Federation Star - January 2023

Marina Berkovich JHSSWF President

Happy and Healthy 2023! Wishing all good things to our members, supporters and followers. Since 2003, the State of Florida has officially designated the month of January its Jewish History month. Old-timers will remember, but newcomers are most likely unaware, that it is particularly imperative to celebrate it in Southwest Florida. Contrary to the popular misinformation that Florida was always Jewish, which northerners frequently repeat, even such Jewish strongholds as Miami had to fight for acceptance, equality and equity.

In Southwest Florida, we gained ours more recently, in the 1980s, as our readers likely know. Jewish History in Collier County, the latest to establish a Jewish community on the west coast of Florida, is not only about the history of Temple Shalom, its oldest synagogue but, also about those who never joined any worship group, were turned away, could not afford the dues or were hiding their identity because they were here early enough to face real discrimination.

The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida, an all-volunteer organization, is committed to preserving the trail of local Jewish history. Our eyewitnesses share yesteryear lore to remind us of the positive advances the community at large has made in understanding cultural, ethnic and religious differences of its diverse population. There are occasional throwbacks but, overall, Florida’s Jewish history, Southwest Florida’s in particular, teaches us about the importance of proudly upholding our beliefs in all times.

Since 2010, the Society has collected and showcased stories of individuals who helped shape our local Jewish perspectives and enlighten our non-Jewish neighbors. Our original productions, Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers film series, earned a TELLY Award and are exhibited in the ANU Museum in Tel Aviv.

On Thursday, Jan. 19 at 4 p.m., we have a big release. Our next film, “Jack Nortman, Boxcar Education Giant” will be shown at South Regional Library (register with the library to attend). Originally scheduled as a fundraiser brunch, since we were diverted off course (first by COVID, then Ian), we are proud to release it to you this month at a free event.

Mr. Nortman’s unique story is an inspiration model for our entire community. Son of Holocaust survivors, he did not rest until an authentic WWII era boxcar was found and placed in service to educate everyone, particularly the students, about the evils of the Holocaust.

Next month’s event will take place at Chabad of Naples Sunday, Feb. 5, and will focus on Mitch Spaiser’s story. Believed to be the very first Jewish student of Edison, now SouthWestern College, Naples campus, Mitch tells a fascinating story of the 1960s and 1970s Naples life of a young Jewish man from New York during the pre-synagogues and pre-Federation era. A true Southwest Florida Jewish pioneer, Mitch Spaiser and his parents influenced generations of local Jews though their generosity.

We know you give to a variety of charitable causes and there were many strains on your resources in 2022, but please do not forget to contribute to JHSSWF and our important educational mission. Your gracious support is very much appreciated.

You may now purchase Jewish Historical Society of SWFL memberships online or mail us a check. A family membership is $54; individual membership is $36; student membership is $18; and corporate sponsorship is $300. If mailing a check, please send to The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida, 8805 Tamiami Trail North, Suite #255, Naples, FL 34108.

We can be reached at 833-547-7935 (833-JHS-SWFL), www.jhsswf.org or office@jhsswf.org. The Virtual Museum of SWFL Jewish History is located online at http://jewishhistorysouthwest florida.org/.

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