Federation Star - June 2022 by jewishnaples

Order Your Brick Paver Today! Honor or memorialize family and friends with a brick paver at the new Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. See order form on page 6 or contact Marcy Friedland at 239-263-4205 or mfriedland@jewishnaples.org.

OF GREATER NAPLES

CELEBRATING JEWISH LIFE IN GREATER NAPLES, ISRAEL AND THE WORLD

FEDERATI N STAR

Published by Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

SERVING NAPLES, MARCO ISLAND AND THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES

www.JewishNaples.org  June 2022 – Sivan/Tamuz 5782  Vol. 31 #10 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 10

Men’s Cultural Alliance

Women’s Cultural Alliance

Community Focus

Tributes

The sun is setting on 2022 Annual Campaign Kirk Wisemayer Annual Community Campaign Director

1A Jewish Interest 6A Organizations 7A Israel & The Jewish World 10A Commentary 11A Synagogue News 12A Focus on Youth 15A Community Directory “Is Superman Circumcised?” Join author Roy Schwartz for a captivating journey through comic book lore, American history and Jewish tradition.

PAID

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

Fort Myers, FL Permit No 1101

Non Profit Org U.S. Postage

he cycle of our Annual Community Campaign coincides with Jewish Federation’s financial year. This means campaign opens July 1 of each year and officially closes June 30 of the following year. While this may seem confusing at first, it also makes a great deal of sense. Traditionally, Jewish giving occurs around the holidays and prior to the High Holy Days, or Rosh HaShanah, specifically. Given that many people are in Greater Naples only for ‘the season,’ however many months that may be, it makes perfect sense to focus our campaign efforts on the months when most of our Jewish community is in Greater Naples. At the start of each new campaign year, when you are asked for your pledge to the campaign, we are only asking you to identify what level of support and commitment you will be making. We are not asking for your pledge to be paid at that time. Knowing the level of your commitment early in the campaign cycle allows Federation’s Allocation Committee to begin to plan for the coming year in regard to the level of funds that can be made available to the many worthwhile programs and organizations that benefit from your generosity. Although your pledge can be paid at the time you declare it, or any time after that, it does not need to be paid until

December of that Campaign year. For example, a pledge to the 2022 Annual Campaign, even though it may have been made in November 2021, does not need to be paid in full until December 31, 2022. While we certainly hope that most of you will not wait until December to pay your pledge, not having to pay your pledge when you first make it gives you some flexibility in planning your gift. When your pledge to the 2022 Campaign is paid by the end of December 2022, Federation is able to fulfill the plans, commitments and allocations it has made. It also enables you to claim

campaign total, regardless of when you pay it. If you supported campaign in 2021 with a pledge (and a gift), if we do not receive your pledge before June 30, 2022, it will not be included in Campaign 2022: Here for Good. This means, for this year at least, your gift is lost. Think of what this means for those who would benefit from you gift. Every pledge, every gift to the Annual Campaign is valued. This Jewish community cannot afford to lose a single pledge or gift. We need you. The Jewish world needs you. Unlike many of the other worthwhile non-Jewish causes you might support, we have no one else — only you.

There is still time to support the 2022 Annual Campaign!

Campaign 2022: Here for Good officially closes on June 30, 2022, which means that, as you read this, the sun is setting on this year’s campaign. If you have made a pledge, thank you! If you have yet to do so, you can still be part of this year’s campaign. All you need do is give Jeffrey Feld a call at 239-263-4205 or email him at jfeld@jewish naples.org before the end of the month. Please do; there are a great many people counting on your support.

your contributions on your tax return. (A pledge to the 2022 campaign paid by December 31, 2022, is a tax-deductible contribution for 2022.) If your pledge payment is not received by December 31, 2022, it is not tax-deductible for calendar year 2022. The Jewish community of Greater Naples is very fortunate. Its donors are very generous, and they honor the pledges they make. Thank You! When you make a pledge before June 30, your pledge is counted in our

Note from Jeffrey Feld: Kirk Wisemayer has completed his tenure as JFGN’s Annual Campaign Director. He has received an opportunity that he cannot allow to pass. We thank Kirk for all his efforts and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.

Volunteer Opportunity The Catholic-Jewish Dialogue (CJD) is looking for new Steering Committee members. Find out more… 3 “Remix Judaism” Join author Roberta Rosenthal Kwall in a discussion about Judaism and why it may need to be remixed to preserve traditions. 4

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Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

June 2022

Time Jeffrey Feld Federation President/ CEO

e are constantly measuring time. As a youngster, it always seemed to me that it took so long to go from my house to visit relatives; however, coming home took much less time. And I’m sure you remember the Heinz ketchup commercial using music from the song “Anticipation.” How long would it take to get the ketchup out of the bottle? Both experiences have everything to do with looking forward to something. For me, the first one was about getting to see my Bubbe and granddaddy or cousins. It was something I was looking forward Time is meaningful to me. Would to and it just seemed to take forever to it surprise you to know that I have get there. The other, leads to someone served as the CEO of this Federation wanting to eat but needing to wait for for approximately 2,800 days? Is that a PINE RIDGE ROAD VIEW the condiment. In either long time; is that a case, expectation created short time; what are an awareness of time. we anticipating? To Now, the reality of Over the past numme, the amount of the Nina Iser Jewish ber of weeks, we have time that I’ve been Cultural Center is here. here is both long experienced the “Yoms.” You know YomHaShoah, and short. Some of Yom HaZikaron, Yom the things that this Ha’Atzmaut, Yom Yerushlayim, and so Federation has accomplished in that timeon. Each one marks times to remember frame, I thought should have been done and/or celebrate; however, it is still about quicker. Other things, I did not anticipate time and anticipation. happening as quickly as they did.

The notion of a new home, a permaTHE JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER NAPLES BUILDING nent home for Federation started on my

first day in Naples. It was only a notion. For some people in the conversation, it was a philosophical notion. For others, it was more “how do we get there?” Now, the reality of the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center is here. There are too many people for me to identify who need to be thanked. Please recognize that each and every one of you has played a significant role in helping to bring this notion to realization. Our anticipation now is about the question of when will we actually be in our new building? Based on all our best

guesses, we expect to be in the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center in this calendar year. It seems like it is taking so long to get here, and we can’t wait for this part to be completed. As it relates to this project, time is both going very slow and very fast, simultaneously. But before you know it, we will be celebrating all the “Yoms” that I mentioned above in our new home. For everyone who has worked on this project, “Yishaer Koach,” great job! And for our entire community, we will soon be able to celebrate Federation’s new home and be able to exclaim, “Mazel Tov!”

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JEWISH FEDERATION

June 2022

Federation Star

Happy Birthday Superman! By Roy Schwartz, Author

uperman is the most famous charstories, like basing Krypton’s past on Genesis and Exodus, its civilization on acter in the world. He’s the first Jewish culture, the trial of Lex Luthor superhero. An American icon. And on Adolf Eichmann’s and a holiday he’s Jewish! Introduced in June 1938, the Man celebrating Superman on Passover. It’s a fascinating secret history of of Steel was created by two Jewish teens, beloved modern mythology, only Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the sons of a little of which has been explored emigrants from Eastern Europe. They so far. It deserves more attention. based their hero’s origin story on Moses, his strength on Samson, his mission on It’s really super. Join me on Zoom Monday, June 13 the golem and his nebbish secret identity on themselves. They made him a refugee at 1 p.m. (ET) for a captivating journey through comic book lore, American hisfleeing catastrophe on the eve of World War II and sent him to tear Nazi tanks tory and Jewish tradition, sure to give apart nearly two years before the U.S. you a newfound appreciation for the Mensch of Steel! The book is available joined the war. There are 3 Ways to everywhere books are sold and can be In following decades, Superman’s Join the MCA! mostly Jewish writers, artists and editors continued OF GREATER NAPLES to borrow Jewish motifs for their

ordered through any bookstores, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Target. Roy Schwartz is also the author of “The Darkness in Lee’s Closet and the Others Waiting There” and is the winner of the 2021

international Diagram Prize for Oddest Book Title of the Year. This program is brought to you by the Je w i s h Fe d e r a t i o n o f Greater Naples and Men’s Cultural Alliance.

AUTHOR BOOK DISCUSSION

IS SUPERMAN CIRCUMCISED? The complete Jewish history of the world’s greatest hero When: Monday, June 13, 2022, 1 p.m. Where: Zoom Purchase this book at https://www.amazon.com/ Superman-Circumcised-Complete-History-Greatest/dp/1476662908 Register for this free Zoom program at www.jewishnaples.org.

Brought to you by the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples and Men’s Cultural Alliance.

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.

Volunteer opportunity with the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue 2. Send an email with your name, email address and phone number to joinMCA@MCAnaples.org.

3. Mail your name, email address and phone number to Larry Israelite, 8820 Savona Court, Naples, FL 34119.

By Marty Gauthier and Luba Rotsztain, CJD Co-chairs

Dues for current year are $90 and include membership

in the Jewish of Greater Naples. re you interested in Federation expanding The Catholic-Jewish Dialogue (CJD) relationships between Catholics is looking for new Steering Commitand Jews? Are you interested in tee members. The committee meets learning more about both faiths and once a month and plans activities that helping the community? If your answer enrich the community while building is yes, here is an opportunity for you! new friendships.

CJD is a subcommittee of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. More information can be found online at https://jewishnaples.org/ get-involved/cjd.

For more information on how to get involved with CJD, please contact Catholic co-chair Marty Gauthier at marty@naples.net or Jewish co-chair Luba Rotsztain at luba.laufer.rotsztain@ gmail.com.

Federation Star

Celebrating Jewish Life in Collier County, Israel and the World

Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

June 2022

Something for everyone this month

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

Published by

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, Cheryl Ginsburg, Larry Israelite, Tammy Katz, Merlin Lickhalter, Robin Mintz, Les Nizin, William Petasnick, Joel Pittelman, Stuart Price, Nat Ritter, Michael Rubenstein, Steve Strome, Jay Weiss, Jeff Zalasky, Board Member Emeritus: Phyllis Seaman

Reneé Bialek Program Director

Two author book talks

Everyone is invited to attend two free author book talks in June! Roy Schwartz will present his book, “Is Superman Circumcised?” on Monday, June 13 at 1 p.m. via Zoom. On Wednesday, June 22 at noon, Roberta Rosenthal Kwall will discuss her book, “Remix Judaism” via Zoom. Information on these two authors and books is found in this issue of the Federation Star. Please register at www. jewishnaples.org so you can receive the Zoom link two hours prior to the start of each program.

Mix and Mingle

The Mix and Mingle group will come together at Jewish Federation of Greater

Naples on Monday, June 20 at 12:30 p.m. for a Potluck Lunch. This group is for Jewish singles ages 55 and up. When you RSVP, let me know what kosherstyle food you will bring to share with the others.

Jewish Young Professionals

The Jewish Young Professionals group has been meeting! If you are in your 20s or 30s and are not getting the specific JYP emails, please let me know so I can add you to the roster.

PJ Library

PJ Library and Jewish Families with Young Children are invited to Tumbles for activities and fun on Sunday, June 26 at 3:30 p.m. Please make a reservation with Alicia at programs@jewishnaples.org.

Other programs

Everyone is invited to the various programs offered by Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. Get out of the heat and

come to Federation to enjoy some classics. Puzzles, chess and board game programs are scheduled throughout the summer. Read our weekly Monday e-blast for upcoming game programs. If you have an idea for a program or want to be a guest speaker or facilitator, please contact me at rbialek@ jewishnaples.org. Please read our weekly e-blast that comes out every Monday for any changes to these programs and, of course, to learn about additional programs being offered to the community. We have a variety of groups and committees at Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, such as PJ Library, Jewish Families with Young Children, Cardozo Legal Society, Catholic-Jewish Dialogue, Israel Advocacy Committee and Jewish Community Relations Council. Please join the group and/or committee that best fits you. A taste of each one can be found throughout our website at www.jewishnaples.org.

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 Stan Alliker, Cantor Donna Azu, Rabbi Ariel Boxman, Steve Chizzik, Rabbi Ammos Chorny, Rabbi Mendel Gordon, Rabbi Mendy Greenberg, Rabbi Mark Gross, Rabbi Howard Herman, Rabbi Adam Miller, Charles Flum, Rabbi James Perman, Dr. Arthur Seigel, Len Teitelbaum, Rabbi Fishel Zaklos

Staff Jeffrey Feld: Federation CEO/President Reneé Bialek: Program Director Alicia Feldman: PJ Library Coordinator Marcy Friedland: Capital Campaign & Planned Giving Director Janine Hudak: Admin. Coordinator 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 Philanthropy • Youth Activities Committee – sponsoring youth education and scholarships for Jewish Summer Camp and Israel Experience

The need for remixed Judaism By Roberta Rosenthal Kwall

These conversations need nterest in Jewish practice to be spearheaded by both and ritual is waning for clergy and Jewish organizamany American nontions. Studies of the AmeriOrthodox Jews. And younger Jews seem to have less intercan Jewish community are clear that we are moving est than their parents, even far too quickly into a world in moderate observance. strongly divided between Left unchecked, this realthe deeply religious and the ity will sink the future of Roberta American Judaism. Jewish “nones.” This is not a Rosenthal Kwall world in which our current Absent a sustained, deep connection to various elements of Jewish Jewish organizational structure can survive, tradition, increasingly fewer Jews will support synagogues and other important let alone thrive. philanthropic initiatives of the American Roberta Rosenthal Kwall is a law profesJewish community. But we can turn sor at DePaul Univerthis around by helping non-Orthodox sity College of Law. Jews find personal meaning in selected practices and, thereby, deepen their She is the author of “Remix Judaism: connection to Judaism. Preserving TradiReligiously liberal Jews do not nection in a Diverse essarily respond to the idea of Divine command, but they will observe rituals World” (Roman & Littlefield, 2020, they find personally meaningful. I call updated 2022), this “remixed” Judaism and it is of vital and “The Myth of the Cultural Jew: Culture importance if Judaism is to remain more than just a matter of ancestry for the and Law in Jewish Tradition” (Oxford U. majority of American Jews. Press, 2015).

REMIX JUDAISM Jewish Federation of Greater Naples is hosting Roberta live on Zoom, where she will discuss her book. When: Wednesday, June 22 at noon (ET) Where: Zoom Register for this free program at www.jewishnaples.org. You don’t have to have read the book to come and benefit from the program. To purchase her book, “Remix Judaism: Preserving Tradition in a Diverse World,” go to https://amzn.to/2kY8gFo.

FEDERATI N MEMBERSHIP According to the bylaws of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, members are those individuals who make an annual gift of $36 or more to the Annual Federation Campaign in our community.

For more information, please call the Federation ofﬁce at 239-263-4205.

June 2022

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Federation Star

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COMPLIMENTARY INFORMATION KIT

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Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

June 2022

Paving the way Donors who have purchased brick pavers for the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center By Marcy Friedland, Capital Campaign & Planned Giving Director

odah Rabah to the following donors who have purchased one or more brick pavers to grace the plaza area to the left of the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center entrance.

Interested in adding your name to the list in one of our upcoming issues? Contact me at mfriedland@jewishnaples. org or 239-263-4205.

Brick Paver donors as of April 29, 2022: In Memory of Hope Abels (z”l) Sheryl & Mel Affrime Marlene & Nate Apkon Tracy & Michael Askotzky Jay & Debra Barnett Lea & Michael Bendes Carole Berkowitz Harriet & Louis Berneman Patti & Pete Bloom Ronnie Blumenthal Betsy Borden In Memory of Steve Brazina (z”l)* Sandy & Alan Burton Coalition for Quality Public Education Tracey & David Cohen Janet & Saul Cooperman Barbara Shagan Dave Shellie Specter & Robert Davidson Deangelis Diamond Susan & Phil Dean Gayle & Marty Dorio Linda & Larry DuKatz Shelley & Steve Einhorn Alicia & Michael Feldman In Memory of David Fisher (z”l)* Jerry Flagel Jennifer & Marc Fleischer Jane & Lester Friedberg Nancy & Darryl Garfinkel Deb & Bert Geller Barbara & Gene Goldenziel Janice Goldman Joel Goldman Marsha & Michael Goldstein Helene & Alan Gordon Carole Greene Sherry & Howard Greenfield Lenore Greenstein Bobbi & Randy Heiligman Carol & Burton Hirsch Susan & Michael Horowitz Linda & Larry Hyde Liz & Alan Jaffe Arline Kaplan In Honor of Lisa & Dale Katz* Bobbie Kauffman In Memory of Mary Kauffman (z”l)* Gail& Vitaliy Kedrus In Honor of Deborah Kohler* Phyllis & Abe Koss Pam & Warren Krangel Elaine & Richard Landau Helaine & Marvin Lender Anna & Yale Levin Arlene Levin

Stephanie Adler Calliott & Don London Dorothy Magen Ida & Jeff Margolis MCA Carol & Stuart Mest Gisela & Richard Miller Modern Playwrights Marsha & Joel Moranz Laurie & Barry Nagler Helene Naimon Gail & Les Nizin Harvey Oriel Judi Palay Karen & Jerry Pam Susan & Joel Pittelman Susan & Jimmy Pittleman Iris & Steven Podolsky Beth-Ellen & Irv Povlow Judit & Richard Price Estelle Rauch June Streisand & John Reiches Ilene Rich Mae Riefberg Dale & Steven Riemer Susan & Nathaniel Ritter Jennifer & Kenny Roller Judy & Sam Roth Betty & Jim Rubenstein Jess & Chris Rush Jacqueline Sallade Katie & Michael Sarnoff Eleanor & Neil Scheffler Linda & Shepard Scheinberg Jane Schiff Shelley & Mark Schloss Caroline & Bill Schulhof Jane & Paul Shaw Gay & David Silberg Cathy & Scott Silver Sisterhood of Temple Shalom Stacy Sokol Merrill & Andrew Solan Leslie & Mel Springman Sandi Stern Shira & Bryan Swartz Fahn & Denny Tishkoff Michelle Levine Troupp Linda & Jerry Wainick Goldie & Kenneth Wetcher Karen Wilner Lauri & Steven Wishner Susan & Russ Yale Suzann & Steve Yussen Judy & Jeff Zwicker *Group gift

BRICK PAVER ORDER FORM Donor Information Name _____________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________ City _____________________________ State ________ Zip Code _____________ Email ____________________________________________________________ Phone ____________________________________________________________ Donation Amount (S) ________________________________________________ Indicate how you want your engraved brick to read, using the grid below for the size brick you are purchasing. Each square is the space for one letter or number. 12” x 12” Engraved Brick – room for 8 lines of text with 20 characters per line ($1,800)

8” x 8” Engraved Brick - room for 6 lines of text with 20 characters per line ($720)

4” x 8” Engraved Brick - room for 3 lines of text with 20 characters per line ($360)

Make your check payable to JFGN and send it, with this completed form, to: JFGN, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Ste. 2201, Naples, FL 34109.

JEWISH FEDERATION

June 2022

Federation Star

Do you want to see your name in lights? We can’t do this without you!

By Marcy Friedland, Capital Campaign & Planned Giving Director

s the construction of the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center moves right along, we are beginning the process of adding names to the Donor Wall located in the covered loggia area as you walk through to the entrance doors.

All names will be listed in alphabetical order, starting with contributions to the Capital Campaign of $500 and up. If you want your name(s) included, you have until June 30, 2022 to make your contribution and have your name(s) added to the wall.

Contribution opportunities

1. Naming opportunity starting at $5,000, which can be pledged over 5 years 2. Engraved brick pavers $720 or $1,800 3. Contribution of $500 and above by check or credit card Every person who walks into our new building will see your name(s) on the

donor wall. Jewish Federation of Greater Naples is about community and our entire Greater Naples community has helped us build our new home. Don’t you want to be a part of it? Don’t forget, to be included on the Donor Wall, contributions must be in or pledged by June 30, 2022.

Future donor wall

Construction tour participants with signed truss

New building tour

Building under construction as of May 2, 2022

Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

June 2022

Shavuot: let them eat ice cream! By Alicia Feldman, PJ Library Coordinator

hen you have young today by studying the Torah, staying up all night, crafting children, three Jewpaper cutouts and, of course, ish holidays get the indulging in cheesecake, blinmost holiday street cred with them – Passover, Purim and tzes and ice cream. It is also traditional on Shavuot to read Hanukkah. While these holidays the “Book of Ruth.” Many might have more cultural awarereasons are given by different ness, the holiday of Shavuot also scholars about why to read has plenty of traditions to make Alicia Feldman this story on this particular it appealing for children. holiday. The major themes This holiday marks the biblical story of receiving the in the “Book of Ruth” about giving, kindness and selfTen Commandments and the Torah at Mt. Sinai. While lessness coincide with the many families don’t regularly celebrate giving of the Torah to the Jewish people. The tie-in to the Torah and Ten ComShavuot, it’s a holiday that’s totally made mandments also make Shavuot a perfect for kids, and it’s a perfect excuse for ry of the anuary opportunity30 to reinforce so a many sleepovers, flower picking, iceJcream Febru socials and many other fun activities. values that parents already impart to their children, like telling the truth, honoring Although Shavuot was originally a others and sharing. harvest holiday, people celebrate the day

Many of us don’t realize how easy it is to summon the holy in our everyday life. However, when you consider the practical application of the values taught by the Ten Commandments, it is easy to see we are teaching our children these values daily. We are actually “living Jewishly” without even making a connection between daily life and the teachings of the Torah. So, while the Shavuot celebration has some very delicious and fun traditions,

UPCOMING EVENTS!

Laila Tov

Shabbat

like breaking out the sundae bar or holding summertime sleepovers, it is also the perfect time to remember our core values as a people. Living Torah isn’t an abstract concept; it is in the fabric of our daily lives. We just might not realize it! I hope to see everyone at our Good Yom Tov it’s Shavuot celebration on Sunday, June 26, 3:30 p.m. at Tumbles Naples, 2462 Vanderbilt Beach Road, where we can enjoy each other’s company and celebrate the holiday together.

GOOD YOM TOV IT’S SHAVUOT CELEBRATION

When: Sunday, June 26 at 3:30 p.m. Where: Tumbles, 2462 Vanderbilt Beach Road Sponsored by PJ Library

20 April 10 Marc Meet our newest PJ Library community partner im h r c u a P s h

Tumbles Naples

By Alicia Feldman, PJ Library Coordinator

llow me to introduce you to PJ Park Elementary, Pine Ridge 15 June Middle and May Library’s newest community partBarron Collier High schools. They have layim Michael (7) and Olivia (4). ner, Tumbles, Naples, owned shachildren, YombyYerutwo Suzanna and Michael Webster. Suzanna When I asked what sparked their intermoved to Naples in 2004. Michael, a est in a child-centered business, they told Naples native, graduated from Naples me Suzanna gave Michael the necessary

Shavuot

All events will be at:

“Can U Dig It” Playground at North Collier Regional Park

3pm - 4pm

To register visit:

Good Yom Tov it’s Shavuot! facebook.com/PJLibraryNaplesFL

OF GREATER NAPLES

Let’s talk Ruth, kindness, and ice cream!

Sunday, June 26, 2022

3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Tumbles Naples 2462 Vanderbilt Beach Road Suite 530

RSVP

Alicia Feldman programs@jewishnaples.org facebook.com/PJLibraryNaplesFL

push to coach their son’s recreational 26 soccer team in 2019. Michael, who was

previously in sales, really found he had a passion for working with children. From there, the idea to get involved in a childcentered business took root. But it wasn’t until Michael was searching for birthday venues for Olivia at the end of 2020 that he decided to go “all-in” and open a facility. He saw a lot of great options in town, but it became apparent there was room for more. “I knew I wanted something that was fun for the kids but that would also help foster a positive self-image for children. I didn’t have any formal experience operating children’s venues, so I began looking at franchises,” Michael says.

In Tumbles, they found a franchise that combines body and mind to get kids moving and thinking. There are a lot of reasons they chose Tumbles; however, one thing stood out — the mission of creating a healthy self-esteem as the single most important factor for continued growth towards lifelong success. This core value aligned perfectly with Suzanne and Michael’s beliefs. You’ll see Mike at Tumbles most days, while Suzanna handles many of the operational duties. They look forward to meeting PJ Library families during the monthly events or any time they choose to stop in to visit!

JEWISH FEDERATION

June 2022

Federation Star

Meet the Gordon/Wein family PJ family spotlight

By Alicia Feldman, PJ Library Coordinator

: Tell me about the Gordon/ Wein family members. A: We are Casey Gordon, Alexandra Wein, and Carter (9) and Eliana (1) Gordon. Carter is Casey’s son from a previous relationship, but we have been a family since he was 4 years old. Last year, we added Eliana to our household, and everyone loves being a family of four! We also have two dogs, Onyx and Rosie, and two cats, Barley and Porter. It’s a busy house full of love! We are planning a wedding, so there are lots of wonderful things to look forward to in our growing modern family! Q: What’s it like on the day PJ Library books arrive? A: It’s exciting because Eliana loves books. When we go to her room to get ready for bed, she is always pulling out multiple books for us to read to her, it’s always a fun day when another package comes in the mail. We just got Carter signed up for PJ Your Way and he loves that he gets to pick which book he receives. Q: What do you like about PJ Library books? A: The stories are fun and meaningful. Being an interfaith, blended family, it’s nice to have a resource that provides opportunities for Casey and Carter to learn more about Alexandra’s

religion and customs and for Eliana to experience her Jewish lineage. It’s very bonding for us all. Q: Are you involved in the Jewish community in Naples? If so, how? A: Not as involved as I would like to be. We try to get to local events for holidays. Recently, we have been attending PJ Library’s park playdates. It’s been fun to meet other Jewish families in our community. Q: Are you a Jewish Federation of Greater Naples member? A: We are not currently members, but we do have our Amazon Smile set to donate to Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a PJ Library Spotlight Family, please let us know! Email Alicia Feldman at programs@jewishnaples.org. Fo l l ow u s o n Fa c e b o o k , @PJLibraryNaplesFL.

Casey Gordon and Alexandra Wein with their children, Carter (9) and Eliana (1) Photo credit: Christina Gonzalez @cristinaceinamama

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PLACE YOUR CREDIT CARD ORDER WITH JANINE HUDAK, 239-263-4205 OR USE THE ORDER FORM ON PAGE 16A

Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

June 2022

MEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE

www.MCANaples.org / 516.356.2897

MCA awards By Jeff Margolis

t the April luncheon meeting of the Men’s Cultural Alliance of Greater Naples (MCA), President Les Nizin presented the Dick Janger Founders Award to two outstanding volunteers of the organization. Meir Kehila and Glenn Perrin were both presented with certificates notifying them that trees have been planted in their honor for their dedication and service to the success of MCA. Congratulations to Meir and Glenn.

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MCA is pleased to announce its newest group — MCA Next Gen. This group has been created for members age 65 and under. The chair of this new program is Richard Wajs. For more information, please contact Richard at richardwajs@twcinternational.com.

Ongoing activities

Many MCA activities are continuing through the summer months. Below are just a few of the offerings. Members are invited and encouraged to participate in these events. On Thursday, June 9 at 2:30 p.m., the MCA Book Group will hold its monthly meeting. The book for June is “The Daughters of Yalta,” by Catherine Grace Katz. The book investigates the lives of Sara Churchill, Kathleen Harriman and Anna Roosevelt, who accompanied their famous fathers to the critical Yalta Conference during World War II. The

program will be held via Zoom. For more information, contact program chair Stan Farb at stan4mignon@earthlink.com. Jim Sernovitz’s monthly travelogue series continues this month with a visit to our home state, “A Different Look at Florida.” The program will take place on Tuesday, June 14 at 2:30 p.m. via Zoom. Members who have previously registered for Jim’s program do not need to re-register. With the current situation in Israel in a state of flux, members who wish to stay informed are invited to join Harvey Cohen and Colin Lewis for the Israel Discussion Group. The group will meet via Zoom on Monday, June 13 from 10 a.m. until noon. Other MCA programs continuing through the summer months: Poker – Thursdays at 6 p.m. Bridge – Fridays at 12:45 p.m. Bocce – Mondays and Wednesdays at 9 a.m. Kayaking – For information, please contact Bob Lubin at r.lubin@comcast.net. Di n e - A ro u n d – Fo r u p d a t e s , please check with Glenn Perrin at glennperrin1@gmail.com. This list is far from complete. For updates and information, please check the MCA e-blasts. Congratulations to the newly elected officers of MCA. The new board will assume their responsibilities on July 1. Be sure to renew your membership and have a safe summer.

There are 3 Ways to Join the MCA!

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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 form and complete it.to YoujoinMCA@MCAnaples.org. can pay by credit card or check. phone number 2. Send an email with your name, email address and phone number to

3. MailjoinMCA@MCAnaples.org. your name, email address and phone number 3. Mail your name, email address and phone number to Larry Israelite, to Larry Israelite, 8820 Savona Court, Naples, 8820 Savona Court, Naples, FL 34119. FL 34119.

CATERING & PLATTERS AVAILABLE Dues Call (239) 291-8340 for information.

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

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

JEWISH FEDERATION

June 2022

Federation Star

Water, water everywhere By Goldie Wetcher, Israel Advocacy Committee member

ou know the next line of this mournful refrain, “but not a drop to drink.” We can only imagine the impact on our lives without a plentiful supply of water. Yet, Israel does not take water for granted. When our Israeli family first visited us in the U.S., we asked them what they were most impressed with after touring our great country. Their answer shocked me, and I will never forget it. They said, “The most amazing thing is the way you waste your water.” After I visited them in their well-appointed home in Holon, Israel, my defensiveness turned into a realization of the truth of their observation as I observed their careful use of water. My husband had already begun using the Israeli invention, drip irrigation hoses, for our garden due to its convenience even before that first visit to our Israeli family in the ’70s. We and our family have made many more trips to Israel since then and continue to learn about Israel’s innovations in water management. I used to think, “What’s to worry about running out of water, we have it in abundance?” I was startled by a comment made by a Canadian friend years ago. “We have a great friend in Canada” I said, and he replied, “yes, till you start running out of water and want ours.” Seth Siegel writes in his excellent book on Israel’s solutions to water management, “Let There Be Water, Israel’s Solution

for a Water-Starved World,” that “there is a growing water shortage around the world and that “the U.S. government predicts that 40 of our 50 states and 60% of the earth’s land surface will soon face alarming gaps between available water and the growing demand for it.” I could picture African villages that lacked even a well to get their water but not our “civilized” world? I wanted to learn how Israel could be “a model” as Siegel claims in his book, with its 60% of land made of desert, to “solve its water problems (with) an abundance of water to share with neighbors.” Since I was a child collecting money for JNF on the boardwalk in Atlantic City, I have been devoted to the Jewish National Fund. Currently, I am on our local board and am a national board member for Alexander Muss High School in Israel, where three of my grandchildren, so far, have attended school. I knew of the successful water projects that JNF spearheaded in Israel. So, I turned to JNF to create a tour in Israel for my husband and me to learn how it was solving the water crisis. On our tour, we observed that water management in Israel is a national effort and that every part of the economy has a role in developing its water industry. I recall a visit to a school where one of the proud students insisted that he, not the assigned teacher, wanted to explain to

us how their system for water purification of “brown water” (water reclaimed from non-sewerage sources, such as showers and farming) was operated by the student management. Among the many water projects we visited, I was so impressed with the creation of a beautiful recreation and housing area in Be’er Sheva. It utilized the current river sources, whose “banks were used as garbage dumps and junkyards, and there was a terrible stench in its vicinity from the sewage pools. A major restoration project has transformed the area into a green park with flowers and recreational activities for the benefit of the people of Be’er Sheva and its environs.” JNF contends that this project and others are essential to give people opportunities to move away from congested urban areas, like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, into regions of the Negev and in the other direction towards the Sea of Galilee. Siegel writes that “Israel also makes a large effort to maximize the quantity of water that falls into the Sea of Galilee and its surrounding watershed” through “rain cloud seeding.” He says that the technique “may be adding as much as 10 billion gallons of water a year to the lake.” To learn more about new developments, I turned to a family source, a young man who works at Elemental Excelarator in California. Jared told me he

had the opportunity to review dozens of startups in the water sector on the merit of their technology and business models. He said, “I’ve certainly noticed the number of quality solutions bubbling up out of Israel and water certainly seems to be a core innovation focusing the Israeli business environment.” I looked at the five names he gave me and got interested in an Israeli company called Watergen, which extracts water from the atmosphere to produce drinking water. I also checked with Zev Abraham, a resident of Naples and the Research Director for Capital Wealth Management. Abraham’s father defended Israel as a soldier in the IDF. Within a few minutes, Abraham created a full page of small, innovative Israeli companies who work in every sector, confirming the well-deserved title for Israel of “Startup Nation.” Our conversation moved to concerns about the war waging in Ukraine and it took a few days before I could focus on writing up my notes due to my preoccupation with the war and the huge problems it represents. Our nightly news showcases man’s inhumanity to man and, at the same time, we see the kindness and courage it has engendered in others. So, I wrote up my notes to remind us all that we need lovingkindness. And kindness is easier to generate when our own needs are met, and we have enough water and energy for a better world.

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Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

June 2022

WOMEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE

www.wcanaples.org / 518.852.3440

WCA continues to expand its ever-evolving community of friendship By Susan Pittelman, WCA Publicity Coordinator

e need friends to give our Harriett Kleinman, WCA’s Memberlives meaning, to enrich us, ship Director, told me, “While visiting and to keep ourselves alive. my daughter in Milwaukee, I always ~ Rabbi Susan Nanus go to Zumba classes at the JCC. After Last month’s Federation Star WCA returning to Naples, I was in line at Pubarticle featured stories about serendipilix and thought that the woman behind tous ways women “discovered” long-time me looked familiar. I immediately said, friends through WCA. After reading these ‘Milwaukee—Zumba!’ This was the stories, more women shared unusual expebeginning of my friendship with Hanriences of connecting (or reconnecting!) nah Goodman. (She had already joined with women, attributing them to their WCA.) Being Volunteer Coordinator at involvement with WCA. the time and learning about Hannah’s WCA Advisor Barbara Suden credits database and computer experience, I her passion for WCA with reconnecting asked her to join WCA’s technology with a special friend. She explains, “Sevteam. She agreed. Hannah’s assistance in eral years ago, my husband and I were WCA’s transition to our new memberon a river cruise and made friends with ship management system continues to be a wonderful couple. When we told them invaluable — and so is our friendship.” we lived in Naples, they told us that they Phyllis Strome shares, “As WCA’s were thinking of moving to Southwest Couples Group Coordinator, I receive Florida. My husband said, ‘Why don’t numerous emails from women who want you consider Naples?’ I immediately told to sign up for the group. One request Sharon Russell and Barbara Suden the wife, ‘If you come to Naples, you must came in with a comment that her mother’s are grateful to WCA for reuniting them. join WCA.’ I told her about WCA and all it has to offer. “The next morning, I gave her a piece of paper on which I had written ‘Women’s Cultural Alliance’ and our names and phone number. When she saw it, she looked at me and said, ‘I know you.’ I replied, ‘What do you mean, you know me?’ I was really surprised! It turned out that her Phyllis Strome with new-found cousin Linda DuKatz Ann Cowen (right) with college roommate Suellen Weiner ex-husband and my husband were in the same dental school class, and she and I maiden name was Strome. That was it or whatever — had spent two weeks together in Texas — nothing else. I was not going to let it really doesn’t while our husbands went through basic this one go. matter. Larry and training. That had to be 50 years ago. No “After several emails, I discovered that Linda have a son wonder we didn’t recognize each other! Linda and Larry DuKatz lived in Maswho lives in Ann “They did move to Naples and, yes, sachusetts, which is where my husband, Arbor, Michigan, she did join WCA. Sharon Russell and Steve, is from. There is a much longer which is only 40 her husband have become dear friends. I story but, in brief, Linda DuKatz’ grandminutes away often wonder if we would have developed father and Steve’s grandfather were brothfrom our home this special friendship if it weren’t for my ers. Linda and Steve are cousins, although up north. It sure love of WCA.” I am not sure if it is second, once removed is a small world!” WCA Board Me m b e r A n n Cowen told me that she reconHarriett Kleinman and Hannah Goodman nected with Suellen Weiner, her college roommate with them.” The branches were formed from 50+ years ago, who now lives in to enable women to continue friendships Bonita Springs and is a WCA member! that began in Naples when they return Ann says, “We met for lunch and the home for the summer. Information about years just melted away. I would never Summer Branches – including how to have connected with her if not for WCA!” join one – is on our website at wcanaples. in WCA’s Community of Friendship (Suellen is the volunteer who sets up the org. Just look under “Groups.” foursomes for WCA’s social 9-hole golf.) Those of us who are full-time residents If you are not already a member, JOIN today. When you read this article, many of Southwest Florida will continue to If you are a member, RENEW your dues now. WCA members will have returned north enjoy our friends as well as make new ones for the summer. Not only will they reconthrough WCA events. Little did any of us Visit WCAnaples.org and click on MEMBERSHiP. nect with friends up north, but women realize the wisdom of the adage most of Your membership will be good through August 2023 who live in one of the nine areas in North us learned when we were young: “Make America that has a WCA Summer Branch new friends but keep the old. One is silver QUESTIONS? Contact Membership Director Harriett Kleinman will also be able to “take WCA home and the other’s gold.” at hmkleinman@gmail.com

“Find YOUR Groove”

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Federation Star

June 2022

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

Bearing history to noble and horriﬁc truths Susan Suarez President & CEO CREDIT: DELL RIVER IMAGERY

he Museum continues to address the war in Ukraine with visitors on tours and students during education programs. Sadly, there are far too many parallels to draw between the Russian forces’ aggression and the actions of Nazi occupiers in World War II. The 24-hour news cycle continuously provides updates on the plight of frightened refugee families, mounting deaths of innocent civilians and devastating destruction from Russian bombs. In real time, and with stark before-and-after satellite images, we have a clear picture of Russian aggression against Ukraine and its citizens. Unfortunately, the citizens of Russia don’t see this. The propaganda campaign of the Putin government, its crackdown on dissenting voices, the press and social media leave Russian citizens with a totally different perspective on the situation in Ukraine. The world is inspired by the courage and commitment of the Ukrainian government and citizens to fight back. Russia badly underestimated the resistance it would face. This, plus the economic

sanctions against Russia and its leaders as well as military and financial aid to the Ukrainian government and people, are increasing the pressure on the Putin regime to withdraw its troops. Visitors to the Museum will see a display that includes a joint statement by several museums about the war crimes being committed in Ukraine. It calls upon governments around the world to do more to stop these atrocities and assist those who have been brutalized. Early next year, we will host an exhibit called “Two Regimes – Witnesses to the Holodomor and the Holocaust.” The exhibit explores a powerful family story of survival from the 1930s through World War II. It profiles the lifework of a mother and daughter who lived under the reigns of terror unleashed under the regimes of Stalin and Hitler. The stories they told of their life in Mariupol hauntingly parallel life in Mariupol today. When the Nazis seized the city, both women were deported to forced labor camps in Germany, another similarity to today’s news stories of Russian forces deporting Ukrainians. We ask that you join us in standing up to the Putin regime’s aggression in Ukraine and the suppression of its own people’s human rights. Speak up about it, donate to refugee organizations and keep those affected by this unjust conflict in your thoughts and prayers.

FEATURING A VAST AND VARIED COLLECTION OF MIXED MEDIA PAINTINGS, COLLAGE WORKS, SCULPTURES AND ART FURNITURE CREATED FROM THE UNSTOPPABLE & CLEVER MIND OF ARTIST & WRITER

JOHN CARROLL LONG

Community support project for Ukrainian refugees

Board Member Emeritus Jack Nortman and his sister, Margie Commerford, will travel this month to the border of Poland and Ukraine and the cities of Warsaw and Krakow on a mercy mission. They feel a unique kinship with the Ukrainian refugees. During World War II, their parents, Rose and Morris Nortman, were forced to flee when the Nazis invaded Poland. Jack and Margie have been coordinating with local organizations on the ground assisting refugees i n Po l a n d . Student Card For more Samples from Bonita information Springs Center for o n h o w t o the Arts tour help, see the article in the Jewish Interest section of this issue of Federation Star, visit https://boxcarfoundation.org or email theboxcarfoundation@gmail.com. Jack and Margie will also carry messages of support to let the refugees know they and their families are not forgotten. These include cards created by school

groups visiting the Museum. Museum visitors can write their own messages of support on cards available in the lobby at no charge.

New exhibit: “Art After the Holocaust”

Our latest exhibit, “Art After the Holocaust,” features a selection of the Holocaustthemed artwork donated to the Museum over the years. These include a variety of media — fabric, glasswork, prints, sculpture, oil paintings and woodcuts. The exhibit will be on display in the Estelle and Stuart Price Gallery through August 31, 2022.

Private group tours

Looking for an activity for your group or association this summer? Why not schedule a private group tour of the Museum? These docent-led tours can be tailored to your schedule and include the option of a light breakfast before you start. Private group tours are scheduled for morning hours when we are closed to the public. There will be plenty of time to look around and ask questions as you will have the Museum to yourselves. For more information, contact Education Specialist David Nelson at David@HMCEC.org or call 239-2639200, ext.205. I look forward to seeing you at the Museum this summer!

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Federation Star

COMMUNITY FOCUS

June 2022

www.naplesseniorcenter.org / 239.325.4444

NAPLES SENIOR CENTER

Preparing for hurricane season and a busy summer Dr. Jaclynn Faffer President/ CEO

s we all know, June 1 is the beginning of hurricane season. Naples Senior Center (NSC) works closely with its seniors to make sure they are safe if, or when, we are in the path of a storm. We reach out to NSC members and dementia and case management clients to make sure we have their correct contact information as well as information about special needs. For example, do they use

assistive devices? Are they on oxygen? Do they live alone? Do they have pets? All of this is important to know in case evacuation becomes a necessity. Our case managers and staff are in close contact with members and clients just before; during, if possible; and immediately after the storm to assist in any way possible. If anyone reading this is interested in becoming part of the NSC’s hurricane database, please get in touch with Anne Chernin, director of special programs, at 239-325-4444 or achernin@naplesseniorcenter.org. I know you all join me in hoping we have a calm hurricane season! While the close of season is often a quiet time for agencies in Southwest

Florida, NSC sees little change in its programs and services. In fact, membership is increasing, and we are doing more evaluations for our dementia respite program. Currently, we have five groups taking place onsite at Castello Drive; one

on Marco Island; and Brain Joggers, an early memory loss group, is taking place at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. The fact that it is the beginning of summer does not preclude me from giving you NSC’s annual “Save the Date” for its signature fundraising event, An Evening for Better Tomorrows. The event will take place on Jan. 14, 2023 at a private country club in Naples. Pencil it in your calendars and watch for more information to follow! If you are staying in town, please do not forget that our food pantry is in operation throughout the summer. We welcome your donations. Thank you for all you do to support Naples Senior Center. Stay safe and stay well.

www.naplestemple.org / 239.455.3030

TEMPLE SHALOM

Temple Shalom invites you to these events By Jeanette Fischer, Temple Shalom Director of Communications

he following Temple Shalom events are open to all.

Shabbat evening summer service hours

Beginning June 3 and continuing through August 12, Temple Shalom will hold Friday evening services at 6 p.m. Join us before the service, at 5:30 p.m., for the “Pre-neg” (light refreshments and schmoozing).

Shabbat on the beach

Friday, June 17 at 7 p.m. Join us at Lowdermilk Park for the very popular Beach Shabbat Friday evening service. We meet on the beach at the north end of the park. Bring a beach chair. There will be no service at Temple Shalom on Friday, June 17.

Torah Talk

Join this lay-led discussion of the week’s

Real Estate is quite well in Naples! Contact me to list your home TODAY! Chellie Doepke

Premiere Plus Realty Co.

Torah portion via Zoom every Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. Please contact the Temple Shalom office at info@naples temple.org for the Zoom link.

Jewish Yoga

Yoga teacher Missy Balsam will guide you through an all-levels gentle yoga stretch session via Zoom. The class is interwoven with Jewish spiritual teachings, designed to relieve stress and calm

Tributes

To:

Les & Carol Appel In memory of Helma Appel From: Stephen and Willa Goldberger To:

Doris Adlestein In memory of Alan Adlestein From: Linda & Larry Hyde

239-877-1722

seachell2@hotmail.com • www.sells-naples.com www.facebook.com/chelliedoepkerealtor

To:

Making Real Estate Dreams REALITY

YOUTH IS THE GIFT OF NATURE, BUT AGE IS A WORK OF ART. ~ STANISLAW JERZY LEC

Judy Roth

Linda Derby

Gail Nizin

Embracing Our Age

Felicia Anchor In honor of becoming American Vice President of the International Council of Jewish Women (ICJW) From: Peggy Brown To:

the mind. This class will be practiced lying down and seated on the floor. Open to all; no experience necessary. The cost is $54 for a 7-week session. Join anytime! Classes are on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. If you miss a class, a recording can be sent to you. Call the Temple Shalom office at 239-455-3030 to register and receive the Zoom information.

Sandy Diamond In memory of Sid Diamond From: Linda & Larry Hyde

To:

Eloyse Fisher In memory of David Fisher From: Ellen & Gary Gersh To:

Nancy Kritzman & Carl Kramer In your honor From: Anna & Yale Levin To:

Eli Landa In honor of your Bar Mitzvah From: Barbara & Gary Elsner To:

Steve & Nancy Schachtman In memory of Marilyn Broms From: Delores & Corky Levin To:

Jackie Sallade In appreciation of your friendship From: Suzann Yussen

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 card acknowledging your gift will be sent to the person or loved one you designate. Tributes help further the work of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

COMMUNITY FOCUS

June 2022

Federation Star

A safe place to land on a wing and a prayer Open 24/7 — who could refuse such a deal? By Marcy Aizenshtat

n the far corner of Temple Shalom’s rear parking lot, behind the walls of the preschool, is the most beautifully adorned patch of land filled with flowers, bushes and trees, all butterfly friendly. When creating the butterfly garden, I installed lighting, sprinklers, butterfly watering dishes and a local artist’s metal

Before

Marcy Aizenshtat at the garden dedication with her son, grandson and the seventh-grade class that helped design the banner.

Rabbi Boxman told of the part in the Bible where God created the Heavens and the Earth, Adam and Eve, and all the beauty around us, and he created the butterfly the same day as man. Like the plight of the butterflies, who change from larva to cocoon to caterpillar to the winged beauties, we learn that life changes as we progButterfly Garden in use after completion ress on our own journey. sculpture titled “Marcy … aka Madame The “winged beauties” do their job, Butterfly.” There are benches, chairs and making possible the flourishing of tables for use, viewing and meditation. In nature’s flowers. addition to being in the beautiful temples, I am so blessed that I can leave a churches and interior dwellings, I believe place in my name that will have multiple God can be found outside. Prayer and uses, inspiring future gardeners and, meditation are in our hearts and, like hopefully, butterfly watchers (as in bird butterflies, we all need a safe place to land. watching, identifying butterflies is a Rabbi Boxman, who led the incredible wonderful experience). dedication ceremony, explained how this Please join me and become part of special space would be used for lunch the experience that so many have already breaks, snack time, classroom events, added to their list of places to visit. The festive singing with Miss Jane (who sang Garden is open to all — there is no at the dedication) and so much more. gate or private entrance, allowing it to Classroom meetings have already been be easily accessible. held there and couples have been sited And a special thank you to JFGN for enjoying the waltz of the butterfly filling helping me spread the news here about up on nightly nectar as the sun sets. this wonderful and peaceful space.

What can you learn about senior living at our upcoming event? A whole bunch.

It’s casual, easy, and you’re invited.

Lunch & Learn Event

THURSDAY, JUNE 16TH • 11:30AM

Join us for an informative presentation on senior living and the exceptional services and safeguards offered. Afterwards, take a tour and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our culinary team. Seating is limited. To make a reservation, please call 239.444.6891. ASK ABOUT AVAIL ABLE ON -SITE REHABILITATIVE SERVICES

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D I N I N G O P TIO N S • TR AN S P O RTATI O N • VI B R ANT WE LLN E S S P RO G R AM S

Federation Star

June 2022

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Rodents Can Wreck Your Day by Joe Jayne, Truly Nolen When rodents are in the news, it is not typically for good reasons. In fact, a few weeks ago, one of the local McDonald’s in Naples was shut down due to a rat infestation. The story became viral almost instantly due to video shot by a customer in the drive-thru that showed the extent of the problem. Although this location was not our customer, in situations like this, we are often asked by newspaper writers and television reporters if we can comment with our standard pest control procedures as a company. In fact, our Southwest Florida Commercial Manager Matt Lentine was featured in an April 19 article by Naples Daily News Food and Restaurant Writer Diana Biederman while I was interviewed by WINK CBS 11 Reporter Jennifer Morejon for a story that appeared several times that day as well. As a reminder, much like Matt and I mentioned in the above stories, rodents are always looking for the three things they need to thrive: food, water, and harborage. One of the most common rats in the United States, the Norway rat is extremely adaptive and does well in a variety of human habitats including densely populated cities. Norway rats (also called brown or sewer rats) are large, burrowing rodents. Norway rats can undermine building foundations and slabs with their burrowing activities. They require water to drink, and they can gnaw on all types of materials including copper, lead, plastic, and wood. In addition, Roof rats, also known as black rats,

are generally smaller, sleeker, and slightly slimmer than Norway rats. Roof rats typically have light black to brown fur on their bodies with lighter underbellies. As their name indicates, roof rats prefer to nest high above the ground in trees, tall overgrown shrubs, or dense vegetation such as ivy. They often can be seen at night running along overhead utility lines or fence tops. These rats move faster than Norway rats, have an excellent sense of balance, and are very agile climbers. They often access homes by running along tree branches, cables, or wires. They are typically found in attics, walls, false ceilings, and cabinets. Roof rats can cause considerable structural damage in homes with their gnawing and nest-building activities as they chew on wood and wires.

behaviors, but infestations cause damage to gardens and yards, as well as to the home and the contents. For this reason, it is best to be consistently on the lookout for signs of rodent presence. These include: • Rat droppings, especially around human or pet food or in or around trash areas;

Meanwhile, the house mouse thrives under a variety of conditions in and around homes. Mice are usually brown or light grey in color, with lighter underbellies but different species can be lighter or darker. Once inside mice make their homes in quiet spaces out of spare materials, such as string and insulation. Indoors their diet consists of any spare food, consuming food meant for humans or pets. Mice have keen senses of taste, hearing, smell, and touch. They contaminate food-preparation surfaces with their feces, which can contain the bacterium that causes food poisoning (salmonellosis). Their constant gnawing causes damage to structures and property.

• Burrows around the yard particularly among plants or damaged vegetables; beneath the garbage can; under the home or outbuildings; or gnawed fruits in trees; and

Rodents tend to multiply swiftly, and infestations may be extremely difficult to exterminate. Some species breed year-round, and populations are maintained through constant reproduction. Infestations in or surrounding a home can prove extremely destructive. Different species are known for different nesting and feeding

• Noises in the dark, such as scratching sounds from the attic; • Nests or piled nesting materials in hidden areas such as behind boxes or in drawers in the garage or near a firewood stack; • Evidence of gnawing of wires or structural wood;

• Smudge marks caused by the rats rubbing their fur against beams, rafters, pipes, and walls. If your rodent problem becomes overwhelming, seek professional pest control help. (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 about our Rodent capabilities, please visit https://www.trulynolen.com/rodent-control/.)

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“Should I tell them I’m sick?”

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

t has been three weeks and for helping families and since Dan got the news, friends cope with what can and his head is still spinbe disturbing information. ning. “I know I’m getting on Hospiscare staff emphain years,” says the 78-yearsize that there is no right or old retired biology teacher wrong way to disclose that and part-time musician, you have a life-threatening “but I never expected that a illness. In fact, the profesregular checkup would end sionals urge you to ‘Do it up with me hearing words your way’ — invite a daughlike ‘inoperable’ and ‘termiter for a cup of tea and a nal.’ But that’s what hapserious talk, send a message Rabbi Barbara Aiello pened, and I still haven’t told to distant relatives via social my kids.” media, or broach the subject with a Dan’s predicament, traumatic as it good friend while gardening or may be, is shared by many who receive listening to music together — life-changing diagnoses. After coming it’s best to select an approach to terms with the nature of a serious illtailored to the personality of the ness and its often-frightening prognosis, one who will receive your news. seniors face the added trauma of sharThe professionals say that it’s not ing the news with adult children and necessary to tell everyone in the grandchildren, as well. same way. “I just don’t want to tell my daughIn Dan’s case, he’s waited ter … for a lot of reasons,” says Dan. three weeks before considering “I don’t want to worry her or be a disclosing his illness to his famburden. And what about my grandkids? ily — a good plan according to They’re both teenagers. We’ve made the Hospiscare staff. They encourage their a lot of plans for camping and concerts clients to “take the pressure off,” by and such. How do I tell them? What do personally adjusting to their terminal I say?” diagnosis and then calmly considering Dan is not alone. In fact, so many the how, where and when to approach seniors, along with those much younger, the family. have faced the same dilemma. So much As kids, we were told that “honesty is so that the online UK publication, the best policy,” and it holds true today. Hospiscare, offers suggestions for breakBe honest about your disease or condiing the news of a life-changing illness tion and forthright about what you’ve

Candle lighting times June 3: 7:58 p.m.

been told by your medical professionals. Don’t make assumptions about how a family member may react and don’t project the outcome of a frank discussion. In addition, stifle the temptation to minimize your condition. An honest and direct approach can be liberating for you and for your family and friends. The staff at Hospiscare reminds us that “It’s OK to not be OK.” In other words, an entire range of emotions can accompany a terminal diagnosis and it’s perfectly fine, advisable actually, to let those around you know how you are coping. If you’re

Hiding a terminal illness with “Fine, honey, I’m just fine,” may break the bonds of trust you have built over the years. feeling like talking about what’s to come, it’s important to say so. Alternatively, if you’d prefer not to open the discussion, communicate that as well. Dan’s concern was multigenerational. He worried that his teenage grandchildren would be distraught, disappointed and, as Dan put it, “Bummed out that so many of our plans might change.” As a result, Dan almost decided to say

nothing. Professionals in the field of terminal illness understand Dan’s reluctance; however, they emphasize that “generally children want adults to be honest.” That’s why taking the time to give children an accurate description of what a parent or grandparent is facing is critically important. Hiding a terminal illness with “Fine, honey, I’m just fine,” may break the bonds of trust that you and your grandchildren have built over the years. Jewish tradition emphasizes that all life is precious — even a life that is shortened by serious illness. When Dan made the decision to speak frankly to his children and to open up to his grandchildren, he recognized the wisdom inherent in his action. “I can relax now,” Dan says. “Me and my family, we’re all on the same page. No more pretending. I can focus on what’s important. That makes my life even more precious now.” For 10 years, Rabbi Barbara Aiello served the Aviva Campus for Senior Life (Sarasota, FL) as resident rabbi. Her most popular columns are now published in her new book, “Aging Jewishly,” available on Amazon books. Rabbi Barbara now lives and works in Italy, where she is rabbi of Italy’s first Reconstructionist synagogue. Contact her at Rabbi@RabbiBarbara.com.

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ost of us are now aware of the Ukrainian refugee crisis. Almost all the refugees are women and children, with many forced to urgently flee their homes to escape harm. In such circumstances, they’ve been forced to escape with only a suitcase or a handful of personal items. In most cases, there was no time or opportunity to arrange for the financial security of these innocent women, children and families as they search for safety. As this senseless tragedy unfolds, I have decided to go to Poland and volunteer to help needy refugees on the Ukraine-Poland border as well as in Warsaw and Krakow. My sister, Margie Commerford, has decided to accompany me and, together, we will volunteer our time, energies and abilities to help these families during this crisis. We have spent a considerable amount of time coordinating with contacts and organizations already in place on the ground to help us go where we can be most useful. While Margie and I have given financial support to various refugee organizations — as I am certain many of you have as well — the need is overwhelming, and we need and want to do more. As you may be aware, our parents and other family members suffered devastation in 1939 when they were forced to flee Poland from the Nazis. What is now happening to Ukrainian refugees as they attempt to escape the brutal Russian attacks is a very unsettling reminder of the experience of our forebears. They escaped with their lives, had very little money, suffered from lack of food and medical aid, and lost their belongings and their home forever. Therefore, we feel passionate about this situation and are compelled to help. Given the terrifying situation, I am asking for your financial support — we

need your help. The situation for these refugees remains very difficult and may last for many years to come. All donations received are tax deductible and will go directly to needy refugees and various organizations on the ground in Poland that are assisting the Ukrainian refugees. All expenses for Margie and my travel will be fully covered through our own means. All monies that you donate will go to the people who need it the most … the Ukrainian refugees and the Polish organizations providing vital assistance. All donations by check can be made payable to The Boxcar Foundation, Inc for the refugee fund at the address below: The Boxcar Foundation, Inc 4201 Lake Cook Rd #100 Northbrook IL, 60062 Inquiries: (847) 917-4581 You may also donate by credit card or PayPal via the website, https://boxcar foundation.org/. If you wish to donate utilizing stocks and bonds, they can be wired to Merrill Lynch DTC 8862 101-0230 The Boxcar Foundation Refugee Fund. All funds collected are tax deductible. We are a 501(C)(3) tax-exempt organization #27-3833228. Your support is greatly appreciated. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions regarding this effort and tell your friends and family as well. Together, we will make a difference in many lives. Thank you for your consideration. President and founder of The Boxcar Foundation, Inc., Jack Nortman can be reached at 4201 Lake Cook Rd, # 100, Northbrook, IL 60062, 847-987-5100 or via email at theboxcarfoundation@gmail. com or jn@jaxonltd.com.

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Dinos again, a thriller, a comedy, an offer you can’t refuse Stars of David

By Nate Bloom, Stars of David Contributing Columnist

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, or identify with, a faith other than Judaism. Converts to Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish. The sixth “Jurassic Park” movie, “Jurassic World Dominion,” opens in theaters on June 10. In this sequel, humans and dinosaurs now live near each other all over the world and the question is: who will emerge as the “apex predator?” The film was directed by Colin Trevorrow, 41. His mother is Sephardi. He also directed the last two “Jurassic Park” films. Both grossed well over a billion dollars at the box office. Jeff Goldblum, 69, reprises his role as Dr. Ian Malcolm, an expert in chaos theory. Goldblum costarred as Malcolm in the original “Jurassic Park” film (1993) and in its first sequel (1997). He returned for the fifth film (2018). “Dark Winds” is a six-episode psychological thriller set in and around a Native American reservation. It begins streaming on AMC and AMC+ on June 12. Noah Emmerich, 57, costars as Whitover, a burned-out FBI agent whose career is dying. “Loot” is a 10-episode office comedy that begins streaming on Apple+ on June

24. Capsule plot: Billionaire Molly Novak (Maya Rudolph, 49) has been living a dream-like, luxurious life. This ends when her husband of 20 years betrays her. She goes into an emotional tailspin. Nat Faxon, 46, has a big supporting role (Rudolph’s father is Jewish and Faxon’s mother is Jewish). “The Offer,” a 10-episode mini-series about the making of “The Godfather” (1972), began streaming on April 28 on Paramount+. It concludes in mid-June. As I write this, I’ve viewed the first three episodes. Reviews were mixed, but I was pleasantly surprised how entertaining it was. Also, it is the “most Jewish” major mini-series or film I’ve ever seen (leaving aside Holocaust-related projects and films/mini-series made by Israelis or set in Israel). Below is a list of the “real life” Jews in the series — Jews who played Jews and Jews who played non-Jewish characters. All of them appear in all 10 episodes. Paramount+ costs $5 a month, so for five bucks you can binge watch the whole series this month. Plus, Paramount+ is also now streaming all three “Godfather” movies. Here goes: (1) Robert Evans (1930-2019) was the (very handsome) head of Paramount studio when “The Godfather” was made.

(2) Albert Ruddy, now 92, was the principal producer of “The Godfather.” He is played by Miles Teller, whose paternal grandfather was Jewish. “The Offer” is based on Ruddy’s memories of the making of the film. (3) Francis Ford Coppola, the (ItalianCatholic) director of “The Godfather,” is played by Dan Fogler, 45. (4) Charles Bludhorn (1926-1983) was the owner of the Paramount studio. He was an Austria-born Jew who hid his Jewish background. (5) Peter Bart, now 89, was a producer who was Evans’ right-hand man. 6) Ali MacGraw, now 83, is best known as the star of “Love Story” (1970) she wed Evans in 1969. The marriage ended around the time “The Godfather” was released. MacGraw found out as an adult that her Jewish mother hid her background from her and her bigoted father. (7) Francoise Glazer (1937-2014). She was Albert Ruddy’s wife during the making of “The Godfather.” Born in France, she survived the Holocaust in hiding. She is played by Nora Arnezeder, 32, a very pretty French actress. Her mother is Sephardi (Italian and Egyptian), and Nora identifies as Jewish. (8) Mario Biaggi, a Bronx (not Jewish) congressman. He’s played by Danny Nucci, 53. His parents were Moroccan

Jews. He lived in Italy until he was 7 years old. (9) Dean Tavoularis, now 89, an Oscar-winning production designer. He is played by Eric Balfour, 44. You’d never find out from obits that Robert Morse, who died on April 20, age 90, was Jewish. Primarily a stage actor, he is best known for roles he played at the beginning and the end of his long career. In 1962, he won a Tony award for best actor (musical) for “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” He reprised that role in the film version of “How To…” (1967). From 2007-2014, he frequently gueststarred as Bertram Cooper, the quirky, but sharp founding partner of Sterling Cooper, a big advertising agency at the center of the acclaimed series “Mad Men.” Morse got five Emmy nominations for this role. Frankly, I never guessed that Morse was Jewish. It wasn’t “out there anywhere.” Right after his death, a friend “dug out” Morse’s background in public records. His father’s German Jewish ancestors came over in the mid-1800s and one ancestor (Leopold Morse) was the first Jew to serve (1877) as a New Hampshire congressman. Morse’s mother’s parents were Russian Jewish immigrants.

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How I came to write on Judaic music Inspiration from a top-shelf book By Arlene Stolnitz

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he book sat on the of Canadian cantors and top shelf of the library was a contributor to Yidin our den. The title dish, American-Jewish and on the spine intrigued me! It Argentine-Jewish newspapers. was “On Wings of Song” by Stolnitz was born in Vilna, Reverend Nathan Stolnitz. Russia and, by 1926, had Who was he? I had never heard settled in Toronto. He founded anyone in the Stolnitz family the Ontario, Canada Cantor’s Arlene Stolnitz Association and was associated mention him, even though his last name was the same as ours. Standing with Yivo. on a stepladder, I carefully retrieved the He wrote several books, including book from the shelf. I checked with my “Music in Jewish Life” and “On Wings husband and discovered that Reverend of Song,” the book we owned, which was Stolnitz was, in fact, a distant relative published in 1968. He was the Toronto who lived in Toronto, Canada. We correspondent for the Day-Journal, Der had a copy of his book, yet nobody in Tog, the New York Yiddish daily, often the family seemed to know anything writing under the pen names A Ostrover, about him. A St-ts and A. Vilensky. (As an aside, Stolnitz’s book contained essays and published from 1914 until 1971, Der articles he had written for various CanaTog was the first Yiddish newspaper to dian cantorial conferences and organizainclude women on the editorial board.) tions. Some were talks he had given to Stolnitz was active as a pulpit cantor these groups at their meetings. Included and in cantorial organizations, both were topics such as “The Great Debate in Canada and the U.S. He died in on the Originality of Jewish Music,” “The Miami in 1969 while vacationing with Influence of the Shofar” and “The Inspihis wife, Jennie. rational Power of the Kol Nidre Melody In spite of all my research, I still had in Jewish Generations.” no clue regarding his connection to my Another section included biograhusband’s family, which remains true to phies and pictures of more than 60 this day. well-known cantors of that time. An interesting note about Stolnitz’s These included not only living canbook, “On Wings of Song,” is that it was tors but some who had perished in the published partly in Yiddish (reading from Holocaust. Sprinkled throughout the right to left), with most of the book in book were endless pictures of ReverEnglish (reading left to right). end Stolnitz attending functions with well-known hazzanim. There were names I had heard of, such as Cantors Moishe Kousevitsky, Gershon Sirota and even someone I had met at the North American Choral Festival, Velvel Pasternak. Included were Stolnitz’s two brothers, also religious leaders in their respective countries, Abraham Isaac Stolnitz (Nathan’s father), who died in Poland in 1927, and Rabbi Dr. Efroim (Henry) Stolnitz, his uncle, of Tampa, Florida, who died in 1937. I was fascinated by the book and wanted to know more about the man who had written it. As I was flipping through the book, an idea began to germinate in my mind; I could write articles as well, but mine would be focused on the music of Judaica. So now you have it … seven years I had already been writing background later, I have written 10 articles per month, material for music the Sarasota Jewish amounting to 70 articles! And my writing Chorale would sing in performance. The appears in several Federation papers on music of Jews in the diaspora would be the West Coast of Florida, from Sarasota my subject. to Naples! But first, I had to find out more about I have Cantor Nathan Stolnitz to my husband’s family namesake. I was thank for the inspiration I received curious to know why Stolnitz referred to merely by finding his book on that himself as “Reverend” Stolnitz. Thinktop shelf!! ing back, I remembered a time in the Arlene Stolnitz, founder of the Sarasota post WWII era when cantors used the Jewish Chorale, is a member of the Jewish title “reverend” rather than “cantor.” My Congregation of Venice. A retired educator unresearched theory is that this was an from Rochester, New York, she has sung in attempt of Judaic clergy to become part choral groups for over 25 years and also of the mainstream religious establishment sings in The Venice Chorale. Her interest after the recent horrors of antisemitism in the preservation of Jewish music of all during the war years. kinds has led to this series of articles on In further research, I discovered Jewish Folk Music in the Diaspora. Stolnitz was well known as the dean

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Federation Star

June 2022

Modern Israeli cheesecake Recipe by Chef Dalia

havuot, that happy, bright and colorful holiday with rich cheese pastries and colorful salads, is also identified by a famous dessert that everyone waits for at the end of the meal: modest — or not so modest — cheesecake. Shavuot is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the wheat harvest and the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai seven weeks after the exit from Egypt. What does that have to do with cheesecake? Different theories abound, but all we can say for sure is that refreshing cheesecake is the dessert of choice for this “festival of the weeks.” Cheesecake is super popular in Israel, not just for Shavuot but yearround. You’ll find it on dairy dessert menus, at restaurants and served Shabbat morning in Israeli homes. It’s one of the two or three cakes that most every housewife knows by heart. This cheesecake is referred to as an Israeli cheesecake because its main ingredient is gvina levana, a soft Israeli white cheese.

This fresh, creamy cheese made from cow’s milk, is similar in taste and texture to quark and makes this cheesecake quite different from a classic American cheesecake. The most loved and common cheesecakes in Israel are variations of a baked

Ingredients Cake • 3 cups sugar • 2½ cups all-purpose flour • 2 tsp. baking powder • 2 tsp. baking soda • 1 tsp. salt • 3 eggs • 1½ cups gvina levana (5% white cheese) • ¾ cup vegetable oil • 1 tsp. vanilla extract • 1½ cups boiling water Cream Cheese • 2¼ cups powdered sugar • 2 cups gvina levana (5% white cheese) • 3.5 oz. instant pudding • 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Grease 3 x 8.5-inch cake pans; set aside. Cake 3. In mixer bowl, add the sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix to combine. 4. Add in the eggs, cheese, oil and vanilla; mix on medium speed about 1 minute. 5. With mixer on low, slowly stream in the boiling water. Continue mixing until all ingredients are incorporated. 6. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl to release any clumps and mix well into batter. Batter will be runny; this is ok. 7. Pour evenly into prepared pans. Bake 45-50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. 8. Let cool completely. Cream Cheese 9. Combine powdered sugar, cheese and instant pudding in medium saucepan. 10. Whisk 1 minute. Test by rubbing between your fingers; the mixture should feel smooth.

11. Add in the vanilla extract. Mix well to combine. Assembly 12. Cut cake layers level to equal six cake layers. (I used just 5, so you can set the extra cake layer aside for snacking.) 13. Lay first cake layer on cake plate. 14. Add layer of cream cheese. 15. Repeat with remaining layers, adding a layer of cream cheese between each. 16. Crumb coat (thin layer of cheese crème) the cake on the sides and top. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour. 17. Garnish with fresh chopped strawberries, other fresh berries and green leaves. 18. Set in a cool place until ready to serve. Chef ’s Tip • Living in the U.S., gvina levana may be hard to find in standard grocery stores. Look for it in the dairy aisle of international food stores or ask for it at your local cheese store. Another option is to make your own. It’s a little time consuming, but only requires buttermilk and time. The buttermilk is heated in the oven, after which it has to rest for 12 hours, untouched. It then gets strained and has to rest for 5 hours. While it’s a mostly hands-off process, it does require a lot of time. If you can’t find “gvina levana” in any local store, feel free to substitute quark or even sour cream filtered from the liquids. I replaced the “gvina levana” with a combination of cream cheese and Greek yogurt. The results are surprisingly similar and just perfect. • The cheesecake tastes best after it has been chilled for a few hours. • Add your favorite cheesecake toppings if you want a total pleasure. Try fruit, crushed Oreos, caramel, chocolate fudge or anything else.

cheesecake, using gvina levana cheese, which is 5% to 9% fat, sugar, cornstarch or instant pudding, eggs and vanilla extract. Sometimes with a crust, sometimes topped with sour cream, you will find it in most every home. The other all-time favorite Israeli cheesecake is a crumb cheesecake, “Gvina Peru rim.” This is a café and restaurant bestseller dessert. The first time I tasted cheesecake in the United States, as a 22-year-old girl on her first trip across the ocean, I thought they had gotten it wrong. There was no way that fat sugar syrup-sprinkle baked was the local version of my favorite dessert. I felt sorry for myself, for having to eat it, and sorry for others, for not knowing what a joy eating a cold piece of chilled Israeli cheesecake could be. Israeli cheesecake is nothing like the cheesecakes of North America. Israeli cheesecake is light, tangy and airy. Yes! It involves many steps, but each one is actually quite simple. Once you understand the concept of putting a cheesecake together, it becomes much easier.

Personal Chef Dalia Hemed can be reached at daliahemed@msn.com Every year, I prepare two separate cheesecakes for Shavuot; the first is a baked cheesecake that my mom, Esther, used to make, and the second is a crumb cheesecake, “Gvina Peru rim.” This year, though, I want to prepare something more modern and interesting. I ate two cheesecakes in preparation for this article — I don’t want anyone claiming I didn’t do my homework! And the result … you will want to replicate this taste forever — a cake as light as air. It is so much more than you could ever want from a cheesecake. It’s a wish that becomes reality, delivered to you in the form of a beautiful slice of cake. And if you like cheesecake, you are absolutely going to love my modern Israeli cheesecake. Add this one to the Shavuot menu and it will be part of your holiday memories forever.

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www.hadassah.org / 518.330.1559

Modern medical miracles through Hadassah Joyce Toub Collier/Lee Hadassah President

ost Passover is a time when a series of holidays give historical significance to our very being. By the time you read this, Yom Hashoah will have passed. We are responsible for the memory of the six million, and we must continually root out the hatred and bigotry that seems to have increased exponentially recently. The number of antisemitic incidents worldwide rose sharply last year, particularly in the United States, Great Britain, Germany and Australia. A new report by Tel Aviv University suggests the increase was prompted by left- and right-wing political movements as well as social media.

Hadassah’s dedication to ensuring the well-being, security and fair treatment of everyone goes a long way in combating this plague. We reflect upon those who sacrificed their lives. We honor them on Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, followed by Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day. We can take great pride knowing that Hadassah has been an integral part of the Jewish and Zionist experience, instrumental in building the Jewish state and creating roles for women that simply didn’t exist before Henrietta Szold. I am not dismissing all the complex issues in our world today, but I’d like to focus on some modern medical miracles. Our recent Hadassah magazine tells us about robotic technology that minimizes risk and performs complex healing techniques that didn’t exist a few years ago. The robots, with more than $1 million worth of equipment donated by the United States Agency for

JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SWFL

International Development, have sensitive mechanical arms that can manipulate cameras and surgical instruments. Software guides the robots, giving surgeons more precise control and minimizing human error. Procedures that transmit visual information more accurately than the human eye can be performed, and surgeries are minimally invasive. At Hadassah Medical Organization, doctors in a new $6 million neuroangiography suite in the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower on Hadassah‘s Ein Kerem campus are performing these miracles daily. The shortened time and greater accuracy mean many more patients can undergo surgery than in the past. If a patient was ill or too old, they may have been rejected, especially for brain and spinal pain surgeries. Pushing boundaries and sharing what Hadassah achieves with the rest of the world is Hadassah’s moral obligation.

The podcast, “Hadassah On Call: New Frontiers in Medicine,” explores the detection and treatment of ovarian cancer at Hadassah. You can catch up with a panel discussion on post-traumatic stress disorder featuring HMO experts and watch four episodes of new programs at hadassah.org/hadassahoncall. Please remember to view our Expanding Horizons programs in May, June and July. This past month, we discovered how “Mindful Motion” using Qigong can cultivate vibrant health in the body, and our baking chef, Stephanie Schwartz, was back by popular demand! In June, we will discuss “The Magic of Book Clubs.” In July, several women will discuss their satisfaction in creating art and handiwork in different media. For those of you leaving the area for cooler climes, safe traveling and keep well. We are looking forward to your return when we will meet in person once again. Have a safe and wonderful summer!

www.jhsswf.org / 239.566.1771

May is Jewish American Heritage month Marina Berkovich JHSSWF President

ussian? Ukrainian? Same oldcountry antisemitism migrated to Southwest Florida. In late 2021, in one of the many Russian language social media groups covering Southwest Florida, an ethnic Russian (judging solely from his last name) posted antisemitic replies to another

comment-maker, a Jewish Russian (obvious last name), who was responding to the request to compare Sarasota to Naples. A huge migration of “Russian Americans” to Southwest Florida is underway and we all try to be helpful in these Russian-language, interspersed with a rare English word or two, exchanges. This ethnic Russian commented, “Who needs your Hebrew here?” An intense exchange between them followed to the morbidly silent approval of a more than 500-member group. Its two administrators, non-Jews, were pressed by this Jewish person to step in and concluded the incident was not antisemitic. Yet, they

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removed the “bully” from the group — a stereotypical Soviet-style admission-bydenial reaction. Those who grew up in the antisemitism of the USSR, and successfully escaped into the relative safety of the U.S., are pained whenever ethic non-Jewish Russian speakers bring it with them to wherever they move. And it’s rapidly escalating since the war started. Hatred of all Russian speakers, including locals, has taken a toll on businesses and friendships. Akin to the political division of the U.S., there were already many hot positions regarding the Crimea Grab of 2014 and the Donbass region 8-year war that destroyed and displaced its people. If they live through it, one-tenth of residents’ lives were spent under fire. And now, much of Ukraine is in ruins. Sadly, the Jew remains the stereotypical scapegoat for some. Since Feb. 24, there have been several instances of UkrainianRussian-Jewish verbal and nonverbal altercations, online and in person, along the west coast of Florida. It is very unfortunate that this centuries-old problem is resurging in our little Southwest Florida enclave, spoiling its tranquility. I cannot escape drawing parallels to various times of Ukrainian history. Most of the Ashkenazi Jews who hail from the Pale of Settlement seek deeper understanding, so we want to share some of our knowledge of Ukraine and Russia and its history with The Society’s audience, focusing mainly on history of Jews in Ukraine. The fact that it is regrettably marred by antisemitism is widely known, but Jews are an inseparable part of Ukrainian history, culture, music and art. Anecdotally, in 2004, the greatest Ukrainian theatrical actor of all times, Bogdan Stupka, delivered the modern

version of Gogol’s “Inspector General,” with the cast he brought from Kiev to a grateful NYC audience. The Inspector’s lines were delivered in Russian to underscore the “eternal” conflict. At the post-performance party at a Russian restaurant, where about 20 of us broke out into Ukrainian singing, Bodgan and I were the last two knowing more songs, when he took my hand, kissed it and whispered, “I always knew that only a true Jewish woman can preserve true Ukrainian culture.” That remains the biggest social compliment of my life. Please join us Sunday, June 12 at 11 a.m. on Zoom and/or at Jewish Federation of Greater Naples for History of Jews in Ukraine. Check our website for times as the information becomes available and to register.

Help JHSSWF fulﬁll its mission

Join The Jewish Historical Society of SWFL. Family membership is $54; individual membership is $36; student membership is $18; and corporate sponsorship is $300. Join us online by entering the appropriate amount or mail a check to The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida, 8805 Tamiami Trail North, Suite # 255, Naples, FL 34108. We can be reached at 833-547-7935 (833-JHS-SWFL), www.jhsswf.org or office@jhsswf.org. The Virtual Museum of SWFL Jewish History is located online at http://jewishhistorysouthwest florida.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.

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

June 2022

Federation Star

FIDF LIVE features three-part series: From Holocaust to Independence Exclusive footage takes viewers on journey from darkest moments in Jewish history to triumph of Jewish State Courtesy of FIDF

o honor the days leading to the establishment of the Jewish State 74 years ago, Friends of the IDF (FIDF) offers its followers access to an exclusive and unforgettable three-part journey filled with hope, inspiration and triumph, recounting the worst days of persecution through independence, via FIDF LIVE. This emotional series captures the power of Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers) and Yom Haatzmaut (Israel Independence Day) through the unique lens of the soldiers of the IDF. The powerful segments encourage viewers to reconnect with their roots, honor the victims and survivors of the Holocaust and celebrate, “Sabra-style,” the freedom granted to the Jewish people with the birth of Israel. The April 27 FIDF LIVE: “Holocaust Remembrance Day,” the 20th episode of the series, features an interview with a Holocaust survivor and his granddaughter, a Lone Soldier from California, on the eve of Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day. Professor Ariel Cohen shared his heart-wrenching story as a Jew living in France, and the fortuitous encounter that saved his life. He describes his hope for future generations, including his granddaughter’s, Sgt. Roni, of the Search and Rescue Brigade, who sat by his side. A Lone Soldier who chose to serve as a way to honor her grandfather, Sgt. Roni shares her courageous story. The 21st episode on May 3, FIDF LIVE: “Israel’s Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers,” honors the fallen heroes who

gave their lives to protect the State of Israel and her people. Viewers hear the powerful and tragic stories of these courageous soldiers and what they meant to their loved ones and comrades-in-arms. Featured in the episode are Col. Elad Edri from the Home Front Command; and Noah, a former Lone Soldier from Golani who lost his brother-in-arms and close friend, Sgt. Amit Ben Yigal Z”l, in battle. The episode also features stirring performances by the IDF Ensemble. The following evening, the 22nd episode, FIDF LIVE: “Israel’s Independence Day Celebration,” showcases festivities celebrating the anniversary of Israel’s inception, inspiring stories from soldiers, including the extraordinary recipients of the prestigious President’s Award, presented annually to 120 IDF standouts who are recognized for their courage, volunteer efforts, values and excellence they bring to their jobs. The FIDF LIVE platform, hosted by American former Lone Soldier and author, Joel Chasnoff, is a high-level production broadcast that provides an alternative to in-person experiences and brings awareness of FIDF’s cause and activities to a broader audience. By introducing content through this platform, the FIDF is keeping the community’s connection with Israel alive and thriving. FIDF has always been a bridge between Americans and Israelis, and this virtual experience continues that tradition in a novel way, serving as the place for everyone who loves Israel and wants to stay connected. View these and other FIDF LIVE episodes at www.fidf.org/fidflive/.

The Cardozo Society is formed as a way to network the many existing and new Jewish attorneys in our legal community. The Jewish Federation of Greater Naples continues to reach out to raise awareness through this association of Jewish attorneys promoting professionalism, cooperation, and identification with our Jewish community. For more information contact Joshua Bialek at

jbialek@porterwright.com

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Holocaust Survivor Prof. Ariel Cohen with his granddaughter, IDF Search and Rescue Team Commander Sgt. Roni

Federation Star

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

June 2022

Shopping to support Israel Now that’s something I can get behind! By Elianna Mintz Perez

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y parents taught me the importance of giving to charity from an early age, but they emphasized the most important donation I could give is my time. Despite my father running his own business, he spent weekends and free time visiting nursing homes and hospitals, taking elderly community members to movies and plays, visiting public schools and churches to teach about the Holocaust, and even being an assistant coach to a Little League team. My mother had five kids in eight years — or, as she would correct me, seven-and-three-quarter years — yet she always volunteered in classrooms and offered her occupational therapy skills to children in the community who needed help but whose parents couldn’t afford it. So, when I received a call from Rochelle Zupnik, the sister of my mom’s childhood friend, asking if I’d be willing to help a pro-Israel organization she was working with, I immediately said “Yes.” The American Communities Helping Israel (ACHI) is an online market where 150+ Israel-based vendors can find new customers worldwide. The nonprofit acts as a counterpunch to the BDS movement with a slogan that says it all: Think Israel. Buy Israeli. Suzanne Weilgus founded ACHI in 2004 after the Second Intifada. She had organized “Ben Yehuda Fairs” in New York and New Jersey to help Israeli merchants whose businesses were suffering from the lack of tourism. Vendors who traveled to the U.S. to sell their products told her they sold more in four hours at those fairs than they had in two years. She recruited friends, Rochelle Zupnik, Gloria Gordon, Tova Taragin, Dr. Lynda Zentman and Marcia Wagner, who found her inspiration and enthusiasm contagious. Through ACHI, they promoted Israeli products in stores, synagogues and throughout the community. Their goal was to instill a love of Israel in the hearts and minds of this and future generations. When COVID-19 hit, they saw that Israeli businesses were suffering once again. And that’s when ACHI went virtual. The team enlisted the help of website designer Stephen Plotsker to create the ACHI Market, which enables customers to support Israeli businesses even when they can’t physically travel there.

It was around that time that Zupnik reached out to gauge my interest in becoming their newest volunteer. They needed help with strategy, marketing, social media and spreading word about the online market. She also explained another part of the ACHI initiative, the KLEE Campaign. KLEE stands for “Klee L’ezrat Yisroel,” a vessel to help Israel. The idea is to encourage people to have a dedicated vessel filled with products from Israel. The ACHI team runs events in schools and synagogues to encourage children to make their own dedicated plate, bowl or platter to fill with Israeli goods. It’s a constant reminder in every home of an easy and practical way to support Israel. What I love about ACHI — and what made it so easy to say yes to Zupnik’s request — is that they are not asking for money but, rather, provide feasible actions for people to take in support of Israel. Through ACHI, you’re not giving charity, but acquiring items you actually want. The current ACHI Market categories include Judaica, art, cosmetics, fashion, food, gift stores, jewelry, photos, toys and wines of Israel. One section offers customers the option to purchase Israeli goods online to be delivered to friends and family living in Israel. Volunteering is something I’ve been taught my whole life, but shopping to support Israel, that’s something I’ve been training for my whole life. And now, it’s something each of you can do as well through the ACHI market. Think Israel. Buy Israeli. Shop www.ACHI613.org. By the way, any vendor based in Israel who sells a product online and is interested in being included in the ACHI Market can email contact@ACHI613.org. All vendors need to join the market, an e-commerce website in English, and have the ability to ship goods to customers in the U.S. and Canada. After spending the past 1½ years traveling the world during the pandemic, Elianna Mintz Perez resides in Miami, Florida. She is a former CBS News producer and currently volunteers for ACHI while also running her own travel planning and production business, Elianna Mintz Productions. She can be reached on Instagram, @aroundtheworldincoronadays, or via email, eliannasmintz@gmail.com.

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ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

Federation Star

June 2022

Naples philanthropist honors soul mate with new inclusion center in Israel By Mara Fahl

“S

tay strong and keep helping people.” Those are the two promises that Art Bookbinder asked his wife, Susan, to commit to just days before he passed away in April 2020. Two years later, the newly opened Bookbinder Family Foundation Training Center for Disability Employment and Inclusion at Palmachim Air Force Base in Israel stands as a testament to the Naples residents’ lifelong commitment to making the world a better place for the disabled. By partnering with Jewish National FundUSA affiliate, Special in Uniform, Art’s legacy and Sue’s promises live on. At the dedication ceremony on April 27, 2022, with a clear voice and tears in her eyes, Sue recalled how she and Art faced more than 30 years of medical challenges together, taking them as inspiration rather than roadblocks. “Sometimes fate brings opportunities. Somehow, we were going to help people with more challenges than ours,” said Sue. Just as fate had brought the Bookbinders onto an unexpected journey of dedicating time, energy and money to endeavors that improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, so did fate lead to the creation of this innovative inclusion center. A chance seating at a

Jewish National Fund-USA event next to Tiran Attia, the director of Special in Uniform, connected the Bookbinders to the work of creating a better, more inclusive Israel Defense Forces. This partnership ultimately led to Sue’s decision to commit the Bookbinder Family Foundation, founded shortly after Art passed away, to sponsor the inclusion center in its entirety. A decision that she says has made her, and would have made her soul mate, feel like their lives are complete. At the dedication, Attia recalled, “When I first met Art, we spoke about inclusion and I’m so happy that his legacy is continuing in this place.” Speaking about the soldiers’ experience of the new building, Attia emphasized that it’s not just about the physical space, it’s about the impact of inclusion on society, saying, “This building has Art’s spirit in so many ways, it’s not a typical army facility; it’s so much more than that. Everything from the colors to the stateof-the-art accessibility makes this a happy, joyful place. The only thing these boys and girls want is to be part of something, to not be left alone, to be included. We could not do this without the generosity of people like Susan.” The Training Center for Disability Employment and Inclusion is thoughtfully

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Bookbinders (right) receive the JNF Tree of Life Award designed to create job training and employment opportunities for soldiers with disabilities and special needs, educate Israeli and international visitors on disabilities and inclusion, and create a friendly, collaborative environment for disabled and nondisabled soldiers alike through the Special in Uniform Café. These three pillars of the center are critical to Special in Uniform’s mission of empowering disabled Israelis to contribute to society, facilitating gainful employment following their service and creating a more inclusive society overall.

For Sue Bookbinder, the center is a direct continuation of the work she and Art began after his first diagnosis with progressive vision loss back in 1976, which led to his personal and professional commitment to bettering the lives of the disabled. More than anything, Sue hopes the training center will spark more people to commit to improving the world for those with disabilities, as she closed her dedication remarks by saying, “I hope this inspires other people to join the work of ensuring that every person is judged not by their disabilities, but by their abilities.”

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Federation Star

COMMENTARY

June 2022

Don’t just exist, count! Rabbi Howard S. Herman DD

his month, we celebrate the Jewish festival of Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks. It is exactly seven weeks between the second night of Passover and Shavuot and it is during this period of time that we count the omer. It is a quasi-period of mourning, when traditional Jewish custom limits activities that bring joy like going to get haircuts, shaving, listening to instrumental music, and attending weddings, parties and dinners with dancing. Since we are currently in the period of sfirat haomer, the counting of the omer, and counting is in our collective conscience, anyway, I wanted to spend some time with you, discussing something important that counts for Jews. We have a tradition in Judaism termed Derech Eretz. The phrase literally means “way of the land” or “correct conduct” and is roughly translated by we moderns as “manners.” In its most traditional meaning, it covers the basic norms of decent human behavior and interaction, which the Torah mandates but which, also, in a sense, proceeds Torah in forming the human personality — thus the maxim, “Derech Eretz comes before Torah.”

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In the midrash, Vayikrah Rabbah (9:3,) we are taught Rabbi Ismael, the son of Rav Nachman, said Derech Eretz proceeds Torah by 26 generations, since it is written “and to guard the way to the Tree of Life” (Gen 3). The “way” is the Derech Eretz and only after that comes the “Tree of Life,” which is Torah. How can this happen? By thinking through your actions and choices and measuring yourself up to the place you find yourself in, you can learn the communal expectations to help create a more just society. When you realize Derech Eretz comes before Torah, it gives responsibility to everyone to act the right way and do the right thing. Derech Eretz can be many things, but I believe that it can be summed up in a few human values — morality, honesty, humility, modesty, community and kindness. By adopting these watchwords as patterns to guide our lives, we are not only being mindful of our characters but, at the same time, we are being mindful of our social and emotional lives as well. We sometimes characterize this as “being a mensch” or menschlichkeit. Fortunately, proper living requires neither head covering nor a commitment to learn in a religious program. Rather, Jewish virtue mandates that we remove ourselves from the attitude of “them” and “us” or moreso of “you” and “me.” We need to try to feel affection for all choice makers and try to understand that Jews have always been, and will always be,

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“us” and “us.” In short, each and every human is precious, each and every human deserves honor, and each and every life is sacred. In spite of the personal and collective legitimization of modern secular mores, most of us still struggle to bring to light an attitude that dispenses with granting ourselves the right to judge the relative merit of others. In our own communities, Jewish and otherwise, it is vital to treat each other with respect, deference and value. We shouldn’t spread gossip about others. We shouldn’t speak brusquely to someone else, even in the face of them doing it to us. If we have any hope of changing

the world, we have to start by being that change ourselves. Michael Jackson wrote a song called “Man in the Mirror,” emphasizing changing ourselves. The refrain of the song goes, “I’m starting with the man in the mirror, I’m asking him to change his ways. And no message could have been any clearer, if you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make a change.” Take a hard look at yourself and ask, “What can I do in my relationships with others to exemplify change?” Once you do, it will really be something that counts. Shalom Uvracha. Rabbi Howard S. Herman DD serves at Naples Jewish Congregation.

The challenge of “been there, done that” Rabbi Ammos Chorny

achel Carson wrote, “If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.” Have you ever watched the wonder on a child’s face as you read the same story for what may be the 20th, 50th or 100th time? Have you found yourself thinking, “Go to sleep already!” or “Not this again!” or “I’m going to go crazy if I am asked to read it again tonight!” What is happening for the child that is not happening for you? What is the child gaining out of this constant rereading that you are not? I think that the secret lies in two aspects of the child’s approach to the story — Children are comforted by things that are constant in their life, and, at the same time, are ready to believe that each rereading is a new experience that will reveal new things. Adults often find it difficult to join the children in the rereading of stories because of their “been there, done that” approach to life. We often feel that rereading the same stories, reseeing the same movies, revisiting the same places, reexperiencing the same activities can be a waste of time because there are so many stories we have not read, movies we have not seen, places we have not visited and activities we have not experienced. The “been there, done that” approach dismisses the importance of the comfort that constants add to our lives. Yet, even as adults, they remain important. Constants help us know where we are and

how we can go on, where we need to go, and how to get back again when we need to return. The common attitude of “been there, done that” to life makes it difficult to develop depth in appreciation of a story, a movie, a place, an experience or anything else. We know that viewing a work of art over and over again leads to its greater appreciation. The reviewing of the art allows us the opportunity to see more detail; to understand how the details are integrated into the whole; how, at different times, the light affects how we perceive it; and how, based on how we have developed and grown since last we saw it, we now see it in new ways. Jewish tradition recognizes the challenge of “been there, done that.” We are instructed by the tradition that we must recite certain prayers at certain times and that we should always add something new to our prayers. We are told to observe special days in a regular repetitive pattern, and we are commanded to make those days special. The forthcoming festival of Shavuot reminds us of the Revelation at Sinai, when, we are taught, the Torah was transmitted to Moses and to the people of Israel. We read this story year after year. We read the Torah year after year. “Been there, done that” challenges us — we’ve heard this story before, why bother hearing it again? The sages in Pirkei Avot present us with a new challenge: “Ben Bag Bag taught: Study it and review it: You will find everything in it. Scrutinize it, grow old and gray in it, do not depart from it; there is no better portion in life than this.” May we be granted the wisdom to appreciate the constants in our lives, and may we be granted the inspiration and the ability to see the world around us anew every time we open our eyes, our ears and our hearts. Rabbi Ammos Chorny serves at Beth Tikvah.

Stay connected. Visit www.jewishnaples.org

SYNAGOGUE NEWS

June 2022

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www.bethtikvahnaples.org / 239.434.1818

BETH TIKVAH

Summer begins Steven Chizzik President

t is amazing, I feel like we just finished celebrating Passover and we are already deep into planning for the High Holidays. As I get older, the seasons and the Holidays seem to be getting closer. Many of our friends have left for the summer and many of us who remain will be heading out for vacation breaks. It is these summer months when it seems the bonds of those remaining become even stronger. We become more dependent on one another for minyanim, and we get to fraternize at our kiddushim after Shabbat services at smaller table groups. Everything just gets a little more intimate.

I am excited to announce that, after rave reviews, Beth Tikvah has rehired renowned Cantor Noman Brody to lead our congregation with his beautiful voice in prayer for the High Holidays. Together with Rabbi Chorny, this dynamic duo will bring us another season of meaningful prayer, spirit and thought-provoking discussion. I am hoping that, after two difficult COVID years, this Holiday season brings us all together as one family. The one thing that COVID taught us, and we are so thankful, is the ability, from wherever we are in the world, to participate in Beth Tikvah’s activities via Zoom. I was amazed at a recent Rosh Chodesh Women’s study group that almost half of the participants were in out-of-state locations. We were so worried that COVID would keep us apart, but the opposite has occurred. We have all learned how to take advantage of using technology to bring us all closer together wherever we might be.

This year’s Naples Jewish Film Festival was a perfect example. Beth Tikvah used technology to deliver an extensive film festival virtually. I expect that, with the knowledge learned from this year’s virtual film festival, we will be able to present another fabulous event to a much greater national audience next year. The possibilities become endless. It is with great pride that I thank our Film Festival Committee for everything they accomplished. I want to wish everyone a very safe and healthy summer, wherever you might go. I am looking forward to everyone’s reunion in the fall. I, again, would like to remind everyone that Beth Tikvah is now offering new members their first year’s dues free of charge. If you or a friend wish to experience the warmth and community found at Beth Tikvah, please join us. Beth Tikvah is the affiliated congregation in Greater Naples of United

JEWISH CONGREGATION OF MARCO ISLAND

Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ). We are grateful to Jewish Federation of Greater Naples (JFGN) for support of our Scholar in Residence, Naples Jewish Film Festival and All Things Jewish programs.

June happenings

• Saturday, June 4 at 6:15 p.m. – Erev Shavuot Service • Sunday, June 5 at 9 a.m. – Shavuot Service … YIZKOR • Sunday morning services begin at 9 a.m. via Zoom • Friday services begin at 6:15 p.m. in person and via Zoom • Saturday services begin at 9:30 a.m. in person and via Zoom • We convene Yahrzeit minyanim upon request. Please check the Beth Tikvah website, www.bethtikvahnaples.org, for details of all our events.

www.marcojcmi.com / 239.642.0800

Activity through the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer Stan Alliker President

y the time of this printing, we are back to “our season.” We take a moment, albeit a brief one, to reflect on the past year. We relished the reopening of worship with our synagogue

family, survived the ups and downs of streaming technology and restored a very successful season of culture, films and musical entertainment for Marco Island and surrounding communities. The highlight of this spring was the return of our highly popular congregational Passover Seder. That moment has now passed, and our Board of Directors is diligently returning to the work at hand. As all synagogues do, we keep a keen eye on operations, budget, membership, and so on. The

Friday night religious services will continue throughout the summer, led by our beloved Cantorial Soloist Hari Jacobson along with congregational participation and, of course, our famous homemade Oneg’s after the service. However, the most exciting part of summer is planning for the upcoming JCMI community programming and events for the 2022-2023 year. These include the Fourth of July celebration, our longstanding Cultural Series, the original Jewish Film Festival and some incredible

entertainment. We also plan to celebrate and commemorate the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island’s 40th anniversary! So, yes, we will be taking a few “lazy, hazy, crazy days” this summer. However, underneath the relative quiet, there will also be the hum of activity as our enthusiastic members gather to plan for next season. Please have a safe and healthy summer as we continue to pray for peace at home, in Israel, Ukraine and the world over.

www.chabadnaples.com / 239.262.4474

CHABAD JEWISH CENTER OF NAPLES

Summer at Chabad Naples Shabbat and Kiddush Rabbi Fishel Zaklos

n Tuesday, June 7, Chabad Naples will begin its 18th year of Summer Camp. If you wish to take a tour of our camp and share the joy of a lot of happy smiles, make arrangements through our office. We wish you all a happy, healthy and joyous summer!

Shavuot

On Sunday, June 5 at noon, we will hold a Shavuot party. Bring the whole family to join the reading of the Ten Commandments. There will be programs for the children, a special lunch and ice cream party. We anticipate a large crowd taking advantage of this special opportunity to participate in one of the greatest blessings: unity. Let us unite and rededicate ourselves to the values we committed to at Sinai. Please check with the office for details.

Shabbat services at Chabad Naples are very popular. A weekly highlight has always been the Kiddush luncheon, sponsored by a family wishing to honor the memory of a loved one, celebrate a simcha or just sponsor the happiness and appreciation of being with family and friends. We are happy to report the return of the Kiddush luncheons. They are a great way for the community to come together, connect and bond in a social setting. Everyone is welcome to attend the luncheon following Shabbat services. The Torah service begins at 11 a.m. and includes the Rabbi’s insights, which always has a contemporary, meaningful and relevant message.

The ﬂying challah

Do you know someone in need of a little extra love? Each week, we send out smiles with an uplifting message in the form of tasty fresh challah. Nominate a recipient via email and we will have it delivered. If you know someone who would appreciate a meal for Shabbat, or in general,

please let us know. We will arrange to have one sent to those who are really in need and without means to obtain help.

A mezuzah in your home!

Thanks to the generosity of a sponsor, there is an opportunity for you to have your first mezuzah installed at your home. Rabbi Zaklos will be happy to correctly install it with special blessings and the mezuzah ceremony. No home is complete without the protection of a mezuzah! If you don’t have one, call Chabad.

Minyan

If you have a yahrzeit or need to say Kaddish, we are here to help make a minyan during the week. We are grateful to those who help us with this minyan service.

Hebrew School

Our Hebrew School classes are incredibly popular, providing the best in Hebrew language and religious education available. We are taking enrollments early for next year, so please enroll as soon as possible.

Torah class

A Torah class is being offered on Wednesdays. If you wish to join, please RSVP to our office. As the schedule changes at times, please reach out to confirm weekly.

Videos

Rabbi Fishel offers a video each week. Email office@chabadnaples.com to be placed on the weekly email list. You can also view the past 12 months’ worth of videos at www.chabadnaples.com.

Preschool of the Arts

This is a popular, amazing experience for your children. Space may be limited, and early signup is recommended! Visit naplespreschoolofthearts.com.

Weekly email and mailing list

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

12A

Federation Star

FOCUS ON YOUTH

June 2022

www.Chabadfgcu.com / 347.452.0489

CHABAD FGCU

Another semester ﬁnishes and summer plans unfold By Rabbi Mendel Gordon

assover was amazing at FGCU. Students got together for Seders both nights to learn and discuss the birth of our nation, putting together some great skits on the Passover story and thinking about what we can be grateful for when we sang Dayanu. Right in line with the Chabad style, to be open to all, and in Passover spirit, Zaman, a young guy who just moved to the area, joined us for the Seder, reaching out just minutes before the holiday because his other plans Students getting ready for Seder (picture taken before holiday began) fell through. I want to thank our student leaders We will also offer weekly We finished the semester with a bang who made this year the incredible year Zoom classes over the sumand grand banquet hosted by Chabad of mer for those who will be out it has been. Bonita Springs in honor of our graduA special thanks to Bill Reynolds, of town. ating students and a summer send-off our club adviser, and to Rabbi Mendy Chabad services students to everyone. Greenberg, of Chabad Bonita Springs, from FGCU and other local We wish a big mazal tov to our for all his help as well as to Federation colleges. For more inforgraduates and wish them well in all their mation or to get involved, for its support. endeavors as they move onto the next reach out to Rabbi Mendel Chabad will continue to be open right stage in life. through the summer months, servicGordon at 347-452-0489 or We have a nice group that will go ing those staying for summer classes or Rabbi@chabadfgcu.com. with us to Israel on birthright, right after working locally. semester finishes.

Dani and Robin at year-end banquet

Saying goodbye in Jewish style with putting on teffilen – Preston Cohen, Jeffery Schour and Mendel Gordon

Federation Star Publication Policy The Federation Star is a subsidized arm of JFGN. Its purpose and function is to publicize the activities and programs of Federation as well as ongoing activities of 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 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 oﬀer commentary that clearly intends to unite all Jews in a common purpose.

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

Jewish 20

-40 year

olds!

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

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.

FOCUS ON YOUTH

June 2022

PRESCHOOL OF THE ARTS

Federation Star

13A

www.chabadnaples.com / 239.262.4474

A year in review By Ettie Zaklos, Preschool of the Arts Founder & Director

ay is a very busy, exciting and meaningful time at Preschool of the Arts as our school year draws to a close. Over the course of the year, we have watched our children develop socially, emotionally and academically under the gentle and loving guidance of their teachers. We have observed the children learning with wonder and pride about the richness of their Jewish heritage and exercising the most important precepts of Judaism and the Torah, namely the respect and kindness toward others. The children leave our school more confident, self-aware, compassionate and armed with unique skills and experiences that will prepare them to embark on successful and fulfilling lives outside our walls. Throughout the month, we enjoyed wonderful end-of-year celebrations, giving us time to reflect on the children’s growth and acknowledging all those in our community who have helped our children along the way. Each classes’ end-of-year ceremony was a meaningful way for us to look back on how much the children have accomplished and their incredible transformation over the past year. Our dear children have discovered so many new aspects of the world around them and gained a multitude of skills and knowledge that will serve them well on their lifelong journey of learning. This culminated on May 27 with our annual Pre-K Graduation, as the students we have nurtured for four years set off on the next stage of their educational journey. Throughout the year, we strived to stay true to our innovative approach to early childhood education — one that respects children as individuals, works to bring out the best in them, fostering independence, curiosity and a strong zest for life. With inspiration from the Reggio approach, we have treated our environment with care and respect, understanding how a pleasing and beautiful environment can positively impact children’s daily experience. We invested much this year to transform our Garden of the Arts into a beautiful oasis and recently updated our state-of-the-art playground with beautiful, fresh turf. We filled our beautiful facility with learning, laughter and play, as children blossomed to their full potential. The end of the year is also a time for gratitude and appreciation. Preschool of the Arts is so thankful to the amazing parents who have shared their precious children with us this year, entrusting them in our care. It brings us complete joy to watch the children

grow, learn and develop into capable, communicative children! We are honored to be a part of these children’s formative early childhood years. We are also indebted to our incredible staff who are at the heart and soul of what we do. Our POTA teachers hold the children’s hands, guiding them through their earliest foray into school, while our administrative and support staff create a loving and professional environment where our entire community can thrive. It is humbling privilege to be a part in creating a community that is truly building the future. As we enter our 12th year of Preschool of the Arts, we are excited to grow our POTA family and are pleased to announce that we are seeking to add to our team of dedicated early childhood professionals. POTA attracts the best and the brightest early childhood educators from all walks of life. We provide our faculty with an excellent work environment in state-of-the-art facilities. Our supportive

Preschool of the Arts was delighted to show appreciation of devoted educators and staff at a delicious breakfast where we celebrated an incredible year of learning thanks to their tremendous efforts. administration creates a nurturing professional environment and actively invests in staff’s ongoing training as we all grow in our understanding of how

young children learn best. Apply today at https://www.naplespreschoolofthearts. com/join-our-team to join our growing team of innovative educators!

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS THEY HELP MAKE THE FEDERATION STAR POSSIBLE

To advertise, contact Joy Walker at 941-284-0520 or walkerjoy62@yahoo.com.

14A

Federation Star

June 2022

FOCUS ON YOUTH

Our Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center in progress

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 Len Teitelbaum, 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 Naples’ only Judaica Shop

June 2022 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 Stan Alliker, President

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)

Charles Flum, 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 Lifelong 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

Reduce your tax burden, even if you don't itemize. OR OLDER IRA Rollover

70½

OR OLDER

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

Federation Star

DIRECT UP TO

$100,000

Benefits of Making an IRA Charitable Rollover Gift:

15A

(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

May satisfy your annual required minimum distribution (RMD)

Regional Dir: Brian Lipton, 941.365.4955

Allows you to give from pre-tax assets & your distribution is excluded from taxable income

Chapter Dir: Kelley Whiter, 561.395.7206

Helps avoid limits on charitable deductions & prevents you from being pushed into a higher tax bracket Minimizes the effect of giving has on your cash flow. The gift is from your assets, not your checkbook Copyright © 2020 Crescendo Interactive, Inc. Used by permission.

CONTACT US to learn how easy it is to use your IRA to support your favorite charities. Ellen Weiss Executive Director 813.769.4785 ellen@topjewishfoundation.org The community foundation of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

Marcy Friedland Planned Giving Director 239.263.4205 mfriedland@jewishnaples.org

WWW.TOPJEWISHFOUNDATION.ORG

Together, we are ensuring a Jewish future.

American Jewish Committee American Technion Society 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

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

Men’s Cultural Alliance The Federation Star is published monthly, September through July, by Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

Rabbi Mendy & Luba Greenberg Co-directors

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 31, No. 10 • June 2022 • 32 pages USPS Permit No. 1101

Editor: Sharon Hood • 239.591.2709 • sharon@marketcrank.com Design: MarketCrank, Inc.

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

PJ Library

Coordinator: Alicia Feldman www.jewishnaples.org/pj-library

Women’s Cultural Alliance

Advertising: Joy Walker • 941.284.0520

President: Patti Boochever, 518.852.3440

July/August 2022 Issue Deadlines: Editorial: June 2 • Advertising: June 9 Send news stories to: sharon@marketcrank.com

Zionist Organization of America President: Jerry Sobel, 914.329.1024

16A

Federation Star

June 2022

Order Your High Holiday Greetings by Aug. 2! This High Holiday season, say “L’Shana Tova” to your friends and family!

Sign up now for as little as $18 per High Holiday 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:

Your Name Here

#1: $18

#2: $18

Your Name Here

#3: $18

#4: $18

Your Name Here Your Name Here

#5: $36

#6: $54

Place your High Holiday Greeting order using a credit card by calling Janine Hudak, 239-263-4205 OR Send the completed form below in with your payment

ORDER FORM I want to place the following High Holiday greeting(s) in the September 2022 Federation Star.

AUGUST 2 DEADLINE

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 Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.  Please charge my:  MasterCard  Visa  American Express Account #____________________________________ Exp. Date___________ cvv#_________ Name on card_____________________________________ Zip Code____________________ Mail to: Jewish Federation of Greater Naples 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 2201, Naples, FL 34109 FORM & PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED BY TUESDAY, AUGUST 2

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

____ #4 ($18)

____ #2 ($18)

____ #5 ($36)

____ #3 ($18)

____ #6 ($54)

Federation Star - June 2022

Articles inside

Our Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center in progress

A year in review

Another semester finishes and summer plans unfold

Summer at Chabad Naples

Activity through the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer