8A
Federation Star
SYNAGOGUE NEWS
October 2021
NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION
www.naplesjewishcongregation.org / 239.431.3858
Join us on Thursday, October 14th at 6:00 pm at the Pub Naples in Mercato. 9118 Strada Place. The Cardozo Society is formed as a way to network the many existing and new Jewish attorneys in our legal community. The Jewish Federation of Greater Naples continues to reach out to raise awareness through this association of Jewish attorneys promoting professionalism, cooperation, and identification with our Jewish community. For more information and to RSVP, contact Joshua Bialek at jbialek@porterwright.com
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Full schedule planned at Naples Jewish Congregation – We hope Roberta Obler President
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t’s a new year and a new season of exciting programs at Naples Jewish Congregation. All of our programs are subject to the caveat that COVID-19 may ruin or modify our plans. Our High Holiday services ran very smoothly, despite concerns about COVID, thanks to Rabbi Howard Herman, Ritual Chair Charles Flum, Cantorial Soloist Jane Galler and Music Director Alla Stadnik. We had services in person in the sanctuary as well as on Zoom for members and participants who could not attend, and YouTube for all others. We hope we will see all restrictions removed soon. We have a whole new schedule of Adult Education classes. Rabbi Herman has planned a series of six informative lectures/ discussions, with topics ranging from Plagues in Jewish History to a Social Action book discussion to Jewish Gangsters and other interesting topics. These programs were to be in person. They have been rescheduled to Zoom events due to COVID concerns.
NJC’s Sisterhood has new leadership in Shelley McCloskey and Marilyn Goldenberg. They have planned a wonderful slate of monthly activities from November through April, all of which are fun and interesting at the same time. Planned events include luncheons; a women’s Seder; a tour of a local resort and spa; and a Conservancy talk, tour and boat excursion. Of course, these may be modified or replaced, depending on the current situation. We hope to revive our Book Club with the new season. We read several interesting books last year and expect to resume now that our northern friends are returning. We are continuing our NJC Connects program, which provides informative and entertaining programs that help us connect congregants with each other while we are not fully in person. Theses NJC Connects programs were hosted by members of our larger community as well as our own talented members. Right now, our main concern is the health and safety of our congregants during this strange and difficult time. We will continue planning for a year of great programs while making sure our members stay safe and can find ways to connect with each other.
JEWISH CONGREGATION OF MARCO ISLAND
www.marcojcmi.com / 239.642.0800
Pivoting and keeping the spirit of the Holy Days By Sue Baum, JCMI president
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s we conclude the year 5781, we do so with pride regarding the manner in which our synagogue leadership conducted religious services and other events during the COVID-19 pandemic. The congregation had access to the Holy Days 5781 through streaming. Only Rabbi Gross, Cantor Hari Jacobsen, the musical accompanist and me (as president of the synagogue) were present. Aliyot and other honors took place virtually. A distant Davening Siddur was prepared by the Rabbi and Cantor. The spirit of the Holy Days was achieved. A task force, comprised of 11 members of the congregation, including two doctors, was created with the mission to advise the Board of Directors on the reopening of the synagogue. The synagogue reopened May 7, with a choice of praying in the synagogue or virtually at home. Attendance exceeded prior years.
The Jewish Film Festival proceeded, offering excellent films by streaming, without charge; the Saul Stern Cultural series proceeded virtually with a nominal charge; and the Book Club met monthly off-site. Unfortunately, bingo, the concert series and the annual mah jongg tournament had to be suspended. We returned this year to the tradition of celebrating our country’s birthday with a family barbecue. Admission fees from more than 50 members eager to see one another were donated to local food pantries. As the new year arrives, services will continue to be conducted in the synagogue and virtually. We return to the synagogue with a spirit of hope for our members and their families for good health, happiness and peace. The officers, Board of Directors and staff wish you Shanah Tovah!
