32
Federation Star
SYNAGOGUES/FOCUS ON YOUTH
November 2020
JEWISH CONGREGATION OF MARCO ISLAND
www.marcojcmi.com / 239.642.0800
The 82nd anniversary of Kristallnacht By Sue Baum, President
O
n Nov. 9, 2020, we will commemorate the 82nd anniversary of Kristallnacht. This day in history is well known for the massive arrests of Jewish males throughout Germany and the destruction of Jewish-owned businesses, with an emphasis on the smashing of glass windows. Some of the males jailed, were later released. Many were not so fortunate
and were sent to concentration camps. Any insurance monies received for the destruction had to be turned over to the German government. I have heard a first-hand account of the happenings. You see, my husband, then only a young boy, and his parents, were still in Berlin. Harold was home with his parents when the call came, “Hide! They are coming for the males.”
Where were they to hide in an apartment with a high German official as the next-door neighbor? Harold’s mother was a smart woman and came up with a quick idea she hoped would keep them safe. She told Harold to get on his bicycle and spend the day riding around. Then she told his father to get to the subways and ride them all day. Because of her quick thinking, both survived the day.
While riding around the city that day, Harold cycled towards a fire in the distance. He arrived at his Synagogue, where he had been bar-mitzvah, in time to watch the burning of the prayer books. A scene he never forgot. How important it is that we never forget this event from our history. It is our history from which we learn how to move forward to the future.
www.naplestemple.org / 239.455.3030
TEMPLE SHALOM
Creatively celebrating together By Deborah R. Fidel, Executive Director
T
emple Shalom brought in 5781 in a very special and fun way — with an Apples, Honey and Challah drive-thru! We distributed over 300 bags of holiday treats to our members, who also drove off with High Holy Days prayer books. “Holding a prayer book in my hands while watching the services online, made it seem much more real — almost like I was there, reading along with our clergy in the Sanctuary,” said Dan Spintman.
Temple Shalom President Daryl Sissman and First Vice President Ed Kaufman delivered prayer books and gift bags to the Temple’s homebound members. We also wanted to bring some holiday joy to the Jewish residents of our area senior living facilities, who were not able to see their loved ones due to the COVID19 restrictions in place at that time. We know it meant a lot to the residents at The Carlisle, Terracina Grande and Moorings
Park, who have let us know how much they appreciated the gifts. Members of Temple Shalom even made cards to include in their special deliveries.
Have shofar, will travel! While services were virtual, we were also able to include some creative ways to be together — masked and socially distanced of course! Temple Shalom held three different shofar services: in the Temple Shalom parking lot, Depot Park in Bonita
Springs and on the property of Naples Square, downtown. Tashlich was another opportunity to gather safely in person, as we prayed and symbolically threw our sins into a lake. The High Holy Days were unique, that’s for sure! We will continue engaging in new and creative ways as “season” gets underway. Call Temple Shalom at 455-3030 for information on how to join our One Family.
Everyday gratitude By Rabbi Ariel Boxman
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ur students a t Te m p l e Shalom Preschool are busy preparing for Thanksgiving. While we spend extra time thinking about all the wonderful blessings in our lives around Thanksgiving, here at Temple Shalom Preschool, we practice gratitude each and every day. As part of our morning routines, students at Temple Shalom Preschool share what they are thankful for. In reflecting on our blessings and naming them Hannah Hyatt playing Bree Mills enjoying learning Sam Caito and Jayden Anderson playing with out loud, we get into on the playground her letters and shapes chalk in our new outdoor classroom the habit of noticing the mundane. Whether it be seeing a rainbow, eating a donut or getthey do so with warmth and kindness. for the opportunity to serve the families presence in this world. What a blessing it ting to be line leader, students are finding Through hugs, cuddles and words of in our school community. is to serve Temple Shalom in this capacity! moments of gratitude in every single day. encouragement, our teachers make each Finally, I am grateful for the chance On this Thanksgiving, I pray for all of As new director of the preschool, I, child feel safe, welcome and loved. to work with our beautiful, bright and us to be blessed with the gift of gratitude. too, have so much to be grateful for. I am I am also grateful for the families who sweet children. There is nothing better As we take notice of our blessings, we especially grateful for the opportunity to have enrolled their children and entrusted than being able to work in a place where realize all the good in our lives. May we work with such a talented and dedicated us with the great task of caring for their children come to play and learn. Their be blessed with health, happiness, and staff. Our teachers are not only wonderful most precious gifts. We do not take this laughter, smiles and genuine sense of hapabove all, peace! at instructing and inspiring young minds, responsibility lightly and we are grateful piness are the greatest reminders of God’s Happy Thanksgiving!
