Federation Star - July/August 2021 by jewishnaples

Double your Capital Campaign contribution with a special Challenge Matching Grant opportunity! S E E

A R T I C L E

B E L O W

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D E T A I L S

Celebrating Jewish Life in Greater Naples, Israel and the World

Federation Star Published by Jewish Federation of Greater Naples Serving Naples, Marco Island and the surrounding communities

www.JewishNaples.org Y July/August 2021 – Tammuz/Az/Elul 5781 Y Vol. 30 #11 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 10 Men’s Cultural Alliance 12 Women’s Cultural Alliance 14 Community Focus 15 Tributes 16 Jewish Interest 19 Israel & the Jewish World 20 Organizations 21 Commentary 22 Synagogue News 24 Focus on Youth 27 Community Directory A Passion for Israel Why would a successful corporate lawyer leave his home every year to volunteer in the Israeli army? Find out in this IAC Zoom event.

PAID

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Ste. 2201 Naples, FL 34109

FT Myers, FL Permit No 1101

Non Profit Org U.S. Postage

$1 million challenge matching grant for Capital Campaign By Marcy Friedland, Capital Campaign & Planned Giving Director

e are excited to announce that a group of our donors have come forward to offer a challenge matching grant of up to $1 million! If we can raise the full amount by Aug. 31, 2021 your contribution will be matched dollar for dollar to help us build the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. Donate now and your contribution will be doubled! We have raised $8.8 million and need everyone’s help in the community to achieve our goal of $10.5 million to build the center and another $4.5 million in endowments to sustain it for future generations. This is your chance to make a first-time gift or increase your existing contribution to the Capital Campaign and have your money matched for DOUBLE the impact. All pledges over $5,000 will qualify for a naming opportunity and can be paid over five years. For all contributions over $500, your name(s) will be published in the Federation Star. To participate, fill out the envelope inserted into this issue and mail it to the How Can You Help? Hears4you helps provide hearing assistance for seniors in need, but it needs your help to do it. 8 World War II on Film The Holocaust Museum’s newest exhibition features unique images taken during World War II.

office, call me at 239-263-4205 with a credit card or make your donation by going online to www.jewishnaples.org. We urge you to contribute what you can before August 31 to help us meet this challenge matching grant. Our deepest gratitude to Shelley and Steve Einhorn, Steve Iser, Debbie Laites and Ben Post, Bebe and Stephen Saks, Joan and Marc Saperstein, Jane Schiff, Phyllis and Michael (z”l) Seaman, and

Arlene and Michael Sobol for their philanthropic generosity in creating this Capital Campaign challenge matching grant. Your gift today can go even further in helping Jewish Federation of Greater Naples build the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. We can’t do this without you! For the latest update on our building process turn to page 3.

Are you ready to build or remodel the home of your dreams? LEARN MORE ON PAGE 3

Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

July/August 2021

Reopening Jane Schiff Federation Board Chair

s has been reported in our weekly e-blast since late May, Jewish Federation of Greater Naples is back, open for business, but not as usual. We closed to the public in late March of 2020 for a total of 14 months, reopening June 1, 2021. During the pandemic, a committee of medical professionals, an attorney, Jeffrey Feld and I met on a regular basis to assess the reopening risks to our community as well as how to go about reopening. In early May, it was agreed that opening outdoor activities with restrictions was appropriate. Then, two or three weeks later, the CDC

changed the guidelines, so we changed our policies. Below is our current policy. Be aware that, as conditions change, we may change our policies. We strive to keep up with all changes from the CDC, being as open and welcoming as CDC guidelines allow. A large thank you goes to the reopening committee — Dr. Jerry Shier (chair), Dr. Bernie Lublin, Dr. Art Siegel, Dr. Karen Ezrine, Dr. Nat Ritter, Dr. Brian Wolff, Stanley Deutsch (pharmacist), Bill Petasnick (hospital administrator) and Josh Bialek (attorney). The committee wishes to remind ever yone that nothing in life is without risk. While the guidelines protect most people, especially those who have been vaccinated, it is still possible to contract COVID-19. Each person must take responsibility for their decision as to when, or if, to reengage in person.

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples is in the process of creating programming that will be available in person and virtually whenever possible.

Fortunately, there were some “silver linings” during this cloud also. For me, personally, during this time, my son and daughter-in-law made Susan and me firsttime grandparents. And more recently, my daughter got married. These are two wonderful things that happened for my family during this timeframe. Hopefully, each of you can point to things that happened to you, or for you, that were bright spots during this very dark time. Many good things happened at Federation, despite the pandemic. We all learned how to do things in a different way. Virtual became standard operating procedure. Our Jewish Federation was able to engage with our community members for a multitude of programs and events, with Zoom becoming a way of life. In actuality, more people participated in more virtual activities then we could

have imagined. Thousands of households participated in MCA, WCA, JCRC, CJD, IAC, PJ Library, Mix & Mingle, Young Jewish Professionals, Families with Young Children and, of course, Federation’s iconic program, the Jewish Book Festival, all 19 events with 22 authors. In addition, people stayed connected by participating in a myriad of board and committee meetings. For some individuals, who are otherwise isolated, these virtual meetings and programs provided some opportunity for seeing and talking with other people. You may not have been able to shake hands or hug, but you could see and talk with other individuals. Zoom was and is a silver lining, allowing Federation to connect with you. As we begin to emerge from this pandemic, I hope we will all try to find those good things that happened to us.

Criteria for participating in indoor activities • All participants are encouraged to be vaccinated and wait two weeks after required number of injections (waiting period is mandatory) • Group size for indoor activities will be at 50%, but this will be reevaluated monthly • Social distancing encouraged for those not vaccinated • Masking is optional for those vaccinated • Masking is mandatory for those not vaccinated • Hand sanitizer is suggested • Do not attend if: 1) ill (mandatory) 2) diagnosed with COVID-19 (mandatory)

3) waiting for, or have, positive COVID -19 test 4) not vaccinated and exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days (mandatory) • Participants must notify Federation and activity leader if you become ill with COVID-19 or if you test positive for COVID-19. • After being ill with COVID-19, you may return to activities if: 1) Three weeks have passed after the onset of symptoms or 2) You have a negative COVID-19 test by PCR Federation will keep a log of attendance at all its activities. If a participant at any activity reports a positive COVID19 test or becomes ill from COVID-19, Federation will endeavor to contact everyone exposed.

Silver linings Jeffrey Feld Federation President/ CEO

hese past 15 months or so have been very challenging. The coronavirus pandemic has caused all of us to change. Let me be very direct – the pandemic has been, and is, a very bad thing. Many of us know of family, friends and acquaintances who became quite ill and even some who may have lost the battle. Our routines were certainly interrupted and changed. There were times when we were forced to quarantine. Activities were suspended and canceled. It was lonely. Being isolated was horrible.

I am sure virtual programs and meetings will be a part of our future. Although we are creating in-person opportunities, some people, for a variety of reasons, may want or need to continue participating through virtual means. We look forward to connecting in person, but we know we are also capable of maintaining personal connections virtually. Federation will do everything we can to be “live, in person” while simultaneously providing virtual engagement opportunities. The real silver lining to me is that even through challenging times, our vital and vibrant Jewish community found a way to sustain and build our community. Thank you, each of you and all of you, for helping to be the silver lining for our Jewish community.

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..................15 Jewish Congregation of Marco Island (JCMI)..............................................8 Beth Tikvah.....................................6 Kaye Lifestyle Homes..........................3 Bradford Square..............................11 Kotler Law Firm, P.L. .......................14 Carlisle, The.......................................7 Men’s Cultural Alliance (MCA)..........10 Casual Connection............................12 Moorings Park.................................9 Chabad at FGCU.............................25 Naples Envelope & Printing Co.......18 Chellie Doepke, Premiere Plus Realty..13 Naples Jewish Congregation..............19 Deborah Zvibleman, John R. Wood..2 Senior Housing Solutions.................8 Fuller Funeral Home..........................6 Temple Shalom...............................17 Ginsberg Eye.....................................13 Truly Nolen.......................................5 Hodges Funeral Home.......................19 Wynn’s Market................................23 James Knafo Architect & Builder......6

JEWISH FEDERATION

Federation Star

July/August 2021

An update on the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center By Marc Saperstein, Building Committee Chair

irst, a special thank you to those of dollars, during this timeframe. In addiyou who have contributed to the tion, steel bar joists, which are critical Capital Campaign thus far as well structural elements of the building, are as those who have volunteered their time now delayed by about six months. to work on this important project for the We have been working through Greater Naples Jewish community. numerous value engineering options to It’s been a very challenging few reduce costs and find ways to address months, which has slowed our timing to the material availability issues, but obtain Collier County approval on our this inflationary pressure is expected site plan. I am pleased to say, however, to continue for another few months at that we have made good progress on the a minimum. issues confronting us. Temple Shalom’s very generous offer to Raising funds lease 4.3 acres of land for 50 years at Chai Regarding the Capital Campaign, we ($18/year) to Jewish Federation of Greater have made great progress. We have comNaples was the key to making the project mitments from over 330 families for $8.8 water management area means Temple on hold pending resolution of the water viable when we were unable to find land million toward our goal of $15 million. will not be able to expand to the east of management challenges. Since Temple FEDERATION OFroom GREATER NAPLES BUILDING COMMUNITY ROOM at an affordable price in Collier County. THE More than 1,500 donors participate in its JEWISH current sanctuary and social in and Federation have completely counterDespite this wonderful opportunity, we the Annual Community Campaign and the future. cyclical activities and parking needs, our have experienced some recent bumps in we are hopeful those who have not conThis was compounded by Temple request for this parking deviation was the road. tributed to the Capital Campaign thus W E G A N D ECollier S I G N County G R O U “rightP by Collier County in early June. having toMprovide approved far, will do so soon. of-way” land along the entire frontage of Increased water For the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural its property, without any compensation, Increasing costs management requirements for Pine Ridge Road to be expanded to We still have several hurdles left to over- Center to become a reality, it will require There was an increase in the water manthe approval of our final site and building six lanes in the future. come, including increasing project cost agement requirements to meet Collier plans by Collier County and continued After extensive discussions with our projections and achieving our Capital County regulations to offset needed financial support from the Greater Naples civil engineers, Temple’s consultants Campaign goal of $15 million dollars. changes to Pine Ridge Road, which was Jewish community. and leadership, we were able to address COVID-19 has resulted in significant driven by safety and traffic flow considIf you have questions about the projthese challenges. cost and supply availability challenges erations. Because there was insufficient ect, please email me, Marc Saperstein, because many suppliers, both in the U.S. space available on the far western tract at mjs0821@aol.com. To contribute to Parking requirements and globally, had to shut down their facof land, where our new building will be the Capital Campaign, you can contact Another significant challenge was Collier tories for a period of time. Steel is now in located, the additional space now required Marcy Friedland, capital campaign direcCounty’s parking requirements for the short supply, driving prices up. for water management retention had to tor at mfriedland@jewishnaples.org or combined campus. We had to request a Between March 24 and May 7, the be accommodated on Temple’s already 239-263-4205. parking deviation to move forward with cost of the project increased $6,000 per developed property. This additional We can’t do this without you! our proposed site plan. This had been day, or more than a quarter-of-a-million

Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

July/August 2021

Your support makes our new Federation Star cultural center possible Published by Celebrating Jewish Life in Collier County, Israel and the World

Published by the Jewish Federation of Collier County serving Naples, Marco Island and the surrounding communities

A welcoming place for all Jews in the Greater Naples area

2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 2201 Naples, Florida 34109-0613 Phone: 239.263.4205 Fax: 239.263.3813 www.jewishnaples.org Email: info@jewishnaples.org Officers Board Chair: Jane Schiff Vice Chairs: Karen Deutsch (Chair Elect), Marc Saperstein, Beth Wolff Secretary: Rosalee Bogo Treasurer: Elliot Lerner Immediate Past Chair: Alvin Becker

Board of Directors

Frank Baum, Patti Boochever, Harvey Cohen, Marcia Cohodes, Amanda Dorio, Paula Filler, Merlin Lickhalter, Robin Mintz, Les Nizin, William Petasnick, Joel Pittelman, Stuart Price, Nat Ritter, Michael Rubenstein, Jamie Satz, Betty Schwartz, Arlene Sobol, Steve Strome, Jay Weiss, Jeff Zalasky, Board Member Emeritus: Phyllis Seaman

Past Board Chairs

Gerald Flagel, Dr. William Ettinger, Ann Jacobson (z”l), Sheldon Starman, Bobbie Katz, Rosalee Bogo, Judge Norman Krivosha (z”l)

Synagogue Representatives

Cantor Donna Azu, Sue Baum, Rabbi Ariel Boxman, Steve Chizzik, Rabbi Ammos Chorny, Rabbi Mendel Gordon, Rabbi Mendy Greenberg, Rabbi Mark Gross, Rabbi Howard Herman, Rabbi Adam Miller, Roberta Obler, Rabbi James Perman, Dr. Arthur Seigel, Daryl Sissman, Rabbi Fishel Zaklos

Staff

Jeffrey Feld: Federation CEO/President Reneé Bialek: Program Director Marcy Friedland: Capital Campaign & Planned Giving Director Janine Hudak: Admin. Coordinator Nathan Ricklefs: Database Manager Kirk Wisemayer: Annual Community Campaign Director Teresa Zimmerman: Finance & Operations Manager

Federation is the central Jewish community-building organization for Greater Naples, providing a social service network that helps Jewish people locally, in Israel and around the world. As the central fundraising organization for Jewish communal life in our area, strength is drawn from organized committees of dedicated volunteers. Programs include: • Annual Campaign & Endowment Fund • Celebrate Israel • Educational & Cultural Programs • Israel Advocacy Committee • Israel Scouts • Jewish Book Festival • Jewish Community Relations Council • Jewish Young Professionals • Jewish Russian Cultural Alliance • Men’s Cultural Alliance • PJ Library • Publication of the Federation Star, Connections and Community Directory • Women’s Cultural Alliance • Women’s Division • Youth Activities Committee – sponsoring youth education and scholarships for Jewish Summer Camp and Israel Experience

By Marcy Friedland, Capital Campaign & Planned Giving Director

ur Capital Campaign total to date is $8.8M! We would like to say Todah Rabah to the following donors who have contributed $500 or more as of June 4, 2021. Interested in adding your name to the list in one of our upcoming issues? Contact Marcy Friedland, capital campaign director, at mfriedland@jewishnaples.org or 239-263-4205.

Murray & Cheryl Abrams Patricia Adkins Howard & Sheila Agranat Aron & Susan Ain Kenneth & Felicia Anchor Walter & Eleanor Angoff Michael & Tracy Askotzky Debra Antzis & Chad Atkins Stuart & Tess Axelrod Barry & Sybil Baiman Ronald & Barbara Balser Phyllis Barolsky Frank & Stacey Baum Alvin & Sheila Becker Bob & Jo Belin Larry & Nancy Bell Michael & Lea Bendes William & Myra Benedikt Shelly Berkle Bennett & Mardelle Berman Rita Bernstein Lou & Goldie Bertone Andrew & Beverly Blazar Pete & Patti Bloom Michael & Margery Bluestein David & Janet Blum Jerry & Rosalee Bogo Steve & Patti Boochever Braverman Family Foundation Stephen & Rhonda Brazina Jay & Mona Brodsky James & Erica Buchweitz Timothy & Gina Cannon Tom & Barb Carlstrom Barbara Carocci Daniel & Linda Carp Harvey & Katie Cohen Jane Kessler & Anthony Clark Michael & Teri David Shellie Specter & Robert Davidson Stan & Karen Deutsch Marty & Gayle Dorio Steven & Shelley Einhorn Ron & Kathy Emanuel Geraldine Feldman & David Epstein Stan & Mignon Farb Cipora Brown & Steven Feiner Jeffrey & Susan Feld Ed & Leslie Feldman Ronald & Paula Filler David & Eloyse Fisher Gerald Flagel Marc & Jennifer Fleischer Norman & Madeline Foster Jeremy & Judith Finer Freedman Lisa & Sid Freund

Marcy Friedland Mort & Myra Friedman Bob & Pat Gage Darryl & Nancy Garfinkel Gary & Ellen Gersh Ken & Molly Getnick Stephen & Marlene Ginsberg Cheryl Ginsburg Elaine Goecke Annette Goldenberg Gene & Barbara Goldenziel Melvin Goldfine Bill & Carol Goldman Marcia Cohodes & David Goldsteen Avie & Donna Goldstein Bruce & Susie Golubock Larry & Hannah Goodman Alan & Helene Gordon Michael & Ellen Gordon Howard & Sherry Greenfield Hank & Nancy Greenberg Carole Greene Lenore & Rabbi Howard (z”l) Greenstein Howard & Rachel Gutman Linda Hamburger Lawrence and Sharyn Harris Robert & Marilyn Harris Paula Brody & Merrill Hassenfeld Deborah Pizer & Lawrence Hermalyn Richard & Linda Hertzberg Burton & Carol Hirsch Robert & Amy Hirsch Martin & Joan Holzinger Michael & Susan Horowitz Rosie Hyman Andy & Bronia Ichel Steve Iser Larry & Wendy Israelite Robert & Lise Issenman Jewish War Veterans Post 202 Nancy Kahn Fred & Elaine Kamin Joseph & Merrylee Kandel Mel & Jenny Kaplan Nancy L. Kaplan Wayne & Judy Kargher Dale & Lisa Katz Gene & Bobbie Katz Kaufman Family Jack & Judith Kaufman James Knafo Gary & Deborah Kohler Herb & Toby Kosloff Geoffrey & Fran Kroll Gracia Kuller Ira & Barbara Kushnir

Howard & Gail Lanznar Phyllis Lazear Larry Lechtner Elliot & Helene Lerner Arlene Levin Yale & Anna Levin Bob & Barbara Levine Martin & Hilda Levine Toby Levine Mayer & Judy Levitt Merlin & Harriet Lickhalter Mark & Arlene Litow Robert & Leda Lubin Bernard & Bobbie Lublin MCA Robert & Paula Maisel Howard & Marci Margolis Richard & Marianne Matties Burton Meisner Stuart & Carol Mest Martin Millender Sam & Rochelle Miller Andy & Robin Mintz Jeffrey & Judy Morton Jack & Bobbie Myers Les & Gail Nizin Rob & Fran Nossen Daniel & Ellie O’Brien Harvey Oriel David & Carol Orloff Marshall & Elaine Paisner Judi & Howard (z”l) Palay Benjamin & Judy Peltz Rabbi James & Jane Perman Irene Thompson & William Petasnick Charles & Judith Picus Michael Pierce Joel & Susan Pittelman Jimmy & Susan Pittleman Steve and Iris Podolsky Debbie Laites & Ben Post Richard & Judit Price Stuart & Estelle Price Ilya & Kate Prizel Sandy Raizes Jeffrey & Sandy Randall Mae Riefberg Nat & Susan Ritter Richard & Ellaine Rosen Frederick & Muriel Rosenfeld Marc & Lila Rosenweig Lyle & Gloria Rosenzweig Paul Rosofsky Barbara Roth Burton Roth Fred & Sandy Roth Ron & Sandy Roth Sam & Judy Roth Michael Rubenstein

Steven & Michele Rubin Kenneth & Sheri Sacks Howard & Myrna Sadowsky Carole Saks Larry & Robin Saks Stephen & Bebe Saks Marc & Joan Saperstein Rose Saperstein Jane Schiff Schiff Family Foundation Schuchman Family Bill & Caroline Schulhof Judy Copeland & Mark Schulman Hank & Diane Schwartz Les & Betty Schwartz Phyllis Seaman Art & Ellen Seigel Donald & Arlene Shapiro Floyd & Iris Shapiro Allison Tucker & Mark Shiffman Samuel & Arlene Shlesinger David & Gay Silberg Scott & Cathy Silver Marc & Linda Simon Russell & Gail Smith II Michael & Arlene Sobol Elaine Soffer Stacy Sokol Judith Sokoll Howard & Janet Solot Howard & Elaine Specter Harriet Spirer Mel & Leslie Springman Mitchell & Lorie Steinberg Sandra Stone Stephen & Phyllis Strome Rabbi Malcom Thomson Dennis & Fahn Tishkoff Mel & Gail Ufberg WCA Jerry & Linda Wainick Scott & Hetty Weinstein Max & Ellen Weisberg Jay & Susan Weiss Larry & Laurie Weiss Steve & Debbie Weiss Barry & Iris Weissman Kenneth & Goldie Wetcher Sylvia & Lewis Whitman Brian & Beth Wolff Ed & Ellen Wollman Herbert & Leona Wreschner Donald & Harriet Young Philip & Cathy Zacks Melvyn & Judy Zahn Jeff & Joni Zalasky Alan & Bonnie Ziskin Don & Sue Zulanch Debbie Zvibleman

July/August 2021

Federation Star

Bed Bugs Slowly Becoming A Big Headache In Southwest Florida by Joe Jayne, Truly Nolen Last issue, I discussed how drywood termites have been a problem for homeowners in Southwest Florida. For this issue, our radar is squarely on one particular insect which has exploded in our area over the last few weeks: bed bugs. Bed bugs are parasites that are commonly found in sleeping areas of homes and hotels. They feed off humans at night. During the day they live near the sleeping locations of their hosts. Beg bugs were virtually eliminated before 1995 but have since reemerged with the increase in world travel. An adult bed bug has a flat round body about the size of an apple seed. It ranges in color from brown to red, depending on when it last fed. Right after feeding, the bug is a bright red color which gradually fades to brown as it digests the human blood. Bed bugs are born lighter in color and turn brown as they mature. Bed bugs can be quite resilient. Although they typically feed on blood every five to ten days, they can survive several months without feeding. Bed bugs bite humans to feed on their blood. They are nocturnal and usually only bite while their human hosts are sleeping. Because a bed bug bite is painless, it can be difficult to identify the cause of the bite. Many people experience reactions to a bed bug bite like that of a mosquito or flea bite and the most common symptoms include redness, itching and swelling. Bites are not dangerous unless an allergic reaction to the bite occurs. If at any time you feel that the bite is serious, seek medical help as soon as possible. Bed bugs are often brought into homes on visitors' clothing or luggage. Because bed bugs are nocturnal, it can sometimes be difficult to identify an

infestation and they can go unnoticed for some time. The best way to determine if you have bed bugs is through finding and identifying a live bug. Other signs of an infestation include small bites on the body that seem to appear overnight, small dark spots on bedding from bed bug feces, or remains of dead bed bugs and shed skins. If you believe that you have an infestation, begin looking around beds and furniture for the nesting location of the bug infestation. Knowing what to look for is the first step in identifying and controlling bed bugs. They are experts at hiding. Their slim, flattened bodies make it possible for them to fit into tiny spaces, about the width of a credit card. Bed bugs are typically found hiding in mattress seams, pillow top tufts and around buttons. Without treatment, the population can rapidly grow and move into cracks and crevices near the bed, like those found in the headboard and side tables. One of the easiest ways to identify a bed bug infestation is by the telltale red, itchy bite marks on the face, neck, arms, hands, or any other body part while sleeping. However, these bite marks may take as long as 14 days to develop in some people, so it is important to look for other clues when determining if bed bugs have infested an area. Other signs include: • Dark red blood stains on linens and pajamas. • Dried feces that appear as small black or brown spots. • The bed bugs' shed skins (exoskeletons) after molting.

• An unusual smell – a sweet and musty, yet offensive odor. The insects' scent glands on the lower side of the body emit this fluid, which attracts other bed bugs. Getting rid of a bed bug infestation can be a difficult process depending on the size of the problem. It is almost always necessary to seek the help of a pest control professional to ensure that the infestation is under control and eliminated, and they will be able to instruct you on the best way to clean bedding, furniture, and mattresses. Vacuuming can also help to limit the number of bugs and eggs. Make sure to dispose of the vacuum bag right after use. In closing, as COVID restrictions begin to lift and travels become more available, here are a few proactive steps to take while on a trip. Always check the corners of your hotel beds for brown spots or “blood spots”. Before putting clothes in a drawer, inspect the whole dresser for evidence of small, flat, transparent insects. As the infestation moves along, you will be able to see bed bugs as they are no longer transparent as adults. This is due to the blood meal from the host. As a reminder, you can always request a FREE inspection by calling us or by visiting www.trulynolen.com and clicking “Schedule Free Inspection.” (Joe Jayne is the Manager for Truly Nolen in Naples. His service office can be reached at (239) 643-2555. Founded in 1938, Tucson-based Truly Nolen of America (www.trulynolen.com) is one of the largest family-owned pest control companies in the United States. To learn more about Bed Bugs, please visit https://www.trulynolen.com/pest-control/bed-bugs/ .)

Call Now!

Receive a FREE inspection and these great offers.

*Applicable to new annual service agreement & does not apply to Value Packages.

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Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

July/August 2021

Federation programming Reneé Bialek Program Director

Weekly communication As more virtual programs and in-person programs become available, they will be advertised in the weekly e-blast, sent out on Monday mornings. If you are not getting them, please let me know. We want you to stay connected.

Committees and groups

ewish Federation of Greater Naples has offered many virtual programs during these last few months. We have had art lessons, book talks, movie discussions, doctor webinars, game nights, PJ Library programs, speakers from Israel, Mix & Mingle and Jewish Young Professionalssocial time. We will continue to offer these types of Zoom programs throughout the upcoming months. As reopening guidelines change, in-person programs will be added.

We have a variety of groups and committees at Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. Please join the group and/or committee that best fits your needs. A taste of each one can be found on our website, www.jewishnaples.org.

Programming suggestions Do you have a favorite book, TV show or movie you would like to discuss? If you have an idea for a program or want to be a guest speaker or facilitator, please contact me at rbialek@jewishnaples.org.

Upcoming programs By Reneé Bialek, Program Director

rogram Assistant Ronnie Antik will conduct the following Jewish Federation of Greater Naples programs.

PJ Library

AN EGALITARIAN PROGRESSIVE CONGREGATION MEMBER OF THE UNITED SYNAGOGUE OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM

Zoom in for The Night-time Nanny on the first Sunday evening of the month in June, July and August, at which Antik will read a bedtime story from PJ Library. Participating 3 to 5-year-olds are invited to be in their PJs, with teeth brushed at 7 p.m. A different story will be read at 7:30 p.m. for 5- to 8-year-olds.

we will meet at a different park, which is still TBD.

Mix & Mingle Join us for brunch July 4 at 11:30 a.m. at M Waterfront Grill. This group will meet on Zoom Wednesday, July 21 from 6 to 7 p.m. Join us in person on Wednesday, Aug. 18 in the private dining room at Limoncello! We will meet at 5 p.m. to take advantage of happy hour pricing and special dinner choices for $14.95. This event is limited to 30 people.

Treasure hunt

Young Jewish Professionals

Calling all petite pirates! PJ Library kid’s first Treasure Hunt with PJ Library in the Park is scheduled from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, July 16. This first hunt will be at Cambier Park. In August,

Join us at Bar Tulia in Mercato at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 14. On Wednesday, Aug. 11, we will meet at K.C. American Bistro. To register for these programs, please email programs@jewishnaples.org.

We are celebrating our “in-person” reopening by offering

All New Members First Year Dues

FREE!

SERVING THE JEWISH COMMUNITY SINCE 1996 Please call or email the Synagogue

(239) 434-1818 • Office@BethTikvah.us 1459 Pine Ridge Road, Naples FL 34109

www.BethTikvahNaples.org

Fuller Cremation Center 5325 Jaeger Road Naples, Florida 34109

Fuller Funeral Home 1625 Pine Ridge Road Naples, Florida 34109

239.592.1611 wecare@fullernaples.com

www.FullerNaples.com

JEWISH FEDERATION

July/August 2021

Federation Star

Lucky 7 — 2021-22 Jewish Book Festival By Gayle Dorio, 2021-22 Jewish Book Festival Chair

ucky 7! That’s right, this year marks the seventh consecutive year for the Jewish Book Festival. As in years past, there will be interesting authors and books. As “People of the Book,” we have a responsibility! This year, the hardworking, dedicated JBF committee has expanded, actually doubling in size, with talented members already hard at work. Nearly 100 books have been read and reviewed, with meetings and recommendations following! Each year, the Jewish Book Council Conference offers approximately 250 authors to Book Festival participants. Authors have just two minutes to present themselves and their books. Four of

us — Jan Goldman, Carol Hirsch, Reneé Bialek and myself — were glued to our Zoom screens for many hours, listening to the authors, rating each and determining the best to invite for our festival. The committee’s book reviews were critically important as we navigated this process. Right now, we are waiting to learn from JBC if the authors and dates we selected are available. Hopefully, the authors will say yes; perhaps they will request an alternative date or decline. We have a list of substitutes, so never fear! As you know, COVID-19 has made the planning process much more complicated. Luckily, a number of authors indicated they are willing to continue to

present via Zoom. Many said they will do both in-person and Zoom. Stay tuned as we hear back. If you like historical fiction, historical nonfiction, memoir, Holocaust and something different and provocative, you will enjoy the selections. We expect the Festival to run from November through March. Of course, all is subject to change, depending on author availability and the pandemic restrictions. In the next Federation Star, you’ll read more about the schedule and we’ll have the date for the preview event. Only with your support and participation, will this year be successful. We know you want to support Jewish Federation

of Greater Naples and all the excellent work done both here in our community and elsewhere! We have kept Platinum Patrons at $500, Silver Patrons at $225 and Bronze Patrons at $118. Please look for the signup registration links when they are ready and choose your level of support! We are excited to enjoy another wonderful year! We hope you are, too! Thank you and “see” you soon — virtually or maybe sometimes in person!

Award-winning project continues to grow By Betty Schwartz, JCRC and SUFJ Committee Member

he Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) annual awards, the Stand Up for Justice Educator Grants (SUFJ) and the Human Needs Award, are presented only after each committee has carefully considered all eligible candidates. Once the winners are announced and recognized, they are not thought about as much as they should be. True excellence should have a longer shelf life. This year’s First Place SUFJ educator grant winners, Daniel Shaw and Beth

Barrus of Gulf Coast High School, developed an educational program based on science to lead “A Discussion on Gender & Science.” Genetics and endocrinology research was presented in a relevant and understandable way, which enabled a meaningful discussion of gender diversity for the Gender & Sexuality Alliance. Knowledge is a powerful weapon against bigotry.

The success of this program has led to a planned series of discussions that include topics on gender and psychology, followed by gender and sociology, which was most recently presented. Naples Pride Center won one of the Human Needs Awards and is providing valuable and much needed services and programs to the LGBTQ

community. When told about the program at Gulf Coast High School, Cori Craciun, board leader, was very much interested in offering the program at Naples Pride Center. A true example of synergy. It is so gratifying to see that positive change can be perpetuated if we are open to the possibilities. Every effort to increase understanding and appreciation for diversity is like a pebble dropped in a pond, with the circles continuing to spread.

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Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

July/August 2021

Adventures of a Sar-El volunteer

100% FREE REFERRAL SERVICES

By Jeff Margolis, IAC Committee Member

W Call Us First!

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Jewish Congregation of Marco Island

hy would a successful corporate lawyer leave his home every year for that past 18 years to volunteer in the Israeli army? Mark Werner, an ardent Zionist and son of a Holocaust survivor, explains why in his recently published book, “A Passion for Israel: Adventures of a Sar-EL Volunteer.” The Israel Advocacy Committee of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples is pleased to present an engaging and entertaining Zoom presentation with the author on Monday, Sept. 20 at noon. In his book, based on 14 years of journals he kept, Werner describes what it is like to be a civilian volunteer in the IDF. His adventures include working through a desert sandstorm, running to a bomb shelter during a Palestinian missile attack, and assembling tank antennas. The author writes about the comradery that develops between the volunteers and the soldiers who, because of the Sar-El volunteers, can devote more time to the crucial task of defending the people of Israel. This special event is free to the community, but registration is required. Please

go to www.jewishnaples.org to register. Werner’s book, “A Passion for Israel: Adventures of a Sar-EL Volunteer,” is published by Gefen Publishing House and is available in hardcover. Israel Advocacy Committee of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples invites the community to this program. We wish everyone a L’Shana Tovah.

May 5782 Bring Peace, Happiness and Good Health to You and Your Family

Come Worship With Us

Join our High Holy Day Services Led by Rabbi Mark Gross and Cantorial Soloist Hari Jacobsen S’LICHOT Saturday 8/28/21, 8:30PM EVE of ROSH HASHANAH Monday 9/6/21, 7:30PM ROSH HASHANAH, 5782 Tuesday 9/7/21, 10:00AM TASHLICH Wednesday 9/8/21, 11:00AM

YOM KIPPUR EVE - KOL NIDREI Wednesday 9/15/21, 7:30PM YOM KIPPUR – Day of Atonement Thursday 9/16/20, 10:00AM Worship, includes “Yizkor” Memorial. 3:30PM Afternoon Worship and Ne’ilah

We invite visitors and guests to join us in live worship, with a limited number of seats available per public-health guidelines established by the Board of Directors. The cost for guests is $100/person. Call ahead to reserve your seat: (239)642-0800. All are welcome to follow services through live-stream from our Congregational website: www.marcojcmi.com. Please call ahead for password information.

Are you in your forties or fifties, single and Jewish? Sign up now by emailing: rbialek@jewishnaples.org to meet other Jewish Singles

Read our weekly eblast to learn when the next activity will be.

OF GREATER NAPLES

JCRC collects items for Hears4you By Judi Palay, JCRC Human Needs Committee Chair

ewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples established a Human Needs Committee to help recognize nonprofits doing amazing in fulfilling a need in our community. There is a new organization, called Hears4you, that is working to help the less fortunate. While not yet a 501(c)(3), the organization could use our support. Hears4you’s purpose is to help provide hearing assistance for seniors who cannot afford hearing aids. It serves seniors in Collier County, especially bilingual-speaking seniors who may have difficulty seeking hearing help due to a language barrier. Specific services provided include: • Fitting donated hearing aids to adults who do not have insurance benefits or financial means to purchase new hearing aids. • Low-priced hearing aids and devices for communication for those who can afford them • Low-priced repairs and programming of hearing aids If you have any of the following items, the organization accepts: • hearing aids • batteries • any other hearing aid-related materials.

There is a box located on a shelf near the elevator outside the Federation office for donations. Thank you. Jewish Community Relations Council established a Fund for Human Needs to recognize organizations for their generous spirit and service to the entire community. It is another way for Jews in Collier County, as represented by their Federation, to practice tikkun olam, “bettering the world.” This newly formed group, while not qualifying yet for our cash award, could use a hand up. Are you able to help? Grants have been made to Harry Chapin Food Bank, Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Collier Council on Aging, NAACP Collier Branch, Collier County Education Foundation, Redlands Christian Association Literacy Program, Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, Baby Basics, Bedtime Bundles, The Shelter for Abused Women & Children, Senior Friendship Health Center, Lighthouse of Collier County, Naples Equestrian Challenge, Project HELP, Grace Place, Bedz for Kidz, Laces of Love, BookBuddiesOnLine and Naples Pride. More information can be found at https://jewishnaples.org/outreach/ human-needs-award.

July/August 2021

You did it your way

Federation Star

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Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

July/August 2021

MEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE

www.MCANaples.org / 516.356.2897

MCA opens for business By Jeff Margolis

Some people saw the pandemic as a problem. But to MCA it was an opportunity!! Since last April, MCA delivered over 170 programs, with a combined attendance of almost 8000.

But now we are back with virtual and ‘live and in person’ activities. Virtual Activities • • • • •

MCA Movie Group Gratuitous Violence Movie Night Men’s Discussion Group MCA Book Group Virtual MCA Breakfast

Live and In Person Activities • • •

MCA Breakfast at the Patio Retired Old Men Eating Out (lunch) MCA Summer Walking Group

And we are already planning next season, and it promises to be our best ever.

t has taken us a year and a half, but the MCA board of directors has recently announced the sanctioning of indoor and outdoor activities per the Federation Reopening Committee. The new criteria include the following guidelines adopted on June 1, 2021: 1) All participants are to be vaccinated, wait the prescribed time, and be able to provide proof of vaccination. 2) Group size limited to 25 participants 3) Social distancing 4) Masking is optional. 5) Hand sanitizer is recommended. 6) If members are ill, please stay home. 7) If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have recently had a positive test, please do not attend programs. Regarding indoor activities: 1) Programs are limited to 50% capacity. 2) Members are to adhere to all current CDC guidelines and advisories. Please note that these protocols were in effect at the writing of this article and may have been changed or modified by the time members receive this issue of the Federation Star.

MCA book discussion The MCA book discussion group has announced its selection for September. “The Science of Getting Older Without Getting Old,” by Andrew Steele, has been chosen by the book selection committee. The discussion, led by Steve Yussen, will take place on Sept. 9. For registration and more information, please contact Stan Farb at stan4mignon@earthlink.com.

MCA breakfast The weekly MCA breakfast get-together will take place at The Patio Restaurant, 10711 Tamiami Trail North, Naples on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. Registration is required.

MCA travelogue Are you interested in learning about the nation of Turkey? Join MCA travelogue expert, Jim Sernovitz, on Sept. 2, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. for his program titled “Turkish Delights.” Members can register on the MCA website via Wildapricot.

Stay updated The MCA e-blasts for the summer months go to publication every other week. Be sure to check the latest editions for updates on activities and changes to CDC protocols, as they may apply to future activities and events.

Dues Just a friendly reminder that MCA dues for the 2021-2022 season are now due. Cost is $90 and includes membership in Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. Registration is fast and easy. Just go to the website, mcanaples.wildapricot.org. MCA welcomes all new members and returning members. We look forward to greeting you in person this coming fall. Suggestions for new activities and programs are welcome. Please contact MCA president Les Nizin at mcapresident2021@gmail.com.

There are 3 Ways to Join the MCA!

Here is a just a sample of what’s in store: • • • • •

A bus trip to Art Basel in Miami A tour of the WGCU radio and TV studios The Documentary Film Series The MCA Luncheon Series Weekly biking, kayaking, pickleball and bocce

Please join or renew your membership today For more information, go to:

www.mcanaples.org Questions? Email us at:

membership@mcanaples.org

1. Visit the website at www.MCAnaples.org. Click on the MCA membership form and complete it. You can pay by credit card or check.

There are 3 Ways to Join the MCA!

2. Send an email with your name, email address and 1. Visit the website at www.MCAnaples.org. Click on the MCA membership phone number to joinMCA@MCAnaples.org.

form and complete it. You can pay by credit card or check.

an your email with your email name, email addressand and phone number to 3.2. Send Mail name, address phone number joinMCA@MCAnaples.org. to Larry Israelite, 8820 Savona Court, Naples, 3. Mail your name, email address and phone number to Larry Israelite, FL 34119. 8820 Savona Court, Naples, FL 34119.

Dues for current year are $90 and include membership Dues for the current year are $90 and include membership in Jewish in the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. Federation of Greater Naples.

July/August 2021

Bradford Square

Federation Star

Move & We’ll Now Your M Cover ovin Costs! g

Experience Matters. At times like this, we know experience matters. Every day our seasoned live-in managers are moving new residents into our worry-free, independent lifestyle with protocols in place to ensure a safe and easy move. Even though we’re practicing social distancing, we’re emotionally connected and keeping busy, getting exercise, and supporting one another with love and laughter!

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TUESDAY,

OCT. 19, 2021

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

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F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N C O N TA C T: Les Nizin: 516-356-2897 Len Schuman: 917-640-7564 Neil Shnider: 614-582-0108

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OF GREATER NAPLES

Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

July/August 2021

WOMEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE

www.womensculturalalliance.com / 518.852.3440

Behind the WCA curtain By Patti Boochever, WCA President

hat a difference a year makes! When I began my WCA presidency last September, the pandemic was in full force, altering all our lives. Thank you to all our members who supported us during this challenging year! Among those members are several extraordinary women who have worked unseen, “behind the curtain,” to make WCA function. Shellie Specter is one such member. Have you logged onto your profile in our new member management system? Have you wondered how all your personal information magically appeared in your profile? You have her to thank! Specter worked as a microbiologist before earning an MBA and working for General Mills. While raising her two sons, she did business and computer consulting for various organizations. Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Specter moved here from Minneapolis, and luckily for WCA, became a full-time Naples resident with her husband, Bob. Each week for five years, Shellie received copies of membership forms for both renewing and new members. She became an amateur graphologist, deciphering all the handwritten information in order to enter 52 columns of membership data into one spreadsheet. Prior to the pandemic, we had almost 1,700 members that Shellie kept track of! Her scientific and business background obviously honed her ability to problem solve and manage data, with great attention to detail! Two years ago, when we began using an online registration system, Shellie also reconciled those reports, which were in a completely different format, while continuing to enter all the handwritten data submitted. She prepared weekly reports for the board and for use by these other unseen and extraordinary team members — Sharon Lemoff, in charge of ordering name tags; Nancy Kahn, in charge of the weekly e-blast; and Harriett Kleinman, in charge of membership. Shellie always went the extra mile, calling those whose handwriting was

Shellie Specter illegible, looking up addresses in public property records, and tracking name and address changes. She even purchased a Windows computer to process the data she created on her Mac, so it would be more accessible for PC users! For the annual membership directory, Shellie spent hundreds of hours organizing, proofing and reproofing the spreadsheet that would go to the printer. Finally, she worked with Hannah Goodman to make the spreadsheet data compatible for Goodman to import into our new membership management system, which we wrote about in the May Federation Star. Ta-da! That’s how your profile “magically” appeared! Our new system has, sadly, eliminated Shellie’s job. (You are now able to edit, maintain and ensure the accuracy of your profile data.) But she’s okay with that! “I will now have more time to do things I enjoy — connecting people to resources and each other, quilting, embroidery and reading,” Shellie says. Since WCA’s inception, “dearnancykahn” has been the go-to email for all things WCA. The real Nancy Kahn is

Nancy Kahn another extraordinary woman who has also worked “behind the curtain.” Originally from Newton, Massachusetts, Kahn attended the University of Michigan, where she graduated as a medical technologist and met her late husband, Jeff. They moved to several different cities while Jeff pursued his medical training and Nancy continued her career until the birth of their three daughters. Before moving to Naples 21 years ago, they lived in Morgantown, West Virginia for two decades, where Nancy owned a travel agency. Like Shellie, Nancy’s background proved valuable when it came to mastering the details and computer skills required for the e-blasts, which she produced for 12 years. Nancy created and updated the original membership spreadsheet, gathered information about events from the coordinators, and composed the articles with graphics and formatting. She created a “sidebar” listing events and all the groups and activities from the program guide. As the newsletter became more and more complicated, Nancy

engaged others to compose the articles, but each article had to be copied over and reformatted. WCA grew so big that Nancy eventually passed the spreadsheet responsibilities to Shellie. When WCA started using Eventbrite, Nancy coordinated with Ann Cowan for online registration for events. During the pandemic, she singlehandedly compiled lists of ideas for interesting Zoom activities across the country. “I loved doing the e-blast and enjoyed all the contact it gave me with our members. When we changed from Constant Contact to our new membership system, I decided it was time to pass the responsibilities on to other members. The new system is much more streamlined and user friendly,” says Nancy. Carol Sherman is now creating the e-blasts. Nancy plans to remain active in WCA and, like all of us, is looking forward to meeting again in person. Thank you, Shellie and Nancy, Sharon and Harriett, and the many other members who have worked “behind the curtain” to build and maintain our WCA community of friendship.

It’s time to RENEW your WCA Membership! WHAT? You’re not a member yet? To

JOIN or RENEW go to

WCA’s new website: WCANAPLES.ORG and click on MEMBERSHIP. (You can pay by credit card or check.) Your membership will continue through August 2022. QUESTIONS? Contact Membership Chair Harriett Kleinman at hmkleinman@gmail.com

JEWISH FEDERATION

July/August 2021

Federation Star

Pomegranate Society successfully forges through pandemic! By Betty Schwartz, Pomegranate Chair and Susan Pittelman, Vice-Chair

ith “season” having come to an end, many members of the Pomegranate Society have returned to their homes up north, after a year that was like no other. This past year was certainly a challenge for each of us individually, as well as for our entire community. It takes a steadfast commitment to keep our Federation and its many partners and beneficiaries strong and growing. Despite the difficulties faced this past year, Pomegranates, along with Lions of Judah, were there when our community most needed them. As a result, great things were achieved, even during what was the most difficult of times. This year, our 2021 Annual Campaign raised a record $1,489,756, with approximately 39% of the campaign dollars from the women in our community. We are most appreciative of the Pomegranates’ ongoing commitment to our Federation’s mission of both building a strong Jewish community in Greater Naples and supporting the needs of our Jewish brothers and sisters locally, in Israel and in countries throughout the world. The powerful effects of their collective giving this past year has had an indelible impact on our Federation and its beneficiaries. We all feel that our philanthropy not only improves the lives of others, but also enriches our own lives. While it was not safe for Poms to come together physically, we did connect virtually. Last summer, Lions and Poms took a private virtual tour of the Ruth Bader Ginsburg exhibit at the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center. “Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg” was the first museum exhibition to focus solely on RBG. It was a very powerful experience and one that made us appreciate this iconic woman even more. Another highlight this past year was the virtual program with author Pamela Nadell. For the last two years, Lions and Poms have enjoyed an exclusive reception with an author from the Jewish Book Festival. Being the determined women that we are, even the pandemic was not

opinions about activities and projects regarding the focus of the Pomegranate Society for next year. The responses helped us understand the interests and priorities of our Poms. During a Zoom gathering, Poms were encouraged to share ideas and ask questions, and some of us just felt the need to talk with other women! One Pomegranate call focused on social service projects we are considering for the coming year, and we hope to begin planning one or more projects soon. To further build Ruth Bader Ginsberg (z”l) the feeling of community among going to prevent us from having a similar Poms, we created a Pomegranate Society event in March this year. directory to help members stay in touch on a more personal level. The theme was “A Celebration of Women’s Philanthropy” and the featured speaker was award-winning professor, historian and author Pamela Nadell, whose book, “America’s Jewish Women: A History from Colonial Times to Today,” won the 2019 National Jewish Book Award. Professor Nadell introduced us to women who, were they with us today, would surely wear the pins of the Lion of Judah or Pomegranate societies proudly. The twin threads binding together all the women she highlighted are a strong sense of self and a resolute commitment to making the world a better place. In addition to the tour of the RBG exhibit and the special author reception, Pomegranates met informally through Zoom – just to stay connected with each other. Pomegranates received an online survey, another first for us, asking for their

During the past month or two, many of us have been able to begin to enjoy “the new normal.” We can once again connect with family and friends, as we bask in the light at the end of what had seemed to be an endless tunnel. Planning is underway to create opportunities for Poms to gather again in person as we work together, striving to carry on the fundamental Jewish tradition of tzedakah. Lions and Pomegranates are the heart and soul of our Annual Community Campaign, and they inspire others to translate their Jewish commitment into giving that makes a difference. As the 2022 campaign gets underway, we hope you will join us in being one of these women. To become a Lion of Judah, a woman makes a minimum annual commitment of $5,000 to our Federation’s Annual Campaign; to become a member of the Pomegranate Society, the minimum gift is $1,800. For more information on either society, please contact Kirk Wisemayer, annual community campaign director, at 239-263-4205 or kwisemayer@jewishnaples.org.

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Federation Star

COMMUNITY FOCUS

July/August 2021

HOLOCAUST MUSEUM & JANET G. AND HARVEY D. COHEN EDUCATION CENTER www.HMCEC.org / 239.263.9200

World War II caught on film Susan Suarez President & CEO

n the 77th anniversary of D-Day last month, we opened a special exhibit in the Estelle and Stuart Price Gallery. “Caught on Film: The Wartime Photography of Ken Regele and the U.S. Signal Corps” features unique images taken during World War II by members of the U.S. Signal Corps. Charged with documenting all aspects of the war, the corps recorded life both on the battlefield and behind the scenes. While soldiers around them were fighting with weapons, the Signal Corps, armed only with cameras, completed their dangerous work. How did the museum come to have these historic images? Through a donation from the late Southwest Florida resident and Signal Corps member, Ken Regele, who had brought two rolls of film home for safekeeping. Coming upon them again many years later, he offered to donate them to the museum. He wasn’t sure if there were any images on the film, but we were welcome to whatever might be there. One roll was blank, but the other contained the rare wartime photos seen in “Caught on Film.” The exhibit runs through Sunday, October 17, 2021.

Summer programming Join us later this month for a new Zoom program about “Caught on Film.” Curator Cody Rademacher will host a virtual tour of the exhibit, followed by a Q&A. Learn more about the unique WWII photographs on display from the Ken Regele Collection. This free program requires an RSVP to receive the Zoom link. Register from our website or email Info@HMCEC.org for more information. During August, before school starts, we are offering specially scheduled “Teachers-Only Museum Tours” for Southwest Florida educators. All middle school, high school and college/ university-level teachers are welcome. In addition to the tour, we will provide

Docent Stanley with museum visitors updates on our student education programs available for in-school and online instruction as well as museum field trips. For more information on dates and to RSVP, please contact Director of Operations/Education Specialist Sam Parish at Sam@HMCEC.org. Final details are being worked on for a summer “Discussions with Docents” Zoom program. It will be free of charge, with an RSVP required to receive the Zoom link. Please visit our website in late July for program details and to register.

Private tours Looking for a memorable summer experience for your family or friends? Why not start your day with a private tour of the museum? Private tours are offered for up to 15 people when the museum is closed to the public, allowing you to take your time. You have the option of touring with a docent or taking a self-guided tour. For more information, please contact David Nelson at David@HMCEC.org or call 239-263-9200, ext. 205.

Coming this fall I am excited to announce that the museum will celebrate its 20th anniversary in November 2021! We have a wonderful schedule of special programming and events planned during the upcoming 2021-2022 season to honor this milestone. The celebration kicks off Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021, with our annual winter fundraising event, The Luncheon. It will be held in person at the new Arthrex One

“Caught on Film” exhibit intro panel Director Kristen Coury and Managing Director Joel Markus. We will publish additional details about sponsorship packages and tickets for The Luncheon later this summer.

Volunteers needed Survivor Abe Price Photo credit: Erik Kellar Photography

event center in North Naples from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event’s special program will be the premiere performance of the new short play, “Remember: The Abe Price Story.” Price was the Holocaust survivor to whom the students at Golden Gate Middle School dedicated their “Out of the Ashes” classroom project about the Holocaust. That project inspired the creation of our Museum. The short play will be used to introduce middle school students to the subject of the Holocaust, just as “In Flight,” the play about Holocaust survivor Sabine van Dam, has been. “Remember: The Abe Price Story” was written by Jeffrey Binder and produced by Gulfshore Playhouse Founding and Producing Artistic

Summer events Timeline of SWFL Jewish History By Marina Berkovich, JHSSWF President

• Medicaid Planning

outhwest Florida Jewish History is so new and so sparsely documented that people’s imaginations need to be engaged to fill in the humanly deliberate or historically accidental gaps in its timeline. That is why, once again, we present the somewhat speculative, sometimes scandalous, always fascinating and newly improved, “Timeline of Southwest Florida Jewish History.”

• Elder Law and Special Needs Planning

Join us for this two-part adventure

A. Stephen Kotler BOARD CERTIFIED SPECIALIST IN WILLS, TRUSTS AND ESTATES

• Estate Planning and Probate

Kotler Law Firm P.L. (239) 325-2333

999 VANDERBILT BEACH ROAD, SUITE 200, NAPLES, FL 34108

As we look at expanding our hours of operation later this summer and fall, we are currently in need of guest relations volunteers for the front desk. Duties include welcoming and assisting guests as they enter, processing ticket sales and book purchases, and explaining tour options. Training will be provided and museum staff is always available to help with questions. The time commitment is one afternoon per week from 1 to 4 p.m., Tuesdays through Sundays. Our volunteers are important partners in our mission — to teach the lessons of the Holocaust to inspire action against bigotry, hatred and violence. We would love to have you join us! For more information, please contact Tim Morrison at Tim@HMCEC.org or 239-263-9200, ext. 207. We wish you and your families a safe and healthy summer and hope to see you at the museum or on Zoom!

“Timeline of Southwest Florida Jewish History, Part I” Aug. 1, 2021, 3 p.m. (EDT, U.S. and Canada) Zoom link:https://us02web.zoom. us/j/82218515825?pwd=bkJjbW00eFk 5ellWakYxK1ZPMGNBQT09 Meeting ID: 822 1851 5825 Passcode: 679362

“Timeline of Southwest Florida Jewish History, Part II” Aug. 24, 2021, 3 p.m. (EDT, U.S. and Canada) Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/86557002158?pwd=Zld3bVFmSkl YVVNoZVNLamJjS2NpZz09 Meeting ID: 865 5700 2158 Passcode: 241722 If you have questions, problems or suggestions, please contact us at 833547-7935 (833-JHS-SWFL), by email at office@jhsswf.org or by mail at JHSSWF 8805 Tamiami Trail N, Suite 255, Naples, FL, 34108. Read more about it at www.jhsswf. org and visit the Virtual Museum of SWFL Jewish History at http://jewish historysouthwestflorida.org.

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Federation Star

July/August 2021

NAPLES SENIOR CENTER

www.naplesseniorcenter.org / 239.325.4444

At Naples Senior Center Dr. Jaclynn Faffer President/ CEO

o many good things are happening at Naples Senior Center, and it is my pleasure to share them with you. On May 25, Naples Senior Center received a proclamation from the Collier County Board of County Commissioners honoring the organization for getting 7,400 seniors their vaccines.

Naples Senior Center staff, volunteers and board are thrilled to have played such a vital role in this very important process.

to all constituents to get their input. Look forward to hearing more about our plans in the near future.

New building

In March, Naples Senior Center installed Prentiss Higgins as chairman of the

On June 3, the center unveiled signage on its property announcing its new future home. The site development plan has been submitted to the county and we are looking toward October for our groundbreaking. Stay tuned …

Board news

board, and welcomed new trustees, Sunil Pandya, MD and Lucinda Stebbins. We look forward to working with them as Naples Senior Center creates a “new era for seniors.” Stay safe, stay healthy. And since it is the summer, stay cool!

Ongoing operations Programs and services continue to be offered to senior center members, and

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Tributes

To: From:

Sheila and Howard Agranat In honor of your 65th Anniversary Arlene and Michael Sobol Ellen and Michael Gordon

To: From:

Sandy Levine In memory of Steward Levine Debby and Jeff Waranch

To: From:

Rosalee Bogo In memory of your brother Sam Aronson Jay and Stuart Kaye

To: From:

Jack and Gayle Marziano, Mark Marziano, and Rich Hladick In memory of Pearl Hladick Barbara Barnard

To: From:

Susan and Jeffrey Feld In honor of the marriage of Jennifer and Sean Kirk Wisemayer

To: From:

Lois and Lee Miller In memory of your sister Rita Sharon and Alan Deutch

To: From:

Jan Goldman In memory of Norman Goldman Heather and Jonathan Greenfield

To: From:

Robin and Andy Mintz In honor of the birth of your Granddaughter Jane Schiff Debby and Jeff Waranch

To: From:

Susie Goldsmith In memory of Ron Goldsmith Jill and Carlos Weil

To: From:

Jane Schiff In honor of Jane Schiff and in memory of Lon Gratz Jo and Bob Belin

To: Arlene Levin In memory of Sandy Levin From: Jill and Carlos Weil

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JEWISH SINGLES 55 AND UP NEXT MEET AND GREET VIA ZOOM:

Wed. July 21, 6:00-7:00 PM register at www.jewishnaples.org or sign up via our eblast

To: Leo and Quinn Wyman In honor of the Grandchildren From: Deb and Frank Wyman

Tributes require a minimum donation of $18. To place a Tribute in the Federation Star in honor or memory of someone, please contact Janine Hudak at the Federation office at 239.263.4205 or jhudak@jewishnaples.org. Tributes require a minimum donation of $18. A note will be sent to the person/family you are honoring. Tributes help further the work of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

OF GREATER NAPLES

Federation Star

JEWISH INTEREST

July/August 2021

PRESENTS New movies, new TV series ISRAEL ADVOCACY A FREE PROGRAM! and catching up with a COMMITTEE Sept. 20 at noon (ET) binge-worthy TV show OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER NAPLES

A Passion for ISRAEL

Stars of David By Nate Bloom, Stars of David Contributing Columnist

Adventures of a Sar-El Volunteer

by Mark Werner Book Synopsis:

A Passion for ISRAEL

Adventures of a Sar-El Volunteer

Mark Werner

What would motivate a successful corporate lawyer to trade in his comfortable life in America for three weeks every year to volunteer for manual labor on Israeli military bases? Mark Werner, son of a Holocaust survivor, answers this question in his book by describing the benefits which volunteers in the Sar-el program reap, including the camaraderie which develops between the volunteers and the soldiers with whom they work side-by-side. Mark, a Raleigh resident, is the national president of Volunteers For Israel, the U.S. organization which sends American volunteers to Israel to work in the Sar-el program.

Mark Werner is a retired attorney. A graduate of Haverford College and the University of Pennsylvania Law School, he served as Chief Legal Officer of GlaxoSmithKline (USA). Mark has volunteered on Israeli military bases for each of the past 18 years. He is currently the President of Volunteers for Israel, the organization that enables him and other Americans to serve as civilian volunteers on Israeli military bases. Mark will speak about his latest book, A Passion For Israel: Adventures of a Sar-el Volunteer, which describes his adventures on his most recent 14 volunteer experiences on IDF bases.

OF GREATER NAPLES

on our eblast or at www.jewishnaples.org

THE

WHALE

SURFACES

JOIN US FOR THIS FREE PROGRAM

Wed., July 14 at 1:00pm ET with Ruth Rotkowitz

In her debut novel, Escaping the Whale, Ruth Rotkowitz created the character Marcia Gold, a 28-year-old daughter of Holocaust survivors struggling with inherited trauma and trying to lead a ‘normal’ life. Readers asked about Marcia’s early life and wondered what brought on her fears and delusions. In response to these questions, Rotkowitz gives us a prequel, The Whale Surfaces.

via our eblast or at www.jewishnaples.org

In this prequel, we see Marcia as a child and then an adolescent absorbing her family’s painful Holocaust experiences. Although she tries very hard to be a typical child and teenager, she is besieged by the shadow of the Holocaust and all it represents about cruelty and inhumanity. The demons that torment her in Escaping the Whale begin to take root in her mind, and Marcia begins to plan her escape from them.

OF GREATER NAPLES

ditor’s Note: Persons in bold are deemed by Nate Bloom to be Jewish for the purpose of this column. Persons identified as Jewish have at least one Jewish parent and were not raised in a faith other than Judaism — and do not identify with a faith other than Judaism as an adult. Converts to Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish. It’s still tricky to predict how many theaters will actually show a film set to open in July or August. I have omitted some films I know will not open in many theaters (small budget features and documentaries). The animated film, “The Boss Baby: Family Business,” opens on July 2. The first “Boss Baby” film (2017) got good reviews and made mucho gelt. It was followed by a Netflix series in 2018. The premise is, frankly, bizarre (one of the two Templeton brothers, the star characters, is a baby with the mind and the speech of an adult). In “Family Business,” the Templeton Brothers have drifted apart, but a new boss baby brings them together again. Lisa Kudrow, 57, again is the voice of the Templeton brothers’ mother and Jeff Goldblum, 68, is the voice of Dr. Armstrong, a business rival of the Templetons. “Black Widow” opens in theaters on July 13 and starts streaming on Disney Premiere+ the same day. It’s another tale about Natasha Romanoff/The Black Widow [“BW”]. “Marvel Universe” fans know that “BW” died in “Avengers: End Game” (2019). However, this film is an “End Game” prequel, set between the events depicted in “Civil War” (2016) and “Infinity War” (2018). The new flick finds “BW” battling a serious conspiracy. Once again, Scarlett Johansson, 36, plays “BW.” Oscar-winner Rachel Weisz, 51, costars. This is her first role in a comic-book inspired film. She plays Melina Vostokoff, a veteran member of the Black Widow organization, a seasoned spy and a mother figure to Romanoff. “Hotel Transylvania: Transformania,” which opens on July 23, is the fourth (and supposedly final) film in the “Hotel Transylvania” franchise. The plot is pretty complicated. Suffice it to say that the “Drac Pack” is back — at least one more time. Dracula is a main character, and Andy Samberg, 42, has a starring role as the voice of Johnny, Drac’s son-in-law. Fran Drescher, 63, has a supporting voice role and Asher Blinkoff, 12, voices Dennis, Johnny’s son. Asher’s father, Saul Blinkoff, an Orthodox Jew, is a Disney voice actor

and director. Blinkoff, 48, often talks about his career and faith. In 2018, he lectured at the Jewish Education Center of South Florida (video on YouTube). Many of you have probably already watched, and enjoyed, the highly praised HBO “dramedy” series, “Hacks.” The first 10-episode season ended on June 10, but you can binge-watch it anytime. After my previous column went to press, I found out that the series costar, newcomer Hannah Einbinder, 26, is the daughter of original “SNL” cast member, Laraine Newman, 69, and Chad Einbinder, 61, a comedy writer. Hannah, who is a real-life stand-up comedian, plays Ava, a struggling comedy writer who is hired by a legendary Las Vegas comedian (Jean Smart) to freshen up her stand-up act. Newman became a practicing Jew shortly after her other child, Spike (born Lena) Einbinder, began attending a synagogue preschool. Spike, 30, is also an actress and is a regular cast member of the HBO comedy series “Los Espookys.” “Monsters at Work” is an animated series that begins streaming on Disney+ on July 2. It follows up on two hit “Monster” films. In the first film, monsters powered their city with the screams of frightened kids. In the second film, they discover that making kids laugh powers their city better than fright. The series shows us the monsters’ transition to laughter power. Billy Crystal, 73, reprises his star role as the voice of Mike, the partner of the Monster in charge of power. Ben Feldman, 41, (“Superstore”) has third billing as the voice of Tylor, a power plant technician, and Henry Winkler, 75, voices Fritz Fritz, Tylor’s nice boss. “Mr. Corman” is a 10-episode series that premieres on Apple+ on August 6. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, 40, created the series, directs it, writes it, and stars as the title character. It follows Josh Corman, a former musician who teaches fifth grade in Los Angeles. As the series starts, his fiancée has just moved out and is replaced by his high school buddy. The advance publicity says: “He knows he has a lot to be thankful for, but finds himself struggling nevertheless through anxiety, loneliness and a sinking suspicion that he sucks as a person.” Darkly funny, oddly beautiful and deeply heartfelt, this relatable dramedy speaks for our contemporary generation of 30-somethings — rich with good intentions, poor with student loans and yearning to become real grown-ups sometime before they die.”

Changing your address? Keep the Federation Star coming to your home. Email nricklefs@jewishnaples.org

JEWISH INTEREST

July/August 2021

Federation Star

Reclaiming Shabbat Aging Jewishly — What our traditions tell us about growing old By Rabbi Barbara Aiello

or Harvey, it was the sweet smell Sunday wasn’t our day, but we Jews were of the challah. reminded that every week has a day of “I’d come in the door and, oh, rest,” she says. that smell! When I think of Shabbat, it’s “What we’ve been through lately, with my mother’s challah that always comes to COVID-19 and all, I needed something mind,” says Harvey. to hang on to. So, I started lighting “It might sound silly, but it was the candles on Friday night and saying the newspaper on the floor. It meant that blessings,” Carl chimes in. Mama had washed the floor for Shabbat,” “My candlesticks were mismatched. says Clare, while Carl remembers, “The They came from the Dollar Store. I didn’t white shirts. Ironed and hanging on the have challah, but I had my rice crackers, door. For my brothers and so I made HaMotzi with the me, those fresh-pressed white cracker. I ordered pizza and shirts said, ‘Gut Shabbos!’” watched a Jewish film. I shut The sweet memory of off the computer and all the Shabbat has become, for craziness on the news and many Jews, their only contook a walk. At first, it felt nection to what our tradition awkward and strange. But tells us is the most important now, I look forward to Friday of all the Jewish holidays and nights. Sometimes I invite celebrations. And the recent my kids or ask a friend over. Pew Report documents what I turn off the world and get most of us already know. back to basics. It makes me Rabbi Barbara The Pew study found, feel good,” he says. Aiello “U.S. Jews are less likely than In a recent article by the overall U.S. public to say religion is Iranian-American columnist Sohrab “very important” to them (21% vs. 41%). Ahmari (“What We’ve Lost in Rejecting While slightly more than half of Jews say the Sabbath,” The Wall Street Journal, religion is “not too” or “not at all imporMay 7, 2021), the author writes, “Settant” in their lives.” ting aside one day a week for rest and In the intervening 20 years since the prayer used to be an American tradition. last U.S. Synagogue Survey, researchers In an age of constant activity, we need it found that “nonorthodox congregations more than ever.” are closing and merging. The Reform Mr. Ahmari also reminds us of the movement has downsized by 180, and words of one of Judaism’s foremost the Conservative by over 350.” thinkers, Rabbi Abraham Joshua HesIn addition, the study found that just chel, who cautioned Jews to recall 14% of U.S. Jews are members of Reform that, “Shabbat guarantees our ‘inner congregations, while a scant 11% mainliberty’ and that a society without a Sabtain membership in a Conservative shul. bath could easily descend into tyranny Couple these statistics with the words and barbarism.” of cultural Zionist, Ahad Ha’am, who Heschel went on to characterize said, “More than Jews have kept Shabbat, Shabbat with these words, “It is one of Shabbat has kept the Jews.” life’s highest rewards, a source of strength And, we wonder, could this be true? and inspiration to endure tribulation, Incredibly, following the destruction to live nobly . . . The Sabbath is the of the second Temple, when animal inspirer, the other days the inspired” (A.J. sacrifices ended, it took some time, but Heschel, The Sabbath, 22). we Jews brought the “light of the fire” Could it be that Carl is on to into our homes. At the family table, something? we continued to renew and refresh As a wise rabbi once said, “When ourselves as we observed an at-home it comes to Shabbat, it is better to do family Shabbat. something rather than nothing.” That was then. Today, when it comes No t w i t h s t a n d i n g m i s m a t c h e d to Shabbat, where do we Jews stand? candlesticks, rice crackers and pizza, Harvey, Clare and Carl, who shared Shabbat is God’s gift, just waiting for us Shabbat memories, described their conto embrace it, enjoy it and grow. nections to Shabbat today. For 10 years, Rabbi Barbara Aiello “I don’t know. Shabbat got away from served the Aviva Campus for Senior Life me. My wife passed on and I put the as resident rabbi. Her most popular colcandlesticks away. And nowadays there’s umns are now published in her new book, always something else to do on Friday “Aging Jewishly,” available on Amazon night,” says Harvey. books. Rabbi Barbara now lives and works Clare agrees. “There was a time when in Italy, where she is rabbi of Italy’s first we had the Blue Laws. Stores were closed Reconstructionist synagogue. Contact her at on Sundays for the Christian Sabbath. Rabbi@RabbiBarbara.com.

For a continuously updated community calendar, visit www.jewishnaples.org

Please join us for

2021/5782 Rosh Hashanah September 6-8

Yom Kippur September 15-16

Soulful, Joyful Inspirational & Welcoming! We invite you to join us and share in the spirit and wisdom of the High Holy Days.

Information & Tickets naplestemple.org/HHD2021 or call 239-455-3030 4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34119

Federation Star

JEWISH INTEREST

July/August 2021

Celebrating with sweets Recipe by Chef Dalia

osh Hashanah is almost here. One of my favorite holidays, it usually falls just as my kids have gone back to school and we’re all gearing up for a new year. It is a time of renewal and of family — always filled with good food, festive traditions and wishes, hopes and prayers for the future. At the same time, Rosh Hashanah has an unhappy side. So, Rosh Hashanah brings back memories for me, both sweet and painful. There are some days when I feel melancholy and hurting. These feelings are most acute on the Jewish holidays — especially on Rosh Hashanah. Celebrating Rosh Hashanah with my family in Israel was one of the most special and meaningful times of the year! Hours before the sun began to set on Rosh Hashanah evening, my grandmother would drape a white tablecloth across her dining room table and set out her best dishes. Prior to the festive Rosh Hashanah meal, which marks the beginning of the two-day holiday, my family, like other Sephardic Jews (Jews whose ancestors came from Spain and Portugal), say a prayer over a number of symbolic fruits and vegetables. The head of a fish is served to the senior family members at the table “so we will begin the new year at the head, not the tail.” Other prayers, including the wish for a happy, sweet, plentiful and prosperous year, are said both nights of the holiday over dates and sesame and anise seeds. The first night, an apple is dipped in honey. The second night, the blessing is said over a pomegranate.

meal continued with Moroccan fish, followed by the famous Moroccan pastels — meat-filled turnovers. For the main course, she made lamb. Honey-dipped “cigars” filled with ground almonds and macaroons would be the dessert instead of the typical Eastern European honey cake found in the majority of American Jewish homes. At the end of the night, we would assure my grandmother that there is enough food, and yes, the dishes are just as good as they

Personal Chef Dalia Hemed can be reached at daliahemed@msn.com. “God wants the Jews to multiply like sesame or pomegranate seeds.” After a short ceremony, a festive dinner is served in her small apartment. The meal begins with a blessing over the “pain petri”— the sweet Moroccan challah that is made circular to symbolize a full, “round” year. It should taste sweet, like a brioche. As every Moroccan Jewish festival meal, our meal always opened with a spread of cooked salads — carrots, peppers and eggplant dishes cooked in advance, particularly suited to this year’s warm beginning of the New Year. The

were last year. But most important, we were together, and that filled us all with giddy delight and a certain spiritual awe. Like other Moroccan women, my grandmother is, for good reason, fiercely proud of her culinary skills. Many women proudly keep family secrets and will never reveal their recipes. Fortunately, my grandma was willing to share some of the dishes she would prepare on Rosh Hashanah. Today, I am going to share with you a top secret of the “pain petri” (round-shaped loaves of bread, served in Jewish households all over the world on Rosh Hashanah), a Moroccan anise seed challah recipe with my own modern twist. Small, soft and buttery dough balls connect to each other to create a round and impressive challah-like pastry, perfect for the Rosh Hashanah table. The prepared pastry is drizzled with honey syrup, usually seasoned with anise seed and sometimes with citrus blossom water. Here, I add milk and ginger (instead of anise seed) to the honey, which, along with sweetness and shine, give it a lovely seasoning.

Moroccan Anise Seed Challah You will need: 10” spring pan Ingredients For dough: 3½ cups bread flour 2½ teaspoons dry yeast 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup sugar 3 large eggs 3 egg yolks from large eggs 1 cup soft butter

For honey, milk and ginger syrup: 3/4 cup honey 3/4 cup milk 1 teaspoon ground ginger For brushing: 1 egg yolk 1 teaspoon milk 1 tablespoon sugar for sparkle

Prepare the dough • Mix flour and yeast in a mixer bowl on medium speed with a kneading hook. Add salt and sugar and stir until incorporated into the mixture.

• Grease a pan with butter, line with baking paper and arrange the balls from the edges towards the center. It is important not to crowd the balls to leave room for them to swell.

• Reduce the speed, add eggs and egg yolks and stir until incorporated into the mixture.

• Cover the pan with plastic wrap and leave to rise for another hour and a half or until the dough almost doubles in size, and the balls stick to each other and fill the entire area of the pan.

• Gradually add the butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it is absorbed into the mixture. • Increase the speed and continue to knead for about 8 minutes. Cover and let it rise for 2 hours or until the dough doubles in size.

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Prepare the syrup: • Pour the ingredients into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over a medium heat. Lower the heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until you get a light and thick golden syrup with a toffee texture. Prepare the pastry: • Roll out the dough into about 30 small balls weighing 1 oz. each.

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. • Mix the yolk and milk in a bowl and brush the surface of the balls. Sprinkle with sugar. • Bake 45-50 minutes until golden and firm, starting at the top and bottom. Remove the challah from the oven and immediately pour the syrup over it with a spoon. Cool slightly and serve. Keep up to two days at room temperature.

Stay connected at www.jewishnaples.org

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

Tenth “FIDF LIVE” broadcast highlights IDF soldiers who protect Israel’s borders By Sara Salkin, Puder PR, New York

he 10th episode of provides an alternative to Friends of the Israel in-person experiences and Defense Forces brings awareness of FIDF’s (FIDF) philanthropic initiacause and activities to a tive “FIDF LIVE” broadbroader audience. FIDF LIVE cast featured Israel Defense airs on FIDF’s website every Forces (IDF) soldiers protecting Israel’s other week at 8:30 p.m. (ET). borders and the various threats they One of the main objectives in introface at each one. The episode also ducing content through this platform is highlighted the soldiers who took part keeping the community’s connection with in the recent Operation Guardian Israel alive and thriving. FIDF has always of the Walls. been a bridge between Americans and The episode featured Cpt. Erez, who Israelis; this virtual experience continues is the commander of a Super Dvora Patrol that tradition in a novel way, serving as Boat, part of the 916th Squadron, whose the place for everyone who loves Israel and mission is to protect Israel’s maritime wants to stay connected and in the know. border. Also joining him were Maj. Chai and Lt. Moshe from the Rotem Battalion About Friends of the Israel in Givati Brigade, both stationed in the Defense Forces (FIDF): Gladiola post, Israel’s northernmost outFIDF was established in 1981 by a group post located on the border with Lebanon. of Holocaust survivors as a 501(c)(3) notAlso taking part in the episode were for-profit organization with the mission of Cpt. Ilan, a company commander in the offering educational, cultural, recreational Taoz Battalion, part of the IDF Military and social programs and facilities that proPolice, who is stationed at the Maccabim vide hope, purpose and life-changing support Crossing, and 2nd Lt. To watch the 10th “FIDF LIVE” episode, go Sara, an Iron Dome company commander to https://www.fidf.org/fidflive/episode-10. in the 947th Battalion. Updating on the southern border were for the soldiers who protect Israel and Jews Sgt. Ya’ira, IDF combat Lone Solider from worldwide. Today, FIDF has 24 chapters Canada, and Sgt. Hillel, IDF combat throughout the United States. FIDF proudly Lone Solider from Australia, who both supports IDF soldiers, families of fallen serve in Caracal, a coed infantry battalion soldiers and wounded veterans through a along Israel’s border with Egypt. variety of innovative programs that reinforce The “FIDF LIVE” platform, hosted the vital bond between the communities in by American stand-up comedian and the United States, the soldiers of the IDF, author Joel Chasnoff, is a high-level and the state of Israel. For more informaproduction broadcast experience that tion, please visit www.fidf.org

July/August 2021

Federation Star

PLE ASE BE OU R GU EST AT SERVIC ES FOR

High Holy Days NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION Warm, Reform, Affordable, Adult

COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS

available to anyone who has not joined us before

Previous attendees may purchase tickets for $100 per person

Please contact Rob Obler at 609-577-4559

Rabbi Howard Herman

Cantorial Soloist Jane Galler

EREV ROSH HASHANAH MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 ROSH HASHANAH TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 KOL NIDRE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 YOM KIPPUR THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 All COVID-19 protocols will be observed

7pm 10am 7pm 10am

Founded in 1998, NJC is a mature congregation offering opportunities for observance, study and fellowship in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Our inspirational and throught-provoking High Holy Days services, led by Rabbi Howard Herman, are infused with beautiful music from Cantorial Soloist Jane Galler, Music Director Alla Gorelick and our choir. Please join us to experience the NJC difference!

NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION A WELCOMING PLACE FOR YOU TO BELONG

6340 Napa Woods Way, Naples

(at Unitarian Universalist Congregation)

naplesjewishcongregation.org

239-431-3858

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 11th Avenue North | Naples, FL 34108 239-597-3101 | www.HodgesNaplesMG.com

Federation Star

ORGANIZATIONS

July/August 2021

www.jhsswf.org / 239.566.1771

JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SWFL

When never again is again and now Marina Berkovich JHSSWF President

et’s be frank, nothing Jewish will ever matter if antisemitism in the U.S. is allowed to fester as it did in Europe over the past two decades, when desperate cries of the Jewish communities in countries that had barely recovered from the Holocaust, were being ignored and dismissed. BDS and other anti-Jewish and anti-Israel sentiments were fueled, Jewish citizens were terrorized, Jewish businesses vandalized, customers held hostage or killed, and in one very famous case, an elderly Holocaust survivor was raped and tossed off her balcony. The misconception of the relative tranquility between World Wars is that the Holocaust is over. It never stops. Antisemitism is a mental illness with ancient roots. Why else would the world allow, for example, groups with 20% or more of the world’s population to repeatedly call for the extermination of all Jews, a minority group that should, based on its history and sufferings, have earned

“most protected” status from the said world community? Because the world has not been truly interested in the eradication of antisemitism, not the Old World, not the New World. This mental illness is being cured one case, one patient, one escalation at a time. It is one of the oldest and wellinstitutionalized types of bullying. There are times, like the present, when it is so scary, it turns many Jews away from being Jewish, as if that ever saves Jews. It is so scary, that it seems hopeless to fight, to educate, to build bridges of understanding, acceptance and tolerance with other groups of people. It seems easier, or at least not as scary, to placate, to let them win now, just this time, even if the voice deep inside says, “Don’t give up an inch, stand proud, fight back.” How do we fight the ugly issue of antisemitism at Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida? Head on. It is important to the Society to enlighten residents, visitors and onlookers of the Southwest Florida region that Jews are now — and have been for more than half a century in Collier and more than a century in Lee and South Manatee — an integral, and in many ways inseparable, part of the overall community. The transformation in attitudes that has happened over such a short time,

historically speaking, has been wonderful, as the non-Jewish community made an about-face from “show me your horns” comments in mid-20th century to Stand with Israel celebrations in the 2000s. The JHSSWF is proud to have many Christian members who support our mission and continue to spread the word about our work. The eyewitness stories in our virtual museum and our SWFL Jewish Pioneers film series educate people, Jewish and non-Jewish, about the difficulties and challenges of early Jewish residents. They shed light on the activities the community undertook to establish itself in this, then remote, area of Florida, the accomplishments of the pioneering families, the pride in the diversity of our Jewish practices and the range of our Jewish values, as well as our united love for our people everywhere and our historic homeland, Israel.

COLLIER/LEE CHAPTER OF HADASSAH

www.hadassah.org / 518.330.1559

The commitment of Hadassah

h s i w e J a u o y e r A H ig h S c h o o l S tu d e n t ? 2 T 2 0 2 n i g n i t a u d a r G OF GREATER NAPLES

PRESENTS: PATRICIA J. ADKINS YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD A one-time award of $2,500 for further education!

TO QUALIFY:

Jewish senior in high school Resident of Collier County Active in a congregation and/or BBYO Strong academic record Active leadership role in the community

Application Deadline: January 1, 2022 For Questions Contact Reneé at rbialek@jewishnaples.org

Help us fulfill our mission of historical preservation and education by joining JHSSWF. The cost of membership for a family is $54. Individual membership and student membership are $36 and $18, respectively. Please join us online, or mail checks to The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida, 8805 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 255, Naples FL 34108. Reach us with questions or for more information at 833-547-7935 (833-JHS-SWFL), www.jhsswf.org or office@jhsswf.org. Vi s i t t h e Vi r t u a l Mu s e u m o f SWFL Jewish History at http://jewish historysouthwestflorida.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.

Joyce Toub Collier/Lee Hadassah President

o all you “Jeopardy” aficionados, a few nights ago, this answer was given: “Commitment to the land, the people and the future of Israel” is the mission of this organization of Jewish women. The category was “Names that begin with an “H.” None of the contestants responded, but the guest host, Mayim Bialik, broadly smiled and said she knew the correct response, as do you — “What is Hadassah?” Let us carefully examine each section of the quote.

Commitment to the land Hadassah ensures the security of Israel by spearheading and participating in numerous initiatives to promote ecological awareness, helping to turn dry and rocky terrain into green forests, parks and farms, and to reclaim water and maintain reservoirs.

Commitment to the people Hadassah educates and advocates on critical issues ranging from antisemitism

to fertility to defining Zionism in the 21st century. Hadassah promotes development of our youth through Young Judea and Youth Aliyah programs, both here and abroad. Hadassah supports medical care and research at our hospitals to enhance the lives of all people, globally.

Commitment to the future of Israel Hadassah has helped increase average longevity, universal health care, advances in medical technology and is at the forefront of research in many fields. Hadassah and Israel are miraculous! When you read your Hadassah magazine or view the website, you are introduced to a plethora of activities in which Hadassah is involved. Your pride will be overwhelming. You don’t even have to go out of your way. All of this can be found in your “Hadassah Happenings!” Patti Bloom is one very talented Collier/Lee Hadassah guru. When you view “Hadassah Happenings” each month, I urge you to not only browse through the entire bulletin, but to especially peruse the last entry that has expanded national Hadassah’s website. Bloom has simplified negotiating the site, making it very easy for you to do so, too. By clicking a link, you can learn about the most recent advances in the U.S., Israel and around the world.

Read the current and previous editions of the Federation Star online at www.jewishnaples.org

COMMENTARY

July/August 2021

Federation Star

Let’s talk about hate Rabbi Howard S. Herman DD

he Book of Isaiah was probably not written by Isaiah himself. To this day, scholars ponder exactly how and by whom the magnitude of wisdom in this book of the Bible was actually compiled. But contained in the chapters are some truly awesome ideas. For example, in Chapter 11, we are taught, “The wolf will romp with the lamb, the leopard sleep with the kid; calf and lion will eat from the same trough and a little child will lead them.” Earlier, in Isaiah Chapter 2, we learn, “And God will judge between nations and shall decide for many peoples … nation will not lift up sword against nation and they shall not learn war anymore.”

The author, or authors, of Isaiah must have been dealing with the same venomous ideas we deal with today. So, let’s talk about hate. In our current world climate, I do not think there is a more relevant or germane topic that requires our immediate attention and reflection. Whether we are talking about racism, Israel/Palestinian relations, antisemitism, political divisions, LGBTQ rights, the attack on the United States Capitol or a dozen other topics, the unifying cord that ties it all together seems to be hatred. We, the world, seem to be at a conflagration point of abject hate. Hate as defined by Webster is “to dislike intensely or passionately; feel extreme aversion for or extreme hostility toward and detest.” To feel hatred is a pretty ordinary human emotion and yet, what we do with hatred nowadays is to not talk about it or even contemplate how we might approach it. Instead, we act on it in some of the most abhorrent and vile ways.

Judaism teaches us first and foremost not to hate. Judaism never condones hatred, as it speaks to us in Leviticus about not hating, not holding grudges, but to love. Our relationships with each other are considered more important than our relationship with God. We see this time and time again in the Talmud and in other Jewish texts. We are not only commanded not to hate, we’re not permitted to use hateful speech, as using it is equated to murder. We are not even supposed to embarrass someone, as this “shaming,” too, is akin to murder. The Mishna in Sanhedrin teaches that we are all descended from Adam and Eve, so no person can say that their ancestry is better than any other. The Torah’s approach to hatred, and hate crimes for that matter, is to rub it out of the world, starting with ourselves. But how do we do that? If you remember “Fiddler on the Roof,” Tevye argues that all the adage, “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,” does is to leave the world blind

and toothless. We need to stop being so self-righteous, believing we are always right. We need to open conversations with others and find out where they are coming from. I am not naïve enough to believe that everyone will be engaged enough to have a rational discussion, but I think it is incumbent on us to at least try. We need to understand mitigating circumstances. Even judges before sentencing look at mitigating circumstances and sentence within a range of options. Dialogue fleshes these other options out for us to consider. Perhaps we will find that hatred is cloaked in misunderstanding or misperception, or maybe even in misconception. Very rarely in life do we have the right to conclude that a person is truly evil. Without dialogue and ongoing communication, we will never reach a plateau of any meaningful stand where we may still disagree, but “hatred” is removed from the equation. Rabbi Howard S. Herman DD serves at Naples Jewish Congregation.

as the lessons and values we lived by and instilled in the hearts of others. Underneath it all, we shine like gold. Embrace that glow within, and let the world see all you have to

offer — beauty that is present inside and out. Rabbi Adam F. Miller serves at Temple Shalom.

Embrace the glow within Rabbi Adam F. Miller

ummer is near its peak and before we know it, the High Holy Days will arrive. Always on time according to our Hebrew calendar, this year feels particularly early with Rosh Hashanah coming the first week in September. That means that August marks the arrival of Elul, the month of selfreflection that precedes the arrival of a New Year. With that theme in mind, I want to share a Buddhist story about a young boy with a clay statue. The boy loved the statue and wanted to make it look special. So, he went about earning money, for he wanted to have the statue covered in gold. Day after day he worked, until finally he had saved up enough. When the statue was returned, it looked beautiful, covered in gold plate. However, as time passed, the boy noticed that the gold didn’t remain. Slowly, but surely, it was flaking off, unable to adhere permanently to the clay. Determined to keep his statue beautiful, the boy continued to work and save, until he could have it covered again in gold. One day, the boy’s grandfather returned from a long journey. The boy proudly shared his now golden statue. The grandfather turned it over and over in his hands, noticing the places where the gold already flecked away, revealing the clay beneath. Smiling, the grandfather said, “You know, this has been in our family for many, many years. So long, in fact, that

there is something about this statue that you may not know.” As he talked, he began to knock off a little more gold in one area. “At one time,” the grandfather continued, “This statue must have fallen into a large mud puddle. Because, before it looked like clay, it was already beautiful.” The grandfather picked at the clay, until a chunk of clay fell off, revealing a shiny gold underneath the clay. That story highlights our natural instinct to judge by what we see. Judging ourselves based on our physical appearance is not new. Recall the story of Moses sending spies into Israel. Ten spies come back to report that the land was bountiful, but full of giants, much larger than the Israelites. They would have no chance of defeating them, and so the people should find another place to call home. Two spies come back with a different report. Yes, they say, the land is bountiful, and it is inhabited by giants. But we are defined by more than our size. We have intelligence, skills, heart and God on our side. Surely, they argue, we can prevail and return to the Promised Land. As we prepare for the year ahead, let us find a new perspective. Instead of thinking of ourselves as dull clay in need of some extra beautification or letting ourselves be defined by our exterior physical traits, let us start a more positive mindset. All we need to do is to look beneath the surface to see that every one of us is beautiful to begin with. We are all created in the image of God. It is not our exterior that defines who we are or the legacy we leave behind. One day, that exterior will vanish. What will remain is the beauty beneath — the way that we touched those with whom we interacted, the memory of the compassion we showed toward those in need, as well

“Stand Up For Justice”

Application Deadline: February 11, 2022 For the 12th year a grant has been established by the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. The 2022 STAND UP FOR JUSTICE Educator Grant recognizes High School, Middle School and Elementary school educators who are innovative in bringing respect for others’ differences into their activities with students in a transformative, impactful, and caring way. The goal is to create a resource for educators of any discipline to incorporate strategies that promote understanding and respect among students, countering bigotry and bullying. This grant recognizes teachers, guidance counselors, school librarians, media specialists, school psychologists, administrators etc.

Go to:

jewishnaples.org/outreach/educator-award For additional information please contact:

Grant Coordinator, Beth Povlow 239-363-6306 marcopovlow@icloud.com

OF GREATER NAPLES

Federation Star

COMMENTARY/ SYNAGOGUE NEWS

July/August 2021

Lasting stability Rabbi Mark Wm. Gross

ave compassion for my poor kids, growing up. Being the children of a rabbi — i.e., someone who constitutionally takes symbols and ceremonies seriously — is not easy. On the Fourth of July, they had to listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence before they got to play with the fireworks. Granted, it was only a highly digested version of the declaration to which I subjected my youngsters, book-ending the glorious beginning and inspirational ending while fast-forwarding past Thomas Jefferson’s bullet list of all the indignities imposed upon his American subjects by German George. But the fact that all those catalogued wrongs are in the original document serves to highlight an important point

for us American patriots: In spite of its glorious beginning and inspiring end, this watershed document from a long ago July, which matters so much to us today, was drafted first and foremost as a manifesto of insurrection and a declaration of war. It serves to define the temperament of this great nation as a certain rugged individualism (which can also translate just as well as truculent feistiness). The American conundrum is that, once independence was secured, the disruptive forces of rebellion are lauded as patriotic heroes. The corollary Jewish conundrum is that our fabulously ancient people, who are the fountainhead from which flows most modern social values, can bear witness from our long history that the most orderly societies are those in which a strong (and even despotic) ruler keeps the disruptive forces of rebellion in check. That has been the case since the Biblical era, when the prophet Isaiah describes the mailed fist of the arrogant Assyrian Empire as “the rod of God’s wrathful chastisement,” and when

Jeremiah lauds the neo-Babylonian emperor N’vuChadnetzar as a stabilizing influence in our corner of Asia. In Medieval Europe, when Jews were marginalized as both an ethnic and religious minority, our unique social status as servei camera, “property of the crown,” reflects our having been under the direct protection of the king. The same was the case in the 20th century, when (as a case in point) the island of Rhodes saw the establishment of the Benito Mussolini Yeshivah for Girls — one index of how an ironfisted dictator guarded the welfare of his minority subjects. Until, of course, he didn’t. In 1943, Mussolini buckled to pressure from his Axis ally north of the Alps and began rounding up and executing the Jews of Italy. This pattern, too, occurred over and over throughout Jewish history. The stability offered by a strong local lord was tenuous, at best, and could readily be reversed in an instant into race riots, massacres and expulsions. Strength makes for stability, perhaps, but strength unchecked

JEWISH CONGREGATION OF MARCO ISLAND

weakens the spirit and sickens the society (which is why the Psalmist twice urges us “not to trust in princes, but only in The Eternal One.”). Our longevity as a people gives us the perspective to recognize this, and to rejoice in the part we and our faith have played in laying the foundation for a social stability that lasts. The founders of this republic were Bible-readers who saw George III as pharaoh; the Americans as Israelites; and this continental nation as a new Promised Land. They saw the Torah as God’s Covenantal Constitution for Israel (they copied the requirement of presidential citizenship in II:1:5 directly from Deuteronomy 17:15), and they looked to the laws of the Torah as a template for a new kind of society built on a balance between personal rights and responsibilities, between individual autonomy and individual responsibility. Maintaining that balance is the ultimate exercise of strength that makes a society work. Rabbi Mark Wm. Gross serves at Jewish Congregation of Marco Island.

www.marcojcmi.com / 239.642.0800

The traditional celebration of July 4 returns to JCMI By Sue Baum, JCMI President

ach year, as our snowbirds head north for the summer, the temple goes into a bit of a hibernation to rest and reboot for the upcoming season, with one joyous exception. Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, which closed our synagogue March 12, 2020, it was tradition at the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island to celebrate our country’s birthday. This wonderful event brings the remaining local congregants together, with all proceeds donated to our local food pantry.

We are happy to share the good news that this July 4th at noon, we will renew our long-standing tradition! Our extraordinary chefs return — George Karpman, Don Schwartz, Bernie Seidman and Bert Thompson. What would a barbeque be without their excellent skills on the grill!? And our patrons, who make this event possible, are at it again — Roger and Joanne Blau, Dr. Eddie and Karen Saeks, Bert and Joan Thompson and me.

NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION

This beloved annual event brings together congregants and their guests. It provides us with the opportunity to celebrate, not just the love of our country, but our return to togetherness.

This year, especially, it is an occasion that marks the reopening of our temple to long-treasured annual events: Monday Night Bingo, The Saul I. Stern Cultural Series, the Sidney R. Hoffman Jewish Film Festival, the Barbara Katz Mah Jongg Tournament, the Abe and Jean Brown Duplicate Bridge, the concert series and more. If you’d like to join us, contact the Synagogue office at 239-642-0800.

www.naplesjewishcongregation.org / 239.431.3858

Dealing with challenging discussions Roberta Obler President

uring the pandemic, it was necessary for Naples Jewish Congregation to find a way, other than Shabbat services, to maintain a relationship with members. We did that through our NJC Connects and Talk Amongst Ourselves programs. We had many programs on topics, such as how to cope with the pandemic, legal issues and members’ own life experiences. One of the most attended and interesting programs was on “Civil Discourse in an Uncivil Age.” At the time, it related to differences in opinion on current events and sparked some of the most meaningful discussions. The lessons learned in that session on how to civilly have a

conversation with someone who has an opposite view can be applied in so many other parts of our lives. It has become quite relevant in light of the rise in antisemitism in the U.S. as well as around the world. While some antisemitism has long-standing historical roots, it also relates to the equating of Judaism in America with being an extension of Israel. This increase in U.S. antisemitism has been exacerbated by the recent fighting in the Middle East. The times we live in have emboldened people to say and do things they would not normally have said or done. It is not unheard of to find ourselves in a situation where we are being challenged as Jews in an open and antagonistic way. How might we react when confronted with people who lash out at us? This was what our “Civil Discourse” discussion was all about. Led by former NJC President, Steve McCloskey, and Rabbi Howard Herman, we discussed how to approach

any topic, no matter how offensive, in a civil way. We cannot always ignore people who challenge us. Instead, we should take a breath, calm down, and try to find out why that person feels that way. What are their facts? What do they hope to accomplish? What is the rationale for their opinion? You may not change anyone’s mind, especially if they based their view on misinformation or incomplete information. However, you may find you will be able to have a meaningful and rational discussion, possibly swaying their view, if not changing it completely. You may even find they sway your view. This is a general overview of our “Civil Discourse” series, which may be useful when encountering someone who inadvertently or overtly says or does something you find objectionable. Will this help stem the rise of vocal antisemitism? Most likely not. It is only one small way to act when confronted.

History has taught us of the potential horrors of unbridled antisemitism — the Inquisition, pogroms, the Holocaust, etc. These have all taught us that we cannot sit back. That is why it is imperative to challenge unchecked antisemitism when we are able. The skills we acquired in our “Civil Discourse” series have helped NJC members understand how to avoid confrontation and perhaps have a meaningful discussion, which may improve a situation. This is an example of how Naples Jewish Congregation’s NJC Connects and the Talk Amongst Ourselves programs provide interesting, educational, provocative and sometimes entertaining experiences for our members. Today more than ever, we all need to connect with people who we can reach out to and rely upon. These programs help to make NJC a place where all people are welcome and safe.

SYNAGOGUE NEWS

Federation Star

July/August 2021

CHABAD JEWISH CENTER OF NAPLES

www.chabadnaples.com / 239.262.4474

Here we grow, bringing more Torah and light Bar and Bat Mitzvah scheduled for July, and the promise of many more as our students mature in the future. We are blessed to have Rabbi Kawaler and Morah Adi Indianer assist the children as they become part of a special club where they learn more about their Jewish heritage and culture. For more information, please contact our office at office@chabadnaples.com.

Rabbi Fishel Zaklos

great part of our dream of being a growing source of Jewish light and learning in the community is being fulfilled, as Chabad of Naples has received four additional Torahs, donated by our dear friends, Jack and Lauren Moskowitz. We are humbled by the fact that these Torahs belonged to another shul that is unfortunately closing its doors and that they chose us as the fortunate recipients to continue the Torahs’ journeys. We will, of course, do everything in our power to ensure that these scrolls are treasured for many years to come — fulfilling the Jewish tradition of passing on our Torah values L’dor V’dor (from generation to generation). Surely the arrival of these Torahs brings with them the powerful message and promise that we are ready to grow stronger with our mission of bringing more Torah and light to our precious Jewish community. We invite you to join in our mission personally, as two of the Torahs require repair to make them kosher. Any assistance would be appreciated. If you would like

to help with the mitzvah of their restoration or the welcome addition of a crown, breastplate or Yad, please contact me at rabbi@chabadnaples.com.

Meals from the heart Each week, we send out smiles with an uplifting message in the form of a tasty fresh challah. Nominate a recipient by sending us an email and we will have it delivered. If you know someone who would appreciate a meal for Shabbat, or just in general, let us know. We are happy to send one to those in need and without means to obtain help.

with shopping for groceries or medicine – just let us know.

Shabbat services Uplifting Shabbat services are held each and every Saturday morning beginning at 10 a.m. The Torah service begins at 11 a.m. and includes the Rabbi’s insights during the Torah reading, which always has a contemporary, meaningful and relevant message.

Hebrew School

If you have a yahrzeit or need to say Kaddish, we are always here to help make a minyan during the week.

We are beginning to enroll students for next year’s in-person classes. Our Hebrew School classes are very popular, providing the best in Hebrew language and religious education available. Sign your children up by calling 239-262-4474 or emailing office@chabadnaples.com. Early registration is suggested.

Volunteer assistance

Bat & Bar Mitzvahs

Our volunteers continue to be available if elderly or homebound people need help

We have been fortunate to celebrate two Bar Mitzvah ceremonies in June, with a

Minyan

BETH TIKVAH

Videos Rabbi Fishel offers a video each week. To receive them, reach out to us at office@ chabadnaples.com. The past 12 months’ worth of videos are available at www. chabadnaples.com.

Summer Camp and Preschool of the Arts We hear the footsteps of 200 happy and active children as they come through our Summer Camp doors to experience the fun and learning of a lifetime. You may wish to sign up now for our very popular, amazing preschool program. Early signup is recommended! For more information, visit naplespreschoolofthearts.com or call 239-263-2620.

Weekly email and mailing list If you would like to be added to our weekly updates and mailing list, call 239-262-4474 or email office@ chabadnaples.com.

www.bethtikvahnaples.org / 239.434.1818

Beth Tikvah: A “happening” place Steven Chizzik President

o much is happening at Beth Tikvah! With great excitement to gather together, we reopened for in-person attendance on June 4. While closed, we were able to spruce up the building with new carpeting, fresh paint and a front door ramp for accessibility. The Beth Tikvah experience will be even more pleasant. In celebration of our reopening, the Beth Tikvah board has announced that we will be offering new members their first year’s dues free of charge! One must come and experience the amazing community spirit and warmth of Beth Tikvah to really appreciate it. Please sign up on our website to join and meet us for services. We are now planning our High Holiday services. I always laughed as my wife started planning for Rosh Hashanah as soon as Passover ended. Now, as president of Beth Tikvah, I find we are doing the same. Please plan on joining us.

During the 16 months when Beth Tikvah was closed to in-person attendance, our Rabbi, programing committee and a multitude of very dedicated people were able to not only maintain religious services online, but also bring the following to our congregants and friends: The Naples Jewish Film Festival, a fabulous live-streamed concert series, cantorial concerts, great movies followed by group discussion, Rabbi’s learning classes, Women’s Rosh Chodesh discussion groups, an amazing Scholar in Residence weekend and so much more! Beth Tikvah was a “happening” place during the pandemic. We are so excited now to have all that’s “happening” taking place in the synagogue and in person. Of course, we will continue our streaming and Zooming portals, as these have become popular and well attended by congregants and friends all over the world. We will continue our online portals for all services, programming and educational events. Through the summer months, programming continues at Beth Tikvah. Please refer to our website, www.beth tikvahnaples.org, for the most recent information and to make reservations. Further additions to our program will be announced.

Beth Tikvah is the affiliated congregation in Greater Naples of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ). We are grateful to Jewish Federation of Greater Naples (JFGN) for its support of our Scholar in Residence, Naples Jewish Film Festival and All Things Jewish programs. All Beth Tikvah events are open to the Greater Naples community. We welcome your participation. Come join us!

Beth Tikvah “happenings” Saturday, July 3 at 8 p.m. - Havdalah Service Sunday, July 11 at 11 a.m. - Rosh Chodesh Women’s Study Sunday, July 18 at 7 p.m. - Tisha B’Av Thursday, July 22 at 7 p.m. - Movie plus discussion Sunday, Aug. 8 at 11 a.m. - Rosh Chodesh Women’s Study continued on page 24

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HIGH HOLY DAYS Best wishes for a happy healthy and sweet NEW YEAR! Wynn’s Market is your place for shopping for your dinner celebrations, gift baskets, and fine selection of gifts and treats.

Food Purveyors in Naples since 1938.

141 Tamiami Trail North • Naples, Florida 34102 • 239.261.7157 • Fax: 239.261.3986 • wynns@wynnsonline.com

Federation Star

FOCUS ON YOUTH

July/August 2021

Shalom Naples families! By Jessica Zimmerman, BBYO Associate Regional Director, North Florida Region

JEWISH SUMMER SCHOLARSHIP The Jewish Federation of Greater Naples Temple Shalom & Temple Shalom Men’s Club, together offer PARTIAL scholarships for Jewish Summer Camps & the Israel Experience for teens. There are scholarship opportunities for all Jewish children in the community regardless of congregation affiliation. For information and a scholarship application, contact your local synagogue or call the Jewish Federation at 239-263-4205.

Scholarship request deadlines: Summer Camps: Jan. 1, 2022 Israel Programs: Feb. 4, 2022

hat a year it has and 11th graders and Internabeen. The pantional Leadership Seminar in demic certainly Israel (ILSI). threw us off, but it could With the release of our not and did not stop us from safety protocols for the sumcreating engaging virtual and mer, we were able to open more in-person programming. We space at camp than ever before. welcomed numerous new If you are still considering Naples teens to our BBYO attending a summer program, Jessica community. We hosted events, it is not too late to register. Zimmerman like outdoor laser tag, commuVisit bbyo.org/summer nity service/social action programming, to learn more. regional conventions, minigolf takeovers We are thrilled to come back together and more. And our teen leaders, in addiin September for Naples and Ft. Myers tion to our volunteer chapter advisors, Regional Kickoff on Sunday, Sept. 5. Shelly Bell and Jay Weiss; our community We will be headed to the beach for an partners, Jewish Federation of Greater all-inclusive watersports adventure! Naples, Temple Shalom, Chabad of It’s going to be unlike anything we’ve Naples and Beth Tikvah; and our wondone in the past, and it is open to 8th derful Naples BBYO board of directors, through 12th graders. Teens do not need assisted to make it happen! to be BBYO members to attend! We hope We look forward to welcoming teens you and your friends will join us. home from both our domestic and Israel To learn more about upcoming events summer programs, like Camp BBYO for in Naples, contact me at jesszimmerman@ 8th graders, Chapter Leadership Trainbbyo.org or call and/or text ing Camp (CLTC) for current 9th and 941-677-3018. 10th graders, International Leadership Stay safe and we hope to see you soon! Training Camp (ILTC) for current 10th From your friends at Naples BBYO.

beth tikvah...continued from page 23 OF GREATER NAPLES

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Thursday, Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. - Movie plus discussion Sunday, Aug. 22 at 4 p.m. - Chorny Women Concert Thursday, Aug. 26 at 7:30 p.m. Rabbi’s Study Session: High Holidays Monday, Sept. 6 at 6:15 p.m. - Erev Rosh Hashanah (1) Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 9 a.m. - Rosh Hashanah services (1) Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 6:15 p.m. - Erev Rosh Hashanah (2) Wednesday, Sept. 8 at 9 a.m. - Rosh Hashanah services (2) Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 6:15 p.m. - Kol Nidre - erev Yom Kippur

Thursday, Sept. 16 at 9 a.m. - Yom Kippur services/Yizkor Thursday, Sept. 16 at 8:30 p.m. - Yom Kippur Break Fast Friday, Sept. 24 at 9:00 a.m. - Sukkot

Religious services streaming schedule Thursday and Sunday morning services begin at 9 a.m. Friday services begin at 6:15 p.m. Saturday services begin at 9:30 a.m. We convene Yahrzeit minyanim upon request. You may reach Rabbi Chorny directly at 239-537-5257.

a g n i at Celebr

WE’D LIKE TO CELEBRATE WITH YOU!

Sign todayat pjlibrary.org Sign up today atatpjlibrary.org pjlibrary.org Sign upuptoday Sign up today at pjlibrary.org

info@jewishnaples.org OF GREATER NAPLES

FOCUS ON YOUTH

July/August 2021

Federation Star

www.Chabadfgcu.com / 347.452.0489

CHABAD FGCU

Did they ever say that things close during break? By Rabbi Mendel Gordon

t Chabad, the Rebbe always taught us to continuously grow, strive and do. Albeit the conclusion of another semester, Chabad’s doors stay open for the students still in the area for the summer. We are here for the Jewish students wherever they are and we continue to stay in touch. Summer is the time to connect in more personal encounters, connecting closer with students. A new Zoom course has started exploring Jewish civil law and ethics and how it compares to U.S. law today. Students enjoy the discussions and thoughtprovoking class material. As things are reopening and we are able to meet safely, we have restarted our weekly Jewish senior visitation program, “Loaves of Love.” Our friends in American House have been waiting over a year for us to be able to come back to visit them and we are so glad we now can. It’s beautiful to

Sara Logan (left) with Lacy Borkson (right) visiting Dolly (middle) at American House

Alumni enjoying a get-together see the students interact with the seniors, bridging generations and connecting the links in the chain. We have also started an alumni group for those graduate students who stay in

Southwest Florida, so they can have a Jewish community to be a part of, getting together proudly as Jews. In July, as new freshmen will be coming for summer classes, we are looking forward to greeting them with a full set of new programs. We will also have our annual summer raffle in July, with an opportunity to win $10,000 or a trip to Israel. Ensure Jewish life at FGCU by getting tickets

at Chabadfgcu.com/raffle, securing the Jewish tomorrow. Chabad at FGCU caters to all Jewish students in Southwest Florida, providing a home away from home. Join us to learn, celebrate or just meet Jewish students your age. For more information or to get involved, contact Rabbi Mendel Gordon at 347-452-0489 or chabadfgcu@gmail.com. Visit our website at Chabadfgcu.com.

‫ב״ה‬

Kayla Boxenbaum making challah with Shternie

Jewish 20

-40 year

olds!

The Jewish Young Professionals of Greater Naples invite you to come socialize!

Chabad has given me a Jewish lifeline on campus. Kayla L. Class of 2024

SUPPORT JEWISH LIFE AT FGCU

Please email or call Renee’ to be added to the roster. rbialek@jewishnaples.org 239-263-4205

Jewish Young Professionals

Activities include: • Happy Hour We wa • Game Night n y our su t to hear • Movie Night g and id gestions • Shabbat Services e upcom as for • Volunteering ing ev ents! • Holiday Parties • Zoom Meet & Greets • and more! OF GREATER NAPLES

Ensure the Jewish Future! Earn a chance to win big! Join our annual summer raffle! Get your ticket online at Chabadfgcu.com/raffle By phone 347-452-0489 $36 et tick

Or by mail to Chabad at FGCU 17150 Caloosa Trace Cir Ft Myers FL 33967 Please include Name and Phone number Checks can be made to Chabad at FGCU Raffle closes July 21st

Federation Star

FOCUS ON YOUTH

July/August 2021

CHABAD JEWISH CENTER OF NAPLES

www.chabadnaples.com / 239.262.4474

Summer of the Arts

POTA’s Big Pre-K Graduation

By Ettie Zaklos, Preschool of the Arts Founder & Director

he month of June transitioned us from the completion of a successful academic preschool year to new and exciting summer adventures. This year, our summer camp program welcomed 200 campers, ages 1 to 8 years old, for a summer theme of “Passport to Fun.” At Summer of the Arts, we take seriously our responsibility to ensure that our campers’ physical and spiritual needs are met, to create a stronger, more vibrant, young Jewish community. This year, we used the theme of global travel to focus on six different countries around the world. Each week’s activities, art, cooking and games were inspired by the culture of various destinations, allowing campers to get a taste of many fascinating countries around the world. In addition to our many camp-based activities, we also hired various specialists to come lead the children in soccer, golf, tennis, art, culinary arts and so much more. We offered weekly entertainers, water play and water slides to stay cool in the summer sun. It was truly like a dozen specialty camps rolled into one expertly packaged, Jewish-spirited setting. As our summer camp wraps up in July, it is hard to believe that our incredible preschool has just completed its 10th year — we are now in the double digits since our founding! We are so proud of our tremendous growth over the years and how our program has raised the bar for early childhood education in Naples. It is humbling to think that our earliest students are now entering middle school, and that they began their educational journey at Preschool of the Arts, gaining the necessary foundation for a lifelong love of learning. At Preschool of the Arts, we believe artistic expression is a constant process that begins with our youngest learners and explorers and is deepened and refined as they form relationships and connections with their world. Each step is part of a larger story or narrative that defines the individual and collective members of our community. Our unique custom-tailored, child-centered curriculum allows children

to emerge as independent thinkers with the ability to stretch their minds. Every day, we strive to cultivate each of our students’ intellectual, emotional, social and moral potential. The exceptional individualized care that we invest in every single child, from when they walk in the door as a toddler until the day they walk out as a capable and school-ready student, is truly one of a kind.

Our preschool environment is one that fosters questions, provokes curiosity and stimulates intellectual growth. Our Garden of the Arts, culinary arts and science programs all encourage natural curiosities, while our music program and brand-new indoor and outdoor Studios of the Arts enhance our fine arts curriculum. Each child’s journey has endless possibilities and applications well beyond the walls, spaces and environments that define Preschool of the Arts. As we continue to grow and expand into our next decade, we are excited about the possibilities ahead. Enrollment is now open (and nearly full!) for Preschool of the Arts 2021-2022. We are honored by the overwhelming response. We are all excited at the prospect of another fulfilling and growth-filled year at Preschool of the Arts. On to bigger and better! To find out more about our program or to schedule a school tour, call 239-263-2620 or email naplespreschool ofthearts@gmail.com.

Candle lighting times

July 2: July 9: July 16: July 23: July 30: Aug. 6: Aug. 13: Aug. 20: Aug. 27:

8:05 p.m. 8:04 p.m. 8:03 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 7:56 p.m. 7:52 p.m. 7:46 p.m. 7:40 p.m. 7:33 p.m.

Federation Star Publication Policy The Federation Star is a subsidized arm of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples (JFGN). Its purpose and function is to publicize the activities and programs of Federation, and to publicize the ongoing activities of the established and recognized Jewish organizations in Greater Naples. The goal of JFGN is to reach out and unite all Jews of the Greater Naples area. While differing opinions and points of view do, and will continue to, exist on many issues of importance to Jews, the Federation Star will confine itself to publishing ONLY items that report the facts of actual events of concern to Jews and will only offer commentary that clearly intends to unite all Jews in a common purpose or purposes. Critical or derogatory comments directed at individuals or organizations will NOT be published.

To avoid misunderstandings, controversies and destructive divisions among our people, the Officers and Board of Trustees of Federation have adopted the following publication policy: Advertisements: All advertisements, regardless of their sponsor, shall be paid for in full, at the established rates, prior to publication. The contents of all advertisements shall be subject to review and approval of the Federation board or its designee. Commercial advertisers may make credit arrangements with the advertising manager, subject to the approval of the Federation board. Regular Columns: Regular columns shall be accepted only from leaders (Rabbis, Presidents, Chairs) of established and recognized Jewish organizations in Greater Naples and the designated chairs of the regular committees of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

Special Announcements: Special announcements shall be accepted from established Jewish organizations in Greater Naples and may, at the discretion of the Federation board, be subject to the conditions applicable to paid advertisements, as set forth above. News Items: Only those news items pertaining to matters of general interest to the broadest cross section of the Jewish community will be accepted for publication. Note: Items of controversial opinions and points of view, about political issues, will not be accepted for publication without prior approval of a majority of the Federation Officers and Trustees. All persons and organizations objecting to the actions and rulings of the Editor or Publications Committee Chair shall have the right to appeal those rulings to the Officers and Board of Trustees of JFGN.

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY TEMPLE SHALOM OF NAPLES (Reform) 4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34119 Phone: 455.3030  Fax: 455.4361 Email: info@naplestemple.org www.naplestemple.org Rabbi Adam Miller, MAHL Cantor Donna Azu, MSM Rabbi Ariel Boxman, MAHL, MARE, Director of Lifelong Learning Rabbi James H. Perman, D.D., Rabbi Emeritus Deborah Rosen Fidel, J.D., MAJPS, Executive Director Daryl Sissman, President Jim Cochran, Music Director Shabbat Services: Shabbat Eve - Friday 7:30 p.m. Shabbat - Saturday 10 a.m. Sisterhood Men’s Club Adult Education Havurot Youth Groups Religious School Judaic Library Hebrew School Preschool Adult Choir Social Action Outreach Naples’ only Judaica Shop

CHABAD NAPLES JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER serving Naples and Marco Island 1789 Mandarin Road, Naples, FL 34102 Phone: 262.4474 Email: info@chabadnaples.com Website: www.chabadnaples.com Rabbi Fishel Zaklos Dr. Arthur Seigel, President Ettie Zaklos, Education Director Shabbat Services Shabbat - Saturday 10 a.m. Camp Gan Israel Hebrew School Preschool of the Arts Jewish Women’s Circle Adult Education Bat Mitzvah Club Friendship Circle Smile on Seniors Flying Challah Kosher food delivery

CHABAD OF BONITA SPRINGS & ESTERO 24611 Production Circle Bonita Springs, FL 34135 Phone: 239-949-6900 Email: chabad@jewishbonita.com Website: www.JewishBonita.com Rabbi Mendy & Luba Greenberg Co-directors

July/August 2021 JEWISH CONGREGATION OF MARCO ISLAND (Reform) 991 Winterberry Drive Marco Island, FL 34145 Phone: 642.0800  Fax: 642.1031 Email: tboxma@marcojcmi.com Website: www.marcojcmi.com Rabbi Mark Gross Hari Jacobsen, Cantorial Soloist Sue Baum, President

Federation Star

NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION

BETH TIKVAH

Services are held at: The Unitarian Congregation 6340 Napa Woods Way Rabbi Howard Herman 431.3858 Email: rabbi@naplesjewishcongregation.org www.naplesjewishcongregation.org

1459 Pine Ridge Road Naples, FL 34109

(Reform)

Roberta Obler, President Jane Galler, Cantorial Soloist

Shabbat Services Friday 7:30 p.m. Seasonal: Saturday Talmud-Torah at 9:30 a.m. and Shachrit at 10:30 a.m.

Shabbat Services Friday evenings 7 p.m. May - August: services once a month

Rabbi’s Life Long Learning Series Sidney R. Hoffman Jewish Film Festival Saul I. Stern Cultural Series JCMI Book Club

Sisterhood • Men’s Club Adult Education • Adult Choir Social Action • Community Events

A DONOR ADVISED FUND (or DAF) is an efficient and easy way for a donor to give to charities over time.

MAKE AN IMPACT

Make contributions when it is most convenient

THROUGH GIVING

Take a deduction in the year contributions are made. Make charitable gifts from the DAF throughout the year, if desired. Gifts can support the Jewish Federation, your synagogue or any other 501(c)(3) charity - and TOP does all the work! Multiply and magnify your generosity through asset-based charitable gifts, such as appreciated stocks, and bypass capital gains tax.

(Conservative)

(just west of Mission Square Plaza)

Phone: 434.1818 Email: office@bethtikvah.us Website: www.bethtikvahnaples.org Rabbi Ammos Chorny Steve Chizzik, President Roberta Miller, Secretary Shabbat Services Friday evenings 6:15 p.m. Saturday mornings 9:30 a.m. Youth Education Adult Education Community Events

Jewish Organizations to Serve You in Greater Naples (All area codes are 239 unless otherwise noted.)

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples Phone: 263.4205  Fax: 263.3813 Website: www.jewishnaples.org Email: info@jewishnaples.org • Federation Board Chair: Jane Schiff • Federation President/CEO: Jeffrey Feld

American Jewish Committee

Regional Dir: Brian Lipton, 941.365.4955

American Technion Society

Chapter Dir: Kelley Whiter, 561.395.7206

Friends of the IDF Exec. Dir.: Dina Ben Ari, 305.354.8233

GenShoah SWFL 263.9200

Collier/Lee Chapter of Hadassah President: Joyce Toub, 518.330.1559

Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center

Chairperson: Stuart Price President/CEO: Susan Suarez, 263.9200

Israel Bonds

Monica DiGiovanni, 727.282.1124

Ellen Weiss Executive Director 813.769.4785 ellen@topjewishfoundation.org

Marcy Friedland Planned Giving Director 239.263.4205 mfriedland@jewishnaples.org

Together, we are ensuring a Jewish future. WWW.TOPJEWISHFOUNDATION.ORG The Federation Star is published monthly, September through July, by Jewish Federation of Greater Naples 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 2201 Naples, FL 34109-0613

Services: Sunday 9 a.m. Monday through Friday 8 a.m. Shabbat 10 a.m.

Phone: 239.263.4205 • Fax: 239.263.3813 E-mail: info@jewishnaples.org • Website: www.jewishnaples.org

Adult Education Challah of Love Community Events Daily Minyan Services Hebrew School Kosher Grocery Kosher Meals on Wheels Smile on Seniors

Publisher: Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

Volume 30, No. 11 • July/August 2021 • 28 pages USPS Permit No. 419

Editor: Sharon Hood • 239.591.2709 • sharon@marketcrank.com Design: MarketCrank, Inc. Advertising: Joy Walker • 941.284.0520 September 2021 Issue Deadlines: Editorial: August 2 • Advertising: August 6 Send news stories to: sharon@marketcrank.com

Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida President: Marina Berkovich, 566.1771

Jewish National Fund

Joshua Mellits, 941.462.1330 x865

Jewish War Veterans Post 202 Commander, Harvey Sturm, 261.3270 Senior Vice Commander, Dr. Martin Cohn, 239.591.1494

Men’s Cultural Alliance President: Les Nizin, 653.9259

Naples BBYO

Jessica Zimmerman, 263.4205

Naples Friends of American Magen David Adom (MDA) SE Reg Dir: Joel Silberman, 954.457.9766

Naples Senior Center at JFCS Phone: 325.4444 Chairperson: Prentiss Higgins President/CEO: Dr. Jaclynn Faffer

Women’s Cultural Alliance

President: Patti Boochever, 518.852.3440

Zionist Organization of America President: Jerry Sobel, 914.329.1024

Federation Star

July/August 2021

Order Your High Holiday Greetings Today! This High Holiday season, say “L’Shana Tova” to your friends and family!

The Federation Star will publish your High Holiday greetings in the September 2021 issue. Order your greeting by Monday, August 2.

August 2 DEADLINE

Complete the form below or call the Federation office at 239.263.4205

Sign up now for as little as $18 per greeting, which will be published in the September issue of the Federation Star. It’s easy! Just select your ad(s), then complete and return the form below! CHOOSE FROM THESE SAMPLE GREETINGS:

Stanley & Karen Deutsch

Joel & Susan Pittelman

#1A: $18

#1B: $18

Stanley & Karen Deutsch

Joel & Susan Pittelman

#1C: $18

#1D: $18

Joel & Susan Pittelman

Stanley & Karen Deutsch

#2: $36

#3: $54

ORDER FORM I want to place the following High Holiday greeting(s) in the September 2021 Federation Star. PRINT your family name(s) on the lines below, in the exact order you would like them to appear: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Total greetings: $_______

 Enclosed is my check made payable to the Jewish Federation.  Please charge my: m MasterCard m Visa m American Express

CHECK YOUR AD CHOICE(S) BELOW: ____ #1A ($18) ____ #1D ($18)

Account #____________________________________ Exp. Date___________ cvv#_________

____ #1B ($18) ____ #2 ($36)

Name on card_____________________________________ Zip Code____________________

____ #1C ($18) ____ #3 ($54)

Mail to: Jewish Federation of Greater Naples 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 2201, Naples, FL 34109 FORM & PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED BY MONDAY, AUGUST 2

Federation Star - July/August 2021

Articles inside

Summer of the Arts

Did they ever say that things close during break?

Shalom Naples families!

Beth Tikvah: A “happening” place

Here we grow, bringing more Torah and light

Dealing with challenging discussions

The traditional celebration of July 4 returns to JCMI

Lasting stability

Let’s talk about hate

The commitment of Hadassah

When never again is again and now

Tenth “FIDF LIVE” broadcast highlights IDF soldiers who protect Israel’s borders

Celebrating with sweets

Reclaiming Shabbat

New movies, new TV series and catching up with a binge-worthy TV show

At Naples Senior Center

Summer programming

World War II caught on film

Pomegranate Society successfully forges through pandemic!

Behind the WCA curtain

MCA opens for business

JCRC collects items for Hears4you

Adventures of a Sar-El volunteer

Award-winning project continues to grow

Lucky 7 — 2021-22 Jewish Book Festival

Upcoming programs

Federation programming

Your support makes our new cultural center possible

An update on the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center

Silver linings

Reopening

$1 million challenge matching grant for Capital Campaign