JCMI members look to December activities

By Sue Baum, JCMI president

Outdoor Chanukah celebration

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples has been a long-time sponsor of the Marco Island Chanukah Celebration at the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island. Keeping with tradition, the celebration will take place outdoors with the lighting of the menorah on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.

The celebration will be led by Rabbi Mark Gross and Cantorial Soloist Hari Jacobsen. Local dignitaries will also offer remarks. The whole community is invited; come and enjoy traditional music and food.

Sidney R. Hoffman Jewish Film Festival

On Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021 at 2 p.m., the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island will open the 21st season of the Jewish Film Festival. The JCMI Jewish Film Festival is the original Jewish Festival in Southwest Florida.

The opening film is award-winning “Jackie Mason – The Ultimate Jew (The Final Performance).” He left behind the Orthodox rabbinate to become a beloved Jewish funny man. Join us on the 12th for this uplifting movie!

Book Club

In its 14th year, chaired by Sandra Hechler, the Book Club meets in the Meer Room of the Synagogue the third Tuesday of each month at 11 a.m. This month, on Dec. 21, the book is “The Duke and I,” by Julia Quinn. This New York Times bestseller is the first book in the Bridgerton series. Call Sandra at 239-394-6953.

Current procedures

The Board of Directors has established new guidelines for entering the Synagogue, effective Friday, Nov. 5, 2021. Masks and social distancing are no longer required and Friday evening Onegs are now reinstated. Proof of vaccination 14 days prior are required to enter the Synagogue.

We are also excited to announce that our weekly games of mah jongg, duplicate and social bridge, canasta and bingo have been authorized to reopen. Plans are being made and will be announced soon.