Federation Star - May 2021 by jewishnaples

“GIRL POWER – HOW WOMEN IMPACTED THE HOLOCAUST AND BEYOND”

ON DISPLAY THROUGH MAY 25 AT THE HOLOCAUST MUSEUM & JANET G. AND HARVEY D. COHEN EDUCATION CENTER

Celebrating Jewish Life in Greater Naples, Israel and the World

Federation Star Published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples Serving Naples, Marco Island and the surrounding communities

www.JewishNaples.org Y May 2021 – Iyar/Sivan 5781 Y Vol. 30 #9

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 8 Men’s Cultural Alliance 10 Women’s Cultural Alliance 12 Community Focus 14 Tributes 17 Jewish Interest 21 Israel & the Jewish World 22 Organizations 24 Commentary 25 Synagogue News 27 Focus on Youth 31 Community Directory

Book Talk with Julie Gray Join us for this author discussion of “The True Adventures of Gidon Lev,” an inspirational story of hope and a primer on Jewish culture and history.

7 Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers Celebrate national Jewish Heritage Month with six more documentaries presented by the Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida. 16

h in 2012. A editor,BBYO’s Julie’sNaples Leadership Hall Fame the Timesof of Announcing both our n Post, the 2019-20 and 2020-21 NY Post and Hall of Fame awardees. 27

Nobles, or The Book Depository

State of the Federation Jane Schiff Federation Board Chair

ast year, I ended my report by stating, “Our Federation is growing and thriving despite difficult times. We need each other more now than ever, even though the social distancing makes it impossible to be close. We can still be close virtually and emotionally.” And that is how I choose to start this year’s report. We are close, while being physically distant; we need each other more now than ever; and our Federation is growing and thriving. This past year was one of adaptation. We learned to Zoom without ever leaving our homes. The most used phrase of the year was “you have to unmute yourself so we can hear you.” We Zoomed for life cycle events, we Zoomed for holidays, and we Zoomed for all our Federation meetings and programs. We stayed in touch and we learned, we connected, and we moved forward. All that Zooming meant some fancy footwork to learn how to make large and small gatherings happen. Our staff figured it out, and because of our staff, we found ways to be together. Again this year, as in past years, the Federation thrives because of our staff and the way they work so closely with our volunteers.

Thank you to our staff Jeffrey Feld, our President and CEO, is

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

OF GREATER NAPLES

the quiet, driving force that keeps it all together. He is the most diplomatic and effective CEO I can imagine. He produces large-city results with small-city resources. His staff adores him and we all deeply appreciate his tenacity, his vision, his results and his warm inclusive personality. Feld is tireless, dedicated and passionate. He is respected throughout our community and we are indeed lucky to have him as our leader. Thank you, Jeffrey, for all that you do for our community. Our Community Program Director, Reneé Bialek, is the force behind the majority of our Zoom events. She staffs our Jewish Book Festival, the IAC (Israel Advocacy Committee), JCRC (Jewish Community Relations Council), PJ Library, Mix and Mingle, Jewish Professionals, Catholic-Jewish Dialogue, Yom HaShoah, Jewish Day of Learning, and more. She has been busier than ever, with everything being online. Thank you, Reneé.

Marcy Friedland is our Capital Campaign Director and Planned Giving Director. We have been in high gear with our Capital Campaign fundraising, and Marcy has overseen every detail. We hired an outside fundraising firm, Amplify Partners, with whom Marcy has worked very closely in addition to our ongoing efforts. Thank you, Marcy. Teresa Zimmerman, our Finance and Operations Manager, works with our Finance and Audit Committee to keep our books transparent. In addition, she oversees, fixes and manages the day-to-day operations necessary to run our organization. Teresa works with the Treasurer of Federation, WCA and MCA as well as being on call for any questions that arise. Thank you, Teresa. Never has technology been so important to us all. It is our link to each other and the world, and Nathan Ricklefs, our Database Manager, keeps it all running continued on page 2

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Federation Star

May 2021

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JEWISH FEDERATION state of the federation...continued from page 1 smoothly for us. He is the answer man all our budgeting and issues related to whenever the question is technology. our administration and controls. Elliot And he is the person who has helped us Lerner, as Treasurer, and Steve Strome, be in your homes through Zoom. Thank as Finance and Audit Committee chair, you, Nathan. lead this committee, overseeing it all. We Janine Hudak performs many of the again had a “clean” audit from indepenadministrative duties that keep tabs on dent auditors. each member and assists staff with their The Governance and Nominating needs. She is the answer woman when you Committee is co-chaired by our immecall the office with a question or just need diate past Board Chair, Alvin Becker, to connect with a staff person. Thank you, and Amanda Dorio. They make sure we Janine, and to the entire staff. operate according to the rules set forth Ellen Weiss is the Executive Director by our bylaws. of TOP, the Tampa Orlando Pinellas WCA and MCA had programs 24/6 Jewish Foundation, which, as our — there’s no way to mention all their endowment/planned giving departofferings. They currently have a combined ment, works with us and our donors to membership close to 2,500 members. The achieve each person’s philanthropic goals. growth and vibrancy of both organizaThank you, Ellen. tions produces pride and a specialness to our Jewish Naples community that is the Thank you to our volunteers envy of many, many federations. We are The staff is joined by the volunteers. The so lucky to have these wonderful affiliates Board of Directors, all of us volunteers, and we all pray that the offerings will be has been a very special group this past able to be in person again very soon. For year. So many of our leaders have been now, they, too, are conducted via Zoom. leaders in other walks of life and bring The leaders, Patti Boochever of WCA a plethora of skills and loads of energy. and Les Nizin of MCA, work with their The many committee members, comboards and other volunteers to create mittee chairs and volunteers for each the programing. There are many, many event make me marvel at the level of comvolunteers who help create and run each mitment I see daily. The hours and hours program. And with all of us spending of volunteer time expended on behalf more time in isolation, these programs of our Jewish community is the reason, have become a lifeline for many. The proalong with our exceptional staff, that we grams of the WCA and MCA, along with are growing, thriving and successful. the Federation’s programs, have given us On the board level, we have standing a rich and diverse cultural life despite the committees that oversee the business end isolation. Thanks go to each and every of the Federation — The Allocations; one of you who helped with any of our Governance and Nominating; Finance programs this past year. and Audit; and Development commitOther groups that hold meetings to tees are the backbone of our organizastudy, play and share their Jewish Naples tion. In addition, this year, the Building connections include the Maimonides Committee and its subcommittees have Society for doctors, the Cardoza Society been ridiculously busy, planning for and for lawyers, the Jewish Russian Cultural creating an amazing future home for our Alliance, Jewish War Veterans, Mix Federation that you will hear about later and Mingle for single seniors, Young in this article. The expertise from our Jewish Professionals and Young Jewish community helping in this effort has Families. Each group has programming allowed us to make excellent decisions. to meet its needs. And each group has The group that guides us the most in volunteers who create those programs those financial decisions is the Finance with Reneé. and Audit Committee, which oversees continued on page 3

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JEWISH FEDERATION state of the federation...continued from page 2 The Jewish Book Festival was espemany events that were well attended. We cially difficult to bring together this year. did not have the Israeli Scouts in June and The Jewish Book Council, of which we missed their energy. are a member, holds an annual conferJewish Community Relations Comence, where authors speak for two minmittee, chaired by Joel Pittelman, was utes and each community then chooses also in full gear. The Catholic-Jewish the authors it wants to bring in, hoping Dialogue, chaired by Leslie Wasserman that dates and authors line up. With and Marty Gauthier, had many small hindsight, we now realize that authors in group discussions on various topics, Israel, England, California and everywhere can arrive without luggage or snow delays via Zoom. So, this year, because of the tireless efforts of co-chairs Robin Mintz and Susan Pittelman, we had one of the best Book Festivals in the sponsored a community-wide Kristallfive years of the program. We have no nacht Observance, spearheaded by Ginny idea exactly how many people watched, Segaloff. The community-wide Yom as I personally know of watch parties HaShoah Commemoration Program also and singles who Zoomed in, but it was a took place on Zoom. roaring success. The Antisemitism Task Force report, Each author talk was unique. Some made by another subcommittee of the showed presentations, some talked in JCRC, pointed out the known issues that conversation with a moderator, and all occurred in our community. Our Stand were up close and personal, thanks to Up for Justice Committee, chaired by Zoom. There were intimate discussions Beth Povlow, identified winners for this after a few of the events with patrons and year’s SUFJ Awards. Beth Barrus & Daniel the author that, most likely, would not Shaw from Gulf Coast High School were have happened if we had been meeting in the first-place winners. Multiple others person. This was the ultimate definition were also recognized for their work. of making lemonade from lemons. Judi Palay and the Human Needs Sadly, our yearly Chanukah celebraCommittee selected two nonprofits as tion at Mercato did not happen this year; Human Needs Award winners for 2021. however, we did have a virtual Chanukah Award winners were Emerson Academy celebration. and Naples Pride. I want to thank each of The Israel Advocacy Committee, those committees for, once again, finding chaired by Harvey Cohen, presented worthy recipients.

May 2021

Serving the needs of the community Raising money in order to service the needs of the community is what we do. The Annual Campaign was again chaired by Karen Deutsch. Karen had an amazing group of volunteer solicitors who helped reach out to our donors. Our goal for the Annual Campaign was $1,375,000. As of the writing of this article, we have raised in excess of $1,425,000. We exceeded our goal and were able to help many more people in need at this time, when the needs of so many are so great. Midyear, we made a special allocation of $30,000 to help fight hunger needs and food insecurity in our community. It warms my heart to see how you stepped up this year and really understood the needs that we, as a community, can address when we combine our efforts. Thank you, Karen and all the solicitors. Allocations is the term to describe where your dollars go. Our allocations go to preschools; summer camps; seniors, especially Holocaust survivors; Jews with economic difficulties; education to the surrounding communities, especially middle schoolers, about the Holocaust and its underlining message of antisemitism; education and cultural events for our community; and the many needs overseas. We try to highlight each of these areas through articles and programs that create a pride of our Jewish community. We thank Beth Wolff and the Allocations Committee for their diligence in making the recommendations.

Federation Star

The Annual Campaign allows us to function in all aspects — allocations, administration and programming, which occupies more and more of our Federation life. Jewish Federations were founded for the express purpose of raising money to take care of the needs of Jewish people locally and overseas. Money raising and allocating those dollars has been the traditional model that Federations have operated under for well over 100 years in the U.S. However, times change. Community needs are different in different locations. This community needs connections to each other. We all moved here from somewhere else. We have all made wonderful new friends through the Federation, including our programming and our wholly owned subsidiaries, WCA and MCA. We are not like any other Federation. We are a very special Federation — a place to make our philanthropic goals reality, a place to make friends, a place to grow culturally and intellectually, and a place to feel part of a community. There has been much discussion in the media about the emotional cost of the pandemic we have all lived through. The stories of those who have thrived emotionally differ from the stories of those who have suffered the most emotionally because of one big difference — a feeling of being part of a community. There were many of you who attended programs and each program created the sense of community. continued on page 4

Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

May 2021

Federation welcomes new Annual Federation Star Community Campaign Director Published by Celebrating Jewish Life in Collier County, Israel and the World

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

2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 2201 Naples, Florida 34109-0613 Phone: 239.263.4205 Fax: 239.263.3813 www.jewishnaples.org Email: info@jewishnaples.org Officers Board Chair: Jane Schiff Vice Chairs: Karen Deutsch (Chair Elect), Marc Saperstein, Beth Wolff Secretary: Rosalee Bogo Treasurer: Elliot Lerner Immediate Past Chair: Alvin Becker

Board of Directors Frank Baum, Patti Boochever, Harvey Cohen, Marcia Cohodes, Amanda Dorio, Paula Filler, Merlin Lickhalter, Robin Mintz, Les Nizin, William Petasnick, Joel Pittelman, Stuart Price, Nat Ritter, Michael Rubenstein, Jamie Satz, Betty Schwartz, Arlene 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 Cantor Donna Azu, Sue Baum, Rabbi Ariel Boxman, Steve Chizzik, Rabbi Ammos Chorny, Rabbi Mendel Gordon, Rabbi Mendy Greenberg, Rabbi Mark Gross, Rabbi Howard Herman, Rabbi Adam Miller, Roberta Obler, Rabbi James Perman, Dr. Arthur Seigel, Daryl Sissman, Rabbi Fishel Zaklos

communal professional, in his words “by kismet,” taking a position as Program Director for Jewish Living with one of Canada’s largest synagogues. All the while, he was an active volunteer with Jewish Federation’s Young Leadership Division, completing its rigorous 18-month training program, as well as with Canadian Zionist Federation and Israel Cancer Research Fund. When he moved to the United States in 2001, he made the transition from Jewish Federation volunteer to Executive Director of Jewish Federation of Cumberland, Gloucester & Salem counties in Vineland, NJ. After almost 10 years in Vineland, Wisemayer moved to Toledo, Ohio, where he Kirk Wisemayer served as Chief Executive Officer of Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo and its campus of agencies, until returning to New Jersey in 2012 to serve as Executive Director of Jewish Federation of Atlantic & Cape May counties and its Jewish Community Foundation. For the past two years, Wisemayer has been busy facilitating the merger of the two New Jersey Jewish Federations he has served, permanently bringing together the two communities, only 26 miles apart, for which he cares deeply.

Jeffrey Feld Federation President/ CEO

am pleased to announce that, following an extensive national search, we are welcoming Kirk Wisemayer as our new Annual Community Campaign Director, effective Monday, May 10, 2021. Wisemayer, who has served for nine years in Margate, NJ, as the Executive Director of Jewish Federation of Atlantic & Cape May counties and its Jewish Community Foundation, is a Jewish communal professional with three decades of experience in Jewish Federations, synagogues, schools and Jewish social welfare organizations. A native of Toronto, Canada, who grew up in Australia, Wisemayer was immersed in his active Jewish community, involved with Israel youth groups, his synagogue, and any number of communal activities and initiatives during his schooling and university education. While he began his career in corporate human resources and public relations, he worked as a Hebrew school teacher in addition to volunteering hundreds of hours as a youth advisor and campaign solicitor for United Israel Appeal to serve his Jewish community and Israel. It was not until his return to Canada in 1991 that Wisemayer became a Jewish

In addition to his professional role in the Jewish community, Wisemayer has long volunteered with many local, national and international Jewish organizations, among them Avoda; Chevra Kadisha of Vineland, including its men’s Tahara group; Israel Bonds; Israel Cancer Research Fund; Sons of Jacob Congregation; and Young Israel of Margate. Wisemayer is an ardent Zionist, having visited Israel for pleasure or professionally on almost three dozen occasions. He supports many causes and organizations in Israel and is deeply committed to Jewish peoplehood, philanthropy and pluralism. He views his role as one of service to the Jewish people, believing, “There is no holier work we do as Jews, in small measure or in great, than providing for and ensuring the welfare of other Jews, wherever they live.” “As the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples’ Community Campaign Director, I look forward to forming those very special relationships that bind Jews to one another and to their community,” says Wisemayer, adding, “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve and become part of a Jewish community well known for its warm and welcoming people, its enormous capacity to exceed expectation and its willingness to embrace possibility – all in one of the most idyllic locales imaginable.” We are very glad to have Kirk join our team and we are looking forward to his help in growing our community.

Staff Jeffrey Feld: Federation CEO/President Reneé Bialek: Program Director Marcy Friedland: Capital Campaign & Planned Giving Director Janine Hudak: Admin. Coordinator Nathan Ricklefs: Database Manager Teresa Zimmerman: Finance & Operations Manager

Federation is the central Jewish community-building organization for Greater Naples, providing a social service network that helps Jewish people locally, in Israel and around the world. As the central fundraising organization for Jewish communal life in our area, strength is drawn from organized committees of dedicated volunteers. Programs include: • Annual Campaign & Endowment Fund • Celebrate Israel • Educational & Cultural Programs • Israel Advocacy Committee • Israel Scouts • Jewish Book Festival • Jewish Community Relations Council • Jewish Young Professionals • Jewish Russian Cultural Alliance • Men’s Cultural Alliance • PJ Library • Publication of the Federation Star, Connections and Community Directory • Women’s Cultural Alliance • Women’s Division • Youth Activities Committee – sponsoring youth education and scholarships for Jewish Summer Camp and the Israel Experience

state of the federation...continued from page 3

A new home for the Jewish community We will be back to being together in person. Although the timetable for that is unknown, it will happen. When it does, the new Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center may still be under construction, or not. But it will be rising from the ground in reality. Whether you come to programs in person or choose to attend programs virtually, you will be part of our new home. Your community will have a roof over its head. In order for us to successfully continue with the mission of the Federation to serve those in need, we must raise more than the current $8,600,000 raised thus far. The cost of the building is VIEW around $10,000,000. We need another $5,000,000 to help offset the increased maintenance and other costs that will accrue when we are in our own building. Under 300 families have participated in the Capital Campaign. I thank those of you who have joined me in making this dream a reality. You are making our community shine and grow bright because of your gifts. There are so many more families that have the capacity to help us reach our goal. If each family that contributes to the Annual Campaign gave us a gift, reaching our goal would happen. There are still wonderful naming opportunities available.

THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER NAPLES BUILDING

Please contact Marcy Friedland at mfriedland@jewishnaples.org or call her at the office, 239-263-4205, to become W E G M A N D E S I G N G R O U P part of this effort. Groundbreaking will take place soon. Watch your email for the date and details. I hope each of you will feel wonderful when you walk into the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, seeing your name on a donor plaque and knowing that, without you, this effort would not have happened. There is no way to properly acknowledge Marc Saperstein for his diligence, perseverance, guidance and many thousands of hours he has invested in planning for the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center.

LOBBY

There have been many hiccups as we have moved forward, and each time, his cool and thoughtful approach has gotten us past the moment. His team, and it’s a big team, has worked with him every step of the way. But Merlin Lickhalter, his cochair (or wing man, as Marc calls him) deserves special acknowledgment. Thank you to all of you who are on the Building Committee. Thank you, for reading this very long, very fact-filled article. Thank you for being a valued and valuable member of our community. Thank you for all you do for our community. Thank you for caring!

May 2021

Federation Star

DRYWOOD TERMITES: A CHEWING HEADACHE by Joe Jayne, Truly Nolen

Last month, I discussed how subterranean termites are an underground danger. This month, I want to discuss the other termite causing headaches for Naples and Southwest Florida homeowners: drywood termites. As their name implies, drywood termites infest dry wood and can ravage attic framings, according to the National Pest Management Association. These light brown bugs do not need soil to survive and can form colonies of up to 2,500 members. They are commonly found in warm climates and areas with a low content of moisture. In addition, they do not require soil moisture content to live. Because they are more of a small colony insect, they are difficult to detect because their colonies are spread over a wide area. In addition to their colonies, drywood termites typically enter homes after swarms, especially after heavy rains. Compared to subterranean termites, drywood termites can be more difficult to detect and are not typically noticeable until small piles of black pellets (their feces and unwanted cellulose) plus color of wood that is infested collect. They make their nests within the wood they consume and infest

walls, columns, beams and furniture. They also attack floors, furniture and books. The most effective prevention for drywood termites can be "built-in" to a home during its construction phase with the installation of pressure-treated lumber wherever a builder can do so. Meanwhile, untreated wood can be sprayed with borate solutions. Once construction ends, it becomes much more difficult to completely treat all wood in a finished house with residual chemicals. If a drywood termite infestation is suspected in your house, I suggest having a trained pest control professional conduct a thorough examination of the entire structure. As a homeowner, you should make notice of specific areas when the professional visits and keep samples of the pellets whenever possible.

As a reminder, you can always request a FREE inspection by calling us or by visiting www.trulynolen.com and clicking “Schedule Free Inspection.” (Joe Jayne is the Manager for Truly Nolen in Naples. His service office can be reached at (239) 643-2555. Founded in 1938, Tucson-based Truly Nolen of America (www.trulynolen.com) is one of the largest family-owned pest control companies in the United States. To learn more about Termites and the variety you may have in your home, please visit https://www.trulynolen.com/termite-control/.)

In cases where a drywood termite infestation is found, liquid treatment injection of galleries in the infested areas and preventative coatings of through interior baseboard injections and attic treatment is highly effective.

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Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

May 2021

Our new home needs your support A welcoming place for all Jews in the Greater Naples area By Marcy Friedland, Capital Campaign & Planned Giving Director

ur Capital Campaign total to date is $8.7M! We would like to say Todah Rabah to the following donors who have contributed $500 or more as of April 8.

Murray & Cheryl Abrams Patricia Adkins Howard & Sheila Agranat Aron & Susan Ain Kenneth & Felicia Anchor Michael & Tracy Askotzky Stuart & Tess Axelrod Barry & Sybil Baiman Ronald & Barbara Balser Frank & Stacey Baum Alvin & Sheila Becker Larry & Nancy Bell Michael & Lea Bendes William & Myra Benedikt Shelly Berkle Bennett & Mardelle Berman Rita Bernstein Lou & Goldie Bertone Andrew & Beverly Blazar Pete & Patti Bloom Michael & Margery Bluestein Jerry & Rosalee Bogo Steve & Patti Boochever Braverman Family Foundation Stephen & Rhonda Brazina Jay & Mona Brodsky James & Erica Buchweitz Timothy & Gina Cannon Tom & Barb Carlstrom

Barbara Carocci Daniel & Linda Carp Harvey & Katie Cohen Jane Kessler & Anthony Clark Michael & Teri David Shellie Specter & Robert Davidson Stan & Karen Deutsch Marty & Gayle Dorio Steven & Shelley Einhorn Ron & Kathy Emanuel Geraldine Feldman & David Epstein Stan & Mignon Farb Cipora Brown & Steven Feiner Jeffrey & Susan Feld Ed & Leslie Feldman Ronald & Paula Filler David & Eloyse Fisher Gerald Flagel Marc & Jennifer Fleischer Norman & Madeline Foster Jeremy & Judith Finer Freedman Lisa & Sid Freund Marcy Friedland Mort & Myra Friedman Bob & Pat Gage Darryl & Nancy Garfinkel Ken & Molly Getnick Elaine Goecke Annette Goldenberg

Interested in adding your name to the list in one of our upcoming issues? Contact Marcy Friedland, Capital Campaign Director, at mfriedland@jewishnaples.org or 239-263-4205. Gene & Barbara Goldenziel Bill & Carol Goldman Marcia Cohodes & David Goldsteen Avie & Donna Goldstein Bruce & Susie Golubock Larry & Hannah Goodman Alan & Helene Gordon Michael & Ellen Gordon Howard & Sherry Greenfield Hank & Nancy Greenberg Carole Greene Lenore & Rabbi Howard (z"l) Greenstein Howard & Rachel Gutman Robert & Marilyn Harris Paula Brody & Merrill Hassenfeld Deborah Pizer & Lawrence Hermalyn Richard & Linda Hertzberg Burton & Carol Hirsch Robert & Amy Hirsch Martin & Joan Holzinger Michael & Susan Horowitz Rosie Hyman Andy & Bronia Ichel Steve Iser Larry & Wendy Israelite Robert & Lise Issenman Jewish War Veterans Post 202 Fred & Elaine Kamin Joseph & Merrylee Kandel Mel & Jenny Kaplan Nancy L. Kaplan Dale & Lisa Katz Gene & Bobbie Katz Kaufman Family Jack & Judith Kaufman James Knafo Gary & Deborah Kohler Herb & Toby Kosloff Geoffrey & Fran Kroll Gracia Kuller Ira & Barbara Kushnir Howard & Gail Lanznar Phyllis Lazear Larry Lechtner Elliot & Helene Lerner Arlene Levin Yale & Anna Levin Bob & Barbara Levine Martin & Hilda Levine Mayer & Judy Levitt Merlin & Harriet Lickhalter Mark & Arlene Litow Bernard & Bobbie Lublin MCA Howard & Marci Margolis Stuart & Carol Mest Martin Millender Andy & Robin Mintz Jeffrey & Judy Morton Jack & Bobbie Myers Les & Gail Nizin Rob & Fran Nossen Daniel & Ellie O'Brien Harvey Oriel David & Carol Orloff Marshall & Elaine Paisner Judi & Howard (z"l) Palay Benjamin & Judy Peltz Irene Thompson & William Petasnick Charles & Judith Picus Michael Pierce

Joel & Susan Pittelman Jimmy & Susan Pittleman Debbie Laites & Ben Post Stuart & Estelle Price Ilya & Kate Prizel Sandy Raizes Jeffrey & Sandy Randall Mae Riefberg Nat & Susan Ritter Richard & Ellaine Rosen Frederick & Muriel Rosenfeld Marc & Lila Rosenweig Lyle & Gloria Rosenzweig Paul Rosofsky Burton Roth Fred & Sandy Roth Ron & Sandy Roth Sam & Judy Roth Michael Rubenstein Steven & Michele Rubin Kenneth & Sheri Sacks Howard & Myrna Sadowsky Stephen & Bebe Saks Family Foundation Marc & Joan Saperstein Rose Saperstein Jane Schiff Schiff Family Foundation Schuchman Family Bill & Caroline Schulhof Hank & Diane Schwartz Les & Betty Schwartz Phyllis Seaman Art & Ellen Seigel Donald & Arlene Shapiro Floyd & Iris Shapiro Allison Tucker & Mark Shiffman Samuel & Arlene Shlesinger David & Gay Silberg Scott & Cathy Silver Russell & Gail Smith II Michael & Arlene Sobol Elaine Soffer Judith Sokoll Howard & Janet Solot Howard & Elaine Specter Mel & Leslie Springman Mitchell & Lorie Steinberg Sandra Stone Stephen & Phyllis Strome Rabbi Malcom Thomson Dennis & Fahn Tishkoff Mel & Janet Ufberg WCA Jerry & Linda Wainick Scott & Hetty Weinstein Max & Ellen Weisberg Jay & Susan Weiss Larry & Laurie Weiss Barry & Iris Weissman Kenneth & Goldie Wetcher Sylvia & Lewis Whitman Brian & Beth Wolff Ed & Ellen Wollman Herbert & Leona Wreschner Donald & Harriet Young Philip & Cathy Zacks Melvyn & Judy Zahn Jeff & Joni Zalasky Don & Sue Zulanch Debbie Zvibleman

JEWISH FEDERATION

May 2021

Federation Star

Meet DeAngelis Diamond Capital campaign spotlight

By Marcy Friedland, Capital Campaign & Planned Giving Director

his month, we would like to introduce you to DeAngelis Diamond, the firm with whom we have contracted to construct the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in sunny Naples, Florida, DeAngelis Diamond is an innovative, award-winning construction management firm and a nationally recognized leader in the construction industry. In its first 25 years, the firm rapidly grew from a highly successful regional construction management company to a nationally known and well-respected innovative leader in the industry with a highly diverse project portfolio. Today, DeAngelis Diamond has

completed over $4 billion of construction projects, is a top-ranked company in the United States, is licensed in 33 states, has an international presence in the Caribbean Islands, and has fully staffed offices in Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Orlando, Birmingham, Nashville and Detroit. DeAngelis Diamond has received numerous awards, including Builder of the Year, Best Places to Work, Sand Dollar, Summit and Pinnacle, and has been ranked on ENR’s Top 400 Contractors and Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America list. When we asked them to share with us what building this project means to them, this is what they shared:

The DeAngelis Diamond team Our company motto is “The Honor to creating the cultural center that will help Build” and we are humbled and honored service the needs of the Jewish community by the faith our clients place in us to build in Collier County and beyond. their dreams. It is truly an honor to build Brian McKenzie, Director of Special the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. Projects and the lead on the project says, At DeAngelis Diamond, we don’t just “I have enjoyed working with Jewish build structures, we create places to live, Federation of Greater Naples from the heal, work, learn and worship. In the earliest stages of the project. The Federaprocess, we believe it is imperative to help tion has an active and passionate building improve the world around us, especially in committee, which highlights to me the our own community. strength of the Jewish community and of this As a locally owned and operated conorganization. It has been a pleasure workstruction firm, Collier County is our home. ing with James Knafo and Wegman Design We are excited to work with Jewish FedGroup. When complete, the building will be eration of Greater Naples and be a part of distinctive both inside and out.”

May programs Reneé Bialek Program Director

e are starting off the month of May with author Julie Gray, who will be discussing her

book, “The True Adventures of Gidon Lev,” an inspirational story of hope and a primer on Jewish culture and history. Please register for this free Zoom event at www.jewishnaples.org. (You do not need to read the book to attend.) Exciting news! I will be attending the virtual Jewish Book Council conference at the end of this month. After this conference, the Jewish Book Festival committee will decide which authors to bring to our

community. If you would like to be on the email list to receive updates, please email me at rbialek@jewishnaples.org. Stay tuned by reading our weekly Monday e-blasts for upcoming programs. Programs are added on an ongoing basis. If you would like to give a presentation via Zoom, please contact me. More information on the above programs can be found in our Monday weekly e-blasts.

Please make sure to register via the link that is provided in the weekly e-blasts. If you need help registering, feel free to contact me. A confirmation email will be sent to you immediately after you register. The Zoom link is emailed to you about two hours prior to the start of each program. Contact me, Reneé, at rbialek@ jewishnaples.org with any questions. Please like us on Facebook!

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Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

May 2021

Inside Israeli Innovations By Monica Goodwin and Mark Schloss, IAC Committee Members

he Israel Advocacy Committee of JFGN is pleased to announce a new column coming to the Federation Star. “Inside Israeli Innovations” will regularly bring you stories of the newest meaningful innovations emanating from Israel. If one looks up the word “innovation,” several definitions appear: innovation is an idea that has transformed into practical reality; innovation is the commercialization of creativity; and innovation is the creation of

something that improves the way we live our lives. Through innovation, Israel is improving lives all over the world. After all, Israel itself has evolved through innovation. Israelis had to create ways to build, irrigate and develop the land to make it the country and force it is today. Here are a few reasons why Israel, just 73 years old, is a global leader of innovation and inventions: • Israel invests 4.95% of its gross domestic product (GDP) annually on

MEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE

research and technology. This compares with the United States’ GDP spending of 2.8%. • Israel lists 140 scientists and technicians per 10,000 residences compared to United States’ 85. • The emphasis and investment in education, from school age through funding universities, has had great returns. • Investments in new technologies, science, medicine, computing, agriculture, water management, space exploration

and so much more, is the energy behind the ‘Start Up Nation.’ In the recently released 2021 Bloomberg Innovation Index, Israel is rated seventh in the entire world. Israeli universities and companies are behind innovative solutions improving the quality of life for men, women and children in Israel and throughout the world. As you read “Inside Israeli Innovations,” you will have that insider’s view of Israel, a light unto the nations. Tikkun Olam.

www.MCANaples.org / 516.356.2897

Stay in May with MCA By Jeff Margolis

orldwide traveler Jim Sernovitz will continue his popular and entertaining travelogues throughout the summer months, with a presentation on Alaska and the Klondike Goldrush via Zoom on Tuesday, May 4 at 2:30 p.m. The monthly lecture series continues on Monday, May 10 at 10 a.m., with a program titled, “The Birth and Death of American Department Stores and Malls.” The presenter will be retail and shopping center expert, Carl Chudnofsky.

Are you searching for your family roots? Have you wondered about a possible longlost relative out there? The Jewish Genealogy Special Interest Group will have its next session on Tuesday, May 11 at 1 p.m. MCA members are invited to participate in a lifestyle discussion program on Wednesday, May 12, with presenters Dr. Jerry Kumin and Arthur Sissman. Topics to be discussed include the Blue Zones project, medical supplements, and health issues and DNA. The MCA book discussion group will have its monthly Zoom meeting on

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

FEDCUP 2021 2021 FEDCUP

Thursday, May 13. Contact program chair Stan Farb at stan4mignon@earthlink.net for details and book selection. Many of this year’s programs have been recorded. If you missed an event and want to view it, please visit the MCA website to learn how to catch up on some of the excellent programs you may have missed. The MCA e-blast will continue during the summer months and a number of the popular programs will be continuing as well. Members can access programming from just about anywhere in the world with a computer, iPad or phone. MCA is looking for new members. It is not too early to become a member or to renew your membership for next year. Please visit our website,

www.MCAnaples.org. Current dues are $90 and include membership in the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. If you have an idea for a program or event, or if you would like to facilitate a new group or activity, please contact Les Nizin, MCA President, at MCAnaplespresident2021@gmail.com. MCA is a proud supporter of the planned Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center and is looking forward to the groundbreaking and construction of this wonderful facility. We hope that most (if not all) of our members have received their COVID19 vaccinations and we look forward to the day that MCA can resume its in-person programming. Stay safe. There are 3 Ways to Join the MCA!

There are 3 Ways to Join the MCA! Visit theon website www.MCAnaples.org. Click on 1. Visit the website at www.MCAnaples.org.1. Click theat MCA membership the MCA membership form and complete it. You form and complete it. You can pay by creditcan card or check. pay by credit card or check. 2. Send an and email with your name, email address 2. Send an email with your name, email address phone number toand phone number to joinMCA@MCAnaples.org. joinMCA@MCAnaples.org.

3. Mail your name, email address and phone number

Larry Israelite, 8820 Savona Court, Naples, 3. Mail your name, email address and phoneto number to Larry Israelite, FL 34119. 8820 Savona Court, Naples, FL 34119. Dues for current year are $90 and include membership in the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

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Federation Star

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Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

May 2021

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WOMEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE

WCA’s new online membership system earns raves By Emily Berkowitz, Coordinator-at-Large

“I

just used our new registration system. It’s so good and very easy,” wrote Sonya Bloom, Ted Talks group facilitator. That was the goal of WCA volunteers, who worked for more than a year to find and implement an easy-to-use, online membership management system for WCA. It’s known as Wild Apricot (WA), and according to the early reactions from members, it’s terrific. But, while using the new system to update one’s profile, register for a program or find another member’s contact information is now easy, the process of finding and implementing WA took many hours over many months. Previously, Maureen Schaab had solely managed technology for WCA. But as WCA grew, then-President Elaine Soffer recognized the need for a more comprehensive system. In early 2020, Soffer assembled a multidisciplinary committee of amazing women with the knowledge to address the organization’s needs. Each member brought special experience to the task. Hannah Goodman earned a master’s degree in Computer Science and had her own business developing database applications for her clients. Ann Cowen, with an MBA in Finance, was previously the Vice President of Human Resources for a large insurance company and was always seeking to make technology as user-friendly as possible. Cathy Lone-Dawson was an executive management consultant at IBM with a focus on technology package selection to support new operations. Toby Kosloff managed systems development and Jackie Paulson managed the accounting and finances of a private company. Louise Forman, with two master’s degrees, brought her extensive familiarity with databases as a university business manager to the effort.

Soffer was a chemist and project manager in the pharmaceutical industry, where she learned about database capabilities. As President-elect, Patti Boochever joined the committee in the spring of 2020. The team developed and sent a request for proposal to several companies, studied specifications and tested systems at length. Goodman and Cowen recommended WA, and after extensive examination, this platform was selected. Goodman explained that WA provided the modern technology and tools that will be very useful to WCA. Cowen was in favor of WA because of its more updated security and its user-friendly capability. The ample support appealed to Boochever, a self-described non-techie; she found the coaches/consultants very helpful and accessible. And WA was the most economical system, too. Boochever lauds the entire team, offering “kudos to them” for all the time they devoted to this undertaking, thanking MCA member Larry Israelite for all his help as well. Now that a secure, easy-to-use, costeffective system with ample support was found, a new WCA website was needed. Meeting numerous times weekly and trying various versions, the key element was finally provided by Robin Mintz. “Robin made a critical contribution,” Boochever noted,” by communicating to our website consultant the topics and webpage design we wanted with eye-catching graphics.” It was introduced

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in mid-March to the WCA community through the weekly e-blast. After more than a year of intense work, the new system is up and running! WCA members are already delighted with the numerous benefits, which include: • Each member has their own WCA account, based on their email and personal password. • Members can create, edit and update their member profile. • Members can choose to disclose personal information, or not. • Members have access to all events and an event calendar. • Members can register for events, add them to their calendars and see all their registrations, easily canceling, if necessary. • Members can renew their membership online. • Members can see their invoices and make payments online. • Members have access to volunteer opportunities. • An online, searchable directory is available. Members no longer have to worry whether they paid their dues, as WA will show if there is a balance. In addition, the new system will eliminate duplicate program registrations, which is welcome

news for members on program waiting lists, eagerly awaiting openings. In short, every WCA member now has easy access to the full gamut of WCA programs, activities, news, calendar and community. For those volunteers “behind the scenes” who send Zoom links, register and lead groups, and create the weekly e-blast/newsletter, these processes are now much simpler. Cowen, who has been setting up events in Eventbrite for the last two years has found creating events, sending reminders and Zoom links in WA much easier. WCA Communications Director Nancy Kahn created the weekly e-blast for the last 12 years, without the benefit of WA. Though she always enjoyed the work, it was a multistep, labor-intensive endeavor. Carol Sherman, now creating the weekly newsletter, can do it entirely through WA, which has streamlined the process, reduced the amount of time needed, and easily links events for registration. And now, when members register for events, the event gets added to their profile and they can choose to add it directly to their personal calendars! Members have responded enthusiastically to the introduction of WA. For example, member Nancy Armocida wrote, “I love the new website. It’s fast, self-explanatory and very user friendly. Thank you.” Also expressing gratitude was Jane Shaw, who called it “outstanding” and offered “thanks to all the women who have made this available.” At present, it may be hard to imagine WCA’s new system for members being any easier, yet technology is always evolving. Perhaps one day we will all peer at our cellphones and see a WCA app.

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JEWISH FEDERATION

Federation Star

May 2021

Lions and Poms celebrate Women’s Philanthropy at a special event By Susan Pittelman, Pomegranate Society Co-Chair, and Betty Schwartz, Pomegranate Society Chair

he song, “I Am Standing on the Shoulders” (of the ones who came before me), by Joyce Johnson Rouse was playing as Lions of Judah and members of the Pomegranate Society joined the (virtual) Celebration of Women’s Philanthropy the afternoon of April 6. The song set the tone for this special event featuring Professor Pamela Nadell, author of “America’s Jewish Women.” This is the third year that the “Lions” and “Poms” gathered at an exclusive celebration of Women’s Philanthropy and to meet with an author from the Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival. Professor Nadell is a renowned American historian, often quoted researcher and an award-winning professor. She holds the Patrick Clendenen Chair in Women’s and Gender History at American University, where she also directs the Jewish Studies Program. Last year, her book, “America’s Jewish Women: A History from Colonial Times to Today,” won the prestigious National Jewish Book Award for Jewish Book of the Year. The virtual event began with welcoming remarks by JFGN Board Chair Jane Schiff, CEO and President Jeffrey Feld, and Annual Community Campaign Chair Karen Deutsch. After thanking the Lions and Poms for being the “backbone of our community,” Schiff announced that their gifts have helped to set a record-breaking Annual Campaign of more than $1.4 million, sharing the tremendous impact these campaign contributions have had. Feld thanked the Lions and Poms for being philanthropists — change-makers and community shakers of the world — and for all they do, both as individuals and collectively, for our community here in Greater Naples, in Israel and around the world. Deutsch praised the Lions and the Poms, telling them, “Each of you has

Professor Pamela Nadell talking about Rebecca Gratz made a very conscious effort to not only stand up, but also to stand out, as unique and important women of Jewish philanthropy.” After reiterating the exciting news about our record-breaking Annual Campaign, Deutsch concluded her remarks by thanking the women for “making a difference today, for a better tomorrow.” For the next part of the program, the women were placed at virtual “tables” (breakout rooms), providing an opportunity for them to talk with the other women at their table. The women shared who it was that had inspired their own commitment to tzedakah. After these interesting discussions, the women returned to the main meeting room. Pomegranate Co-Chair Susan Pittelman introduced guest speaker Prof. Pamela Nadell, who began by complimenting the women on the significant role they played in raising money for this year’s Annual Campaign. Professor Nadell explained that the three women she was going to be talking about this afternoon were women, who, had they been living today, would surely have been a Lion or a Pomegranate. She told the stories of Rebecca Gratz, who, among her many other

accomplishments, founded the first Hebrew Sunday School and the first orphanage for Jewish children; Henrietta Szold, who founded the woman’s organization, Hadassah, which both promoted Zionism and created the infrastructure for Israel’s future health care system; and Golda Meir, the fourth Prime Minister of Israel, who was an outstanding leader and a model fundraiser. We are certainly “standing on the shoulders” of some incredible women! Professor Nadell concluded with the challenge that our Jewish community today must continue to raise philanthropic dollars as Rebecca Gratz, Henrietta Szold and Golda Meir had

done in the past. She added that if those three women were alive today, “They would join me in thanking you — the generous women of the Lion of Judah and the Pomegranate Society — for continuing to fulfill the biblical mandate of the worthy Woman of Valor, giving generously to the poor and to all those who need help. May you go from Strength to Strength.” Following a question-and-answer session, Pomegranate Society Chair Betty Schwartz concluded the program by thanking Professor Nadell and everyone else who had helped to organize and implement the event. She also expressed appreciation to the Federation for providing complimentary copies of “American Jewish Women,” with a signed bookplate, to each participant. She thanked the Lions and Pomegranates for being the kind of dedicated and committed women about whom we had talked today. We hope that you will join our Federation’s growing Women’s Division by becoming a Lion of Judah or a member of the Pomegranate Society. These women set exemplary standards of leadership and giving in our community. For more information, please contact Jeffrey Feld at 239-263-4205 or jfeld@ jewishnaples.org.

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Federation Star

COMMUNITY FOCUS

May 2021

Magen David Adom dedicated to Irv Berzon In honor of a “conspicuous” Jewish pioneer By Marina Berkovich

orn in New York City on August 6, 1923, Irving Berzon died in Naples on December 24, 2020. After a lengthy career, Berzon retired to Marco Island, Florida in 1973. Soon thereafter, he was invited to consult for Collier County for a few months, an engagement that turned into nearly three decades of service before he retired again, this time as Chief Engineer of Collier County. Berzon’s ingenuity went into the design of waterworks, roadways, irrigation, waste and landfill management, and practically all public resource and critical infrastructure planned to accommodate the county’s rapid growth and development. An active member of the Jewish Federation of Collier County, now JFGN, Berzon served as editor of the Federation Star at one time. He was also involved with the Jewish Community Center of Collier County, now Temple Shalom, and was cofounder of The Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida. You could say that he was involved, in some capacity, in most everything in those not-so-long-ago early days of Jewish life in Southwest Florida. Serving in the U.S. Army for three years during WWII, Berzon and his fellow soldiers liberated Nazi slave labor camps in Ohrdruf and Niemberg while on a special mission searching for abandoned Nazi electronics. “Irv loved Israel and visited at least 12 to 15 times,” said his brother, Herman Berzon, at the Magen David Adom dedication ceremony at Temple Judea in Fort Myers on March 31, 2021, “once as a volunteer in the IDF, once as a consultant on water systems as a professional engineer.” Herman and his wife, Paula, donated a Magen David Adom ambulance to Israel in memory of their parents and in honor of Irving. Cindy Cuttler, the American Friends of Magen David Adom Director of Strategic Philanthropy traveled specially from New York City for the dedication ceremony. She explained the lengthy and elaborate process of manufacturing, transporting and outfitting the ambulance. Manufactured entirely in the U.S., the ambulance will

depart on a cargo ship from the Port of Miami to the Port of Haifa. These first two steps take nearly a year from planning to dedication to arrival in Israel. There, the ambulance will be properly stocked with all the emergency lifesaving equipment and supplies the population may need for medical emergencies, from births to helping victims of terrorist acts. Children and adults climbed inside the beautifully pristine ambulance to lend their blessings and good energy to it before it departs on its fascinating journey of medical service. I thought of my own nephew, an IDF medic in Israel, who volunteers with ambulance service. God’s work at connecting people and passages is sometimes evident in most unexpected places. Thus, Irving Berzon, a liberator, may be helping the greatgrandchildren of Holocaust survivors in Erez Israel, a place he helped transform into a flourishing garden. Berzon’s extraordinary achievements have previously been recognized in Collier County and Southwest Florida multiple times. Most notably, the Board of Collier County Commissioners proclaimed July 7, 2015 as “Irving Berzon Day” because of his vision and accomplishments. On February 6, 2020, The Jewish Historical Society of SWFL released the documentary film, “Irving Berzon, Engineering The Future,” which highlighted Berzon’s essential role in forging the Jewish Community in Collier County as one of Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers. Berzon’s liberator oral-visual interview is part of archives of The Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida. And the Supreme Court of Florida certified Berzon as a county mediator in all judicial courts. In his testimonial to Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida,

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Rabbi Mark Sack explains ambulance features to children attending the dedication. Berzon said that he hated using the word “prominent,” instead preferring the word “c o n s p i c u o u s” for describing his own role. At the dedication ceremony, Paula Berzon said, “Irv was blessed with high intelligence, a strong work ethic, integrity, excellent communication skills and an admirable set of values … all of which he utilized in achieving his many professional and personal accomplishments … His three extended families, friends and associates admired his qualities of generosity, kindness, humility and a great sense of humor. He was a very good listener, very loving, greatly loved and is very much missed.” There was a peaceful blue sky over the outdoor Magen David Adom dedication,

Irv Berzon where the adults attentively listened to every word Rabbi Sack and the speakers delivered. The children laughed as they played around and inside the fascinating vehicle. I think Irv would have said, “Make every moment of your life count.”

COMMUNITY FOCUS

May 2021

Federation Star

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

Museum update Susan Suarez President & CEO

e thank the following Triumph Sponsors, whose names came in after last month’s ad deadline, for their support: Hope Sponsors – Ronto Group Inspire Sponsors – F.E. and Jack Nortman Patron Sponsors – Nancy Garfien, Carol and Bill Goldman, Jim Hale, Bobbi and Randy Heiligman, Jennifer SiegalMiller and Rabbi Adam Miller, Ellen Rindfleisch, Karyn and Rowan Samuel - The Samuel Team at John R. Wood Properties, Linda Singer

Victory in Europe Day Saturday, May 8, in honor of VE Day, we are offering complimentary admission to the Museum. Reservations are required to guarantee your entry. Visit www. HMCEC.org prior to arrival to sign up. We will also be showing special short videos in the Lerner Classroom all month long during regular Museum hours.

Programs and exhibitions The rescheduled Zoom program, “Discussion with Docents - Blessed is The Match Film Discussion,” with Docent Steve Brazina, will take place on Wednesday, May 12 at 4 p.m. Reservations are required to receive the Zoom link. RSVP on our website; the Zoom link will be sent out the day before. The film is available to rent or buy on Amazon. Our inspiring exhibit, “Girl Power – How Women Impacted the Holocaust and Beyond,” is on display through May 25. If you haven’t had a chance to see it, we hope you will do so before it closes. Our next exhibit is scheduled to open in early June. “Caught on Film: The Wartime Photography of Ken Regele and the US Army Signal Corps” will feature photos taken during World War II. The late Mr. Regele, a Signal Corps photographer and local resident, donated two reels of film he kept after World War II to the Museum. One was blank; the other had the photos you will see in the exhibit. “Caught on Film” will be on display through fall 2021.

Remembrance and appreciation Every month has designated days of remembrance and appreciation. In addition to recognizing the service and sacrifice of World War II veterans and their families on VE Day, and later this year on VJ Day, there are several other dates in May to be aware of: Tuesday, May 4 is National Teacher Appreciation Day. If you were not aware of the importance and hard work of being a teacher before, you certainly are now! They have been heroes during an extraordinarily difficult year, struggling to teach their students remotely and deal with the pandemic at home.

Southwest Florida teachers are such an important part of our Museum family. To support them, we transitioned our education programs to an online format, allowing access to information, lesson plans and student activities at their convenience, 24/7. Our Teacher Workshops became an online series, with a new segment uploaded each month, based on this year’s theme of 20th- and 21st-century genocides. These videos, lesson plans and student activities are available anytime on our website and YouTube channel. Thanks to teachers everywhere for their dedication to their students and extraordinary efforts during the pandemic. Here in SWFL, teachers are our most important partners in teaching the lessons of the Holocaust to inspire action against bigotry, hatred and violence. We are committed to assist them however we can. This includes the resumption of small group student field trips. Please contact Sam Parish, Director of Operations/Education Specialist, at Sam@HMCEC.org for more information. We also thank our generous donors whose contributions enable us to continue our education programming. Sunday, May 9 is Mother’s Day. Happy Mother’s Day to mothers everywhere. It will be another difficult Mother’s Day for those still separated from family, but hopefully with more people getting the vaccines, they will be able to reunite soon. For moms no longer with you, take a moment to remember them. That’s a Mother’s Day hug, too. Sunday, May 16 is “Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day.” We know the old saying “It is better to give than receive.” We also know there is ample evidence proving the benefits to both giver and receiver of a good deed. Try it out on May 16!

Thank you, Ida Margolis While she doesn’t have a “day” named for her, Ida Margolis should! As she retires this month as Chair of GenShoah of SWFL, I thank her on behalf of the entire Museum family for all she has done. When Ida succeeded GenShoah of SWFL founders Sandy Levine and

Godfrey Levy, they knew the group would be in great hands. Under Ida’s 10 years of leadership, GenShoah membership has grown tremendously. She developed many memorable and thought-provoking programs, not only for GenShoah members, but for the Southwest Florida community and the Museum. Working with her program chair, Steve Brazina, each season, Ida created a packed schedule of new and interesting programs designed to get people to think and act against bigotry, hatred and violence. Her community partners, such as the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue, Collier

• • • • • • •

County Public Library, Jewish Federation of Greater Naples and Temple Shalom also benefited from her energy, creativity and dedication. Thank you, Ida, for your contribution to our community. We know you will continue to have an impact on Southwest Florida! If you’d be interested in contributing your time to work on GenShoah’s program planning, newsletter or monthly column, please contact me at Susan@HMCEC.org. Stay safe!

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Federation Star

COMMUNITY FOCUS

May 2021

Where are your heroes: in books, films or nearby? By Ida Margolis, GenShoah Chair

ou may know that I was a teacher Ko rc z a k w a s t o l d in a public school, a university he could go the Ayran instructor and a social studies side of the ghetto, but supervisor. So, you might guess that I he refused to leave “his have a bias regarding the important work children.” Witnesses have that teachers do and the impact that a said that these children great teacher can make. Recently, you were dressed in their may have heard about unsung heroes best clothes and carried of the pandemic and that teachers have a knapsack and a toy as been included in the list of those who they were forced to march have helped so many so much during through the ghetto to the this past year. Umschlagplatz (deportaRuby Bridges and her teacher, Mrs. Barbara Henry Books about and by teachers have always tion point to the death her names, carried signs and shouted at been among my favorites. I wrote about camps). There is a legend that an SS little Ruby. rabbis and other clergy as heroes. “Rabbi” is officer recognized Korczak as the author Not one white family in the comoften defined as teacher, and you may recall of one of his favorite children’s books munity would send their children to that, recently, I wrote about Rabbi Ariel and offered to help him escape. There are school, so Ruby was all alone, except for Burger’s excellent book, “Witness,” subtitled other versions of the legend, but what is her teacher, Mrs. Barbara Henry. Mrs. “Lessons from Elie Wiesel’s Classroom.” known is that Korczak refused to leave Henry was the only white teacher willing Wiesel, Holocaust survivor, author, Nobel his children. He boarded the trains with to teach a Black child and she did so for a Laureate and activist, was also considered a them and was never heard from again. It year, though Ruby was the only child in brilliant and master teacher. is believed that he and the children were her class. As an adult, Ruby recalled that I am currently reading a book by likely all gassed at Treblinka. “even though there were mobs outside Michael Sandel, who is There is a beautiful and that school every day for a whole year, one of the most popular touching monument to the person that greeted me every mornprofessors at Harvard. commemorate Korczak at Heroes ing was (my teacher), a white woman Thousands of students the site of the orphanage Heroines who actually risked her life as well.” And have attended his Justice in Warsaw. The monuRuby noted, “Mrs. Henry was the nicest class and, through the ment was finally unveiled &Helpers teacher I ever had.” miracle of technology, on Children’s Day, June 1, millions of people around the world have 2006, at a state event attended by digviewed his course. nitaries, including the President of the My first hero article was about artist Republic of Poland. There are beautiful Friedl Dicker-Brandies, who used her books and films available about this heroic skills to teach children at Terezin concenteacher, including a book titled “Janusz tration camp. She was sent to AuschwitzKorczak: The Man Who Knew How to Birkenau with 30 of her students, where Love Children.” To: Rosalee Bogo they all perished. I find it so distressing to read that In memory of your I have always been moved by the stoonly one teacher was willing to teach a brother Sam Aaronson ries of two very different teachers, both of certain 6-year-old child in 1960. The From: Karen & Stan Deutsch whom I consider heroes, Janusz Korczak child was Ruby Bridges, the little Black Joan & Marc Saperstein and Mrs. Barbara Henry. Korczak was girl who was given permission by a judge Jane Schiff a pediatrician who designed a unique to attend the all-white William Frantz Betty & Les Schwartz orphanage for Jewish children in Warsaw. Elementary School in New Orleans. Arlene & Bob Subin In 1940, when the Germans created the Many, many people have seen either Warsaw ghetto, the orphanage was forced a film, photo, painting or book about David Willens to move to the ghetto. In August 1942, brave Ruby Bridges, as she entered the To: Norma Claussen and the German soldiers took the approximately school accompanied by federal mar Catholic Jewish Dialogue 200 children and staff to the Treblinka shals, while crowds of angry whites In memory of extermination camp. gathered outside the school. They called Bob Claussen From: Marty Gauthier

There are many heroes and villains in the story of Ruby Bridges, and certainly Mrs. Henry is a hero, as was Ruby. If you have 10 minutes, you can read the beautifully illustrated children’s book continued on page 15

Monument commemorating Korczak and “his children” at the site of the orphanage in Warsaw, by Jan Bohdan Chmielewski

Tributes

To: Dr. Martin Cohen In honor of your birthday From: Deborah & Larry Hermalyn To: From:

David Fisher In honor of your birthday Gracia Kuller Marilyn Weinstein

To: From:

Susie Goldsmith In memory of Ron Goldsmith Nancy L. Kaplan Delores & Corky Levine Jane Schiff

To: Judy & Martin Isserlis In memory of Joan Isserlis From: Louise & Derrick Novis

To: From:

Arlene Levin & Family In memory of Sandy Levin JoEllen & Len Rubenstein Jane Schiff Sue & Tom Tolpin

To: From:

Pat Levy & Family In memory of Lester Levy The Canasta Group – Dena, Dorothy, Cookie, Corrine, Judy, and Joann

To: From:

Judy & Mayer Levitt In appreciation of your friendship and warm hospitality Rosalee & Jerry Bogo

To: Sheryl Sashin In memory of Alvin Sashin From: Helena and Allan Striker To: From:

Michal Wiesler In memory of Mordechai Wiesler Rosalee & Jerry Bogo Nancy L. Kaplan Gail & Mel Ufberg

Tributes require a minimum donation of $18.

To place a Tribute in the Federation Star in honor or memory of someone, please contact Nathan Ricklefs at the Federation office at 239.263.4205 or nricklefs@jewishnaples.org. Tributes require a minimum donation of $18. A note will be sent to the person you are honoring. Tributes help further the work of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

COMMUNITY FOCUS

May 2021

Federation Star

Thank you for the past decade Thank you to Steve Brazina, the movie maven, who located many Holocaustrelated films so we could include outstanding films in our annual programming. Thanks to every presenter, and we have had many. Thanks to the volunteers who helped with programs, and thanks to everyone who attended programs and supported this group, especially Rene and Sam Geist, Denise McMahon, and from the South Regional Library: Shirley Besikof, Steve Fischer, Jeff Margolis and Linda Wertheim. I’ve had many favorite programs during the past decade, especially those that involved other groups or organizations, such as churches, clubs and libraries. I feel that our most popular and successful program was One Book, SWFL. If you were one of the 1,500 people who attended at one of the libraries or Temple Shalom, you will no doubt remember the captivating presentation by Michael Stolowitzky, who told his own astonishing story in the book “Gertruda’s Oath” by Ram Oren. (If you did not have the opportunity to read the book then, it’s not too late). And how amazing was it that the renowned Mark Weitzman, Director of Government Affairs and Chief United

Nations Representative at the Simon Wiesenthal Center, came to Naples to discuss Simon Wiesenthal’s important, gripping, impactful work on the possibilities and limits of forgiveness, “The Sunflower.” I was astounded by the touching and beautiful butterfly art projects that the Pine Ridge Middle School students created after their teacher, Danielle Yarusevich, taught them about the Holocaust and the poem, “The Butterfly,” written by Pavel Friedman while in Nazi concentration camp, Terezin. It was amazing that a culmination of the yearlong “Butterflies of Hope and Remembrance” was not only a butterfly garden project chaired by Carol Mest, but the appearance of Sidney Taussig, the last surviving boy in the film produced by Music of Remembrance, “The Boys of Terezin.” Many 2gs appreciated the opportunity to gather, discuss and tell their parents’ stories. When the steering committee met and determined the mission of GenShoah SWFL, they knew the importance of “connection of the Second Generation with one another.” The mission also included “preserving the history and memories of Holocaust,” which was done in many ways, such as collecting 2g stories about their parents.

The mission includes supporting the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center, which is of great importance to local 2gs. The members of GenShoah frequently express gratitude that there is such a wonderful Holocaust Museum in Naples. Another key mission of GenShoah SWFL is “promotion of Holocaust Education and Human Rights.” This aspect of the mission is more important now than ever. It led to the establishment of Movies that Matter, where films about human rights issues are screened and discussed by a panel of experts. In the light of recent developments, including the increase of antisemitism, hate groups and violence toward many minorities, this feature of the mission is of upmost significance and an imperative toward action. Thank you again to those who have done so much for GenShoah SWFL and please continue to work for social justice and human rights. It has been said that the arc of the moral universe bends toward justice… but not without some help. “Be the change you want to see in the world,” and as Hillel said, “If not now, when?” We have work to do now.

where are your heroes...continued from page 14 written by famous child psychiatrist, In my first article, I wrote that recent Robert Coles. research has found that hero stories This is the last of my articles for the energize and inspire people, and can Heroes, Heroines and Helpers series. even heal psychic wounds. I think it is

always a good time to learn about heroes and to thank all of heroes in our midst, especially the unsung heroes of the pandemic.

Michael Sandel writes about justice and what is the right thing to do. We all have the opportunity to do the right thing. You just may be a hero to someone.

Ida Margolis GenShoah Chair

can hardly believe that I have chaired GenShoah SWFL for a decade. It’s been an honor for me to have this position, but 10 years is a long time and it’s time for this important group to have new leadership. After so many years and so many programs, events and activities that GenShoah has presented or been involved with, there are too many people to thank everyone individually, but a few thanks are in order. Thank you to Godfrey Levy and Sandy Levine, who first started this group, and to Shelley Lieb, who was on the original steering committee. They helped make the then tiny group part of GenShoah International and continued to help in numerous ways. Thanks to former Museum CEO, Amy Snyder, current CEO and President Susan Suarez, and Museum Staff, especially Joan Hogan, who sent out the monthly GenShoah newsletter.

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Federation Star

COMMUNITY FOCUS

May 2021

Look what’s coming up at Temple Shalom! DAT E S W I L L B E A N N O U N C E D S O O N !

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Join us for an exciting forthcoming season TEMPLE SHALOM SISTERHOOD has the only JUDAICA SHOP in Collier County Now open by appointment only. Please contact: Amy Young 973-919-2918 or Karen Cohn 239-370-6220

Got genealogy? We’ve got answers! By the Jewish Genealogy Special Interest Group

ounded and organized by Arthur Sissman, who has been involved in Jewish genealogical research since 1999, the JGSIG is a public group open to anyone interested in Jewish genealogy, regardless of their religion. There are no membership dues, and all meetings and workshops are free. The monthly meetings are designed to present information of interest to attendees that will help further their research and answer their specific questions. This includes sharing information, strategies, ideas, frustrations and any other topics related to exploring Jewish genealogy. In addition to our members located in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties in Florida, thanks to Zoom, we also have members from other parts of the U.S, New Zealand, England, Israel and Canada! The JGSIG is an affiliate group of the Collier County Genealogy Society, Men’s Cultural Alliance, Women’s Cultural Alliance, the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, and the Jewish Federation

of Lee and Charlotte Counties. Sissman also leads the DNA Special Interest Group (SIG) for the Collier County Genealogy Society. Since 2013, more than 500 people have attended meetings of the JGSIG. Sissman has helped over 100 individuals get started in building their family tree, providing a free three-hour session to each person. The JGSIG meets on Zoom the second Tuesday of each month from 10-11:30 a.m. (ET). If you are interested in being on the email list to learn about joining JGSIG, as well as upcoming meetings and workshops, email your contact info to Sissman at genresearch13@yahoo.com. JGSIG is on Facebook at www.face book.com/groups/hellojewishgen. There, you can find posted articles and videos on Jewish genealogy topics, DNA topics and general information on the what, where, when, who and how of genealogy. If there is a family tree in your future, the JGSIG is a great place to start!

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4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples

239-455-3030

www.NaplesTemple.org

Is some of your genealogy in a picture like this?

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he Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida presents dozens of eyewitness interviews in 14 educational documentary films about the challenges and successes of our heroes. Celebrate National Jewish Heritage Month with us.

May 9 at 5 p.m. Richard Plager in “Chief Plager.” Sanibel Island’s police chief retired from 38 years on the Miami-Dade police force to serve Sanibel, and after it, Old City of Jerusalem. Free on Zoom for JHSSWF membership.

April 29 at 2 p.m. (Illinois time!) Free on Zoom for Chicago JCCC Membership. Register at https://www.jccchicago.org/. Gene Goodman in “The Song Meister.” Benny Goodman’s younger brother, who is in the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame, talks about music, life and being Jewish. Elena Rosner in “When Destiny Called.” This Holocaust survivor started a Jewish temple on Marco Island.

May 16 at 10:30 a. m. A Slice of Jewish Life - Two Island Stories, Marco and Sanibel. Free on Zoom for Genealogical Society of Greater Miami membership. Register at https:// www.gsgmfl.org/.

May 2 at 5 p.m. Richard Segalman in “A Man and His Art.” From bartending at the famous Anchor Bar to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, it’s quite a journey. Free on Zoom for JHSSWF membership.

May 23 at 5 p.m. Sheldon Starman in Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers Film No. 15. It will be great! Free for Temple Shalom and JHSSWF membership. Register at jhsswf. org and with Temple Shalom. To inquire about becoming a member or register for an event, please visit www.JHSSWF.org or email office@ jhsswf.org.

JEWISH INTEREST

Catch up, look ahead, and Greenberg “Ain’t” 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 a faith other than Judaism — and do not identify with a faith other than Judaism as an adult. Converts to Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish. “The Wedding Coach,” a six-episode Netflix romantic reality series, began streaming on April 7. From the official publicity release: “Former bride and forever comedian Jamie Lee shares her irreverent yet practical tips and tricks for wedding planning with struggling lovebirds.” Lee, 38, has climbed the comedy ladder. She was a writer’s assistant (2010) to Jerry Seinfeld as he cohosted the reality series “Marriage Ref.” In 2011, she finished second on the “Last Comic Standing” stand-up show. After that, she did stand-up sets on just about every major talk show. She’s perhaps best known for being a core cast member on the popular MTV series “Girl Code” (2013-15). Lee’s book, “Weddiculous: The Unfiltered Guide to Being a Bride” (2016), chronicled her wedding to comedian Dan Black, 38ish. In 2016, Lee told the Jewish Journal that even though her mother is Jewish, she never practiced any religion. Dan, she said, wanted to incorporate Jewish traditions into their wedding and his wishes prevailed: they signed a ketubah, were married by a rabbi, and danced the hora. “Oxygen,” an original Netflix film, begins streaming on May 12. Mélanie Laurent, 38, stars as a woman suffering from severe memory loss as she wakes up inside a cryogenic chamber. Trapped inside and rapidly losing oxygen, the key to her survival is remembering who she is. The movie is billed as an AmericanFrench production, but, as you’ll read, its largely a French-Jewish production. Laurent is a well-known and really good French-Jewish actress. Her father, a voice actor, is an Ashkenazi Jew whose family originally was from Poland (her paternal grandfather died in the Holocaust). Laurent’s mother, a former ballerina, is of Tunisian Sephardi descent. Laurent is best known for her costarring role in “Inglourious Basterds” (2010). She played Shosanna Dreyfus, a Parisian Jew who seeks revenge on the Nazis. Also, in 2010, she costarred in “The Round Up” and “Beginners.” A French film, “The Round Up” is about the complicity of the French police in the Nazis’ roundup of Jews. In “Beginners,”

Federation Star

May 2021

a very good American film, she played the French-Jewish girlfriend of an American who finds out his elderly father is gay and that his late mother hid her Jewish background. “Oxygen,” which only has three actors, costars Matthieu Amalric, 55. His mother was Jewish. He appeared in “Munich” and played the bad guy in the Bond flick “Quantum of Solace.” “Oxygen” was directed by Alexandre Aja, the son of an Algeria-born Jewish father and a non-Jewish mother. Aja, 42, is a top horror/thriller filmmaker (“High Tension” and “The Hills Have Eyes”). “The Woman in the Window” is a usual pandemic story: supposed to be in theaters long ago — that didn’t happen — and now being released on Netflix (May 14). Amy Adams stars as an agoraphobic psychologist who makes friends with a neighbor. When the neighbor disappears, she suspects foul play. The supporting cast includes Jennifer Jason Leigh, 58, Wyatt Russell, 34 (Goldie Hawn’s son) and “hot newcomer,” Fred Hechinger, 20. Hechinger had a biggish role in the 2020 Tom Hanks’ western, “News of the World.” He can be seen as the young version of the “evil white guy,” Ridgeway, in the original Amazon series, “The Underground Railway” (about slavery). It premieres on the 14th, as well. Hechinger also has a costarring role in “White Lotus,” a limited HBO series that will air sometime this year. Hechinger’s grandfather, also named Fred Hechinger, fled Nazi Germany and became a top New York Times reporter and editor (the actor’s other grands were Jewish, too). “The Story of Late Night” is a six-part original CNN series (starts Sunday, May 2). It’s about the history of late night talk shows. For whatever reason, there has never been a Jewish host of a “big ratings” late night talk show. However, Chelsea Handler, 46, who had a “2nd tier” talk show, appears in the series. Also appearing is Lorne Michaels, 76, the creator of “SNL” and the producer of “Late Night” (now hosted by Seth Meyers, who isn’t Jewish. But his wife is, and he was married by a rabbi). On March 31, The Forward, the famous Jewish newspaper, ran a background piece on Joel Greenberg, who is now infamous in Florida. The bottom line: He isn’t Jewish, as most assume. His father is Jewish, but he was raised in his mother’s Christian faith and is, or was, a member of a local church. “Google” this article title for more: “Disgraced tax collector Greenberg poses as Jewish.”

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“The True Adventures of Gidon Lev” is the moving story of an extraordinary Holocaust survivor and the writer who loved him. Of the 15,000 children in the concentration camp of Theresienstadt in the Czech Republic, fewer than 100 survived. Gidon Lev is one of those children. A quirky, inspirational story of hope, Gidon's story is also a primer on Jewish culture and history. Part memoir and part travelogue, “The True Adventures of Gidon Lev” is a love letter about a late in life romance and a celebration of the resilience and reinvention of the human spirit.

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Julie Gray made aliyah in 2012. A long-time writer and editor, Julie’s writing can be found in the Times of Israel, the Huffington Post, the Jewish Journal, the NY Post and more.

To purchase this book visit Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, or The Book Depository OF GREATER NAPLES

Federation Star

JEWISH INTEREST

May 2021

Being grateful: “America the Beautiful/Oseh Shalom” and “This Land Is My Land” By Arlene Stolnitz

s with many others, I have been thinking a lot about what is important to me lately. The pandemic has caused us to examine our priorities more closely. For some, material things have become less important, as we have become more reflective during this prolonged period of time. I have come to appreciate many things I had taken for granted. This led me to think about why our forefathers came to this country. What motivated them to take that arduous journey, giving up family and friends, in search of a better way of life? As I contemplated their reasons, two songs that I recently heard, each very different from the other, but expressing a similar sentiment, came to mind.

“American the Beautiful/ Oseh Shalom” This song is performed by two very talented musicians: Dan Nichols, vocalist and guitarist, and Elana Arian, featured on vocals and violin. Nichols, who lives in Raleigh, NC, has had a legendary career in the world of Jewish music, but what impressed me most about him was his desire to have a meaningful connection with Jewish youth. In 1995, he formed the Jewish rock Arlene Stolnitz band, Eighteen, and co-founded Shulhouse Rock, a song-leading workshop for Jewish high school students. He performs around the world serving in congregations, camps, and at BBYO and NIFTY conferences. The recording of “America the Beautiful,” coupled with “Oseh Shalom,” is a beautiful reminder of how precious our country is, with all the stunning images

from around the beautiful country in which we live. When hearing the surprise Close window duringthis the second part of the recording, when “Oseh Shalom” is sung to the tune of “America the Beautiful,” Cantor Marci Vitkus from the Jewish Congregation of Venice called it “Brilliant!”

musician, Daniel Kahn, and is sung in Yiddish! Kahn took Guthrie’s ballad, which was often thought of as radical, and put a Jewish spin on the verse, creating it in “solidarity with Indigenous, Black and immigrant voices calling for power, reparation and justice in this land.”

“This Land is Your Land”

Az ikh ver elter Dos iz mayn kholem Ikh vintsh far kinder A velt mit sholem A land fin lernen A land fin mentchlekheyt Dos land is dayne dos iz mayn

You may remember that, back in the ’40s, Woody Guthrie wrote “This Land is Your Land,” to protest Irving Berlin’s song, “God Bless America.” Although not Jewish himself, but with a Jewish mother-in-law, Guthrie often wrote songs on Jewish themes. The version of the song that is meaningful to me was created by punk-klezmer

(As I grow older This is my dream:

I wish for children A world of peace A land for learning A land of humanity This land is yours and this is mine.) In the video of “This Land is Your Land,” be sure to notice the cool map of the United States, “Yiddish Map (Guide to the US for Jewish Immigrants),” with the names of the states written in Yiddish. It is available for purchase at the National Museum of American Jewish History (NMAJH Museum Store), judaicashop.net, $14.95. “America the Beautiful/Oseh Shalom” by Dan Nichols and Elana Arian, and “This Land is Your Land” by Daniel Kahn can be found on YouTube.

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Are you Jewish, single and 55+? If yes, this group is for you!

Are you in your forties or fifties, single and Jewish?

rbialek@jewishnaples.org

to meet other Jewish singles.

Read our weekly eblast to find out when the next activity will be.

Read our weekly eblast to learn when the next activity will be.

OF GREATER NAPLES

JEWISH INTEREST

May 2021

Federation Star

For health and well-being, sing a song! Aging Jewishly — What our traditions tell us about growing old By Rabbi Barbara Aiello

“T

hat’s Grant,” Lucy said, when her friend asked what she was hearing through her cellphone. “He’s whistling and singing the song we danced to on our wedding day!” And at that moment, Grant sashayed into the kitchen, twirled Lucy in his arms and bellowed, “Wise men say, ‘Only fools rush in,’ but I can’t help falling in love with you!” Lucy blushed and squeezed Grant’s hand. “Sixty-one years and you’re singing still makes me smile!” Just what is it about singing? What is it about putting words to music and letting loose with a song? According to Alison Brill of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, “Singing is an aerobic activity, which pumps more oxygen into your blood, improves circulation and promotes a positive mood.” And a plethora of health experts agree and emphasize that one need not be a trained professional or even have a good voice to reap the benefits of singing. As Ms. Brill says, “This isn’t ‘American Idol;’ this is life, and we have to find what makes us feel good!” Singing is one way to lift our spirits. We don’t need musical instruments or amplification of special equipment of any kind. Like Grant, all we need is a song. According to experts, when we find our melody and sing it out, the rewards are great. In fact, Dr. Michael F. Roizen,

Chief Wellness Officer at the Cleveland Clinic, emphasizes that there are five proven ways on how singing can supercharge your health.

began to sing, her high blood pressure dropped almost to the normal range, and as she continued to sing her favorite gospel songs, her blood pressure stabilized in time for surgery.

1. Singing provides an immune system boost

In the age of COVID-19, maintaining a healthy immune system has become paramount. Dr. Roizen 4. Singing Rabbi Barbara reports that when German scienreduces stress Aiello tists tested the blood levels of choir and anxiety members before and after their one-hour Researchers in the UK studied two groups rehearsal, the singers’ blood levels showed of seniors, 60 years and older, to study an increase in antibody-producing immuthe effects of singing. One group was noglobulins and the anti-stress hormone, instructed to sing each week while the hydrocortisone. other group was not required to do so. The results? Dr. Rozien sings the praises of 2. Singing positively the researchers who found that “the singaffects heart health ers demonstrated significantly reduced Want to improve your ticker? Dr. Roizen, anxiety and depression scores.” who admits to singing along to the Jersey Boys while he drives to work, states that, 5. Singing makes for more than 80 years, the University you happier of London has studied the benefits of If you find yourself smiling while you singing. Experts there state that the aerosing along with vintage Elvis or today’s bic activity produced by singing shows Maroon 5, you’re not alone. Dr. Rozien marked measurable increase in several key emphasizes that singing makes you hapaspects of heart health. pier. Surveys bear this out. In fact, when 600 choral singers were asked how singing 3. Singing your heart out made them feel, 76% said “Singing makes lowers blood pressure me a happier person!” Dr. Roizen sites a study of a pre-op patient Rabbi Shefa Gold, musician and with serious hypertension prior to knee expert in the chanting of Hebrew prayer, replacement surgery. When the patient would agree. In her book, “The Magic of

Bradford Square

the Hebrew Chant,” Rabbi Gold describes the personal benefits of rhythmically reciting Hebrew prayer. She says, “A few short words — repeated with passion and intention — can unlock treasure upon treasure of healing, wisdom and love.” The soothing rhythms of prayers, such as the Sh’ma, the Amidah and the Aleinu, are chants that we may have learned from childhood, and although we don’t know the meaning of each Hebrew word, we find comfort in the meditative quality of our ancient prayers and blessings. Rabbi Gold puts it well when she says, “Chant is a meditative practice that fully engages the body, heart and mind, and facilitates healing and expansion of consciousness.” Although the benefits of singing are well documented, we can’t be sure that, as Grant croons “I can’t help falling in love with you…” he’s aware of these advantages. But indeed, Grant has a song in his heart. In fact, we all do. So, for health and well-being, “Aleinu leshabeach la-Adon HaKol” or “Sing, Sing A Song!” 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.

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Federation Star

JEWISH INTEREST

May 2021

Taking blintzes out of the comfort zone Recipe by Chef Dalia

havuot… the Festival of Weeks. There are many traditions related to this holiday, ranging from harvest festivals, singing and dancing to crowns of flowers, and of course, many dairy recipes. Understandably, there is a divide between how Shavuot is celebrated within the Land of Israel and how it is celebrated outside of it. Israel, the land of milk and honey, loves to celebrate, and seeing how Shavuot is celebrated in Israel is just one example of their rich Jewish culture and nature as a people. Whether its water wars on the streets, wearing all white clothing, eating your favorite dairy pastry or sampling all the many cheeses that stores have to offer, Shavuot is active with festivities and traditional roots that give patronage to ancient times. Weeks before Shavuot takes place, newspapers and social media are flooded with recipes that make even the most ‘challenged’ cook feel confident in the kitchen. Star-quality recipes for the best blintzes in town promise to knock anyone’s socks off! But no worries … you have the best blintzes recipe here. Atayef/blintzes, Quatayef or Katayef, however you pronounce it, remember the name, for if you like trying new styles of food, the Israeli/Middle Eastern dessert dish of Atayef/blintzes is set to become the next big thing. This is a divine dessert of little pancakes filled with either cheese or nuts or a combination of both, and golden fried or baked, then dunked in thick simple syrup. It is crunchy sweet and, oh so delicious. It’s like a combination

Personal Chef Dalia Hemed can be reached at daliahemed@msn.com. of baklava and cheesecake, and the result is an amazing — not to mention calorieladen — delight. Growing up in Israel, I was lucky to have the opportunity to eat quite a few good Atayef/blintzes throughout my lifetime. It is hard to decide what makes this dreamy, creamy and crunchy dessert such a winner. Is it the complex texture of the pancakes? Or is it the creamy and tangy combo of flavors of the cheese in the middle? Maybe it is the fact that all of this goodness is soaked in that one-of-a-kind syrup of sugar, lemon

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juice and rose water, then topped with crushed pistachios. If you go to Mach-ne Yehuda shuk in Jerusalem during Shavuot, you will see bakeries churning out these blintzes by the hundreds each day — the dessert of choice for Shavuot celebration. As kids, my sister and I literally gorged on this dessert until, how shall we say, we got really sick? Being kids, we didn’t really have a reason to stop eating, so I remember sneaking and inhaling at least half a dozen of these confections during one of my mother’s big and festive Shavuot holidays. Let’s just say that now, as an adult, I know better. I can now stop at eating just two. Yay for selfcontrol! (Though, I am not going to lie, it’s really hard!). For this recipe, I experimented with one filling that was so rich and creamy I had to harness the willpower of steel. Can you guess what that filling might be? You guessed right if you guessed cheese… f a r m e r ’s c h e e s e ! (My favorite blintze filling). If you don’t have farmer’s cheese, you can also use ricotta or

cottage cheese. This dessert is the modern version of the classic Eastern European blintzes. I am taking the blintzes out of the comfort zone. A few years ago, on a trip to Israel, I took a tour of the Mach-ne Yehuda shuk. I had a chance to enjoy this most incredible dish and there was no turning back. Every time I have the opportunity, a stop at an Atayef/blintze stand is on my mustdo list. You can make the best of Israeli shuk street food in your own kitchen. On Shavuot this year, you have to give it a try!

Atayef/blintzes in a filling with nuts and farmer cheese

3. Pour half a ladle of the batter into the pan, and with the help of the back of the ladle, shape it into a slightly thick circle 4” in diameter. Fry until the bottom of the blintz is golden brown and the top starts to show air bubble holes. (Do not flip like traditional pancake). Remove to a plate. 4. The stuffing: Roast pistachios in an oil-free pan, stirring, until slightly golden and giving off a pleasant aroma. Refrigerate to cool, then chop coarsely. Transfer to a bowl and mix with the rest of the filling ingredients. 5. The syrup: Boil the water and sugar, remove from the heat and refrigerate. Add the rose water and lemon juice, and mix. 6. Assembling the wrapper and baking: Preheat the oven to 180° F. Line a pan with baking paper. 7. Place blintzes on the work surface. Place a spoonful of the stuffing on the top (uncooked) side, in the center of one half of the blintze, fold in half and press the edge closed tightly. Brush with melted butter on the top of the blintze. Prepare additional blintzes in the same way. 8. Place the blintzes in a pan and bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden and slightly hardened. 9. Remove the blintzes from the oven and immediately dip them in the cold syrup, so they are completely coated. Transfer to a plate and serve immediately.

Ingredients for Atayef/blintzes Makes 25 Atayef/blintzes 2¾ cups flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1¾ cups milk 3 eggs 3 tbsp. butter, melted 1 tbsp. sugar 1/8 cup of melted butter for coating on blintzes For stuffing ½ cup pistachios 8 ounces farmer’s cheese ½ tsp. cinnamon ¼ cup sugar For syrup 1 cup sugar 1 cup of water ¼ tsp. rose water 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice Preparation 1. The blintzes: Put all the ingredients for the blintzes, except the 1/8 cup melted butter for coating the blintzes, in a bowl, and with the help of a whisk, mix them into a uniform batter. 2. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and grease it with a paper towel soaked in oil.

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

May 2021

Federation Star

FIDF Miami Chapter to hold qualifying poker game Top players will advance to the FIDF National Poker Tournament

riends of the Israel Defense Forces’ (FIDF) Miami Chapter will hold a qualifying poker event on April 19 at 7 p.m. (EDT) and invites interested members of the Miami community to register and join the event at https://www.fidf.org/events/ poker-tournament/miami. People who would like to participate in the tournament, but are unable to make the qualifying event, can register for open seat night, taking place on April 29 at 8 p.m. (EDT), by registering at https:// www.fidf.org/events/pokertournament/open-seat-night. The top players will advance to FIDF’s first-ever National Poker Tournament final event on May 2 at 7 p.m. (EDT). Joining the final event will be celebrity poker player Eli Elezra and commentator Jeff Platt. All proceeds from the tournament will support FIDF’s well-being

and educational programs for Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers. “The virtual poker tournament is a wonderful way for FIDF Miami’s supporters to come together and have fun while promoting FIDF’s various programs,

To register, go to https://www.fidf.org/events/ poker-tournament/miami.

which offer hope, purpose and life-changing opportunities for Israel’s soldiers,” says Michael Tabacinic, Miami Young Leadership President. For more information or to support FIDF, go to FIDF.org or contact Isabelle Morris at Isabelle.morris@fidf.org.

About Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF): FIDF was established in 1981 by a group of Holocaust survivors as a 501(c)(3) notfor-profit organization with the mission of

offering educational, cultural, recreational and social programs, and facilities that provide hope, purpose and life-changing support for the soldiers who protect Israel and Jews worldwide. FIDF proudly supports IDF soldiers, families of fallen soldiers and wounded veterans through a variety of innovative programs that reinforce the vital bond between the communities in the United States, the soldiers of the IDF and the state of Israel.

We pride ourselves on bringing you the finest shopping experience you’ll find anywhere. We are honored to be your neighborhood supermarket and always give you the extra personal service and attention we’re famous for!

The Converso & Latino Connection to Israel A JNF-USA and Jewish Heritage Alliance presentation

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By Jewish National Fund-USA staff

oin Jewish National Fund-USA and Jewish Heritage Alliance on May 23 at noon (EDT) as they explore the converso and Latino connection to Israel. This compelling story of the Sephardic experience began hundreds of years ago with the Jews of the Iberian Peninsula during a profound period of persecution, pogroms and forced conversions (conversos). Hear from three individuals of Sefarad descent who rediscovered their Jewish identity and became ardent Zionists and leaders in their communities. Hannah (once Ana) Eyal, whose story, “Back to Israel,” reminds every Jew what being Jewish is all about — to own an identity that’s able to survive for generations, one that can be revived even after hundreds of years. Genie Milgrom is a genealogist, researcher and promoter of Sefarad. She is a past president of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Miami as well as the Society for Crypto-Judaic Studies.

She has spoken at the Knesset in Israel, lectured around the world, and her work has been showcased in many publications, including the Jerusalem Post. Dr. Lorenzo Trujillo is an Affiliate Professor of Music and the Director of the Metropolitan State University of Denver Mariachi Ensemble and the Mariachi Correcaminos. In 2009, he was inducted into the Colorado Chicano Music Hall of Fame, and in 2011, he was presented with the Tesoro Cultural Center’s Tesoro de Oro Award. This event is free to attend and is taking place via Zoom. Register at jnf.org/converso. Questions? Contact Sam Richardson at 800-211-1502, ext. 855 or srichardson@jnf.org.

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Federation Star

May 2021

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD/ORGANIZATIONS

“Lioness: Golda Meir and the Nation of Israel” The Jewish National Fund-USA Reading Series By the Jewish National Fund-USA staff

ewish National Fund-USA’s Reading Series brings together readers and Jewish authors for a lively and engrossing virtual discussion, moderated by JNF-USA IsraelCast host Steven Shalowitz. Every month, a new book about Judaism and/or Israel becomes the subject of a conversation that creates

and solidifies friendships, while giving people a chance to flex their intellectual muscles from the comfort of their own homes. On Wednesday, May 19 at 7 p.m. (EDT), Shalowitz will moderate the discussion with author Francine Klagsbrun about her book, “Lioness: Golda Meir and

COLLIER/LEE CHAPTER OF HADASSAH

the Nation of Israel.” The definitive biography for one of Israel’s greatest leaders, “Lioness” covers Golda Meir’s life from her birth in tsarist Russia to her rise as an iron-willed, chain-smoking prime minister as well as life after her political career. The event is free to attend and is taking place virtually via Zoom. The attendee

link will be provided upon registration at jnf.org/readingseries. Purchasing the book prior to the event is not required but recommended. Questions? Contact Sarah Cohen at 212-879-9305, ext. 243 or scohen@jnf.org.

www.hadassah.org / 518.330.1559

Welcoming today’s hopeful transition to a non-COVID world Joyce Toub Collier/Lee Hadassah President

assover has provided many opportunities for reflection, including how we experience the Seder in our youth, as parents, and as grandparents. These points of remembrances are always with us. The overall message — liberation — is loud and clear. Freedom allows us many opportunities; it allows

us to serve and that is what Hadassah is all about. The women I work with model the mitzvah of giving, both of their energy and resources. They strive to be productive and creative, coming up with new ideas to engage and educate. Their efforts have produced our Expanding Horizons series, now extended through June, July and August, to entertain, engage and educate. The past year marked out COVID-19 time, spending countless hours in front of our computers, longing for the time when we can once again interact face-to-face. We wonder when we can return to our normal lives.

We seem to be in that same moment in history, that is the seven weeks between Passover and Shavuot. These holidays commemorate the Exodus from Egypt and the receiving of the 10 Commandments. It is during this time that we observe Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Yom HaZikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day) and Yom HaAzma’ut (Israeli Independence Day). This ended two millennia of Jewish exile. This transition from slavery to freedom, from sadness to joy is, in a way, what our transition is like today, as we transition from a COVID world to a non-COVID world. Thankfully, we have the knowledge of how to better deal with this pandemic.

In a recent Hadassah Magazine article, Carol Saline’s essay, “COVID-19 and Me,” expresses so much of what many of us are feeling. I, too, make a conscious effort to not be depressed, but the loss of my husband two years ago and the trials my daughter has had to endure through two massive surgeries and a 10-week hospital stay have been difficult. I am hopeful that everything will turn out for the best for all of us. And I am grateful that the weather is improving up north where many of us will return to communities that have nurtured us for many, many years.

www.jhsswf.org / 239.566.1771

JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SWFL

Jewish American heritage month Marina Berkovich JHSSWF President

resident George W. Bush was the first U.S. president to proclaim the month of May as Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) as an annual recognition and celebration of American Jewry’s achievements and contribution to the United States of America. As my followers undoubtedly noticed, I believe in the interconnectivity of certain occurrences, that’s why I must point out that the first time JAHM was actually celebrated was April 20, 2006, triumphing over the evils of Hitler on his misbegotten birth day. The month of May in the U.S. was already designated as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month in 1992,

two years after President George H. W. Bush signed the bill passed by Congress to extend Asian American Week (1978 Public Law 95-419) to a month. The month of May is also celebrated as National Older Americans Month (OAM) as formally proclaimed and declared in actions by Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson in 1963 and 1965, respectively. Florida preceded national declaration with then-Governor Jeb Bush establishing January as Florida Jewish History Month in 2003. The Jewish Society of Southwest Florida will celebrate National Jewish American Heritage Month for the first time this year, with the release of Film 15 in its educational broadcast-quality documentary series, Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers, presenting Sheldon Starman, a prominent yet low-key member of Naples Jewish community since shortly after his arrival in 1972. A few years ago, when we recorded the interview with Mr. Starman, he mentioned so many people we did not yet know much about. Now, we do. They were the early participants in Collier County Jewish life – Mo Kramer, Sandy Stone, Gabe and Freda Luff, Garson and Miriam Dinaberg, the Barnett family, the Meyer family, the Meltzer family, Bob Copeland, William Ertag, Craig Frankel, Mark Rucker, Carrie Goodman, Kathy Senders, Bernie and Jerry Fliegel, Shirley

Levy, Bob Hardy, Harold Supkov, Harold Hertzman and Harry Cates. How fortunate we are that many of them are still with us. They are the makers of Collier County and Southwest Florida Jewish History, and everyone who will be in attendance of the May 23 event at Temple Shalom is in for a treat. Whether this event will be live, remains to be seen. As of the date of this article’s editorial deadline, I am not sure. I am, however, certain that we will stream the film through Zoom in any case, for all members of JHSSWF and Temple Shalom as well as all others who register to attend and pay a nominal fee to help us reach our fundraising goals.

In addition, on April 29 at 2 p.m. Central Time, we will present Southwest Florida Pioneers films, “Gene Goodman, The Song Meister” and “Elena Rosner, When Destiny Called,” via Zoom to the Jewish Community Center of Greater Chicago. On May 16, a presentation for the Genealogical Society of Greater Miami’s “A Slice of Jewish Life – Two Island Stories” will feature JHSSWF’s films, “Chief Plager” and “When Destiny Called,” about Richard Plager and Elena Rosner, our fabulous nonagenarians, so we are connecting to the Older Americans Heritage Month as well. Join in, whatever you will be celebrating, and help us fulfill our mission of historical preservation and education.

BECOME A JHSSWF MEMBER TODAY Family $54; Individual $36; Student $18. Please join us online or mail checks to: The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida 8805 Tamiami Trail North, Suite # 255, Naples, FL 34108 833-547-7935 (833-JHS-SWFL) www.jhsswf.org • email: office@jhsswf.org Virtual Museum of SWFL Jewish History http://jewishhistorysouthwestflorida.org The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida is a section 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Contributions are deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD/ORGANIZATIONS

JEWISH WAR VETERANS

May 2021

Federation Star

https://jwvpost202.wordpress.com/ 239.261.3270

A voice for Jewish veterans and friends Martin Cohn

Harve Sturm

Vice Commander JWV Post #202

Commander JWV Post #202

he Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. newsletter informs the Jewish military service and veteran community of current news from our National Headquarters in Washington, D.C. JWV’s 126th National Convention is scheduled for August 15-20, 2021 in New Orleans at the Omni Royal, Orleans Hotel. This annual convention is the largest gathering of JewishAmerican personal and veterans in the nation. Hundreds gather from around the country to learn from fellow veterans and to network within the Jewish-American and veteran community and to discuss their 2021 legislative agenda.

Our mission statement We, citizens of the United States of America, of the Jewish faith, who served in the military in order that we may be of greater service to our country and to one another, associate ourselves together for the following purposes: • To maintain true allegiance to the United States of America; • To foster and perpetuate true Americanism; • To combat whatever tends to impair

the efficiency and permanency of our free institutions; • To uphold the fair name of the Jew and fight his or her battles wherever unjustly assailed; • To encourage the doctrine of universal liberty, equal rights, and full justice to all men and women; • To combat the powers of bigotry wherever originating and whatever their target; • To preserve the spirit of comradeship by mutual helpfulness to comrades and their families; • To instill love of country and flag, and to promote sound minds and bodies in our members and our youth; • To preserve the memories and records of patriotic service performed by the men and women of our faith; • To honor their memory and shield from neglect the graves of our heroic dead.

Post 202 activities The JWV Post 202 participated in the VFW Vietnam Veterans Day Parade on March 28, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, made possible by a Proclamation in December 2012 by Past President Donald J. Trump. Vietnam Veterans present were recognized and given commemorative pins (see photos). This annual recognition will continue until Veterans Day, 2025.

are invited to join us as guests and patron members. Contact Harve Sturm, Commander, at jwvpost202@gmail.com or 239-261-3270. God Bless America!

Become a member JWV Post 202 meets the third or fourth Thursday of the month at Perkins off Pine Ridge Rd. (3585 Gateway Lane, Naples, FL). We welcome those who have served in the U.S. military; combat not required. Non-veterans and friends who are patriotic and dedicated to our values

Commissioner Rick LaCastro; Harv Sturm, JWV Post 202 Cmdr

A blessing May you and all who dwell here be sheltered with peace, comfort and love. May those blessings also be showered upon our nation’s veterans who have sacrificed so much for our freedom, safety and honor.

Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart; Eric Taub, JWV Post 202 Vice-Cmdr., Membership

Collector donates major aerial sculpture installation to the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU

r. Robert B. Feldman, the New York-based art collector, has promised this large-scale installation by Mira Lehr as a gift to the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU. The artwork, titled “Sacred Dreams,” is comprised of 183 aerial sculptures made of burned and dyed Japanese paper, acrylic, ink and resin that descend from the ceiling of the museum, with an estimated value of $300,000. “I am honored to donate this major work by Mira Lehr to the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU,” says Feldman. Currently on view at the museum as a temporary loan from Dr. Feldman, the installation will become part of the museum’s permanent collection in September. “This large-scale work now has a permanent home in the community for all to enjoy, including the millions of tourists that visit Miami Beach, at this beloved gem of a museum that is of historic importance in the Southeast.” The museum is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is the only museum dedicated to telling the story of more than 250 years of Florida Jewish

history, art and culture with a growing collection of more than 100,000 items. “Mira Lehr created this stunning installation, “Sacred Dreams,” specifically with the museum in mind as a result of a personal visit here,” says Susan Gladstone Pasternack, the Executive Director of the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU. “After Lehr spent time at the museum, she reflected upon the emotions and inspiration she felt and created these 183 aerial sculptures to interact with the light they create together with our stained-glass windows. The result is truly magnificent.”

“The mistress of light” Nationally renowned as an eco-feminist artist, Lehr is celebrated for working with imagery from the natural world, creating layered abstract compositions with unconventional materials. Morley Safer, “60 Minutes” television correspondent, referred to her as “the mistress of light.” “I want viewers to feel like they are walking beneath an aerial garden of luminous, reflecting sculptures,” says Lehr.

“Sacred Dreams” (detail), by Mira Lehr (2019). Burned and dyed Japanese paper, acrylic, ink and resin. From the collection of Dr. Robert B. Feldman, now donated to the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU. “A holy garden of light, that takes people out of the actual world and transports them onto a spiritual plane,” adds Lehr. In 1960, Lehr co-founded one of the country’s first co-ops for women artists in Miami Beach. It was called Continuum and thrived for more than

30 years, blazing a pioneer trail that helped establish Miami’s evolution as an art destination. She is known in the art world as “the Godmother of Miami’s art scene” and has mentored many artists through the years. continued on page 24

Federation Star

May 2021

ORGANIZATIONS/COMMENTARY

Celebrating Lag b’Omer Rabbi Ammos Chorny

he forthcoming celebration of Lag b’Omer, which relates events that occurred about 2,000 years ago, when Jews were forbidden to study Torah or practice Judaism, is celebrated on the 18th of the Hebrew month of Iyar, corresponding to the 33rd day of counting the Omer. During the Second Temple period, we are told Rabbi Akiva counted thousands among his disciples, of which 24,000 died in an epidemic. This sad event took place during the 49 days of the Omer; however, on the 33rd day, the plague abated. Further, Lag b’Omer marks the passing of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, said to have revealed fundamental teachings of Jewish Mysticism …

and so, Lag b’Omer has become a day of joyous celebration. Despite the Roman prohibition, Rabbi Akiva was determined to keep the Torah alive. The legend holds that Rabbi Akiva instructed his students to dress up as hunters and pretend they were going hunting (with bows and arrows). When the Romans saw them, they would think nothing of it, allowing them to meet their master in a cave deep in the woods. Similarly, Shimon Bar Yochai — Rabbi Akiva’s leading student — continued to oppose the Romans. As a result, he endured persecution in his attempt to ensure the Torah would not be forgotten. The Romans decreed a death sentence against him, forcing him to go into hiding. With his son, Elazar, Rabbi Shimon fled to a cave in the northern region of Israel, where a miracle occurred and, along with a stream of water, a carob tree sprouted in the cave, allowing the two men to survive. Rabbi Shimon and his son remained in the cave for 12 years, concerned

with nothing but Torah study. Finally, Elijah the prophet came to the cave and announced that the Caesar had died, and the decree against the Rabbi was lifted. If Lag b’Omer marks Rabbi Shimon’s death, why is it a celebration? As the Romans convicted him of a capital crime, by all rights, he should have died well before his time. Yet, through tremendous self-sacrifice and a series of miracles, he lived out a full life, the climax of which was the revelation of great secrets. All this is cause for celebration! Traditionally, Lag b’Omer is celebrated with the lighting of bonfires, commemorating a great fire that surrounded Rabbi Shimon during his revelatory trance and his passing. The day is also one of pilgrimage to his resting place in the Galilee town of Meiron, where it is estimated more than 250,000 visitors gather to remember and celebrate his spiritual gifts. Since haircuts are not permitted during the Omer period, another tradition associated with Lag b’Omer stems from the custom among Chassidic Jews, who

do not cut the hair of their children until reaching the age of 3, to use this joyous day to give the boys their first haircut. There is disagreement about the mourning period that anticipates Lag b’Omer, as well as the day itself. For some, Lag b’Omer is only a cessation in the mourning period, which carries on once the day is over. For others, who question the veracity of the facts and reasons given, all mourning practices are terminated, and weddings and all other celebrations are reinstated. This last point of view is supported by Rabbi Joseph Caro (author of the Code of Jewish law), who believed the mourning period should end 15 days prior to Shavuot, hence, Lag b’Omer would be the final day of mourning. Since the establishment of the Modern State of Israel in 1948, many consider this a moot point, and disregard all mourning practices following Yom Ha’Atzmaut. My best wishes for a joyous and revitalizing Lag b’Omer celebration! Rabbi Ammos Chorny serves at Beth Tikvah.

over every cup of wine at his son’s wedding celebration. There is a theory that declares the tree of knowledge was actually a grapevine. The imbibing of grapes brought death into the world. After surviving the Great Flood, Noah plants a vineyard and you can read of the disaster that followed in Genesis Chapter 9. In Chapter 19, we read about Lot, whose daughters make him drunk and cause him to sin with them. As consumption of alcohol can have disastrous consequences, we opine the wish that this drinking of wine be “to life.” If you think about it literally, Tevye’s translation of the words, “To Life, To Life, L’Chayim,” is blatantly wrong. The word “L’Chayim is plural, not singular. It literally means “to lives.” When we toast, is it not just us we are concerned about? Should we think about others as well? Or is it possible there is something else in play here? As Hillel said, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for

myself, what am I? If not now, when?” (Pirke Avot 1:14). But Pirke Avot also says, “The world is merely a waiting room for the world to come … One hour of life in the next world is more blissful than the cumulative pleasure of this entire world.” (Pirke Avot 4:16-17). Perhaps when we utter the expression, “To Life, To Life, L’Chayim,” as it is mentioned twice, we are toasting not only the life we have here and now before us, but also the future life we hope for. Rabbi Nachman says, “You must always attach your thoughts to the next world, never forget this.” So, the next time you hoist your glass for whatever good reason, listen to Rabbi Nachman’s words, always remembering to live in the here and now and never forgetting to think about the next world. L’Chayim! Rabbi Howard S. Herman DD serves at Naples Jewish Congregation.

“To life, to life, L’Chayim” Rabbi Howard S. Herman DD

am certain that most of you are familiar with the song, “L’Chayim, To Life,” sung by Zero Mostel, Chayim Topol and Hershel Bernardi as well as all the others who starred as Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof ” so many years ago. That melody, along with its words, its energy, and its verve, encompassed an overarching nostalgia for all things Jewish. Even within the dismal and desperate times Tevye and his family lived, there were times to celebrate, to be joyful and grateful for not only what they had, but who they had to enjoy it with. I think we often lose sight of this important insight. This is not to say that we should simply blot out the negative and deny it exists. But from both a

Jewish perspective and a Jewish philosophic point of view, there are lots of blessings we enjoy that we simply ignore or give short shrift to in deference to the negative we face in life. The former Chief Rabbi of Britain, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, admonished us to “Count your blessings, and begin to change your life.” We already have most of the ingredients for attaining a fulfilling and happy life, but we tend to take them for granted and focus on unmet wants. Sacks said that “giving thanks and praise, expressing gratitude, spending time with family, living our values and forgiveness are all steps in the right direction.” If you remember the scene in “Fiddler on the Roof,” this song was sung during and after a lot of drinking takes place. So why is it that we say “L’Chayim, To Life” when we drink as Jews? Two thousand years ago, people would toast to “wine and life to the mouths of the rabbis.” Even Rabbi Akiba supposedly said this formula

aerial sculpture...continued from page 23 Lehr’s 2020 solo museum show at the Mennello Museum of American Art was selected by The New York Times as one of its leading museum exhibitions in the U.S. in 2020. She has currently been chosen by Flying Horse Editions as an invited artist for a major project this year. She is a graduate of Vassar College (1956) with a degree in art history, under the mentorship of Linda Nochlin, the renowned feminist art historian. Her works have been collected by major institutions across the U.S., including the Smithsonian Museum of American Art (Washington), the Getty Museum Research Center (Los Angeles), the Boca Raton Museum of Art, the

Perez Art Museum (Miami) and the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center (NY), among others. The Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU is housed in two restored historic buildings that were once synagogues for Miami Beach’s first Jewish congregation. Centrally located in South Beach, the original synagogue was built in 1929. The second, built in 1936, was designed by Art Deco architect Henry Hohauser and features 80 stained-glass windows, a copper dome and a marble bimah. While reflective of the Jewish experience in Florida, the museum creates understanding of the shared immigrant experience in our multicultural society.

Mira Lehr in her studio

SYNAGOGUE NEWS

May 2021

BETH TIKVAH

Federation Star

www.bethtikvahnaples.org / 239.434.1818

Beth Tikvah update

s the season winds down, we can look back with pride. COVID19 made this the most unusual season ever. We were forced to discover inventive ways to stay connected. Zoom and streaming became familiar means to meet those needs. Our first challenge was to celebrate Passover virtually. We did so, both in 2020 and 2021, allowing all who wished, to enjoy the holiday together on Zoom. This paved our way to embrace virtual High Holiday Services, which were made special with Zoom Torah blessings by our congregation, as well as musical interludes by Cantor Frani Goodman, Cantor Rabbi Hilary Chorny and Cantor Nicole Chorny. It is our hope to celebrate the High Holidays in 2021 with some in-person attendance. Our services will continue to be available by Zoom and streaming for those who wish to participate in that manner. Our All Things Jewish educational programs were also conducted virtually. Highlights included our Lecture series, three musical programs with Jewish Jazz, the Chorny Women of Influence concert, as well as our Scholar in Residence weekend with Dr. Sandra Lilienthal. The Naples Jewish Film Festival provided four excellent movies for the community and an informative evening

with the producer of the first movie, “They Ain’t Ready for Me,” showcasing Tamar Manasseh. We are grateful to everyone who helped support the Naples Jewish Film Festival and the Harry Chapin Food Bank. Many of us have received our COVID19 vaccinations; however, the need to be careful, stay physically distanced and wear masks continues.

of Officers and Trustees for 2021-2023 at our 14h Annual Membership Meeting held on Sunday, March 21, 2021. Our new President, Steven Chizzik, will be announcing plans for the reopening of Beth Tikvah. Please visit our website for more information.

Beth Tikvah happenings on Zoom in May 2021

Upcoming events We at Beth Tikvah have extended our programs to allow our congregation and the community to stay socially connected, virtually, as needed. Here are some of the programs coming in May: • Our Rosh Chodesh Women’s Study Group will meet this month on Sunday, May 9 at 11 a.m. All women who are interested in attending are welcome. • On May 16, Erev Shavuot and Rabbi Chorny will conduct a study session at 8 p.m. • The third concert in our Jewish Jazz with Amici series will be held on Wednesday, May 19 at 7:30 p.m. • Sampson Giad will be our speaker on Sunday, May 23 at 4 p.m. Please visit our website, www.beth tikvahnaples.org, for the Zoom link to all events and to make reservations as needed. Further additions to our programing

NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION

Beth Tikvah Past Co-Presidents Shelley Goodman and Sue Hammerman

will be announced as they are scheduled. Please refer to our website for the most recent information throughout the summer months. 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. All Beth Tikvah events are open to the Greater Naples community.

Officers and Trustees 2021-2023

Sunday, May 9 at 11 a.m. – Rosh Chodesh Women’s Study Sunday, May 16 at 8 p.m. – Erev Shavuot Study Monday, May 17 at 9 a.m. – Shavuot Services Wednesday, May 19 at 7:30 p.m. – Jewish Jazz Concert Sunday, May 23 at 4 p.m. – Speaker Sampson Giad

Religious services streaming schedule Thursday and Sunday morning services begin at 9 a.m. Friday services begin at 6:15 p.m. Saturday services begin at 9:30 a.m. We convene Yahrzeit minyanim upon request. You may reach Rabbi Chorny directly at 239-537-5257.

We are pleased to announce the election

www.naplesjewishcongregation.org / 239.431.3858

The resiliency of Naples Jewish Congregation Steve McCloskey Past President

t has been my privilege and honor to have been President of the Naples Jewish Congregation (NJC) since August 2017. My tenure, which started with a short-term crisis, concluded on April 1 with a long-term one. As the High Holy Days approached in September 2017, Hurricane Irma was bearing down on South Florida. Since we seemed destined to lose electricity, we scrambled to find another location for our services. Quite miraculously, the lights came back on within hours of the start of Erev Rosh Hashanah. The long-term crisis began last year with the coronavirus. NJC’s last in-person Shabbat service was held on March 13,

2020. Our intrepid octogenarian, the unflappable Dick Lechtner, took it upon himself to learn the intricacies of Zoom and YouTube Live with the alacrity demanded of the moment. Within a couple of weeks, we were, for the first time, streaming our Shabbat services on these platforms. In order to keep the NJC family together, we instituted our NJC Connects events, a series of “virtual” events, drawing upon the expertise of some of our members as well as outside speakers, to engage members on a diverse set of topics. We recently started our “Talk Amongst Ourselves” series, where members share their thoughts on Zoom about a topic designed to elicit robust and frank discussion. We will continue these worthwhile events going forward to cement the bond we feel with fellow members, albeit remotely. With opportunities to get our COVID-19 vaccine shots proliferating as supply and locations rapidly expand,

we can envision a return to in-person services and events sometime early this fall. Of course, proof of vaccination, mask wearing and physical distancing may well be the new norm when we begin to gather again. These precautions will be a small price to pay to, once again, be able to bask in the warmth of the embrace of our NJC family. Besides, we will be taking these necessary steps as an affirmation that we truly value not only our health and welfare, but just as importantly, the health and welfare of our fellow members and guests. As we eagerly anticipate congregating again in person, my thoughts turn to what is undoubtedly NJC’s most valuable asset, its members. At NJC, members are known to extend a helping hand and to lead with lovingkindness. Our emergence from the pandemic will allow us to engage again with the Greater Naples community, seeking to find another meaningful Tikkun Olam project on which to focus to do our small part to repair our world.

With the tumultuous past year we have endured as a country, it will take all of us to make even a small dent in the hard work to be done. It is with a profound sense of gratitude that we can look back on the last year with deep appreciation for the collaboration among clergy, leadership and our wonderful congregation to provide the spiritual solace we so desperately needed. Kudos to Rabbi Howard Herman; Cantorial Soloist Jane Galler; Music Director Alla Gorelik; Peter Weissman of our choir; Barry Goldenberg, our Ritual Chair; Dick Lechtner and Charles Flum, our Zoom and YouTube Live hosts; and our hardworking Board of Directors, who all kept us well connected. We hope for a coming year of good health, peace and equitable treatment for all. We all wish Roberta (“Rob”) Obler mazel tov as she takes on her new role as NJC’s President. NJC is in “good hands.”

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Federation Star

SYNAGOGUE NEWS

May 2021

www.chabadnaples.com / 239.262.4474

CHABAD JEWISH CENTER OF NAPLES

Chabad Naples update By Rabbi Fishel

habad of Naples is continuing to care for and serve the community in both traditional and COVID-responsive ways. As we strive to be here for the community in every imaginable way, please don’t hesitate to let us know if you are aware of someone who needs a little TLC.

COVID -19 vaccine assistance We are very grateful to our dedicated team of volunteers who have worked tirelessly and successfully, in most cases, to secure appointments for people in the community who want to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. If you know of someone who needs assistance, please reach out to us and we will attempt to help them make an appointment.

The flying challah & meals from the heart Each week, we send out smiles with an uplifting message in the form of a tasty fresh challah. What a lovely way to say that, during this challenging time, we and the community are here for you! All you do is nominate a recipient via email and we will have it delivered. If you know someone who would appreciate a meal for Shabbat, or just in

general, please let us know. We will be happy to have one sent to those in need and without means to obtain help.

Minyan If you have a yahrzeit or need to say Kaddish, we are always here to help make a minyan during the week. We are grateful to those who help us with this minyan service when called. It is amazing to see how the community comes together for each other.

Volunteer assistance Our volunteers continue to be available if elderly or homebound people need help with shopping for groceries or medicine –– just let us know.

Shabbat services We offer limited, abbreviated indoor Shabbat services from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Wearing a mask and social distancing must be observed and the area is cleaned before and after. There is no kiddush. Reservations must be made in advance, seating is limited, and you will receive the full guidelines and policy upon receipt of your RSVP. Safety is our primary concern.

join, please RSVP to our office and we will send you the link. The schedule changes at times, so please reach out to confirm weekly.

Hebrew school We are currently offering in-person Hebrew school, which has been progressing well for the last few months. There will be a special end-of-year Hebrew school celebration. There are still openings. Please sign up if your children wish to participate by calling 239-262-4474 or emailing office@chabadnaples.com. Registration is now open for next year.

Videos Rabbi Fishel offers a video each week. If you want to receive them, you can reach out to us at office@chabadnaples.com to be placed on the weekly email list. You can also view the past 12 months’ worth of videos at www.chabadnaples.com.

Summer camp Summer Camp registration is open for

signup now. This is a very popular, amazing experience for your children and spaces may be limited, so early sign-up is recommended! For more information, visit naplespreschoolofthearts.com.

Shavuot For Shavuot, we will hold an indoor service, carefully maintaining safe protocols of mask wearing and social distancing. Before the holiday, we will offer a special drive-by event, where all we will spread is the love! You will be able to order and pick up a package of some Shavuot love — delicious homemade challah, dairy pastries and more — for your table and/or one to drop off for a friend who would also like some Shavuot love. Place your order at chabadnaples.com/TreatBag. Chabad of Naples and Naples Preschool of the Arts are finding new ways to spread the warmth of Shabbat and the holiday of Shavuot throughout our community. We will also be holding a Special Shavuot Torah event for Hebrew school before Shavuot.

TEMPLE SHALOM

Torah class A Zoom Torah class is being offered Wednesdays at 11 a.m. If you wish to

www.naplestemple.org / 239.455.3030

Temple Shalom events Send your kids FREE Send your kids FREE Send Sendyour yourkids kidsFREE FREE Jewish books! Jewish books! Jewish Jewishbooks! books!

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emple Shalom continues to offer many virtual opportunities to stay connected during this time of social distancing. In addition to the events listed below, please visit our YouTube channel, Temple Shalom Naples, for beautiful music from Cantor Donna Azu and previously recorded programs from Rabbi Adam Miller, Cantor Donna Azu, Rabbi Ariel Boxman, Rabbi James Perman and Rabbi Frank Muller. Follow us on Facebook, TempleShalom NaplesFL, for informational links and live content. For Zoom links to our other programs and events, please send a request to info@naplestemple.org.

Shabbat services Our Shabbat services, via our livestream (found on our website under the Media tab) and Facebook Live on the Temple Shalom Facebook page, are held Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday mornings at 10 a.m.

Sign todayat pjlibrary.org Sign up today atatpjlibrary.org pjlibrary.org Sign upuptoday Sign up today at pjlibrary.org

Havdalah service Held every Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m., the Havdalah service is live on

our Facebook page and interactive on Zoom. On May 8, we will be joined by musician Jacob Kraus. Please email info@naplestemple.org for the link.

Saturday Morning Torah Study This is held every Saturday at 9 a.m. via Zoom. Please email info@naplestemple.org for the link.

Stories of Music Facilitated by Cantor Donna Azu, Stories of Music will be held on Wednesday, May 12 at 10 a.m. via Zoom. This is an adult education project of the Lowell Milken Fund for American Jewish Music at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. Each class offers a broad range of musically related topics about the AmericanJewish experience through stories of the evolving nature of Jewish music. On May 12, the topic will be “Musical Lights Unto the Nations: Ernest Bloch & Leonard Bernstein.” Please email info@naplestemple.org for the Zoom link.

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

SYNAGOGUE NEWS/FOCUS ON YOUTH

Federation Star

May 2021

www.marcojcmi.com / 239.642.0800

JEWISH CONGREGATION OF MARCO ISLAND

May offers a return to pre-COVID routines By Sue Baum, President

hile the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island will continue to offer events virtually for those who prefer social distancing, under consideration by our advisory Task Force and the Board of Directors, we are reopening the Synagogue for in-person services. As the president of the congregation,

I have been a proponent of allowing services in the Synagogue, with criteria that emphasizes the safety of members who choose to worship in person. With more than half of our members having completed their vaccination series, now appears the appropriate time to offer the following services commencing in May:

Shabbat services We are anticipating that services will be conducted Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. in the Synagogue and via Zoom.

ONEG Following services, while practicing social distancing, attendees can engage in conversation in the Synagogue and via Zoom.

Many of our seasonal residents will be leaving to resume their lives with family and friends up north. As for me, I will be attending two high school and one college graduation of three grandchildren. For all, be safe and have a joyous summer. We look forward to your return for the Holy Days.

BBYO announces Naples Leadership Hall of Fame honorees

hat a year it has been, Naples. The pandemic certainly threw us off, but it could not and did not stop us from creating engaging virtual and in-person programming. As we are in May, things at BBYO Naples are most definitely calming down. We are very excited to welcome teens back to our domestic summer programs, like Camp BBYO for 8th graders, CLTC (Chapter Leadership Training Camp) for current 9th and 10th graders, and ILTC (International Leadership Training Camp) for current 10th and 11th graders.

With the release of our safety protocols for the summer, we have opened more space at camp than ever before. If you are still considering attending a summer program, it is not too late to register. Visit bbyo.org/summer to learn more.

Naples Leadership Hall of Fame

As this year is coming to a close, we are thrilled to release our newest additions to the Naples Leadership Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is something Naples BBYO started seven years ago. Each year, one

recently graduated Aleph and BBG, as well as one alumnus of the greater BBYO community who has positively impacted Naples BBYO, are hono re d w i t h t h i s Jessica award. Zimmerman The criteria for our teenagers is that, while in BBYO, they dedicate much of their time to the continued on page 28

TUESDAY,

OCT. 19, 2021

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

8:00 AM SHOTGUN START

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OF GREATER NAPLES

Federation Star

FOCUS ON YOUTH

May 2021

Passover at Chabad FGCU By Rabbi Mendel Gordon

eading up to Passover, Chabad of FGCU hosted a Girls Night Out, painting tambourines and learning about the Jewish women in Egypt and their inextinguishable, resolute faith in G-d that things would get better and they’d be redeemed. The women prepared tambourines in advance, to celebrate when the Exodus would happen. We are those same women today, who get to keep our faith strong in any challenging times. Students also enjoyed a special field trip to experience various Jewish practices in action. The first destination was a kosher scavenger hunt at Publix, where students had to find various kosher labels and products. Following that, they went to the Estero River to learn a special mitzva of purifying utensils, which is done to all new metal and glass food utensils. Students also experienced firsthand how to kosherize a kitchen. We thank Shmuel and Malka Forshner for that demonstration. The original in-person Passover Seders planned were switched to Seders To-Go. Students picked up Matza, Maror, delicious brisket and all other Passover needs to celebrate the Seders. It was incredible to see how many Seders sprouted up all over campus, bringing the joy of Passover everywhere.

Meet & Greet via Zoom 7:00-7:30pm (EST)

Thurs. APRIL 22 email Reneé at: rbialek@jewishnaples.org to register

We will meet and greet other Jewish Young Professionals from Ft. Myers. This group is for 20, 30, & 40 year olds who are Jewish professionals looking to socialize.

We hope you can join us!

bbyo...continued from page 27 growth and prosperity of our BBYO community. These teens were, and are, dedicated leaders and powerful community members. The criterion for our alumni of the greater BBYO community is that they are: 1. An alumnus of BBYO; and 2. They care deeply for Naples BBYO in the way of dedicating time and resources to the success of our chapters. I have the honor of announcing both our 2019-20 awardees as well as our 2020-21 awardees as follows:

Naples Leadership Hall of Fame Awardees 2019-2020

Jacob Klein, Alum of Negev AZA #2560 Adam Mitrani, Alum of Negev AZA #2560 Gary Kohler, Alum of Minneapolis AZA

Naples Leadership Hall of Fame Awardees 2020-21

Dylan Saad, Alum of Negev AZA #2560 Rabbi Adam Miller, Alum of Tulsa NTO AZA To learn more about upcoming events in Naples, contact me by email at jesszimmerman@bbyo.org or call/text 941-677-3018. We hope to see you soon! Stay safe.

Hannah Castro, Alum of Mishpacha BBG #2552

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 the Federation Star.

FOCUS ON YOUTH

May 2021

CHABAD JEWISH CENTER OF NAPLES

Federation Star

www.chabadnaples.com / 239.262.4474

Preschool of the Arts’ 10th successful year comes to a close By Ettie Zaklos, Preschool of the Arts Founder & Director

reschool of the Arts concludes this school year with the same feelings we had when we entered it: joy to be with our precious children; pride that our school community always has and always will put their needs first; admiration for our teachers, whose devotion to our children through thick and thin sustained us through an unpredictable school year; and gratitude to our parents, who trusted us to educate their children and keep them safe and engaged. Throughout the month of May, we celebrate the hard-won accomplishments of our 10th successful year of Preschool of the Arts — the first (and hopefully only) one that will occur during a pandemic! With safety first, we will host a variety of events that showcase the sincere appreciation we have for so many incredible members of our community. On April 29, we celebrated Teacher’s Appreciation Day. Our Preschool of the Arts teachers are passionate, dedicated and committed to making our children the best they can possibly be. No matter what this year brought, our team showed up every day with warmth and passion for early childhood education. Throughout the year, they toiled to not only educate, but love our students, guiding them to reach their full potential. Our annual Teacher’s Appreciation Day is a chance for our entire POTA family to come together and express heartfelt thanks for everything our educators do. This year, we hosted an appreciation breakfast for our teachers and administrators, while our parents gave generous gifts of appreciation. The theme of appreciation continues with another event that celebrates our incredible parents, who are a vital element of our school’s success. On May 7, we will highlight one of the most important ingredients in the recipe for our children’s success in a SPArty-themed Mother’s Day event. The event allows our young

students to express their appreciation for the most important woman in their lives: their mom! At POTA, we know that the mothers in our parent body give their all to our children every single day — which is especially challenging during a pandemic — and they deserve all the recognition in the world. With an interactive spa theme, our children and staff will be able to pamper our wonderful moms with “spa” treatments from some very cute minimanicurists and hairstylists! The month culminates with individual classes having end-of-year celebrations and performances highlighting the children’s achievements. Our pre-K graduates will be honored with a grand Pre-K Graduation Ceremony in Cambier Park, where parents and teachers will celebrate

their growth throughout the years in our preschool. It is always a complete joy to watch how the once tiny toddlers have become capable and school-ready children! Throughout this past year, our dear children have discovered so many new aspects of the world around them and gained a multitude of skills and knowledge

through exploration and play that will serve them well on their lifelong journey of learning. Broadening our thanks to the Greater POTA community, we are so grateful to every parent, educator, staff member and friend who has supported us through the ups and downs of everything we have faced since March 2020. They enable us

All Aboard the POTA Express Grandparent’s Day Celebration!

to now look back on a triumphant school year filled with love and learning. None of our accomplishments were a given, and we feel blessed to have all taken the leap of faith together to make this school year a resounding success. It is an honor to serve our community and humbling to see all that we have created together. Thank you!

Federation Star

FOCUS ON YOUTH

May 2021

www.naplestemple.org / 239.455.3030

TEMPLE SHALOM PRESCHOOL

Camp Shalom 2021 — a summer festival of fun and games By Rabbi Ariel Boxman, Director of Lifelong Learning

n just a few short weeks, we will end our school year and kick off Camp Shalom 2021! During the months of

Haley Grant cooling off from the summer heat with some water and shade.

June and July, Temple Shalom Preschool will be transformed into a summer festival of fun and games! At Camp Shalom, our campers will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in weekly themes, splash in our water park, tumble, dance, bake and get messy with crafts! Camp Shalom runs for seven weeks and is specifically targeted to children ages 1-5. Returning campers and new participants all look forward to a wide variety of exciting experiences, new friendships and nonstop fun. At camp this summer, there will be something to capture everyone’s interest. Campers participate in water play, dancing, arts and crafts, STEAM activities, shopping in our little market (Markolit), cooking — including making mini challahs on Shabbat — performing arts, foreign language and science and music, all while exercising their creativity, imagination, talent and funny bones. From animal encounters to Preschool Olympics, our campers will not only be kept busy this summer, but they will have the time of their lives!

Summer picnic on the playground As of now, we still have a few openings for camp. If you are looking for a fabulous experience for your c h i l d t h i s s u m m e r, c o n t a c t t h e

Temple Shalom Preschool office at 239-455-3227. For more information, a tour or anything else, feel free to email me at aboxman@naplestemple.org.

Candle lighting times: May 7:

7:44 p.m.

May 14:

7:48 p.m.

May 16, Eve of First day Shavuot: 7:49 p.m. May 21:

7:51 p.m.

May 28:

7:55 p.m.

Splishing and splashing and keeping cool all summer long!

Federation Star Publication Policy The Federation Star is a subsidized arm of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples (JFGN). Its purpose and function is to publicize the activities and programs of the Federation, and to publicize the ongoing activities of the established and recognized Jewish organizations in Greater Naples. The goal of the JFGN is to reach out and unite all Jews of the Greater Naples area. While differing opinions and points of view do, and will continue to, exist about 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 will only offer commentary that clearly intends to unite all Jews in a common purpose or purposes. 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 the “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 the 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 the JFGN.

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY TEMPLE SHALOM OF NAPLES (Reform) 4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34119 Phone: 455.3030  Fax: 455.4361 Email: info@naplestemple.org www.naplestemple.org Rabbi Adam Miller, MAHL Cantor Donna Azu, MSM Rabbi Ariel Boxman, MAHL, MARE, Director of Lifelong Learning Rabbi James H. Perman, D.D., Rabbi Emeritus Deborah Rosen Fidel, J.D., MAJPS, Executive Director Daryl Sissman, 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 Outreach 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 Zaklos Dr. Arthur Seigel, President Ettie Zaklos, Education Director Shabbat Services Shabbat - Saturday 10 a.m. Camp Gan Israel Hebrew School Preschool of the Arts Jewish Women’s Circle Adult Education Bat Mitzvah Club Friendship Circle Smile on Seniors Flying Challah Kosher food delivery

CHABAD OF BONITA SPRINGS & ESTERO 24611 Production Circle Bonita Springs, FL 34135 Phone: 239-949-6900 Email: chabad@jewishbonita.com Website: www.JewishBonita.com

May 2021 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 Sue Baum, President

Federation Star

NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION

BETH TIKVAH

Services are held at: The Unitarian Congregation 6340 Napa Woods Way Rabbi Howard Herman 431.3858 Email: rabbi@naplesjewishcongregation.org www.naplesjewishcongregation.org

1459 Pine Ridge Road Naples, FL 34109

(Reform)

Roberta Obler, President Jane Galler, Cantorial Soloist

Shabbat Services Friday 7:30 p.m. Seasonal: Saturday Talmud-Torah at 9:30 a.m. and Shachrit at 10:30 a.m.

Shabbat Services Friday evenings at 7 p.m. May - August: services once a month

Rabbi’s Life Long Learning Series Sidney R. Hoffman Jewish Film Festival Saul I. Stern Cultural Series JCMI Book Club

Sisterhood • Men’s Club Adult Education • Adult Choir Social Action • Community Events

(Conservative)

(just west of Mission Square Plaza)

Phone: 434.1818 Email: office@bethtikvah.us Website: www.bethtikvahnaples.org Rabbi Ammos Chorny Steve Chizzik, President Roberta Miller, Secretary Shabbat Services Friday evenings at 6:15 p.m. Saturday mornings at 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.)

Provide for your loved ones and support the causes that matter the most to you.

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples Phone: 263.4205  Fax: 263.3813 Website: www.jewishnaples.org Email: info@jewishnaples.org

Continue your important wor of helping your loved ones & the causes you care a out with a plan for the future.

• 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

Friends of the IDF

For a small investment of your time and effort, you can develop a legacy plan that spea s to a life well-lived.

Exec. Dir.: Dina Ben Ari, 305.354.8233

GenShoah SWFL 263.9200

Collier/Lee Chapter of Hadassah

Enjoy complimentary tools and expert advice to help you navigate your future and achieve your charita le goals.

President: Joyce Toub, 518.330.1559

Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center President/CEO: Susan Suarez, 263.9200

Israel Bonds

Monica DiGiovanni, 727.282.1124

Ellen Weiss Executive irector 813.769.4785 ellen@to jewis foundation.or

Marcy Friedland Planned Givin irector 239.263.4205 mfriedland@jewis na les.or

Together, we are ensuring a Jewish future. WWW.TOPJEWISHFOUNDATION.ORG The Federation Star is published monthly, September through July, by the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

Rabbi Mendy & Luba Greenberg Co-directors

2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 2201 Naples, FL 34109-0613

Services: Sunday 9 a.m. Monday through Friday 8 a.m. Shabbat 10 a.m.

Phone: 239.263.4205 • Fax: 239.263.3813 E-mail: info@jewishnaples.org • Website: www.jewishnaples.org

Adult education Challa of Love Community events Daily Minyan Services Hebrew School Kosher Grocery Kosher Meals on Wheel Smile on Seniors

Publisher: Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

Volume 30, No. 9 • May 2021 • 32 pages USPS Permit No. 419

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

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 Senior Vice Commander, Dr. Martin Cohn, 239.591.1494

Men’s Cultural Alliance President: Les Nizin, 653.9259

Naples BBYO

Jessica Zimmerman, 263.4205

Naples Friends of American Magen David Adom (MDA) SE Reg Dir: Joel Silberman, 954.457.9766

Naples Senior Center at JFCS Phone: 325.4444 Chairperson: Alan S. Jaffe President/CEO: Dr. Jaclynn Faffer

Women’s Cultural Alliance

Advertising: Joy Walker • 941.284.0520

President: Patti Boochever, 518.852.3440

May 2021 Issue Deadlines: Editorial: April 5 • Advertising: April 9 Send news stories to: sharon@marketcrank.com

Zionist Organization of America President: Jerry Sobel, 914.329.1024

Federation Star

May 2021

At Your Service!

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Federation Star - May 2021

Articles inside

Preschool of the Arts’ 10th successful year comes to a close

Camp Shalom 2021 — a summer festival of fun and games

Passover at Chabad FGCU

BBYO announces Naples Leadership Hall of Fame honorees

May offers a return to pre-COVID routines

Temple Shalom events

Chabad Naples update

The resiliency of Naples Jewish Congregation

Beth Tikvah update

“To life, to life, L’Chayim”

Celebrating Lag b’Omer

Collector donates major aerial sculpture installation to the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU

A voice for Jewish veterans and friends

Jewish American heritage month

Welcoming today’s hopeful transition to a non-COVID world

“Lioness: Golda Meir and the Nation of Israel”

The Converso & Latino Connection to Israel

FIDF Miami Chapter to hold qualifying poker game

Taking blintzes out of the comfort zone

For health and well-being, sing a song!

Being grateful: “America the Beautiful/Oseh Shalom” and “This Land Is My Land”

Catch up, look ahead, and Greenberg “Ain’t”

Upcoming Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers documentaries

Got genealogy? We’ve got answers!

Thank you for the past decade

Where are your heroes: in books, films or nearby?

Museum update

Magen David Adom dedicated to Irv Berzon

Lions and Poms celebrate Women’s Philanthropy at a special event

WCA’s new online membership system earns raves

Stay in May with MCA

Inside Israeli Innovations

May programs

Meet DeAngelis Diamond

Our new home needs your support

Federation welcomes new Annual Community Campaign Director

State of the Federation