The naming of the new building in honor of Nina Iser

Capital Campaign spotlight

By Lauren Segal, daughter of Nina and Steve Iser

When 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 expect it to be in honor of her memory, that her name would grace the new Jewish Cultural Center.

As many of you know, Nina was a force to be reckoned with. She dedicated herself to the Jewish community, as well as many other organizations that she believed would benefit all. Her dedication, passion, talent and philanthropy has helped many organizations grow and prosper. Nina maintained a kosher Jewish home and followed many of the traditions of her beloved family. Her commitment to being involved in the Jewish community led her to pursue her Bat Mitzvah late in life, well after her children had grown and left the family home. Her passion and commitment to learning and Judaism endured, and she continued to actively participate in (all) her temples, often honored with an Aliyah or chanting Haftorah.

Nina’s passion for volunteering began many years ago. She served as president of the Rockland Jewish Federation’s Women’s Division and was honored to be a Lion of Judah. When she and Steve moved to Nyack, Nina became active at Congregation Sons of Israel, where she served on the executive board for many years, eventually as president. She was then asked to spearhead a hugely successful capital campaign for the building renovation and expansion of Congregation Sons of Israel. Active members of Rockland’s Jewish community, Nina and Steve were honored many times — by the Federation, Israel Bonds, the Synagogue and the JCC Rockland — for their efforts to support and help these organizations grow.

When they began to “winter” in Naples, Nina and Steve sought out the Jewish community and dove right in. They joined Beth Tikvah, and became active participants, attending services, kiddushes and events, serving on committees, and finding great friends and a devoted community. Last winter, Nina was chairing a fundraising celebration in honor of the temple’s “bat mitzvah” — from the invitations to the flowers, the venue, the menu — she coordinated every detail with the skill and finesse she was known for. Sadly, it was COVIDpostponed, and will hopefully take place sometime next year.

As a new arrival to Naples, the WCA (Women’s Cultural Alliance), an affinity group of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, presented Nina a welcoming group that offered lectures, book clubs, garden trips, cultural events, and social opportunities, of which she took full advantage. She often called Lauren to discuss an interesting lecture or book to read. Steve then joined the MCA (Men’s Cultural Alliance), also under the umbrella of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, where Nina and Steve had become active participants. They both loved the dinner dances, the lectures, the trips. They greatly appreciated and took advantage of all the opportunities provided (except when their grand-girls came to visit, when all else stopped). At the Jewish Federation, they found their “people,” the friends that became family, with whom they shared their lives with enthusiasm, love and laughter.

Nina identified strongly with her Jewish heritage, believed in giving back generously, doing so with all her heart. She believed in the future and the future of the Jewish community of Greater Naples. It is very fitting and most appropriate that the new building bear her name in honor of her memory. It is our family’s hope that the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center will always be full of life and love, ensuring Jewish values and opportunities for generations to come.

Nina and Steve Iser with their granddaughters Ilana and Wendi Segal