Jewish History Film Festival

Plus Mercato Chanukkah and Tea with History

By Marina Berkovich, president

Our third annual Local Jewish History Film Festival brings to our community several documentary films, directed by five-time Telly Awards winner Alexander Goldstein, about the history of Jewish culture in Southwest Florida. All films are being shown at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center.

We began on Oct. 30 with “Power of Two: Judith and Samuel Friedland.” These true Southwest Florida Jewish pioneers donated their vision, money and skills to many wonderful projects in Collier County congregations and Federation, supported Israel and political advocacy throughout Southwest Florida and much more.

On Nov. 5, we continued with “A Mensch For All Reasons: Stuart Kaye,” a film about a Floridian who settled in Naples in his mid-seventies — balancing work, family and charitable impact without ulterior motives and, often, without due recognition, but without whom the local Jewish community would be something else.

The world premiere of “Becoming Jewish Federation of Greater Naples,” brings to the community the story of organized Jewish presence in Collier County along with its gradual evolution into Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, which used to be Jewish Federation of Collier County and The Jewish Council of Collier County. This is a story told in three films.

On Nov. 19, we premiered “Starting Community” told by Craig Frankel and “Growing Community” told by David Willens, both of whom were executive directors of this Federation.

“Power of Community” will premiere on Dec. 4. This is the third and final (for now) documentary about “Becoming Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.” Jeffrey Feld and members of the Board of Directors comment on Federation’s growth and the big move into the new glorious facility.

Not my words, but I do like using them: It’s “easier to learn local history from films than read many books.”

Mercato Chanukkah

On Dec. 26, please stop by our table at the Mercato Chanukkah Celebration, which is now a local staple for both Jews and non-Jews, who come to celebrate with us.

According to Wikipedia, aka that infallible source of factual virtue, “Chrismukkah is a pop-culture portmanteau neologism referring to the merging of the holidays of Christianity's Christmas and Judaism's Hanukkah.” The popularization of the idea of Chrismukkah was born out of the Cohen Family on the TV show, "The O.C."

As we all learn early in childhood, it is the voice of the storyteller, their choice of words and intonations, that slant the story. Here in Southwest Florida our Jewish history is barely 100 years old. In our work, we connect the dots, lay out a theory and try to set precedence. Keeping historical integrity matters.

Tea with History

On Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 3 p.m., we will celebrate Florida Jewish History Month at our organization’s major annual fundraiser. This year’s theme is “Tea with History.” Event chairs are Ellen Frankel, Monica Goodwin and Elena Novik. Held at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, this promises to be a unique event with lots of fun and surprises. It’s an afternoon tea party complete with finger sandwiches, scones and Devonshire cream. Smart casual attire required, and ladies are encouraged to wear their fascinators. Tickets are available at jhsswf.org.

Your generosity and support help The Jewish Historical Society of SWFL in its work, events and presentations. Donate online, by mail or contact us at office@jhsswf.org. We can be reached at The Jewish Historical Society of SWFL, 8805 Tamiami Trail North, Suite # 255, Naples FL 34108, 833-547-7935 (833-JHS-SWFL), www.jhsswf.org, or office@jhsswf.org.

The Jewish Historical Society of SWFL is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Contributions are deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

THIRD LOCAL JEWISH HISTORY FILM FESTIVAL

Premiere of “Becoming Jewish Federation of Greater Naples” Tuesday, Nov. 19, 3 p.m.

Film 1: “Starting Community” told by Craig Frankel.

Film 2: “Growing Community” told by David Willens. Wednesday, Dec. 4, 3 p.m.

Film 3: “Power of Community” told by Jeffrey Feld and other community leaders.

Festival Sponsors: Sue Bookbinder and Nancy Kahn

Tickets Sponsor: Kaye Lifestyle Homes All information is available at JHSSWF.org.