JCRC’s Day and Evening of Learning

Jews of Persia

By Jeff Margolis

Naples’ own Cantor Donna Azu will present a program on the Jews of Persia as part of the annual Jewish Day and Evening of Learning on Sunday, March 7, at 2 p.m. and on Wednesday, March 10 at 7 p.m.

Originally from Southern California, Cantor Azu earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Opera Performance and Music Education from California State University of Long Beach. Prior to attending the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City, she earned a California teaching credential in K-12 music and taught both elementary and middle school music and theater.

In addition, Donna Azu sang professionally throughout Southern California with Opera Pacific, Long Beach Opera and the Los Angeles Jewish Symphony. Cantor Azu received a master’s degree in Sacred Music from Hebrew Union College in 2009 and her cantorial ordination in 2010.

This year, she will be celebrating her 10th anniversary as the Cantor at Temple Shalom in Naples.

Cantor Azu’s topic stems from her family roots as Persian Jews. She was fascinated with the history, traditions and culture that were part of her parents’ upbringing. Her presentation rounds out the day portion of the program that includes Dr. Steven Derfler (The Jews of China) and Dr. Ron Hart (Crypto Jews). The theme of this year’s program is “It’s Chai Time to Visit Jewish Neighbors.”

The program this year is being offered free of charge and will be presented in Zoom format.

And there’s a bonus this year — an Evening of Learning, which will take place on Wednesday, March 10 at 7 p.m.

This special program will feature a clergy panel discussion on the topic of “Keeping the Faith and So Much More During the Pandemic.” The distinguished panel members will include: Reverend Edward Gleason from Trinityby-the-Cove Naples; Fr. Hugh McGuigan, representing Our Lady of Light Catholic Community in Estero; Rabbi Adam Miller from Temple Shalom in Naples; and Reverend Dr. Dawson Taylor, who serves the Naples United Church of Christ.

To register for this event, please access the Federation website at www.jewishnaples.org. The Annual Day and Evening of Learning is proudly sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Naples (JCRC), a committee of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.