Remembering

Steven Chizzik, President

We just gathered to celebrate Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year), Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) and Sukkot (the Feast of the Tabernacles), concluding the holiday season celebrating Shemini Atzeret and Simchas Torah (rejoicing with the Torah). We celebrate all these holidays in synagogue with friends and family. While celebrating this way is not unique to the Jewish religion, what separates us from other religions is that, at these special times, we Jews also remember our departed friends and family.

Four times a year, during the Yiskor service, Jews publicly remember loved ones, members of our congregation and those who perished in the Holocaust. It is during these family holidays that we are reminded of our heritage; that who we are today is based on those from which we came. For me, this is what makes Judaism special, and Beth Tikvah a unique place.

Beth Tikvah not only holds Yiskor services on these special holidays, we also provide minyanim whenever someone requests, to recite Kaddish on the anniversary of the passing of a loved one as well as during the Shiva period, when someone is grieving a recent passing of a loved one. It is these times that a congregant learns their Beth Tikvah family is there to solidly support them during a difficult period.

While Beth Tikvah is a warm and caring Jewish community, we are also a very vibrant synagogue, with happenings going on all the time. Yes, we know how to pray and remember, but we also know how to learn, how to rejoice and how to have fun. I invite everyone to come experience what makes Beth Tikvah so special.

Please remember to keep Sunday afternoon, Dec. 5 clear on your calendar. State Attorney for the 13th District of Florida (Tampa area), Andrew Warren, is coming to Beth Tikvah to discuss antisemitism. I’ve had the privilege of listening to State Attorney Warren speak on this topic. He was so dynamic, that I immediately asked him to come to Beth Tikvah. This event will be cosponsored by Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

Please follow our website to see all the exciting happenings being scheduled at Beth Tikvah for the new season ahead.

Beth Tikvah October “Happenings”

(In person and on Zoom) Sunday, Oct. 10, 11 a.m. – Rosh Chodesh Women’s Study

Thursday, Oct. 14, 7 p.m. – Movie plus discussion

Religious services streaming schedule

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.

There are many people working very hard to make Beth Tikvah a very special place — it is truly a team effort. If you have energy and a few available hours, please let me know. We could always use more great ideas and assistance.

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

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

I look forward to seeing you soon, either in person or via Zoom.