In person

Steven Chizzik, President

One of the most important jobs I’ve had as president of Beth Tikvah is helping our synagogue navigate the COVID pandemic. Luckily, I’ve had the cooperation and counsel of a very intelligent task force. Our goal has always been, “how to keep our synagogue open to in-person events.” We reopened Beth Tikvah last June and I’m thankful to say we have been able to remain open, keeping our congregants in the safest environment possible. We’ve done this by requiring that everyone be up to date on their vaccinations, wear a KN95 mask and stay socially distanced.

Unfortunately, we’ve started and halted our kiddushim several times as variants reared their ugly heads, not allowing us to remove masks indoors to eat. Now, I’m excited to say that we had a solid, 6-foot fence recently built in our backyard, creating a beautiful “garden” that will allow us the safety and security to have outdoor kiddushim and events. We bought beautiful outdoor furniture, so everyone will be comfortable in our Beth Tikvah “garden.”

I invite everyone to join us for a Shabbat service and then experience our ability to relax and schmooze as well as partake in a delicious kiddush and remove our masks and see each other’s smiles outdoors! As Sandra Lilienthal recently taught us (in a most informative Day of Learning), Zoom is better than not seeing each other at all; however, it is not a substitute for interacting with one another in person.

After a packed event schedule in January and February, March brings an amazing number of events at Beth Tikvah. I invite everyone to join us.

The March calendar highlight is the much-anticipated Naples Jewish Film Festival. This year, it will feature four great movies and two Israeli television series. This promises to be the best Film Festival ever, and it all can be seen in the comfort of your home. I’d like to thank the Film Festival Committee members, who have worked tirelessly to select and bring us only the very best. I hope everyone enjoys the films.

Our Megillah reading and Purim celebration will take place in our synagogue Wednesday evening, March 16 at 6:15 p.m. in person!

I, again, would like to remind everyone that Beth Tikvah is offering new members their fi rst year’s dues free of charge. If you or a friend wishes to experience the warmth and community found at Beth Tikvah, please join us.

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

Beth Tikvah happenings

Wednesday, March 2, 12:15 p.m. – Jews in History, Rabbi Chorny

Sunday, March 6, 11 a.m. – Rosh Chodesh Women’s Study

March 6, 13, 20, 27 – Naples Jewish Film Festival Movies by Link.

Saturday, March 19, 9:30 a.m. – Hadassah Shabbat at Beth Tikvah

Wednesday, March 16, 6:15 p.m. – Purim Celebration & Megillah Reading

Friday, March 18, 10 a.m. – Docent Tour of Holocaust Museum, Elaine Rosen

Saturday, March 19, 9:30 a.m. – Hadassah Shabbat at Beth Tikvah, in memory of Marsha Goldfine

Wednesday, March 23, 6 p.m. – IAC program, Avi Melamed speaker, sponsored dinner.

Tuesday, March 29, 7:30 p.m. – Poznansky Wellness Series, Shelley Goodman speaker, “Living in the Unpredictable”

Religious services

• Sunday morning services begin at 9 a.m. in person and on Zoom

• Friday services begin at 6:15 p.m. in person and on Zoom

• Saturday services begin at 9:30 a.m. in person and on Zoom

• We convene Yahrzeit minyanim upon request.

You may reach Rabbi Chorny directly at 239-537-5257.