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Federation Star
JEWISH FEDERATION
July/August 2022
Let the planning for next season begin!
S
ummertime — and the living is easy! Forget about that cliché this summer. With the building nearing completion, we are up to our armpits in alligators! Clichés aside, we are superduper busy. All the usual planning for the upcoming season is on steroids as we try to figure out when we will move into our amazing new Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. Moving, as we all know, is one of life’s most traumatic changes, right up there with birth, marriage, divorce and death. And, with everyone in the office moving at the same time, it’s a bit overwhelming. Planning the big move is made even more difficult as we don’t know our exact move date. What programs will we have next year? When and, more importantly, where will they be? If we move in November, we can start programming for the new rooms in
an interview...continued from page 1 so supportive of what we are trying to accomplish, and when I take donors on a tour of the building, who are so impressed by the progress. My low was when we faced some significant challenges getting our site plan approved because of water management issues. At one point, I wasn’t sure the project would be able to move forward. But Temple Shalom and Federation leadership worked together to find workable solutions and we are now months away from moving into our new home.
Jane Schiff and Jeffrey Feld December, but what if we don’t move until January? Which book festival events will be held where? Channukah Menorah lighting will be held on Dec. 21 as we have secured that
date for Mercato but, if the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center is open and we have a certificate of occupancy (CO), we want to hold it there. So many options. Such an exciting time. But not the relaxing summer many of you will be having. Your Board of Directors is also working through the summer on an updated Strategic Plan for the next five years. We began our work in early April with a three-hour session facilitated by Sallie Williams, CEO of Williams Consulting Group. She will present her findings and suggested plan to the Board in July. This will be the first time that the Board is scheduling a July meeting. But we need to plan for our expanding space, programming and growth. New committees will be created — building and grounds, outreach, and programming, to name a few.
If you have an interest in joining one of these committees, please contact Jeffrey Feld. And, as always, summertime is when we plan for our Annual Campaign, programming, Sefer Todah, Connections magazine and all the other ongoing things you count on us to produce. We are very busy here at Jewish Federation of Greater Naples – and your support has caused this expansion. We can’t wait to welcome you back at the end of your wonderful summer vacations to your winter or full-time Jewish home in our new Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. Be safe and well this summer. Enjoy your time with friends and family. And know, in the back of your mind, that we are working on creating fabulous events and programming for your future.
MDF – Can you give us an update on where the project is at this point? MS – We hope to move into our new building in November or December this year. How hurricane season progresses and whether we can continue to avoid major supply chain issues will be the determining factors. MDF – In your opinion, how will this building be an asset to the Greater Naples community? MS – For the Jewish community, we will have helped meet the
growing programmatic and space needs of WCA; MCA; the Book Festival; BBYO and our campus partner, Temple Shalom, as well as all the other Jewish organizations in Naples. For the growing Greater Naples community, we can selectively provide space for events, and also be able to host educational sessions which foster mutual under-standing and cooperation well beyond the Jewish-Catholic dialogue we have now. I believe our new building will be one of the top 5 architectural marvels
in Greater Naples and a showcase for our community. MDF – Marc Saperstein has worked tirelessly, putting in countless hours as a lay leader on this project and going above and beyond for all of us. His leadership and determination are one of the reasons why our Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center has progressed so well. He is always available and willing to help whenever and wherever. Thank you, Todah Robah, just doesn’t seem to be enough.
THIS MONTH’S ADVERTISERS This publication is brought to you each month thanks to the support of our advertisers. Please be sure to use their products and services, and mention that you saw their ad in Federation Star. Anago Cleaning Systems..................6 Kaye Lifestyle Homes..........................5 Beth Tikvah....................................4 Kotler Law Firm, P.L. .........................8 Brittany Howard, Coldwell Banker .....12 MCA........................................8 Carlisle Naples, The.........................13 Moorings Park..............................11
Wishing You a Sweet & Happy New Year “As we dip our apples in honey, we pray for an additional measure of sweetness. May we continue to grow in our commitment to our faith, our people and community. May all Jews experience blessings in the year ahead, and may the world become a better place for all your children.” – Rabbis Bennet Miller & Erik Lankin Please come visit our
Garden of Remembrance
Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens
525 111th Avenue North | Naples, FL 34108 239-597-3101 | www.HodgesNaplesMG.com
Casual Connection..........................10 Naples Envelope & Printing Co.......25 Chabad of Naples..........................28 Naples Jewish Congregation.......21 Chellie Doepke, Premiere Plus Realty...22 Seascape at Naples.............................17 Deborah Zvibleman, John R. Wood....9 Senior Housing Solutions...............18 Fuller Funeral Home........................18 Tumbles......................................9 Ginsberg Eye...................................12 Truly Nolen...................................7 Hodges Funeral Home......................2 WCA.......................................19 & 23 James Knafo Architect & Builder.........22 Wynn’s Market................................25 Katz New York Deli...........................24
