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Federation Star
JEWISH FEDERATION
February 2021
MEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE
www.MCANaples.org / 516.356.2897
Chase the winter blues away with the MCA By Jeff Margolis
A
lthough February is the shortest month of the year, there is no shortage of activities for MCA members. While all in-person events have been suspended due to COVID-19, members can choose from a vast variety of programs, lectures and films. When programs are presented to our members, we really don’t know how any of them send a message to listeners or the subsequent impact. MCA member Ken Anchor noted that he found the recent documentary film, “My Dear Children,” compelling and personal. How many of us truly knew the terror of being victimized by a pogrom or other anti-Semitic screeds. Many of our families ended up in the U.S. or Canada to escape from the Holocaust. Most Americans know of Dr. Ruth Westheimer as America’s preeminent sex-therapist. This month’s film, “Ask Dr. Ruth,” examines Westheimer’s life in Germany during the Holocaust. While she was sent on a Kindertransport to Switzerland, her parents were not so lucky. Westheimer made her way to Palestine, where she served in the Hagana. Screen the film to learn more. Those who sign up will be provided with a link to view the film with an option to participate in a post-film Zoom discussion on Tuesday, Feb. 2. The monthly Zoom (for now) luncheon will take place on Thursday, Feb. 11, at 11:30 a.m. The topic of the program is “Truth or Consequences: Serving as an Expert Witness.” The presenter is fellow MCA member Dr. Avi Goldstein, a retired periodontist who has been an expert
witness in over 100 cases involving dental malpractice. Dr. Goldstein has had a distinguished career of over 40 years in both the U.S. and Canada. He was appointed as an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Surgery at Yale University College of Medicine. Remember, MCA members can register for this program and all MCA programs by going to the website and registering on Wild Apricot. Here are our other upcoming activities:
Travelogue Series The MCA monthly Travelogue Series with Jim Sernovitz continues on Tuesday, Feb. 2 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Jim’s topic this month will be Eastern Europe. These programs have been quite popular, so be sure to register early.
Medical Seminar February’s Medical Seminar will take place on Thursday, Feb. 4 with two distinguished speakers. John D’ Amico will discuss “Physical Conditioning as We Age.” Dr. Larry Goodman will present a program titled, “X-Ray, CT, MRI and Interventional Procedures Demystified.”
Science Group Our Science Group continues its Zoom programming on Tuesday, Feb. 9 with a presentation of “Twilight Zone Moments in the Failure of Material.” This program will be presented by Richard Hertzberg.
Jewish Genealogy The Jewish Genealogy Special Interest
Group meets monthly to assist members in tracing their family roots. The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 9. For more information, please contact Arthur Sissman at genresearch13@yahoo.com.
an informal setting. The February dates are Thursday, Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25 at 9 a.m. Be sure to RSVP and bring your own coffee and danish.
Lecture program MCA’S highly regarded lecture program continues this month on Thursday, Feb. 25 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The topic, “The Rosenberg Case,” will be presented by Neil Adelman. Remember, all events require registration. It’s not too late to join or renew your MCA membership. Dues are $90 and include membership in the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. Please visit the website at www.MCAnaples.org. For more information about MCA, please contact Les Nizin, MCA president at There are 3 Ways to MCAnaplespresident@gmail.com.
Conversations program The very popular “Conversations” program continues on Thursday, Feb. 18 at 10 a.m., with a conversation with former Naples mayor Bill Barnett. Barnett spent 28 years in public service in Naples, serving 12 years in city council and 16 as mayor. Don’t miss this enlightening look into local Neapolitan politics.
Virtual breakfast The MCA Virtual Breakfast group is a weekly Zoom get-together of members in
Join the MCA!
There are 3 Ways to Join the MCA! 1. Visit theClick website at www.MCAnaples.org. 1. Visit the website at www.MCAnaples.org. on the MCA membership Click on thecredit MCA membership form and complete it. You form and complete it. You can pay by card or check. can pay by credit card or check.
2. Send an email with your name, email address and phone number to joinMCA@MCAnaples.org. 2. Send an email with your name, email address and phone number to joinMCA@MCAnaples.org. 3. Mail your name, email address and phone number to Larry Israelite, 8820 Savona Court, Naples, FL3.34119. Mail your name, email address and phone number to Larry Israelite, 8820 Savona Court, Naples,
Dues for current year are $90 and include membership in the Jewish FL 34119. Federation of Greater Naples.
Dues for current year are $90 and include membership in the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.
IAC reviews past, looks to the future By Jeff Margolis
T
he mission of the Israel Advocacy Committee (IAC) of Greater Naples is to provide the community with information and insights as to what is happening in Israel today. The committee, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, seeks to provide films, speakers and thoughtprovoking programs that explore such issues as Israel’s security, current politics and the cultural scene. The current 2020-21 season commenced with a presentation by Ambassador Dennis Ross and Professor David Makovsky, which featured a discussion of the historic and future views of the Middle East and what changes in policy may occur under a President Biden administration. Ambassador Ross dissected the role of the U.S. in world events and its leadership position in the Middle East. Professor Makovsky examined the role of the
Palestinians in the coming years with a new U.S. President. Will they still be working toward a two-state solution or a “one state for two peoples” dynamic? He also went on to acknowledge the success of the Abraham Accords. Both speakers warned of the possibility of a fourth election in Israel. The second program of the season featured Galit Peleg, the Interim Consul General for the Consulate General’s office in Miami, who spoke to Zoom viewers on the changing landscape of Israel. IAC chair Harvey Cohen noted, “Over the past years, we’ve been fortunate to bring in-person programs (not Zoom) with topics of interest, from Eric Mandel, who addressed the Palestinian leadership’s agenda vs. a truthful path to peace. We’ve also heard from Jerusalem Post journalist
Prizel, Michael Rubenstein, Mark Schloss, Goldie Wetcher and Reneé Bialek, Program Director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.
Stand with Israel
Herb Keinon and Israeli progressive representatives of the Hand-to-Hand schools as well as the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies.” The committee continues to review and discuss programs and speakers for future presentations. Zoom programming will continue until it is deemed safe for all of us to gather in person. The current members of the IAC are Chair Harvey Cohen and members Ron Agronin, Myra Benedikt, Fran Goldman, Monica Goodwin, Diane Hahn, Jerry Kumin MD, Jeff Margolis, Ilya
The State of Florida recently announced that it has approved a design for a “Stand with Israel” license plate. Designed by an artist from Boca Raton, the new plate will become available as soon as there are 3,000 requests for it. There is an additional charge for this unique plate. Contact the Division of Motor Vehicles for details. For information about IAC programs or to make suggestions for future events, please contact program chair Harvey Cohen at hwcohen@gmail.com. The IAC is here to shine the light of education, information and dialogue so our community members are better advocates for Israel.
For a continuously updated community calendar, visit the Federation’s website at www.jewishnaples.org.
