Why choose Naples Jewish Congregation?

Charles Flum President

We want you to visit and ultimately join Naples Jewish Congregation. Mark your calendar so you can check us out Friday, Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. when we hold our Open House. Your response may be, “Why?” Well, let me tell you about the wonderful people and events that make up NJC.

Rabbi Howard Herman’s erudition and incredible people skills has made him beloved to all of us. That is not hyperbole. When the congregation voted on his contract recently, the vote was unanimous to extend his contract. Come hear one of his wonderful sermons on a Friday night.

Our cantorial soloist Jane Galler, our music director Alla Gorelick, and the whole NJC choir lift our souls with their wonderful music. Although Galler is currently on leave, Gorelick and the choir have been a source of inspiration.

Our congregation feels like we are a large family. I have been in several congregations over the years. Naples Jewish Congregation is, by far, the friendliest and warmest with which I have ever been associated. When a guest comes to services, many warmly greet them.

We actively encourage the sentiment of “getting to know you” — “Flamingle” is one of our ways of putting this into action. About once a month, we gather to eat, shmooze and tell anecdotes about our lives, so we are “getting to know you.” “Flamingle” is exceedingly popular; many times, all available spaces are filled. Our last “Flamingle” was in a park, and we each brought an international dish to share. Our randomly picked judges awarded prizes. We told jokes or anecdotes about ourselves. One congregant shared how he got locked out of his hotel room wearing only his underwear and the subsequent adventure that ensued. You just had to be there!

As for our other activities, we have a Chanukah dinner and a second seder, both of which are open to the public (watch for ads in this paper). Rabbi Herman’s Lifelong Learning program is immensely popular. Five times a year he will elaborate on a topic of interest, followed by a light dinner and then services.

The next Lifelong Learning will be at 5 p.m. on Jan. 17. The topic is: “Angels and Demons: How do Jewish, Christian and Muslim Understandings of These Concepts Differ?” You can just come to the class, or you could join us for a light dinner as well. Please register at naplesjewishcongregation.org if you are having the $10 per person dinner.

If you can’t make the January class, there will be another opportunity in February.

On Feb. 21 at 5 p.m., Rabbi Herman’s topic is “What is Jewish Prayer? Spirituality, Discipline and Reflection.”

If you have an interest in furthering your learning, you can increase your Hebrew reading skills or join the Torah study group.

For one of our social justice activities, a group of us made bowls at Empty Bowls Naples which will be sold so the money can be donated to feed the hungry in our community. For other social justice activities, we brought many bags of food to High Holidays to feed those at Baker Senior Center; we will have a clothing drive this month to clothe those less fortunate than us; and at elections, we staff a polling precinct.

Though we may be a small congregation, we have a big heart. Go to naplesjewishcongregation.org to learn more about us. Check out the service schedule to know when our Friday night and Shabbat morning services occur. Then, come to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Naples, located at 6340 Napa Woods Way, Naples, FL 34116 to join us for prayer, study and camaraderie.