The traditional celebration of July 4 returns to JCMI

By Sue Baum, JCMI President

Each 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.

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.