Jose Arturo

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AMBASSADOR DENNIS ROSS & DAVID MAKOVSKY AMBASSADOR DENNIS ROSS

DAVID MAKOVSKY

Ambassador Dennis Ross is Counselor and William Davidson Distinguished Fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Prior to returning to the Institute in 2011, he served two years as special assistant to President Obama and National Security Council senior director for the Central Region, and a year as special advisor to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

David Makovsky is the Ziegler Distinguished Fellow at The Washington Institute and director of the Project on Arab-Israel Relations. He is also an adjunct professor in Middle East studies at Johns Hopkins University's Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). In 2013-2014, he worked in the Office of the U.S. Secretary of State, serving as a senior advisor to the Special Envoy for Israeli-Palestinian Negotiations.

Ambassador/special advisor for multiple US administrations on the Middle East Peace Process

Office of the U.S. Secretary of State, serving as a senior advisor to the Special Envoy for Israeli-Palestinian Negotiations, Former Editor of the Jerusalem Post.

Everyone is invited to join us on Zoom to hear Ross & Makovsky in conversation!

, DEC. 7 2020 7:00PM EST. MONDAY Cost: $10 per household Register online: www.jewishnaples.org or click the link in our weekly eblasts

Q&A afte r!

OF GREATER NAPLES

COMMUNITY FOCUS

December 2020

Federation Star

Have you heard of Aldolfo Kaminsky, Gilberto Bosques Saldivar or Jose Arturo Castellanos Contreras? ZOOM IN FOR

By Ida Margolis, GenShoah Chair

f asked who the villains of the Holocaust are, most adults could name quite a few of the perpetrators of evil. However, when asked about heroes of the Holocaust, responses are often limited to Oskar Schindler, Sir Nicholas Winton and perhaps the Bielski Brothers or Anne Frank, all wonderfully portrayed in film. Now that you may have additional time for film viewing and reading, it is an ideal time to read and learn stories of additional inspirational, courageous heroes of the Holocaust. Among my favorite Holocaust heroes are two I wrote about earlier — Freidel Dicker-Brandies and Roddie Edmonds. 40 consular staff members were arrested There are many Holocaust hero stories by the Gestapo and detained in Germany that GenShoah SWFL presented profor a year. grams on in the past, including Gertruda Bosques’s feat in saving nearly 40,000 Babilinska, Chaiune Sugihara, Gilbert people from execution by the Third Reich and Eleanor Kraus, and Gino or Francoist Spain went unrecogBartali. This season, we are nized until after 2000. In 2007, hoping to present virHeroes a photographic exhibition tual programs about amazing heroines HanHeroines in his honor was mounted at the Jewish and nah Senesh, Noor Inayat &Helpers Holocaust History Khan and Irena Sendler. Museum in Mexico This month’s focus on heroes will City and on November give a little information about Gilberto 13, 2008, the Anti-Defamation League Bosques Saldivar and Aldolfo Kaminsky. (ADL) gave him the Courage to Care Gilberto Bosques Saldivar Award, created in 1987 to honor rescuers of Jews during the Holocaust Era. A Bosques was a Mexican career diplomat, wonderful documentary was made about who was stationed in France from 1939 Bosques in 2010, titled “Visa al Paraiso” to 1943 as Mexico’s Consul General. (Visa to Paradise). Fleeing the German occupation of Paris in May 1940, Bosques was instructed by Adolfo Kaminsky his government to organize a consulate Saving lives using his skill as a forger was a to represent Mexico in Vichy France. young man named Adolfo Kaminsky. As a Once Nazi Germany occupied France, teenager, he joined the French Resistance, Bosques directed consular employees to specializing in the forgery of identity docissue a visa to anybody wanting to flee to uments. During World War II, Kaminsky Mexico. Under his direction, visas were forged papers that ultimately saved the issued to approximately 40,000 people, lives of more than 14,000 Jews. This mostly Jews and Spanish Civil War refuwas not what he expected to do with his gees. In 1943, Bosques, his family and

skills, but he realized that this was a way he could be a fighter for humanity. He later went on to assist Jewish immigration to the British Mandate for Palestine. He forged papers for 30 years for different activist groups, always without ever re c e i v i n g p a y ment, because he could not stand any injustice. Kaminsky’s story is “a remarkable story of rugged survival, unique genius, great personal sacrifice, and above all, an insatiable desire to fight for what he believed to be right.” Kaminsky did not tell his story for many years, but when his daughter, Sarah, learned his story, she wrote the book, “Adolfo Kaminsky: A Forger’s Life.” There is now a documentary film about him called “Forging Identity.”

To: Nancy & Hank Greenberg In memory of Andy Greenberg From: Jane Schiff To: Leo & Edan Goldenpine In honor of Leo & Edan From: Barbara & Gene Goldenziel To: From:

Carol Halbert & Family In memory of Stanley Halbert Phyllis & Stanley Magrill Estelle & Stuart Price Dena Robbins & Family

To: From:

Perhaps you have recently read the name of José Arturo Castellanos Contreras, who, as the Consul General for El Salvador, along with Gyorgy Mandl, helped save nearly 40,000 Jews and Central Europeans from Nazi persecution by providing them political asylum and safety. The community will have the opportunity to learn more about Colonel Castellanos and how he helped local Holocaust survivor Rob Nossen at the upcoming Holocaust Museum Virtual Luncheon Winter Fundraising event on Dec. 10. For more information, see page 14 or go to the Holocaust Museum website, hmcec.org.

Tributes

Debbie & Gary Kohler In memory of Norma Topp Rosalee & Jerry Bogo Diane & Jeff Shein Leslie & Mel Springman Phyllis & Steve Strome

To: Maureen Schaab In memory of Bertha Griffith From: Jane Schiff To: Jane Schiff In honor of your new home From: Deborah Zvibleman

Fabulous Events in January

For full details on these and other events in the Jewish Book Festival, see pages A1-A8 in this issue.

Debbie Cenziper

Wednesday, Jan. 6 at 3 p.m.

Susan Jane Gilman Monday, Jan. 11 at 4 p.m.

José Arturo Castellanos Contreras

Tributes to the Jewish Federation Campaign

Five More

To: Judy Sommerfeld In memory of Bob Sommerfeld From: Lin & Ron Klein To: From:

Marion & Margo Stein In memory of Ken Stein Judy & Stuart Kaplan Leslie & Mel Springman

To: From:

Myrna Wernick In memory of Chuck Wernick Cathy & Philip Zacks Bonnie & Alan Ziskin

Alexandra Silber Thursday, Jan. 14 at 7:30 p.m.

TWO-AUTHOR EVENT

Janice Kaplan

Jill Wine-Banks

Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 10:30 a.m.

Meg Waite Clayton Monday, Jan. 25 at 1 p.m.

Tributes require a minimum donation of $18. To place a Tribute in the Federation Star in honor or memory of someone, please contact Nathan Ricklefs at the Federation office at 239.263.4205 or nricklefs@jewishnaples.org. Tributes require a minimum donation of $18. A note will be sent to the person you are honoring. Tributes help further the work of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

To register, please visit www.JewishBookFestival.org.

Federation Star

COMMUNITY FOCUS

December 2020

HOLOCAUST MUSEUM & COHEN EDUCATION CENTER

www.HMCEC.org / 239.263.9200

Heroic actions in the face of atrocity Susan Suarez President & CEO

his month, we invite you to join us for “The Virtual Luncheon” on Thursday, Dec. 10, at 11:30 a.m. on the Museum’s YouTube channel. There is no cost or RSVP required to view the event. Sponsorships are available and fully deductible, with sponsors recognized on our website, event promotion and during this special program. This year’s presentation, “The Courage of Castellanos,” is about the powerful story of Colonel José Arturo Castellanos. The El Salvador diplomat helped save the lives of approximately 40,000 European Jews by issuing them citizenship papers to his tiny Central American country. One of the families he saved has a local Naples connection — that of Holocaust Survivor and Museum Board Member Rob Nossen. The program will include an exclusive interview between Nossen, and Alvaro and Boris Castellanos, Col. Castellanos’ grandsons. The Castellanos brothers will also discuss and preview their recent documentary, “The Rescue,” about their

grandfather’s heroic story. After the war, Colonel Castellanos lived a quiet life. When interviewed in the 1970s, he downplayed his role and was quoted as saying, “whoever was in my place would have done the same.” In 2010, he was recognized as “Righteous Among the Nations.” His name was later inscribed on a memorial at Yad Vashem, honoring 36 World War II-era diplomats who used their positions to save the lives of Jewish people across Europe. For more information on The Virtual Luncheon, hosting an event “watch party” or event sponsorship opportunities, please contact me at Susan@HMCEC.org or 239-263-9200. To view the event on the Museum’s YouTube Channel, go to YouTube.com and search for “Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center,” or visit our website, www.HMCEC.org, and click on our YouTube channel link. Hope to (virtually) see you at this special event!

Girl Power exhibit Next month, we are presenting a brandnew, temporary exhibit in the Estelle and Stuart Price Gallery. Girl Power will focus on the heroic actions taken by women during the Holocaust and beyond. The women of Girl Power represent a variety of ages, backgrounds and

experiences. You won’t want to miss this powerful exhibit.

Customized Museum programs available Looking for an interesting Zoom program for your community, club, religious congregation, group of friends or family members? Contact us! We can schedule a customized Zoom program just for you. Programs vary, from a virtual tour of the Museum with a docent and a Q&A session, a Zoom discussion with a survivor, an overview of the Museum’s mission and education programs with me, or a program customized to your interests. Programs will be about an hour in length and can be scheduled at your convenience. Please contact David Nelson at David@HMCEC.org for details. As 2020 winds down, I want to thank all of those who supported the Museum and its education mission during the upheaval of the pandemic this year. With your support, we were able to quickly pivot our education programs into online instruction units for teachers and students to better meet their remote learning challenges. Our public programming has been thriving via numerous, well-attended Zoom presentations of interesting topics and speakers. With the COVID-19 safety precautions in place at the Museum, visitors have been

Colonel Castellanos returning to tour the new Museum, which just celebrated its first anniversary. We hope you will visit us — please check our website for pre-purchased timed-entry tickets and other information about hours, holiday schedule and upcoming events. As always, if you have any questions or would like to discuss how to support our mission, particularly with a year-end gift or bequest, please contact me at Susan@HMCEC.org or call 239-263-9200. Wishing you and your families a Happy Channukah, and a safe and healthy New Year!

ide W y t i n u m m o C

n o i n u t a k h a a h r C C b e e l l a u t r Vi

Let’s light our menorahs together on the first night of Chanukah! Thursday, December 10

Free event starts at 5pm Register at www.jewishnaples.org A link will be emailed to those who register. Please register one per household.

OF GREATER NAPLES

COMMUNITY FOCUS

December 2020

NAPLES SENIOR CENTER

Our heroes President/ CEO

ince COVID-19 descended upon us, there has been a great deal of focus on our heroes. They include our front-line health care providers, our first responders, our teachers, and all those in our community who are going above and beyond to make sure we are safe and well taken care of during these challenging times. Naples Senior Center has heroes as well. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for helping us deliver lifesaving services while we are in the midst of the pandemic.

Our staff As soon as we closed our doors, they pivoted to a virtual platform, reaching out to members, clients and volunteers to assess and respond to needs. They continue to develop creative and engaging programs.

Our volunteers From day one, they were on the frontline, calling members and clients to find out

FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE, WHO DO ISRAELIS DEPEND ON? THEY DEPEND ON YOU.

www.naplesseniorcenter.org / 239.325.4444

Dr. Jaclynn Faffer

Federation Star

their capacity to use the internet and reassure them that Naples Senior Center would be here to support them throughout the pandemic.

Our Board of Trustees Our board provides support and encouragement as we swim through these unchartered waters, stepping up to the plate to make sure that our caregivers get the respite support they need.

Our funders A special thank you to the Community Foundation of Collier County, the Community Foundation of Southwest Florida, the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, the Moorings Park Foundation and the Women’s Giving Circle, for providing the financial support that allows us to do what we do.

Our donors and friends We thank our donors and friends for their ongoing financial support and encouragement as Naples Senior Center continues to develop new strategies and is now the “virtual” central address for senior services. You can join our heroes in supporting our work by attending our “Virtual Evening for Better Tomorrows” on continued on page 16

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Federation Star

December 2020

JEWISH INTEREST

New (ish) broadcast and streaming offerings By Nate Bloom, Stars of David Contributing Columnist

ditor’s Note: Persons in bold are deemed by Nate Bloom to be Jewish for the purpose of this column. Persons identified as Jewish have at least one Jewish parent and were not raised in a faith other than Judaism — and do not identify with a faith other than Judaism as an adult. Converts to Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish. The pandemic, frankly, has made writing in advance hard. Series and original films are now often added to the TV/streaming schedule with short notice. I mention this to explain why many “things” that began in November are being mentioned in this column for the first time in December. The silver lining is that it is far easier now than it was, say, 10 years ago, to catch up with episodes of a series or to view a film way after its premiere. The comedy/drama series “B Positive” began on CBS on Nov. 5 (8:30 p.m.). Drew (Thomas Middleditch) is a therapist and the newly divorced father of a 12-year-old daughter. He needs a kidney transplant and finds a match in Gina, a past acquaintance. Sara Rue, 41, co-stars as Julia, Drew’s ex-wife. You might remember Rue as the star of the sitcom “Less than Perfect,” which

ran for four years, ending in 2006. She was born Sara Schlackman (“Rue” is her mother’s maiden name). Appearing in recurring roles are Bernie Kopell, 87, and Linda Lavin, 82. Both play residents of an assisted living facility where Gina works. Lavin plays Norma, a woman who lived a “big life” and came out as a lesbian after the death of her husband of many years. Lavin is most famous as the star of the ‘70s sitcom “Alice.” Kopell is best known for playing Dr. Adam Bricker, the ship’s doctor, on the hit program “The Love Boat.” Lavin and Koppel had recurring roles in early seasons of “Mom,” the hit CBS sitcom. “Mom” begins its eighth season right after the “B Positive” premiere. Both shows were created by Chuck Lorre, 68, the man behind a slew of hits, including “The Big Bang Theory” and “The Kominsky Method.” About a week after the Israeli TV series, “Valley of Tears,” began airing in Israel (Oct. 15), HBO bought it and, on Nov. 2, they set it to begin streaming on Nov. 12. Two episodes of the 10-episode series are being shown each week. “Valley,” the most expensive Israeli series ever made, is about the 1973 Yom

Kippur War. Here’s the official summary: “It tells four emotional and highly personal stories of individuals swept away from their loved ones by the ravages of war, four parallel plotlines, intertwined together into one climactic battle.” “Valley of Tears” was the name given to the Yom Kippur War battles in the Golan Heights, where 173 Israeli tanks stopped 1,200 Syrian tanks from reaching the Jordan River. “Valley” was co-written by Ron Leshem, 41. He also co-created “Euphoria,” an Israeli TV series that became, in its American version, a hit for HBO. Leshem served in Israeli military intelligence, and for three years, reported on events in the Golan and the West Bank for a leading Israeli paper. Meanwhile, “Euphoria” on HBO is set to stream a special episode on Dec. 6. This acclaimed series about high school students was first streamed in June and July 2019. The show’s star actress, Zendaya (who won an Emmy for her performance), explained that, due to COVID-19, they couldn’t gather the whole cast together to film a second, 8-episode season. They decided to do two “bridge” special episodes to keep fans interested. The first special episode finds Rue (Zendaya), a recovering drug addict,

coming home for Christmas shortly after she relapsed. Appearing in regular roles are Maude Apatow, 22, as Lexi, Rue’s childhood best friend, and Eric Dane, 47, as Cal, the father of Nat, a (star) high school character. Dane’s mother is Jewish and he was a bar mitzvah. On Dec. 11, Amazon Prime will begin streaming “I’m Your Woman,” an original film. It is a classy detective movie, with some humor. It stars Rachel Brosnahan. She also plays the title (Jewish) role in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” “Woman” was co-written by Jordan Horowitz, 40, and his wife, Julie Hart (not sure if she’s Jewish). On Dec. 17, CBS All-Access will start streaming “The Stand,” a mini-series based on the Stephen King novel. Basic plot: most of the people in the world die in a pandemic and the ones left are psychically drawn to a religiously devout African-American woman or to an evil white man who may be the devil incarnate. Nat Wolff, 25, plays Lloyd Henreid, a petty criminal who becomes Mr. Evil’s smartest and most loyal lieutenant. Ezra Miller, 28, is also listed as a cast member, but for reasons unknown, his character’s name is not in advance credits.

Our Heroes...continued from page 15 Jan. 9, 2021. Emceed by Lindsey Sablan of WINK News, our redesigned signature fundraiser will raise funds to address

isolation and loneliness among seniors, more prevalent now than ever. Little Anthony will perform just for Naples

Senior Center, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has provided some fabulous entertainment. Please check our website

for more information. L o o k i n g f o r w a rd t o “s e e i n g” you there!

Don’t Miss the Opening Event! This hilarious and thought-provoking new book, from New York Times bestselling author Lori Gottlieb, takes us behind the scenes of a therapist’s world, where her patients are looking for answers (and so is she). One day, Gottlieb is a therapist who helps patients in her Los Angeles practice. The next, a crisis causes her world to come crashing down. With startling wisdom and humor, Gottlieb invites us into her world as both clinician and patient. The book is a boldly revealing portrait of what it means to be human, and a disarmingly funny and illuminating account of our own mysterious lives and our power to transform them.

Featuring LORI GOTTLIEB THURSDAY, DEC. 3 at 7:30 PM

Lor in co i will be with nversati the lo Cary Bar on Thing cal host obor, s f and a Consider All ed r for W eporter GC U.

Lori Gottlieb is a psychotherapist who writes The Atlantic’s weekly “Dear Therapist” advice column. She also writes for The New York Times and appears as a frequent expert on relationships and hot-button mental health topics on The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, CNN and NPR. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone is in development for a television series at ABC. Registration fee is $18 To make a reservation, go to www.JewishBookFestival.org Platinum and Silver Book Festival Patrons receive a complimentary copy of Lori’s book.

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JEWISH INTEREST

Federation Star

December 2020

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Federation Star

December 2020

JEWISH INTEREST

Choral music during the pandemic It’s not business as usual by Arlene Stolnitz

ccording to what I have read recently, one in six Americans over the age of 18 sings in a choir. But any chance of performances, choral or otherwise, as we remember them before

the pandemic, have been abandoned. It might take as long as two years to gather safely, as reported earlier this month in an article entitled “A Conversation: What Do Science and Data Say About the

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Near-Term Future of Singing?” A recent choir rehearsal in Washington resulted in 52 people becoming infected with coronavirus. Clearly, the spreading of droplets of water-spray during communal singing can cause a “superspreader” event. Synagogue, church choirs, and all independent choral groups are greatly affected and have had to curtail their efforts to present live performances. More than 12 million people work in entertainment fields, according to recent statistics. These include not only choirs, but theaters, orchestras and dance troupes, along with all their technical support staff, who are looking for new and innovative ways to present artistic programs during the pandemic. Here in Sarasota-Manatee County, as in other locales, programs are being presented virtually by groups such as the Sarasota Ballet, Choral Artists and Sarasota Orchestra, to name a few. I recently saw a beautiful rendition of Shalom Rav, sung in part-harmony in a Zoom Shabbat Service at Temple Beth Elohim in Wellesley, Mass. And locally, synagogues and churches are finding new and creative ways to present music to their congregants. One such effort is happening with a group called Nashira, The Jewish Chorale of Greater Philadelphia. Recently, I read of how this group, like many others, has been able to create virtual concerts by enabling singers to sing independently from their homes to produce a program of music using the miracle of Zoom technology. The results are quite amazing to hear! The group typically meets each week online for 90 minutes, then splits into sectional parts. Their sessions include sight-singing practice, presentations on breathing techniques and lectures on various topics in Jewish music as well as preparation for virtual performances. This year for Chanukah, Nashira will host a program called “Festival of Light,” featuring singers and dancers from Israel, Argentina and New York. In the program, Artistic Director Julia Zavadsky will play a prerecorded video of singers. Here’s how it works. After sending the singers click tracks, a series of audio clues used by musicians, individual singers record their performances at home, using a tutorial for help. The video file is then submitted to

sound editors who compile them into one video that mimics the sound of a live choir with the acoustics of the synagogue. Arlene Stolnitz According to the director, the results, as seen on a Zoom session, are spectacular. Some singers felt it was strange, singing alone, and the technology seemed daunting at first, but in the end, it was “thrilling.” In another method, singers livestream together while singing into muted microphones to prerecorded songs. The idea of the audience hearing prerecorded voices produces a higher quality of sound that is not disrupted by sound delays, echoes and internet interruptions, all of which can wreak havoc on singers’ timing and ability to hear. There are other kinds of virtual performances I read about, such as drive-in style, while listening from your car on an FM station. Several months ago, Maestro Matthew Lazar of Zamir fame, presented a fascinating online series called, “Taking Note: Conversations About Music in Challenging Times.” Featured were Nurit Hirsh, Israeli composer of “Bashana Haba’ah;” Eleanor Epstein, conductor of Zemer Chai in Washington, D.C., and Ruth Westheimer, affectionately known as “Dr. Ruth.” This is just a sample of the prominent people interviewed in the series. As I write this, I am struck by the idea that, despite the difficulties we face, living in today’s world has given us something never seen before. Clearly, the impact of Zoom technology has made our world smaller, despite the pandemic. The ability to connect with communities throughout the U.S. and beyond is a gift for which we are truly grateful during these challenging times. Arlene Stolnitz is a retired educator from Rochester, NY., who has lived in Venice, Florida for the last 25 years. Founder of the Sarasota Jewish Chorale, her interest in Judaic Music has led to her column, which appears monthly in Southwest Florida Federation newspapers. She can be reached at arlenestolnitz@gmail.com.

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JEWISH INTEREST

December 2020

Federation Star

Harmless Millipedes Are Still A Nuisance

by Joe Jayne, Truly Nolen

As Winter generally brings a respite from the high-80s in Southwest Florida, the dampness outside will typically bring a harmless pest into our area and potentially into our homes: the Millipede. Millipedes are a group of arthropods that are characterized by having two pairs of jointed legs on each segment and they can have multiple body segments. Although the name “Millipede” is derived from the Latin word for “thousand feet,” no known species has 1,000 legs; the record of 750 legs belongs to the species Illacme plenipes. There are approximately 12,000 named species of millipedes around the world. Outdoors, millipedes are attracted to moist vegetation and leaf litter. Not liking hot/dry temperatures or excessive moisture, millipedes may also find refuge inside through small

openings in windows and doors, or possible cracks in walls. Once inside, they will continue to look for damp areas like laundry rooms. Millipedes do not bite nor are they known to carry diseases. Some species do have defensive secretions to ward off predators, but these secretions are mostly harmless to humans. However, because of their sheer numbers, they are certainly a nuisance. In order to prevent an infestation, a homeowner can: 1) Keep mulch less than two inches thick and remove any decaying vegetation and leaf litter from outside of their home 2) Seal exterior cracks 3) Make sure there is proper basement ventilation

4) Avoid overwatering of your lawn 5) Check the weather-stripping around doors and windows In the event of a millipede infestation, it will need to be treated directly by a pest control professional. Although you can reduce their presence, it may be impossible to eliminate them. (Joe Jayne is the Manager for Truly Nolen in Naples. His service office can be reached at (239) 643-2555. Founded in 1938, Tucson-based Truly Nolen of America (www.trulynolen.com ) is one of the largest family-owned pest control companies in the United States. To learn about our millipede control capabilities, please visit https://www.trulynolen.com/pest-control/millipedes/ .)

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Federation Star

December 2020

JEWISH INTEREST

Pass the baton By Eileen Jacobs

n Sept. 18, 2020, I prepared to observe the holiest of Jewish holidays, Rosh Hashanah, and my 10-day period of reflection and repentance. Indeed, my world is different this year than it has been, but this day would have a lasting impact. I glanced at my cellphone and my world stopped. My eyes blurred. Ruth Bader Ginsburg had died. Though I had never met her, I felt an immediate surge of sadness and anguish. I revisited my purpose and understanding of a spiritual reinvention. I resolved to move forward, to make improvements in regard to my decisions and attitude in the New Year, to seek repentance. My thoughts turn to RBG and the impact she’s had in my life, an impact I’ve taken for granted. Though petite in stature, RBG instilled power. I instantly thought about the huge obstacles she faced, plus the numerous barriers she broke with relentless and silent determination. Her ethics and hard work paved changes in our society for the better. For example, when I married 48 years ago, I could not apply for a credit card, even though I worked fulltime. My husband secured one and I had to be a secondary member. Many times, merchants would accept it only if he was in my presence. My checking account also had to have his name on it. When I became pregnant, paid maternity leave was not available. I had to return to work within two to four weeks, forfeit my job or be demoted. At age 40, I wanted to buy my own car. My husband coached me, yet the salesman refused to speak with me. Instead, he directed all his questions to my

husband, even though I was perfectly prepared to negotiate. Within the next five years, a series of laws were passed to eliminate discrimination against women in regard to maternity leave, obtaining credit and purchasing cars and homes. Ahead of her time, RGB spearheaded another drastic change for the better — same sex marriages and gender equality. Looking back, I feel sorrow for taking RBG and her efforts for granted. She was pure brilliance, an effervescent lady with strong family values. She used her struggles and tenacity to break down barriers for me — and for many thousands of others. So, during my 10 days of reflection, I offer gratitude to RBG. I wish I had appreciated my freedoms more over the years, but vow that, moving forward, I will acknowledge the people who protect us all. This is not a political stance. It’s just my way to say, “Thank you RBG for paving the way.” I pray as I read a post with a drawing of RBG and the following words: I didn’t leave you. I passed you the baton. It’s your turn now. Get up and fight. May we continue to open doors for everyone, and not close them as we move forward. I vow to share this story with my grandchildren, so they learn to respect changes. It is a gift to them. I want them to understand the importance of unity plus strength, as they grow to be amazing women and men in order to make the world a better place. My desire is to inspire them — and to pass on the baton.

Federation Membership According to the bylaws of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, members are those individuals who make an annual gift of $36 or more to the Federation’s Annual Community Campaign. For more information, please call Jeffrey Feld, President/CEO at

239.263.4205.

JEWISH INTEREST

Federation Star

December 2020

Making virtual Chanukah together Aging Jewishly — What our traditions tell us about growing old By Rabbi Barbara Aiello

“S

o how do you like it?” Cora reached into her shopping bag and retrieved a lovely brass Chanukah menorah. “Beautiful, Sweetie,” said Dan, as he gave his wife of 48 years a peck on the cheek. “But we’ve got a menorah. Why do we need another one?” Cora explained that she was deep into planning for their family’s annual Chanukah party, and although COVID had adversely affected their family traditions, Cora was pushing ahead. Dan, however, was not convinced. “Sweetie, how can we do Chanukah this year? Air travel is out of the question, so the kids and grandkids won’t be here with us. And getting on the computer to make Chanukah … I don’t know, it seems like it could be boring, especially for our little ones.” “At first, I felt the same way,” Cora explained. “But then I realized that we’ve been talking with everyone on the iPad. So, how hard can it be to make a party? Not hard at all. Chanukah offers families eight nights of brilliant candles, traditional blessings and familiar songs and treats. This year, light the first candle on the evening of December 10 and the eighth candle on December 17. With a bit of creativity, and rising to the technical challenge, grandparents can follow several easy steps to make, share and enjoy their very own virtual Chanukah party. 1) Talk with your family to select an evening when everyone can participate. Be aware of work schedules, school schedules and time zones. 2) Message family members and guests to remind them to find and shine their menorah, purchase a box of Chanukah candles and have these ready to use. (Cleaning your menorah www.rabbibarbara.com/cleaning-yourchanukah-menorah/ ) 3) Select one family member to serve as Chanukah Gabbai (assistant). This person will obtain the Zoom connection, admit guests at the start time and unmute the microphone when you ask individuals to share. 4) Encourage guests to dress up! For months now, we’ve been living in sweatshirts and yoga pants. Wearing a festive outfit will add to the Chanukah feeling. 5) Prepare for your Chanukah experience. With your Chanukah Gabbai, gather your menorah, candles, matches, blessings, table covering and the computer or device you plan to use, and with your Gabbai. Position your computer so that you and your menorah can be seen. You

may need to place your menorah on a stand or shoebox (with a covering) so that your guests can view it easily. Check your lighting and take time to position lamps so that you and your menorah are Rabbi Barbara Aiello not in the dark. 6) Make an agenda. Use a large font and have the agenda in front of you so that you can transition easily from each activity. 7) Rehearse. With your Chanukah Gabbai, practice your welcome, your directions for lighting candles and the actual lighting itself. To add drama to your ceremony, you can invite family members to light candles individually; “Kara, light your first candle.” “George, light your second candle,” etc. Offer individual family members a reading, song or a blessing, and with microphones muted, lead the group in singing Maoz Tzur. 8) Don’t Rush. In the glow of the Chanukah lights, take several minutes to quietly admire the candle flames. Ask each guest to share one or two words that describe their feelings about Chanukah. 9) Add to the Chanukah experience. According to Sephardic traditions, there is a Kabbalistic meaning for each candle (www.rabbibarbara.com/jewishholidays-blog). Assign family members to read each meaning and take time to share your thoughts. 10) Select an ending blessing and concluding song. Ask the oldest family member to make the Kohanim or Priestly Blessing. Direct everyone to take hands, reminding them that we are linked soul to soul and heart to heart. Conclude with a familiar song like, “Oseh Shalom.” 11) Send a download to recap the items to have on hand, containing blessings in transliteration, Kabbalistic meaning of the candles and song lyrics. (Link for blessings - www.rabbibarbara.com/ chanukah-candle-lighting-blessings/ Across the miles, “Chag Sameach!” For 10 years, Rabbi Barbara Aiello served the Aviva Campus for Senior Life as resident rabbi. Her most popular columns are now published in her new book, “Aging Jewishly,” available on Amazon Books. Rabbi Barbara now lives and works in Italy, where she is rabbi of Italy’s first Reconstructionist synagogue. Contact her at Rabbi@RabbiBarbara.com

Read current and previous issues of the Federation Star online at www.jewishnaples.org.

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Federation Star

December 2020

JEWISH INTEREST

Israeli latkes-levivot Recipe by Chef Dalia

t’s the most wonderful time of the year — the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights” is nearing and it’s hard to imagine a Jewish celebration without a large tray piled high with potato latkes, levivot in Hebrew, as a centerpiece. Every Jewish holiday and major life event is marked by food. Special foods are eaten on different holidays that relate to the specific theme, or event, the holiday celebrates. In most cases, we celebrate the holidays of Israel because we were saved from an enemy wanting to destroy us. On Passover, it was the Egyptians, on Purim, the Persians and on Hanukkah, the Greeks. I understand that we need to celebrate because we miraculously survived our enemies, but why do we have to gain weight in the process? Indirectly, the way we have been exploited causes us to eat endlessly on holidays. Hanukkah is celebrated in many ways, and no surprise here, most importantly and deliciously, it’s celebrated by eating fried food. Just to think that everything happened because of one jar of oil. It turns out that we were destined to eat fried food for eight days. In other words, the Romans tried to destroy us, we won, now let’s go and eat fattening food! But I’m just complaining. There’s no argument that the holiday of lights is one of Judaism’s all-time favorite holidays when it comes to fun. No one loves the

holidays more than me. Some of my strongest memories of being Israeli are associated with the comforting smells of Hanukkah family meals. I hadn’t even realized how much those aromas had been a part of my childhood until now. It’s not a secret that I am a big fan of healthy food and a gluten- and dairy-free diet, but Hanukkah has its own character. Since Hanukkah comes but once a year, I allow myself to break from my healthier diet. I am Team ‘sweets and fried food’ all the way. Plus, I don’t support the matter of turning a donut or latkes into something less fattening. Any attempt to turn a donut into a baked donut, with sugar-free jam and vegan sweeteners or zero-calorie powdered sugar, does not work, in my opinion. A donut or latkes, in their essence, must be fried, with everything on top. For Jews of Eastern European descent, who make up the majority of Jews in the United States, latkes (potato pancakes) take the spotlight. But in Israel, sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) are as popular as latkes are here. Every year, the range of doughnuts in Israeli shops becomes wider and yummier. But there is a victim of the Israeli love relationship with doughnuts: the latkes. There’s no doubt that latkes have been displaced by doughnuts. Today, unless you are a recent immigrant from the West or a guardian of

Ashkenazi traditions, chances are, latkes do not feature in your Chanukah celebrations. However, for most American Jews, Hanukkah would not be Hanukkah without latkes. Although we are of Sephardic heritage, my husband and children eat latkes all year round, because the magic that happens between potatoes and oil cannot be achieved with any other cooking method. Forgive those who say they make baked latkes and they turned out amazing… perhaps it did come out delicious, healthier for sure, but there is no chance of it coming out as juicy and mouthwatering as latkes fried in oil. My big tip for cutting the calories of a latke in half is very simple — take a latke, cut it in half and eat only one half, or just make them bite-sized. Either way, it tastes the same! I wanted to share one more Hanukkah dish with you before the end of the festival of fried food. Israeli potato latkes, my Israeli family calls the dish “levivot” in Hebrew. In some families, the Hebrew word levivot can refer not only to potato pancakes, but to any small fried food for Hanukkah. My potato pancakes are tasty and delicious no matter what you call them. They are simply divine, probably the tastiest potato dish you have ever tried. Latkes are usually made from grated potatoes or mashed potatoes. In this recipe, I combined them and added my “secret ingredient,” fried onions, as well. I

Personal Chef Dalia Hemed can be reached at daliahemed@msn.com. recommend that you make a double recipe, because these pancakes are snatched up before you finish frying them. Applesauce and sour cream are the traditional accoutrements for latkes. Some load their potato pancakes up with both toppings, while others have strong feelings about one over the other. I say, don’t feel constrained by these ‘old standards.’ I love to serve latkes just like in Israel, with shakshuka (eggs in a savory tomato sauce), spicy schug, labneh cheese/feta cheese, hummus, and a lot of pickles and olives. Pick any of my Israeli toppings and try something new this year.

Ingredients • 1 pound medium potatoes (red skin are the best), cooked and mashed into a smooth puree • 1 pound large potato, grated • 2 medium onions, chopped and fried (until golden brown) • 3 tbsp. potato flour • 1 tsp. salt • ½ tsp. black paper • 2 eggs • Canola oil for semi-deep frying

Preparation

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1. In a big bowl, mix together the mashed potato, grated potato and fried onion. 2. Add eggs and mix well. 3. Fold in potato flour, salt and black pepper until just combined. 4. Let the mixture rest on the side for about half an hour. (Batter can be made up to 5 hours in advance and kept in refrigerator.) 5. Drop spoonful of batter into hot oil (350 degrees). (Best not to crowd the pan.) 6. Fry in semi-deep oil for about three minutes on each side.

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

December 2020

Federation Star

FIDF series provides behind-the-scenes insights from Israeli newsmakers

riends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) launched a new, diverse virtual series, titled “Behind the Headlines.” The special series aims to provide exclusive access and insights into Israeli news and newsmakers, delivered by the people who actually shape the events. The series will also shed light on the growing impact of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on all aspects of Israeli society and on new frontiers. Four of the seven online events in the series are scheduled in December. On Tuesday, Dec. 1, Col. Yuval Moshe, Chief of the IDF Southern Command Engineering Corps, will discuss the unearthing of terror tunnels. On Tuesday, Dec. 8, IDF International Spokesperson

About Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF)

Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus will discuss fighting media bias against Israel. On Tuesday, Dec. 22, Former Head of the IDF Central Command Maj. Gen. Nadav Padan will join to discuss “Cyber Warfare: The New Dimension in Modern War.” Both Padan and Friedman will explore the military and diplomatic effects of the unique relationship between the U.S. and Israel. On Tuesday, Dec. 29, a senior IDF commander will share experiences of combat soldiers serving along the Northern border. “There are so many Israel and IDF supporters across America who follow the Israeli news on a daily basis and are deeply invested in the way things unfold on the other side of the ocean,” said FIDF

Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus National Director and CEO Steven Weil. “We wanted to provide these supporters with unique access to the details behind processes, policies and important decisions directly from the people who affect the reality in Israel.” For more information on each event and to register, please visit www.fidf.org/ covid19/engage.

FIDF was established in 1981 by a group of Holocaust survivors as a 501(c)(3) not-forprofit organization, with the mission of offering educational, cultural, recreational and social programs and facilities that provide hope, purpose and life-changing support for the soldiers who protect Israel and Jews worldwide. Today, FIDF has more than 150,000 loyal supporters and 24 chapters throughout the United States and Panama. FIDF proudly supports IDF soldiers, families of fallen soldiers and wounded veterans through a variety of innovative programs that reinforce the vital bond between the communities in the United States, the soldiers of the IDF and the State of Israel. For more information, please visit www.fidf.org.

FIDF delivers emergency packages to IDF soldiers in quarantine amid national lockdown

n light of Israel’s second national lockdown to handle the coronavirus pandemic, thousands of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers have been ordered to remain on base for an indefinite period of time to minimize their exposure to the virus. The IDF, by intensifying its efforts to assist all sectors of the Israeli population while protecting its borders, is taking necessary measures to remain vigilant

against COVID-19 and maintain operational preparedness. Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) has implemented programs to address the emergency needs of soldiers quarantined on bases, and at home. FIDF staff in Israel is distributing snack and sweet packages, hygiene kits and more to the IDF soldiers, and is working closely with the IDF to support the soldiers’ continued on page 24

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IDF soldiers at the Ttzabar Battalion of the Givati Brigade receiving hygiene kits from FIDF

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Federation Star

December 2020

Back… by Popular Demand! MCA presents

Sarge

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ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

It can pay to be a philanthropist in retirement Why supporters of Israel should consider a charitable gift annuity as a means of continuing their support while also receiving a return.

By Robin Dermer, Esq., JNF Director of Planned Giving in Florida

s 2020 draws to a close, the stock market has reached record levels over the course of the year. At the same time, interest rates on various financial instruments remain stubbornly low, with term deposits often returning below one percent. With all these financial cross currents now, there has never been a more important time to consider one’s financial strategy. The historically low interest JNF-USA supports initiatives that have rates that persist have not only helped 51,000 people in Israel with impacted current spending disabilities experience nature while decisions, but have upended promoting greater inclusion. retirement plans as well. Retirthat offers a lifetime income in exchange ees and those approaching retirement are for the donor’s gift. In addition to the looking for options that will provide a income, there are valuable tax advantages, safe, steady income that can be depended such as tax-free income, an income tax on with a competitive rate of income. deduction and the avoidance of lump While many of us are familiar with the sum capital gains taxes if the donation is iconic Jewish National Fund-USA (JNFmade with long-term appreciated stocks USA) Blue Box or “Pushke,” the organior mutual funds. JNF-USA’s annuities zation also empowers donors to support can be structured to cover one or two lives the land and people of Israel through its and can be designed as a supplemental Charitable Gift Annuity program. retirement plan by deferring income for We run one of the most successful several years. Charitable Gift Annuity programs in the Depending on the donor’s age, current country. Donors are attracted to the prosingle life annuity rates can range between gram because it offers competitive annuity 4.7 percent and 9.0 percent (as of 2020). rates, while providing them the stability To receive information including a of receiving a steady lifetime income and detailed illustration on how a JNF-USA the knowledge that their support of Israel Charitable Gift Annuity might benefit goes undiminished. you, contact Joshua Mellits, JNF-USA The concept behind JNF-USA’s Director, Western Florida at 941-462Charitable Gift Annuity program is 1330 x865 or jmellits@jnf.org. straightforward. It is a simple agreement FIDF...continued from page 23 increasing well-being needs as the situation progresses. During the week of Sukkot, FIDF distributed tens of thousands of nourishing meals, personal hygiene kits and other products, in accordance with the Ministry of Health and military guidelines, to combat soldiers and IDF units adopted by FIDF.

On top of the aid being provided to soldiers across Israel, FIDF is also prioritizing the FIDF Dignity Program, which helps ease the burden on soldiers and their families, who struggle to cover their daily expenses. Soldiers and their families with financial difficulties are challenged even more because of the coronavirus pandemic and are in immediate need of financial relief.

Go to www.mcanaples.org/Sarge to register. This event is for MCA members only.

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COMMENTARY

December 2020

Federation Star

Let your light shine Rabbi Adam F. Miller

ne of my teachers, Rabbi Larry Kushner, shares the story of receiving a pulpit in the Boston area, where he moved with his wife into their new home. Coincidentally, the home was built the same year in which he was born. For that reason, upkeep of the home took on special significance. For more than a quarter of a century, they lived in that same house. Like most couples, Rabbi Kushner and his wife kept a list of future improvements they wanted to make on the home. Ideas for renovations and redecorating would come and go from the list. Completed tasks would be checked off. New projects would be added, and others crossed off as their personal tastes and needs evolved. One item always remained near the bottom of the list, the dining room chandelier. To be honest, the chandelier was not broken, nor was it completely hideous. It was just not what they wanted. Still, it was not a high priority. So, while

the floors were varnished, walls painted, the roof repaired and new furniture purchased, the chandelier always remained the same. The chandelier became a talking point among the Kushner’s friends and family when visiting the Kushner home. They all knew that, no matter how much ribbing took place, the chandelier was never going to change. This continued for many years, until one day Rabbi Kushner’s parents came to visit. Upon entering the house, Rabbi Kushner’s father reached into his luggage and pulled out a large hammer. Curious, the rabbi asked the obvious, “Dad, why do you have that hammer?” “Because,” his father replied, “I am going to go and break that chandelier that you don’t like. It’s the only way that you are ever going to do anything about it.” Seeing the determination in his father, and understanding the message, Rabbi Kushner agreed that the hammer would not be necessary. Using a stepladder instead, they took down the chandelier leaving only bare bulbs. That visual did motivate change, resulting in the purchase of a new fixture the very next day. This month, we celebrate the holiday of Chanukah. At the heart of the rituals we use at Chanukah is the Chanukiah or Chanukah Menorah. That nine-branched

candelabra is a beautiful symbol for us at this time of the year with the least amount of sunlight. Creating more and more light each night to push back the darkness and demonstrate that we always have hope even at our darkest hour. We need Chanukah this year more than ever — to bring us joy and light at a time when the shadow cast by the COVID-19 pandemic remains around us. Recognizing the power of adding light, let us add light beyond those we kindle at Chanukah. Like Rabbi Kushner, we all have chandeliers on our to-do lists in life — things whose existence we acknowledge, yet never do anything to change.

Over the last year, with our lives disrupted and our usual escapes unavailable, those lists may have grown. Spending more time at home, perhaps we took notice of projects that we ignored, or areas of ourselves that we wish to improve. Let’s celebrate our festival of lights this year by finding those things that we dislike and taking them down. Let a new light shine in place of your old chandelier. Let hope fill your heart. Gam zeh ya’avor — this too shall pass. And, when it does, may our world be filled with more light, laughter and joy because of us. Rabbi Miller serves at Temple Shalom.

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Federation Star

COMMENTARY

December 2020

Out of darkness, light!

JEWISH SUMMER SCHOLARSHIP The Jewish Federation of Greater Naples Temple Shalom & Temple Shalom Men’s Club, together offer PARTIAL scholarships for Jewish Summer Camps & the Israel Experience for teens. There are scholarship opportunities for all Jewish children in the community regardless of congregation affiliation. For information and a scholarship application, contact your local synagogue or call the Jewish Federation at 239-263-4205.

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Rabbi Ammos Chorny

ith Chanukah approaching on Thursday night, Dec. 10, we are bidden to light candles, recalling the rekindling of the menorah in Jerusalem after the Maccabees vanquished the Syrian Greeks and cleansed the Temple of their enemies' polytheistic, pagan culture. What a powerful way to indicate the restoration of our allegiance to God, since the original seven-prong menorah, has always symbolized God as the Creator. Lighting candles is also a way to banish darkness. In a season when sunlight is less available than at any other time of the year, it is up to us to kindle the menorah to assure that the darkness will not overwhelm us. So it is, that we declare, “In darkness, let there be light.” What a graphic example of Judaism’s intrinsic optimism and buoyancy! Even when darkness is dominant, we’re to remember to act, imitating and replicating God’s creative surge. We Jews are obsessed by light. In our weekday prayers we declare, “Lord, you cause light to shine over the Earth.” On Sabbath, we chant mystical poems asserting how, “Good are the lights our God has created…their radiant lights illuminate the universe.” Similarly, on a daily basis, we acknowledge that God “creates light and fashions darkness, ordaining the order of all creation.” By the same token, while “Torah” literally means “Instruction,” the Torah has been equated with “Ora” – “light,” as we believe the Torah is a source of light and enlightenment. According to the story of Genesis, the light of Torah led to the creation of the universe. From the ancient rabbis’ mystical viewpoint, long before Moses’ era, the Torah appeared as white fire written on the darkened heavens, serving as a blueprint to map out the universe. On the other hand, when God said, “Let there be light,” we can question what

sort of light this was. Our earliest rabbinic sages 2,000 years ago, indicated this must have been divine light reserved for pious people (“tzadikim”), enabling them to see their way through the world to come! The rabbis derived this after wondering how there could be light before the fourth day of creation, when the sun, moon and stars came into being. Clearly the light of the first day of creation was instrumental in creating the beginning of time, after an eternal epoch of abiding primordial darkness and timelessness. The very notion that God created light while fashioning darkness went counter to widespread dualism of ages gone by. According to the Zoroastrians, there were two gods: a god of light and a god of darkness, and both were locked in eternal combat. When goodness prevailed, it was because the god of light had the upper

Out of darkness we are to create light, clarifying our values, while determining from where we are coming and where we are heading. hand. When evil was perpetuated, the god of darkness dominated the world scene. The notion that separate but equal competing powers of light and darkness regulate human existence was challenged by Judaism, which stipulates that all things come from God. Ultimately, however, God expects us to use our free will, imitating His creative capacity to create light and fashion darkness as constructively as possible. When faced with the darkness of economic deprivation, death or uncertainty, ours is the task of creating a brighter, more enlightened future. Out of darkness, we are to create light, clarifying our values, while determining from where we are coming and where we are heading. To do so is the only way to avoid falling into the chaotic pit of darkness and confusion that plagues humanity. We would do well to adopt the motto, “Out of darkness, light!” That is Judaism’s essence. Surely it is a goal worth striving for, from day by day. Happy Chanukah to all! Rabbi Chorny serves at Beth Tikvah.

for the whole

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Get the latest information on upcoming community events and cultural activities, news from Israel and lots more. Send an email to info@jewishnaples.org or visit www.jewishnaples.org.

ORGANIZATIONS

December 2020

COLLIER/LEE CHAPTER OF HADASSAH

Federation Star

www.hadassah.org / 732.539.4011

With gratitude and thanks Diane Schwartz Collier/Lee Hadassah President

s my two-year term as president of the wonderful Collier/Lee Chapter of Hadassah is coming to an end, it feels strange to leave the office I have been honored to hold, but I am also happy to reflect on all of the fabulous Hadassah women, associates and generous donors I’ve met and with whom I have worked. All of this began in an unforeseen way. I was very impacted at a point in 2017, when all our lives exploded with crisis events in Charlottesville, VA. It was appalling to see Neo-Nazis carrying torches through American streets and screaming anti-Semitic screeds. As if that

wasn’t enough, in 2018, the massacre at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh happened. Totally appalling! I was frightened and angry for all of us after those two events, but I didn’t know they would change my life. I said to my husband, “I am going to do something. We have to do something and not let these terrible events stand in the way of our Jewish lives.” He asked, “What are you going to do?” I said, “I don’t know.” Then, as if it was “bashert,” shortly thereafter, in November 2018, I attended a Hadassah luncheon meeting and noticed that there was no president listed on the slate of officers. I spent lunch thinking about whether I could offer myself as a candidate — should I do it? Do I want to do it? Will I do it? Those were the thoughts that ran through my mind. Then I had an epiphany! I had wanted to “do something” for our Jewish people and I am here at this

moment, when there is this need. I think I am supposed to do this! I offered to take the presidency and, obviously, they elected me. Now, after a wonderful two years for me and, hopefully, for the Collier/Lee Chapter, I can say they were filled with challenges, fun, creativity and friendship. Years spent doing the “work” we need to do for Hadassah, and the people around the world impacted by that work, is so gratifying. I am personally proud of HMO and what Hadassah has meant to the development of Israel’s health care and its larger impact as world-class hospitals. I am proud of Youth Aliyah, born at a time when Jewish children in Europe needed to be saved and Henrietta Szold, our founder, went to Europe and brought 30,000 children back to Israel as the start of this special program. We now have three Youth Aliyah Villages. And today, two million people,

out of Israel’s over 8.5 million, can trace their Israeli origins to a Youth Aliyah village. I am also proud of Young Judea and the role it plays in creating Jewish experiences for young people. I am proud to be a Hadassah Life Member and proud to be a Zionist! This is an organization that is much needed in the world, in our communities, in our lives and in our hearts. I extend my best wishes for success to our Board of Directors and incoming president Joyce Toub. Moving forward, I am happy to be a resource for her and the Board. I close with affection and gratitude to all the Collier/Lee Chapter Board members, who were tremendously supportive of my effort. We worked so well together in our common cause. We really are The Women Who Do!

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ORGANIZATIONS

December 2020

New Hadassah group, Simcha Sisters, hosts Havdalah networking event

he Collier/Lee Chapter of Hadassah announces the formation of its new group for young Jewish women in Collier and Lee Counties: the Simcha Sisters. Four founding members have come together to develop this initiative and bring together like-minded young Cindi Shrum Ranata Goodman Jewish women. Shari Harris, Stephani Schwartz, Cindi Shrum and Ranata Goodman are the conveners of the “Simcha Sisters,” the name chosen for the group, which is organizationally a part of the Collier/Lee Chapter of Hadassah. The Simcha Sisters group supports the mission and work of Hadassah and offers women the Shari Harris Stephani Schwartz opportunity to develop friendships, express their support of our service, followed by networking and makJewish values, Tzedakah and Tikkun ing and meeting new friends. The event Olam, through Hadassah’s groundbreakwill be held on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. ing work in Israel and programs in the For information and to reserve United States. your space, contact Diane Schwartz at Mark your calendar for the group’s dianepschwartz@gmail.com. Zoom links free inaugural event – a Zoom Havdalah will be sent in advance of the gathering.

“Stand Up For Justice”

Application Deadline: February 12, 2021 For the 11th year a grant has been established by the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. The 2021 STAND UP FOR JUSTICE Educator Grant recognizes High School, Middle School and Elementary school educators who are innovative in bringing respect for others’ differences into their activities with students in a transformative, impactful, and caring way. The goal is to create a resource for educators of any discipline to incorporate strategies that promote understanding and respect among students, countering bigotry and bullying. This grant recognizes teachers, guidance counselors, school librarians, media specialists, school psychologists, administrators etc.

Go to:

jewishnaples.org/outreach/educator-award For additional information please contact:

Grant Coordinator, Beth Povlow 239-363-6306 MarcoPovlow@hotmail.com

OF GREATER NAPLES

Save the dates Hadassah-sponsored events

aturday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., Collier/ Lee Hadassah Simcha Sisters group inaugural event – “Havdalah with Hadassah.” This Zoom program is a free outreach event to like-minded young women in our area. Contact Diane Schwartz at dianepschwartz@gmail.com or 732-539-4011. Friday, Dec. 11 at 10:30 a.m., Hadassah-sponsored Jewish Book Festival presentation is a Two-Author Event: Nessa Rapoport, author of Evening, featured in the September/October issue of Hadassah Magazine and Elayne Klasson, author of Love is a Rebellious Bird, will discuss their novels. Sunday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m., 21st Annual Recognition of Major Donors and Keepers of the Gate Zoom event with guest speaker Dr. Alex Greenberg, an HMO physician currently doing his Fellowship in Joint Reconstruction at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. For information, please reach out to Nancy Wiadro at nwiadro@hadassah.org or 239-269-3666. Due to the coronavirus, all Hadassah meetings and programs are being offered and presented via Zoom. We hope to see you on Zoom at these interesting and diverse programs. For your convenience, these offerings are being presented as a series of programs called Expanding Horizons. You may

subscribe to any and all programs and share your email to receive the Zoom link. Watch for the weekly e-blast with registration information or contact Carol Weisberg at carolw@tetragonia.com, 239-254-8282 or Diane Schwartz at dianepschwartz@gmail.com, 732-539-4011.

Expanding Horizons Series II in 2021 Additional programs are being developed. Watch your email for registration information. Jan. 6 at 1 p.m., “Internet Security” presented by Heather Turco, Lee County Sheriffs’ Office Jan. 20 at 10 a.m., Installation of officers followed by Ellen Katz Celebrates Broadway, taking us to “Chicago.” Feb. 12 at 10:30 a.m., The Conservancy of SW Florida, Katie Ferren, “Protecting SW Florida’s Natural Environment and Quality of Life…Now & Forever” Feb. 24 at 11 a.m., Mandy Slutsker, Director of Global Child Health Advocacy for American Academy of Pediatrics, “When the World Came Together: Success Stories in Global Child Health” March 19 at 11 a.m., Coffee Time with The Grand Piano Series — Co-Founder/ Artistic Director Milana Strezeva and guest artist Mackenzie Melamed

ORGANIZATIONS

December 2020

JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SWFL

Federation Star

www.jhsswf.org / 239.566.1771

Changing History Marina Berkovich JHSSWF President

imon Wiesenthal famously said, “Humor is the weapon of unarmed people: it helps people who are oppressed to smile at the situation that pains them.” Like you, I have been oppressed by COVID-19, masks and lockdowns, but I decided to retain my sense of humor as I tell you that we are moving the longplanned Jewish Historical Society’s 10th Anniversary Celebration with former Naples Mayor Bill Barnett from an inperson live event to a virtual live event. The new time is Monday, Jan. 7, 2021, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Zoom. This event will premiere the 13th film in the Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers documentary series, “The Mayor with a Heart,” about Bill Barnett, four-time Mayor of the City of Naples. Tickets to this annual fundraiser can be purchased by emailing office@jhsswf.org or at Eventbrite. Throughout my turbulent road through life, I have always deferred to the unfortunate, tragic experiences of the immediately preceding generations of Jews to fully absorb and appreciate the blessings that were bestowed upon me. I am lucky, I always thought, not to be born in the midst of revolutions and pogroms, like my grandparents, or severest famine of her birth region, like my mom, or the Holocaust, like so many people whose names are lost forever, because their entire families perished. Born just several weeks after Gagarin’s space flight, I always lived with an idealistic hope of humanity working toward learning the lessons from history, so as

not to repeat the same mistakes; not to become trapped in someone’s power play that would certainly be viewed by history quite differently from the way it looks to the people caught in it. “Survival is a privilege which entails obligations. I am forever asking myself what I can do for those who have not survived,” is another wisdom from Simon Wiesenthal that I take seriously as a survivor and escapee from socialism. In 1947, the entire population of Naples, Florida was about 500 families, not one of them Jewish. By comparison, a medieval Jewish traveler visited the city of Naples, Italy in 1159 A.D. and recorded that 500 Jewish families lived there. Everything is fluid in today’s world, but at the rate of current migration to SWFL, it is quite possible that the Jewish community will grow to well beyond 10,000 people over the next two decades. It’s important that this expansion doesn’t destroy the quality of general and Jewish life that Jews, like Irving Berzon and Stuart Kaye, featured in our Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers series, were instrumental in structuring. Our local Jewish heroes are honored and remembered thanks to your interest, generosity and support. Join us on Wednesdays in December, at 3 p.m., when we will be Zooming Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers documentaries, the broadcast-quality films JHSSWF created from eyewitness testimonies The Society records. Please sign up at jhsswf.org for these December documentaries: Chief Plager, Sanibel, Dec. 2; Florence Hertzman, Naples, Dec. 9; and Irv Berzon, Collier County, Dec. 16. We thank you for 10 years of your unwavering support of our small, allvolunteer, local organization. Our common fight against COVID-19 may take us elsewhere than we now envision, but ultimately, it will be good.

Jewish Historical Society upcoming events

ver the past 10 years, The Jewish Historical Society of SWFL has interviewed dozens of eyewitnesses, producing 13 educational documentary films, collectively called the Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers series. We invite you to join us to view these films and learn about the beginnings and the foundation of Jewish life of our Southwest Florida region — the obstacles, challenges and successes our pioneers had on the road to establishing our Jewish community.

10th Anniversary Celebration We are moving the long-planned Jewish Historical Society’s 10th Anniversary Celebration with former Naples Mayor Bill Barnett from an in-person live event to a virtual live event and changing the time, now Monday, Jan. 7, 2021, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Zoom. This event will premiere the 13th film in the Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers

documentary series, “The Mayor with a Heart,” about Bill Barnett, four-time mayor of the City of Naples. To purchase tickets for this Annual Fundraiser and for other inquiries, email office@jhsswf.org.

Become a JHSSWF member today Family Membership $54; Individual Membership $36. Please mail checks to The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida, 8805 Tamiami Trail North, Suite # 255, Naples FL 34108. Contact us at 833-547-7935 (833-JHS-SWFL),

www.jhsswf.org or office@jhsswf.org. Virtual Museum of SWFL Jewish History is located 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.

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Florida Jewish Pioneers Wednesdays in December, at 3 p.m., we are Zooming Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers documentaries, the broadcastquality films JHSSWF created from recent Jewish History eyewitness testimonies. Sign up at jhsswf.org for these December documentaries: Chief Plager, Sanibel, Dec. 2; Florence Hertzman, Naples, Dec. 9; and Irv Berzon, Collier County, Dec. 16. Please join our email list at jhsswf.org to get each session’s login credentials in order to watch these broadcast-quality films or check your JFGN weekly emails for announcements.

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Federation Star

ORGANIZATIONS

December 2020

JEWISH WAR VETERANS

https://jwvpost202.wordpress.com/ 239.261.3270

JWV Post 202 update By Harve Sturm, Commander JWV Post #202

Martin Cohn

Harve Sturm

Vice Commander JWV Post #202

Commander JWV Post #202

T Jewish 20

-40 year

he Jewish War Veterans of the United States (JWV) is the voice of Jewish veterans and friend to all veterans. The organization was founded in 1896, after the American Civil War. The Union fought antiSemitism, in the armed forces and with the general public. Jews proudly served and fought in the armed forces. With over 124 years of service, JWV is the oldest continuously operating veteran’s organization in the United States.

olds!

The Jewish Young Professionals of Greater Naples invite you to come socialize! Please email or call Renee’ to be added to the roster. rbialek@jewishnaples.org 239-263-4205

Jewish Young Professionals

Activities include: • Happy Hour We wa • Game Night n y our su t to hear • Movie Night g and id gestions • Shabbat Services e upcom as for • Volunteering ing ev ents! • Holiday Parties • Zoom Meet & Greets • and more!

Mission Our mission is to foster and perpetuate patriotism and respect for the American flag, encourage the doctrine of universal liberty and equal rights, preserve our values for future generations, advocate for civics education in our schools and protect and defend the rights of those who protect and defend us.

JROTC awards Due to the pandemic, our JROTC awards program was modified in April and May of this year. Commanders at the seven schools were given certificates and medals to distribute to the winners.

Veterans events We also participated in other ceremonies, i.e., memorial services for those who

served and in Veterans Day ceremonies as part of Shabbat programs at Temple Shalom and at Chabad as well as a Veterans Day program at Cambier Park. Our JWV Post 2020 also attended a Korean War recognition ceremony held at the Naples Military Museum.

Happy Birthday Howard Berger We belatedly wish to congratulate JWV Post 202’s oldest Life Member Howard Berger, currently of Denver, on his recent 97th birthday this past November. Howard, our senior post JWV member, relocated to Denver Colorado to be close to family. As Jewish veterans, we are proud to have served our country. We are proud that we brought honor and recognition to our people. We stand for Jewish pride, identity and the American military to our nation. We invite those who have served in the U.S. Military (combat not required) to join us at our monthly meetings. If you are not a veteran, but are grateful for their dedication to our country, you are invited to support and uphold our values as a patron member. Contact us at jwvpost202@gmail.com, call 239-272-5999 or go to jwvpost202.wordpress.com. God Bless America.

OF GREATER NAPLES

Are you in your forties or fifties, single and Jewish? Sign up now by emailing: rbialek@jewishnaples.org to meet other Jewish Singles

(left to right) Sam Oshry, Chaplain; Harve Sturm, Commander; Martin Cohn, Vice-Cmdr. Communications; Earl Taube, Vice-Cmdr, Membership

Candle lighting times:

Read our weekly eblast to learn when the next activity will be.

OF GREATER NAPLES

Dec. 4: Dec. 11: Dec. 18: Dec. 25:

5:16 5:17 5:20 5:24

ORGANIZATIONS

December 2020

Federation Star

At Your Service!

We proudly support the Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival. And as always, we are at your service for future events. Hilton is committed to providing guests and event attendees with reassurance and peace of mind through our industry-leading Hilton CleanStay with Lysol and EventReady with CleanStay programs. Guests and team members are practicing social distancing. Scan the QR code below to learn more. Please call our event professionals at 239.659.3122.

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Federation Star

SYNAGOGUES

December 2020

www.bethtikvahnaples.org / 239.434.1818

BETH TIKVAH

Beth Tikvah update

y the time December arrives, we expect to have cooler weather and the sighting of car transports. Traffic generally increases, restaurants are busier, and the beloved snowbirds return. Many faces we have not seen in several months are back, indicating the start of another season. With COVID-19, these familiar milestones have not been quite the same and we are reminded that we continue, when venturing out, to have to wear a mask and physically distance to remain safe. At Beth Tikvah, since the onset of the virus, though our synagogue remains closed, we have been blessed with the ability, due to the talents of Rabbi Chorny, to stream and Zoom our many activities. Our Shabbat services Friday night and Saturday morning, as well as morning minyanim Thursday and Sunday mornings, are available for anyone who wishes to participate. Zoom and streaming links can be found on our website at www. bethtikvahnaples.org. We have been busy, planning a wonderful series of events to educate as well as entertain you at Beth Tikvah 2020-2021. Our thanks go especially to Paulette Margulies, our vice president for programs, for developing a wide array of cultural, intellectual, social and musical events under the rubric of “All Things Jewish.” Many of our programs never ended and more are again beginning. The third

Beth Tikvah Co-Presidents Shelley Goodman and Sue Hammerman

movie in our movie series will be shown on Dec. 20. “Zero Motivation” is about female military conscription. The film can be viewed before the discussion, either privately on Netflix or Amazon Prime or through our Beth Tikvah link. Discussions will be at 4:30 p.m. Registration is required. Contact us at office@naples. org or on our website to receive the links. Rabbi Cantor Hilary Chorny will lead an educational musical program on Sunday, Dec. 6. Details will be available on our website as we get closer to the event. Our Rosh Chodesh Women’s Study brings friendship and intellectual stimulation monthly. This month, we will meet on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 11 a.m. All women interested in attending are welcome. We look forward to celebrating Chanukah with a virtual Eat and Learn event on Friday, Dec. 11. Please check

h s i w nt e J e a d u u ? t o 1 S y 2 Are School ay 20 M h g g i H uatin d a r G OF GREATER NAPLES

PRESENTS:

Patricia J. Adkins Youth Leadership Award A one-time award of $2,500 for further education!

TO QUALIFY:

Jewish senior in high school Resident of Collier County Active in a congregation and/or BBYO Strong academic record Active leadership role in the community

Application Deadline: January 1, 2021 jewishnaples.org/scholarships-grants For Questions Contact Reneé at rbialek@jewishnaples.org

our website for details as to how you can party with us. 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. All Beth Tikvah lectures and events are open to the Greater Naples community. Everyone is welcome to attend. Registration is required for most events. May this season, first and foremost, be healthy and may we all experience a deeper understanding and connection to the people we love and care for as they care for us. Hag Sameach Hanukah!

Beth Tikvah December happenings on Zoom

Friday, Dec. 11 at 6:15 p.m., Services followed by Chanukah Eat and Learn Tuesdays, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 at 12:15 p.m., Jewish Perspectives Rabbi Chorny Sunday, Dec. 13 at 11 a.m., Rosh Chodesh Women’s Study Sunday, Dec. 20 at 2:30 p.m., Movie “Zero Motivation,” followed by discussion

Religious services streaming schedule Thursday and Sunday morning services begin at 9 a.m. Friday services begin at 6:15 p.m. Saturday services begin at 9:30 a.m. We convene Yahrzeit minyanim upon request. You may reach Rabbi Chorny directly at 239-537-5257.

Sunday, Dec. 6, Hillary Chorny musical/educational event

NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION

www.naplesjewishcongregation.org / 239.431.3858

Unleash your “virtual” shackles Give yourself a gift for Hannukah Steve McCloskey President

he internet and social media are ubiquitous in scope and, many times, perniciously pervasive in their societal influence. However, whether we seek out this connection by turning on Facebook, Google, Instagram or Twitter is entirely up to us. If we don’t power up our phone or laptop, we can’t be swept into the often malevolent maelstrom of the online world. While virtual platforms have historically been mostly forces for good, on occasion, those utilizing them are susceptible to evil inclinations and sinister acts. There has been a proliferation in recent years of cynically or maliciously exploiting social media in political campaigns, sometimes with foreign influence, but mostly home-grown. The spreading of misinformation, disinformation, half-truths and outright falsehoods has been propagated with “virtual” impunity. There has been very little pushback from social media platforms, usually under the guise of either protecting free speech or of letting the consumer decide where the “truth” lies (no pun intended). The internet is another fount of knowledge, some of it factually accurate, but much of it not. Specifically, the “dark web” provides a haven for the disaffected,

the disturbed, the hateful and, too often, the violent. These diabolical groups can gather remotely in chat rooms to conspire and plan acts targeting individuals and groups, like the recent plot involving Governor Whitmer. How, then, does the minor religious holiday of Chanukah relate to our concerns about languishing in cyberspace? Chanukah means dedication and commemorates the rededication of the Temple following the victory of the Maccabees, a fight against the suppression of the Jewish religion by the Syrian Greek empire. The oil used to rekindle the eternal flame, against all odds, lasted for eight days. The miracle of the little lights was a metaphor for shining a great light during the darkest of times. One question for us is whether we are in danger of descending into those darkest of times. It is much easier to spew hate, instigate division and incite violence under the cloak of immunity afforded by social media and the web. We can bellow and bully from cyberspace without constraint. Another question is whether it is healthy for us and for society to devote so much of our attention to social media and the internet. We will all be ready for a breather following this grueling and tumultuous election season. My hope is that each of us will take one of the eight days of Chanukah to power down our devices and power up our commitment to Tikkun Olam. Let us dedicate ourselves to loosening the grip of our slavish devotion to our smartphones, iPads, laptops and desktops. We can all continued on page 33

SYNAGOGUES/FOCUS ON YOUTH

December 2020

Federation Star

For our youth By Jessica Zimmerman, Associate Regional Dir., North Florida Region

halom Naples families! We hope you are staying safe. BBYO Naples has hosted some fun and inclusive programming over the past couple of months. In October, Negev AZA went mini-golfing at Coral Cay Adventure Golf. In November, teens gathered virtually to take part in the Water Quality webinar hosted by the Sustainability Task Force of Temple Shalom’s Tikkun Olam Council. Naples BBYO also participated in Fall Con, North Florida Region’s first convention of the year, which was done both virtually and in person. We engaged nearly 50 teens throughout North Florida Region. BBYO CEO Matt Grossman, recently penned a letter about BBYO leadership to college admissions departments throughout the country. If you’d like to read the letter from Grossman, visit bit. ly/bbyocollege. If you’d like additional information about future in-person and virtual events, please connect directly with our staff in Naples — Jess Zimmerman, Associate Regional Director, North Florida Region. Email her at jesszimmerman@bbyo.org or call and/or text her at 941-677-3018.

We hope to see you soon! Stay safe, from your friends at Naples BBYO. P. S . We a r e actively searching for volunteer chapter advisors in Naples. The Jessica position requires Zimmerman about 8-10 hours a month and the benefits are far too many to list. If interested, please visit https://bbyo.org/get-involved/becomean-advisor.

(l-r) Spencer Bell, Reid Schwartz, Joshuwa Knafo, Josh Albanos and Samuel Mizrachi

BOARD CERTIFIED SPECIALIST IN WILLS, TRUSTS AND ESTATES

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Unleash your...continued from page 32 do our part to, instead, shine a light on and in our world by seeking and fighting for justice for the least advantaged; by treating others with compassion, dignity and respect; and by comporting ourselves with the humility that recognizes that life can humble even the mighty among us. Our obsession with the internet and social media robs us of time, our most precious commodity and one we can never get back. We can partake of the

A. Stephen Kotler

internet and social media in a number of positive ways, such as attending our Shabbat services, one of our NJC Connects events, our adult education sessions or our Sisterhood book club events on Zoom or YouTube Live. We can also use Zoom, Google Chat and FaceTime to connect with family and friends. We at NJC wish all in the greater Naples Jewish community Happy Hannukah. Be safe and stay well.

Happy Hanukkah from Wynn’s Market! As you celebrate these 8 nights don’t forget our selection of gifts, chocolate and favorite seasonal food to celebrate the holiday!

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FOCUS ON YOUTH

December 2020

TEMPLE SHALOM

www.naplestemple.org / 239.455.3030

Excitement in the air By Rabbi Ariel Boxman

t Temple Shalom Preschool, we are busy getting ready for Chanukah! Our students are learning about the miracle of the oil lasting eight days and the important battle that was fought for religious freedom. We have been making homemade dreidels, learning Chanukah songs with Miss Jane, and of course, eating our share of latkes and jelly donuts! Chanukah is a festive time here at Temple Shalom and you can feel the excitement in the air. On Sunday, Dec. 13, we will gather as a Temple Shalom community for a morning of Chanukah festivities. Games, crafts and delicious treats will be available for

all our families, as well as a special Chanukah concert performed by our talented preschool kiddos. All families are welcome to join us for this Chanukah Festival. On Chanukah, we are reminded of our freedom and of the wonderous miracles that we experience each and every day. As the year 2020 is coming to an end, may we be reminded of our blessings and the personal miracles we have all experienced, even in this unusual and challenging year. May 2021 be a year of peace, blessing and happiness for all! Happy Chanukah from Temple Shalom Preschool!

CHABAD JEWISH CENTER OF NAPLES

Ezra Feldman and his classmates learning Chanukah songs

Lions (Pre-K 3) making Chanukah decorations

www.chabadnaples.com / 239.262.4474

The heart of it all By Ettie Zaklos, Preschool of the Arts Founder & Director

he holidays are a time of joy and family. A time to make connections, celebrate traditions and build relationships. At Preschool of the Arts, we love to use the holidays as an opportunity to bring our entire community together for special celebrations. We know that the largest educational gains occur when teachers, students and parents work together toward the same goals. Creating a joyous community atmosphere for our students and their families allows our community members to meet and greet one another in more social settings and fosters stronger and deeper relationships that benefit all. This year, that presented a unique challenge, as our classes have been separated into learning pods, parents and visitors cannot visit our campus and teachers wear masks at all times. While all of these measures, and many more, have been incredibly effective in keeping us safe, and our children learning and thriving in the classroom, they are not the most conducive for communal celebration. Still, we were determined not to let COVID-19 stop our POTA family from celebrating our biggest event of the year — our musical Thanksgiving

performance. With careful planning and logistics, we were able to pull off a safe, socially distanced, in-person event at Cambier Park. This event brought Preschool of the Arts students enjoy adventures with friends and our school community practice early STEM skills as they learn through play. together in person for the first time since the pandemic began. to expand our offerings that ensure our supportive environment where the chilThough we were six feet apart, there POTA children are receiving the best dren can thrive. was such a special power and magical of the best. We know that the creative I am so grateful that the Naples comcamaraderie that comes with seeing each arts support emotional well-being, munity has rallied around our vision for other face to face instead of through a allowing young children to reflect on excellence in Jewish early childhood eduscreen. The children performed with great gratitude and joy. Our new naturecation. Our school has been recognized fanfare, sharing songs tied to our event inspired studios will unleash our children’s for cutting-edge programs and dedicatheme, “Live With a Grateful Heart.” imaginations, ensuring a stronger, more tion to quality, but it is our parents and At a time of much turmoil, focusing on confident future. stakeholders who whole-heartedly believe nurturing little grateful hearts and finding The holidays are also a time to stop in our school’s mission that drive our the silver linings in the storm was deeply and reflect, and I want to express my tremendous growth. meaningful to all. tremendous gratitude to the devoted and To learn more, schedule a tour to The Thanksgiving event also kicked talented staff who make our preschool experience the magic of POTA and our off POTA’s new initiative, “Art With possible, especially during COVID. From state-of-the-art campus for yourself. Heart,” which will help us transform and our nurturing and professional teachers Enrollment is now open (and quickly upgrade our indoor and outdoor Studios and staff to our specialists in art, gardenfilling up!) for Preschool of the Arts of the Arts for our children. Parents and ing, science, sports, music, dance and 2021-2022 as well as our acclaimed children had the opportunity to paint a more, to the support staff who work so Summer of the Arts programs. We are all part of a unique art installation that will diligently behind the scenes — our office excited at the prospect of another fulfillbeautify our new indoor studio. We love staff, security officer, on-site staff — each ing and growth-filled year at Preschool involving our parents in opportunities one plays a critical role in building a of the Arts.

Federation Star Publication Policy The Federation Star is a subsidized arm of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples (JFGN). Its purpose and function is to publicize the activities and programs of the Federation, and to publicize the ongoing activities of the established and recognized Jewish organizations in Greater Naples. The goal of the JFGN is to reach out and unite all Jews of the Greater Naples area. While differing opinions and points of view do, and will continue to, exist about many issues of importance to Jews, the Federation Star will confine itself to publishing ONLY items that report the facts of actual events of concern to Jews and will only offer commentary that clearly intends to unite all Jews in a common purpose or purposes. Critical or derogatory comments directed at individuals or organizations will NOT be published.

(Adopted by the Officers and Board of Trustees of the Jewish Federation of Collier County 1/98) To avoid misunderstandings, controversies and destructive divisions among our people, the Officers and Board of Trustees of the “Federation” have adopted the following publication policy: Advertisements: All advertisements, regardless of their sponsor, shall be paid for in full, at the established rates, prior to publication. The contents of all advertisements shall be subject to review and approval of the Federation Board or its designee. Commercial advertisers may make credit arrangements with the advertising manager, subject to the approval of the Federation Board. Regular Columns: Regular columns shall be accepted only from leaders (Rabbis, Presidents, Chairs) of established and recognized Jewish organizations in Greater Naples and the designated Chairs of the regular committees of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

Special Announcements: Special announcements shall be accepted from established Jewish organizations in Greater Naples and may, at the discretion of the Federation Board, be subject to the conditions applicable to paid advertisements, as set forth above. News Items: Only those news items pertaining to matters of general interest to the broadest cross-section of the Jewish Community will be accepted for publication. Note: Items of controversial opinions and points of view, about political issues, will not be accepted for publication without prior approval of a majority of the Federation Officers and Trustees. All persons and organizations objecting to the actions and rulings of the Editor or Publications Committee Chair shall have the right to appeal those rulings to the Officers and Board of Trustees of the JFGN.

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY TEMPLE SHALOM OF NAPLES (Reform) 4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34119 Phone: 455.3030 ď Ź Fax: 455.4361 Email: info@naplestemple.org www.naplestemple.org Rabbi Adam Miller, MAHL Cantor Donna Azu, MSM Rabbi Ariel Boxman, MAHL, MARE, Rabbi Educator Rabbi James H. Perman, D.D., Rabbi Emeritus Deborah Rosen Fidel, J.D., MAJPS, Executive Director Daryl Sissman, President Jim Cochran, Music Director Shabbat Services: Shabbat Eve - Friday 7:30 p.m. Shabbat - Saturday 10:00 a.m. Sisterhood â&#x20AC;˘ Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club â&#x20AC;˘ Adult Education Havurot â&#x20AC;˘ Youth Groups â&#x20AC;˘ Religious School Judaic Library â&#x20AC;˘ Hebrew School â&#x20AC;˘ Preschool Adult Choir â&#x20AC;˘ Social Action â&#x20AC;˘ Outreach Naplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; only Judaica Shop

CHABAD NAPLES JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER serving Naples and Marco Island 1789 Mandarin Road, Naples, FL 34102 Phone: 262.4474 Email: info@chabadnaples.com Website: www.chabadnaples.comâ&#x20AC;&#x192; Rabbi Fishel Zaklos Dr. Arthur Seigel, President Ettie Zaklos, Education Director Shabbat Services Shabbat - Saturday 10am â&#x20AC;˘ Camp Gan Israel â&#x20AC;˘ Hebrew School â&#x20AC;˘ Preschool of the Arts â&#x20AC;˘ Jewish Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Circle â&#x20AC;˘ Adult Education â&#x20AC;˘ Bat Mitzvah Club â&#x20AC;˘ Friendship Circle â&#x20AC;˘ Smile on Seniors â&#x20AC;˘ Flying Challah â&#x20AC;˘ Kosher food delivery The Federation Star is published monthly, September through July, by the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

December 2020 JEWISH CONGREGATION OF MARCO ISLAND (Reform) 991 Winterberry Drive Marco Island, FL 34145 Phone: 642.0800 ď Ź Fax: 642.1031 Email: tboxma@marcojcmi.com Website: www.marcojcmi.com Rabbi Mark Gross Hari Jacobsen, Cantorial Soloist Sue Baum, President

NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION

BETH TIKVAH

Services are held at: The Unitarian Congregation 6340 Napa Woods Way Rabbi Howard Herman 431.3858 Email: rabbi@naplesjewishcongregation.org www.naplesjewishcongregation.org

1459 Pine Ridge Road Naples, FL 34109

(Reform)

Stephen P. McCloskey, President Jane Galler, Cantorial Soloist

Shabbat Services Friday 7:30 p.m. Seasonal: Saturday Talmud-Torah at 9:30 a.m. and Shachrit at 10:30 a.m.

Shabbat Services Friday evenings at 7:00 p.m. May - August: services once a month

Rabbiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Life Long Learning Series Sidney R. Hoffman Jewish Film Festival Saul I. Stern Cultural Series JCMI Book Club

Sisterhood â&#x20AC;˘ Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club Adult Education â&#x20AC;˘ Adult Choir Social Action â&#x20AC;˘ Community Events

CONSIDER A CHARITABLE GIFT THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS AND PROVIDES YOU WITH TAX SAVINGS

LIFE INSURANCE GIFTS Making a gift of an unneeded life insurance policy can provide you with a charitable income tax deduction, reduce your taxable estate and help preserve your cash and savings.

IMMEDIATE GIFT OF APPRECIATED ASSETS

If you are over 70 1 2,

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CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES If you own low-yielding assets and seek a better return, a charitable gift annuity may enable you to receive lifetime payments, provide a current income tax deduction and

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Volume 30, No. 4 December 2020 44 pages USPS Permit No. 419 Publisher: Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

(just west of Mission Square Plaza)

Phone: 434.1818 Email: office@bethtikvah.us Website: www.bethtikvahnaples.org Rabbi Ammos Chorny Shelley Goodman, Co-President Sue Hammerman, Co-President Roberta Miller, Secretary Shabbat Services Friday evenings at 6:15 p.m. Saturday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Youth Education Adult Education Community Events

Jewish Organizations to Serve You in Greater Naples (All area codes are 239 unless otherwise noted.) Phone: 263.4205 ď Ź Fax: 263.3813 Website: www.jewishnaples.org Email: info@jewishnaples.org â&#x20AC;˘ Federation Board Chair: Jane Schiff â&#x20AC;˘ Federation President/CEO: Jeffrey Feld

American Jewish Committee

â&#x20AC;˘ Regional Dir: Brian Lipton, 941.365.4955

American Technion Society

â&#x20AC;˘ Chapter Dir: Kelley Whiter, 561.395.7206

Friends of the IDF â&#x20AC;˘ Exec. Dir.: Dina Ben Ari, 305.354.8233

GenShoah SWFL â&#x20AC;˘ President: Ida Margolis, 963.9347

Collier/Lee Chapter of Hadassah

â&#x20AC;˘ President: Diane Schwartz, 732.539.4011

Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center Israel Bonds

â&#x20AC;˘ Monica DiGiovanni, 727.282.1124

Ellen Weiss, Executive Director

Marcy riedland, lanned Giving Director

(813) 769-4785

239.263.4205

ellen top%ewishfoundation.org

mfriedland %ewishnaples.org

Together, we are ensuring a Jewish future.

Tikkun Olam

Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida â&#x20AC;˘ President: Marina Berkovich, 566.1771

Jewish National Fund

â&#x20AC;˘ Joshua Mellits, 941.462.1330 x865

Jewish War Veterans Post 202

â&#x20AC;˘ Commander, Harvey Sturm, 261.3270 â&#x20AC;˘ Senior Vice Commander, Marty Rubin, 716.863.5778

Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cultural Alliance

â&#x20AC;˘ President: Les Nizin, 653.9259

Naples BBYO

Editor: Sharon Hood, 239.591.2709 sharon@marketcrank.com

â&#x20AC;˘ Jessica Zimmerman, 263.4205

Naples Friends of American Magen David Adom (MDA)

Design: MarketCrank, Inc.

â&#x20AC;˘ SE Reg Dir: Joel Silberman, 954.457.9766

Naples Senior Center at JFCS

Advertising: Joy Walker 941.284.0520

Phone: 325.4444 â&#x20AC;˘ Chairperson: Alan S. Jaffe â&#x20AC;˘ President/CEO: Dr. Jaclynn Faffer

January 2021 Issue Deadlines: Editorial: December 4 Advertising: December 10 Send news stories to: sharon@marketcrank.com

(Conservative)

â&#x20AC;˘ President/CEO: Susan Suarez, 263.9200

2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road Suite 2201 Naples, FL 34109-0613 Phone: 239.263.4205 Fax: 239.263.3813 E-mail: info@jewishnaples.org Website: www.jewishnaples.org

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVERS

GIVE. SHARE. CARE.

Federation Star

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cultural Alliance

â&#x20AC;˘ President: Patti Boochever, 518.852.3440

www.jewishnaples.org

Zionist Organization of America â&#x20AC;˘ President: Jerry Sobel, 914.329.1024

Federation Star

December 2020

December 3, 2020 through March 30, 2021

21 Authors • 19 Events

Answers to frequently asked questions about the Jewish Book Festival A message from your Book Festival Co-Chairs

t’s finally here. After months and months of planning, the 2020-21 Jewish Book Festival kicks off within days! We hope you are as excited as we are about the spectacular lineup of authors taking part in this year’s Festival. Getting to this point has taken a great deal of effort, and we offer our heartfelt thanks to the Jewish Book Festival Committee as well as to our “technical advisor,” Larry Israelite. We also express our appreciation to the Federation staff for their assistance and support. It certainly does take a village to put on the Book Festival. Of course, we could never bring you this outstanding array of 19 events without the generous financial support of our Patrons and Sponsors. With the ongoing pandemic, our Sponsors need your support now more than ever before. By now, we are a community of experienced “Zoomers!” But if you

have questions or need assistance with Zoom, please don’t hesitate to contact Reneé Bialek. We are working on having closed captioning available so that anyone needing it will be able to fully enjoy each event. Each year, before the Festival begins, we are asked many of the same questions — and this year is no different! Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Q. Is it necessary to have read the book to enjoy an author’s presentation? Not at all. The authors’ presentations will be interesting and enjoyable whether or not you have read the book. Many times, hearing the author entices people to read the book. We hope you will consider supporting the authors by purchasing their books, either before or after

the event. Purchasing information will be included in the event emails.

Q. What qualifies an author to be part of a Jewish Book Festival? Some of the authors are not Jewish. In order to be invited to our Jewish Book Festival (as well as to be part of the Jewish Book Council), either the author has to be Jewish or the book topic needs to have relevance to Judaism.

Q. Why didn’t you create a “traditional” book festival with all of the events taking place over a one- or two-week period? Many communities do have a oneweek to one-month Jewish Book Festival, typically held in November, Jewish Book Month. When we planned our first Book Festival in

2016, we considered this option, but rejected it for two reasons. First, too many of our community members would not have returned to Southwest Florida in time. Second, it would be very difficult to find time during “season” when Festival events would not conflict with other programs in our community. While both of these reasons are not quite as relevant now that the Festival is virtual, we still feel that spreading out the Festival makes each event feel special and more enjoyable. We look forward to Zooming with you on Thursday evening, Dec. 3, as we welcome author Lori Gottlieb and local NPR personality Cary Barbor, who will be the moderator. Virtually yours,

Susan & Robin

Susan Pittelman and Robin Mintz Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival Co-Chairs

Federation Star

December 2020

There’s still time to become a Patron of the Jewish Book Festival!

hat’s the secret to the success of the Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival? Our generous Patrons! The financial support and enthusiasm of our Patrons in promoting Festival programs have enabled us to continue to bring an outstanding array of authors to our community. There is still time for you to show your support for the Book Festival by becoming a Patron at one of these three levels: Platinum at $500, Silver at $225 and Bronze at $118. Many Patrons have told us that the greatest benefit of being a Patron is “knowing that I am supporting the Book Festival.” The generosity of our Patrons helps to underwrite the expenses of the Jewish Book Festival and assist our Federation in fulfilling its mission to build a vibrant Jewish community in Greater

Naples and support the social service needs of the Jewish people. The next benefit Patrons highly value is “not having to remember to buy tickets to all of the events.” You will automatically be registered for each event; you simply sign up once.

Several other benefits to being a Patron • Patrons have an opportunity to greet each other in an informal chat following the conclusion of one or two of the presentations. • Patrons are acknowledged in the Federation Star as well as on the Jewish Book Festival webpage. • Patrons receive advance notification (prior to the announcement in the Federation Star) of the authors participating in next year’s Book Festival.

Platinum and Silver Patrons receive three additional benefits • The heartwarming feeling that you are helping to financially support the Jewish Book Festival above and beyond the cost of the registration fee for events. • Invitations to two exclusive (virtual) Patron gatherings with Book Festival authors following their presentations. • A copy of Lori Gottlieb’s bestselling book, Maybe You Should Talk to Someone. If you plan to “attend” Jewish Book Festival events, being a Bronze Patron is, in itself, a great value! Offering a significant discount on registration, the Bronze level was added this year because of the unusual circumstances caused by the pandemic. If purchased separately, the cost of the events would total $212, while the cost of being a Bronze Patron is

just $118 — plus you get all the perks of being a Patron, including knowing that you are supporting the Book Festival. If you have been a Patron in the past, we thank you and urge you to become one again this season. If you have not been a Patron, we hope you will join this wonderful and generous group of Jewish Book Festival supporters.

How do I become a Patron? Simply go to the Festival webpage, JewishBookFestival.org, and check the appropriate box on the Jewish Book Festival Registration Form. A link to the Registration Form is also in Federation’s Monday e-blasts. It’s that easy. It’s not too late to reap the benefits of being a Patron. Please consider becoming a Patron for the 2020-21 Jewish Book Festival. It’s going to be Zoom-tastic!

On your mark . . . Get set . . . Zoom! Eight easy tips for successfully “Zooming” into our Book Festival

efore you settle back onto your couch, here are a few hints to ensure that you enjoy each Book Festival event to the fullest. 1. Come as you are! No need to dress up. When you enter, your video and microphone will be off. 2. Closed captioning will be available to allow all members of our community to enjoy the Book Festival events. 3. A week before the event, you will

receive an email reminder about the event. Please make sure the event is on your calendar. If you find that you will be unable to attend, please email Reneé at rbialek@ jewishnaples.org to let her know. 4. Two hours before the event, you will receive an email with the Zoom link. Either flag the email or copy the Zoom link into your calendar for easy access when you need it. (The link is unique to you. Please do not forward it or you

may risk being locked out of the event.) 5. Sign in by clicking on the link. (If you prefer, you can also join by entering the Webinar ID number and password.) 6. Before the event begins, you will have the option of using the “Chat” feature to send a greeting to the other attendees. Chat will be turned off when the author is introduced. 7. If you have a question or comment for the author, type it into the Q&A

section on your screen. Questions will generally be read after the author’s presentation, but you can type in your question at any time. 8. Please Zoom into the event 5 minutes early so that you are all set when the program begins. If you experience a problem signing in, please email Reneé at rbialek@jewishnaples.org. Now, sit back, relax and enjoy the event!

Question: How do I register for a Book Festival event? Answer: To register for an event, visit www.JewishBookFestival.org. Fine print • You will receive a confirmation email after you register. The Zoom link will be emailed two hours prior to each event and is good for your entire household. • Event reservations are not transferable. Please do not forward the Zoom link or you may risk being locked out of the event. • Payments are not tax-deductible. • If a start time or author needs to be changed, you will be notified via email. • If an author cancels, every attempt will be made to reschedule the author; your original reservation will be good for the rescheduled event. (No refunds unless the entire event is canceled.) • Books may be purchased at Barnes & Noble at Waterside Shops and online at barnesandnoble.com and amazon.com. If you have questions, please email Reneé, Program Director, at rbialek@jewishnaples.org.

s r u o Y ly aples N Virtual r e t a e r G

The 2020-21 Jewish Book Festival Committee

Book 0-21 Jewishva 202 eFesti l

Book Festival Co-Chairs Robin Mintz and Susan Pittelman

Carole Greene, Author Review Team • Phil Jason, Jewish Book Festival Co-Chair Emeritus Patti Boochever Steve Brazina Gayle Dorio

Judith Finer Freedman Susie Goldsmith Lenore Greenstein

Jewish Federation

OF GREATER NAPLES

Lee Henson Carol Hirsch Bobbie Katz

Ellen Katz Ida Margolis Irene Pomerantz

Reneé Bialek, Program Director

Dina Shein Iris Shur Elaine Soffer

Federation Star

December 2020

A Special â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thank Youâ&#x20AC;? to Our Patrons* We would not be able to host the Jewish Book Festival without your generous support. P L AT I N U M Stacey Baum Karen Deutsch Shelley Einhorn Jeremy Freedman Judith Finer Freedman Norman Foster Family Rosie Hyman Larry Israelite Wendy Israelite Nancy Kahn

Merrylee Kandel Lin Klein Robin Mintz Susan Pittelman Estelle Price Stuart Price Ellaine Rosen Judy Roth Samuel A. Roth Joan Saperstein

Jane Schiff Arlene Shapiro Donald Shapiro Gail Smith Phyllis Strome Irene Thompson & William Petasnick Deborah Waranch Ellen Wollman

S I LV E R Howard Agranat Anonymous (2) Gayle Levy & Martin Barber Phyllis Barolsky Jill Binder Terri David Barbara Druckman Geraldine Feldman Arnan Finkelstein Marlene Finkelstein Louise Forman Spencer Forman Myra Friedman Susan Garelick Priscilla Gerber Jan Goldman

Susie & Ron Goldsmith Carole Greene Sherry Greenfield Lenore Greenstein Linda Grusin Ronna Hain Linda Hamburger Sharyn & Larry Harris Carol Hirsch Judy Isserlis Pamela Karll Bobbie Katz Deborah Kohler Toby Kosloff Fran Kroll Gracia Kuller

Debbie Laites Dana Lefkowitz Toby Levine Marci Margolis Bob Mensch Iris Podolsky Steve Podolsky Irene Pomerantz Susan Rabin Mae Riefberg Susan Ritter Barbara Ross Adrienne Russ Linda Scheinberg Mark Shiffman Bernie Lashinsky & Iris Shur

Arlene Sobol Elaine Soffer Howard Solot Harriet Spirer Fritzi Thorner Heidi Thorner Allison Tucker Linda Wainick Ferne Walpert Laurie Weinberger Joan Werhane Barbara Winthrop Leona Wreschner Susan Yale Judy Zahn Deborah Zvibleman

BRONZE Belle Agronin Barbara & Hymie Akst Nancy Armocida Sheila Barsky Alvin Becker Lea Bendes Carole Berkowitz Minda Bernberg Harriet Berneman Rose Bernstein Penni Blaskey Sonya Bloom Rosalee Bogo Patti Boochever Sue Bookbinder Stephanie Bradford Steve Brazina Nancy Brother Cipora Brown Melissa Chalfin Jacqueline Chizever Nan Ciralsky

Edye Cohen Susan Dean Sandra Dorfman Gayle Dorio Benjamin Dubin Eloyse Fisher Gerald Flagel Darryl Garfinkel Barbara Goldenziel Fran Goldman Diane Goldstein Donna Goldstein Hannah Goodman Ellen Gordon Elaine Griver Marti Gross Jean Haven Howard Herman Mona Herman Sylvie Heyman Robert Hirsch Susan Horowitz

Rolly Jacob Arline Kaplan Bunny Kaufman Melissa Keel Carolyn Kimmel Sayde Ladov Barb Lefkowitz Bettye Leibowitz Hilda Levine Arlene Litow Dorothy Litt Leda Lubin Marcia Maloni Ida Margolis Stephen McCloskey Audrey Meyer Elyse Morande Marsha Moranz Karen Mullins Sara Newman Judi Palay Estelle Rauch

John Reiches Sue Reiver Deedee Remenick Luba Rotsztain JoEllen Rubenstein Norma Rubin Diane Schwartz Harriet Schweitzer Millie Sernovitz Jackie Sallade Sandra Sanfilippo Stuart Sarshik Shepard Scheinberg Diane Scholnick Avra Schwab Linda Shapess Dina Shein Linda Simon Ruth Simon Merrill Solan Gail Solomon Tracey Sosnik

*As of November 2, 2020. An updated list will be published in the January Federation Star.

Daniel Spintman Marilyn Storch Barbara Suden Ann Swartz Ann Varsano Joan Vazakas Lisa Vogel Gail Volk Leslie Wasserman Sydelle Weinberger Linda Wertheim Ellen Weisberg Goldie Wetcher Jack Wiadro Nancy Wiadro Phyllis Winski Beth Wolff Suzann Yussen Cathy Zacks Joni Zalasky Judy Zaller

Federation Star

December 2020

M E M O I R

A candid and remarkably relatable account of what it means to be a therapist who also goes to therapy, and what this can teach us about the universality of our questions and anxieties. —Thrive Global

2021 Book Festival Kicks Off with Lori Gottlieb December 3, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. Registration fee is $18 (per household). Go to www.JewishBookFestival.org

In development for a TV series with Eva Longoria at ABC An O, The Oprah Magazine’s Best Nonfiction Book of 2019

Federation Star - December 2020

Articles inside

On your mark . . . Get set . . . Zoom!

There’s still time to become a Patron of the Jewish Book Festival!

Answers to frequently asked questions about the Jewish Book Festival

The heart of it all

Excitement in the air

For our youth

Unleash your “virtual” shackles

Beth Tikvah update

JWV Post 202 update

Jewish Historical Society upcoming events

Changing History

Save the dates

New Hadassah group, Simcha Sisters, hosts Havdalah networking event

With gratitude and thanks

Out of darkness, light!

Let your light shine

It can pay to be a philanthropist in retirement

FIDF delivers emergency packages to IDF soldiers in quarantine amid national lockdown

FIDF series provides behind-the-scenes insights from Israeli newsmakers

Israeli latkes-levivot

Making virtual Chanukah together

Pass the baton

Choral music during the pandemic

New (ish) broadcast and streaming offerings

Our heroes

Heroic actions in the face of atrocity

Have you heard of Aldolfo Kaminsky, Gilberto Bosques Saldivar or Jose Arturo Castellanos Contreras?

Many survivors say stop comparing coronavirus to the Holocaust

Jewish Community Day and Evening of Learning goes virtual

Use the “Zoom Highway” to connect with WCA North and WCA South

“Sarge” returns to Naples (virtually)

Webinar explores the relationship between Catholics and Jews

A conversation with Dennis Ross

Supporting our new home for the Jewish Federation

The naming of the new building in honor of Nina Iser

A sneak peek at two books from December Jewish Book Festival events

Happy Chanukah!

Channukah — That time of year, again

2021 Annual Community Campaign Kickoff, Dec. 1!