Reflecting on JYP Naples’ successful events

By Cayla Schreier, JYP Coordinator

November is a time for giving thanks and spending time with friends and family. All our Jewish Young Professionals of Naples members were excited to celebrate Thanksgiving in the area locally and across the country with their friends and family.

Jewish Young Professionals of Naples member Dani hosted a delicious taco night Shabbat dinner on Friday, Nov. 15, and member Ruth hosted a fun and traditional Friendsgiving Shabbat dinner on Friday, Nov. 22. All who attended stated, one-by-one, what they were each thankful for. It was nice to see everyone celebrate together.

Numerous JYP Naples members attended Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties’ TRIBE Goes Country night on Wednesday, Nov. 13. Everyone had fun learning new line dances and meeting up for a fun midweek activity.

Also in November, some of our JYP members celebrated Havdalah, hosted and led by Rabbi Arias of Temple Judea in Fort Myers. What made this Havdalah special? It was a musical havdalah led with Rabbi Arias playing the guitar. We were excited to get more involved with the local Jewish community.

Some JYP Naples members attended Jewish Federation of Greater Naples’ Third Annual Matzah Ball on Saturday, Dec. 7 and were excited to mix and mingle with the local Jewish community.

Seven JYP Naples members enjoyed a 4-day, 3-night Royal Caribbean cruise to the Bahamas from Dec. 6 to Dec. 10, along with members from Moishe House. They were excited to meet new, young Jewish professionals from across the United States on this cruise.

Jewish Young Professionals of Naples launched its first-ever mentorship program with the help of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. JYP Naples members submitted forms to become mentees and got paired up with potential mentors at the kickoff event on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m.

Future events

Details about upcoming events will be distributed via email and the Facebook group chat. Please reach out to Reneé Bialek (rbialek@jewishnaples.org) if you would like to be added to those group communications. We also have a Google form for members to fill out to receive feedback and ideas on what type of JYP events they would like to see in the future.

I look forward to seeing everyone soon. Jewish Young Professionals of Naples wishes everyone a Happy New Year. Best wishes for 2025!