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Federation Star
SYNAGOGUE NEWS
March 2021
NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION
www.naplesjewishcongregation.org / 239.431.3858
How to best express gratitude during the pandemic Steve McCloskey President
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n so many ways, 2020 was the most dismal year on record for many of us. Starting in about mid-March, the coronavirus literally upended our lives. Its deleterious effects were, and continue to be, worldwide and devastating in scope. The pandemic, global in its reach, has been a scourge for all of us, but most profoundly, it has wreaked physical and mental havoc on our health care workers, first responders, essential workers and their families. While we rallied early on to support them in the spring and early summer, by honking, cheering for them and otherwise acknowledging their heroic efforts as they completed their shifts, in the ensuing months, our formerly
fulsome praise has largely given way to indifference. We Americans have a confoundingly cursory attention span. How, then, can we honor those who have risked everything, both physically and emotionally, so that the rest of us can survive this dire threat to our well-being? As these past 11 months (as of this writing) have so graphically demonstrated to over 330,000 families, it is all too often just a short downward spiral to death and despair from the onset of this lethal virus. Rather than delving into the myriad aspects of delusional, irrational or unprincipled opposition to scientifically based and reasoned public health measures, we should focus on the simple steps we can all take in the next months to ensure that those who have protected us, in turn, receive our thanks by the actions we take. Donning a facial covering is not a political statement nor an infringement of some illusory constitutional right or unspecified “personal freedom;” rather, it is a personal and public affirmation
that we value all lives, not just our own. Despite protestations to the contrary, we do have a modicum of a societal obligation not to knowingly harm others, particularly when a simple task can alleviate that risk. This civic duty is especially critical as the more highly transmissible coronavirus variant first reported in the UK is here. While we are awaiting COVID-19 vaccine shots, we must stay the course by continuing to physically distance ourselves when out, by avoiding gatherings and by staying home, other than when absolutely necessary to venture out. That these common-sense public health recommendations are unfairly maligned by many is a lamentable commentary on rigorous rumination being riven by the propulsive propagation of disinformation, misinformation and outlandish conspiracy theories peddled by some at the highest levels. Far too often, we hear many people bemoaning their “COVID fatigue.” Admittedly, it has been 11 months of
CHABAD OF BONITA SPRINGS AND ESTERO
mostly isolation for many, particularly us senior citizens. However, we are not children. If we elevate selfishness over selfsacrifice in this trying time, demanding deference to the common good, what are we teaching our children? In order to acknowledge the extraordinary courage and devotion of those tasked with caring for us, feeding us and providing us with the essential services we have needed throughout this pandemic, we need to take the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available to us. We at NJC have pledged to do so. Take a shot at demonstrating your deep appreciation for those Mr. Rogers lovingly called the “helpers,” by rolling up your sleeves to do your small part. On a more personal note, my gratitude is extended to Rabbi Herman, Jane Galler, Alla Gorelik and Peter Weissman for our wonderful Zoom Shabbat services, as well as to Dick Lechtner, Charles Flum and Barry Goldenberg for orchestrating them. Check NJC out at www.naplesjewish congregation.org for more information.
www.jewishbonita.com / 239-949-6900
Allow us to introduce ourselves By Rabbi Mendy & Luba Greenberg, Co-directors
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habad of Bonita Springs and Estero welcomes Jews from all backgrounds. We offer daily services, Shabbat services, adult education, Hebrew school, bar/bat mitzvah lessons, senior programs, hospital and nursing home visitations, kosher meals on wheels, a kosher grocery store, holiday programs, lectures, and in the pre-COVID-19 era and hopefully once again soon, our popular
Shabbat dinners and Kiddush luncheons. Join us for Hebrew lessons, Yiddish language, study of Chassidic philosophy and Torah study. We are currently offering some classes in person (with social distancing) as well as via Zoom. For our in-person services, we practice social distancing and wear masks. We also operate an independent center servicing the Jewish students at
FGCU, now led by Rabbi Mendel and Shternie Gordon. Our center is located at 24611 Production Circle in Bonita Springs, facing U.S. 41, just north of Old 41. For more information, please call us at 239-949-6900 or check out our website at www.Jewishbonita.com
www.chabadnaples.com / 239.262.4474
CHABAD JEWISH CENTER OF NAPLES
Chabad Center update By Rabbi Fishel
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habad of Naples has maintained its high level of serving and caring for the community in both traditional and COVID-19-responsive ways over the past year. In addition to providing food, masks, drive-thru care package pickups, and much-needed inspiration through doses of uplifting Jewish wisdom, we held online classes, and delivered digital and conventional holiday events in the safest ways possible. We are continuing with our ongoing services and strive to be here for the community in every imaginable way.
Pesach We will be sending out the special Shmurah Matzah, handmade matzah that Kabbalah calls the bread of healing and the bread of faith, to hundreds of families in our community. If you would like to
receive one, please reach out to the office. If you need a Seder kit or if you know of someone in need, please let us know as well and we will help them with a meal and their Passover needs. Planning a Seder at home and need a few hints? We offer a full video explaining how to make a Seder, with some explanations and insights so you can do it on your own. You can find it on our website or email us and we will send it to you. We will miss the camaraderie of our beautiful annual family community Seder, but send you blessings on the success of your own home Seder, which you can make unique and meaningful in your own personal way.
The flying challah and meals from the heart Each week, we send out smiles with an uplifting message in the form of a tasty
fresh challah. What a lovely way to say that, during this challenging time, we and the community are here for you! All you have to do is nominate a recipient by sending us an email and we will have it delivered. If you know someone who would appreciate a meal for Shabbat, or just in general, please let us know. We will be happy to arrange to have one sent to those who are really in need and without means to obtain help.
shopping for groceries or medicine — just let us know.
Shabbat services
If you have a yahrzeit or need to say Kaddish, we are always here to help make a minyan during the week. We are so grateful to those who help us with this minyan service when called.
After consulting with Dr. Michael Cohen and Dr. Avi Rosenberg, with whom we update frequently, we offer limited, abbreviated indoor Shabbat services from 10:30 a.m. - noon. Wearing a mask and social distancing must be observed and the area is cleaned before and after. There is no kiddush. Temperature checks are taken before entry by the head of security. Reservations must be made in advance, seating is limited, and you will receive the full guidelines and policy upon receipt of your RSVP. Safety is our primary concern.
Volunteer assistance
Mens Club Torah class
Our volunteers continue to be available if elderly or homebound people need
A Zoom Torah class is being offered on continued on page 37
Minyan
