SYNAGOGUE NEWS
December 2021
NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION
www.naplesjewishcongregation.org / 239.431.3858
A return to normalcy Roberta Obler President
FEDERATI N MEMBERSHIP
17A
It’s not too late to save a life in Israel this year.
Photo by Kobi Gideon / FLASH90
N
aples Jewish Congregation is finally back to a more normalized existence. October was a great month, with another NJC Connects program on Oct. 5, our first in-person services on Oct. 15 and an adult education program with Rabbi Herman on the history of plagues and pandemics in Jewish history on Oct. 19. NJC held an event on Oct. 24 for previous and new members to meet and mingle, create new friendships and refresh old ones as it has been about 20 months since we all saw each other in person. It was called “Flamingle,” and it was held at Sugden Park on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. It was a fabulous day, where we all learned a little bit about each other that we did not know before. Put together by Bonnie Lechtner and her committee of Patty Osheroff, Chuck Naumoff and Marcella Guggenheim, the event was great fun, and we hope they can put together another program soon. Many thanks to them. Plans continued in November, with more adult education. On Tuesday, Nov.
16, the topic was “Israel, U.S. relations, and the New Coalition: Where Do We Go From Here?” On Saturday Nov. 13, we restarted in-person services for the foreseeable future, beginning with a Saturday Torah service and continuing with Friday evening services. This was yet another return to normalcy. We also made plans for the Federation’s annual Chanukah celebration at Mercato on Nov. 29. Looking forward to December, we will see the start of Sisterhood events, with an opening luncheon at Boston Beer Garden in the outdoor area. Ann Markham Walsh will talk about her book, “Dancing Through Darkness.” Other Sisterhood events will continue each month going forward. Lastly, I am very sorry to report that this is my last article for the Federation Star. I have resigned as president of Naples Jewish Congregation due to health reasons. I felt a deep commitment to NJC and am deeply disappointed that I cannot continue. I found Rabbi Herman’s talks very inspirational, especially in this COVID period. He has also helped us realize some important things about what we all need to be focused on. I wish Charles Flum, my replacement, great success in this role as he takes over as president.
Federation Star
For more than 90 years, American donors have provided vehicles, training, and supplies to Israel’s national paramedic and Red Cross service, equipping them to treat the sick and injured under the most difficult circumstances and to save lives. In fact, this past year Magen David Adom’s 30,000 EMTs and paramedics have been on the front lines in the fight against coronavirus while also contending with terrorist and rocket attacks, riots, car accidents, and other threats to Israeli lives. If you want to make a real difference in Israel, no other organization has a greater impact on its people than Magen David Adom. Make an end-of-year donation at afmda.org/saving-lives-2021 afmda.org
“Stand Up For Justice”
Application Deadline: February 11, 2022 For the 12th year a grant has been established by the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.
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.
The 2022 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@icloud.com
OF GREATER NAPLES
