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Federation Star
SYNAGOGUE NEWS
December 2023
www.bethtikvahnaples.org / 239-434-1818
BETH TIKVAH
Family values Joseph Henson President
M
ishpocha and l'dor v'dor are two important aspects of the Jewish ethos — that is, the common spirit of the Jewish culture as seen in our beliefs, memories and aspirations. Mishpocha, "family" in both Yiddish and Hebrew, can be as narrow as your nuclear family or, more often, your extended family and friends. But in response to the unprovoked slaughter of innocents on Oct. 7, we should extend it to its widest. Jews are only a miniscule 0.2% of the world population. Jews are found in many countries, but most live in the U.S. (51%) or in Israel (30%). Given the rise in antisemitism worldwide, the Jewish population is slowly migrating to securer lands from, for example, France or Russia.
L’dor v'dor is, among other things, about passing connections of Jewishness from generation to generation, from older to younger. This transmission of Jewish values, rituals, traditions and especially history to the next generation is critical. There are many ways this can be done, but learning within the family is paramount. Exposure to Jewish camps, youth groups and so forth are significant sources because it’s just not grandpa prattling on. However, to reinforce these values, it is important we show personal involvement in organized Jewish groups from AIPAC through Hillel to ZOA. There is a rainbow of associations from liberal to conservative with Judaism or Israel as its central focus. Within these, Jewish Federations play a vital role. However, it looks like we may have muffed our capability to smoothly pass along these integral values. According to a February 2023 Gallup survey, net sympathy for Israel versus Palestinians was 31% or higher for generational groups born in 1979 or earlier,
but for those born in 1980 or later, it is negative 2%. This is a momentous drop among the two youngest generational groups, the Millennials and Gen Z. Net sympathy does not require a monolithic Jewish view for political or social solutions. There are clearly a wide range of principled stands that can be espoused: i) court restructuring, how or not, ii) Israel or nothing on the building/ maintaining/abandoning of settlements in, as you prefer, the occupied or disputed territories, et al. The essential point is to do your best not to let opposition or support of Israeli policies morph into antisemitism, in particular after the Oct. 7 pogrom. This net sympathy attitudinal shift seems to be, in part, driving an increase in antisemitic views. The Anti-Defamation League’s September 2023 report on Anti-Israel Activism on U.S. Campuses 2022-23 notes, “Vilification of Zionists and expressions of support for terror against Israel defined anti-Israel activism on college campuses.” Likewise, the ADL
CHABAD OF BONITA SPRINGS AND ESTERO
has warned that “the left-wing movement that agitates against Israel in the name of Palestinian rights has made antisemitism more socially acceptable.” Regrettably, since the Oct. 27, 2018 attack at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, when a virulent antisemite murdered 11, the embrace American Jews once felt from communities across the United States seems to be fading away. Amanda Berman, founder of a progressive Zionist group, partially attributes this to the fact that people are applying a simple oppressor/oppressed binary onto the conflict without a sound foundation in the history and actual forces at work on the ground. This speaks to the point that we, the mishpocha, need to be better at passing our values — l'dor v'dor — to next generations. In December, when this grandpa is in Boston with his college freshmen grandchildren, he will try to practice what he preaches. Am Yisrael Chai!
www.jewishbonita.com / 239-949-6900
Chabad of Bonita Springs Your home for Jewish community and spirituality
N
estled in the heart of Bonita Springs, Chabad of Bonita Springs and Estero is a warm and welcoming hub for Jews from all backgrounds. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive Jewish experience, catering to individuals of all ages and interests. Here, you can find a wide array of services, educational programs, social events and holiday celebrations that will enrich your spiritual journey.
the area that offers daily services. Our community understands the significance of coming together to pray, find spiritual inspiration and build connections. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor, our doors are always open for you. Join us for our daily services, and let's grow, learn and share meaningful experiences together.
Daily services
Our Shabbat services are a true celebration. Friday evenings are a joyous occasion
We are proud to be the only center in
Shabbat services
from October to April at 6 p.m. and May through September at 7 p.m. Saturday mornings bring a heartwarming atmosphere with services at 10 a.m., Torah reading at 11:15 a.m., a sermon at 11:45 a.m. and Kiddush at 12:30 p.m. The Kiddush gatherings are the most popular place to be on a Saturday afternoon. Here, you can connect with fellow congregants, enjoy traditional Jewish delicacies and share stories that strengthen our bonds as a community.
Educational programs
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At Chabad of Bonita Springs, we believe in nourishing both the mind and the soul. We offer a range of educational programs, including the Jewish Learning Institute (JLI), the Rosh Chodesh Society for Jewish women, Chassidic philosophy discussions every morning, Talmud study on Mondays, a lunch 'n' learn Torah class on Wednesdays and one-on-one classes tailored to your interests. There are opportunities to delve into Hebrew lessons, Yiddish language, and the study of Chassidic philosophy and Torah.
Making a difference
We are not just a place of worship; we're also committed to serving our community. Our "Kosher Meals on Wheels" program delivers nutritious kosher meals to homebound seniors and individuals with disabilities. Our Kosher grocery store, Bonita Kosher Market, offers a wide selection of kosher products to make keeping kosher more accessible and affordable.
Rabbi Greenberg and Luba Greenberg Co-directors The very much anticipated Kosher Deli is scheduled to open early 2024. Stay tuned for grand opening info.
Supporting Jewish students
Chabad of Bonita Springs operates an independent center serving Jewish students at FGCU. Led by Rabbi Mendel and Shternie Gordon, this center provides resources and a welcoming community for students.
Contact information
You can find us at 24611 S. Tamiami Trail in Bonita Springs. For more information, don't hesitate to call us at 239-949-6900 or email chabad@jewishbonita.com. Visit our website at www.Jewishbonita.com for the latest updates and event details.
All are welcome
Chabad of Bonita Springs and Estero welcomes everyone, and you don't need to be a member to join our services or programs. We are here to embrace, educate and celebrate together. Join us for a spiritual journey that offers much more than just prayer – it offers a sense of community, a shared history and an open heart. We look forward to welcoming you to Chabad of Bonita Springs!
