Federation Star - March 2023

Power of Community Celebration

Sunday, March 12, 2023 | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Join us for brunch to honor and thank you for contributing to the Annual Community Campaign and enjoy the award presentations.

For more information, please contact Marcy Friedland, FRD Director 239-263-4205

Grand Opening celebration

By Jane Schiff, JFGN Board Chair

Oh, what a day it was, Jan. 15, 2023. If you are one of the approximately 700 people who came to celebrate the opening of the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, you know the excitement was palpable. There were two ribbon cutting ceremonies! The one outside included many of the Iser family, people who created the building and many of the largest donors to the building. The ribbon cutting in the front of Schiff Hall was ceremonial. So, with two ribbon cuttings, the building is now, doubly, officially open.

The speeches were heartwarming, inspirational and very moving. The sixyear journey of the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center had more twists and turns than a Sherlock Holmes novel. Finding land, getting zoning and permits, building during a pandemic and a Category 4 hurricane, supply chain issues, worker shortages and a gazillion decisions all add up to amazement that the building is open. Frankly, we were not sure we’d have the certificate of occupancy until

Keeping Naples Vibrant

This year’s Day of Learning will address what needs to be done to keep our rapidly growing community one of the best places to live.

Tennis Exhibition Comes to Naples Israel Tennis and Education Centers is hosting a fundraising exhibition featuring Israeli players and country club pros.

a couple days before the grand opening. But the DeAngelis Diamond team got it done.

We are still working out the kinks, or finishing the punch list as it is called in the building industry, but the building is usable and, every day, there are speakers, games, meetings, education and a host of other activities taking place.

Guests who attended the celebration were treated to a piano playing as they entered the Sobol lobby. As they walked through the building, they enjoyed beautiful artwork, some old and some new, most in shiny new frames. One feature that received a lot of positive feedback is the large sculpture on the wall in the lobby. The other sculpture by the same artist, David Hess, who did the Sobol lobby sculpture, is the Menorah on the outdoor patio wall — an amazing addition to the warmth and

joy of the area. Next December, it will be lit as a Chanukiah at our annual Chanukah celebration.

And talking about the outdoor patio, after 4 p.m., it was used by children as a playground during a PJ Library activity. The tables and chairs in the covered patio area were enjoyed as a place to talk with others. The building really showed how comfortable and accommodating it is for the entire community.

On Jan. 15, we saw old and young, men and women, Jews, and many others, including Father Bob from St Agnes, come together to celebrate this new era of Jewish communal life.

If you haven’t made your way to 4720 Pine Ridge Road yet, come see what all the fuss is about!

For more photos from the Grand Opening of the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, go to pages 20 and 21.

Jane Schiff

Welcome guests to our new center with a brick paver

By Marcy Friedland, Financial Resource Development Director

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 mfriedland@jewishnaples. org or 239-263-4205.

Donor Information

Name _____________________________________________________________

Address ___________________________________________________________

City _____________________________ State ________ Zip Code _____________

Email ____________________________________________________________

Phone ____________________________________________________________

Donation Amount (S) ____________________

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

NAPLES COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA

2023 SEASON

Saturday, March 4, 2023 3:00pm

Saturday, April 22, 2023 3:00pm

All concerts will be held at: Moorings Presbyterian Church 791 Harbour Drive, Naples

Each concert will be followed by a reception for all concert attendees

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)

THIS MONTH’S ADVERTISERS

This publication is brought to you each month thanks to the support of our advertisers. Please be sure to use their products and services, and mention that you saw their ad in Federation Star

Anago Cleaning Systems.................17

Baker Senior Center Naples............8A

Beth Tikvah....................................6A

Carlisle Naples, The..........................9

Casual Connection..........................10

Chellie Doepke, Premiere Plus Realty...6

Deborah Zvibleman, John R. Wood....27

Fuller Funeral Home......................22

Ginsberg Eye................................24

Henderson, Franklin...........................7

Katz New York Deli...............................4

Kaye Lifestyle Homes.......................5

Kotler Law Firm, P.L........................19

MCA....................................18 & 14A

Moorings Park...............................13

Naples Community Orchestra...........2

Naples Envelope & Printing Co.....10A

Naples Jewish Congregation...........26

Naples Jewish Film Festival..............7A

Senior Housing Solutions................12

Our New Artistic Director Alvin Ho

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

www.naplescommunityorchestra.org

$40/single ticket or $100/series

Hilton Naples................................20A

Hodges Funeral Home.....................6A

Hotworks Naples Fine Art Show.........3

James Knafo Architect & Builder......4A

Jewish Museum of Florida..............17

Siena Lakes......................................3A

Temple Shalom.................................25

TheatreZone..................................15

Truly Nolen..................................28

Wynn’s Market...............................8A

Featured piano soloist for our March concert

Bella Gutshtein

BRICK PAVER ORDER FORM

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: Jane Schiff

Vice Chairs: Nat Ritter, Marc Saperstein, Beth Wolff

Secretary: Rosalee Bogo

Treasurer: Elliot Lerner

Immediate Past Chair: Alvin Becker

Board of Directors

Frank Baum, Patti Boochever, Harvey Cohen, Marcia Cohodes, Amanda Dorio, Paula Filler, Cheryl Ginsburg, Larry Israelite, Tammy Katz, Merlin Lickhalter, Robin Mintz, Joel Pittelman, Stuart Price, Michael Rubenstein, Michael Sobol, Steve Strome, Jay Weiss, Jeff Zalasky, Board Member Emeritus: 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)

Synagogue Representatives

Stan Alliker, Cantor Donna Azu, Rabbi Ariel Boxman, Steve Chizzik, Rabbi Ammos Chorny, Rabbi Mendel

Gordon, Rabbi Mendy Greenberg, Rabbi Mark Gross, Rabbi Howard Herman, Rabbi Adam Miller, Charles Flum, Rabbi James Perman, Dr. Arthur Seigel, Len Teitelbaum, Rabbi Fishel Zaklos Staff

Jeffrey Feld: Federation President & CEO

Eduardo Avila: Campaign Associate

Reneé Bialek: Program Director

Michelle Cunningham: Receptionist

Courtney DeVault: Accounting Manager

Alicia Feldman: PJ Library Coordinator

Marcy Friedland: Financial Resource

Development Director

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, Connections and Community Directory

• Singles Social Group

• Women’s Cultural Alliance

• Women’s Philanthropy

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

By Joel Pittelman, Chair, JCRC

Naples is a community of lovely neighborhoods, beautiful homes, wonderful shopping, gracious dining, stimulating art and culture, and warm, sunny golf greens and Gulf beaches. It is a place where many retirees as well as families come for a vacation and decide it would be a perfect place to live. I think we all know people who came to Naples for a two-week vacation and decided to purchase a home before they left. With Greater Naples attracting so many new residents, our community's facilities and services must grow to meet the increasing demand.

As other vacation communities have grown, they have often changed in character. Tourist attractions, fast-food stands, arcades, souvenir shops and flashing neon signs light up commercial areas and convert what had been gracious shopping boutiques and dining into amusement strips. Could that happen in Greater Naples?

The Day of Learning, the Jewish Community Relations Council’s annual flagship event, will address this question. This year’s program will look at several important areas that affect our quality of life. Land use and development will be discussed by Amy Patterson, Collier County’s manager, and James French, its director of growth management and community development. How is land

of Learning

use and growth managed and what are their thoughts on housing needs and environmental protection?

Michael Dalby, president and CEO of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, will share his thoughts on changes we might foresee in commercial and business development. Will the business sector expand from its current local service orientation to include regional office headquarters and research and production components? How would that change our city?

Executive Director of United Arts Council Elysia Dawn will share her vision of the activities and facilities that will be needed to provide arts and entertainment experiences for the growing numbers of patrons, and the broadening range of interests that Naples will want to support.

Rebecca Smith, M.D., president of the Collier County Medical Society, will address the challenge in meeting health needs as the population expands. There may be gaps in services that will have to be filled and demands for facilities and trained health care providers to meet the advances in medical science and the community’s expectations for the highest quality care.

What the speakers, their colleagues and their competitors do in the future will affect the quality of each of our lives.

Each speaker will answer your questions about what needs to be done to keep

our rapidly expanding community at the top of the list of the best places to live.

The Day of Learning will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. at the beautiful new Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center at 4720 Pine Ridge Road in Naples. Light refreshments will be provided. The entire Greater Naples community is encouraged to participate. There is no charge to attend, but you must pre-register.

Please visit Federation’s website, www.jewishnaples.org, or go to the direct registration page at https://jfgn.regfox. com/day-of-learning to register.

Everyone is invited!

Reneé Bialek Program Director

There is no shortage of events and activities at which we would love to see you and your family.

Celebrate Israel @ 75

Climb on the rock-climbing wall, jump in the bounce house, dance with Israeli dancers and check out our vendors and participants. Please join us for this free community-wide Celebrate Israel @ 75 on Sunday, March 26. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. The first 500 attendees will receive a free Kona ice! Food will be for sale. Entertainment and vendors will be available until 1:30 p.m.

Join us to celebrate Israel at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center at Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. There is still time to donate $75 to become a Friend of Celebrate Israel @ 75. Register at https://jfgn.regfox.com/friends-celebrateisrael-at-75. These donations help support this wonderful event.

Day of Learning

JCRC announces its 8th Annual Day of Learning: “Vibrant Naples – Can it be Sustained?”

Everyone is invited to this free program on Thursday, March 30 from 1 to

5 p.m. at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. Register at https://jfgn.regfox. com/day-of-learning. A forum with five speakers will be present to discuss new ideas and understandings that will enrich our entire community.

Tennis exhibition

Join us Thursday, March 16 from 4-6 p.m. for the Israel Tennis and Education Centers exhibition, co-sponsored by the Israel Advocacy Committee of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. This free event will take place at Vineyards Country Club. For more information or to attend the Naples exhibition, please contact ITEC Development Director Yoni Yair at 954-480-6333 or yyair@itecenters.org.

Jewish Book Festival

The Jewish Book Festival continues on Friday, March 3 at 9 a.m. via Zoom with speaker Diane Smith. Her daughter, Mallory, wrote “Salt in My Soul.” This event is sponsored by TOP Jewish Foundation and Vi at Bentley Village.

On Tuesday, March 14 at 2 p.m., join us on Zoom to hear from Erica Katz, author of “Fake.” This event is sponsored by Casual Connection.

The Jewish Book Festival season concludes on Wednesday, March 22 with two authors: Jen Maxfield, author of “More After the Break,” and Ira Rosen, author of “Ticking Clock.” This event will take place at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center as well as on Zoom and

is sponsored by MCA; Wollman, Gehrke & Associates, P.A.; and WCA. Visit www.jewishbookfestival.org for more information or to buy individual tickets.

Catholic-Jewish Dialogue movie

Please join the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue on Sunday, March 5 at 2:30 p.m. for the movie presentation, “Stolen Summer,” a poignant story of two young boys, Catholic and Jewish. The Jewish one is dying and the Catholic one believes he needs to convert him so he will go to heaven.

Location: St. William Ministry Center, Seagate Drive, directly across the street from Saks 5th Avenue. Please RSVP to this free event at cjdialogue@naples.net.

Important upcoming dates

Please save these important dates in March and April:

• Sunday, March 26 – come join us at Celebrate Israel @75. Please become a Friends of Celebrate Israel @75. At $75, you will provide valuable support for this free community event and your name will

be listed in the Federation Star. Here is the direct link: https://jfgn.regfox.com/ friends-celebrate-israel-at-75.

• Monday, April 17 – Communitywide Yom HaShoah Program at 7 p.m. Seats are limited, so please register for this free program.

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, CatholicJewish Dialogue, Israel Advocacy Committee and Jewish Community Relations Council. Please join the group and/or committee that best fits your needs. A taste of each one can be found throughout our website, www.jewishnaples.org.

JELF’s “free loans” help local students

By Sandra Bass, JELF Loan Program Manager

JELF’s interest-free loans for higher education (college, graduate school and vocational programs) are open to Jewish students.

JELF is proud to work in partnership with Jewish Federation of Greater Naples to help local Jewish students reach their academic goals. All qualifying applicants must be:

• A permanent resident of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina or Virginia (excluding metro Washington D.C.) (They can, however, attend any U.S. accredited school.)

• Enrolled full time in a program leading to a degree or certificate

• In good academic standing

• A U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status

• Able to provide a designated co-signer

• Planning to accept federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans (2021 FAFSA application required)

JELF loans are intentionally designed to help cover costs associated with the educational and living expenses that other financial aid often does not cover, such as travel, rent, food and books. JELF’s 0% interest loans help borrowers save thousands of dollars in high-interestbearing debt each year. With 45 million Americans in some form of outstanding interest-bearing student loan debt, this savings is a significant benefit to the Jewish students that JELF serves annually.

The strength of the longstanding “free loan” model is based on funds

Kosher Style Clarification Notice

Moving into the new Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center is a wonderful time to review, update and institute new policies and protocols. This notice reviews the existing food policy for Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

In order to be open to all streams of the Jewish faith, the Federation decided, many years ago, to be “Kosher Style.” The Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center is a kosher-style facility. What does “Kosher Style” actually mean?

The easy part is no treif — no pork products of any kind and no shellfish. It also means no dairy mixed with meat at the same meal. Fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables and grains can be eaten with either meat or dairy. Serving ice cream after a brisket dinner, is not kosher. Having a Caesar salad with cheese to which chicken may be added from the table is not kosher. Having one casserole of eggplant parmesan sitting next to a roasted chicken is not kosher.

These rules apply to any event, either in the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center or elsewhere, where the event is arranged by Federation or one of its affiliates. Those who rent the facility for an event with food will also be expected to comply with the policy, which will be specified in all rental contracts. If an event is at a restaurant and each person is ordering and paying individually, there are no rules; each person decides for themselves.

We appreciate everyone following the kosher-style rules.

How I lost 65 pounds, permanently

By Diane Lynn, Certified Weight Loss Coach

In 2017, I was at the height of my corporate career and at my highest weight ever. My doctor diagnosed me as prediabetic, warning that if I didn’t lose weight, I’d become diabetic. But I’d been overweight, and yo-yo dieted most of my adult life, so I knew I needed to find a different way.

Diane Lynn

In my search, I came across weight loss coaching and was intrigued! The coach I found had a video called “If I’m

So Smart, Why Can’t I Lose Weight?”

And I thought, “Exactly!” I had a successful career and was known as an organized, intelligent woman, yet all of my self-control went right out the window around cupcakes!

So, I hired a weight loss coach and it ended up completely changing my life. Not only did I lose 65 pounds, I learned

jelf...continued from previous page

lent to those in need, then paid back to serve the next student — and so on. The organization’s built-in sustainability allows it to always help future students in need as funds are infinitely recycled. However, just as hundreds of former JELF recipients continue donating to JELF

Beading for Betterment

All are welcome

By Carol Hirsch

how to manage my thoughts so I know I’ll never gain the weight back again. Coaching made all the difference. It’s not an exercise program, diet or even nutrition class; it’s a way to uncover and change the thoughts that sabotage your weight loss efforts and keep you stuck.

I was so blown away by the tools and concepts I learned, I quit my corporate career to become a coach myself. After many years working with clients, I’ve created a comprehensive set of classes to help emotional eaters end yo-yo dieting for good.

New classes sponsored by Jewish Federation of Greater Naples begin April 4, 2023, and a portion of the tuition will benefit them. Six consecutive classes meet online via Zoom once a week for one hour starting at 4 p.m. (EST). Register at www.jewishnaples.org.

each year after completing repayment, JELF continues to rely on the help of community donors to keep up with tuition increases and inflation.

For more information about JELF, please visit jelf.org.

The Beading for Betterment project is a great opportunity to have fun and be of service, providing custom-made special necklaces for children at the Guadalupe Center in Immokalee to give to their mother, grandmother or other special woman in their life as a Mother’s Day gift. Necklaces have also been distributed to children who participate in Jewish Federation of Greater Naples’ Shop with a Sheriff event for Christmas.

Whether you are an experienced “beader” or have never made a beaded necklace, please join the group for a fun beading session. We are offering free sessions twice a month at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, 4720 Pine Ridge Road. The upcoming sessions are

Monday, March 6 and Thursday, March 31 from noon to 3 p.m. More sessions will be announced soon.

If you have your own supplies, please bring them. Otherwise, supplies will be provided and only a donation will be requested for the purchase of additional supplies.

Donations toward the supplies, and/ or gift cards to Michael’s or JoAnn’s are always accepted either from those attending the sessions or anyone who wants to contribute.

For more information, contact me at chirsch1951@gmail.com. This program is sponsored by Jewish Federation of Greater Naples and Temple Shalom.

Matching challenge grant to Annual Community Campaign

Jewish Together builds our future

By Marcy Friedland, Financial Resource Development Director

Marcy Friedland Financial Resource Development Director

We have been given a $25,000 anonymous matching challenge grant for new and/or increased gifts. This matching grant will

apply to dollars you donate to the Annual Community Campaign if you have not donated before and/or if you increase your gift from last year.

With your help, we can reach our goal in supporting our work in the Greater Naples area, overseas and in Israel. We transform lives and build community; we cultivate Jewish identity.

Questions can be directed to me by calling 239-262-4205 or emailing mfriedland@jewishnaples.org.

Pomegranates kick off season with Welcome Back luncheon

By Marcy Friedland, Financial Resource Development Director

Vasari Country Club was the setting for the annual welcome back luncheon for all Pomegranate Society members and Lions of Judah. Peggy Brown, this year’s chair of the

Pomegranate Society and co-chair of the luncheon, welcomed everyone to kick off the season.

Jeffrey Feld, President/CEO spoke to the women about Federation happenings

and introduced me to read Jane Schiff’s interesting speech, since she was unable to be our guest speaker due to an illness.

Wendy Israelite, co-chair of the luncheon, offered the closing remarks.

Everyone had a marvelous time, chatting with friends old and new.

Pomegranate Society Chair Peggy Brown and luncheon co-chair Wendy Israelite

Come celebrate Israel

Everyone is invited to this free event

The Land of Israel has great history. Israel, a Middle Eastern country on the Mediterranean Sea, is regarded by Jews, Christians and Muslims as the biblical Holy Land. Its most sacred sites are in Jerusalem. Within its Old City, the Temple Mount complex includes the Dome of the Rock shrine, the historic Western Wall, Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Israel’s financial hub, Tel Aviv, is known for its Bauhaus architecture and beaches.

It’s no secret that Israel — the “startup nation” — is also a global center for technology. Israel has several homegrown developments that are making an impact on a global scale.

In the world of technology and innovation, Israel is king. The country has more high-tech startups per capita than anywhere else in the world and is second only to the U.S. in venture capital funds. This is an impressive feat for any state, but more so for one that is only 75 years old and home to just under 9 million people.

Israel has 60 of the world’s top 500 tech giants with research centers in Israel! Tel Aviv, the capital of Israel, is one of the largest technology centers in the world, right next to Silicon Valley in the United States in terms of tech startups. The following are a few companies that have roots in Israel.

Medical technology

• SniffPhone – the device that can smell disease

• ReWalk – a battery-packed ‘exoskeleton’

• PillCam – a swallowable medical camera

• The Flexible Stent – preventative medical tech

Software developments

• Firewall – the original protection against malware

• ICQ – the first global instant messenger

• Disk on Key – the world’s first USB drive

One of the Most Important Skills a Trust Attorney Can Have Is Empathy.

Amanda works closely with her clients to understand their unique family dynamics. She empathizes with her clients and anticipates the pain a loss brings. Amanda focuses on what needs to be done now to alleviate the stress that financial affairs can add in times of loss, so her clients’ families don’t have to do so later. Amanda’s years of experience in estate planning, probate, and trust administration give her clients the peace of mind that their affairs are in her capable hands. Every estate plan that Amanda develops is a comprehensive approach to each client’s individual situation – just as we’ve done for our clients since 1924.

Agriculture and environment

• Netafim – a desert-friendly irrigation system

• Watergen – drinking water produced from thin air

• BioBee – harmless pest control

Navigation and road safety

• Mobileye – life-saving AI

• Waze – a navigation device with a twist Israel is the only country in the world that has more trees today than it had 50 years ago!

CELEBRATE ISRAEL @ 75!

Save the Date

Sunday, March 26, 2023 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center 4720 Pine Ridge Road, Naples

Come with friends — Stay for the fun!

Please register at https://jfgn.regfox.com/ celebrate-israel-at-75 so we can plan accordingly.

Estate Planning and Trust Administration

Member, Board of Directors, Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

Amanda M. Dorio

And the Stand Up for Justice Educator Award goes to…

By Beth-Ellen Povlow, Developer and Chair of the Stand Up for Justice Educator Award

The 2017 Stand Up for Justice Award was awarded to Rose Gonzalez, a counselor at East Naples Middle School. One paragraph of her application got to me: “It was during elementary school when I started to notice that not everyone was as welcoming as I was. I saw and heard negative comments, gestures and actions toward people who might be considered by the majority to be dissimilar to them. Well, this was difficult for me to comprehend. I realize now that I would take those seemingly different peers under my wing and stand a little taller as I would call each my friend. As (the) years went by, I recognized that I was the advocate for someone without a voice and a protector of their feelings.”

As a guidance counselor at her school, Gonzalez started The Kindness Project to support students in acquiring the skills to understand and incorporate kindness in daily life. She placed signs at the entrances to the school, declaring the campus “A Kindness Zone.” Signs were also placed in classrooms as a point of positive dialogue between teachers and their students, as well as peer to peer. In the cafeteria, a Wall of Kindness served as a display of different expressions of kindness and pledges created by students.

All students would have small group meetings with Gonzalez where kindness was discussed. Kindness cards were given out and the recipients were called “Ambassadors of Kindness” when an act

of kindness was witnessed. “Captains of Kindness” (students, teachers and staff), “Champions of Kindness” (bilingual students), and “Heroes of Kindness” (special education students) all distributed kindness cards. Recipients of these cards would put their names on them before depositing in the ‘Kindness Jar.’ A card would be drawn weekly, and that student would receive a positive phone call home, a special You Are Awesome card and Gator Bucks. The student’s name would also be announced on the morning broadcast.

Kindness lessons would be seen once a week on the morning TV announcements. Tip sheets with ideas for conversations would be given to case managers. Gifted students would meet with their school counselor to talk about the project

and their important role, and practice how to distribute cards.

Monthly, brightly colored half-sheets of paper would be distributed to teachers on a rotation basis. During one Gator Time, teachers would ask students to write messages of kindness on those sheets. These would be posted on the Wall of Kindness panel in the cafeteria, which would change once a month.

Students would be asked to be a part of the school-wide kindness program by signing a Pledge to Commit to Being Kind. Once all 1,100 students, teachers and staff signed the pledge, an announcement was made on the morning news. Throughout the year, different tip sheets with ideas for various acts of kindness would be distributed to teachers for them to share in an open dialogue with students. Kindness vocabulary words and their applications were also distributed to teachers to share with students.

As a school counselor, Gonzalez offered to visit all classrooms, by invitation,

during which she would have short conversations and lessons with the students about kindness. During the school year, students would research authors and their words of kindness. At the beginning of school, 25% of the students were given a pre-survey. The same survey was conducted at the end of the year with noticeable changes.

Gonzalez’s efforts affected the entire school population, their families and the community. She changed the culture of that school neighborhood environment for the better and her project spread around the district, through all grades, and Collier County Public Schools became a kinder place!

Hopefully, the students will grow The Kindness Project, passing it on to others and making this a better, kinder world!

Please join us Sunday, March 12 at the Power of Community Celebration to find out who this year's Stand Up for Justice Award will go to.

Monday, April 17 at 7:00 pm

At just 16-years-old, Abraham Piasecki’s life is uprooted by the Nazi invasion of Poland. From living in the ghetto of Kielce to imprisonment at Auschwitz- Birkenau, Remember brings to life the harrowing true story of a Holocaust Survivor who escaped Nazi captivity five times. This immersive, challenging, and ultimately captivating story of resilience brings us into one man’s memories and asks us to never forget.

Rose Gonzalez

How to choose a retirement community

Selecting the right retirement community is an important housing decision that involves more than simply choosing an apartment, but a lifestyle as well.

While you may not yet be certain when a move will be right for you, being proactive in your research and beginning the process of discovery early on will make the transition much easier. Inevitably, upon moving to a retirement community, seniors often say they wish they had moved sooner.

Finding your perfect retirement community can open the door to exciting new experiences, a reinvigorated social life and a healthy lifestyle. Searching for your new home doesn’t have to be difficult as long as you know what to look for.

Below are a few tips for choosing a retirement community that is right for you.

Begin researching in advance – before the need arises

A good place to start is to ask family, friends and valued referral sources, such as a trust officer or estate attorney, for recommendations and help researching retirement communities. The internet, professional resources, senior directories, local newspapers and social circles may also provide helpful information.

Determine which type of community best fits your needs

Understand the different types of senior living options available and the services and care they offer. From continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), which require upfront entrance fees, to rental communities like The Carlisle Naples, which offer the flexibility of an all-inclusive monthly fee, there’s a community to fit every budget and lifestyle.

Taking into account the location, the services you require and the activities you enjoy, you can begin to narrow down the list of potential communities to a few possibilities. You may find working from a checklist — matching your preferences and needs to what is offered — very helpful in the selection process.

Visit the community

If you’re hesitant about where to start, don’t worry. There are numerous low-key opportunities to visit the communities and get a feel for the lifestyle they offer.

According to The Carlisle’s Director of Marketing, Greg Pascucci, a senior living community often hosts events throughout the month that provide fun-filled, no-pressure invitations to mingle with current residents and tour the community.

Take your time

It will likely take more than one visit to make a definitive decision as to whether a community is right for you. Ask to experience dining and attend resident events. Make an appointment with a sales representative to discuss any additional questions you may have. Remember, they have a wealth of knowledge and are there to help you to determine the perfect mix of services and amenities to meet your needs.

Choosing a retirement community will not be a decision that is made overnight; however, it is essential to have a plan in place should your needs suddenly change. It’s never too early to start planning for your future housing needs. Then, when you do decide to move, you’ll be

glad you took the time to find the community that is just right for you.

Located at 6945 Carlisle Court in Naples, The Carlisle offers independent and assisted living lifestyles featuring spacious one-and two-bedroom residences, weekly housekeeping and flat linen services, basic cable TV, all utilities except telephone, and delicious dining with daily, chef-prepared specials. The community is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), an important distinction that provides residents the assurance that the highest standards of quality care, services and safeguards are maintained. For more information about the community, please call 239-444-6891 or visit www.TheCarlisleNaples.com.

Jewish Book Festival events come to a close in March

By Gayle Dorio, Jewish Book Festival Chair

For eight years, we have been treated to an assortment of authors who spend time with us and weave their stories as if spinning straw into gold. Every year, the authors’ credentials are impressive, and they each do a fine job of enlightening us about their subject matter. This year, we scheduled 14 events with 16 authors.

March events

It’s now March and we have just three events remaining. Diane Smith will speak about her daughter’s book, “Salt in My Soul,” by Mallory Smith on Friday, March 3. Please note the time change to 9 a.m.

On Tuesday, March 14, Erica Katz will discuss her book, “Fake,” and we will end the festival on Wednesday, March 22, when both Ira Rosen and Jen Maxfield will be here to talk about their books, “Ticking Clock” and “More After the Break,” respectively.

Evolution

We’ve gone through a number of changes in the past eight years. The beginning book festivals were all in person, with several offering desserts, snacks and/or lunches. We’ve had some well-known celebrities spend time with us. Then, the pandemic forced major changes. Luckily, technology was there to assist with Zoom and webinars allowing us all to stay connected. Everyone had a front row seat and didn’t have to drive or gather with others as the virus ran rampant. Many people learned to use this technology and became comfortable with this form of programming.

As always, circumstances change. Now, we have the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center — the new home for Jewish Federation of Greater Naples! How exciting to be able to plan activities and festivals to take place there. A combination of in-person and livestreaming will allow everyone to participate in the authors’ presentations in the manner of their choosing.

With all the amenities, we are looking forward to much more! Perhaps we’ll be back offering more food? More lunches? More celebrities? How would you like the next JBF to evolve?

Teamwork makes the dream work

It’s very rewarding to bring the Jewish Book Festival to our community. Yes, the members of the JBF Committee work hard to present the festival. It is truly a labor of love. In addition to reading and reviewing lots of books, committee members help solicit sponsors, act as publicity voices and help select music, food, venues, etc. They help

2022-23

with the in-person events, checking people in, greeting attendees, showing them to their seats, selling books and answering questions. Introductions and monitoring the Q&A also fall to committee members and other interested parties.

Some are “author champions,” making sure their chosen author is well cared for, and are the liaison for all things for the author. One distinct advantage committee members share is the ability to get to know the authors on a more personal level. Some have stayed in touch with their author champions! Although the festival itself spans five months, from November through March, it is a full year of planning, scheduling, changing and rescheduling.

The Jewish Book Festival of Greater Naples has gained a reputation for being excellent, extremely organized and with a large audience. We don’t just get a few people; we have large turnouts for which the authors are very grateful.

We have a “getting to know you” phone call about a week before the event with every author. The author champion who is going to introduce the author and moderate the questions is on the call, as are Reneé and myself. We go over all the details of the event. We make sure the author is comfortable and we spend time understanding how the author wishes to present. Reneé shows PowerPoint slides that will accompany the event, both before and after. We explain what our audience expects and appreciates. Many authors have told us they are surprised and delighted to have this information. We hear that other festivals don’t work to this level of detail.

We hope you’ve enjoyed the events this year and we hope these last three events will inform and entertain you — and that you’ll be signing up for next year as well! Remember, patrons are soooo important! Sponsors, too! Thank you for your support and participation!

Oops!

By the way, one friend mentioned he thought the article I wrote last month was very enjoyable; he just had one question about how Bill Gates could purchase a very expensive book in 1904 when he wasn’t even born yet?! Yup, apparently there was a typo. Bill Gates purchased the most expensive book ever in 1994 (not 1904) when he purchased the “Codex Leicester” for $30 million.

Vibrant Naples Can It Be Sustained?

JCRC 8TH Annual DAY of LEARNING

Thursday, March 30, 2023 1-5 p.m.

Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center 4720 Pine Ridge Road • Naples

Greater Naples and Collier County are often referred to as the Paradise Coast. With the influx of thousands of new residents, the quality of our lives could change.

w What needs to be done to keep our rapidly expanding community at the forefront?

w What are our community leaders’ thoughts as they prepare for the future?

The speakers for the Day of Learning are all specialists in fields that contribute to our quality of life here in Greater Naples:

w Amy Patterson County Manager, Collier County

w James French County Director of Growth Management

w Michael Dalby President & CEO, Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce

w Rebecca G. Smith, M.D. President, Collier County Medical Society

w Elysia Dawn Executive Director, United Arts Council of Collier County

All area residents are encouraged to attend. There is NO CHARGE, but you MUST PRE-REGISTER. Please visit JEWISHNAPLES.ORG to register.

As part of its mission, the Jewish Community Relations Council seeks to build bridges of communication and understanding with the broader Naples community. This year’s DAY OF LEARNING addresses a topic of interest to the entire Naples community.

Gayle Dorio

Israel Tennis and Education Centers to host fundraising exhibition

Thursday, March 16 at Vineyards Country Club in Naples

By Myra Benedikt, IAC Co-chair and ITEC Naples Co-chair

Israel Tennis and Education Centers (ITEC), the Israeli nonprofit with 18 centers across Israel, is hosting a fundraising exhibition in Naples on Thursday, March 16 at Vineyards Country Club. The event takes place from 4 to 6 p.m.

The ITEC delegation from Israel attending the exhibition includes:

• Eden Ein Eli, coach

• Mika Dagan Fruchtman, 19, IDF soldier, first female Israeli player to be invited to a professional tournament in the UAE

• Celine Absawi, 16, plays in the ‘Living Together Program’ at the ITEC Haifa

• Yonatan Barak, 13, ‘High Performance Program’ Player, ITEC Ramat Hasharon

Competitive drills with the ITEC kids and the country club pros will be part of the program.

The event is chaired by Myra and Bill Benedikt, Katie and Harvey Cohen, and Andy Mintz.

For more information or to attend the Naples exhibition, please contact ITEC Development Director Yoni Yair at 954480-6333 or yyair@itecenters.org.

About Israel Tennis and Education Centers (ITEC) – The Israel Tennis & Education Centers (ITEC) is building a stronger and more peaceful state of Israel, where every child, regardless of background, ethnicity, can thrive. Through its social impact and tennis programs, ITEC embraces children of all abilities and skill levels and focuses on the emotional, social and physical well-being of every child. We create a safe and supportive environment for every child in Israel.

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

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Catholic-Jewish Dialogue March program schedule

You are invited to join us in our last event of the season:

“Stolen Summer”

movie presentation

Sunday, March 5, 2:30 p.m.

This is a poignant story of two young boys, one Catholic, one Jewish. The Jewish one is dying and the Catholic one

believes he needs to convert him so he will go to heaven.

Location: St. William Church Hall (behind the church), 750 Seagate Drive.

For more information, please contact the CJD at cjdialogue@ naples.net.

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.

Successful aging expert and Vice President, Tom Mann, will introduce you to our three premier communities, explaining the amazing bene ts you’ll receive when you make the move. 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.

Discover Our Secret Ingredients to Successful Aging

Thursday | April 6th | 2:30 PM Moorings Park in Shef eld Theatre 132 Moorings Park Drive, Naples FL 34105

RSVP by April 4th by calling 239-356-0540, visiting MooringsPark.org/Events, or scanning the QR code.

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

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

239-356-0540 | MooringsPark.org

Matzah Ball

By Michael Rubenstein, Committee Chair

Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023 was certainly an evening to remember. It was a beautiful night. The moon was out, the stars were shining and the temperature was perfect. More than 80 people under 50 years old from the Greater Naples Jewish community gathered at the brandnew Jewish Federation of Greater Naples building. They entered the building to fun and energetic music, beautiful decorations, delicious Mediterranean-flavored foods and creative inspired cocktails. All you could see were smiles and dancing. All you could hear were conversations and laughter. The room was overflowing with energy and excitement. The first-ever Jewish Federation of Greater Naples Matzah Ball was a huge success.

The evening began with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres outside on the terrace and courtyard. Attendees met one another and enjoyed pita, hummus, olives and cheese. There was even a dish being prepared on the spot with an amazing

presentation using a large flame to cook the food. After an hour, the guests went inside where Board Chair Jane Schiff

shared an introduction and words about the Federation, and the importance of those of us in attendance.

Those in attendance truly felt not only like part of the Jewish community, but also the future of the Jewish community as well. Schiff handed the microphone to me, and I echoed her words, said a few of my own, proposed a toast and kicked off the party with dinner and dancing to DJ Psych Jam. The rest of the evening was wonderful. The dancing took over and the party raged on until 11 p.m. I want to thank my committee members — Rocio Bershadski, Max Diefek, Mia Hyatt and Susan Solomon — who helped make this event the success it was! The first ever will now be the first annual, as we plan to continue this as a tradition for many years to come.

Committee members Max Diefek, Rocio Bershadski, Mia Hyatt, Susan Solomon and Chair Michael Rubenstein

Jewish Young Professionals create family

By Maya Williams, JYP Coordinator

When I moved to Naples in the fall of 2021, I knew I wanted to immerse myself in a Jewish community as I had done in college. I knew that being far from my family and friends in the Midwest would be tough for me, especially when Jewish holidays came around — holidays that most of my peers here do not celebrate. But, about a year later, this past fall, when the High Holidays rolled around, I was not alone. I had my friends from Jewish Young Professionals — my new family, away from my family — to celebrate and observe our holidays with.

A group of us attended a meaningful Rosh Hashanah service and meal at Chabad of Naples, along with services at Temple Shalom. When Hanukkah came around, we gathered for a celebration as a group. It feels amazing to not be alone for my holidays — the Jewish holidays! My hope is that as we continue to grow, other young adults in the area are able to feel the warmth of our small but mighty community. We, the young adults of the area, are the future of Jewish Naples. As we strive to increase and improve our programming,

MARCH 9-19

TheatreZone continues to explore romance with the award-winning Neil Simon musical comedy The Goodbye Girl in Naples March 9-19 as part of the professional theatre company’s “Romantics & Rockers” 2023 lineup. The show is a musical adventure about romantic disappointments, triumphs, love, and commitment. The music was composed by the legendary Marvin Hamlisch with lyrics by David Zippel. Directed by Mark Danni, choreographed by Karen Danni, music direction by Flint Hawes. Concert

we would appreciate any support from members of the community. If you wish to sponsor a program — a learning event, social event, holiday celebration — we would appreciate your support. Donations can be made by contacting Reneé Bialek at rbialek@ jewishnaples.org. Be sure to mention Jewish Young Professionals.

Follow us on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/JYPNaples. And, if you know a young adult in their 20s-30s, please reach out to Maya at mayajw3@gmail.com to get involved!

Nicole, Vikki, Sarah, Maya, Dani, Brian, Jeff, Andrew and Jacob hit the mini-golf range.

Maya, Vikki and Nicole

Purim is almost here!

By Alicia Feldman, PJ Library Coordinator

Dressing up in costumes and partying with friends and community is probably, handsdown, the best part of Purim but creating and delivering mishloach manot (Purim gift baskets) for friends and family is a very close second. People send mishloach manot for a couple of reasons. While it’s nice to share a little love with friends and family, giving gifts at Purim is also a reminder to care about the needs of others, especially those who may be struggling.

Making gifts in a jar with your kids is a great way to exercise fine motor and close reading skills. For older kids, the precise measurements reinforce addition,

subtraction and basic math skills. Plus, cooking with kids encourages them to try new foods — and research shows that kids are more likely to eat something they helped prepare.

If you’ve never made mishloach manot , or you’re looking to change up your gift-giving routine, here is a fun gift in a jar that you can make with your kids.

Granola is the secretly healthy snack you can sneak to your kids anytime. The best part about making granola? Most recipes have a fair amount of wiggle room for improvisation and experimentation — perfect for your curious and budding little sous chefs/mad scientists. Try this recipe to get started.

For more kid-friendly information on Purim, its meaning and traditions, see the “All About Purim” box on this page or keep an eye out for PJ Library selections like “The Purim Superhero.”

Five Ingredient

Granola

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 12 cups

Ingredients

• 6 cups oats, dry

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• ½ cup coconut oil

• ⅓ cup honey

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Optional

• 1 cup walnuts, chopped

• ¼ cup sunflower seeds

• ½ cup raisins, seedless

• ½ cup cranberries, dried

• 1 cup coconut flakes

• ½ cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

2. Mix oats and brown sugar together.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, honey and vanilla.

4. Pour over dry mixture and stir to coat thoroughly. Add in chopped nuts and desired seeds.

5. Spread on baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.

6. Stir frequently (every 5 minutes) to ensure even baking. It should be golden brown when done.

7. Let it cool on the baking sheet and then break up any large pieces. Stir in dried fruit, coconut and chocolate chips, if using.

8. Store in an airtight container, such as a mason jar, for up to 3 weeks.

The holiday of Purim is a lot of fun, but the story of Purim is filled with danger. Back in the fourth century BCE, a young woman named Esther married the Persian king, but hid that she was Jewish. When the king's minister, Haman, plo�ed to destroy the Jews of Persia, Esther had to decide whether to stay silent or speak up on behalf of her people — and share their fate, whatever it might be. Esther mustered the courage to tell the king the truth about who she was — and saved her community in the process.

The celebra�on of Purim involves four mitzvot (commandments): hearing the Purim story read from the Megillah (scroll); delivering mish/oach manot, gi�s of special foods and treats, to friends and family; giving matanot l'evyonim, charity, to those in need; and enjoying a seudah, a fes�ve meal. These tradi�ons were established by Esther and Mordecai themselves, to be repeated every year on Purim in remembrance of the "month which had been transformed for them from one of sorrow to gladness, and from mourning to fes�vity" (Esther 9:22).

On Purim, children and adults alike take part in classic Purim ac�vi�es: they dress in costume, create groggers (noisemakers) to make a ruckus during the reading of the Megillah (the Book of Esther), and look forward to ea�ng hamantaschen, filled triangular cookies. Many communi�es also put on a spiel, or Purim play. A spiel is o�en silly and playful, and can give everyone, young and old, a chance to shine.

To learn more go to pjlibrary.org/purim.

Alicia Feldman

Meet the White family

PJ Library Family Spotlight

By Alicia Feldman, PJ Library Coordinator

WE CLEAN THEM AL L®

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Q: What are the names of the family members?

A: We are Rebecca and Paul White. We have two sons, Jonah (3), and Benjamin (8 months).

Q: What’s it like on the day PJ Library books arrive?

A: It is very exciting when the book arrives. Jonah loves that he is getting something in the mail for him and it is usually the first book we read at bedtime that night.

Q: What do you think about the quality of PJ Library books? What do you like about PJ Library books?

A: We think that the quality of the books is excellent. We especially love the ones about the holidays and Jewish values. Our son gets excited reading books on topics that he is already familiar with as he can participate in the story more. More importantly, we love that the books offer an introduction to the lesser-known holidays at an earlier age before more formal religious school education. We, as parents, are learning alongside our son. It has been

wonderful reading and learning together as a family.

Q: How long have you been in Naples?

A: After living in New York City for years, we lived briefly in Southern California before moving to Naples in the spring of 2021 to be closer to family.

Q: Are you involved in the Jewish community in Naples? Do you belong to a synagogue?

A: While we are not currently members, our son is a student at Temple Shalom Preschool, and he absolutely loves it! He has been thriving more than we could have hoped for. Rebecca is also the teacher for the school’s Baby and Me program. We enjoy attending many of the events held by the synagogue and preschool, such as Friday Family Shabbat and Shabbat ShaPlay. We hope to become Temple members in the very near future.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a PJ Library Spotlight Family, please let us know! Email Alicia Feldman at programs@jewishnaples.org. Follow us on Facebook @PJLibraryNaplesFL.

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Become a Part of Florida Jewish History

The Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU is collecting old photographs, artifacts, objects, memorabilia, and stories to enhance our collection of Florida Jewish History.

Examples of what we are looking for include: historic ritual objects, artifacts or ephemera related to Sephardic/ Mizrahi communities, LGBTQ+ experience among other topics.

History Harvest is presented by the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU and the Wolfsonian Public Humanities Lab as part of the project Community Data Curation: Preserving, Creating, and Narrating Everyday Stories. Funding for this program is provided through a grant from the Mellon Foundation.

Use this QR code to submit item for evaluation. For additional information contact JMOF-FIU Curator Jacqueline Goldstein jacgolds@fiu.edu

www.jmof.fiu.edu

Rebecca and Paul White with their sons, Jonah (3) and Benjamin (8 months) Photo credit: Michelle Unglaub

MCA member tackles the opioid epidemic

By Marc Rosenweig, MCA member

For nine years, David R. Cohen toiled through unsatisfying marketing and sales jobs before a career switch eventually led to his dream job. Today, Americans impacted by the opioid epidemic are benefiting from his work.

“I wasn’t good at my job,” said Cohen of those early days. “I didn’t know what I was good at. I did well academically.”

At age 29, Cohen decided to try law school at Case Western Reserve. Eventually, that led to 10 years working as a law clerk for three different judges.

“I was a career law clerk,” said Cohen. Then a judge encouraged him to go out on his own and use his skills by appointing him as special master in a case involving faulty hip replacements. That led to a career specialty that he’s enjoyed for nearly two decades. Eighteen different judges have appointed him as special master in more than 30 complex cases.

Since 2017, the Shaker Heights, Ohio native has served as special master for the National Opiate Prescription Litigation. It’s the most complex litigation of his career. More than 3,000 cases were transferred into the multidistrict litigation (MDL) presided over by one judge. The settlements have reached at least $50 billion so far.

“I’m really a judge’s helper,” said Cohen. “I’m hooked on helping judges with the most complex cases.”

He provides key information and makes recommendations to Federal Judge Dan Polster, who oversees the entire opioid MDL. “It’s complicated. Th ere are a huge number of plaintiff s and several hundred defendants.” He often meets with attorneys from both sides on the discovery of evidence and potential settlements.

Defendants cover a wide range of companies and individuals, including opioid manufacturers Purdue Pharma and Johnson & Johnson, opioid distributors like Cardinal Health, and opioid dispensers such as CVS, Walmart and

Walgreens. Some hospitals and smaller pharmacy benefit managers have also been sued.

“It’s like catching a whale,” said Cohen of the scope of the opioid MDL. “You only catch a fish like this every six or eight years.”

Cohen emphasized that the opioid settlement money must be spent to combat the opioid crisis. That’s unlike the tobacco settlement many years ago where the money that went to the states was often spent on other initiatives.

Cohen says the MDL world allows him to work with some of the best attorneys. We spoke a few weeks before he was scheduled to moderate an MCA panel with four attorneys who represented plaintiffs and companies involved in the opioid MDL.

“Attorneys who litigate inside the MDL know each other. They’re certainly adversaries, but not enemies. They’re friendly adversaries.

“These are the best,” he added about the MCA panelists. One represented Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family that owned Purdue Pharma. The others represented Cardinal Health and various plaintiffs. “Three of them have part-time homes in Naples.”

Cohen says approximately $5 billion of the $50 billion settlement has been awarded to plaintiffs’ attorneys. He adds that most of these attorneys worked for free for five years while spending approximately $100 million on the litigation.

Cohen watched the Hulu series, “Dopesick,” and read several books on the opioid crisis, including “Empire of Pain.”

“The ‘Dopesick’ series is obviously a drama,” said Cohen. “But there’s a lot of truth to it. Companies are driven by profit. That’s all most of them look at. They bent a lot of rules. That’s important for the public to see.

“The press has an important role in reporting on this. The fourth estate keeps the other three honest,” he added. “Plaintiffs’ attorneys can serve a useful purpose by holding companies accountable.”

As special master on a wide range of cases, Cohen has encountered some memorable characters. During his first case, he met well-known plaintiffs’ attorney Dickie Scruggs. Scruggs was portrayed in the movie “The Insider,” which dealt with lawsuits against tobacco companies. Scruggs represented Mississippi in the litigation.

“As we were waiting to start a meeting, I asked him ‘What are you doing this weekend?’” said Cohen. Scruggs replied, “I’m going scuba diving from my yacht with Russell Crowe and Bo Derick off Australia.”

Scruggs later pled guilty to attempting to bribe two judges. He served six years in federal prison.

But Cohen says he works with many of the most talented legal minds as special master.

“I’m working with the best and smartest attorneys in the country,” said Cohen. “I’m good at being neutral — listening to both sides. I’m neutral like a judge.”

Does he want to be a judge?

“A judge has to deal with hundreds of different cases a year. What I do is way better than being a judge.”

MCALuncheon

March6at11:30AM

TheFirstAmendmentinthe 21stCentury-IsitStillRelevant?

PresentedbyTerryWeiner,PhD Thistalkwillexplorethecomplexissuesregarding theexpressionsoftherighttofreespeechand practiceofreligioninoursocietygiventheriseof newtechnologies,socialmediaandnewhategroups. ForalongtimeconservativeslikeJusticeScaliaand liberalslikeJusticeStevensunitedinanabsolute viewonfreespeech.Butinthenewcenturyweare facedwithanexplosionofoutletsforhatespeechand attacksonreligiousbeliefs.Howshouldatolerant andcompassionatesocietyapplythefirstamendment tothesechallengingnewforumsforexpression?Can an"absolutist"viewsurviveinthe21stcentury?

4

David R. Cohen

MCA NextGen The Future of MCA

By Richard Wajs, MCA Board Member and founder of MCA NextGen

After acquiring a condominium in Naples in late 2019, I soon started hearing about an outstanding and popular community organization with which I would want to join and become an active member — the Men’s Cultural Alliance (MCA). I decided to inform myself about the activities and events of this organization and was simply flabbergasted with the variety and professionalism of the organized activities. I joined MCA for walks, lunches, tours, and more. It was all very impressive. I could see how my days could literally be filled by participating in the many activities listed in MCA’s calendar.

I realized, however, especially through the input of other community members of my generation (which is somewhat younger than the current average makeup of MCA members), that many who were fairly new to Naples had not yet developed social circles and wanted to generate relationships with persons of their ilk and age range, with similar life issues to

Purim is next

By Marina Berkovich

Jewish Russian Cultural Alliance (JRCA) is an affi nity group under the auspices of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples (JFGN). Our mission is to enhance the social and cultural lives of our emerging/expanding community by providing the “home base” to those Jews from the former Soviet Union and countries that evolved after its collapse, who are now moving to Southwest Florida, and are seeking new Jewish connections. Non-Jewish relatives and friends are, of course, welcome.

We usually get together for four community events during the year — Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah, Purim and May 9/Victory in Europe Day, the last holiday that is sacred to all of us, because we are all second- and, some of us, first-generation survivors of World War II and its atrocities. Our fathers, mothers, uncles, aunts were bombed and either evacuated or became prisoners of Nazis or Soviets and otherwise suffered during that horrific time. Our group meets either at JFGN or at a member’s business location. Join the email list by emailing JRCAGroup@ gmail.com.

Our last two meetings were led by Mark Katsnelson and we thank him for volunteering his skill and time to these events. The next two events in 2023 will be led by group co-chairs, Darina Lumar and yours truly. Both of us are founding members of JRCA.

Allow me to introduce you to Darina. In 1977, with her husband, Sam, and their 3-year-old daughter, Emily, Darina left their home in Odessa, Ukraine as stateless Jewish refugees and, two months later, in Rome, accepted a

discuss, to exchange and to learn from others in this regard. Many of us have ongoing careers, children’s issues to deal with, financial challenges and other issues in common.

I had also witnessed the recent successful launch of the Women’s Younger Division of WCA, which was serving the demographic in which these people and I found ourselves, so the creation of MCA NextGen was, in turn, a no-brainer and made great sense.

As such, about a year ago I started having discussions with MCA leadership, including outgoing President Les Nizin and incoming President Michael Sobol in terms of the establishment of an MCA NextGen group. They were highly supportive, and we successfully launched the group at that time.

Since then, we have rapidly expanded our membership and started planning activities. These include monthly lunches, monthly joint dinners with WCA NextGen, tennis, pickleball, shooting clays,

golf, book club, tours, boat trips, fishing, and more. The men who have joined us have very broad and diverse interests and we look forward to many more types of activities and events to come from them.

Truly, the most gratifying aspect of MCA NextGen is the feedback that I receive regarding new relationships that have been built within the community as our members join together to participate in our events and activities. It is simply a delight to hear them express their excitement about the new social networks and friendships they are developing, which makes coming to Naples and Southwest Florida that much richer and more rewarding.

The other comment that I really enjoy hearing from our members is about how impressed they are with the other members they’ve met, in terms of their careers, depth of character and, simply, the overall learning they obtain when meeting others in our group.

I am delighted to witness the active participation of our MCA NextGen members in the activities and events of the Greater MCA. I have obtained wonderful feedback from our members who are actively involved in MCA’s superb programs. We are building, from among our members, the eventual new leaders of MCA and will continue to encourage our members to play active roles in MCA going forward.

Since our inception, we are made up of mostly snowbirds/seasonal Floridians as well as a significant number of people who reside in Naples/Southwest Florida on a full-time basis. We are literally growing our membership with new people every week.

We very much welcome new members and invite anyone who is interested to first join MCA by going to the website, MCA - Home (wildapricot.org). Please then email me, Richard Wajs, at the MCA NextGen link on the front page and we will get you involved. Thank you!

sponsorship invitation from the Jewish Federation of Flint, Michigan.

In Darina’s own words, “When we arrived, I did not believe that it was a city. It was February 1978. All we could see was snow and no people, just cars. It was very different from Europe. It took us only two months to find jobs.” Darina had a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and was hired by General Motors. Sam worked at the local hospital before opening his own business.

“We wanted to integrate into local Jewish life and be a part of the Jewish community, which became our second family. We joined Temple Beth El, a reform synagogue, where Emily had her bat mitzvah, then continued to her confirmation,” Darina adds.

Darina served on various committees of their Federation and at Temple Beth El. The Lumars retired to Florida in 2005, joining their daughter and grandchildren, who were already in Fort Myers. They celebrated 45 years in the U.S. on Feb. 4. Please join me in congratulating them.

At our events, we hold round-table discussions and enjoy a community meal of Jewish-Russian flavors. In the USSR, while we were deprived of our religion and persecuted for being Jews, somehow, Jewish cuisine survived even through deficit and depravation years. Cover charge is $10 per person for wine and refreshments and each family brings a dish to the table.

The exact location, date and time for our Purim celebration is not available at the time this article is written. Please email JRCAGroup@gmail.com to be added to our email list and receive proper information and notifications.

We are looking for volunteers willing to help the recently resettled Ukrainian refugees with learning English and driving.

If you speak Russian, want to meet a “Russian” or are just generally curious, we welcome you. If you lived

in the USSR, you are qualified to be a member.

Help us spread the word. Tell your Jewish neighbors from the former Soviet Union that we are waiting for them. Please join our email list by writing to JRCAGroup@gmail.com.

Sam and Darina Lumar

Grand Opening of the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center

Jeffrey Feld & Steve Saks

Phyllis Seaman

PJ library

Marc Saperstein, Construction Committee Chair

Steve Iser & Family Sheriff Kevin Rambosk & CCSO Officers

Steve Iser

Come see what all the fuss is about!

Arlene & Michael Sobol

Estelle & Stuart Price

Jewish War Veterans Post202

Nat Ritter, Grand Opening Chair

Rabbi Fishel Zaklos

John DeAngelis

Jane Schiff, Board chair

The evolution of the Women’s Cultural Alliance

By Elaine Soffer, WCA Past President

Have you ever wondered how the Women’s Cultural Alliance (WCA), a unique women’s organization, came into existence? The almost 30-year journey is a testament to what a group of women working together can accomplish.

Brandeis University Women Naples Chapter

In 1994, the Brandeis University Women Naples Chapter (BUWNC) was founded by a group of friends whose mission was to create a volunteer organization to enable educated women to learn and socialize together. Several founding members, including Myra Freedman, Pauline Hendel, Bunny Levere, Judy Peltz (z’l) and Donna Wasser, were active in Brandeis groups in their former hometowns and created a Brandeis Chapter in Naples — a dues-supported, volunteer organization with programming led by the members.

The agreement with Brandeis University included a commitment to provide financial support to the university library in exchange for organizational support. The chapter’s growth proliferated because of increased development in Collier County during the ’90s.

Within a short period, the chapter had many book clubs and study groups for theater, opera, art, movies and current affairs. “Ladies who Lunch,” a social group that encouraged those attending to meet new people over lunch, was also offered. Some of these groups still exist today.

The chapter treasurer sent the dues directly to Brandeis, and Brandeis reimbursed the chapter for expenses incurred. This system worked for several years until the national BUWC asked chapters to increase contributions to the university for other programs. The Naples chapter objected to being asked

to contribute additional money. In addition, the chapter could no longer meet in homes and needed help locating a larger program venue.

Two founding members of the Naples chapter, Wasser and Hendel, had an idea to enable the existing women’s group to continue. They approached Federation officers David Willens, executive director; Evy Lipp, vice president; Rosalie Bogo, president; and the Federation board of directors, and shared their idea of having a social, educational and nonfundraising women’s group that would operate under the Federation umbrella. The board supported this proposition and, in September 2008, the Women’s Cultural Alliance (WCA) was welcomed as an affinity group of the Federation.

Without Wasser and Hendel, and the foresight and hard work of all the women who left BUWNC to form a group with the Federation, the BUWNC would have ceased to exist and there would not be a WCA today. Women’s Cultural Alliance remains the only organization of its kind associated with a Federation in the U.S.

A new chapter began with Wasser at the helm Wasser transitioned from the last president of BUWNC to the first president

of WCA in September 2008. One crucial policy confirmed all women were welcome to become members. The following year, Wasser and Jane Hersch served as co-presidents. From 2009 to 2013, under Hersch’s leadership, WCA’s membership grew from 300 to over 1,000. The Speaker Series originated during that period.

I became president in December 2013. During my tenure from 2013-2020, the number of WCA offerings expanded to more than 100 unique programs, with members originating new programs and study groups. Satellite groups WCA North and WCA South were formed to provide programming held geographically closer to our expanding membership. WCA created summer branches in nine areas so WCA members could “take WCA home” with them over the summer. I led the effort to revise WCA’s bylaws to include a succession plan, which had been one of my primary presidential goals. During this time, WCA membership reached almost 1,700 members.

When COVID-19 struck in March 2020, all in-person programming, except some outdoor activities, ceased. Active membership dipped to 1,200. Ever resilient, WCA learned the new technology of Zoom and pivoted to virtual programming. I convened a committee to explore and eventually implement an automated membership management system, which was the second of my presidential goals, confident that WCA would bounce back after the pandemic.

In September 2020, I passed the presidential gavel to Patti Boochever. In

the summer of 2021, WCA expanded with the formation of WCA NextGen, formed to attract younger members, especially those who work or have children at home and cannot attend daytime activities.

WCA is now in its 15th year (20222023) of programs. COVID restrictions have lessened, WCA is meeting in person and is stronger than ever. Programming, some of which originated under BUWNC, is extensive, including study groups, i.e., literature and theater; special interest groups, i.e., biking, “Serious Foodies” and bird watching; and special classes on numerous topics, including charcoal drawing and chair yoga. Th e phenomenal Speaker Series and trips to various destinations round out the programs.

WCA provides numerous dining opportunities to meet new people and renew friendships, including brunch, lunch and dinner parties, couples Shabbat dinners and attending a wide variety of programs and events.

From the small Brandeis University Women Naples Chapter in 2008, WCA has become an integral part of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. Back then, we were looking for a larger venue. Now, our 1,500 members have a new home in the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center and are enjoying the programming space it provides.

It has been quite an evolution. Thank you to the members of BUWGN who shared their memories and information for this article.

Many women worked endlessly to build today’s WCA. Some of them are pictured here: Nancy Kahn, Mary O'Haver, Dina Shein, Lenore Greenstein, Maureen Schaab, Barbara Karp, Patti Boochever, Elaine Soffer, Susan Pittelman, Phyllis Strome, Linda Simon, Lea Bendes, Sue Dean, Hope Abels (z’l), Arlene Sobol and Barbara Suden.

Former Federation chair Michael Siegal awarded Medal of Honor by President Herzog

The officers, Board of Directors and staff congratulate Michael Siegal on this monumental award.

By Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

Former Board Chair of Jewish Federations of North America, Michael Siegal is one of five notable leaders recently awarded the prestigious Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, according to an announcement issued by the Office of President Isaac Herzog. The prize, which is the highest civil medal awarded by the President of Israel, was presented in recognition of Siegal’s extraordinary commitment to the Jewish nation and to advancing ties between Israel and North American Jewry.

“Michael Siegal is an exemplary role model who has worked tirelessly to strengthen the Jewish community and the bonds between North American Jewry and the State of Israel,” said Jewish Federations of North America President & CEO Eric Fingerhut. “I am inspired by Michael’s vision, leadership and commitment to serving the Jewish people, and this award is a celebration for our entire Federation system.”

“President Herzog’s deep commitment to Diaspora Jewry and recognition

of the unique role our communities play in Israel’s ongoing story is exemplified by his choice to bestow this award upon Michael Siegal,” added Jewish Federations of North America Board Chair Julie Platt. “This tribute represents the unbreakable bonds between Israel and Diaspora Jewry, a vital mission that

Tributes

To: Stanley Farb

In memory of Mignon Farb

From: Larry Goodman

To: Susan & Je rey Feld

In honor of the birth of your granddaughter

From: Susan & Nat Ritter

To: Nancy & Hank Greenberg

In honor of your 70th anniversary

From: Phyllis & Steve Strome

To: Gracia Kuller

In honor of your special birthday

From: Nancy & Hank Greenberg

To: Marc Saperstein & Family In memory of Rose Saperstein

From: Marcia Cohodes & David Goldsteen

Nina & Richard Edelman

Bobbie & Gene Katz

Karen Perna

Jane Schi

Caroline & Bill Schulhof

Phyllis & Steve Strome

Tributes require a minimum donation of $18.

Michael has dedicated his life to. Michael is so deserving of this award and I am delighted to wish him a mazal tov on this tremendous honor.”

Siegal is the Executive Chairman of Olympic Steel, Inc. He served as the Chairman of The Jewish Agency for Israel from 2017-2022, the Chair of Israel Bonds from 2007-2010, the Chair of Jewish Federations of North America from 2012-2015 and the Chair of the Board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Cleveland from 2010-2013. Siegal, along with his wife, Anita, helped establish the Michael and Anita Siegal One Happy Camper Scholarship Fund with the Foundation of Jewish Camping. They are also members of our Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to be receiving this award,” said Siegal. “I am proud to stand on the shoulders of those who created and prayed for a Jewish nation to exist. It is a privilege to be alive when Israel is reaching its 75th

To: Joan & Marc Saperstein

In honor of Annie Wolf’s birthday

From: Caroline & Bill Schulhof

To: Arlene & Bob Subin

In honor of your 60th Anniversary

From: Nancy & Hank Greenberg

Phyllis & Steve Strome

To: Fahn & Denny Tishko

In memory of Carol Sto

From: Jane Schi

To: Je Zalasky

In honor of your special birthday

From: Nancy & Steve Schachtman

Jewish Heritage Day at FGCU

By Rabbi Mendel Gordon

Chabad at FGCU and Chabad of Bonita Springs are excited to invite everyone to join us for a special Jewish Heritage Day at FGCU. Join us Thursday, March 16, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in

the center of campus (Library lawn) for a day of fun as we celebrate being Jewish together and bring our Jewish pride outside.

• Kosher Israeli food

• Jewish pride art mural

• Jewish music

• Various Jewish booths

A big thank you to Jewish Federation of Greater Naples and the FGCU student government for helping sponsor the event.

anniversary and, along with my fellow recipients, to have played our small part in assisting the advancement of the Jewish people and state.”

In addition to Siegal, other awardees include songwriter and poet, Rachel Shapira; Brig. Gen. (ret.) Pinhas Buchris; Arab-Israeli educator, Dr. Dalia Fadila; and youth educator, Dr. Haim Perry.

The Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor is the initiative of the Ninth President of Israel of the State of Israel, the late Shimon Peres, and was first awarded in 2012. Since the establishment of the prize, 28 individuals have been bestowed this honor. After entering office, President Isaac Herzog reconstituted the advisory committee under the chairmanship of the retired Supreme Court Justice Prof. Yoram Danziger to examine candidates for the receipt of this honor. President Herzog has presented the prize to President of the Czech Republic, Miloš Zeman; U.S. President Joe Biden; and President of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades.

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

For more details and to RSVP, go to chabadfgcu.com/heritageday or reach out to Rabbi Mendel at Rabbi@chabad fgcu.com.

Michael Siegal

At the Museum

The museum is buzzing with school group activity in the mornings, the public in the afternoon, and private group tours and lectures. Our staff and volunteers are also out in the community, giving talks at libraries and for community groups, setting up the Boxcar and PopUp Museum displays and teaching lessons at schools.

Our visitation numbers continue to grow. In January, for our International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemoration, we welcomed the most guests we have had since before COVID! More than 100 people joined us for film presentations and tours of the museum. Also on that day, WINK News TV reporter Gail Levy filmed a story at the museum for the evening’s newscasts featuring her interviews with Holocaust survivors Sarah Rockler and Rob Nossen.

I hope you will visit our website to learn about and participate in some of our interesting upcoming programs. You can learn about Nazi-looted art and medical ethics, participate in a film discussion, learn Yiddish or observe the solar

calendar lighting up on our Liberation Wall in the Reflection Room on many different dates of Liberations from January through May.

Meanwhile, designs for the exhibits in our expanded space are being finalized. After months of discussing what to include and what not to include, text is written and images, videos, recorded testimony and artifacts are selected. Our exhibit firm will take this information and design the appropriate panels, cases, lighting and other elements to make the exhibits complete. We can’t wait for you to experience our newly expanded museum sometime this summer!

We are so grateful to all our donors and volunteers for making this work possible. Together, we are teaching the lessons of the Holocaust to inspire action against bigotry, hatred and violence. Our messages of mutual respect and understanding are a beacon of light

against the darkness of hatred that is too prevalent in our world.

Help us grow!

Our adjacent space will become a large classroom, Auschwitz Gallery, Gallery for Other Genocides and Human Rights, special exhibit gallery, and more. This new space will increase the size of the museum from 6,000 to 9,600 square feet, allowing us to provide additional exhibits and serve thousands more students and guests each year. For information on making a gift, please contact me at 239-263-9200 or susan@hmcec.org.

Triumph event on March 15

We are very much looking forward to our annual Triumph event, “Triumph of Freedom.” It will take place on Wednesday, March 15 at the Arthrex One Conference Center. A limited number of tickets are still available. Our featured speaker is Michael Abramowitz, president of Freedom House, the longest-operating pro-democracy and human rights organization in the U.S. As a grant-making organization, Freedom House provides financial support to courageous individuals and organizations fighting for basic human rights at the local level in countries across the world.

Abramowitz has served as director of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Levine Institute for Holocaust Education

and is the former national editor and White House correspondent for The Washington Post. We look forward to the insights Abramowitz will share with us at this special event.

Many thanks to this year’s Triumph of Freedom sponsors and supporters. Here is a list of our sponsors (as of the Feb. 2 print deadline):

Remembrance Sponsor – Estelle and Stuart Price

Testimony Sponsors – Maureen and Arnold Lerner, Sam Levin Foundation, Bobbie and Jack Myers, Fran and Rob Nossen, Richard Yovanovich

Hope Sponsors – Life in Naples magazine, Lorelei Meeker and Geoffrey Grodner

Inspire Sponsors – Felicia and Kenneth Anchor, Baer’s Furniture, Silvie and Herb Berkeley, Dottie McGovern, Susan and Nathaniel Ritter, Ellaine and Richard Rosen, William D. Ross, Sandy and Fred Roth, Anne Schuchmann and Stephen Light, WGCU Public Media

Patrons – Shirley and Marshall Besikof, Leslie and Steven Goodman, Marcia and Paul Greenberg, Rissa Grossman, Nancy Kahn, Shelli A. Halper, Diane and Ron McGinty, Ruth and Peter Pogany, Judy and Stanley Ruskin, Phyllis and Steve Strome, Nancy White, Marina Youngblood and Robert Cahners

I look forward to seeing you soon at the museum!

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Susan Suarez President & CEO

WINK reporter Gail Levy interviews Holocaust survivor Sarah Rockler.

Anne Frank photomosaic - Naples Newcomers tour museum

“Why write your parents’ story?”

By Ida Margolis and Shelley Lieb

GenShoah SWFL has encouraged and supported the writing of our parents’ stories of survival. Several 2Gs attended a recent event to nudge more writers to take that step. These stories and how they can transform writer and reader cross over all elements of our mission.

These stories “promote Holocaust education and human rights.” They are written to be accessible to a middle-school student as students in Florida learn about it in the eighth grade. They are posted on the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center (HMCEC) website for public access. They are true stories of survival that chronicle the loss of human rights in ways that make it personal, believable and teachable.

When we gather our oral history, write it down and publish it, we are “preserving the history and memories of the Holocaust.” Our stories become part of the Holocaust record. It may feel like just a little bit but, when gathered together, these stories coalesce into a bigger picture, a more grounded understanding of what actually happened to individuals, to families and to a thriving culture.

When you write your parents’ story, you are “connecting with other secondand third-generation families” and now even the fourth generation. It is certainly

Ida Margolis and Shelley Lieb

eye-opening to read each other’s stories and comment on the similarities and differences. And it is definitely a legacy that you are putting together for your own family.

These stories provide an opportunity for “supporting the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center.” They bring interest, ideas, donations and visitors to HMCEC. Some story writers have supplemented their stories with actual family artifacts and additional materials donated to HMCEC. If you’ve already written your parents’ story, you can Google your name and note that it is listed and accessible to the public at hmcec.org/resources.

If you didn’t join us at “Our Stories” in February but are ready to take that first step or share what you’ve already written, contact Shelley Lieb at liebro@gmail.com.

TEMPLE SHALOM

www.naplestemple.org / 239.455.3030

Temple Shalom events

By Jeanette Fischer, Temple Shalom Director of Communications

The following Temple Shalom events are open to everyone.

Artists-in-Residence weekend

“The Gift of Music” cantor, Julia Cadrain, and singer-songwriter Elana Arian join us for a weekend of music and learning. On Friday evening, March 10, cantor Cadrain and Arian join us for Shabbat evening services. On Saturday, March 11 at 8 p.m., the community is invited to the concert “Music Speaks Louder Than Words.”

There is no charge for these events, but an RSVP is required. Visit tinyurl. com/A-Gift-of-Music to make your reservation or call the Temple Shalom office at 239-455-3030. The Artists-in-Residence program is generously supported by the Paula Brody & Merrill Hassenfeld Artistin-Residence Fund and co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

Affordable Housing Forum — “What’s the Solution?”

Presented by the Temple Shalom Tikkun Olam volunteers, this March 1 forum follows up on part one of the forum, “What’s the Problem?,” which can be found on the Temple Shalom YouTube channel. The

event will be held at 1:30 p.m. in person and via Zoom. Registration is required for in-person attendance. Visit tinyurl.com/ TSTOVFOURM to register.

Jews of the Dominican Republic

During the Evian Conference in July, 1938, the Dominican Republic was the only nation willing to accept Jews escaping the Nazi onslaught. On Wednesday, March 1 at 11:30 a.m., Jeff Margolis introduces us to the history of the Jewish community in Sosua, where hundreds of Jewish refugees of the Holocaust found a home.

Torah Talk

Join this lay-led discussion of the week’s Torah portion every Saturday morning via Zoom at 8:30 a.m. Please contact the Temple Shalom office at info@ naplestemple.org for the Zoom link.

Jewish Yoga

Join yoga teacher Missy Balsam via Zoom as she guides you through an all-levels gentle yoga stretch session interwoven with Jewish spiritual teachings, designed to relieve stress and calm the mind. This

Examples of the triumph of the Jewish spirit

Joyce Toub

Collier/Lee Hadassah President

Iwant to share with you some highlights from the most recent issue of our award-winning Hadassah magazine.

Holocaust Remembrance Day was Jan. 27th, marking 78 years since the liberation of Auschwitz. Since then, we’ve seen many ways that the triumph of the Jewish spirit has been realized. One example is Agnes Keleti. At this writing, she is the oldest living Olympian. In January, she celebrated her 102nd birthday. Agnes won 10 Olympic metals for Hungary — five of them gold — after surviving the Holocaust!

Another example is Andrea Videlefsky, president of the nonprofit Holocaust education and awareness organization, Am Israel Chai, in Atlanta, Georgia. She noticed that daffodils, with their six petal yellow blooms, reminded her of the yellow stars of David that the Jews were forced to wear during the Holocaust. She began the Daffodil Project in 2010. So far, she has raised funds and helped to plant 750,000 daffodil bulbs in 372 locations around the world. The group is halfway

to completing its goal of planting 1.5 million, the number of Jewish children who perished.

From planting daffodils to planting trees … what a wonderful way to honor Tu B’Shvat, celebrated Feb. 6. Jewish law and ethics mandate that we must preserve, protect and cherish this Earth, invoking themes of environmental advocacy. We can help change communities and enlighten our citizens through education.

A medical revolution was created when mRNA vaccines were produced to protect people from COVID-19. While it took decades to develop vaccines for smallpox, measles, polio and so many other diseases, a COVID-19 vaccination using mRNA was produced in less than one year! The Hadassah Cancer Research Center, Hebrew University – Hadassah Medical School and pharmaceutical giant Merck are in partnership to try to use this mRNA technology to treat cancer.

Dr. Tamar Perri, an expert in gynecological cancers, came to Hadassah in January 2021 to establish and run the Gynecologic Oncology Center. Ovarian cancer is usually asymptomatic and goes undetected until the disease is advanced. However, if it is discovered in its early stages, before it spreads, its cure rate is 95%. After it metastasizes, the prognosis is less favorable.

Dr. Perri is using BRCA gene testing to see if there are any mutations present

C O M M U N I T Y PA S S OV E R S E DE R

Naples Jewish Congregation

Seder Service conducted by Rabbi Howard Herman

Wednesday, April 5, 2023 – 5:00pm

Cypress Woods Country Club 3523 Northbrook Drive, Naples

Traditional Passover Dinner

Gefilte fish, matzo ball soup, roasted chicken, etc.

Order online at naplesjewishcongregation.org

Or mail checks to NJC, PO Box 111994, Naples, FL 34108

$50 Members/Family • $60 Guests/Non-Members

$18 Kids 12 & under

and is using BRCA inhibitors, a class of cancer-fighting drugs. This new cancer center is a one-stop shop with diagnosis, treatment and follow-up in one place. That fosters better and more comprehensive care, whether it’s advanced therapy, surgery, preserving fertility or minimizing side effects.

Closer to home, at the Jewish Museum of Florida in Miami Beach, artist Bonnie Lautenberg has expressed what’s on her mind, reacting to the overturning of Roe vs. Wade. She created an image of the Statue of Liberty with tears running down her cheeks. It’s called “Tears of Roe” and it expresses how devastated she and many women felt. Lady Liberty, the first image you see arriving in New York harbor, represents freedom to all.

The Genesis Prize (the Jewish Nobel Prize) for 2023 was awarded to Jewish activists and NGOs for their work supporting the Ukrainian people in the

wake of the humanitarian crisis. This includes Hadassah Medical Organization and Hadassah International. Given the extraordinary circumstances of the war, the destruction and human suffering on a scale not seen since WWII, Hadassah, committed to healing, is grateful to their generous donors who raised nearly $1.7 million to make Hadassah’s humanitarian efforts possible!

Here in Southwest Florida, we hope you’ll join us at Collier/Lee Hadassah’s next major event (if you get to read this article before the event happens). Our Inspiring Women luncheon on Feb. 26 will celebrate the achievements of three women while supporting Hadassah Medical Organization’s world-class hospitals. Rounding out our activities for the next few weeks, mark your calendars for Hadassah Shabbat on March 3 at Temple Shalom and March 4 at Beth Tikvah. We hope to see you participate with us!

The spirit of coming together

By Diane Schwartz

Collier/Lee Hadassah members took their Woman to Woman and Girls project to Temple Shalom’s Mitzvah Day, organized by the Temple’s Tikkun Olam Volunteers Committee.

It was a day of coming together to support community efforts throughout Collier County. Volunteers packed 10,000 meals for Meals of Hope, participated in the Empty Bowls project, had a collection for and packed Bedtime Bundles, participated in Beading for Betterment and made dog biscuits for the animal shelter, among other efforts. The Woman

to Woman and Girls project collected 3,491 feminine hygiene products.

The Woman to Woman and Girls project collects feminine hygiene products for women and girls who cannot afford them. Hadassah then joins with the Alliance for Period Supplies of SWFL who distributes products to over 200 organizations, food pantries, school systems, and more, across Collier and Lee counties.

There were so many ways to help heal our world!

For information on Women to Women and Girls, contact collierleehadassah@ gmail.com.

events...continued from page 25

class, held Mondays at 10:30 a.m., will be practiced lying down and seated on the floor. Open to all, no experience necessary. The cost is $54 for a 7-week session. Call the Temple Shalom office to register and receive the Zoom information.

Shabbat ShaPlay

Join Rabbi Boxman and Miss Jane on Saturday, March 4 at 10 a.m. as we sing, dance, play and celebrate Shabbat in the park. All young families are invited to attend. Temple Shalom membership is

not required. To register, contact Mary Flores, education administrative assistant, at 239-455-2233 or education@ naplestemple.org.

Soulful Shabbat

Join us on Friday evening, March 31 at 7:30 p.m. for the very popular Soulful Shabbat. Soulful Shabbat is a musical Shabbat service conducted entirely in song and accompanied by the Temple Shalom band. Everyone is invited to attend this uplifting Shabbat evening service.

Ilene Kettering, Lisa Vogel, Susan Pittelman, Project Chair Diane Schwartz, Ellen Hoffman, Deb Hoffman and Dr. Karen Ezrine

Honoring our local history

Marina Berkovich JHSSWF President

The Jan. 19 film presentation of The Jewish Historical Society of SWFL original production of “Jack Nortman, The Boxcar Education Giant” was a success, thanks to Collier County South Regional Library and our volunteers, under the leadership of Ellen Seigel.

This month, we present four films from our ongoing documentary series, Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers, at the new Jewish Federation of Greater Naples Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center to honor four outstanding individuals who are no longer with us.

• March 7 – “Irving Berzon, Engineering the Future” is about the WWII veteran and Collier County visionary water engineer. d. 2021

• March 14 – “Richard Segalman, The Man and His Art” is about a renowned local artist, whose Naples beach landscapes are at Metropolitan Museum of Art and many other museums. d.2021

• March 21 – “Murray’s Mile” is the film about Murray Hendel, the most famous unelected official Naples/Collier County ever had. d. 2022

• March 28 – “Th e Song Meister” is a film about Gene Goodman, Benny Goodman’s younger brother and a prolific music publisher. d. 2022

All presentations will begin at 3 p.m. and end at 4 p.m., except March 21, which will end at 4:30 p.m.

We usually have a wonderful response to our events and the majority of our members are happy to support the work of Jewish Historical Society of SWFL in many ways. But the convoluted workings of modern times,

IRVING BERZON

regrettably, demand clarity. So, let me emphasize, the work we do is local Jewish history preservation.

We strive to make sure our Jewish history is not written out and over. The importance of protecting and preserving the imprint earliest Jews left on this region is not replicated by any other organization. Although other local historical preservation groups pride themselves on understanding diversity and inclusion, Jewish Pioneers continue to be excluded.

Since our inception in 2010, we have off ered a variety of cross-cultural and expanded territory programming. One such example was “Early History of Reform Judaism in USA” that was presented by Emil G. Hirsch, whom we were privileged to have in our Collier County community for decades. He is the direct descendant of the two famous rabbis who were imperative to establishment of Reform Judaism in USA.

Another, a program we brought last year was about the history of Jews of Ukraine, because, let’s face it, most of us can be genetically traced to that area and the tragic war developments there do not leave any of us unmoved.

I was told a couple times during this year’s Florida Jewish History month that all contributions should be sent to Ukraine instead of local Jewish history preservation. It is unfortunate that in any “contest” between Ukrainians and Jews, Jews lose. Historically, institutionally and socially, the prejudices against the Jews are systemic and rooted in ancient history of most other nations since antiquity.

Sadly, some people will offer that choice as an excuse not to renew, but we forge forth, because our mission of historic preservation occupied its proper place in the hearts of the majority of our community. I am certain that deep inside your heart and soul, most of you support

our cause, and I ask you to continue your gracious support. It is always very much appreciated.

You may now purchase Jewish Historical Society of SWFL memberships online or mail us a check. 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://jewishhistorysouthwest florida.org/.

The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida is a section 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Contributions are deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

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.

DEBORAH ZVIBLEMAN REALTOR® PA Deborah Zvibleman, PA

ABR, AHWD, CIPS, CLHMS, PMN, RSPS, SRES, SFR,TRC

by Anna Wallace,

Truly Nolen

As humans, we love our lawns here in Southwest Florida, as evidenced by our obsession with lawn care and maintenance and the ability to enjoy our patios during the summer. But as much as we love our lawns and yards, we also tend to take them for granted. How often do you think about the environmental impact and the technological evolution of lawns?

Not only do lawns turn an ordinary plot of dirt into a green paradise surrounded by ornamental trees and flowers that frame your home perfectly, they also provide a soft carpet for our feet. We love to gather in parks for picnics, sporting events and other leisure activities, but seldom do we think, “Good job, lawn, with that noise reduction and pollution benefit thing you do for us. Oh, and thanks for keeping that dirt in line ”

Lawns and turf grass areas also:

•Control soil erosion and protect the quality of groundwater

•Help trap synthetic organic compounds and enhance bio-degradation of synthetic compounds

•Absorb and remove carbon dioxide gases

•Moderate temperatures by dissipating heat from urban areas

•Provide high visibility from intruders, enhancing home security

& MOWING GO A LONG WAY

•Serve as firebreaks to reduce fire hazards Visually, lawns promote the quality of our lives, lend a hand towards community pride, and increase property values.

However, despite all of the positives, and with our typical dry season ending shortly, your lawn is under constant stress, trying to survive in an often hostile environment here facing heat, humidity, weeds, salt intrusion, poor water retention, invading insects, fungus and other pathogens just to name a few.

Currently, a focus on eco-friendly lawn care, with Integrated Pest Management is ushering in a new dimension in lawn care that promotes lawn maintenance by skilled professional pest control companies. Florida’s year round tropical climate requires constant care to ensure nutritional balance, combat insects and fungus, and control weeds.

While having your irrigation checked and watering your lawn properly will help your turf through the typical late-Spring drought, proper mowing is also a vital part of keeping your lawn pristine until the rainy season begins. In addition, knowing when and what type of insecticides to apply can be challenging, as over application can damage your lawn. Florida soils require specific nutritional requirements that commercial fertilizers do not satisfy. Plus, sand in Florida’s soil can deplete nutrients, due to poor water retention.

Cut out the guesswork. Your local Truly Nolen represen-tative can provide you with a Grass Facts Sheet for your particular type of turf grass with tips on mainte-nance and proper care. Then, we can do a compre-hensive Lawn Analysis that allows us to identify current problems affecting the overall health and appearance of your lawn.

We identify the zones of your lawn most susceptible to insect activity, weed intrusion and additional areas of concern Special care is taken to audit your current maintenance approach and provide tips for maintenance based on the type of grass you have

Whether you take care of your lawn yourself, use our service or another company, we TRULY hope you stay safe, have a great summer, and enjoy your lawn!

(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 the Lawn Care services we provide, please visit https://trulynolen com/lawn-care/ .)

Free event for all | Sunday, March 26, 2023 | 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

PRE-REGISTER AT WWW.JEWISHNAPLES.ORG

March 2023

by

2022-23

16 Authors • 14 Events

November 1, 2022 through March 22, 2023

Schedule of Events

Check the events you will be attending for easy reference (P= in person; V= virtual):

o Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m. (V) – Gioia Diliberto

o Thursday, Nov. 17 at 2 P.M. (V) – Richard Rabinowitz

o Wednesday, Nov. 30 at noon (V) – Daniel Grunfeld

o Monday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. (P/V) – Eleanor Reissa

o Thursday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. (V) – Jen Spyra

o Wednesday, Jan. 4 at noon (P/V) – Cathy Barrow

o Thursday, Jan. 12 at 2 p.m. (V) – Isabel Vincent

o Friday, Jan. 20 at 10 a.m. (V) – Eileen Kathy Pollack

o Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 2 p.m. (P/V) – Marjorie Margolies

o Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. (P/V) – Shaunna Edwards and Alyson Richman

o Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. (V) – Lori Banov Kaufmann

o Friday, Mar. 3 at 9 a.m. (V) – Mallory Smith with speaker Diane Smith

o Tuesday, Mar. 14 at 2 p.m. (V) – Erica Katz

o Wednesday, Mar. 22 at 2 p.m. (P/V) – Jen Maxfield and Ira Rosen

Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival is Presented

OF GREATER NAPLES

A special Thank You to our Patrons

Patti Bloom

Pete Bloom

Sue Bookbinder

Norman Cohn

Suzanne Cohn

Gayle Dorio

Jeremy Freedman

Judith Finer Freedman

Anonymous

Frank Baum

Stacey Baum

Emily Berkowitz

Harriet Berneman

Penni Blaskey

Libbie Bramson

Rhonda Brazina

Cipora Brown

Terri David

Phyllis Fine

Arnan Finkelstein

Marlene Finkelstein

Sheryl Affrime

Nancy Armocida

Tracy Askotzky

Doris Baum

Harvey Becker

Joan Becker

Lea Bendes

Carole Berkowitz

Rosalyn Bernstein

Paula Blachman

Jamie Blatter

Beverly Blazar

Sonya Bloom

Rosalee Bogo

Patti Boochever

Tim Broms

Jacki Chizever

Diane Clarke

Dorothy Collens

Ann Cowen

Myra Cristall

Susan Dean

Linda Denning

Sandy Diamond

Marty Dorio

Benjamin Dubin

Geri Feldman

Marilyn Fishbone

Sheila Frank

Nancy Garfinkel

Priscilla Gerber

Molly Getnick

Heidi Gilbert

Susie Goldsmith

Larry Israelite

Pamela Karll

Gail Lanznar

Anna Levin

Leda Lubin

Robin Mintz

Jackie Paulson

Susan Pittelman

Louise Forman

Spencer Forman

Susan Garelick

Jan Goldman

Diane Goldstein

Carole Greene

Sherry Greenfield

Lenore Greenstein

Linda Grusin

Ronna Hain

Linda Hamburger

Carol Hirsch

Judy Isserlis

Bobbie Katz

Fran Kroll

Debbie Laites

Bernie Lashinsky

Dana Lefkowitz

Gayle Levy

Marci Margolis

Mae Riefberg

Susan Ritter

Barbara Ross

Jackie Sallade Z”L

Joan Saperstein

Susan Schaffer

BRONZE

Dorette Goldberg

Mel Goldfine

Hannah Goodman

Rochelle Goodman

Ellen Gordon

Arlene Griff

Marti Gross

Debbie Grossman

Susan Hager

Lee Henson

Deborah Hermalyn

Janet Herring

Burton Hirsch

Linda Hirsch

Susan Horowitz

Susan Jordan

Susan Koeppel

Toby Kosloff

Gracia Kuller

Barbara Kushnir

Elayna Latsky

Lisa Lauber

Judi Lazan

Lynette Lederman

Linda Lerner

Arlene Levin

Hilda Levine

Michelle Levine-Troupp

Harriet Lickhalter

Phyllis Luts

Ida Margolis

Harriet Matz

Stephen McCloskey

Sheila Mesulam

Audrey Meyer

Linda Miller

Lynn Miller

Rochelle Miller

Stuart Miller

Elyse Morande

Karen Moss

Karen Mullins

Sara Newman

Mary O’Haver

Barbara Ostrolenk

Ann Packman

David Packman

Barbara Paganelli

Judi Palay

Karen Pam

Judith C. Picus

Karen Posner

John Reiches

Sue Reiver

Deedee Remenick

Ellen Rodwick

Muriel Rosenfeld

Lila Rosenweig

Lanie Samuels

Sandra Sanfilippo

Shepard Scheinberg

Deborah Schreier

Stephen Schreier

Avra Schwab

Diane Schwartz

Harriet Schweitzer

Stuart Price

Estelle Price

Judy Roth

Sam Roth

Jane Schiff

Arlene Shapiro

Donald Shapiro

Phyllis Strome

Linda Scheinberg

Iris Shur

Linda Singer

Gail Smith

Linda Smith

Arlene Sobol

Elaine Soffer

Joyce Toub

Linda Wainick

Ferne Walpert

Leslie Wasserman

Leona Wreschner

Judy Zahn

Millie Sernovitz

Linda Shapess

Jane Shaw

Dina Shein

Marilyn Shesko

Mark Shiffman

Anita Siegal

Cathy Silver

Linda Simon

Shellie Specter

Dan Spintman

Judi Spintman

Leslie Springman

Hal Stein

Sharon Stein

Marilyn Storch

June Streisand

Denise Sultan

Ann Swartz

Shira Swartz

Allison Tucker

Joan Vazakas

Sydelle Weinberger

Suellen Weiner

Ellen Weisberg

Linda Wertheim

Goldie Wetcher

Jack Wiadro

Nancy Wiadro

Barbara Winthrop

Susan Yale

Steven Yussen

Cathy Zacks

Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival is presented by Jewish Federation©

Review of “Ticking Clock: Behind the Scenes at 60 Minutes” by Ira Rosen

By Carole J Greene

If you are like me, you have been glued to CBS’s TV newsmagazine “60 Minutes” since its inception in 1968. To journalists and lovers of investigative journalism, its on-camera correspondents have become household names: the originals — Mike Wallace, Harry Reasoner, Morley Safer — and later ones — Steve Kroft, Charlie Rose, Chris Cuomo, Anderson Cooper. Ira Rosen knew them all, plus other big names in TV news like Diane Sawyer, Katie Couric and Barbara Walters. His no-holds-barred account reveals the competitive environment and power plays between anchors and correspondents at the weekly program introduced by a ticking clock.

Rosen came onto the scene in 1980, when, at the ripe age of 26, he was hired by the show’s creator, Don Hewitt, to be a producer for Mike Wallace. A producer’s job is to, well, produce. Th at is, fi nd a story and people who can shed light on the facts of the story, pitch it, then make sure it all happens in front of the cameras in a way to show your boss in his best light. Each one-hour show typically consists of three segments in a documentary format. If your assignment is Mike Wallace, you also, ideally, produce an opportunity for on-camera confrontation.

Notorious for his ego, Wallace had a reputation for chewing up producers

and spitting them out. Wallace might start a TV season with five producers, all knowing that by the end of the season, at least one of them would be gone. Rosen is candid about stories that went awry — for example, a whistleblower deciding at the last minute not to go on camera — and could have resulted in Rosen’s being fired. But miracles or luck or both perpetually bailed him out. Still, even though he knew his job was on the line with every story, it was Rosen’s job to produce for one of the giants of the industry. He loved the assignment.

Rosen left “60 Minutes” and, for 15 years, served as a senior producer for

ABC’s “Primetime” and “20/20” shows, similar to “60 Minutes,” that never grew out of wannabe status. Finally coming to understand that “being a ‘60 Minutes’ producer was the best reporting position on TV,” he returned to CBS.

With the advent of computers and the internet, he could now discover and research stories online. He embraced the challenge of being a producer again but, this time, it was for Steve Kroft. Lacking Mike Wallace’s charisma but matching him for ego, Kroft was an established reporter and an excellent writer with a knack for explaining complicated stories. Rosen tells us some of those stories.

This is the kind of book that could be read straight through, following Rosen’s career in its chronology. Or readers could cherry-pick by looking at the table

of contents and chapter titles such as “Accident at Three Mile Island,” “Gangsters,” “The Clintons,” “Hillary 2016,” “Trump,” “Charlie Rose” and “#MeToo.” Each reveals factual tidbits that titillate or even shock.

How did it happen that, after leaving the White House, the Clintons “had managed to make nearly $250 million?” What does Steve Bannon really think of Trump? As mentioned earlier, this book is “no holds barred,” so Rosen will answer these questions — and many more. After all, he has received 24 National Emmys, four duPont Awards, two RFK Awards, and two Peabodys for his work as producer of some of the most memorable and important stories in TV news.

In this season’s Jewish Book Festival, Ira Rosen will share the podium with Jen Maxfi eld in the fi nal presentation of the festival on Wednesday, March 22, at 2 p.m.

2022-23

Maxfield’s book, “More After the Break,” revisits 10 memorable stories from her career as a TV news reporter. Two scintillating authors for one ticket! What a deal! It will be available via Zoom and in person at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center (4720 Pine Ridge Road, Naples). For tickets, go to jewishnaples.org.

Pianist Bella Gutshtein featured in Naples Community Orchestra March 4 concert

Naples, Florida – The Naples Community Orchestra will host the second performance of its 30th season on Saturday, March 4, 3 p.m. at Moorings Presbyterian Church (791 Harbour Drive in Naples). The orchestra will be conducted by Alvin Ho, NCO’s new artistic director, who also serves as assistant conductor with the Naples Philharmonic. The program will feature music from Johannes Brahms and Johann Strauss Jr. In addition, the orchestra will perform Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring” with guest pianist Bella Gutshtein.

Gutshtein has been making music since the age of 6. She was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, where she received her first master’s degree in music performance, vocal coaching and teaching from St. Petersburg Conservatory. She received her second master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music in New York City. Since moving to Naples in 2001, she has performed as a soloist and chamber music pianist in numerous venues, including the Sypert Salon Series and the Wang Chamber Music Series at Artis— Naples. She is also a music educator, teaching music performance and appreciation throughout most of her career.

Gutshtein is a founder and artistic director of the Estero Concert Series, through which she creates innovative multidimensional chamber music and art programs. Together, with her husband, Boris Sandler, she is also a co-founder and artistic director of Camerata of Naples Chamber Orchestra.

A reception will follow the concert from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at naplescommunityorchestra.org. Individual concert admission is $40

per ticket. Complimentary tickets are available for students with valid student identification. Tickets will be sent

to your email address. Ticket holders may print them out or have them available on a smartphone to scan at the door. Email ticket questions to tkingNCO@gmail.com.

Naples Community Orchestra’s 2023 concert finale on Saturday, April 22 will include Beethoven’s “Coriolan Overture.” In addition, the concert will feature Adam Satinsky on cello for Tchaikovsky’s “Variations on a Rococo Theme.”

The season series is influenced by community partnerships the orchestra has forged with Artis—Naples, Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) and Collier County Public Schools (CCPS). The orchestra welcomes the participation of student musicians from both FGCU and CCPS high schools. NCO’s partnership with Artis—Naples provides musicians for conducting, sectional rehearsals, soloists and rehearsal and event space.

Romance and commitment explored in “The Goodbye Girl”

TheatreZone presents Neil Simon musical comedy featuring Marvin Hamlisch’s music and David Zippel’s lyrics

Naples, Fla. (January 31, 2023)

— TheatreZone continues to explore romance with the award-winning Neil Simon musical comedy “The Goodbye Girl” in Naples March 9-19, as part of the professional theater company’s “Romantics & Rockers” 2023 lineup. The 12-production run takes place in the G&L Theatre located on Livingston Road between Pine Ridge and Vanderbilt Beach roads, on the campus of the Community School of Naples.

“‘The Goodbye Girl’ is a musical adventure about romantic disappointments, triumphs, love and commitment,” says TheatreZone’s Founding Artistic Director Mark Danni, who selected Simon’s musical comedy for TheatreZone’s 18th season.

“The Goodbye Girl” is Neil Simon’s 1993 adaptation of his Academy Awardnominated 1977 fi lm starring Marsha Mason and Richard Dreyfus, who won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the film. The Broadway production starred Martin Short and Bernadette Peters and received five Tony Award nominations and won the Drama Desk Award for outstanding score for a musical.

The music was composed by the legendary Marvin Hamlisch (“A Chorus Line”) with lyrics by David Zippel (“City of Angels”) to create a score that includes the vibrant “A Beat Behind,” the emotionally charged “I Think I Can Play Th is Part” and the witty “Elliott Garfield Grant.”

“The Goodbye Girl’s” plot centers on a struggling actor, Elliot Garfield, who sublets a small Manhattan apartment. The twist? The apartment is already occupied by a recently jilted and unemployed

dancer, Paula McFadden, and her precocious young daughter, Lucy. The musical explores the progression of the relationships between the characters as they strive for successful show business careers.

The show stars New York City actors Stephanie Bishop (formerly a Radio City Rockette) as Paula McFadden and Matthew Krob as Elliot Garfield. Kylie Gust, an eighth-grade student at Community School of Naples, is cast as Lucy McFadden, Paula’s daughter.

Paige Miles, a 2010 American Idol finalist and former Community School of Naples student, plays Mrs. Crosby, the manager of the apartment building where much of the show’s action takes place.

The comedy adventure will be directed by Mark Danni, choregraphed by TheatreZone co-founder Karen Molnar Danni, with music direction by Flint Hawes. For tickets and information, visit www.Theatre.Zone or call the box office at 888-966-3352.

Celebrating its 18th season, TheatreZone stages its musical productions in the intimate and elegant 250-seat G&L Theatre conveniently located in Naples at 13275 Livingston Road, between Pine Ridge and Vanderbilt Beach roads, in a dedicated building nestled within the campus of the Community School of Naples.

TheatreZone’s contract with the Actors’ Equity Association ensures access to the best actors, singers, dancers, musicians and stage management professionals from throughout the country. The nonprofit 501(c)(3) was established in 2005 by Mark Danni and Karen Molnar Danni, who have both enjoyed successful careers on Broadway and off-Broadway.

Conductor Alvin Ho Pianist Bella Gutshtein

Photo credit: Naples Community Orchestra

Naples Fine Art Show

March 25-26 at Paradise Coast Sports

By Patty Narozny, Hot Works Fine Art & Craft Shows Founder & Executive Producer

Marc Chagall once said, “In the arts, as in life, everything is possible provided it is based on love.” In today’s complex world, artists continue that tradition, creating art that brings us together with soulful expression and spiritual messages that transcend the problems of a difficult world.

Explore the works of the nation’s most recognized artists at the Naples Fine Art Show by Hot Works on March 25 and 26 at Paradise Coast Sports Park Welcome Center. You’ll find amazing fine art, wood, metal, sculpture, art glass, fashion and jewelry, all made by artists who are sharing both their talents and their souls.

Ukrainian-born metalsmith, Julia Bernadsky of Untamed Hearts Jewelry, touches the soul with messages in both English and Hebrew. Julia says, “Every one of us can make a difference and tilt the scale between darkness and light in this world.”

A student of Kabbalah, Julia finds a way to engrave a message of peace in every piece. Her latest collection supports her native Ukraine.

In addition to great arts, the Naples Fine Art Show provides live music, great food and a youth arts competition where local young artists grades 6-12 or ages 9-19 show and compete for cash prizes. Admission is free! Donations are always welcome. The show is open 10-5 daily.

Visit the website, www.hotworks.org, for a complete list of exhibiting artists and additional information.

Every life is unique and deserves to be remembered in a special way. The professionals at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens are dedicated to helping

you and your loved ones honor the heritage of the Jewish faith with a meaningful memorial that truly captures the essence of the life it represents. We offer our deepest gratitude for giving us the opportunity to assist you through one of the most challenging times in life, and for allowing us to earn and keep your trust.

HONORING TRADITIONS, strengthening faith

Gyorgy

Ligeti Music of the Imagination!

By Arlene Stolnitz

This month’s column will be a departure from my usual format of this season. Since September, I have focused on Jewish musicians who fl ed Europe just prior to the Holocaust, coming to the U.S., not only to find a safe haven but also to pursue their passion musically. With perfect timing, many of these musicians found success in Hollywood, which served as the springboard for their future musical development.

In doing research for this month’s article, I discovered a man (curiously there doesn’t seem to be any women) who became important in Hollywood, even though he never left Europe during that period when so many were escaping.

I am sure you never heard his name and, yet, I am positive you would recognize his music. Do you recall the music for Stanley Kubrick’s “2001 Space Odyssey?” That strange electronic sound called music? That music was created in part by Gyorgy Ligeti, born in Hungary in 1923 of Jewish parents but later emigrating to Vienna where he became an Austrian citizen. With a full career in classical music composition, how, you may ask, did he get involved in the “Hollywood” scene?

Turns out, Ligeti was fascinated with 12-tone music and started experimenting with it early on. (I am not attempting to explain this type of music, but my musical friends will understand; it is music related to the style of Schoenberg).

The young Ligeti was discouraged from studying music and never took piano lessons until he was 14 years old, even though he had a strong interest in music. The family, however, had a radio, and Ligeti was able to hear the music of Wagner, Richard Strauss, Stravinsky, and others, who later infl uenced his style. About this time, he composed his first piece, a waltz, strongly influenced by Grieg. Other compositions followed.

In 1941, he sat for examinations in physics and mathematics at the University of Cluj in northwest Romania where the family had moved. He passed, but Nazi laws severely restricted Jewish university applicants and he was rejected. It was then that his father finally allowed him to pursue his musical ambitions. In January 1944, his studies were abruptly halted when he and other Hungarian Jews were taken into forced labor for the remainder of the war. During this period, Ligeti lost his entire family in Auschwitz, except for his mother. Luckily, Ligeti escaped death and returned to Vienna to resume his studies.

Now, to the story of the Hollywood connection. I had to search long and hard but fi nally found it. Ligeti first heard of “2001” when a friend in New York wrote to him in Austria, saying that a very important film had come out in America and that he ought to go to hear the music as soon as possible. Ligeti could not afford to travel for the premiere, but he went to the Vienna opening and was absolutely astonished. Excerpts from his pieces had been included in the Kubrick film.

The tradition in music is, apparently, that brief excerpts can be used with merely the formal permission of the publishers but that, for longer passages, consultation is required. Ligeti went again to “2001,” armed this time with a stopwatch, and found that just over half an hour of his music, including excerpts from at least four of his works, appeared on the soundtrack! What ensued was a lawsuit, which was finally settled with a monetary agreement.

Ligeti, like Kubrick, was intent on precision in performance. By the end of their careers, both men were considered by many to be the best in their professions. Perhaps their ultimate affinity was that of a lifetime devoted to perfecting new horizons.

Ligeti was a resourceful and multifaceted character; a cosmopolitan intellectual who taught composition at universities in Hungary, Germany, Sweden and the U.S. He was fluent in French and Romanian; an atheist Jew who wrote an important Réquiem; and a gregarious and generous man who spent countless years haunted by the specter of death and evil. As an artist, Ligeti was notorious for insisting on precision in performance. My research revealed that he was a conservative Christian in practice. He died in Vienna in 2006 where he is buried.

I often wonder how I have the “chutzpah” to write about these talented and gifted musicians.

My background in music is literally nothing compared to those I write about. It is merely my interest in what they, particularly as Jewish composers and artists, have achieved. It is remarkable to me, as I think about it, that the Jewish people, so small in number, have achieved such outstanding accomplishments.

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.

Arlene Stolnitz

New and returning series, History of the World, Part II,

more Stars of David

By Nate Bloom, Stars of David Contributing Columnist

ditor’s Note: Persons in bold are deemed by Nate Bloom to be Jewish for the purpose of this column. Persons identified as Jewish have at least one Jewish parent and were not raised in, or identify with, a faith other than Judaism. Converts to Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish.

E

admin@NaplesJFF.com ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

“Daisy Jones & The Six”

On March 3, “Daisy Jones & The Six” premieres on Amazon Prime. The “official” description says it follows “a rock band in the 1970s from their rise in the LA music scene to becoming one of the most legendary bands in the world and explores the reason behind their split at the height of their success.” Riley Keough, Elvis’ granddaughter, plays the title character.

“Daisy” is based on a novel. The series was created by Scott Neustader and Michael H. Weber, and they wrote the pilot episode. They have long been writing partners (“500 Days of Summer,” many more). The duo also produces the series, along with Laura Neustader , Scott’s wife.

“Perry Mason”

In 2020, HBO released “Perry Mason,” a reboot of the famous TV series. But, unlike the original, which was set in the ’50s and ’60s, the new series was set during the Great Depression in 1932. Mason is a broke private investigator until (spoiler) he solves a big case and, as the first season ended, he opted to go to law school with the aim of being a defense attorney.

In the first season, Mason and Hamilton Burger, an assistant district attorney, are very friendly. Justin Kirk, 53, played Burger in the first season and will return as Burger, a main cast character, in the second season. It begins on March 6 (HB0).

Kirk is the secular son of a Jewish mother and non-Jewish father. He’s best known for playing Andy Botwin, a (star) Jewish character on the long-running Showtime series “Weeds.”

Michael Begler and Jack Amiel , both 54, took over as the main producers of the show in the second season. They also wrote most of the second season scripts.

“History of the World, Part II”

Also on March 6, there’s the premiere of the highly anticipated series “History of the World, Part II.” Every Mel Brooks fan knows that “Part I” was a hilarious 1981 film directed and written by Brooks. Scenes included Moses (played by Brooks) bringing down the 10 Commandments from Mt. Sinai.

The 1981 film hinted that there would be a Part II. But Brooks always said that was a joke. Well, the 95-year-old Brooks was coaxed to co-write a sequel, which will air on Hulu in the form of eight half-hour episodes. On March 6, two episodes will be released, with two more episodes released each following day (March 7-9).

In chronological order, here are premieres this month that have a “Jewish connection.”As I write this, a complete cast list is unavailable. I know that Pamela Adlon, 56, and Evan Shafran, 40, will appear. It’s likely that comedic actors Ike Barinholtz, 45, and Nick Kroll, 44, who are listed as producers of the series, will also act in the series. (FYI: Barinholtz won the Celebrity Jeopardy final last month. A million bucks went to his favorite charity).

David Stassen (not Jewish) co-wrote “Part II” and he acts in at least two episodes. His frequent writing partner is Barinholtz, who he met when they were 7 years old. In a Stassen interview, I learned that Barinholtz went to a Chicago Jewish day school before transferring to the same (secular) high school as Stassen.

“Extrapolations”

A six-part Apple+ series, “Extrapolations” premieres March 17. Here is part of the official description: “‘Extrapolations” is a bracing drama that introduces a near future where the chaotic effects of climate change have become embedded into our everyday lives. Eight interwoven stories about love, work, faith and family from across the globe will explore the intimate, life-altering choices that must be made when the planet is changing faster than the population.”

Th e Jewish cast members are Judd Hirsch , 87, Daveed Diggs , 41, Peter Riegert, 75, and David Schwimmer, 56. Riegert and Schwimmer’s characters have “Jewish names.” They are, respectively, Ben Zucker and Harris Goldblatt. I presume they are Jewish characters.

Here’s some of the big-name (not Jewish) actors in the series: Meryl Streep, Forest Whitaker (best actor Oscar), Kit Harington (“Game of Thrones”), Edward Norton and Tobey McGuire.

Einstein royalties benefit university

Finally, a note about the many Verizon ads featuring an actor (Paul Giamatti) playing Albert Einstein

Were you annoyed that Einstein was being used to sell Verizon stuff?

Well, there’s a silver lining. Einstein left his estate to the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. To use Einstein’s image, companies have to get permission. If permission is granted, they have to pay royalties.

To date, the Hebrew University has received “Einstein image” royalties totaling $250 million. About $12M in “Einstein image” royalties flow annually to the university.

FILM FESTIVAL

NAPLES JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

March 5th - “Rose”

(Drama) Rose, 78, has just lost her most beloved husband. When her grief gives way to a powerful impulse of life that makes her realize that she can still redefine herself as a woman, the whole balance of the family is upset

• Bonus Short Film : “Omi” (prior to feature film)

March 19th - “Karaoke”

(Comedy/Drama) Meir and Tova live a middle-class life in a sleepy suburb, plagued by an unspoken sense of disappointment and regret. When Itsik, a former Miami-based modeling agent, moves into their building, their lust for life is reignited.

• FINAL GALA: Appreciation Reception following the Film

With Special Thanks to…

Executive Producers

Stacey & Frank Baum

Ruth & Bruce Bier

Susie Goldsmith

Marcia Cohodes & David Goldsteen

Elizabeth & Stanley Star

Film Sponsors

Kaye Lifestyle Homes

Mondo Uomo

Premier Sothebys International Realty

The Lutgert Companies

Festival Director

Rosalee & Jerry Bogo

• Fiona Welles & Irwin Edelstein

• Madeline Foster

Marcia & Robert Karp

• Eleanor Liberman

• Paulette & Ed Margulies

Ritter

• Harvey Rosenthal

Saperstein

• Susan & Nat

• Joan & Marc

• Susan & Jay Weiss

Brought to you by:

Festival Friends

Susan & Aron Ain • Stacey & Frank Baum • Sandra & Barry Barber

Gayle Levy & Marty Barber

Doris & Lewis Baum • Goldie & Lou

Bertone • Beverly & Andy Blazer

Linda & Dan Carp • Judith & Jeremy

Freedman • Liz & Harry Fischman

Nancy & Darryl Garfinkle • Phyllis & Philip Garon • Heidi & Harold Gilbert

• Cynthia & Harold Goldfine • Kay & Bruce Goldstein Arline & Ronald

Kaplan • Helaine & Marvin Lender

Judy & Mayer Levitt • Karen & Neil

Moss • FE & Jack Nortman • Elaine & Marshall Paisner • Ellaine & Richard

Rosen • Nancy & Steven Schachtman

• Jane Schiff • Dawn Sherman & Matt

By Rabbi Barbara Aiello

Hot, dusty and tired, Poppy and his grandson, Ari, burst into the kitchen where Ari’s mother, Rachel, was preparing dinner. “You guys look a wreck,” Rachel said, “but it looks like you had fun.”

And, indeed, they did. Rachel’s father, Ari’s beloved Poppy, organized a perfect day that began with fishing from the local pier followed by a race around the go-kart track and topped off with a pizza picnic in the local park.

As Poppy headed for the door, Ari couldn’t resist giving him one last hug. “Thanks, Poppy. You’re the best.”

Later that evening, when Ari was asleep and definitely out of earshot, Rachel could no longer contain her frustration. Sharing a pot of tea with Ari’s dad, Josh, Rachel’s tears said it all. “You know, Josh, I love seeing my dad and Ari together. Dad adores him and Ari loves his Poppy. I’m happy they have this special relationship but when I think back to my growing up, I get so resentful. Dad was never there for me.”

Rachel’s lament included bitter memories of years when her father’s workaholic behavior kept him far from his family, especially his daughter. Her dad regularly missed sporting events, school performances and sometimes even her birthday. “Spending a day with my dad, like Ari did today, would have been wonderful. But I get so upset when I see Ari getting what I never had and I wonder, ‘Does Dad ever think about what he missed?’”

“Every day,” says Rachel’s father, as he regaled Rachel’s mom with the details of his day spent with Ari. “Every day, I think about the time I wasted writing one more memo, making one more phone call, taking one more business trip. And, before I knew it, Rachel was grown and out of the house. Spending time with Ari shows me how much I missed with Rachel. I’m trying to make it up to her by being a better grandfather than I was a dad.”

Writing in the online publication, “Family,” Ann Richardson explains that it is not uncommon for grandparents to

view “…their new relationship with their grandchildren as a perfect opportunity to make amends.” However, Ms. Richardson cautions that, although making these “second-hand” amends may be soothing for the grandparents, their children may harbor resentment that they missed out on the special relationship and attention that the grandchildren now enjoy.

“Seems like an apology is in order,” said Rachel’s mother as she rubbed her husband’s shoulders. “You’re doing well with Ari but you need to explain to Rachel how your relationship with Ari brings back so many memories of the time you lost with your own daughter.”

Rachel’s mother’s advice to her husband is imbedded in the ancient Jewish tradition of “teshuvah,” which includes admitting what we’ve done wrong and making a face-to-face apology to the person we’ve harmed. In fact, a guiding principle of atonement is emphasized during the Yom Kippur service where we hear the words of the Mishna, “For transgressions between a person and God, Yom Kippur atones; however, for transgressions between a person and another, Yom Kippur does not atone until he appeases the other person.”

Although Rachel’s father understood his Jewish traditions regarding asking forgiveness, he was reluctant to approach his daughter. “Can’t Rachel see that I’ve changed? Isn’t it obvious that the

attention I give to Ari is my way of making it up to her?”

Certainly, Rachel can see that her father has changed, but the hurt is deep and the residual resentment profound. That’s why it is essential to speak directly to the person we’ve wronged. Rachel’s father needed to admit his mistakes out loud.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (z”l) spoke to this issue when he wrote, “I forgive you because, when you admit you did wrong, express remorse and do all you can to make amends, especially when I see that, given the opportunity … to repeat the crime, you do not do so because you have changed …”

The relationship between Rachel and her father will be strengthened if and when her father acknowledges, directly to Rachel, the hurt he caused by his neglect.

Asking forgiveness and reaping the emotional rewards that come with an honest “I’m sorry” need not wait for a once-a-year observance. Restoring a relationship by making amends is an ancient tradition available to all of us, at any time.

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.

never too early to make amends Aging

– What our traditions teach us about growing old

Rabbi Barbara Aiello

apersonandanother, YomKippurdoesnotatone untilheappeasesthe otherperson.”

Mishloach Manot

By Chef Dalia

With Purim just around the corner, there is a lot of enjoyment in our house right now. One of the fun things about Purim is the chance to get dressed up and act with a kind of ridiculous behavior that most of us don’t have in our everyday lives. Purim, for me, brings out many colorful and joyful memories, but none as strong as the faces of happy children with their mishloach manot, the delicacy baskets traditionally given to friends and family for this holiday.

Purim is a day for celebrating how much kindness we can give to others. In fact, on Purim we are compelled to give two forms of gifts. The first is Matanot L’evyonim, gifts to the poor. The second is Mishloach Manot, which is Hebrew for “sending of portions.”

There’s no special requirement for what goes into mishloach manot, but they usually contain sweets. It’s also traditional to include at least two portions of food for sharing. Depending on your tradition, mishloach manot can be simple to gourmet and everything in between.

Marzipan-Amaretto

Hamantaschen

Did you know it’s a mitzvah to get drunk on Purim, at least according to the Talmud. Why limit alcohol to Manischewitz only? Here is recipe for boozy hamantaschen (Oznei Haman).

Ingredients

Almond filling:

• 8-ounce almond paste

• ½ cup melted butter

• 4 tablespoons sugar

• 1 teaspoon amaretto liqueur (almond-flavored liqueur)

• 2 eggs

• 4 tablespoons almond flour

An Ashkenazi must-have is Hamantaschen (Oznei Haman), filled, triangular cookies. Sephardim enjoy dates and walnut roulade-shaped cookies, and kids love Kadorei Shokolad.

While it’s best to fill your baskets with customary and favorites treats, it’s always fun to add a little taste of something new.

So, you’re in the Purim mood? That means you’re probably looking for quick and easy treats to make for your mishloach manot (including Oznei Haman, of course). Yep, these recipes are probably what you’re looking for!

Dough:

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• ¾ cup sugar

• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest

• ½ teaspoon amaretto liqueur (almond-flavored liqueur)

• 2 eggs

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup ground almonds

• bit of salt

Directions Filling:

1. Mix the almond paste, butter, sugar, amaretto liqueur, eggs and almond flour in a mixer until very smooth.

Hamantaschen:

1. Combine butter and sugar together in a mixer until light and fluffy.

2. Add the lemon zest and amaretto liqueur to the mixture.

3. With the machine running on low, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each egg.

4. Add the flour, ground almonds and salt. Mix to combine.

5. Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Dip a round cookie cutter into flour and cut circles in the dough. Fill the dough with 1 teaspoon of filling and pinch the edges together to form a triangle. Place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes at 325 degrees until lightly browned.

Kadorei Shokolad:

Israel’s favorite dessert

Chocolate balls are as iconic as falafel in Israel. Kadorei shokolad, as they are known in Hebrew, are part of the typical Israeli childhood but they’re rarely seen outside the home. They might be ignored by culinary experts, but insiders know that the very best are made by excited kindergarteners.

Ingredients

• 2-pack tea biscuits

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• 2 teaspoon vanilla

• ½ cup of butter or margarine, melted

• ½ cup milk

• Fine shredded coconut, in a bowl

• Rainbow sprinkles, in a bowl

Directions

1. Put the biscuits in a plastic or paper bag and close tightly. Using a rolling pin or meat tenderizer, crush or pound the biscuits until the biscuits have the consistency of rice.

Date and walnut roulade-shaped cookies

Date-filled roulade cookies are very popular in Israel, especially before Purim.

Ingredients

• 12 oz. pitted dates

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• ¾ cup toasted walnuts

• 2 ¼ cups flour, plus more for the work surface

• ⅓ cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 stick soft butter

• ⅓ cup orange juice

• Powdered sugar for dusting

2. Pour the biscuits into a large bowl. Add the sugar, cocoa and cinnamon and mix well. Add the vanilla, softened butter and milk and stir until the batter comes together. If the mixture doesn’t bind, add another tablespoon of milk.

3. Take a tablespoon of the batter and roll it between your hands to form a ball.

4. Coat these balls in either coconut or rainbow sprinkles by rolling them from side to side. Transfer to a plate or tray, and place in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Once chilled, the Kadorei Shokolad are ready to serve.

Directions

1. Soak dates in boiling water for 30 minutes and strain well. Put in a food processor with brown sugar and process until very smooth. Keep aside.

2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. Put walnuts in a plastic bag and crush them into small pieces using a rolling pin. Set aside.

4. To make the dough, put flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in the bowl of a food processor and blend for a minute. Add butter and orange juice, and process to make crumbs. Transfer to a large bowl and knead dough with your hands to create a ball.

5. Lightly flour working surface and rolling pin. Divide dough into two, then roll one half into a thin 10-by13-inch rectangle. Spread half the date mixture on the rolled dough, leaving a half-inch clean near the longer edge. Sprinkle with walnut pieces. Start rolling lengthwise towards the clean long edge to create a 13-inch-long roulade. Gently transfer to the baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, make slits in roulade, ¾ of an inch apart. Repeat with second half of dough.

6. Bake for 25 minutes, until golden at the bottom. Cool on a cool rack. Dust with powdered sugar and cut slices to serve.

Personal Chef Dalia Hemed can be reached at daliahemed@msn.com.

87-year-old Holocaust survivor shares remarkable story with 30 IDF soldiers

FIDF Live features Rena Quint and her journey of survival and triumph as a child of the Holocaust

Jerusalem, Israel (January 23, 2023) –

At just 3 years old, Rena Quint’s life was uprooted when the Nazis invaded her hometown of Piotrków Trybunalski. Th e day before this past International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Rena shared her heart-wrenching journey and miraculous story of survival through the Holocaust, in her living room in Jerusalem, with 30 soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Friends of the IDF (FIDF) facilitated this meaningful, emotional gathering to provide soldiers with a heightened sense of purpose as they bravely protect the Jewish homeland, a safe haven for Jews everywhere, leading up to the 75th anniversary of its establishment this spring.

In 1942, at the tender age of 6, Quint’s mother and two older brothers were transferred to the extermination camp of Treblinka. She and her father spent several years slaving in a glass factory before her father, and a woman who was watching over her, were killed. From that point on, several other women at the camp cared for her and were ultimately responsible for her survival. Against all odds, Quint was finally liberated in Germany’s BergenBelsen concentration camp. She was the sole survivor of her family.

At the end of the war, Quint went to Sweden where a Jewish woman, also

a Holocaust survivor who had recently lost her daughter, suggested that she take her daughter’s visa and go with her to America. The woman died several months after arriving and Quint was then adopted by an American couple and went on to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education.

Proud to be a schoolteacher and lecturer at Adelphi University in New York, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Quint established a new life for herself. She eventually made Aliyah with her husband and four children. For more

than 30 years, Quint has dedicated herself to volunteering at Yad Vashem — The World Holocaust Remembrance Center, where she speaks with groups from the world over.

Meet this fascinating woman of strength and bravery as she shares her stories with IDF soldiers responsible for protecting the Jewish homeland, presented only by Friends of the IDF (FIDF).

FIDF LIVE, hosted by American former Lone Soldier and author Joel Chasnoff, is a high-level production broadcast that brings awareness of FIDF’s mission

Shavei Israel has new emissary to El Salvador’s Jewish community

San Salvador, El Salvador (January 9, 2023) – The Jerusalem-based nonprofit, Shavei Israel, together with the Beit Midrash Sephardi, have appointed Rabbi Eliyahu Franco as a new emissary to El Salvador, where he will work to strengthen Jewish life in the country.

More than 500 years after their Iberian Jewish ancestors were compelled to convert to Catholicism, Bnei Anousim (whom historians refer to by the derogatory term “Marranos”) in El Salvador will get their own rabbi, who was born and raised in their community, to serve their spiritual and educational needs.

Rabbi Franco, 38, was born in El Salvador and, thanks to Shavei Israel, decided to make Aliyah to Israel in 2018. Franco now lives near Jerusalem and is married with two children. After he obtained a degree in technical system engineering and accounting and religious studies in El Salvador, Franco spent five years at the Beit Midrash Sephardi in the Old City of Jerusalem. In addition to being an ordained rabbi, Franco is certified to practice as a shochet (kosher slaughterer), a Mashgiach Kashrut and Mohel.

“We are delighted to be sending Rabbi Eliyahu Franco to reach out to the Bnei

Anousim of El Salvador,” said Rabbi Michael Freund, founder and chairman of Shavei Israel. “There are hundreds of Bnei Anousim in El Salvador and thousands in Latin America who are conscious of their historical connection to the Jewish people. We owe it to them and to their ancestors to reach out to them, embrace them and welcome them back to the Jewish People. Shavei Israel will continue to intensify its efforts to assist the Bnei Anousim wherever they may be.”

and activities to a broader audience. By introducing content through this platform, FIDF is connecting Americans and the world to Israel. FIDF has always been a bridge between Americans and Israelis, and this virtual experience continues that tradition in a novel way, serving as the place for everyone who loves Israel and wants to stay connected.

About Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF):

FIDF was established in 1981 by a group of Holocaust survivors as a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization with the mission of transforming the lives of the young men and women of the IDF who protect Israel and Jews worldwide through empowering educational, financial, well-being and cultural initiatives. With 24 chapters throughout the U.S., FIDF proudly supports soldiers before, during and after their service, as well as families of fallen soldiers and wounded veterans, reinforcing the vital bond between the communities in the U.S. and the soldiers of the IDF. For more information, please visit www.fidf.org.

the Jewish communities in Guatemala and Honduras as well.

About the Jews of El Salvador

Credit: Courtesy of Shavei Israel

“I’m very excited to start my new role as Shavei Israel’s emissary to the El Salvador Jewish community,” said Rabbi Franco. “This is a great honor for me to return to this beautiful Jewish community in the country where I spent my childhood, to help those who seek a deeper connection with Judaism.”

As Shavei Israel’s emissary El Salvador, Rabbi Franco will teach Torah, Jewish culture and Jewish tradition to Bnei Anousim, conducting a wide range of social and educational activities in the process. He will also arrange community events and prayers for Shabbat and holidays, give lectures on Jewish law, teach young and old how to properly read from the Torah and conduct prayers. In the near future, Rabbi Franco will attend to

Jews have maintained a presence in El Salvador since the early 19th century, when Jewish immigrants, mainly Sephardim, began to settle there from around Latin America, Egypt, Turkey and Tunisia. A small wave of Ashkenazi Jews arrived in the middle of the 20th century as they fled Europe in the wake of Hitler’s rise to power. But many secret Jews also came to El Salvador a few centuries ago, when they escaped Spain. These crypto-Jews were forced to continue practicing Judaism in secret when the long arm of the Inquisition spread to Central and South America.

About Shavei Israel

Shavei Israel is a nonprofi t organization founded by Michael Freund, who immigrated to Israel from the United States with the aim of strengthening the ties between the Jewish people, the state of Israel and the descendants of Jews around the world. Th e organization is currently active in more than a dozen countries and provides assistance to a variety of communities. For more information, visit www.shavei.org.

Rena Quint shares her story with 30 IDF soldiers. Photo credit: Courtesy of FIDF.

Rabbi Franco

Act as if everything depends on you

Rabbi Adam F. Miller

This month, we will celebrate the holiday of Purim, the jubilant and exuberant observance of the Persian Jews overcoming the evil machinations of Haman. The Book of Esther contains all the classic story elements — heroes, villains, violence, the just victory of the oppressed and even off-color adult humor. What it lacks is the presence of God.

God appears nowhere in the scroll — and it is the only book without God explicitly named in Tanach, the Jewish Bible. Some sages connect the role of King Ahaseurus with God. Yet, that leaves us with the unsatisfactory image of a God who lets evil happen and seems oblivious to the fate of the people Israel. Perhaps the answer lies more in the teaching of Rabbi Isserman. The people

Resilience

Jewish value or human nature?

prayed for their salvation and acted to make it a reality.

In this explanation, God may be seen in the innumerable coincidences that fill the story. How else does one explain Mordechai discovering the plot to kill Ahaseurus, Esther crowned as queen, and Haman’s horrible timing that leads to his downfall. More importantly, salvation was found not by waiting for God to act, but through the deeds of Mordechai and Esther. While the rest of the people appear to accept their fate, these two work to undo Haman’s mischief. Their efforts make them partners with the Divine and are the reason that the Jews live to tell the tale, groggers and all. We will celebrate Purim with a spiel and carnival celebration on March 4.

Taking it upon ourselves to make the world better is not limited just to the

stories from the past. A little more than 60 years ago, there was no Jewish community in Naples. Five families decided to change that reality, forming the Jewish Community Center of Collier County. Embracing the spirit of Mordechai and Esther, those five families prayed to God for the courage, wisdom and strength they would need, and then acted upon their vision. Later, that first synagogue would be known as Temple Shalom. While those visionaries hoped to plant the seeds for a Jewish community in Southwest Florida, I doubt that even their wildest dreams could have envisioned what now comprises our Jewish community. Temple Shalom has over 900 households and is the largest synagogue between Tampa and Miami. Our Jewish Federation of Greater Naples constructed the remarkable Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center

and drew an enormous crowd for the opening event. Our Jewish population continues to grow and thrive with six synagogues and more Jewish programming than any one person could possibly partake of. All of this exists because those first five families acted as if everything depended upon them to make our world more whole.

The lesson of Mordechai and Esther lives on beyond our efforts to build this amazing community. Each one of us has the potential to not only pray to the Holy One for the blessings we need, but to take it upon ourselves to act, recognizing that it is our sacred obligation to be God’s partners in making this world more whole and holy.

I encourage everyone to find ways to move beyond praying to God and waiting for action and, instead, work toward the words of Ghandi, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” May the spirit of Mordechai and Esther inspire us all to create a world that is more whole and holy.

Rabbi Adam Miller serves at Temple Shalom.

The very idea of having to face any kind of adversity is abhorrent to most of us. No one that I know relishes the worries and stresses that accompany so many of the challenges we face in life. Yet, as humans, we are consistently bombarded with the challenges of problems and adversity. All during our lives, we struggle — growing up, getting married, starting careers and businesses, facing the future, making friends and enemies, confronting illness, and so on. If we are honest with ourselves, life is a mixture of the good and bad, the bitter and the sweet.

Just like a ship is never sailing in perfectly calm seas all the time, it is the ship’s captain who constantly makes the proper adjustments to the course that gives the boat the ability to sail unimpeded. We, too, need to be constantly attuned to needed adjustments to our lives if we are going to move ahead with a relative degree of calm and tranquility.

Across the span of history, Jews have experienced extensive trauma and even catastrophe, and we have survived. Before the Israelites were ready to fulfil their dreams, they needed to face themselves in the wilderness and grow up as a people.

The American Psychological Association defines resilience as “the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats and even significant sources of stress.” Harvard University psychologist George Vaillant suggests that resilience can be understood as a “twig with a fresh green living core that springs back and continues to grow after encountering pressure.”

Judaism, in the main, is about resilience. Through the centuries, we have experienced extensive trauma, even catastrophe, and have survived as a people. After each catastrophe, the prevailing paradigm was inoperable; we no longer knew how to understand ourselves in relation to God, to other Jews and to other peoples. Yet, throughout our history, we have transcended catastrophe after catastrophe.

We have repeatedly breathed new life into the Jewish people and discovered roads toward repair. From trauma, we have had to heal. We have had to recover and revision, regenerate and reseed

Jewish life. We have found new ways to cultivate resilience, both individually and collectively.

The way we choose to deal with difficulty and suffering makes all the difference. We may be tempted to bitterness in our lives, but then what? Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard once remarked that the way of life is “how” more than it is “what.” An individual or group may be powerless to control reality but is nevertheless responsible for how they respond to it.

likely “leak out” as depression and hostility toward others. Finding inner peace is crucial lest we become poisoned through a portion of bitterness that defiles us. The worse sort of prison is the one we make for ourselves by choosing to be taken captive by fear and anger. Resilience is not about being hard, strong, powerful or invincible. It is not determined by the stress one is under but, rather, by one’s relationship to that stress. It is about self-awareness and the story one tells oneself in the face of changes, setbacks, challenges and adversities. It is the ability, at all times and under all circumstances, to retain one’s basic humanity.

In this regard, we recall that when the Hebrews came to Marah, they “could not drink the water because it was bitter.” However, the Hebrew could be read “they could not drink the water because they (the people) were bitter. How we choose to see, in other words, says more about us than it does the external world.

It has been said that “hurt people, hurt people,” meaning that if healing is not found for our woundedness, our pain will

Embedded in this truth to remain human is retaining a sense of humility and showing your capacity for empathy and compassion toward yourself as well as for the people around you. It also requires you to maintain an expansive state, an open mind, an open heart and flexibility in your approach. I wish you all continued resilience to see whatever difficulties you face to the end.

...of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples is to enhance and enrich the quality of Jewish life by recognizing and supporting the charitable, educational, humanitarian and social service needs of the Jewish community locally, nationally, overseas and in the State of Israel.

Rabbi Howard S. Herman DD serves at Naples Jewish Congregation.

Rabbi Howard S. Herman DD

“Prayasifeverything dependsuponGod… actasthougheverything dependsuponyou.”

~ Rabbi Ferdinand Isserman

Theworsesortofprisonistheonewe makeforourselvesbychoosingtobe takencaptivebyfearandanger.

Chabad Naples update

a little rusty since your bar/bat mitzvah?

Join us every Thursday evening to learn how to read Hebrew! The instruction is peppered with insights and explanations on the meanings of the prayers to enrich your understanding and make your attendance at services more meaningful. Call the office for more details.

Join us for these upcoming events:

Purim 2023

Get ready for the sweetest Purim you have ever celebrated, March 7 at 5:30 p.m., when we open our doors to offer sweet treats, activities and fun for all ages. Don’t miss this simply amazing event for the whole family. Be sure to RSVP in advance at chabadnaples.com/purim or by calling 239-262-4474 for details. Sponsorships are available!

Passover 2023

Once again, we will hold our very popular first night Passover Seder. This family event is always a sell-out, so be sure to reserve your seats soon. Enjoy a delicious, festive start to Passover with family and friends, sharing wonderful traditional food and ongoing commentary to set the tone for a meaningful and relaxed holiday celebration. Call 239-262-4474 for reservations.

Calendar 2023

Soon our very special informative calendar will be sent out. Call the office if you do not receive one.

Adult education

We have enjoyed an incredible adult education season. There are two more sessions of Book Smart that you can join. A course through Judaism’s most important titles, and the authors who inscribed them, this course introduces you to the works that earned us the “People of Book” title. You will experience the different genres that shape Jewish life, including Tanach, Midrash, Talmud, Halachah, Philosophy, Kabbalah, Musar and Chasidism. Whether you’re meeting these texts for the first time or as a seasoned scholar, this course will inform and enrich all your Jewish learning.

For additional information on further courses, please contact the office.

Hebrew reading

Have you ever wished you could follow along with more of the prayers in synagogue? Have your “Baruch Atahs” gotten

Men’s Club

On Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m., the Men’s Club offers meaningful conversation and Torah classes. Call the office for more details.

Parsha class

Rabbi Fishel offers a parsha class to which men and women are invited on Wednesdays at 11:50 a.m.

The Big Build has begun!

Chabad of Naples and Preschool of the Arts has launched a capital campaign to extend the campus, thus increasing our facilities to include much-needed additional Preschool and Hebrew School classrooms, an expanded summer camp and new spaces for community events.

The Big Build is a $6 million community-inspired and community-funded effort. We are so grateful to the more than 500 supporters and donors who helped us unlock the Baker Challenge Grant. We have now reached the milestone of $4 million raised — two-thirds of the way there! We are so excited for 2023 and the future. We are hopeful to complete the third and final fundraising phase this year.

To learn more about dedication opportunities, please call our office or email me (rabbi@chabadnaples.com). We would love to discuss the beautiful opportunities to honor a loved one and invest in the Jewish future of Naples through this momentous project.

You can also donate through our website. Every donation will go towards completing Phase 3 and bringing us to The Big Build finish line! Help us make this a reality. A community effort for a community center. Visit NaplesBigBuild.com for more information.

Shabbat and Kiddush

Shabbat services at Chabad Naples are very popular. The Torah service begins at 11 a.m. and includes the Rabbi’s insights, which always have a contemporary, meaningful and relevant message during the Torah reading. Kiddush luncheon follows the services.

2022-23

2022-23 Jewish Book Festival

16 Authors • 14 Events

JOIN US FOR Three Three

Fabulous Events in March

For full details on these and other events in the Jewish Book Festival, see pages 1A-3A in this issue.

Mallory Smith; Diane Smith

“Salt in My Soul”

Sponsored by TOP Jewish Foundation and Vi at Bentley Village Erica Katz

Friday, Mar. 3, 9 a.m. • virtual

“Fake”

Sponsored by Casual Connection

Tuesday, Mar. 14, 2 p.m. • virtual

Jen Maxfield

“More After the Break: A Reporter Returns to Ten Unforgettable News Stories”

Ira Rosen “Ticking Clock: Behind the Scenes at 60 Minutes”

Sponsored by Men’s Cultural Alliance and Women’s Cultural Alliance and Wollman, Gehrke & Associates, P.A.

TWO-BOOK EVENT

Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2 p.m. • in person and virtual

To register, please visit www.JewishBookFestival.org.

Rabbi Fishel Zaklos

Evolution

Steven Chizzik President

Iam “kvelling” at the number of new members who have joined our synagogue in the past two years. I am proud to say that despite COVID viruses and hurricanes, Beth Tikvah of Naples is thriving. New members are the lifeblood of any organization. There are many reasons for this and many people have helped to create an atmosphere where people want to be a part of Beth Tikvah. What’s really interesting to me is that Beth Tikvah is drawing a very wide spectrum of new members.

Some people come to our synagogue for the warmth and sense of community I know we portray. Others come for the religious services and Rabbi Chorny’s sermons and teachings. Some come for the multitude of programs and wonderful speakers and lecturers, while others just come for our world famous kiddushim in our beautiful outdoor garden!

As just one example: this years’ Hanukah celebration brought everyone together as Harvey Jacobson entertained with his beautiful accordion renditions of Hanukah “freilech.” Personally, I think

it’s Beth Tikvah’s complete package of all the above. Beth Tikvah has something to offer everyone!

Our recent Shabbat services had 75 people in attendance, with newcomers and visitors every week. Our Scholar in Residence weekends are in huge demand and our in-house lecturers offer the most enlightening discussions.

I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Jewish Federation of Greater Naples for its financial support for some of these programs. The Jewish community in Naples works especially well together.

This Emily Dickinson poem embraces our synagogues’ success:

Success is Counted Sweetest

(written in 1859)

Success is counted sweetest By those who ne’er succeed. To comprehend a nectar Requires sorest need.

Not one of all the purple Host Who took the Flag today Can tell the definition So clear of victory

As he defeated – dying –On whose forbidden ear The distant strains of triumph Burst agonized and clear!

Naples Film Festival

Our 10th annual Naples Film Festival is, of course, our highlight event of the year. It is extra special this year, as it returns to the Sudgen Theatre with some very timely movies. I know the theater will be overflowing. Please see the calendar below to view all the great events that are taking place at Beth Tikvah this month.

New member offer

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

Beth Tikvah happenings

• March 2 – Speaker Series: Neil Adelman, 7:30 p.m.

• March 4 – Haddasah Shabbat, 9:30 a.m.

• March 6 – Magillah Reading and Purim Party, 6 p.m.

• March 10-12 – Scholar-In-Residence: Dr. Roberta Kwali

• March 15 – Poznansky Wellness program, 1 p.m.

• March 19 – Rosh Chodesh Women’s Study, 10 a.m.

• Every Tuesday – Rabbi Chorny’s Lunch and Learn via Zoom, 12:15 p.m.

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

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

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

• We convene Yahrzeit minyanim upon request.

Please check the Beth Tikvah website, www.bethtikvahnaples.org, for details of all our events.

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

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

BabcockRanchisapproximately91,000acreswith morethan73,000preservedasenvironmentally valuableareas.TheRanchstillranksasthesingle largestpreservationpurchaseinFloridastate history!

Ourcoversfourseparateecosystems,includingthe historicTelegraphExpressSwamp.Inaddition,we willviewalligators,birds,deer,wildhogs,wild turkeys,sandhillcranesandnumerousotherwild animalswhichregularlyapproachthetouring buses.Babcockisstillaworkingranchandwewill likelybevisitedbycowsbredsincepioneeringdays andcowboysworkingwithquarterhorses

ThiseventisopentoMCAmemberandtheir significantothers.

Charles Flum President

Naples Jewish Congregation, the small temple with the big heart, is enjoying a wonderful year. One highlight was sponsoring a concert with Julie Silver this past February along with Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. Nearly 150 people enjoyed an evening filled with song and laughter. I urge you to come when we next sponsor an Artist in Residence.

Flamingle

We call our next fun event Flamingle. The purpose is to get to know one another better. Past Flamingles have been held in various parks. We bring food to share and engage in interesting activities. At past Flamingle events, we’ve told funny stories about ourselves, talked about how we met our spouses and played interactive games. We also do a bit more serious stuff. One Flamingle was a trip to Naples Holocaust Museum, where we were given a guided tour. Flamingle is one of the activities that makes our synagogue special.

Purim shpeil

With the exception of the pandemic

years, we put on a Purim shpeil. Various members of the congregation play the parts. As one might suspect, this is an occasion full of much fun and (groger) noise. This year’s shpeil is on March 10.

Community seder

We are planning for a community seder this year. Watch for announcements as to time and place so you can join us in remembering the exodus from Egypt.

Worship with us

Pesach is a time of miracles. What is a miracle? According to The Encyclopedia of the Jewish Religion, a miracle is “Extraordinary events that provoke ‘wonderment’ and are ascribed to Divine or at least supernatural action.” The key word in the definition is wonderment. Isn’t it a miracle when a baby is born? Or how an aspirin can take away pain? Or how something as seemingly insubstantial as air can hold up a jumbo jet? There are miracles all around us, we only need to open our eyes to see them.

The above paragraph was inspired by a recent sermon given by Rabbi Herman. Why not come to services on Friday nights, 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist church? Worship with us and listen to Rabbi Herman’s inspiring sermons. You will be welcomed to the small temple with the big heart.

What does “One Family, Many Connections” mean?

Deborah R. Fidel, JD, MAJPS, Temple Shalom Executive Director

Relational Judaism, implemented as One Family at Temple Shalom, is at the heart of all we do. At Temple Shalom, we have nurtured a culture based on relationships between members, Temple, Torah and God. From the first time we welcome you to Temple Shalom, through the years of being part of our Temple family, we want you to feel that belonging is about so

much more than a financial commitment. Our community is engaged and committed to building a religious home in which the connection between Temple and congregant is centered on your needs and what is important to you.

How do we accomplish this lofty goal? Let me share just a few examples:

Meals of Love Committee – This committee delivers homemade meals to Temple members who need a helping hand as they recover from an illness.

Shalom Chaverim – Our team of greeters welcome members and visitors to each Shabbat to create an environment that is friendly, warm, inviting and reflective of our values.

Caring Connection – Coordinators send handwritten cards of condolence and celebration.

Shalom Callers – Members call our “Super Seniors” to say hello, Shabbat Shalom and check in. The seniors describe the calls as “lifesaving” and the callers make new friends.

Challah from the Heart – We bake and deliver challah to individuals needing a pick-me-up.

High Holy Days Ushers – These ushers greet worshippers, help people find their seats and offer other assistance.

Shalom@Home – This program offers members the opportunity to gather and

Join us for exciting events at JCMI

Stan Alliker President

We have a full month of exciting events here at JCMI, and we would like to invite the entire community to join us.

Saul I. Stern Cultural Series in its 29th year

Saturday, March 4 at 7:30 p.m., the 29th season of the Stern Cultural Series presents to you Gulfshore Opera’s “GO A Night in Italy.” Come out and enjoy opera-style Italian music! Tickets are $30 and can be purchased on our website at www.marcojcmi.com under “Concerts/Flyers & Info.” Seating is first come, first served.

POP Concert Series

Saturday, March 11 at 7:30 p.m., our POP Concert Series presents “The Most Authentic Elton John Tribute Show, The Rocket Man Show.” Priority seating is $40 and regular seating is $30 and can be purchased on our website at www. marcojcmi.com under “Concerts/Flyers & Info.” Seating is first come, first served.

The Sidney R. Hoffman Memorial Jewish Film Festival in its 22nd year

Sunday, March 19 at 2 p.m., the Jewish

Film Festival concludes its season with the film “Where Life Begins.” Reception to follow the film!

This film is about an ultra-orthodox Jewish family from Aix-les-Bains that comes to a farm in Calabria for a brief stay every year to carry out a sacred mission: harvesting citrons. Here Elio, the farm owner, meets Esther, the rabbi’s daughter, who is tired of the constraints imposed by her religion. Th rough this relationship, Esther will understand the importance of freedom and find her path. In the same way, Elio will find the peace he had lost for a long time.

Women’s Book Club in its 15th year

Tuesday, March 21 at 11 a.m., the monthly women’s book club will take place. Men are welcome! The book of the month is “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens. Temple membership is not necessary, and everyone is welcome to participate. It will take place in the JCMI Meer Room.

Rabbi Gross’s fourth-Sunday Lifelong Learning Series

Sunday, March 26 at 9:30 a.m., Rabbi Gross will offer his last lifelong learning session of the season at the synagogue in the Meer Room and via livestreaming. The topic is “Biblical Portraits: Naomi, Daring to Affirm Hope and Love and Faith.” Our ongoing exploration of fascinating individuals from the Bible

focuses this year on a courageous and compassionate woman of faith, who rises above the painful and uncertain circumstances of her life to become a beacon of goodness … ultimately, to bring about redemption in God’s own time. Unaffiliated guests are always

socialize in the homes of members who live in their neighborhoods.

Empty Nesters – This group gathers for drinks and appetizers at area restaurants.

Kadima (Hebrew for onward!) – This new group is for those who like to adventure outdoors with their Temple friends. Weekly Mahjong – just to have fun!

Each of us is on our own unique Jewish journey, and there are so many ways to participate in One Family. We can go so much further when we get to know one another and support each other along the way. For more information about any of these activities, please call me at 239-455-3030 or drop me a line at info@naplestemple.org.

welcome to join us and are asked to make a $5 contribution.

For further information, feel free to check out our website at www.marco jcmi.com or call the Synagogue office at 239-642-0800.

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

For more information contact Joshua Bialek at jbialek@porterwright.com

Garden of the Arts stimulates learning

By Ettie Zaklos, Preschool of the Arts Founder & Director

In early February, students at Preschool of the Arts enjoyed our annual tradition of a fun-filled Tea Party in the Garden of the Arts in honor of Tu B’Shvat. Considered the “New Year for Trees” on the Jewish calendar, Tu B’Shvat marks the season in which the earliest-blooming trees in the Land of Israel emerge from their winter sleep and begin a new fruit-bearing cycle. To celebrate, each class dressed up in their tea party best to plant new trees and engage in gardening activities that highlight our connections to each other and to nature.

Our outdoor Garden of the Arts is looking better than ever, with significant recent investments to enhance and improve our garden beds and nature areas. Our professionally landscaped Garden of the Arts on campus offers a comprehensive, natural outdoor space meant to engage the children in microenvironments. Students play an active role in creating the outdoor space by helping to

plant our vegetable and sensory garden. In addition, our gardening specialist visits twice a week to lead planting and gardening projects, and to lovingly inspire our young students to discover the wonderful world of botany.

The garden has enlivened our school environment for the pleasure of our children and school families and provides the optimal setting for engaging lessons pertaining to nature and the environment. In addition to beautifying our grounds, the garden allows students to pick the herbs and vegetables they grow. It is so gratifying to see how the children have so much pride in their garden.

After Tu B’Shvat, our thoughts quickly turn to the next Jewish holiday on the horizon — one of the children’s absolute favorites — Purim! This year, POTA is hosting “Purim in Candyland,” where we will enjoy a community celebration filled with sweets and treats. In the classroom, we have many exciting activities planned to get the children into

FEDERATI N MEMBERSHIP

the Purim spirit, including dressing up in costumes, singing Purim songs and baking hamantashen.

In art class, the children will design and decorate beautiful baskets, that they then fill with yummy goodies. The children will gift their basket to a friend

in the Purim custom of Mishloach Manot, encouraging sharing, giving and friendship.

As the winter months fly by, our preschool team is also busy planning another fantastic Summer of the Arts experience! Our widely acclaimed summer program for children ages 18 months to 8 years integrates various creative arts and educational themes in a safe, multisensory and Jewish-spirited setting. This year, our theme is “STEAMsational.” Inspired by our commitment to learning, we hope to help our campers start dreaming of STEAM! We have been blown away by the overwhelming interest in our program, with many of our classes already filled.

In two three-week sessions, children will have opportunities to experience science, creative arts, culinary arts, sports, yoga, and so much more through exciting, stimulating, hands-on activities. For more information or to register, please call 239-263-2620.

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

According to the bylaws of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, members are those individuals who make an annual gift of $36 or more to the Federation’s Annual Community Campaign.

Ways to celebrate Purim with your family

By Rabbi Ariel Boxman, Director of Lifelong Learning

This month, we celebrate the holiday of Purim! In the preschool, we have been busy making costumes, decorating masks, baking hamantaschen and practicing our Purim songs! Below are some fun ways to celebrate Purim with your family.

1. Assemble and deliver mishloach manot

Mishloach manot (Purim baskets) are gifts of food or drink that are sent to family, friends and neighbors for Purim. Traditionally, these baskets contain baked good (hamantaschen), oranges, wine or grape juice, chocolate, etc. Take your children shopping, let them pick out a few items, and then wrap it up and deliver to a friend, a family member or a neighbor. My children and I make these baskets every year and deliver them to all of our neighbors! We teach about our holiday

of Purim when delivering and spread kindness along the way.

2. Bake hamantaschen Hamantaschen cookies are popular treats

for the feast of Purim, which joyfully celebrates the Jews’ deliverance from the evil villain Haman. The dough is super easy to make, then filled with preserves and pinched to create a triangle shape (to resemble Haman’s three-pointed hat). Use the recipe at tinyurl.com/purimcookies23 to make delicious Purim cookies with your little ones!

3. Decorate masks

Masks are commonly worn on Purim

in addition to costumes! This year, decorate and wear homemade masks. Check out this website, https:// toriavey.com/makepurim-mask, for a fun mask craft!

4. Join Temple Shalom for our Purim Spiel and Food Truck Purim Palooza

On Sunday, March 5, Temple Shalom will celebrate Purim with a musical spiel (Purim show) in which we will retell the story of the Purim through musical performance! The spiel begins at 10 a.m. and will be followed by a Food Truck Purim Palooza (11 a.m.2 p.m.). All events will take place at Temple Shalom.

We wish you and your family a wonderful Purim holiday!

Springing forward for FGCU Jews

By Rabbi Mendel Gordon

Semester is on a roll at FGCU Chabad. We started with an exciting Welcome Back BBQ, which was joined by regulars from last year and many new students, too. We continue with busy shabbats full of Jewish pride and inspiration.

We had the special opportunity to host two IDF soldiers to share their experiences protecting our brothers and sisters in Israel. Amit shared of a dangerous mission to take over a terrorist cell in Gaza in which he was wounded. And Chen shared of being attacked at a bus stop by a terrorist, which he miraculously survived.

JewishU classes are flourishing with 10+ students coming after a long day of classes to learn Torah.

During January, we conducted a course on the Patriarchs and their relevance to our lives today as Jewish people. After her first class this semester, Reagan shared with me that this is her first time to explore Jewish learning since before her bat mitzvah.

In honor of this year being a year of Hakel, a year of gathering, we are excited to join Jewish students from schools all over Florida for a big shabbaton at UF in February.

We have a wonderful new group of Sina Scholars, another incredible class we do every year that explores Jewish fundamentals at college level. Together, we went to visit the local Jewish seniors, and then discussed how the Jewish view on kindness and helping others isn’t just because we find it meaningful. Rather it’s part of our purpose and responsibility in this world.

Like the saying of the Baal Shem tov, “A soul can enter the world for a lifetime of 80 years just to do a favor for another.”

We are looking forward to more social events and learning opportunities

Candle lighting times

Mar. 3: 6:11 p.m.

Mar. 10: 6:15 p.m.

Mar. 17: 7:19 p.m.

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.

Mar. 24: 7:22 p.m.

Mar. 31: 7:25 p.m.

and are excited for a special Jewish Heritage Day on March 16. The whole community is welcome to join the students for a Jewish festival on campus, with opportunities to learn and experience many parts of Jewish life. For more information or to RSVP, go to chabadfgcu.com/heritageday.

Chabad at FGCU services Jewish students at FGCU and nearby schools. For more information, reach out to Rabbi Mendel at 347-452-0489 or Rabbi@chabadfgcu.com.

Critical or derogatory comments directed at individuals or organizations will not be published.

To avoid misunderstandings, controversies and destructive divisions among our people, the Officers and Board of Trustees of Federation have adopted the following publication policy: Advertisements: All advertisements, regardless of their sponsor, shall be paid for in full, at the established rates, prior to publication. The contents of all advertisements shall be subject to review and approval of the Federation board or its designee. Commercial advertisers may make credit arrangements with the advertising

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.

Alon, Barrel and Benjy connect at the Welcome Back BBQ

Zoe and Nicole make desserts for Shabbat

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

FLY HIGH

WITH YOUR ESTATE PLANNING

Whether you are traveling far or staying home, your flight and your life are better when you plan. We can help you map out a fulfilling and smooth trip through the new year. It is time to soar. Here is a good place to start on your estate planning this year:

Write or update your will

Check with your bank and investment advisor to update your transfer on death forms

Take inventory of your highly appreciated assets and use them, rather than cash, to transfer gifts to charity

Partner with us! YOU WILL SOAR WHEN YOU SEE HOW EASY IT IS TO LOWER YOUR TAXES AND POTENTIALLY INCREASE YOUR INCOME, ALL WHILE HELPING OTHERS

Ellen Weiss Executive Director 813.769.4785 ellen@topjewishfoundation.org

The community foundation for the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

Marcy Friedland Planned Giving Director 239.263.4205 mfriedland@jewishnaples.org

The Federation Star is published monthly, September through July, by Jewish Federation of Greater Naples 4720 Pine Ridge Road • Naples, FL 34119 Phone: 239.263.4205

E-mail: info@jewishnaples.org • Website: www.jewishnaples.org

Volume 32, No. 7 • March 2023 • 48 pages

USPS Permit No. 1101

Publisher: Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

Editor: Sharon Hood • 239.591.2709 • sharon@marketcrank.com

Design: MarketCrank, Inc.

Advertising: Joy Walker • 941.284.0520

April 2023 Issue Deadlines: Editorial: February 28 • Advertising: March 7 Send news stories to: sharon@marketcrank.com

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

Steve Chizzik, President

Roberta Miller, Secretary

Shabbat Services

Friday evenings 6:15 p.m.

Saturday mornings 9:30 a.m.

Youth Education

Adult Education

Community Events

Jewish Organizations to Serve You in Greater Naples

(All area codes are 239 unless otherwise noted.)

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

Phone: 263.4205  Fax: 263.3813

Website: www.jewishnaples.org

Email: info@jewishnaples.org

• Federation Board Chair: Jane Schiff

• Federation President/CEO: Jeffrey Feld

American Jewish Committee

Regional Dir: Brian Lipton, 941.365.4955

American Technion Society

Chapter Dir: Kelley Whiter, 561.395.7206

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