Federation Star - June 2023

Our Federation in Israel

By Jane Schiff and Nat Ritter

In mid-April, Jane Schiff, Susan and Nat Ritter and Paula Filler left for Israel and attended the General Assembly (GA) of Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). Paula Filler traveled with Jewish Federation of North America National Mission and was joined at the GA by others from the National Women’s Philanthropy Board of JFNA. Nat and Susan Ritter and Jane Schiff traveled together to see our Naples partner agencies. We all met up at the GA and, while there, we saw Susan and Aron Ain, seasonal residents of Naples.

Our trip came at an interesting time in Israeli politics as well as multiple Israeli celebrations. The politics, which, as of the time of this writing, are still far from settled, created protests outside and inside the conference. For your board members, seeing Federation help and care for Israeli citizens was our primary concern. However, we were aware of the politics consuming the country. This article will describe the journey of Jane, Susan and Nat.

While in Israel, three important holidays were celebrated: Yom HaShoah, Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut.

Yom HaShoah

Yom HaShoah — Holocaust Remembrance Day — is marked in Israel by a moment of silence with a siren blaring all over the country.

Yom HaZikaron

Yom HaZikaron is Memorial Day for fallen soldiers. In Israel, almost every family has or knows of a fallen soldier, so it is a much

more personal experience in Israel than in the U.S. Solemn music is played on the radio and, at both the beginning and the end of the observance, people stop what they are doing and stand for a moment of silence. We were eating dinner at our hotel when the entire kitchen and wait staff emerged and led us outside as the sirens sounded. We found this to be quite a different experience than the Memorial Day sales that mark the holiday in the U.S.

Yom Ha’atzmaut

Yom Ha’atzmaut — Israel’s Independence Day — starts the moment Yom HaZikaron ends. It is marked with singing, dancing, picnics and an air show that gave us such incredible pride in our Israel. Being in Israel for these three back-to-back holidays was a unique experience that none of us will ever forget.

Naples has, for over 10 years, partnered with two particular agencies that

were top destinations — Yad LaKashish and Neve Michael.

Yad LaKashish

Yad LaKashish, “a hand to the elderly,” is easy to explain. This is a place where highend Judaic gifts are handmade by elderly craftspeople … but it so much more! Yad LaKashish provides a social gathering experience that allows lonely people to have a reason to live and get up each day. The elderly people become family and develop a sense of pride. Their products are sold in their gift shop and online. Next time you come into the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, walk into any room and see the beautiful mezuzah that is their handiwork. To see their pride, visit their workshops and have each of the women and men show you what they are doing and how they do it. See the smiles on their faces when you are truly amazed by the complexity and the skills they translate into beautiful objects. You can then go into the gift shop for gifts to take home!

Neve Michael

Neve Michael is a residential “family household” for children who have been ordered by Israeli courts to leave their home for a variety of reasons. As in the U.S., there are adults who are unable to care for their children. Neve Michael is the only residential home for children in Israel. When children initially arrive at Neve Michael, they go to live in a crisis center, where they remain until they are stable enough to move to a “family” home on the grounds of Neve Michael.

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The Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County will hold its annual Kristallnacht Commemoration on Sunday, Nov. 5.

BBYO Naples

The Naples BBYO chapter was well represented at the North Florida Region’s Spring Regional Convention.

Summer Book Discussion

Author Sally Koslow will Zoom in for the June 28 book discussion of “The Real Mrs. Tobias.” This event is free and open to the entire community.

Jane Schiff and Nat Ritter

Each “family’ home has about 12 children, a “mother” and “father” (who may or may not have their own children) and some older “sisters” who are national service workers. The national service workers are girls who choose to not go into the Army and, instead, spend two or three years working in a variety of places throughout the country. Neve Michael is one of those places.

Some children stay at Neve Michael for a period of time and then are able to return to their homes. Most children at Neve Michael stay until it is time to go in the Army. Every child attends school, either in the general community with all of the other local children or in the only residential Special Education School in the country. Neve Michael’s campus is on seven acres.

During COVID, a need was identified by the state of Israel for another women’s shelter. As a result, Neve Michael opened a residential women’s shelter two years ago. Now, women and their children have a safe haven if the need arises. It is not the only women’s shelter in Israel, as there are many throughout the country, but Neve Michael provides a residence for the women and their family until a better and safer living arrangement can be made. Neve Michael is a safe campus that has two guards, 24/7, to protect the women and children should that need arise. Counseling is required for every woman, and the small children have a safe environment in which to play.

Visiting our partner agencies is always a highlight of any Federation trip. For the returning traveler, seeing progress in Israel is pride-provoking and, for the newcomer, it is awe-inspiring.

Important work of international agencies Federation helps fund

Each trip to Israel for Federation includes a visit to either a Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) or an American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC or JOINT) Agency. Your annual campaign gift sends money to both these international

agencies to help Jews all over the globe. Because these agencies are around the world, when a crisis strikes, JFNA and its agencies can quickly swoop in and help, usually the same day as in the case of the earthquake in Turkey when JAFI and JOINT where able to save a few hundred Jews in remote parts of Turkey and northern Syria.

On our trip, we went to “THE” call center at JAFI, where anyone Jewish who wants or needs to immigrate to Israel starts their journey. Different call rooms represent different languages. In February 2022, six Ukrainian operators swelled to over 40 operators as the Ukraine war ensued. The operators’ work increased from 60 hours a week to 24/7, with more volunteers needed for screening and intervention.

We met Diana, a JAFI client. Diana is the embodiment of the Federation overseas story. She is from Odessa, Ukraine. As a child, Diana attended both summer and winter camps that JAFI and JOINT sponsored. She attended youth groups from both agencies, as well. Diana learned about Israel, about being Jewish and she made wonderful friends. After her schooling, she rose to become principal at the Jewish Day School in Odessa.

In February 2022, she was happy with her life. She lived with her parents and her two boys, ages 8 and 9. Diana was shocked by the Russian invasion and assumed that it would last a day or two. By day three,

Diana’s parents implored her to take her boys out of the country. She was like a deer caught in headlights, unsure of where to go or how to proceed. Diana packed one suitcase for each of the boys and left on foot. She went to the school, where there was a bus sponsored by JAFI with a Jewish star on it. After traveling more than 24 hours, she ended up in a hotel in Bucharest. After a few more days, Diana’s parents implored her not to come back home and to make a new life for herself and the boys.

She thought she wanted to come the U.S., as her English is good, and she knew a few people here. But how to get in? Could she become a citizen? Where would she go? Her parents urged her to go to Israel. Diana has a brother in Israel, and she could become a citizen the instant the plane landed. Diana would never need to worry about being kicked out of Israel and her children could have an unlimited future with no stigma of being an immigrant. So, the three of them got on a plane that landed in their new home. Diana’s brother was out of the country for an extended period of time, so she knew no one except JAFI and the JOINT.

Diana has been given an apartment and enough money for at least a year from JAFI. She went to Ulpan (a school for the intensive study of Hebrew) and is learning the language. Her new neighbors showed up with furniture, appliances, food and even a large-screen TV. Diana

is overwhelmed. She has yet to find a job. Her Hebrew is still a work in progress, but she is safe, happy and excited. Her boys speak Hebrew fluently and go shopping with her to translate. She has a boyfriend, and her life has possibilities, all because of you! Having the infrastructure in place before the crisis meant that reaction was possible during the catastrophe.

Yeruham

We went to a development town in the Negev, Yeruham. If you saw the play or movie “The Band’s Visit,” you will remember Yeruham. It is a sleepy town near the largest army base in Israel and Dimona, an Israeli nuclear installation located in the Negev desert. Yeruham, a melting pot of Jews from all over the world, started in the early 1950s.

In the middle of the desert, the citizens of Yeruham have a beautiful manmade lake created in the Nahal Revivim streambed. The dam that created the lake was constructed to utilize the floodwaters of Nahal Revivim for irrigation, boating, fishing, bird watching and more. Our guide was Debbie Golan, a cousin of our own Goldie Wechter. Golan led a Zoom session about Yeruham for our Jewish Federation of Greater Naples in 2021 during COVID. She is engaging, knowledgeable and so proud of her town. We had lunch in the home of one of the many “culinary queens” in Yeruham. The

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Anago Cleaning Systems...............27

Avow..........................................18

Beth Tikvah....................................18

Carlisle Naples, The...........................15 Casual Connection...........................25

Chellie Doepke, Premiere Plus Realty..17

Deborah Zvibleman, John R. Wood....6

Fuller Funeral Home........................31

Ginsberg Eye...................................20

Henderson|Franklin............................21

Hodges Funeral Home......................20

James Knafo Architect & Builder.....22

Katz New York Deli..........................26

Kaye Lifestyle Homes....................9

Kotler Law Firm, P.L....................25

MCA.................................17 & 22 Moorings Park................................7

Naples Envelope & Printing Co....31

Senior Housing Solutions...................4

Siena Lakes.......................................23

Truly Nolen......................................11

Wynn’s Market.................................31

federation in israel...continued from page 2 “queens” prepare lunches for visitors to Yeruham as there are few restaurants and it gives the families an opportunity to make additional money to supplement their income.

General Assembly

The GA of JFNA featured President Isaac Herzog, who assured the group that the political unrest was the sign of a healthy exchange of ideas and the talks are on a good trajectory. There were workshops that dealt with ideas about the Jewish diaspora and Israel, Israeli society and Israeli politics, to name just a few. Experiences were offered for the remembrance of Yom HaZikaron and the celebration Yom Ha’atzmaut.

Other highlights

In Naples on March 26, at our Israel Fest, we had a cardboard Western Wall. Many of you put notes into slots in our Western Wall. Every one of the notes was delivered to the Western Wall by

Nat, Jane and Susan. We toured Hadassah Hospital, thanks to Karen Ezrine’s introduction, and participated in many fun tourist things. We went to Safed. We went to markets. We saw the fabulous new Anu Museum and the new installation of the permanent collection at the Tel Aviv Museum. We took a walking architectural tour of Tel Aviv. We walked to Jaffa and ate Shabbat dinner in the home of a top Israeli chef — all 10 courses! It was indeed a very special 12 days.

JFGN’s November 2024 mission

At the end of our Passover Seder, we say “next year in Jerusalem!” Jewish Federation of Greater Naples is starting to plan a mission to Israel and Dubai for November 2024. If you want to enjoy some exceptional sights, sounds and delicious cuisine, plan on joining us next year. More information will be available in the fall when we start having get-togethers with details.

Federation offers something for everyone

Reneé Bialék Program Director

The following events and programs are planned for your participation in June by the Federation:

Israel Friendship Caravan

The Israel Friendship Caravan Idan is arriving in Naples on Tuesday, June 20. The 10 Israeli teens will perform live at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center at 7 p.m. Full of energy, they are ready to sing and dance with us. Please register at www.jewishnaples.org so we know how many we’ll need to accommodate. The performance will last one hour, followed by a meet-and-greet, photo time and an opportunity to purchase CDs and T-shirts. Join us for this free event. It’s fun for the whole family! Come sing and dance with the Scouts!

“Transatlantic” discussion

Have you watched “Transatlantic” on

Netflix? If so, join us on Monday, June 5 at noon via Zoom to discuss the plot, characters and all the rest. Register for this free event to receive the Zoom link at https://jfgn.regfox.com/ transatlantic-discussion.

Singles lunch date

Singles Social Group will have a Lunch Date on Thursday, June 8 at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. Order your lunch at GoPita.com on June 7 (with a 10% discount) so they can deliver the food on time. More information on this free program can be found at https://jfgn.regfox. com/lunch-date-on-june-8.

Book discussions

Our Summer Book

With over 30 years of experience, I help eliminate the guesswork in choosing the right senior living community that meets your needs and preferences. I look beyond the fancy décor and evaluate facilities on:

Quality of care and services

Resident satisfaction

Health care violations

Financial viability

Overall lifestyle

Operational stability

Discussions begin on Wednesday, June 28 at 11 a.m. Read “The Real Mrs. Tobias” by Sally Koslow, who will Zoom in, ready to answer your questions and hear your comments. These book discussions are open and free to the entire community. You can attend in person at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center or via Zoom wherever you are. Register at www.jewishnaples.org.

A variety of summer programs are being added to the weekly Monday e-blast. Be on the lookout for bingo, chess, puzzle time and lunch dates. If you have a summer program idea, please email me!

Please register for all events at www.jewishnaples.org

Dates and times of upcoming events are announced on our website homepage. If you aren’t receiving our weekly Monday e-blast, please email me at rbialek@ jewishnaples.org. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link, which gets emailed two hours prior to the start of each event.

We have a variety of groups and committees at Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, such as PJ Library, Jewish Families with Young Children, Singles Social Group, Cardozo Legal Society, Catholic-Jewish Dialogue, Israel Advocacy Committee and Jewish Community Relations Council. Please join the group and/or committee that best fits your interests. A taste of each one can be found throughout our website at www.jewishnaples.org.

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

4720 Pine Ridge Road Naples, FL 34119

Phone: 239.263.4205

Fax: 239.263.3813

www.jewishnaples.org

Email: info@jewishnaples.org

Officers

Board Chair: Nathaniel Ritter

Vice chairs: Marc Saperstein, Arlene Sobol, Beth Wolff

Secretary: Rosalee Bogo

Treasurer: Steve Strome

Immediate Past Chair: Jane Schiff

Board of Directors

Frank Baum, Myra Benedikt, Patti Boochever, Harvey Cohen, Marcia Cohodes, Paula Filler, Cheryl Ginsburg, Steve Iser, Larry Israelite, Tammy Katz, Elliot Lerner, Merlin Lickhalter, Robin Mintz, Joel Pittelman, Stuart Price, Michael Rubinstein, Anne Schuchman, Michael Sobol, Jay Weiss, Jeff Zalasky, Board Member

Emeritus: Alvin Becker, Emerita, Phyllis Seaman

Past Board Chairs

Gerald Flagel, Dr. William Ettinger, Ann Jacobson (z’’l), Sheldon Starman, Bobbie Katz, Rosalee Bogo, Judge Norman Krivosha (z’’l), Alvin Becker, Jane Schiff

Synagogue Representatives

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

Jeffrey Feld: Federation President & CEO

Eduardo Avila: Campaign Associate

Reneé Bialek: Program Director Michelle Cunningham: Receptionist

Courtney DeVault: Accounting Manager Alicia Feldman: PJ Library Coordinator

Janine Hudak: Admin. Coordinator

Phil Zoltek: Facility 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 Community Campaign

• 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 and Connections magazine

• Singles Social Group

• Women’s Cultural Alliance

• Women’s Philanthropy

• Youth Activities Committee –sponsoring youth education and scholarships for Jewish Summer Camp and Israel Experiences

Dr. Nathaniel Ritter elected board chair at annual meeting

Jeffrey Feld Federation President/ CEO

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples held its annual meeting on Monday, April 10, 2023. Board Chair Jane Schiff called the meeting to order in the Schiff Hall of the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center at 7 p.m. and Rabbi Mendel Gordon of FGCU Chabad gave a D’Var Torah about the importance of an individual and being a part of a growing community.

In giving the financial report, JFGN Treasurer Elliot Lerner indicated that Federation is in a good fiscal situation. Marc Saperstein, chair of our building project, reported that the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center is just about complete; however, a few “punch list” items are yet to be finished. Most significantly, Saperstein indicated that the project will come in within the board-approved budget of $11,400,000 and expressed his appreciation to many people who made this project come to fruition.

Jane Schiff took the opportunity to make comments about her tenure as Federation board chair, having served as chair from April 2017 through the April 2023 annual meeting date. Schiff thanked a multitude of people for the privilege of serving in that capacity.

Alvin Becker, immediate past board chair and nominating committee chairperson, first thanked the members of the nominating committee: Amanda Dorio, cochair; Larry Israelite; Robin Mintz; Nat Ritter; Marc Saperstein; Jane Schiff; and CEO Jeffrey Feld. Becker reported that a number of board members will

complete their two-year term in 2024, including Paula Filler, Cheryl Ginsburg, Larry Israelite, Tammy Katz, Elliot Lerner, Merlin Lickhalter, Robin Mintz, Joel Pittelman, Stuart Price, Nat Ritter, Michael Rubinstein, Marc Saperstein and Jeff Zalasky.

Becker then identified the slate of board members being nominated for a two-year term to be completed in 2025 as follows: Frank Baum, Alvin Becker, Myra Benedikt, Rosalee Bogo, Harvey Cohen, Marcia Cohodes, Steve Iser, Jane Schiff, Arlene Sobol, Steve Strome, Jay Weiss and Beth Wolff.

A motion was made and seconded to elect the slate of board members as recommended by the nominating committee. Those present voted in favor of the motion. Those favorable votes were added to more than 400 proxies submitted to the Federation in favor of the slate.

Next, the newly installed board of directors would elect the officers. Becker read the slate of officers as recommended by the nominating committee, which was as follows:

Board Chair – Dr. Nathaniel Ritter

Vice Chairs – Marc Saperstein, Arlene Sobol and Beth Wolff

Secretary – Rosalee Bogo

Treasurer – Steve Strome

Immediate Past Chair – Jane Schiff

Becker then made a motion to elect the slate of officers presented. There was a second to the motion, which was passed by the board members present along with proxies from those unable to attend.

Dr. Nathaniel Ritter expressed his appreciation for being elected board chair. Ritter called on Schiff to come to the podium, where she was presented with several presents of appreciation for having served six years as board chair.

Following other comments, the meeting was adjourned at 8 p.m.

Why do I volunteer?

By Ken Goldstein, JCRC member

Ivolunteer one day a week … and it’s the most meaningful thing I’ve ever done in my life.

I have been a volunteer at the Baker Senior Center Naples’ dementia/respite program. It spans four hours, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., providing services for individuals with early- to mid-stage dementia. These clients are still living at home, so the program is four hours of socialization and wellness. It’s also a fourhour break for them and their caregivers.

My role has expanded over the years to now include 30 minutes of history and jokes. I spend a lot of time preparing my presentation so that everyone, including the other volunteers, can learn something and enjoy some laughter. The real benefit for me is knowing that each client enjoys their time, and their caregiver gets a needed break.

One incident is seared in my memory. One morning, a husband was dropping off his wife. He saw me first and had a worried look. “My wife did not want to come today. I think you may have to call me to take her home early,” he said. I told him we would call if necessary.

At 2:30 p.m., he was back and asked me if she was OK. I told him she was fine, and that she had a great day. The look on his face was priceless. He looked relieved … and relaxed.

In that instant, I understood what we were doing. Those four hours became so important for the client and the caregiver … even though tomorrow will be a new day with the same issues.

Those four hours truly make a difference.

Kristallnacht 2023

By Ginny Segaloff, Kristallnacht Chair, CJD member

The Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County invites everyone to its annual Kristallnacht Commemoration. This year’s event will take place on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, 2:30 p.m., at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church (5225 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples).

Our speaker will be Rabbi David Maayan of Saint Leo University Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies. Rabbi Maayan’s extensive teaching background has been dedicated to promoting understanding between Catholics and Jews. This program is sponsored by Jewish Federation of Greater Naples and Diocese of Venice in Florida.

Registration for this free program will start in September. Mark your calendars and look for more information in future issues of the Federation Star.

You deserve the care of a Real Estate Specialist.

Welcome guests to our new center with a brick paver

By Eduardo Avila, Campaign Associate

Would you like to add your name to a brick paver as a welcome to guests visiting our

new Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center? Contact me at eavila@jewishnaples.org or 239-263-4205.

BRICK PAVER ORDER FORM

Donor Information

Name ____________________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________________

City _____________________________________________________________

State _______________________ Zip Code __________________________

Email ___________________________________________________________

Phone ______________________________________________________________

Donation Amount (S) ___________________________________________________

ZDMake your check payable to JFGN and send it, with this completed form, to: JFGN, 4720 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34119.

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. Each row counts as one line of text, only use the amount of lines specified below for your brick.

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)

Past President of Temple Shalom and Federation Member since 1998. 10% of my net commission will be donated to Jewish Federation of Greater Naples in your honor.

Rabbi David Maayan

An Introduction to Moorings Park’s Three Communities

& Our Executive Chef’s Top Culinary Delights

Here’s your chance to get a taste of what life is like at Moorings Park’s three stunning Naples communities.

Attainable luxury begins at $522,000

Successful aging expert and Vice President, Tom Mann, will introduce you to our three premier communities. Learn valuable details on costs, oorplans, healthcare, dining, waiting lists, and an innovative approach to successful aging.

During this presentation you’ll enjoy a video tour of each of the communities’ clubhouses and model residences. All while enjoying our Executive Chef’s top culinary delights.

RSVP today by scanning the QR code, visiting MooringsPark.org/Events, or calling 239-356-0540.

Discover Our Secret Ingredients to Successful Aging

Thursday | July 6th | 10:30 AM

Moorings Park Grande Lake Clubhouse 7410 Little Lane, Naples FL 34105

RSVP by July 3rd by calling 239-356-0540, visiting MooringsPark.org/Events, or scanning the QR code.

Unable to attend? Join our webinar on Friday, July 7th at 10:30 AM. To register, visit MooringsPark.org/Webinar.

Come watch a live Israel Scouts performance

Sing and dance with the Scouts!

By Reneé Bialek, Program Director

The Israel Friendship Caravan is returning to Naples Tuesday, June 20 at 7 p.m., when 10 Israeli teens will give a live performance at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center.

For over 40 years, the Israel Scout Friendship Caravan has brought highenergy friendship and excitement to the Jewish community. The very first Caravan to the U.S. was in 1973, when inspirational songs and stories in a spirit of friendship from the people of Israel were brought to the people of the United States. Audiences in the Naples area have enjoyed their high-spirited programs for years.

Join us for this year’s return of the Israel Scouts. They are full of energy and are ready to sing and dance with us. Register at www.jewishnaples.org so we can make sure we have seating for you.

The Caravan Idan troop will entertain our Naples crowd June 20, 2023

Take a trip to Jerusalem with PJ Library

By Alicia Feldman, PJ Library Coordinator

Jerusalem Light Festival is the most spectacular event to observe during the month of June. Light installations, together with incredible melodic local music, create an unforgettable fairy-tale atmosphere. The festival takes place in the old part of the city where different historic events or fairy tales are projected onto the stone buildings. The sight adds to lighting dozens of shades and angles.

The walls and cobblestone streets get illuminated with surreal modern art installations by Israeli and foreign artists. Every year, visitors are offered different paths through the city. Each of them is marked by a certain color of light, taking spectators from one installation to the next. Those unusual 3D installations are usually huge in size; there are also videos

and sound-and-light shows. The paths, which are concentrated in Old City Jerusalem, attract hundreds of thousands of spectators from Israel and all over the world. In previous years, the festival has had about 250,000 visitors. During the Jerusalem Light Festival, there is also an art fair that displays and sells works by prominent light designers.

However, Jerusalem is not the only place for such a remarkable performance. Among the most famous installations are those taking place in our own version of the Jerusalem Light Festival right here at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center on June 25 at 3:30 p.m.

Until we get together, please check out these age-appropriate PJ Library Books or consider trying the engaging ideas listed below to bring Israel to the kiddos in your very own living room.

• Using the book “Welcome to Israel,” talk about the size of Israel (similar to New Jersey), the history of Israel and the

birth of Israel as a nation, the first Jews (Abraham and Sarah), the Star of David and the Dead Sea (lowest point on Earth).

• Make a detailed map of Israel and its neighbors. (Love this one!)

• Learn about Israel’s currency (and make up a notebook sheet for it).

• Make a dinner of baked felafel sandwiches with a side of hummus for dipping. (recipe can be found at https:// www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bakedfelafel-sandwiches-recipe-1938264)

• Download some Israeli music and break out the percussion instruments for a dance party Israeli style.

• Take a little quiz to see what you have learned about Israel.

There are super cute PJ Library Books you can use to explore Israel with your littles. We’ve shown some here, but more can be found at https://pjlibrary. org/beyond-books/pjblog/april-2017/ tour-israel-with-these-picture-books.

Alicia Feldman

Written by Vivian Newman; illustrated by Akemi Gutierrez

Written by Leslie Kimmelman; illustrated by Talitha Shipman

Written and illustrated by Rachel Shalev

MCA volunteers

More people you should know

By Marc Rosenweig, MCA member

Whether you’re 90 or 40, there’s a welcome waiting at MCA. Some members have been with the group since its inception. Others are just joining the relatively new MCA NextGen group — a movement to get younger members of the community involved.

Howard Agranat

When Howard Agranat celebrated his 90th birthday in April, he was joined by at least 41 family and friends. “It makes me feel blessed and humbled,” says Agranat.

He was an early member of MCA. Agranat found his way to Naples after retirement in 1997.

“My only experience with Florida was the east coast,” says the Dorchester, Ma. native. “I vowed I wouldn’t go to Florida.” But that changed after he visited a friend in Pelican Marsh. “I said, ‘I could retire here’ and I bought his house.”

He retired after working at Gillette for more than 40 years. “The work was very

interesting,” says Agranat, who worked for a variety of Gillette divisions in marketing and research, including appliances, razors and personal care.

Arriving in Naples, he joined Temple Shalom and the Federation. By the early 2000s, he was onboard with a fledgling MCA.

“It was a no-brainer to join MCA,” Agranat says. “It’s a great way to meet new people. I’m not aware of a similar organization elsewhere with such a wide range of activities that are managed by volunteers.”

He no longer participates in MCA athletic activities, but he loves boating near his summer home on Cape Cod or an MCA cruise off Naples to Keewaydin Island. He enjoys the monthly luncheons and getting the latest updates from medical lectures.

Agranat is enthusiastic about MCA’s NextGen group, which is attracting younger members. “It’s a great program. Having more opportunities to get together is one of the strengths of MCA.”

He eagerly praises his friend, MCA President Michael Sobol. “Mike, as first year president, has done an outstanding job. He performs his duties with boundless energy.”

Speaking of energy, Agranat says his micro labradoodle, Bella, takes him on a 3-mile walk every morning. “I walk because of her,” says Agranat. He recounts how he met an MCA member on one of those walks — “I met a member who went to five MCA events in five days. MCA is an important asset to the Naples Jewish community.”

That community continues to expand, with MCA a big part of it.

Max Deifik

Now a member of MCA’s NextGen group, Deifik first joined MCA when a friend told him about the weekly poker game. Then Richard Wajs, who founded NextGen, reached out to him about joining the initiative.

“He said they were starting something new,” says Deifik, who is vice president of Private Capital Management LLC in Naples. “Originally, it was planned for those 45 or 50 to 65. I told him I was 39.” Now NextGen is listed for those under 65. Deifik recently turned 40.

He said NextGen has some events similar to MCA, including dinners and sporting groups. He especially enjoys being a leader of the clay shooting group. “I love letting people experience the sport.”

Deifik says they try to hold a shooting event at least once a month. During the winter season, there are two novice events with an experienced instructor. They often go to Port of the Islands off U.S. 41, south of Naples, where there are 16 shooting stations.

“I can shoot 100 clays (targets) in an hour to an hour-and-a-half. I love golf, but that takes four plus hours out of my day,” says Deifik. “Safety is tantamount and it’s a great social event.” He also enjoys poker, along with some cigars and scotch. Deifik has a busy schedule with his wife, Cassie, and their 4-year-old son. He grew up in Naples and graduated from Barron Collier High School and FGCU. He says his mother, Celia Deifik, who recently retired, was one of the first female attorneys in Southwest Florida.

Cassie is managing director of Jetset World Travel, a luxury travel agency. She grew up in New Iberia, Louisiana. They met when she transferred to the RitzCarlton in Naples after the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans was damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

“It’s nice meeting other Jewish couples,” says Deifik, about MCA and NextGen. “There are close to 60 or 70 members (in NextGen). We’re attracting more members. We’re getting great feedback. It makes sense. I would have liked something like this earlier in life.”

Jewish Young Professionals chocolate seder

By Maya Williams, JYP Coordinator

In April, Jewish Young Professionals gathered for a pre-Passover chocolate seder. Each item of the seder plate was represented by a different type

of chocolate or sweet. As we celebrated together, we discussed the Passover holiday and our traditions.

Howard and Sheila Agranat with Bella

Ruthie, Carly and Samantha Maya and Alyssa

Max Deifik

Mosquitoes Beginning to Make Things Miserable in Southwest Florida

by Anna Wallace, Truly Nolen

With rain picking up at Spring’s end and Summer on the horizon, mosquitoes have begun to make their presence felt in Naples and surrounding areas.

Easily one of the most annoying pests there is, mosquitoes are the most significant and dangerous vector of disease in history and responsible for more human deaths than any other animal. In recent years, the insect’s profile has significantly increased due to Encephalitis outbreaks, the Zika virus, and West Nile Virus.

The name mosquito comes from a Spanish word meaning "little fly." Many people believe that the reason mosquitoes bite humans are because they need to feed on human blood, but this is not true. Mosquitoes feed on plant nectar, similarly to bees. Female mosquitoes suck blood to help with the development of their eggs prior to laying them. Male mosquitoes do not feed on blood at all.

Mosquitoes live in a variety of habitats, but they are mainly concentrated near sources of standing water to reproduce because mosquito eggs need water to hatch. Some species lay their eggs in standing water,

while other simply lay their eggs in moist soil and then hatch once the soil is flooded with water.

These "floodwater" species lay eggs in the fall that can survive through the winter and then hatch once spring showers flood their habits. One female mosquito can lay up to 200 eggs at a time, which can allow for an infestation to quickly get out of hand.

Generally, if you are bitten by a mosquito, a mosquito bite will simply appear as a small itchy bump, but some people can have more intense reactions to the bites if they are allergic. Although a mosquito bite itself is harmless, the diseases they can potentially carry is where your concern should lie.

Because of the risk, it is always smart to use insect repellant when outside and long sleeves and long pants at dawn and dusk to prevent mosquito bites. If at any time you feel that the bite is serious, seek medical help as soon as possible.

Mosquito control can be complicated because the bug can adapt to different and changing conditions. Some do-it-yourself things homeowners can do to help control

mosquitoes in and around their home include:

• Removing any sources for standing water, including bird baths, rain barrels, and recycling containers.

• Cutting back vegetation around your home to eliminate breeding and hiding grounds.

• Getting rid of old yard items that may be attracting mosquitoes such as old pots and spare tires.

If the infestation seems to be out of control, seek the help of your local pest control professional to deal with the problem effectively.

(Anna Wallace is the Manager for Truly Nolen in Naples. Her service office can be reached at (239) 643-2555. Founded in 1938, Tucson-based Truly Nolen of America (www.trulynolen.com) is one of the largest family-owned pest control companies in the United States. To learn more about Mosquitoes and how we can help, please visit https://trulynolen.com/pest-control/ mosquitoes.)

Welcome to our new home!

By Susan Pittelman, WCA Publicity Coordinator

When WCA began, its “home” was located in Federation’s offices above a sandwich shop in a not-so-busy shopping center. We had access to the David Willens’ Community Room for our speaker series, where we also played bridge and mahjong. Of course, attendance at these programs had to be limited due to the lack of space. (The building had less than 4,000 square feet!) Our WCA board met in the Federation board room, but all of us were

not able to fit around the table. We held planning meetings in any office that was not being used at that moment!

That was then – today, we are pinching ourselves as we enter our new home!

The Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, which opened Jan. 15, serves as a social hub, not just for us, but for many other Federation constituents. The 20,000-square-foot building features a spacious reception area, a community

room that can hold as many as 400 people for lectures or be divided into two large meeting spaces, and a board room in which everyone on our board can find a seat at the table!

There is a large classroom, several allpurpose rooms, a caterer’s kitchen that can be used for demonstrations, a place to sit with friends (or soon-to-be friends) as you grab a snack from the vending machines in the Roth Lounge, the BBYO lounge (which is a also a wonderful venue for our

WCA art classes), numerous conference rooms, an outdoor terrace, a large yard and multiple restrooms!

WCA even has a private office on the second floor. And, as you can see from the photos below, WCA members are enjoying it all!

In the near future, when you walk into the building, look for a paver that says, “WCA Welcomes You to Our New Home!”

Modern Playwrights enjoy holding their discussions in the Boardroom.

Susan Pittelman and Barbara Suden put WCA nametags in the Roth Lounge.

Robin Mintz picks up a copy of the Federation Star from receptionist Michelle Cunningham, who sits in the spacious foyer.

Patti Boochever (right) welcomes Leslie Feldman (center) and Shelly Bell (left) to the first WCA Board Meeting in the new boardroom. Fun with Legos instructor Debbie Kohler (right) and Anne Girod

Nancy Suslov (standing on left) taught “Portraits in Charcoal” in the BBYO Lounge to Ellen Weisberg, Linda Miller, Cary Jeremias (seated from front to back), Terry Kline and Doris Parker (standing in back).

WCA members play Canasta,

Glass artist Judy Belmont organized the WCA Artisan Showcase.

Some WCA Board Members posing on the lovely grassy area

Mahjong, and Bridge throughout the building.

Joyce Lembert, Loris Dallal, Estelle Rauch and Joanne Sohn play duplicate bridge in Schiff Family Hall.

Gail Morris, Harriet Berneman, Penni Blaskey and Darlene Muller play canasta in the BBYO Lounge.

Terri Binder, Adrienne Block, Debby Small and Shari Gold play a NextGen game of canasta on the terrace.

Elaine Soffer and Patti Boochever with popular lecturer Ellaine Rosen (center) after her presentation “Art History through a Jewish Lens.”

Volunteers are ready to check in the 300 people attending WCA’s 2023 Artisan Showcase.

Marilyn Davidson demonstrates “It’s all in the Presentation” in the demo kitchen.

The 2023 WCA Community Volunteer Expo was held two days after the building’s Grand Opening! WCA member Gail Rothenberg (right) represented Books for Collier Kids.

At the Museum

Susan Suarez President & CEO

For more than 20 years, our mission has been to make people aware that unopposed hate fueled the Holocaust. Our Founders knew the importance of bringing accurate historical facts together with the powerful personal stories of those impacted by this genocide. Our Holocaust education goal hasn’t changed. We want Southwest Florida students, teachers and the public to realize a simple truth: if you can’t/won’t/don’t stand up now for those targeted by bigotry and hatred, you may find yourself one of those targets in the future.

Museum programming this year

In the 2022-2023 school year, our Holocaust education programming directly impacted more than 11,000 Southwest Florida students and teachers. When combining that with Museum visitors and those attending programs and events, that total rises to nearly 18,000 people. Think of the ripple effect they will create as they share the lessons of the Holocaust with their families, friends and communities. Think how many more people will recognize their own actions are the key to preventing hatred and bigotry in their communities.

North wing update

Our two spaces are now joined together! Many thanks to PBS Contractors, our partners on this project. They completed the demolition and build-out of the north wing with absolutely no disruption to visitors or programs during this season and school year.

Capitol Museum Services begins the installation of the new exhibits in late June. Please note, we are temporarily closed to the public through

approximately July 10. During this time, staff can be reached by email. For general questions, please contact us at info@ hmcec.org. Please visit www.hmcec.org for reopening updates. A Grand Opening event will take place in November.

A few naming opportunities are still available. Please contact me for details at Susan@hmcec.org or call 239-263-9200.

“Movies That Matter –Steve Brazina Memorial Film Series”

We completed the 2022-2023 “Movies That Matter – Steve Brazina Memorial Film Series” with a panel discussion on the documentary “APART.” Thank you to Tammy Franklin, associate director, academy programs at Prison Fellowship, and Dawn Kolderman, senior clinical director at Avow, for their participation and insightful comments.

The Human Rights Film Coalition of SWFL presents this annual series featuring three outstanding documentaries for community viewing and discussion. This year, the series was re-named “Movies

That Matter – Steve Brazina Memorial Film Series” honoring the late Steve Brazina, a founder of the series who was instrumental in selecting the films. Members of the Coalition are GenShoah SWFL, Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center, Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, Jewish Community Relations Council, Naples United Church of Christ and Temple Shalom. Our appreciation again to this year’s series sponsors:

• Sustainer: Rhonda Brazina; Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, LLP; Debbie Laites; and Ben Z. Post

• Supporter: FineMark National Bank & Trust, Habitat for Humanity of Collier County

• Patron: Marcy Aizenshtat, Monica and Allan Goodwin, Barbara Kanter, Jenny and Mel Kaplan, Ida and Jeff Margolis, Marci Margolis and Alys Morande

Please save these dates for the Fall 2023 series:

• Wednesday, Oct. 18

• Wednesday, Oct. 25

• Wednesday, Nov. 1

More information on film titles and discussion panelists will be sent this summer. We look forward to your participation!

“Best of the Gulfshore” finalist

Thank you to Gulfshore Life magazine readers and everyone who voted for us in the magazine’s annual “Best of the Gulfshore” survey. The Museum was named a finalist in the "Best Museum Collier County" category, an honor it has received each year since 2017. Survey results appeared in the May 2023 issue.

PBS Contractors event benefits education programs

More than 200 people attended the invitation-only "Russell's Barbecue" event recently held by PBS Contractors to benefit the Museum's education programs. PBS Founder Russell Budd cooked and served his delicious signature barbecue items, Michelbob's restaurant provided the side dishes and gelato company, Jeremiah's Ice, provided desserts. We are honored to have been a beneficiary of this semiannual event which raised nearly $7,000 for the Museum.

Nuremberg prosecutor Ben Ferencz

Ben Ferencz recently passed away at 103. He was the 27-year-old lawyer who was assigned as prosecutor for the Nuremberg Einsatzgruppen trials. The incriminating documents he found researching Nazi military and concentration camp files produced the proof used to convict 22 Nazis, including six generals, on charges for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Following his work at the Nuremberg trials, Ferencz devoted his life to securing international legal recognition for crimes against humanity and for laws to end wars of aggression. His efforts were chronicled in the 2018 documentary, “Prosecuting Evil. The Extraordinary World of Ben Ferencz." Happy Father’s Day to all who celebrate.

Greater Naples Leadership tour

Museum Board members and PBS executives at Russell’s Barbeque

Senior center adds programs and social workers

Dr. Jaclynn Faffer President/ CEO

As “season” slows down and comes to a close, Baker Senior Center Naples continues to add more interesting programs. Our HUGS (Happy Ukulele Group) now not only play together for an hour of joyous music, but they offer lessons, as well. We have added some interesting lecture

series — today, we are learning about the culture and economy of Cuba. And, wow, is our garden growing. Little tomatoes, squash and sunflowers are among the plants beginning to thrive in our garden.

We have also been involved in helping homeless senior women. Through a grant from the Collier Community Foundation, we are working with 12 senior women who are “situationally” homeless. What does that mean? This refers to someone who first experienced homelessness after age 50 through illness, loss of a partner, loss of a job or because of a natural disaster, in this case, Hurricane Ian. Our case manager is working closely

with these women on stabilization, with the goal of rehousing.

Rehousing in Collier County is particularly difficult with the dramatic lack of affordable housing. While searching for appropriate housing, we make sure all have accessed their benefits, been assisted through our food pantry and provided supportive counseling. So far, we have successfully rehoused three of the senior women with whom we have worked.

To address the challenge of hiring social workers, we began a Fellowship program, funded by the Brookdale Foundation Group, in August 2022. We provided a $10,000 stipend to two

Temple Shalom events open to all

By Jeanette Fischer, Temple Shalom Director of Communications

Temple Shalom invites everyone to attend the following events:

Shabbat evening summer service

Beginning June 2 and continuing through August 25, Temple Shalom will begin 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

Join us Friday, June 30, 7:30 p.m. 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 30.

Shabbat morning

Torah study

Study the weekly Torah portion with

the guidance of clergy or lay leadership Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. via Zoom. Text sheets will be shared online. Learners of all levels are welcome. Contact education@ naplestemple.org for the Zoom link.

Jewish yoga

Yoga teacher Missy Balsam guides you through an all-levels gentle yoga stretch session via Zoom on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. The class is interwoven with Jewish

second-year FGCU social work students with an interest in gerontology. We had two fellows this year and both graduated in May. We are happy to report that we have hired both to work in our Cognitive Health program, facilitating dementia respite and caregiver programs as well as providing assessments. We are hoping to have two more fellows for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Please circle Jan. 13, 2024 on your calendars for our 12th annual signature fundraising event, An Evening for Better Tomorrows. More to come ….

Best wishes to all for a safe, happy and cool summer.

spiritual teachings, designed to relieve stress and calm the mind. This class will be practiced lying down and sitting on the floor. Open to all, no experience necessary. The cost is $72 for a six-week session. Join anytime! 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.

Why so many days to commemorate the Holocaust?

By Shelley Lieb and Ida Margolis

There are many days on the calendar that commemorate historical events. What is the purpose of this? Some historians state that the importance of marking important events or people is to allow individuals to remember those who have gone before as well as to encourage people to think of the past and how the past can give lessons about how to have a better future. Others add that commemorations can contribute to the promotion of human rights.

The Jewish calendar has many dates of significance and poignancy, reflecting the long, rich and often difficult history of the Jewish people. Three Holocaust commemorations on Jewish calendars are Kristallnacht, International Holocaust Remembrance Day and Yom HaShoah. Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass, in November, is often said to be the beginning of the Holocaust. It is when, in 1938, hundreds of synagogues and

Jewish-owned businesses throughout Germany were destroyed.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Jan. 27, was designated by the United Nations. That date is the anniversary of the liberation of AuschwitzBirkenau by Soviet troops in 1945.

Each spring since 1951, Jews mark Yom HaShoah, the most solemn and painful commemoration of the year for most Jews. The Israeli Parliament selected the 27th day of Nissan for Yom HaShoah as that date is the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising.

The Friends of the Simon Wiesenthal Center stated, “despite the passage of time, the excruciating pain of the Holocaust doesn’t lessen. The murder of 6 million Jewish men, women and children will forever remain a searing wound for us. Such is the magnitude of the tragedy; it will always haunt us.” Thus, the necessity many feel to have special dates to

commemorate Jewish victims, and nonJewish victims, of Nazi oppression, as well as to remember rescuers and liberators and those who have no relatives left to remember them.

Eli Wiesel said, “If the Holocaust is forgotten, the dead will be killed a second time.” Let us not be among those who will kill the dead a second time. And, hopefully, we will use these commemorations to motivate us to contribute to the promotion of human rights and help us think of ways we can help make a better future.

This year, the annual Greater Naples Yom HaShoah Commemoration took place on April 17 at the new Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center with over 250 people in attendance. A ceremony, including candlelighting and legacy reading, took place. Survivors, second, third and one member of the fourth generation participated, along with local rabbis and cantors. The ceremony was followed by

a theatrical presentation of “Remember: The Story of Abe Price.” The play dramatized the life of late local Holocaust survivor Abe Price who escaped Nazi captivity five times, including having been imprisoned in Auschwitz-Birkenau. This production, presented by Gulf Shore Playhouse, poignantly sends Price’s message to "never forget.”

The Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties commemorated Yom HaShoah with a program featuring guest speaker Dr. Robert Hilliard, local clergy and a musical performance at Shell Point Retirement Community.

Prior to the Greater Naples Yom HaShoah commemoration, GenShoah SWFL sponsored a reception for Holocaust survivors and members.

Any children of Holocaust survivors or any individuals interested in the mission of GenShoah are welcome to become members and receive the GenShoah e-newsletter. Contact Shelley at liebro@gmail.com.

Ida Margolis and Shelley Lieb

Felicia Anchor (2G), Cheryl Alifeld (spouse), Yvonne Holtzman (2G) and Shirley Besikof (2G)

Survivors

Jeff Margolis (spouse) and Stuart Mest (2G)

Survivors Sarah Rockler and Rachel Sharar with 2G Keren Berman

Shelley Goodman (2G), Rene Geist (2G), Sam Geist (2G) and Kenn Goodman

Survivors light candles

Survivor Rob Nossen and Mark Livstone

Lily Leslie (Survivor), Ida Margolis (2G) and Sarah Rockler (Survivor)

Sam Geist (2G), Rob Nossen (Survivor)

Zoog mir in Yiddish

The Yiddish corner

By Sol Awend, GenShoah SWFL

There are two things that are important to us Yeeden

One is food. What to eat, where to eat, when to eat, what not to eat and combinations thereof.

The other thing vital to the Jewish experience is clothing. It’s important to know how to dress and what to wear as well as what not to wear. Whether you decide to dress on an empty stomach is optional. Just make sure that what you’re wearing matches where you’re going.

The terms and definitions listed below are based on sex as it’s known in the Old Testament. There was man and there was woman; clothing was optional.

I trust you had a good time with last month’s submission about words you never heard before. If you care to drop

a line, please email me at sdevoyle@gmail.com.

Until next time … thanks for your interest and zoog mir eppes in Yiddish! (Tell me something in Yiddish!)

Yiddish words dealing with clothing

1. Hemp’t (shirt) Tee oop ah rein hemp’t!

(Put on a clean shirt!)

2. Hoyzen (pants)

Dee hoyzen zenen fah fleck’t! (The pants are soiled!)

3. ZAW-ken, ZAWK (socks, sock) Ich hob ah pooweh zawken, no ein zawk iz blu, deh andereh iz shvaretz. (I have a pair of socks, but one of them is blue and the other one is black.)

4. SHEE-ec’h (shoes) Broneh shee-ec’h paas’t nisht mit ah

shvartzeh tawxeedeh! (Brown shoes aren’t proper to wear with a black tuxedo!)

5. Kleit (dress)

Dah kleit iz shein! (Your dress is pretty!)

6. SPOOD-nitch-keh (skirt)

Dah spood-nitch-keh paast zayeh fein. (Your skirt fits very nice.)

7. Ah Chooc’h (An old article of clothing)

Vee ost dee geh finen daim chooc’h?! (Where did you find that old leftover relic?!)

Looking

8. MAAN-tel (coat) Tee oop ah maan-tel, siz kaal’t in drossen. (Put on a coat, it’s cold outside.)

9. GAAT-kess (long johns) Fah gess nisht dee gaat-kess t’zeh brengen! (Don’t forget to bring the long johns!)

10. KAW-shool-keh (undershirt, T-shirt) Dee kaw-shool-keh ott ah loc’h. (The T-shirt has a hole.)

Chellie Doepke

Premiere Plus Realty Co. 239-877-1722 seachell2@hotmail.com • www.sells-naples.com www.facebook.com/chelliedoepkerealtor

To: Howard Agranat In honor of your special birthday

From: Helen & Alan Robinson

Arlene & Michael Sobol

To: Sidney Freund In honor of your special birthday

From: Helene & Alan Gordon

To: Marc Goldberg In honor of your special birthday

From: Eileen Bream

To: Gene Goldenziel In honor of your special birthday

From: Helene & Alan Gordon

To: Donna & Avie Goldstein In honor of your special birthdays

From: Rabbi Franklin & Darlene Muller

Arlene & Michael Sobol

To: Henry & Nancy Greenberg In honor of your special anniversary

From: Cissy Dezen

To: Steve Iser In honor of your special birthday

From: Arlene & Michael Sobol

To: Melissa & Harry Keel In honor of your special anniversary

From: Ida & Jeff Margolis

To: Anna & Yale Levin In your honor

From: Susan & Bob Garelick Nancy Kritzman & Carl Kramer

To: Shelley & Steve McCloskey In honor of Rabbi Michael McCloskey’s ordination

From: Gayle & Marty Dorio

To: Jane Schiff In honor of your birthday

From: Jane & Rabbi Jim Perman

To: Arlene & Michael Sobol In your honor

From: Helene & Alan Gordon Hilda & Martin Levine

To: Dr. Harris Yett In honor of your special birthday

From: Sandy Raizes

Tributes require a minimum donation of $18.

To place a Tribute in the FederationStarin honor or memory of someone, please contact Janine Hudak at the Federation office at 239-263-4205 or jhudak@jewishnaples.org. Tributes require a minimum donation of $18. A note will be sent to the person/family you are honoring. Tributes help further the work of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

Congratulations to the Winner of the 2022-2023 MCA Founders Award

Richard Prosten

The Founders Award is presented annually to the MCA member who, over the years, has contributed and dedicated his time and effort on behalf of the growth and success of the organization. Go to: www.mcanaples.org or scan the QR code for additional information.

While Preparing for the Profound Transition,

Be Understood

Avow knows and respects Jewish traditions about living with serious illness and the return of the soul to G-d at the end of its journey in the world. Our hospice program is certified by the National Institute for Jewish Hospice, and every staff member studies Jewish customs and beliefs about end of life so we can care for you and your family.

When it’s time for hospice, call us 24/7/365 to speak to people who know your values and needs. Visit our website to see the dozens of support groups we offer for adults and children dealing with loss.

The Katzmann Report

By Paul R. Bartrop, Professor Emeritus of History, Florida Gulf Coast University

Eighty years ago this month, on June 30, 1943, Fritz Katzmann, a German SS and Police Leader, submitted a report that is arguably one of the most important pieces of evidence relating to the Nazis during the Holocaust, as it pertained to a single district. During the war years, Katzmann perpetrated the Holocaust in several places: the cities of Kattowitz (Katowice), Radom, Lemberg (Lvov, Lviv) and Danzig (Gdansk), as well as throughout the entire District of Galicia in that part of occupied Poland known to the Nazis as the Generalgovernment Katzmann was born on May 6, 1906, joining the Nazi paramilitary SA organization in December 1927 at the young age of 21. He joined the Nazi party in September 1928 and transferred from the SA to the SS on July 1, 1930. On Aug. 20, 1931, he was commissioned as an SS- Untersturmführer (second lieutenant) and, on Dec. 1, 1932, was promoted to SS- Hauptsturmführer (captain), before further promotions in April 1933 (SS- Sturmbannführer , or major) and SS- Obersturmbannführer (lieutenant colonel) on Jan. 30, 1934 — the first anniversary of Hitler’s ascent to office. Further promotions accrued throughout the 1930s, combined with several command positions in various districts.

With the German invasion of Poland in September 1939, Katzmann became the first SS and Police Leader (SSPF) of occupied Radom. Here, in the spring of 1940, he set up the Radom ghetto, accompanied by a brutal reign for the tens of thousands of Jews living there.

Following Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941, Katzmann became SS and Police Leader for the District of Galicia on August 8, 1941, based in Lvov (Lviv, then called Lemberg).

In November 1941, Katzmann ordered that 80,000 Jews be confined to the Lvov ghetto. In the city outskirts, he also established the Janowska concentration camp. The number of those killed at Janowska has been a matter of dispute, ranging from the unlikely Soviet figure of up to 500,000, to a more realistic (though horrible, nevertheless) number estimated at between 35,000 and 40,000. It has been further approximated that up to 60,000 Jews were murdered overall on Katzmann’s command by the end of 1941. In 1942, Katzmann organized further transports that took Jews from Lvov to the death camp of Bełżec.

Katzmann was promoted to SSGruppenführer and lieutenant general of police on Jan. 30, 1943. During the first half of 1943, he organized the death of over 140,000 Jews within the overall vicinity of Galicia.

On June 30, 1943, just over two years after arriving in Lvov, Katzmann

delivered what was effectively one of the most important testimonies relating to the extermination process in Poland and the extermination of Polish Jews during the Holocaust. Entitled Lösung der Judenfrage im Distrikt Galizien (The Solution of the Jewish Question in the District of Galicia), it was a nicely crafted report bound in leather, addressed to Katzmann’s superior based in Kraków, SS- Obergruppenführer Friedrich-Wilhelm Krüger. Documenting and summarizing Aktion Reinhard in Galicia up to that point of the year, the report chronicled that by June 27, 1943, a total of 434,329 Jews had been expelled (read murdered), and that the district of Galicia was now free of Jews ( Judenrein ) — except for those who were under Krüger’s direct control. The 62-page report was illustrated lavishly with photographs detailing how Nazi antisemitic persecution took place and was carried into action.

Katzmann wrote his report in Berlin after returning to Germany from Poland and receiving a new assignment on April 20, 1943. With Galicia Judenrein , Katzmann’s job was seen to be completed and he was transferred elsewhere.

Between April 20, 1943 and May 8, 1945, he was SS commander of Military District XX (Vistula/Danzig/West Prussia), headquartered in Danzig. On July 1, 1944, he was promoted to SS- Obergruppenführer in the Waffen-SS and oversaw the organization of gas chambers and crematoria at Stutthof concentration camp, where tens of thousands more Jews were murdered. He was given the assignment of liquidating the Stutthof camp and all its 105 sub-camps, ahead of the advancing Red Army. Gassing with Zyklon B at Stutthof had begun already in June.

Katzmann experienced the end of the war on the island of Fehmarn, off the coast of Schleswig. He escaped immediate prosecution, living for years under a false identity in Württemberg as “Bruno Albrecht.” In March 1956, Bruno Albrecht was registered in Darmstadt, where his family lived, but a planned transfer to Argentina did not materialize owing to Katzmann’s ill health at that time. He died on Sept. 19, 1957 in the Alice Hospital in Darmstadt.

The Katzmann Report was used as evidence in the Nuremberg Trials (USA No. L-18, Exhibit-277) and numerous other proceedings against war criminals abroad. Various editions were published after the war, including one that was heavily edited by communist authorities in Poland. A full uncensored text of the report was finally published in 2009.

Paul R. Bartrop is Professor Emeritus of History and the former Director of the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Research at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Paul Bartrop

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Another Jewish wunderkind who made good in Hollywood

Marvin Hamlisch,1944-2012

By Arlene Stolnitz

This is the last article in this year’s music series in which I have focused on Jewish musicians who came to the U.S. just prior to WWII. Many of them became well known in the United States after their initial start in Hollywood. As well-trained musicians in Europe, the “Hollywood opportunity” allowed them to establish themselves in the music world of their newly adopted country.

Looking back throughout the past year, I have researched and followed the careers of just a few of the “greats!” — Ernest Gold, Andre Previn, Randy Newman, Gyorgy Ligeti and Burt Bachrach have been part of this series. My hope is that, by reading these articles, I have whet your appetite to learn more about these and other musical geniuses. There are many others I plan to write about in the future. Musicians such as Johnny Mandel, Laslo Shifrin, Dave Grisman, Bernard Herrmann and Philip Glass are just a few names that come to mind.

In this article, I will focus on Marvin Hamlisch, who, like Elmer Bernstein before him, was born in this country, but whose parents were lucky enough to emigrate to the U.S. just prior to the Holocaust. I was surprised to find out that, unlike Burt Bacharach, Hamlisch had a very close identity as a Jew! In a 2012 interview in The Jewish Press , a weekly Brooklyn newspaper, he spoke of his deep feelings for Jewish music. Hamlisch attributes these strong feelings, especially for the sadness in Jewish music, to his Viennese parents. In the article, he claimed he is proudly Jewish. “I never hid it from anyone,” he said. “In fact, I’ve candidly announced it on nationwide television. People … never discouraged me from proclaiming my Jewish identity to them.”

Like so many other child prodigies, Hamlisch’s talent showed up at an early age. By the time he was 6 years old, his parents had enrolled him in a precollege

course at Julliard, which he won in an audition! Hamlisch was encouraged by his father, Max Hamlisch, an accordionist and bandleader, and his mother, Lilly. Hamlisch grew up hearing the music of his father’s band, composed of his father’s fellow AustroHungarian emigre friends. They played both Viennese and American popular music. When talking about his musical training, he would often credit Julliard and Queens College for the flexibility they gave him in his early career as a songwriter and composer.

Looking through his accomplishments, it is clear that Marvin Hamlisch has won every award in the world of musical comedy and film — four Emmys, four Grammys, three Oscars, three Golden Globe Awards, a Tony and the Pulitzer Prize (for “A Chorus Line”). We remember him for memorable songs such as “Nobody Does It Better,” “The Way We Were,” “What I Did For Love,” and so many others.

In addition to his talent, Marvin Hamlisch also had a greater humanitarian goal. On his website, he states, “Music can make a difference. There is a global nature to music, which has the potential to bring all people together. Music is truly an international language.”

In that regard, the Marvin Hamlisch International Music Awards were established in 2013 in partnership with Queens College and the Kupferberg Center for the Arts. Their vision is to discover and encourage young composers worldwide. Marvin Hamlisch passed away in August 2012. Like Burt Bacharach, when we lost Marvin Hamlisch, we lost a musical genius, but are fortunate to be able to have the legacy of his passion for music.

Arlene Stolnitz, a retired educator, has been a regular contributor to Federation papers in Southwest Florida. Her interest in all kinds of Judaic music has led to this series of articles.

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Many movies and a TV show to cover this month

Stars of David

By Nate Bloom, Stars of David Contributing Columnist

Editor’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.

Last month, I covered “A Small Light,” a Disney+/Hulu mini-series about Anne Frank and her family that concluded last week. Here’s an update on Ashley Brooke, 19, who played Anne’s sister, Margot I previously wrote that I was almost certain Brooke was Jewish. Well, with some difficulty, I found out that her “real” last name is Eisdorfer. I also learned, from her Jewish mother’s Facebook page, that Ashley’s paternal grandmother, Esther Eisdorfer, was a Holocaust survivor.

“The Little Mermaid”

A “live-action” version of the musical, “The Little Mermaid” opened in theaters on May 26. Halle Berry costars as Ariel, a mermaid princess who is fascinated with the human world. Jonah Hauer-King, 28, costars as Eric, a human prince whom Ariel falls in love with after saving him from drowning.

Hauer, a very handsome fellow, was born and raised in the U.K. His Jewish mother, a therapist, is an American. His father is a “big-time” U.K. restaurant

owner. It isn’t clear if his father is Jewish. But it is clear that Jonah was raised Jewish, and he strongly identifies as Jewish.

As you might guess, there are complications in the couple’s romance, which I won’t detail here. I will note that Daveed Diggs, 41, who won a Tony for his “Hamilton” role and wrote and sang a Hannukah song for the Disney Channel in 2021, voices Sebastian, a crab who is Ariel’s friend and the court composer for Ariel’s father, King Triton. Diggs, who identifies as Jewish, is the son of an African American father and a white, Jewish mother.

Most of the songs from the 1989 animated “Little Mermaid” film will be in the new film. Four new songs were written, including a rap song for Diggs. Alan Menken,73, who wrote the music for the 1989 film, wrote the new songs, too.

“You Hurt My Feelings”

Also released on the 26th was “You Hurt My Feelings,” a comedy-drama directed and written by Nicole Holofcencer, 63. Since 1996, she has made 10 movies that don’t make “big bucks,” but get good-togreat reviews and attract good actors.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who isn’t Jewish (but had a Jewish grandfather), plays Beth, a woman who is content with a so/so marriage until her husband betrays her. Michaela Watkins, 51, plays Sarah, Beth’s sister, and Jeannie Berlin, 73, plays

We Understand the Legal Needs and Traditions Of Our Community.

Beth and Sarah’s mother (Berlin’s mother is Elaine May, 91).

“Spider-Man—Across the Spider-Verse”

This animated superhero film is about, of course, Spider-Man. But it is set in a multiverse of alternate universes. It has a very complicated plot. Here are the Jewish (voice) actors in “big” roles: Hailee Steinfeld, 26, plays Spider-Woman; Jake Johnson, 44, plays an old “version” of Spider-Man; and Jason Schwartzman, 42, plays Spot, a villain (these three actors are secular and have a Jewish father). Appearing in smaller voice roles are Rachel Dratch, 57, and Andy Samberg, 44.

“Asteroid City”

Opening June 16 is “Asteroid City,” a scifi romance-comedy. This Wes Anderson film follows the transformative events that occur at an annual Junior Stargazer convention in 1955. The stars include Scarlett Johansson, 38, Jason Schwartzman, Liev Schreiber, 55, and Adrien Brody, 50.

“No Hard Feelings”

Opening June 23 is “No Hard Feelings,” a comedy-drama. Maddie (Jennifer Lawrence) is broke when she answers a very unusual ad. A wealthy couple are concerned about their son, Percy, who is a brilliant high school student, but it

not interested in people — no friends, no dates. They hire Maddie to “date Percy’s brains out.”

Matthew Broderick, 61, plays Percy’s father and Ebon Moss-Bachrach , 46 (“Girls” on HBO and “The Bear” on Hulu) plays Gary, a family friend.

Andrew Barth Feldman, 20, who plays Percy, is making his feature film debut. He has an amazing track record already, as a musical stage actor, on and off Broadway.

The film was co-written and directed by Gene Stupnitsky, 45. Born in Kiev, he grew up in a Chicago suburb. He was a long-time writer for “The Office,” and he wrote and directed “Good Boys” (2019), a hit comedy film.

“The Crowded Room”

This 10-episode series begins streaming on Apple+ on June 9. The screenplay was written by Oscar-winner Akiva Goldsman (“A Beautiful Mind”).

Plot: Danny Sullivan (Tom Holland) is arrested following his involvement in a shooting in New York City in 1979. Interviews with interrogator Rya Goodwin (Amanda Seyfried) reveal his “mysteries.”

Costars include Emmy Rossum, 35, as Danny’s mother and Lior Raz, 51, as Yitzhak. Raz was an elite Israeli commando who became Arnold Schwarzenegger’s bodyguard for a few years in the ’90s. He lives in Israel with his wife and children.

Attorneys Amanda Dorio and Katie Kohn have represented clients from the Naples community for more than 20 years. Amanda works with her clients in estate planning, trust administration and wills, and Katie assists clients in matters regarding adoption, divorce, marital and family law. They both use understanding, compassion and experience to help with their community’s legal needs – just as we’ve done since 1924.

Katie Kohn Divorce, Marital & Family Law

Amanda M. Dorio Estate Planning and Trust Administration

Prying my grandkids off their cellphones

Aging Jewishly – What our traditions teach us about growing old

By Rabbi Barbara Aiello

Luisa describes herself as one of the lucky ones. “I have it better than so many of my friends. My grandkids live near me, and I see them all the time.” But, for Luisa, her visits with her grandchildren have taken a troublesome turn. “I see my grandkids,” she says. “But that’s it. We don’t talk anymore. My grandkids are glued to their cellphones.”

Luisa’s lament is just one example of the mania plaguing families around the U.S. and the world. Children as young as 4 and 5 have already developed the cellphone habit, while tweens and teens are enraged when anyone dares comment that a cellphone should be switched off.

“I tried that,” Luisa admits, “but I had no success. One time, I got so frustrated that I made my grandkids deposit their phones into a lock box. You could have heard the shrieking all the way to the North Pole! Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. I know it was wrong, but I didn’t know what to do. I gave back their phones. There’s got to be a better way.”

Whitney Flemming, founder of the online blog “Parenting Teens and Tweens,” is the mother of three daughters and, like parents and grandparents everywhere, she observed the deteriorating emotional process that promoted greater dependence on electronic devices and less on in-person communication at home.

Flemming admits that her first foray into regulating cellphone use was similar to the lock box Luisa tried with her grandchildren. Both attempts resulted not only in failure but in frayed relationships that were not easily repaired.

That’s when Whitney Flemming sprang into action by tackling the problem, first at home, then sharing her success with her readers in her post, “Tired of Yelling at Your Teen to Get Off Her Phone? Try This Trick” (August 2022). She describes her family’s transformation from cellphone dependence and explains that “We can’t just tell our kids to put down their phones. We have to show them how to fill their time.”

For Flemming, this was key. She slowly weaned her three daughters away from constant scrolling, video watching and game playing by providing activities the family could do together. Flemming admits that it’s time consuming, but her success is based on a simple fact that she emphasizes — “I had to teach my children to do things without their phones.”

Instead of berating them to put their phones away, Flemming would say things like:

“Hey, let’s go thrifting.”

“I looked up a new trail to hike.”

“Let’s try to make those new cookies, but we have to go grocery shopping first.”

“Let’s watch an episode of that show you like.”

“Do you want to go to the bookstore with me?”

The list of activities is as varied as your imagination and Flemming says it best when she emphasizes, “Anytime they expressed an interest in something that didn’t have to do with their phone, I tried to pounce on it.”

After reading the Flemming blog, Luisa was motivated to try some phone-alternative suggestions. “I got a lot of eyerolls and absolutely no thanks, but I pressed on.”

As a grandmother in her late 60s, Luisa understood there were some activities on Flemming’s list that were less appropriate for an older person. Luisa says, “The activities that I planned with my grandkids were things that I was able to do.”

Puzzle pieces set up on a card table provided the first interactive experience. “Grandma’s Fashion Show” was also a big hit. Luisa chuckles when she recalls how the kids rummaged through her closet and, with a grandson adding “runway” music, the girls sauntered forward, twirling and spinning in Grandma’s clothes.

Cooking together became yet another favorite alternative and, during trips to the grocery, Luisa entertained the kids with audio books.

“Am I tired?

You bet I am,” says Luisa who sits in front of her bedroom fan in an attempt to regain her “cool.” But she reports that, after several weeks, her grandchildren were so involved in her projects that their cellphones sat on the kitchen counter, untouched.

Luisa sums up her ongoing cell-alternative initiative this way. “I admit it. I was at fault, letting the kids entertain themselves with their phones while I checked Facebook and chatted with friends on my own phone. It’s curious how a communication device can become a barrier to communication. I was a bad example, but not anymore.”

For 10 years, Rabbi Barbara Aiello served the Aviva Campus for Senior Life 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.

Rabbi Barbara Aiello

…afterseveralweeks, hergrandchildren were so involved in herprojectsthattheir cellphonessaton thekitchencounter, untouched.

Seeing the difference we make

By Norm Isaacs

As my wife, Cristina, and I enjoy traveling the world; I would be remiss not to share some of the remarkable developments we saw on our last trip to Israel. I am a proud member of Jewish National Fund-USA’s Negev Society and Healthcare Professionals for Israel, so I felt it was important to see some of the work I’ve been part of in the last few years. What I saw with my own eyes blew me away, and I can confidently say that the Jewish future is brighter than ever.

Our first stop was at the Bookbinder Family Foundation Center for Disability Employment and Inclusion at the Palmachim Air Force Base, established by fellow Naples community member Sue Bookbinder. I serve on the Jewish National Fund-USA Naples Board of Directors with Sue, making it extra special. The center is under the auspices of Jewish National Fund-USA’s Special in Uniform.

Touring the base, we saw how they integrate young Israelis with disabilities into the Israel Defense Forces. These brave soldiers serve with dignity and pride and are fully included in work and life at the base alongside other Air Force soldiers. It was moving to speak with Special in Uniform soldiers personally and learn about their various essential jobs, from monitoring security feeds to assembling and maintaining military equipment. More than that, it was clear that these soldiers are valued members of the base

at large — a true example of excellence in inclusion.

From Palmachim, we headed south to Be’er Sheva, where a lush park and lake greeted us. This River Park is nothing short of an ecological miracle and a boon to the city, which was long neglected and is now bursting with ambition and potential. Thanks to Jewish National Fund-USA’s Blueprint Negev campaign, which we are proud supporters of, the dream of creating a high quality of life and attracting 500,000 new residents to the region is coming to fruition. I must admit, I find myself tempted to purchase a home there!

Another highlight of our time in Be’er Sheva was visiting the Lauder Employment Center (LEC). Fostering relationships with more than 300 employers, the LEC makes it possible for young adults to secure high-quality employment that, in turn, strengthens the region’s attractiveness. The LEC serves everyone who wants to make Be’er Sheva and the surrounding area their home. It was impressive to see how they are also finding quality employment for thousands of Ukrainian refugees.

The next place we visited also makes a difference in lifting people up. Jewish National Fund-USA’s Arava International Center for Agriculture Training brings students from 16 countries across the developing world to learn and research cutting-edge technology, which they then

implement in their home communities. These young leaders spread a love of Israel and empower vulnerable communities to create a better future.

Our last stop left the greatest impact on us. At the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, Israeli, Palestinian and Jordanian students come together to study and address some of our planet’s most pressing problems. While there, my wife, a clinical neuropsychologist, had a captivating discussion with a Ghanaian student regarding new discoveries about

the healing properties of plant cells. We were lucky to enjoy a long conversation with Tareq Abu Hamed, the Institute’s Director, who shared the impact of their work both on climate issues and in building connections between researchers of different backgrounds.

After decades of supporting Jewish National Fund-USA, seeing our donations at work was a true joy and honor. To learn more or get involved, contact Joshua Mellits at jmellits@jnf.org or 561-447-0833.

The Isaacs with Tiran Attia at Special in Uniform

Miami Holocaust survivor visits “Block 8,” where he was imprisoned as a child

As part of an exclusive mission with FIDF, 94-year-old man was granted unprecedented access to closed-to-public “Block 8” in Auschwitz

Auschwitz Concentration Camp, Poland (April 26, 2023) – More than 80 years after he narrowly escaped death as a prisoner in the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and extermination camp, 94-year-old David Shechter of Miami was granted exclusive access to the camp’s “Block 8,” a closed-to-the-public, private section of the museum.

Shechter is the first Holocaust survivor, and first member of the public, to ever enter this space. It was in Block 8 that Shechter was imprisoned for three years as a child – starved, tortured and witness to thousands of senseless and brutal murders, including those of his own family members.

Shechter’s emotional experience was part of an exclusive “Holocaust to Independence” mission, hosted by Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), from April 19-27, on the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the state of Israel.

“Having to walk through Cell 8 was choking. While I was prepared for the trauma, I almost fainted. I don’t know

how in G-d’s name I came out of the Holocaust alive,” he said of the excruciating visit, one that he claims was necessary.

“What gave me strength was having IDF commanders by my side, as well as FIDF supporters who saw firsthand some of the horrors of what we experienced during the most horrendous time in history.”

One of the founders of the Holocaust Memorial in Miami Beach and The March of the Living, Shechter has made it his life’s mission to keep the memories of the six million murdered Jews alive. As the number of survivors continues to dwindle, Shechter says, he considers his extraordinary vigor a gift that allows him to continue telling his story to a new generation of young people.

"I look in their eyes and tell them three things: No. 1, they need to hear me; No. 2, they need to understand; and No. 3, the most important, I need them to be my mouthpiece when I am no longer here.”

A film was produced in 2018 about his life, “A Call to Remember: The David Shechter Story,” and, recently, hours of

his story were recorded for an interactive exhibit slated to open in a museum in Boston in 2025.

Alongside a delegation of IDF soldiers, Shechter, with fellow Holocaust survivor Ben Midler, joined a delegation of 120 — including Israel Defense Forces (IDF) officers and FIDF supporters from across the country — on an incredible nine-day journey of remembrance and renewal in Poland and Israel.

“From Holocaust to Independence” brings Jewish history to life, from its darkest moments to the most triumphant. The mission is part of FIDF’s Witnesses in Uniform program, which offers IDF soldiers a first-hand look at the unfathomable horrors of the Holocaust, leading to a new, profound understanding of their Jewish identity and heritage.

Children of a lost tribe celebrate Israel’s 75th Independence Day in India

Churachandpur, Northeastern India (April 24, 2023) — In celebration of Israel's 75th Independence Day, children of the Bnei Menashe community from Churachandpur in the Indian state of Manipur marched through the streets with blue and white flags. Thus far, more than 5,000 Bnei Menashe have made Aliya to Israel in the past two decades, thanks largely to the Jerusalem-based nonprofit Shavei Israel. Another 5,000 remain in India, all of whom wish to make their home in the Jewish state.

“Each year, members of the Bnei Menashe community in northeastern India celebrate Israel's Independence Day

with a mixture of excitement and pride as they pray that they will soon be able to make Aliyah to the country they love so much," said Rabbi Michael Freund, Founder and Chairman of Shavei Israel.

The Bnei Menashe are descendants of the tribe of Manasseh, one of the Ten Lost Tribes exiled from the Land of Israel more than 2,700 years ago by the Assyrian empire. Throughout their exile, the Bnei Menashe continued to practice Judaism just as their ancestors did, including observing the Sabbath, keeping kosher, celebrating the festivals and following the laws of family purity. They have always nourished the dream of one day returning to the land of their ancestors, the land of Israel.

Mission participants learned about 1,100 years of Jewish history, 700 years of Jewry and six years of the darkest time of human history. The culmination of the experience in Israel gave participants an even greater appreciation of what Israel is and what it means to every Jew on Earth. It underscored the enormous responsibility of the young men and women who serve to protect it, and participants walked away with an even greater sense of appreciation for the Jewish Homeland.

“This historic mission on Israel’s 75th anniversary was a meaningful and cathartic experience. We celebrated the story of Jewish courage — from near annihilation to the triumph of establishing the state of Israel,” said Steve Weil, CEO of FIDF. “Today we have the soldiers of the IDF to protect the Jewish people. We will never forget our past and will do everything we can to keep the memories of those who perished alive to honor them and to share with future generations the importance of Israel and her protectors.”

David Shechter inside Block 8

Credit: Courtesy of FIDF

Courtesy of Shavei Israel

David Shechter (second from left) standing at the main entrance to the Auschwitz camp with IDF officers

The mostly non-pirate Jews of the Caribbean

Marina Berkovich JHSSWF President

The original Jewish community of St. Maarten, an island shared by Holland and France, started with Jews who sought refuge from the Iberian expulsion of 1492. Beginning with Christopher Columbus’s first cross-Atlantic voyage, some Jews sailed far into the unknown, away from European persecution.

After the Portuguese defeated the Dutch in Brazil in 1654, Brazilian Jews scattered to Amsterdam, Holland, Surinam, Africa, British Barbados, Martinique, Nevis and Curacao, which they turned into major Jewish spiritual leaders for America’s first synagogues. Other than crystalizing sugar, many found fortune in pirate-loving Port Royal. Not the one in Naples, Florida! The real one in Jamaica! Twenty-three others managed to make it to New Amsterdam.

Since the early 1700s, the Dutch encouraged Jews to settle on St. Eustatius, a Caribbean Island not far from St. Maarten. Jewish presence always meant a lively merchant community with the multitude of advantages it created.

At the start of the American Revolution, two famous cousins, King Louis XVI of France and King Charles III of Spain, formed the trading company to stockpile munitions on St. Eustatius before shipping them to the American colonies where they would become the primary source of weapons for General Washington … hmm …

By 1783, St. Martin had a large enough Jewish population to build a synagogue. In 1879, a property referenced as “two lots formally the Jewish Synagogue” was sold. In 1895, the property changed hands again as “the land called the Jewish Synagogue” on today’s Guavaberry Street, which incidentally has the oldest ruins in Phillipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side of the Island. By 1910, when the next sale took place, no reference to the Jewish Synagogue was made. It disappeared.

Faced with the abolition of slavery — on the French side in 1848 and the Dutch side by 1863 — the Napoleonic wars and the diminishing plantation system, the Jews left St. Maarten. The Dominican Republic entered into a commercial treaty with Holland and some families moved there. Most of the St. Eustatius community went to St. Thomas, which now has their menorah. Some moved to Panama and the United States. By 1863, St. Martin had no Jewish residents.

In 2012, a plaque denoting the 19th-century Jewish burial ground of St. Maarten was erected after a forensic DNA testing identified the remains of a 48-year-old Jewish male to be of the Sephardic Jewish ancestral group with ties to St. Eustatius and Barbados.

Though officially forbidden from settling in Puerto Rico, secret Jews, Marranos, conversos, Cryptos, began settling there in the 15th century. In 1898, a few American Jews openly migrated there. Large groups of Jews escaped the Nazis in the 1930s and 1940s. Then, Cuban Jews escaped Castro in 1959, most

settling in San Juan. Puerto Rico has the largest, wealthiest Jewish community in the Caribbean with several synagogues — information for you in case you seek refuge … or if your cruise ship stops there.

Your generosity helps us continue our work. No amount is too small, and you may donate online, by mail or contact us at office@jhsswf.org. Members receive announcements, reminders and other wonderful information you won’t want to miss. A family membership is $54; individual membership is $36; student membership is $18; and corporate sponsorship is $300. If mailing a check, please send 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://jewishhistorysouthwestflorida.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.

Hadassah’s medical breakthroughs improves lives

enhancing women’s knowledge and awareness, and improving outcomes.

Last month, I promised updates on the many medical miracles and programs initiated by Hadassah and Hadassah Hospital. You’ll see how we are spreading healing and hope and how our medical breakthroughs and advocacy are improving the lives of people.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women. Too often, it is underdiagnosed and undertreated. As a result of research at the Pollin Center at Hadassah Hospital, many new heart centers for women are opening to address disparities between men and women,

The incidence of diabetes and heart disease is 60% higher in Arab women than in Jewish women, so Hadassah has trained Arab women to become Health Promotion Leaders. These women are now running intervention programs, teaching people about healthy lifestyles.

Hadassah Medical Organization is making breakthroughs to improve life for people with multiple sclerosis and ALS. HMO researchers found evidence that stem cells injected into the central nervous system showed a marked decrease in disability in these patients. HMO scientists are also the first in the world to create male and female stem cells from the same person, with the exact same genetic code, allowing researchers to study how gender differences affect health care.

Dr. Tamar Perri, director of the new gynecologic oncology department, is

working to make women aware of the symptoms of gynecologic cancers so that they can seek immediate medical attention. She emphasizes that a diagnosis of uterine cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer or ovarian cancer need not be an automatic death sentence.

In a new podcast episode of “Hadassah on Call,” women learn how hormones affect their mental health. Listeners gain a better understanding of premenstrual syndrome, pre- and post-partum depression and menopause, so they can recognize them and know when to seek help.

Dr. Polina Stepensky heads the department of bone marrow transplantation and cancer immunotherapy for adults and children. Doctors in her department are now using genetically engineered T cells to help treat what was once incurable multiple myeloma.

These are just a few of the miracles happening in our hospitals on Mt. Scopus

and in Ein Kerem. Hadassah hospitals serve without regard to race, religion or nationality. We are the largest Jewish women’s organization in the United States, and we work to effect change and advocate on critical issues to promote women’s health, combat antisemitism and ensure the security of Israel. We must fundraise to promote our values and to support our hospitals.

We empower women to put our values into action. Please join us in our upcoming programs and expand your horizons in Expanding Horizons Plus:

• May 22, 3:30 p.m. – Stephani Bakes presented by chef/baker Stephani Schwartz

• July 13, noon – Summer Fun – a book swap and lunch with hostess Leda Lubin

• Oct. 18, 10:30 a.m. – Whatever Happened to the Great American Railroad? presented by Jeffrey Margolis

I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!

Better than perfect

Historically, there have been 75% fewer 20-strikeout games than perfect games recorded in baseball. Why is a 20-strikeout game rarer?

It’s June, and summer is well underway. For sports fans, the change of season marks the transition into the heart of the baseball year. All around the country, fans gather in professional and minor league stadiums to watch the activity once dubbed “America’s Pastime.”

Baseball players can achieve a feat unparalleled in major sports — perfection. Only a baseball pitcher can be said to have thrown a perfect game — no hits, no walks, no errors.

27 men up, 27 men down.

Perfection is a heavy burden, but it is not statistically the rarest pitching feat in baseball. In more than a century and a half of professional baseball, there have been 318 no-hit games, 23 perfect games, and players have hit four home runs in a single game 18 times.

Two years ago, Max Scherzer of the Washington Nationals threw 20 strikeouts in a game. He became only the fourth person to do so, and it was the fifth such game in all of baseball history.

When one has a perfect game, everything falls into place. The pitcher feels less stress because the rest of the team is fielding at an exceptionally high rate. Balls that might have been hits on other days, are being caught. Momentum starts to build, as does the pitcher’s confidence. Physically, it is the least taxing experience for a pitcher, having to face the absolute minimum number of possible hitters and throwing fewer pitches than in other games. While there may be mental pressure to stay focused, there are no runners on base and no mistakes to recover from.

In contrast to the experience of throwing a perfect game, Scherzer’s 20-strikeout game included two hits that were home runs. That didn’t slow him down. He kept doing his best, throwing hard and trying to strike out every batter. A strikeout, more than any other type of out in the field, depends on the skill of the pitcher to win the duel without the batter putting the ball into play. As such, Scherzer put in far more effort and displayed more skill in his 20-strikeout game than others did in recording a perfect game.

Perfection is elusive — an ideal that cannot be reached. Even the perfect

KATZ

game in baseball is an illusion — with good bounces, lucky breaks and strike calls all playing a role. There is a subjective element as well as events beyond all control. The Detroit Tigers experienced a near perfect game a few years ago. It came to an end with two outs in the ninth inning, when an umpire erroneously called a runner safe when he appeared to be out. That judgment call ruined a “perfect” game.

Recognizing the ephemeral nature of perfection, Judaism challenges us to strive for more than perfection. Instead, we are called to be like Max Scherzer, Kerry Wood, Roger Clemens and Randy Johnson — the four players with 20 strikeout games. Each one gave his best, remained undeterred by challenges that arose, and stayed the course. Just as their

pitching accomplishment is even rarer than a perfect game, we strive to be even better than perfect.

When the great sage Reb Zusya was on his deathbed, his students asked him what he feared the most. One asked if Zusya was worried that he did not live up to the standard set by Moses or Abraham. Zusya looked at this student and said, “No, I fear most that I will be judged not by those greats, but by my own potential. Was I the best Zusya I could be?”

May we each strive this summer to reach our highest potential, so that when our time comes, and we are asked about the quality of our lives, we can each say, “I was better than perfect. I was the best me that I could me.”

Rabbi Adam Miller serves at Temple Shalom.

A season of joy, affirmation and aspiration

Rabbi Mark Wm. Gross

It may very well be that “June is bustin’ out all over” on the coast of Maine, where Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel” is set, and where early-summer temperatures run around 65 degrees. But in our part of the world, here on the Gulf in the semi-tropics, the weather in June is more apt to find us wilting.

That is fitting enough, because in our annual circuit of the sun, June is a month of transition, which sees us preparing to tackle summer in earnest. The sun has been rising earlier and setting later every day since the Equinox last March, leading up to the longest (and therefore essentially hottest) day of the year on the Summer Solstice in June.

The Jewish calendar reflects a corresponding shift since June this year begins with the last-gasp tail-end-of-spring month of Sivvan and ends with the goshit's-hot down-and-dirty summer month of Tammuz. A striking contrast, given that our fabulously ancient people function spiritually in a kind of dreamtime that keeps us cognizant always of our long history.

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We remember, as well, that the end of the very same harvest was observed with mourning by our pagan neighbors of the Assyrian Empire as marking the death of the Mesopotamian fertility god for whom Tammuz is named.

It strikes us as an irreconcilable paradox to rejoice one month, because your hard work is rewarded by a full granary, then to grieve the next, because this means there’s nothing left in the fields but stubble and straw. That jarring incongruity is fully as ridiculous as the character in one of Elick Moll’s marvelous novellas, who disregards the personal beauty and artistic magnificence of the Venus de Milo and merely remarks, “Poor girl, such stubby arms.”

Sivvan marked the conclusion of the annual grainharvest…marking thismonthasoneofjubilant thanksgivingtoGod.

We of the Household of Israel view this time of year as a blessing and a celebration, on all counts. In terms of the once-a-year solar cycle, in circular time, this month of Sivvan is a celebration of the harvest season in Israel just concluded. And in terms of linear time (the “on this day in history” approach to Jewish life), Sivvan rejoices in recalling and reliving the Sinai Covenant that gave direction and meaning long ago to our Israelite forebears who had left Egypt 50 days earlier.

We recall that in the land of Israel, in antiquity, Sivvan marked the conclusion of the annual grain harvest, ongoing since Passover, marking this month as one of jubilant thanksgiving to God.

Any way you approach it, this is a season of joy, affirmation and aspiration. With which, as a given, wilting doesn’t bother us. Because, however hot the ensuing summer turns out to be, we are united in blessing and sacred purpose.

Rabbi Mark Wm. Gross serves at Jewish Congregation of Marco Island.

We wish all our northern friends a safe trip home, and a happy and healthy summer season. For our full timers we are offering a 10% DISCOUNT on all orders for the off-season.

Rabbi Adam F. Miller

“…I fear most that I will bejudgednotbythose greats,butbymy ownpotential.”

~RebZusya

Holiday of Weeks

Charles Flum President

Shavuot is one of the three major pilgrimage festivals. Sukkot and Pesach are the other two. In Temple times, all men were required to go to the Temple in Jerusalem to bring sacrifice to God. For Shavuot, they were to bring the first fruit of the harvest.

Shavuot has a few other names. Chag Habikurim (Holiday of First Fruits), Chag Hashavuot (Holiday of Weeks) and Chag Hakatzir (Harvest Festival).

Shavuot was originally a harvest festival of the first of the two harvests in Israel (the second is celebrated by Sukkot). Shavuot’s association with the giving of the law to Moses on Sinai was not introduced until Talmudic times. By then, Jews were much more urban, and the holiday had lost much of its significance as a harvest festival.

It is called the Holiday of Weeks because it occurs seven weeks after Pesach. Actually, it starts 50 days after the first seder, leading some to call the holiday Pentecost, meaning 50. Today, the most significant meaning of the holiday is the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai.

It is traditional to read the Book of Ruth during Shavuot for a couple reasons. First, the story takes place in the spring, at harvest time, which is when Shavuot falls. Additionally, Ruth was the ancestor of King David. According to a tradition in the Talmud, King David was born and

died during Shavuot. Ruth showed her loyalty to Torah by converting to Judaism. It is proper to read her story on Shavuot, the holiday of the Torah.

Three reasons are given for eating cheese dishes on Shavuot:

1. The Song of Songs says, “honey and milk under your lips” (4:11), which the rabbis took to imply that, like milk products and honey, the words of the Torah are pleasant and good for our spirits.

2. Exodus 23:19 says “The choicest first fruits you shall bring to the House of God. You shall not seethe a kid in its mother’s milk.” First fruits refers to Shavuot. The second sentence is taken to mean two main courses are to be served on Shavuot — dairy, then meat.

3. There is a legend that when the Israelites returned home from Mt. Sinai, they had no time to prepare a meat dish (it takes time to kosher an animal), so they had a dairy meal. In many homes, two blintzes (yum!) are served to represent the two tablets of the Ten Commandments.

Naples Jewish Congregation, the small congregation with the big heart, invites you to worship with us. During June, July and August, our services are on the last Friday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian church off Pine Ridge Road. Rabbi Herman, cantorial soloist Jane Galler and music director Alla Gorelick lead a joyous service. Why don’t you come and join us?

Thinking ahead, if you have never attended High Holiday services with us, they are free. If you have attended, but do not belong, it’s $100. The first year of membership is “pay from the heart, pay what you wish.” Come and join us. You’ll be glad you came to the hamish small congregation with the big heart.

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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

For more information, please call Jeffrey Feld, President/CEO at 239-263-4205.

Jewish community.

According to the bylaws of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, members are those individuals who make an annual gift of $72 or more to the Federation’s Annual Community Campaign.

BETH TIKVAH

www.bethtikvahnaples.org / 239-434-1818

S U M M E R

board members need to be hands-on, even more so if there are not sufficient professional staff to take care of the organization’s functioning needs. Someone has to make sure salt, pepper and napkins are on the table, and someone has to sign the checks that make sure the event is successful.

L

Wednesday, June 28 11 a.m.-12

Weina Dai Randel, The Last Rose

Wednesday, July 26 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Rachel Barenbaum, Atomic Anna

Wednesday, August 30 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Howard Blum,

Wednesday,

To thrive and grow, most charitable groups, by necessity, rely on active volunteers in order to continue operating. We all know of religious or charitable organizations with worthy goals that have shrunk in size, impact and their ability to effectively function. Think of religious schools’ shrunken curriculums, youth organizations or brother/sisterhoods that are not as vibrant as they once were, if they exist at all.

We all know some of the primary reasons: religion’s waning importance for today’s younger population, fewer participants, the allure of alternative activities. In my mind, another important factor is the lack of active participation, even with the same number of members. Active member participation, and having those members ask others to join with them, stimulates organizational interest. The power of asking is very strong and effective.

Another critical aspect of volunteerism is the necessity of being an active volunteer. Volunteers who want to clink champagne glasses at gala celebrations need to first help organize and produce successful gala celebrations. Volunteer

ike many Southwest Florida residents and Beth Tikvah members who come from other places and have other places to go to, I am a member or contributor to several synagogues and other Jewish organizations. My wife and I are members of a Reform congregation in Oregon near my son, a USCJ synagogue in Massachusetts near my daughter, a Modern Orthodox shul in Palm Beach near friends and, in Naples, our Beth Tikvah. Although it has been several years now, if I were in Massachusetts this June, I would be playing in the Northshore JCC golf tournament fundraiser. All are similar in one respect; they all rely on members stepping forward to help as both contributors and volunteers. Those with larger memberships are less so than those with smaller member bases. However, none will decline an offer from a volunteer, and each relies on volunteerism to reach its goals.Like many JFGN area Jewish organizations, Beth Tikvah relies on the goodwill and good intentions of our volunteers and multitasking by our small professional staff to make things happen. However, we cannot lose sight of a very important part of volunteerism. Some volunteer positions can be quite task intensive or time-consuming. For instance, the important and successful communitywide Naples Jewish Film Festival and the Jewish Book Festival are big volunteering jobs — just as it is at the synagogue level when organizing scholar-in-residence programs or putting on a welcoming Kiddush luncheon after Shabbat, and so on. These volunteers must arrange, then coordinate through many hands, the presentation of these well-received community-wide or individual synagogue events.

I believe, anyone who takes a position at their shul or another Jewish organization does so with the intent of being of service to others and to “just make things better.” Our volunteers step up because most want to strengthen the relationships between their fellow congregants and the larger Jewish community. They see it as a way to make a difference for everyone in the wider Jewish community.

But, just like everyone, volunteers can get tired. They need, and we need as beneficiaries of their service, replacements to step up and learn what is required, then say “let me help or let me step into your place.” Some people shy away as they think they are not capable or ready for the responsibility. But don’t do that; be a growing part of Beth Tikvah, MCA, WCA, JFGN or BBYO, and on and on. Step forward and take part!

Candle lighting times

June 2: 7:58 p.m. June 9: 8:01 p.m. June 16: 8:03 p.m. June 23: 8:05 p.m. June 30: 8:05 p.m.

An active summer at JCMI

Stan Alliker President

May is here and summer returns. Car carriers have begun shuttling cars back north as snowbirds depart.

On April 5, we held JCMI’s Congregational Seder. It was a great success. Many thanks to Mary Pinto for organizing the event.

Visit Jerusalem with PJ Library

Kids will discover the Jerusalem Light Festival held in the Old City right here in Naples!

Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center

June 25, 2023

Time: 3:30 - 4:30 PM

RSVP

Alicia Feldman (239)449-8203 programs@jewishnaples.org

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 advertis-

ing 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.

Bingo continues to be strong, thanks to Sue Baum’s leadership. While originally planned to end May 1, there has been such demand that we are considering continuing it into the summer. Keep your eyes open for future announcements.

On July 4, we are planning our annual barbecue. Keep an eye out for more details to come.

This summer promises to be an active one as JCMI plans for the next year.

Heading North?

If you’re heading north at the end of the season, we’ll miss you! So let’s stay in touch. Please help us update our files by providing us with your northern address.

Please choose one of the following methods to provide us with the information below:

• call us at 239-263-4205

• email your information to info@jewishnaples.org

• complete and mail this form to:

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples 4720 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34119

Name: ____________________________________________________

Northern Address: _________________________________________

Northern Phone: __________________________________________

Email: ____________________________________________________

Leaving SW Florida: _______________________________________

Returning to SW Florida: ____________________________________

Jewish life on campus

By Rabbi Mendel Gordon

Sometimes, as the year comes to an end, things slow down. But here, it has been full of action until the last day. I would love to share a quick rundown of the highlights in addition to all the regular activities of shabbat dinners weekly with around 20 students and the weekly classes we have going on.

Mega

shabbat

More than 60 students joined together to celebrate a mega shabbat on campus. What an incredible Jewish spirit. Students were excited to realize how many other Jewish students there are on campus and enjoyed an amazing dinner together, giving a real boost to Jewish pride and the feeling that ‘Am Yisrael Chai’ — the Jewish people are alive.

The mega shabbat was made in honor of this year being a year of Hakel, a year of gathering when we put extra effort to gather together to inspire each other as was done in times of old.

Our university president, Dr. Mike Martin, joined us for the event and announced to everyone the new Jewish center on campus (which I will explain soon). We were also privileged to have Jeffrey Feld, president and CEO of JFGN, and his wife, Susan, joining us.

Jewish Heritage Day

Hardly a week after mega shabbat, we had an amazing Jewish Heritage Day on the center of campus with various booths of different Jewish themes giving both Jewish and non-Jewish students the opportunity to learn more about Torah and Jewish life. A special highlight of the day was a 12-foot art mural that the students made with the message of how Torah and Mitzvot add light and energy to the world.

Pesach

From there, we went straight to Passover, with over 20 students joining together for each of the two seders.

What we found incredible is that, for Passover, most of our regulars go home to join their families for the holiday but we still have a large group that gets together as our FGCU Jewish family.

We concluded Passover with a special moshaich meal dedicated to the future redemption that we pray will come very soon.

Jewish lounge on campus

We have achieved a major milestone for Jewish life at FGCU — Jewish students now have their very own place on campus. The Jewish student lounge is something we have been working on for a long time and, thanks to University President Mike Martin, it is now a reality.

The Jewish center is in the heart of campus, in the library, and is a place where students can come to hang out, grab a kosher snack and meet other Jews.

We’ve been having classes there and we plan to use it for classes and small social events next semester in addition to being a lounge and center where students can meet, chill and study. To book a time to see the Jewish student lounge, please reach out to me (contact details below).

Year-end banquet

We finished the semester on a bang, with a grand banquet celebrating our seniors and reminiscing on an amazing year at Chabad.

We can't wait to all get together again with everyone for fall semester.

Chabad will be open throughout the summer with a full plan for social and education programs for those students who will be in town.

For more information or to connect a student, please reach out to me at 239355-8481 or rabbi@chabadfgcu.com.

Latest news from the teens of BBYO Naples

By Cayla Schreier: BBYO Southwest Coordinator

April was a very busy month for the BBYO teens of Naples. Our teens held a chapter meeting in early April to discuss the upcoming Chapter board elections. The teens are excited to become more involved in BBYO by taking on more leadership responsibilities. Our newly recruited BBYO advisor, Ben Yaffe, led the meeting. Yaffe is a BBYO alum from Ohio who is passionate about Jewish leadership and community. The teens enjoyed hearing about his experiences in BBYO and how he could guide the teens of BBYO Naples to guarantee their future success.

Everyone had a wonderful Passover holiday celebration with friends and family. Some even volunteered at a senior care facility to help run a Passover seder for its residents. This break helped the teens become more excited about attending their Spring Regional Convention in Orlando.

The Spring Regional Convention is the BBYO year-end celebration of this past programming year. Our Naples chapter was well represented at the North Florida Region’s SRC with eight of the 39 total teens in attendance. The teens participated

in a chapter programming showcase, Shabbat services, regional spirit competition and the election of the North Florida Region’s regional board. This event provided teens the opportunity to form friendships with teens from other parts of the North Florida Region such as Tampa, Gainesville and Orlando. It also allowed them to collaborate and share ideas about chapter events, meetings and social media.

Our teens showed up with excitement and Naples BBYO spirit. The Naples chapter not only won the chapter programming talent showcase and rap battle, but also ended up winning the regional spirit competition and the Spirit Stick.

Three of our teens won model BBYO

member awards for being great role models to other BBYO teens. Two teens won Universal Orlando tickets due to their model behavior at the event. Our teens went from low regional participation at the beginning of the school year to winning the regional spirit competition. They left SRC with new friends and a new exciting and positive outlook for their Naples chapter.

The teens plan to hold a beach cleanup and Shabbat dinner, Naples BBYO chapter elections and an end of the 2022-2023 school year Cupcake Wars Celebration.

If you know of someone who has a teen who might like to join BBYO, or become an advisor to our chapters,

please email me at cschreier@bbyo.org. Follow us for updates on Instagram at Mishpacha_BBG.

What is BBYO?

BBYO is a diverse and inclusive Jewish youth group to encourage Jewish teens to become more immersed and interested in meaningful Jewish activities. BBYO accepts all Jewish teens attending the eighth through twelfth grades. BBYO reaches over 70,000 teens worldwide.

Supporting our teenage Jewish community

Post-B’nai Mitzvah age teens' involvement in BBYO and eagerness to create and confidently continue their own Jewish community within their greater Jewish communities is critical to our future.

Naples is partnering with Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, Temple Shalom, Chabad of Naples and Beth Tikvah. Each organization provides support for our teens. We thank everyone for providing a great environment for them.

Both Jewish Federation of Greater Naples and the Temple Shalom Men’s Club offer scholarships to attend BBYO conventions and summer programs. For more information on scholarships, please contact Cayla. To be included in our friends and alumni of BBYO mailing list, email us at mjs0821@aol.com.

BBYO International Convention showcases the spirit of teens

By Tara Harris, BBYO Regional Director

This past February, I had the honor of attending BBYO's International Convention (IC) in Dallas, Texas over President’s Day weekend. Over 3,200 Jewish teens from all over the world came together to celebrate their Jewish identity. The primary focus of programming throughout the weekend was on truth, democracy and the role that young people must play in strengthening those pillars of our society.

From music (the cast of “Hamilton” had something to say about democracy) to speakers (David Hogg, co-founder of March for Our Lives; Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt; and many others) to ritual and learning (30 Shabbat experiences, 40 Jewish learning sessions and an unforgettable Havdalah celebration), these themes were addressed multidimensionally, which is BBYO’s unique contribution to Jewish education and learning.

Teens also had the opportunity to hear from former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jodi Kantor, and the Second Gentleman of the United States, Douglas Emhoff.

The teens and Prime Minister Bennett engaged in dialogue about a variety of topics, with teens pressing him on important questions about prospects for peace with the Palestinians, the future of democracy in Israel and leadership lessons as a world leader.

Teens were able to give the Second Gentleman a sense of what they are dealing with, as well as insights into what help they need to fight hate in their schools and communities. They asked him about the Administration’s comprehensive plan to combat antisemitism, and where BBYO and the Administration might continue to work together. The Second Gentleman’s message was a strong one — “do not live in fear.” So much

so, that the White House retweeted the message to its followers.

With teens present from 44 countries, teens in North Florida Region No. 52 really enjoyed getting to make friends with others internationally and feel the warm embrace of our global Jewish community. Kylie Bell, regional N'siah (president) of North Florida Region No. 52 stated, "I had an amazing time at IC. I made new friends and created so many memories over my time in Dallas, Texas."

I was blown away by the spirit of Jewish teens. I personally had the opportunity to meet so many amazing teens, peers and professionals alike, who all have the same passion I have for the Jewish community.

We even got to explore the city a bit! Teens got to pick which venues to explore in the city, such as tour the training facility for the Dallas Cowboys or make a splash in Epic Waters indoor Waterpark. The convention ended with international

elections where teens elected international board positions for the upcoming year.

Next year, IC will take place in our region. Our largest-ever International Convention will be surpassed as BBYO celebrates its 100th birthday in Orlando, our home region. In just a quick car ride, you will be able to participate in this life-changing event with others from around the globe. BBYO professionals

have already started planning next year's convention! Do you want to volunteer?

BBYO looks for over 100 volunteers to help make this event a reality! You do not want to miss the chance to experience the fun, fellowship and friendship firsthand. Do you have any questions about IC? Don't hesitate to reach out to me, BBYO North Florida Region Director Tara Harris at Tharris@bbyo.org.

Planning a summer to remember

By Ettie Zaklos, Preschool of the Arts Founder & Director

The summer months are always exciting at Preschool of the Arts, and our summer got off to a great start with the installation of our brandnew, cutting-edge outdoor kitchen in the school’s Garden of the Arts! This is a first-of-its-kind project in Naples, and we believe that it will offer students a unique opportunity to learn about the importance of healthy eating, sustainability and the art of cooking with fresh ingredients. Our students will be able to participate in "seed to table" activities, where they can cultivate and harvest their own plants in the garden and use them to create fresh, healthy salads, smoothies and other produce-based delicacies. The kitchen features state-of-the-art equipment and tools, along with a beautiful outdoor dining area, which provides an ideal space for students to gather and enjoy their culinary creations.

At POTA, we are committed to fostering a love for the arts, nature and healthy living in our students, and this outdoor kitchen project aligns perfectly with our values. We believe that it will be a fantastic addition to our garden, and we can't wait to see what our students will create in this beautiful new space!

Summer camp

In early June, we will kick off our 19th year of summer camp fun with Summer of the Arts 2023: STEAMsational. When we opened enrollment for camp this past January, I was humbled by the tremendous interest as the camp filled to capacity within days. As I write this, our team is gearing up for the most amazing summer, with two three-week sessions that explore the worlds of science, technology, engineering, art, math and music in ways that ignite your child’s imagination! Each week of camp will focus on a different field with immersive and sensory experiences. Our weekly themes include mad scientists, Einstein engineers,

music maestros, little artists, math wizards and tech titans.

The exciting activities, art, cooking and games each week will tie into the theme of the week, allowing our campers to experience the joy of experimentation and discovery in each of these creative fields. The fun never stops, as our campers delve into creative arts, science, soccer, tennis, golf, Little Chefs, water play and weekly entertainers, with new and exciting discoveries awaiting them at every turn. It is sure to be a summer to remember!

Big Build project progress

But the most exciting development this summer is yet to come. I am thrilled to update our community on the progress of our historic Big Build expansion project of the Jay and Patty Baker Preschool of the Arts. We anticipate receiving building permits from the city in June, and plan to break ground soon thereafter. The Big Build is a significant expansion project that will transform our campus with new classrooms, a children’s library, a STEM center and innovative communal spaces that will enhance our community. The new facilities will enable us to expand our programming and continue to provide an outstanding early childhood education for our students.

We are so grateful for the continued support of our beloved community that has helped us reach this point of beginning construction on our dream building. We are so excited to continue to create special experiences in a space that can grow the leaders of tomorrow and ensure a vibrant community for years to come.

Thank

Celebrating our amazing teachers who inspire and guide us every day!

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

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 & Ettie Zaklos Co-directors

Dr. Arthur Seigel, President

Shabbat Services

Shabbat - Saturday 10 a.m.

Camp Gan Israel

Hebrew School

Preschool of the Arts

Jewish Women’s Circle

Adult Education

Bat Mitzvah Club

Friendship Circle

Smile on Seniors

Flying Challah

Kosher food delivery

CHABAD OF BONITA SPRINGS & ESTERO

24611 Production Circle

Bonita Springs, FL 34135

Phone: 239-949-6900

Email: chabad@jewishbonita.com

Website: www.JewishBonita.com

Rabbi Mendy & Luba Greenberg

Co-directors

Services:

Sunday 9 a.m.

Monday through Friday 8 a.m.

Shabbat 10 a.m.

Adult Education

Challah of Love

Community Events

Daily Minyan Services

Hebrew School

Kosher Grocery

Kosher Meals on Wheels

Smile on Seniors

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

Shabbat Services

Friday 7:30 p.m.

Seasonal: Saturday Talmud-Torah at 9:30 a.m. and Shachrit at 10:30 a.m.

Rabbi’s Lifelong Learning Series

Sidney R. Hoffman Jewish Film Festival

Saul I. Stern Cultural Series JCMI Book Club

NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION (Reform)

Services are held at:

The Unitarian Congregation

6340 Napa Woods Way

Rabbi Howard Herman 431.3858

Email: rabbi@naplesjewishcongregation.org

www.naplesjewishcongregation.org

Charles Flum, President

Jane Galler, Cantorial Soloist

Shabbat Services

Friday evenings 7 p.m.

May - August: services once a month

Sisterhood • Men’s Club

Adult Education • Adult Choir

Social Action • Community Events

BETH TIKVAH (Conservative)

1459 Pine Ridge Road

Naples, FL 34109 (just west of Mission Square Plaza) Phone: 434.1818

Email: office@bethtikvah.us

Website: www.bethtikvahnaples.org

Rabbi Ammos Chorny

Joseph Henson, 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

Website: www.jewishnaples.org

Email: info@jewishnaples.org

• Federation Board Chair: Nathaniel Ritter

• Federation President/CEO: Jeffrey Feld

American Jewish Committee

Regional Dir: Brian Lipton, 941.365.4955

American Technion Society Chapter Dir: Kelley Whiter, 561.395.7206

Our

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The Federation Star is published monthly, September through July, by

Baker Senior Center Naples

Phone: 325.4444

Chairperson: Prentiss Higgins

President/CEO: Dr. Jaclynn Faffer

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

President: Michael Sobol, 508.733.9427

Naples BBYO Tara Harris, 407-832-4443

Naples Friends of American Magen David Adom (MDA)

SE Reg Dir: Joel Silberman, 954.457.9766

PJ Library

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

Women’s Cultural Alliance

President: Patti Boochever, 518.852.3440

Zionist Organization of America

President: Jerry Sobel, 914.329.1024

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples Presents THE ISRAEL SCOUTS PERFORMANCE

TUESDAY, JUNE 20 AT 7:00 PM

Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center

The Israel Friendship Caravan Scouts will sing and dance.

The entire community is invited to join us! All ages are welcome! Don’t miss this free performance! Come sing and dance!

Please register at WWW.JEWISHNAPLES.ORG

THE ISRAEL SCOUTS FRIENDSHIP

CARAVAN is made up of fi ve girls, five boys and two Caravan leaders from all over Israel. In order to be in the Caravan, these teenagers (16 and 17 years old) went through a highly competitive selection process and were chosen based on their maturity, fluency in English, and performance skills. Scouting is big in Israel, with over 60,000 members. Those chosen to participate here are selected for their ability to best represent the State of Israel. As Israeli delegates, these teens have a love for Israel and a desire to share that with North Americans. The Scouts spend the 10 weeks of summer performing in synagogues and churches, schools and summer camps, even nursing homes – wherever people want to share their love for Israel.

7:00 - 8:00 P.M.

MAIN PERFORMANCE: The Scouts are bright and dynamic performers. Their singing, dancing and storytelling are high-energy and upbeat. They have an intense love for the land and the people of Israel, and a strong desire to share that passion with you. They will have you singing and dancing in your seat and, if you are lucky, dancing with them.

8:00 - 8:30 P.M.

Meet , greet and photo ops with the Scouts and an opportunity to purchase CDs and T-shirts