Evolution

Steven Chizzik, President

Irecently read a very interesting article about climate change and the fact that the lakes that supply many of our water needs are drying up. The article specifically focused on the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. This freshwater lake has sustained life for millennia. It sustains life and irrigates vineyards and local farms that provide fruits, vegetables and wheat to the local communities. And the lake’s hot springs and hiking trails bring tourism to the area.

In recent years, the climate crisis has resulted in sharp fluctuations in the lake’s water level. The Israel government has come up with a very unique solution. It is building a pipeline and desalination facility that will pump up to 120 million square meters of water per year from the Mediterranean Sea across 31 kilometers to the Sea of Galilee. It will be operational on demand, only when the Sea of Galilee’s water level is low.

As I read this article, I pondered on its brilliance as well as the incredible degree of flexibility required to adapt to change. All this prompted me to think and draw comparisons between this great example of technological adaptation and the evolution and flexibility our Conservative movement in the Unites States has sustained since its inception.

During my lifetime, I have seen Conservative Judaism embrace the egalitarian model; and the accepting of everyone as equals. Women not only are called to the “bimah” and are part of a minyan, but they are also true leaders in the Conservative movement. LGBTQ persons are welcome and treated equally. Recently, we have witnessed how Conservative Judaism adapted to COVID-19 and the need to make use of technology to include members in services and other activities. Conservative Judaism is clearly an evolving element of the Jewish religion.

As Beth Tikvah president, I am proud of our synagogue – the only Conservative Synagogue in Greater Naples – and remain alert, with an open mind to the changing needs of our community. While Beth Tikvah is a warm and caring Jewish congregation, we are also a very vibrant synagogue with activities going on all the time. Yes, we know how to pray, but we also know how to learn and how to rejoice and have fun. I invite everyone to come and experience what makes Beth Tikvah so special.

There are many who work tirelessly 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 can 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 fellowship found at Beth Tikvah, please come and experience our special congregation.

G’mar Chatima Tovah; May you be sealed in the Book of Life!

Beth Tikvah is the affi liated 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.

BETH TIKVAH “HAPPENINGS” October 2023

Oct. 4 – Erev Yom Kippur at 6:15 p.m.Oct. 5 –Yom Kippur at 9 a.m.Oct. 9 – Erev Sukkot at 6:15 p.m.Oct. 10 – Sukkot at 9 a.m.Oct. 15 – Shmini Atzeret at 6:15 p.m.Oct. 16 – Simchat Torah - YIZKOR at 9 a.m.

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 239-537-525