Federation Star - September 2021 by jewishnaples

The Officers, Board of Directors and Staff wish you

SHANAH TOVAH! OF GREATER NAPLES

Celebrating Jewish Life in Greater Naples, Israel and the World

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

www.JewishNaples.org  September 2021 – Elul 5781/Tishri 5782  Vol. 31 #1 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 10 12 13 15 16 22 26 31 36 40 43

Men’s Cultural Alliance Women’s Cultural Alliance Community Focus Tributes Jewish Interest Israel & the Jewish World Organizations Commentary Synagogue News Focus on Youth Community Directory

IAC Presents First Event of Season Don’t miss Mark Werner, President of Volunteers for Israel, aka Sar-El, on Sept. 20 when he speaks about his 14 volunteer experiences on IDF bases.

PAID

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

Fort Myers, FL Permit No 1101

Non Profit Org U.S. Postage

Capital Campaign challenge matching grant By Marcy Friedland, Capital Campaign & Planned Giving Director

odah Rabah to our donors who have taken advantage of the challenge matching grant so far. We have decided to extend the date since we are so close to reaching our goal of $1 million! A group of our donors have come forward to offer Jewish Federation of Greater Naples a matching challenge grant of up to $1 million, whereby your contribution will be matched dollar for dollar. Support now and your contribution will be doubled! We have raised $9.5 million and need everyone’s help in the community to achieve our goal of $10.5 million to build the building, with another $4.5 million in endowments to help sustain it for future generations. This is your chance to make a firsttime gift or increase your contribution to the Capital Campaign and double the impact. All pledges $5,000 and above will qualify for a naming opportunity and can be paid out over five years. For all contributions of $500 and above, your name(s) will be published in the Federation Star. You can call me at 239-2634205 with a credit card or go online at www.jewishnaples.org.

DOUBLE your Capital Campaign contribution with a

CHALLENGE MATCHING GRANT opportunity!

Kristallnacht Commemorative Service Save the date – Nov. 7 – and plan to join the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County for this powerful event. 8 Calling all Volunteers The Jewish Community Relations Council needs your help on its subcommittees this season. 6

Our deepest gratitude goes to the following donors for their philanthropic generosity in creating this Capital Campaign matching grant: Shelley and Steve Einhorn Steve Iser Debbie Laites and Ben Post Bebe and Stephen Saks Joan and Marc Saperstein Jane Schiff Phyllis Seaman Arlene and Michael Sobol

Your gift today can go even further in helping Jewish Federation of Greater Naples build the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. Please share this amazing opportunity that Jewish Federation of Greater Naples has received and tell your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. We can’t do this without you!

Are you ready to build or remodel the home of your dreams?

LEARN MORE ON PAGE 5

Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

September 2021

Your support makes our new cultural center possible 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 $9.5M! We would like to say Todah Rabah to the following donors who have contributed $500 or more as of Aug. 5, 2021.

Murray & Cheryl Abrams Patricia Adkins Mel & Sheryl Affrime Howard & Sheila Agranat Aron & Susan Ain Kenneth & Felicia Anchor Walter & Eleanor Angoff Michael & Tracy Askotzky Debra Antzis & Chad Atkins Stuart & Tess Axelrod Barry & Sybil Baiman Ronald & Barbara Balser Phyllis Barolsky Frank & Stacey Baum Alvin & Sheila Becker Bob & Jo Belin Larry & Nancy Bell Michael & Lea Bendes William & Myra Benedikt Steve & Connie Berger Shelly Berkle Bennett & Mardelle Berman Rita Bernstein Lou & Goldie Bertone Andrew & Beverly Blazar Pete & Patti Bloom Michael & Margery Bluestein David & Janet Blum Robert & Joyce Blumenthal Jerry & Rosalee Bogo Steve & Patti Boochever Sue Bookbinder Braverman Family Foundation Stephen & Rhonda Brazina Jay & Mona Brodsky Barry & Joyce Brown James & Erica Buchweitz Timothy & Gina Cannon Tom & Barb Carlstrom Barbara Carocci Daniel & Linda Carp Harvey & Katie Cohen Robert & Nan Ciralsky Jane Kessler & Anthony Clark Richard & Merle Crystal Barbara Shagan Dave Michael & Teri David Shellie Specter & Robert Davidson Phil & Susan Dean Stan & Karen Deutsch Susan Austrian & Mark Dillon Marty & Gayle Dorio Aaron & Ellen Edelstein Steven & Shelley Einhorn Ron & Kathy Emanuel Geraldine Feldman & David Epstein Ed & Karen Ezrine Stan & Mignon Farb Cipora Brown & Steven Feiner Jeffrey & Susan Feld Ruth Simon & David Feldman Ed & Leslie Feldman Ronald & Paula Filler Arnan & Marlene Finkelstein David & Eloyse Fisher Gerald Flagel Marc & Jennifer Fleischer Spencer & Louise Forman Norman & Madeline Foster Jeremy & Judith Finer Freedman Lisa & Sid Freund Marcy Friedland Mort & Myra Friedman Bob & Pat Gage Darryl & Nancy Garfinkel Phil & Phyllis Garon John & Peggy Garson Gary & Ellen Gersh Ken & Molly Getnick Howard & Heidi Gilbert Marc & Ellen Gitlitz Stephen & Marlene Ginsberg Cheryl Ginsburg Elaine Goecke Marc & Barbara Goldberg Dick & Donna Goldblatt Annette Goldenberg

Gene & Barbara Goldenziel Melvin Goldfine Bill & Carol Goldman Susie Goldsmith 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 Michael & Elaine Griver Howard & Rachel Gutman Ronald & Ronna Hain Linda Hamburger Lawrence & Sharyn Harris Robert & Marilyn Harris Paula Brody & Merrill Hassenfeld Deborah & Lawrence Hermalyn Richard & Linda Hertzberg Burton & Carol Hirsch Robert & Amy Hirsch Martin & Joan Holzinger Michael & Susan Horowitz Charles & Judith Huizenga Rosie Hyman Andy & Bronia Ichel Steve Iser Larry & Wendy Israelite Robert & Lise Issenman Jewish War Veterans Post 202 Stan & Jeanne Kagin Nancy Kahn Fred & Elaine Kamin Joseph & Merrylee Kandel Mel & Jenny Kaplan Nancy L. Kaplan Ron & Arline Kaplan Wayne & Judy Kargher Dale & Lisa Katz Gene & Bobbie Katz Kaufman Family Jack & Judith Kaufman Stuart & Jay Kaye Trudy Kleiner Stuart & Terri Kline James Knafo Gary & Deborah Kohler Herb & Toby Kosloff Herb & Joan Kramer Geoffrey & Fran Kroll Gracia Kuller Ira & Barbara Kushnir Howard & Gail Lanznar Phyllis Lazear Larry Lechtner Marvin & Helaine Lender Elliot & Helene Lerner Linda Lerner Arlene Levin Yale & Anna Levin Bob & Barbara Levine Martin & Hilda Levine Toby Levine Mayer & Judy Levitt Merlin & Harriet Lickhalter Roger & Flo Lipitz Mark & Arlene Litow Robert & Leda Lubin Bernard & Bobbie Lublin MCA Robert & Paula Maisel Howard & Marci Margolis Richard & Marianne Matties Burton Meisner Bob & Myrna Merowitz Stuart & Carol Mest Martin Millender Lee & Lois Miller Sam & Rochelle Miller Andy & Robin Mintz Jeffrey & Judy Morton Jack & Bobbie Myers Les & Gail Nizin

Interested in adding your name to the list in one of our upcoming issues? Contact me Marcy Friedland, capital campaign director, at mfriedland@jewishnaples.org or 239-263-4205. Rob & Fran Nossen Daniel & Ellie O'Brien Rose Sensebe & Harvey Oriel David & Carol Orloff Marshall & Elaine Paisner Judi & Howard (z"l) Palay Jerry & Karen Pam Franklin & Jackie Paulson Benjamin & Judy Peltz Rabbi James & Jane Perman Irene Thompson & William Petasnick Charles & Judith Picus Michael Pierce Joel & Susan Pittelman Jimmy & Susan Pittleman Steve & Iris Podolsky Debbie Laites & Ben Post Richard & Judit Price Stuart & Estelle Price Ilya & Kate Prizel Sandy Raizes Jeffrey & Sandy Randall Estelle Rauch Marcelle Reiss Melody Sawyer Richardson Mae Riefberg Nat & Susan Ritter Donna Robbins Richard & Ellaine Rosen Frederick & Muriel Rosenfeld Marc & Lila Rosenweig Lyle & Gloria Rosenzweig Paul Rosofsky Barbara Ross Burton Roth Fred & Sandy Roth Ron & Sandy Roth Sam & Judy Roth Michael Rubenstein Martin & Norma Rubin Steven & Michele Rubin Kenneth & Sheri Sacks Harold & Myrna Sadowsky Carole Saks Larry & Robin Saks Stephen & Bebe Saks Marc & Joan Saperstein Rose Saperstein Ernest & Roberta Scheller Jane Schiff Schiff Family Foundation Schuchman Family Bill & Caroline Schulhof Joan Van Berg & Joel Schulman Judy Copeland & Mark Schulman Hank & Diane Schwartz Les & Betty Schwartz Stu & Harriet Schweitzer

Phyllis Seaman Art & Ellen Seigel Ivan Seligman Dick & Anita Shapiro Donald & Arlene Shapiro Floyd & Iris Shapiro Bruce & Carol Sherman Allison Tucker & Mark Shiffman Sam & Arlene Shlesinger Ken & Joyce Levy Sidman David & Gay Silberg Scott & Cathy Silver Marc & Linda Simon Lucian & Jacqueline Sitwell Peter & Debbie Smith Russell & Gail Smith II Michael & Arlene Sobol Elaine Soffer Stacy Sokol Judith Sokoll Howard & Janet Solot Howard & Elaine Specter Harriet Spirer Mel & Leslie Springman Mitchell & Lorie Steinberg Sandra Stone Stephen & Phyllis Strome Bob & Arlene Subin Steve & Barbara Suden Rabbi Malcom Thomson Dennis & Fahn Tishkoff Tom & Suzanne Tolpin Steve & Sheila Turbiner Mel & Gail Ufberg Samuel & Ann Varsano WCA Jerry & Linda Wainick Scott & Hetty Weinstein Max & Ellen Weisberg Jay & Susan Weiss Larry & Laurie Weiss Steve & Debbie Weiss Barry & Iris Weissman Kenneth & Goldie Wetcher Sylvia & Lewis Whitman Kirk Wisemayer Brian & Beth Wolff Ed & Ellen Wollman Herbert & Leona Wreschner Donald & Harriet Young Philip & Cathy Zacks Melvyn & Judy Zahn Jeff & Joni Zalasky Jack & Leda Zbar Alan & Bonnie Ziskin Don & Sue Zulanch Debbie Zvibleman

THIS MONTH’S ADVERTISERS 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 Federation Star. AdviniaCare.....................................13 (JCMI)..............................................6 America Friends of Magen David Adom..3 Jewish Historical Society.................16 Anago Cleaning Systems..................18 Kaye Lifestyle Homes..........................5 Beth Tikvah.............................26 & 28 Kotler Law Firm, P.L. .......................27 Cardoza Society...........................28 Men’s Cultural Alliance (MCA)..........10 Carlisle, The.....................................11 Moorings Park.................................7 Casual Connection............................16 Naples Daily Money Manager............8 Chellie Doepke, Premiere Plus Realty..12 Naples Envelope & Printing Co.......32 Deborah Zvibleman, John R. Wood.33 Naples Jewish Congregation..............32 Fuller Funeral Home..........................4 Publix.............................................20 Ginsberg Eye.....................................14 Senior Housing Solutions....................3 Hodges Funeral Home.......................24 The Blue Card...................................26 Holocaust Museum..........................25 TheatreZone...............................17 James Knafo Architect & Builder....39 Truly Nolen......................................23 Jewish Broadcasting Service..............22 Women’s Cultural Alliance (WCA)....25 Jewish Congregation of Marco Island Wynn’s Market................................17

JEWISH FEDERATION

Federation Star

September 2021

Participating in the community to better humanity Jane Schiff Federation Board Chair

new year brings new beginnings and new challenges. What Judaism hopes is that we take the time to contemplate those new beginnings and challenges, and that the contemplation will allow us to possibly soften our attitude toward life. The world currently, to me, seems so black and white, when, in reality, all of life consists of shades of gray. No one is all good nor all bad. How do we make ourselves open to

all the goodness that is within every human, especially those with whom we have areas of disagreement? The answer, I think, is to find areas where we do agree. Many of us in the Greater Naples area are financially sound, and having made our way through the world, are at a time in our lives when we can enjoy ourselves through various pastimes without the worry of making a living anymore. And many of you who fit into this category are spending some of your wealth and wisdom on bettering humanity through various worthy endeavors in the Greater Naples area. Thank you. If, during your High Holy Day worship and reflection time, you think about how you might increase your

participation in the community and thus add to healing the many evils and unfortunate circumstances that are rampant in our society, we at Federation can help you find a path. Yes, donations of all sizes are important and helpful, but so is your time and experience. We have many committees and service projects, or we can refer you to other organizations for volunteer opportunities if what you want is not here at Federation. Your Federation donations support more than 30 agencies and programs locally, nationally and internationally. It is a way to be able to reach hundreds, possibly thousands, of needy people with just one contribution. For me, it makes sense that this is the largest single contribution I make each year.

I love living in Naples. I love that I have a huge cadre of new friends that, like me, are enjoying their lives. And I am very excited that in the near future we will be breaking ground on the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center — a new home for all the programs and events that your Federation provides to our community. There is still time to join in making this happen with a donation to the building fund. We are finishing up a $1 million challenge grant to build and sustain our dream. A donation to the building fund can become your legacy to a community that has allowed you to enjoy these wonderful years in our beautiful Greater Naples area. L’Shana Tova to you and your families.

And the seasons go round and round Jeffrey Feld Federation President/ CEO

ere we are once again, completing and beginning! We are about to complete 5781 and with Rosh HaShanah, we will commence 5782. In September, 2021, we will observe the High Holy Days of Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur and the entire holiday of Sukkot, including Simchas Torah and Shemini Atzeret. It is a time when families get together. It is a time for self-reflection and of renewal.

Hopefully, we will all be able to enjoy our families, our services and our friends in person. The COVID-19 pandemic has made this past year or 18 months very challenging in so many ways. Again, hopefully, we will be able to be together, in person, in our congregations with our families and be able to reflect on what these challenges may have meant and to find a way to renew our commitment to life going forward. During this time, my favorite holiday is Sukkot. There are a few reasons for this. First, very personally, my Bar Mitzvah was on Shabbos Chol HaMoed Sukkot (a long time ago). Recently, it has been my honor to be able to chant that Haftarah to commemorate my bar mitzvah. I appreciate Rabbi Chorny and the leadership of Beth Tikvah for allowing me to continue this tradition.

Sukkot is a harvest festival. This holiday calls for people to come together. A symbol of Sukkot is the Lulav. The Lulav and Etrog are essential in celebrating this holiday. The Midrash notes that the binding of the four species symbolizes our desire to unite Jews. The Lulav is made by tying together the closed frond of a date palm tree, with myrtle and willow. Of course, the Etrog is held with the Lulav to bring everything together. As a Federation CEO, it is my nature and personality to want to unite our entire

Jewish community together. By bringing our entire Jewish community together, regardless of stream, tradition or affiliation, we are making an effort to truly build our community. For me, Sukkot is all about building community. For me, Federation is all about building community. I thank each of you for everything you do to help us build a most vital and vibrant community. Shanah Tovah!

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

This High Holiday season, as we seek spiritual and physical renewal for ourselves and our loved ones, let us also remember those in Israel who nurture and renew life every day. Whether it’s treating civilians wounded in terror and rocket attacks or vaccinating them against Covid-19, no organization in Israel saves more lives than Magen David Adom. Magen David Adom is not government-funded. Its 27,000 volunteer EMTs and paramedics and 4,000 full-time professionals rely on support from people like you for the vehicles, supplies, and equipment they need to perform their lifesaving work. No gift will help Israel more this coming year. Support Magen David Adom by donating today at afmda.org/rosh or call 800.626.0046. Shanah tovah.

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Federation Star

Celebrating Jewish Life in Collier County, Israel and the World

Federation Star

Programs for everyone

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

Published by

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

Staff

Jeffrey Feld: Federation CEO/President Ronnie Antik: Program Assistant Reneé Bialek: Program Director Marcy Friedland: Capital Campaign & Planned Giving Director Janine Hudak: Admin. Coordinator Nathan Ricklefs: Database Manager Kirk Wisemayer: Annual Community Campaign Director 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 Israel Experience

JEWISH FEDERATION

September 2021

Reneé Bialek Program Director

appy New Year! This was a busy summer, filled with many activities on Zoom and some in-person programs at the Federation. Join us on Monday, Sept. 20 at noon for a free virtual program, as Mark Werner will speak about his latest book, “A Passion for Israel: Adventures of a Sar-El Volunteer,” describing his 14 volunteer experiences on IDF bases. The Jewish Book Festival will be offering a wide variety of genres with

something for everyone this season! Please join us at the free virtual preview event on Wednesday, Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. The Jewish Federation of Greater Naples has been offering a variety of in-person programs, such as chess, indoor game time and mandala coloring. We are constantly adding new programs, all of which are advertised in the weekly e-blast sent out on Monday mornings. If you are not getting the e-blast, please let me know so that you can stay connected. We have a variety of groups and committees at the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, such as Cardozo Legal Society, Catholic-Jewish Dialogue, Israel Advocacy Committee and Jewish Community Relations Council. Please join a group and/or committee that best

fits your needs. A taste of each one can be found throughout our website at www.jewishnaples.org.

Save these upcoming community-wide events: • Kristallnacht Commemoration Service – Sunday, Nov. 7 at 3 p.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church • Community-Wide Chanukah Celebration – Monday, Nov. 29, 5 p.m. at Mercato. If you would like to reserve a table or become a sponsor, please contact me. If you have an idea for a program or want to be a guest speaker or facilitator, please contact me at rbialek@ jewishnaples.org.

Coming now … and next month Register now, while you are thinking of it, at programs@JewishNaples.org. By Ronnie Antik, Program Assistant

he following programs are being brought to you by the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

September The 20 Questions Zoom game – Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. Mix ’n Minglers, here we are, right in your living room again. More important than hearing the questions is listening to everyone’s answers! What will you do in the New Year? – Sept. 14 at 6 p.m., PJ Library children ages 3 to 5 are invited to a Zoom interaction to answer that question. Parents, kids may have some interesting Rosh Hashanah resolutions! Calling all harvest vegetable artists! – Sept. 23, 1 - 2 p.m. All adults are invited to join us in the JFGN Community Room to create a variety of your favorite fruits and vegetables (or anything else) with Fimo, a modeling clay that hardens in your toaster oven. You can even create

your own miniature tray! We’ve got the clay, the tools and some samples to show you the possibilities.

October The 20 Questions Zoom game – Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. Mix ’n Mingle! Our hour-long

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game will re-Zoom! You don’t have to be Jeopardy-quality to play. Come as you are. Come for the questions, stay for the answers … and the chat! Dinner at The Club at Mediterra – Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. Young Jewish Professionals, you never know who you will meet! We’ll leave your name at the main gate. (No T-shirts or jeans, please.) Mini Michaelangelos! – Oct. 10, 2 - 3 p.m. Calling all children, ages 7-10! We will meet at The JFGN Community Room. Create little animals (it’s the day for the blessing of the animals!) or a little “anything else” with Fimo, the brightly colored clay that will dry permanently when baked at home in the toaster oven.

A customized tour especially for us! Rookery Bay – Oct. 13 at 10:30 a.m. Everyone is invited to join us for this congenial and enlightening in-person two-hour eco-lecture inside the Learning Center of Rookery Bay, known as the nursery of the Gulf of Mexico. Bring your lunch to enjoy outside on shaded picnic tables. Additional refreshments available. Then, if you like, you may walk the nature trails at your own pace. Register and pay directly through our website at www.jewishnaples.org. Located off Collier Blvd. at Tower Road. Driving directions will follow with reservations. $12 per person. What’s the catch? You must register by Sept. 13 so the Rookery can provide an adequate number of docents for our group. Later signups may or may not be accommodated. To reserve your space for any of the programs listed above, send an email to Ronnie Antik at Programs@ JewishNaples.org.

JEWISH FEDERATION

September 2021

Federation Star

Get ready for the 7th Jewish Book Festival! By Gayle Dorio, 2021-22 Jewish Book Festival chair

“A

re you ready for some football?!” When the football season begins, you hear this sung with a melody that sticks in your brain. Wouldn’t it be great to have a similar refrain for the book festival? So, JBF supporters, book lovers, everyone, “Get ready for the 7th Jewish Book Festival!” You’ll have to imagine the music and be grateful I’m not singing. We requested a variety of fabulous authors. It was difficult to choose just 25 from so many excellent options in the list of 225. Some authors preferred only virtual events. Some were willing to come in person. Our goal was to reinforce the Lucky 7 theme for this 7th book festival by having 7 in person and 7 as virtual events. We wanted to have 18 (chai) authors, but that didn’t happen. So, we have 15 events with 17 authors, 6 in person and 9 virtual. As the saying goes, “Man plans (in this case, mostly women) and G-d laughs”… or the Jewish Book Council in New York, as was the case here. The majority of in-person events will also be livestreamed. Yes! Livestreaming will enable those who prefer to remain at home to still participate using a Zoom link. The exception is the People of The Book event, because we want the community to turn out in person for this. Those who want to get out and socialize again will be able to do so.

We kept the patron levels the same as last year: Platinum at $500, Silver at $225 and Bronze at $118. By keeping it simple, we hope you will sign up and we know you will enjoy the selections! We will hear about medical marijuana and explore ethical questions about modern technology, hearing viewpoints of different rabbis. We will enjoy both Jewish historical fiction and nonfiction. A magician will delight us. A bestselling author, who is also a comedienne, will be sure to provide laughter. We will hear stories about being an undercover spy. We have some mystery and some imaginative, hopeful world views. There are inspirational stories about people we should get to know and appreciate. Different stories about the Holocaust that we haven’t heard, but need to hear. And stories about the world of entertainment told by a son of one of our own Naples friends. So, thought provoking, entertaining and enlightening — a complete package for the 7th JBF! The preview event, which will give you more information about each author and book, will be held virtually on Wednesday, Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. Iris Shur will put this together, along with other JBF committee members and friends to

further whet your appetites! Put it on your calendar and be sure to register at www.Jewishnaples.org, using the active link under the Jewish Book Festival image. Sometimes, we are asked if it is necessary to read the book in advance of an author’s presentation and we want to assure you that it isn’t an absolute necessity. We use two important factors

to determine which authors are selected: 1) the author has to have an engaging presentation style, be entertaining and interesting; and 2) the book has to be well written. For these reasons, you will find that it isn’t necessary to have read the book in advance. Of course, if you choose to do so, it will surely add to your enjoyment and probably lead you to ask some questions. Several books have won awards, and many have considerable ongoing publicity and name recognition. If you choose to read the books in advance, Barnes & Noble has ordered

all the books, which will be displayed, as in past years, on an end cap. As a strong supporter of the JBF, Barnes & Noble shows the complete listing of our events and encourages readers to sign up and participate. You may choose to hear the presentations and then purchase the books either at the event or afterward. There are links to do this online as well. We are grateful to Barnes & Noble and to all our sponsors! We hope you are looking forward to the events, which begin on Tuesday, Nov. 9 and end on Thursday, March 17 … four months of engagement, entertainment and enlightenment! Please sign up, attend events, become a patron, become a sponsor and join us! With your support, we look forward to a wonderful year. The Jewish Book Festival is just one of many ways the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples enriches our community. On behalf of myself and the committee members, we are grateful to be able to bring you this festival. It provides such a valuable way to bring our community together. Thank you. We look forward to seeing you at all the events!

Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

September 2021

A new year and Here for Good Paula Filler Campaign Chair

hen I was asked to serve as chair of the 2022 Annual Community Campaign, I knew it would be a lot of work. While I am always up for a challenge, it was reassuring to hear that Jewish Federation would have a new annual community campaign director to plan and implement a campaign, and we do! Our new campaign director, Kirk Wisemayer, and I have spent many hours over the summer assembling a campaign cabinet with whom much of the planning for this year’s campaign was

accomplished. Some of you know those serving on the cabinet, but you will all see and hear much from them over the coming months as we roll out the campaign. By now, you may have already received our initial campaign mailing for the 2022 Annual Community Campaign, Here for Good! It is a campaign we are all very excited about. We hope you will be as enthusiastic as we are by what your generosity will herald for Greater Jewish Naples. We have no campaign, no community, without you. It is, of course, no coincidence that the beginning of our campaign year coincides with Rosh HaShanah. In fact, it is intentional. As we celebrate, in synagogue and at home, the creation of the world, the fact it was designed to be a work in progress and our covenant with the Almighty to complete it is clear.

We must bear in mind that part of our partnership in creation is to financially strengthen our community and the world. There is no better time to “seal the deal” each year than Rosh HaShanah. Here for Good is our clarion call that we are not going anywhere, that there will always be Jewish life and community in Greater Naples. But it is also that which says we are partners in ensuring that the funds we raise here do good, improve lives, here in Greater Naples and throughout the Jewish world. The Annual Community Campaign is Here for Good only because of you. It is the vehicle that allows those of us who support the campaign, in whatever capacity, to do more good in more places, and create more possibilities for more people through our collective impact than we could ever hope to do as individuals.

We all have much to be thankful for, and we can and must all do our part to fulfill our partnership to do good. This is what Here for Good means. We can all be thankful for the wonderful Jewish community we have created. We can sustain and grow it with our gifts to the campaign, and in so doing, we can give others reason to be thankful by letting them know there are Jews in Greater Naples who care for their well-being as members of our global family. Be Here for Good — pledge your support to the 2022 Annual Community Campaign early and generously, and make the New Year sweet in ways only we can make possible, together. May you and all you love be blessed for a sweet year, with warm wishes from the board and campaign cabinet of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples for a Shanah Tovah.

Volunteers are needed to join the Jewish Community Relations Council By Jeff Zalasky, JCRC Chair

was recently appointed to be the next JCRC Chairman. I am truly honored to be selected to take over for Joel Pittelman, who did a terrific job in this role during his two tenures. On behalf of JFGN, I want to thank Joel for his generous time, effort and guidance. The primary mission of JCRC is to promote and enhance relationships between the Jewish community and the general community of Greater Naples. JCRC participates in many programs through a number of groups with whom it collaborates, concentrating on activities that promote religious freedom, separation of religion from government and social issues. JCRC membership includes representatives from Jewish organizations serving our community as well as at-large members. This membership diversity enables

JCRC to represent the Jewish community on a variety of issues. There are six subcommittees under the JCRC umbrella. These subcommittees give small financial awards as authorized by JFGN, provide volunteer assistance/ services, and create, promote and participate in educational programs to both Jewish and non-Jewish members of our community. Short descriptions of each subcommittee are provided below:

Day of Learning Committee The Day of Learning Committee plans and sponsors an annual educational event attended by 200 to 300 people. Members of the committee determine the focus of the program, identify and select appropriate speakers and handle logistics to accommodate attendees. This subcommittee needs a chairperson as well

as people interested in planning the annual event.

Stand Up for Justice Award – Beth Povlow, Chair Members of this committee review the contribution of schoolteachers, librarians, media specialists, guidance counselors and administrators to outstanding, unique and replicable education initiatives. Working with school districts, it encourages the development of those programs and the submission of applications for awards. The programs are evaluated by the committee members, most of whom have professional education experience.

Human Needs Award – Liz Jaffe, Chair Financial awards authorized by JFGN are given annually to two small, underfunded Collier County charitable organizations that provides services to meet specific life needs of a particular disadvantaged population. This committee vets, identifies and selects the recipient local organizations.

Jewish Congregation of Marco Island

May 5782 Bring Peace, Happiness and Good Health to You and Your Family

Antisemitism Task Force – Joel Pittelman, Chair

Join our High Holy Day Services Led by Rabbi Mark Gross and Cantorial Soloist Hari Jacobsen

Antisemitic incidents reported to the Federation are forwarded to the Antisemitism Task Force. The Task Force

Come Worship With Us

S’LICHOT Saturday 8/28/21, 8:30PM EVE of ROSH HASHANAH Monday 9/6/21, 7:30PM ROSH HASHANAH, 5782 Tuesday 9/7/21, 10:00AM TASHLICH Wednesday 9/8/21, 11:00AM

YOM KIPPUR EVE - KOL NIDREI Wednesday 9/15/21, 7:30PM YOM KIPPUR – Day of Atonement Thursday 9/16/20, 10:00AM Worship, includes “Yizkor” Memorial. 3:30PM Afternoon Worship and Ne’ilah

We invite visitors and guests to join us in live worship, with a limited number of seats available per public-health guidelines established by the Board of Directors. The cost for guests is $100/person. Call ahead to reserve your seat: (239)642-0800. All are welcome to follow services through live-stream from our Congregational website: www.marcojcmi.com. Please call ahead for password information.

Chair investigates to determine what level of action is required. At the end of the year, a report discussing each event is prepared and distributed to the public and the ADL for inclusion in its national summary.

Catholic-Jewish Dialogue – Luba Rotsztain and Marty Gauthier, Co-chairs This Catholic-Jewish group organizes several broadly attended community events. Members of this committee participate in Catholic-Jewish discussions and handle logistics for programs it holds. One of its signature programs is the annual Kristallnacht memorial program held each November.

Legislative Affairs – Betty Schwartz, Chair The scope of this relatively new subcommittee is being developed. Members will shape the activities and role the committee will play. Many issues come before governmental bodies for which there is a Jewish perspective or a uniquely Jewish interest. If you are interested in becoming a JCRC committee member and working on one of these subcommittees, please contact me at jzalasky@gmail.com.

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September 2021

Yes, you can have it all

Federation Star

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Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

September 2021

Kristallnacht 2021 Commemoration

Israel Advocacy Committee plans upcoming season

By Ginny Segaloff, Chair Kristallnacht Commemoration Program

By Jeff Margolis, IAC Committee Member

he Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County, Florida invites you to its annual Kristallnacht Commemorative Service Sunday, Nov. 7 at 3 p.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, in Naples, Florida. “Kristallnacht” or the “Night of Broken Glass” recounts the attacks on Jewish communities throughout Germany on Nov. 9 and 10, 1938, marking the beginning of the Holocaust. Our upcoming event will memorialize the six million Jews, and millions of others, whose lives were exterminated as part of “The Final Solution.” We remember and honor all those who perished, the survivors and all their families. Over 80 years later, the Holocaust still challenges mankind’s ability to comprehend man’s inhumanity to man. Our guest speaker is Rabbi Micah Greenstein. Rabbi Greenstein has served almost three decades at Temple Israel, the largest synagogue in Tennessee and the Deep South. Rabbi Greenstein was named one of America’s top 50 rabbis by Newsweek magazine. He also received the

Dr. Martin Luther King Junior “Be the Dream Legacy” Award in 2016. He served at the Memphis Theological Seminary, where he taught future ministers about Judaism. The rabbi currently serves on the board of directors of the National Civil Rights Museum, and the National Board of the NAACP. Rabbi Greenberg is a Cornell University National Scholar and Harvard University Kennedy Fellow. Rabbi Greenstein’s address is entitled, “Interfaith Relations 83 years after Kristallnacht: What Have We Really Learned?” The Rabbi will discuss Kristallnacht and its call to action for social justice today. For additional information, contact CJDialogue@naples.net. The Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County is affiliated with the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples and the Collier County Parishes of the Diocese of Venice Florida. Its purpose is to engage Catholics and Jews in understanding our past history and advancing the cause of mutual understanding and appreciation of our differences, as well as our commonalities.

he Israel Advocacy On Sunday, Dec. 5, Beth Committee (IAC) Tikvah and IAC present Andrew of The Jewish FedWarren in person. Florida State eration of Greater Naples Attorney for Hillsborough is pleased to announce its County, Warren speaks passionpreliminary programming ately about the disturbing and for the upcoming season. increasing trend in anti-Israel On Monday, Sept. 20 at and antisemitism attitudes. He noon, the lead-off program is a rising star in Florida governwill present Mark Werner, ment. Registration information Dina Kraft President of Volunteers for for this program to come. Israel, aka Sar-El, the organization that On Wednesday, March 23, at 7 p.m., enables Werner and thousands of AmeriMiddle East security expert Avi Melamed cans to have served as civilian volunteers will join us at Beth Tikvah for a live on IDF bases in Israel. Werner will speak presentation. Melamed was stationed about his latest book, “A Passion for in numerous Arab nations and brings a Israel: Adventures of a Sar-El Volunteer,” critically informative perspective on the describing his 14 volunteer experiences complexity of security for Israel and her on IDF bases. Please register for this free neighborhood. A patron dinner prior Zoom program. to the program is planned. Please let us The second program, Monday, Oct. know if you want to have dinner with 25 at 10:30 a.m., will feature Dina Kraft. Avi at 5:30 p.m. Registration information Journalist, editor and educator, Kraft is coming soon. host of the Hadassah Hospital-sponsored For information about all IAC events podcast, which delves deeply into the peror to suggest future topics for programs, sonal lives of Israelis and Arabs as they live please contact Harvey Cohen, chair of in conflict and in community. This Zoom the Israel Advocacy Committee of The program is presented in conjunction with Jewish Federation of Greater Naples at Collier/Lee Hadassah, and is open to the hwcohen@gmail.com. entire community. The cost is $18 per The committee wishes everyone a household. Tickets can be purchased via L’Shana Tovah and a peaceful and healthy www.jewishnaples.org. New Year.

Inside Israeli innovations Managing one’s finances can be hard, but you no longer have to do it alone. Naples Daily Money Manager can help.

• Bill Paying • Document Organization • Reconciliations • Budgeting • Banking • Professional Collaborations Bonded and Insured naplesdmm@gmail.com 239-300-7177 www.naplesdmm.com

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By Monica Goodwin, Israel Advocacy Committee Member

n Israeli flag flying over the Caloosahatchee River, you say? At the WP Franklin Lock in Olga to be precise. I was as curious as you! Algae is a major environmental problem. Here in Florida, it has a severe impact on human health, aquatic ecosystems, tourism and the economy. In 2018, Florida suffered a catastrophic tourist season because of red tide and blue-green algae. This is where Israeli innovation comes in. Governor Ron DeSantis has a big concern over the quality of our water and signed a $ 2.5 billion executive order to improve the state’s water quality. He also passed a mandate to find innovative algae fighting technology. Blue Green Water Technologies (BGWT), an Israeli company whose mission is to eradicate harmful algae blooms globally and make water safe again, operates on five continents. Governor DeSantis met BGWT when he led a business development mission to Israel and signed, along with other agreements, a contract with the company in 2019. Blue-green algae are a cyanobacteria that thrive on stagnant water, warm temperature and sunlight. If not treated, it gets worse in frequency and severity and can choke waterways. It has also been linked to health problems, ranging from rashes to liver cancer and neurodegenerative diseases (i.e. Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and ALS).

What the Israelis have done is encapsulate materials that kill and destroy the toxins. But the beauty of their product is that it is safe for the environment and the natural habitat of fish and wildlife. So how does it work? ‘Lake guard oxy’ is a powdered, completely biodegradable algae idea that uses oxygen to trigger cyanobacteria to kill the algae. The active ingredient, hydrogen peroxide, breaks down into water and oxygen, then completely disappears from the environment in three to four hours, according to the CEO of BGWT. Southwest Florida Water Management says addressing harmful algae blooms is one of its top priorities. With promising progress, this study seems to be effective as the stench and blue-green swirls of algae are gone. “It is good for what it may do in confined areas, such as a canal. It may be able to treat the canals and oxidize the cyanobacteria. It is a work in progress,” says Barry Rosen, Professor of The Water School and Professor of Ecology and Environmental Studies at FGCU. So far so good! The Israel Advocacy Committee of Greater Naples is in the process of planning programs and events for the next season. If you have a suggestion for a program, please contact Harvey Cohen, IAC chair, at hwcohen@gmail.com.

Federation Star

September 2021

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

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VEHICLE ALL GOLFERS ELIGIBLE SPONSORED BY:

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Proceeds go to camp scholarships for Jewish youth. *your charitable contribution portion is $145.00 Jewish Federation of Greater Naples is registered as a charitable organization in Florida, Reg. No. CH4862

TO REGISTER OR BECOME A SPONSOR VISIT: WWW.JEWISHNAPLES.ORG/FEDCUP

Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

September 2021

www.MCANaples.org / 516.356.2897

MEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE

L’Shanah Tovah from MCA

We are back

By Jeff Margolis

By Les Nizin, MCA President

he board members of MCA would like to wish all their members and families a healthy and peaceful New Year. After a very challenging year, we look forward to resuming in-person events this fall. MCA is pleased to announce that we will be returning to in-person luncheons at the Audubon Country Club beginning in November. The cost of the luncheon will be $32. Program chair Steve Brazina has been busy all summer lining up an enlightening and thought-provoking slate of speakers. Brazina has also led the documentary film screening committee in reviewing engaging films for the upcoming season. They include “A Crime in the Bayou,” “Determined” and “The Windemere Children.” Film screenings will return to Temple Shalom, subject to COVID and synagogue protocols.

Upcoming programs Travelogue guru Jim Sernovitz continues his world tour on Thursday, Sept. 2 at 2 p.m. with a program titled “Turkish Delight.” This program will be offered via Zoom. Reservations can be made through the Wild Apricot link on the e-blast site. The MCA Book Discussion group will be reviewing Steven Johnson’s book, “The Extra Life: A Short History of Living Longer” on Thursday, Sept. 9. Contact chair Stan Farb at stan4mignon@earthlink.net.

The Jewish Genealogy program, chaired by Arthur Sissman, will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 10 a.m. via Zoom. Come and trace your family history and perhaps discover new relatives. For registration and additional information, contact Arthur at genresearch13@yahoo.com.

Ongoing weekly programs The below listed programs have been running throughout the summer and will continue through the fall. Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m. – Breakfast at the Patio Café Wednesdays at 9 a.m. – Bocce Wednesdays at noon – ROMEO (retired old men eating out) Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. – walking group Stay tuned to the MCA e-blasts and Federation Star articles for new activities and events being planned for the upcoming season. Just a reminder that MCA dues are now due. The membership cost of $90 includes membership in the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. We actively seek and welcome new members and encourage their input in organizing new activities. For more information, please contact Les Nizin, MCA president, at mcanaplespresident2021@gmail.com. Please see MCA President Les Nizin’s special message in the next two columns.

MCA Monthly Luncheons MCA/WCA Documentary Film Series MCA Comedy Night and Candle Lighting MCA Sweetheart's Dance

If you like sports, MCA offers: • • • • • •

Pickleball Biking Bocce Kayaking Shooting Fishing

If you like to learn, MCA offers: • • • •

diverse, stimulating and exciting selection of programs for this upcoming season. In addition, we will continue to offer those programs that were running pre-COVID. And to make it much easier for you to locate and sign up for your favorite programs, the weekly e-blast has been redesigned, as has the MCA website. Go to www.mcanaples.org. You will be amazed by what you will find. I welcome back those members who stayed away last year, and ask that they please renew their memberships and get into the swing of socializing in person, savoring the camaraderie and offerings that MCA membership affords. There are 3 Ways to Join the MCA!

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

3. Mail your name, email address and phone number to8820 Larry Israelite, to Larry Israelite, Savona Court, Naples, 8820 Savona Court, Naples, FL 34119. FL 34119.

Dues for current year are $90 and include membership

in the Jewish Federationin of Greater Naples. Dues for the current year are $90 and include membership Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

MCA Has something for everyone! Here are some examples of what you can expect during the 2021 - 2022 season.

If you like MCA Signature Events: • • • •

t has been a very long 20 months since MCA has had a full complement of activities, where members were together, in person, and enjoying each other’s company. During the past year or so, MCA has been virtual. And in spite of being virtual, we were able to conduct over 170 programs, viewed by over 7,500 participants. That’s quite a remarkable feat. We owe a great deal of gratitude to Larry Israelite, Michael Sobol and all our many group leaders, who worked so very hard to make our programs available, even during the pandemic. Michael Sobol and his program committee have put together a very

MCA Speaker Series (live) Virtual Speaker Series (Zoom) * Israel Update (twice a year) Men’s Medical Seminars

If you like to talk, MCA offers: • • • • •

Men’s Discussion Group Book Discussion Group Israel Discussion Group * Financial Health Discussion Group * Science Discussion Group

If you like to tours MCA offers tours of the: • • • • •

The Holocaust Museum The Bird Garden of Naples The Guadalupe Center Revs Institute for Automotive Research Art Basel (in Miami Beach) *

If you like to play games, MCA offers: • • • • •

Canasta Bridge Poker Pool Bingo

* - New in 2021-2022

For additional information or to join (or renew), go to: www.mcanaples.org

JEWISH FEDERATION

September 2021

Federation Star

ADVERTORIAL

Debunking the myths of retirement communities Courtesy of The Carlisle Naples

lthough most older adults know at least one person residing at a senior living community, there are misconceptions about life at a retirement community. Bingo, though still popular, is now accompanied by college-level lectures, laughter Yoga and activities such as belly dancing. And, for those who think residents “sit around all day,” you may have a hard time keeping up with their busy schedules. Here are a few of the most common senior living myths:

Myth #1: Residents are frail People often equate age with fragility, and nothing could be further from the truth. Residents at retirement communities are young at heart, redefining aging stereotypes. For example, residents at The Carlisle Naples, an active retirement community, recently competed in a nationwide cycling competition. They finished in second place, cycling over 5,400 miles! Jean Simmons, 101 years old, even joined the Tour de Zest challenge, cycling 8 miles on her birthday to help her team. In fact, research shows that older adults who move to senior living communities can often add years to their lives.

Myth #2: There is nothing to do You’ll never hear, “there’s nothing to do”

at most retirement communities. Typically, a full-time activity director is responsible for planning and coordinating activities and events. The Carlisle’s Zest Director ensures there is a daily group or activity to pique every interest. University lectures? Check. Investment group? Check. Book club? Check. And, for residents seeking a slower pace, there is a plethora of things to do. From reading in the community’s onsite library to enjoying a classic film at the inhouse theatre, residents have the option to be as active or relaxed as they wish.

Myth #3: You can’t come and go as you please Senior living communities offer a “lock and leave” lifestyle. Residents can simply lock their front door and know their residence will be taken care of should they leave for a day or a few weeks. Older adults who drive will find retirement communities welcoming as well, though with the community’s convenient transportation service, they’ll discover they don’t need to drive as much. Carlisle resident Jerry Martin credits the community’s maintenance-free

cuisine to heart healthy options as well as a FreshZest menu, offering delicious plant-based options.

Myth #5: They are expensive

lifestyle with being able to continue his love of golf. Twice a week, he visits Quail Run Golf Club to play a few rounds with friends.

Myth #4: They serve “hospital food” When was the last time you enjoyed a flavorful, fresh salmon filet with a drizzle of pesto glaze or herb-crusted spring lamb chops with an onion mint marmalade? At The Carlisle, these are typical dinner choices. The Carlisle Room, the onsite restaurant, is renowned for its extensive fine dining menu and is open 12 hours daily, seven days a week. The talented executive chef and his culinary team work tirelessly to raise the bar of five-star dining at a senior living community. The Carlisle Room’s menu incorporates a full range of selections from gourmet international

When compared to the monthly expenses and upkeep of a house, many older adults find they actually spend less and gain countless additional benefits by moving to a retirement community. The Carlisle’s monthly fee boasts a full range of services and amenities, including housekeeping, transportation and activities. A “Compare the Value” worksheet is available in the resources section of the Senior Resource Group’s website, www.SRGSeniorLiving.com. “Throw away your misconceptions about retirement living,” says Executive Director Bill Diamond. “At The Carlisle, it’s all about choice, independence and exceeding residents’ expectations.” Located at 6945 Carlisle Court in Naples, The Carlisle offers spacious one- and two-bedroom residences, weekly housekeeping and flat linen services, basic cable TV, all utilities except telephone and delicious dining with daily, chef-prepared specials. The community is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). For more information, please call 239-444-6891 or visit www.TheCarlisleNaples.com.

With so many things to do, we suggest getting an early start on your want-to-do list. There’s a lot to do at The Carlisle Naples Senior Living Community —clubs, events, fitness options, and more. So, go ahead and make your want-to-do list. But don’t include a bunch of chores. We’ll take care of most of those for you along with delicious dining choices, safeguards and supportive care needs. We invite you to experience The Carlisle at our upcoming event.

Lunch & Learn

Thursday, September 16th • 11:30am

Join us for an informative presentation on senior living and the exceptional services and safeguards offered. Afterwards, take a tour and enjoy a delicious lunch. Seating is limited. To RSVP, please call 239.444.6891.

CARF-ACCREDITED INDEPENDENT & ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCES • ECC LI CENSED 6945 Carlisle Court • Naples, FL • TheCarlisleNaples.com • 239.444.6891 EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY #9408

Located just south of Orange Blossom Drive on the west side of Airport-Pulling Road

D I N I N G O P TIO N S • TR AN S P O RTATI O N • VI B R ANT WE LLN E S S P RO G R AM S

Federation Star

JEWISH FEDERATION

September 2021

WOMEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE

www.womensculturalalliance.com / 518.852.3440

Are you ready for the new season? WCA is! By Susan Pittelman, WCA Publicity Coordinator

lthough WCA certainly offered an impressive array of programming during the pandemic, now that we can gather in person, we are all eagerly awaiting the start of our 2021-22 season. The WCA Board of Directors, the boards of WCA North and South, and numerous other dedicated WCA members have been working diligently to plan a year that will make up for lost time! Activities for the new season, which begins Sept. 1, include in-person events as well as some virtual programming. They will be publicized in the WCA weekly newsletter. You must be a paid WCA member to receive our newsletter and find out about, register for and be able to participate in all the activities that are being planned.

Interest groups During this past summer, several interest groups resumed meeting in person, including bridge, WCA North’s Ladies Who Brunch and Let’s Knit and Stitch. Other groups, including WCA’s many book clubs, continued to meet virtually with plans to pivot to in-person gatherings later this season. It’s not too early to review the list of WCA interest groups, found under “Groups” on the menu bar of our new website, www.wcanaples.org. With more than 32 interest groups, there really is something for everyone! Whether you are interested in the Foodies or reading books, short stories or plays, there is a group for you. Like to play bridge? Mah jongg? Scrabble? Canasta? If you prefer more physical activities, we have golf, chair yoga and bowling. There are also interest groups for films, languages, stitching, jazz, singing and so much more. Step right up and sign up! WCA members can easily join a variety of interest groups by following the instructions on the website. (Even if you were a member of an interest group this past year, you still need to register to be part of the group for the 2021-2022 season.) If you have a favorite pastime or want to start a new interest group, let Program Director Elaine Soffer know. WCA has

WCA North’s Ladies Who Brunch were delighted to dine together “in person” at Poached in Bonita Springs

(clockwise from front left) Mary Hendzel, Judy Berkowitz, Vickey Kipp, Karen Deutsch and Wendy Avner

Patti Bloom, Lanie Samuels, Paula Rappaport and Emily Berkowitz

The speaker series will kick off the new season in October with a virtual presentation on Jewish Genetics and BRCA led by Dr. Bernard Lubin, an expert in the field. On a lighter note, Diana Goldman, local Boston food guru, will do a cooking demo on healthy dining choices. This topic will later WCA’s golf league looks forward to resuming in October for “preseason play.” (l to r): Carol Sherman, be complemented by a discussion with Life Jeanie Morgenstern, Sue Flank and Laura Uram Coach Lisa Lewtan on many talented members, and we are always Overcoming Emotional Eating. open to new interest groups, events and International Disability Advocate ideas. Plus, we are looking for new leadJudith Heuman will talk about her ers of some established groups. Volunteer award-winning documentary, “Crip and be part of the fun! Camp: A Disability Revolution.” Casting Director Jamibeth Margolis (Ida’s daughter) will return to bring us Speaker series up to date on Broadway Post-COVID. Each year, WCA members look forward Political analyst Mark Schulman will to WCA’s signature speaker series. Chair present an election review: One Year After. Susan Koeppel has scheduled speakMandy Slutsker, Director of Global ers on a wide variety of topics through Health Advocacy, will join us to discuss January. The series will start out virtually, Success Stories in Global Health. with the hope of pivoting to in-person If you know of a talented speaker, or gatherings later in the season. We are if you yourself are one, Susan Koeppel exploring whether we will be able to would appreciate hearing from you. offer hybrid programming, which would allow women a choice of attending the Other events event in person or watching the program Membership Director Harriett Kleinman livestreamed. (Some speakers may even be has already scheduled some in-person recorded for later viewing.)

Wishing you a very happy, healthy and blessed New Year! Contact me to list your home TODAY! Chellie Doepke

Premiere Plus Realty Co.

239-877-1722

new member coffees, and other members are planning koffee klatches, couples events, art studio tours and art workshops as well as some new special events. We already have secured dates in 2022 for our Annual Mah Jongg and Canasta days. We hope to resume offering trips and purchasing group tickets to Artis—Naples performances. Of course, all of this will be contingent on COVID conditions and policies. Be sure to read the WCA weekly newsletter and check our website under “News” and “Events” for up-to-date information about activities and events.

Season highlights Due to the uncertainty of the impact of COVID, we were not able to plan our traditional Welcome Back Luncheon for November. But a highlight of this coming season will be our “Community of Friendship Luncheon” on Monday, Feb. 21, 2022. (Save the date!) Everyone is looking forward to what promises to be a spectacular afternoon. But you must be a WCA member to attend. So, if you are not already a member or have not yet renewed your membership for this season, go to the WCA website and join today. On behalf of the WCA Board of Directors, we wish you a New Year filled with the blessings of good health, friendship and joyful times together.

Have you RENEWED your WCA MEMBERSHIP?

After Sept. 1, only WCA members will be able to participate in activities and receive the WCA newsletter.

seachell2@hotmail.com • www.sells-naples.com www.facebook.com/chelliedoepkerealtor

WHAT? You’re not a member yet? To

Making Real Estate Dreams REALITY

JOIN or RENEW go to

WCANAPLES.ORG and click on MEMBERSHIP.

(Pay by credit card or check.) Membership through Aug. 2022. QUESTIONS? Contact Membership Chair Harriett Kleinman at hmkleinman@gmail.com

COMMUNITY FOCUS

September 2021

Federation Star

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

Building respect through empathy Susan Suarez President & CEO

key component of teaching about the Holocaust and building mutual respect is strengthening empathy. Personal stories, like “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank, put the reader in the author’s shoes, helping us to understand a different perspective. This is also why the personal stories of our local Holocaust survivors are so important. Not only do they provide the facts about history, they share feelings and emotions that make the story so much richer and memorable. “We need to understand the other side to impact the other side. We become much more effective as humans and leaders when we engage in hearty conversations with those who are different from us, not necessarily to change our opinions, but to build the empathy muscle,” says Daniel Lubetzky.

Celebrating 20 years This year, as we celebrate our 20th anniversary, the Museum will share many stories through its educational programs, survivor talks, lectures and film discussions as well as a new play in partnership with Gulfshore Playhouse about the life of local survivor and Museum volunteer, Abe Price, which will be performed at the

luncheon on Dec. 2, 2021. This in-person event will be held at Arthrex One, the new event center on the Arthrex Campus in North Naples. Tickets and sponsorship packages are now available. For more information, contact Tim@HMCEC.org or call 239-263-9200, ext. 207.

New ofﬁcers and directors We welcome new officers and directors to the Museum Board for 2021-2022. We thank outgoing Board Chair Steve Strome for his extraordinary work on behalf of the Museum these past three years. He ably guided our organization before, during and after the turmoil caused by COVID-19. He oversaw the completion of the Museum’s first capital campaign and the opening of our new Museum in late 2019. Strome also kept the Museum board informed and engaged during the dark days of COVID in 2020 and has steered our growth since reopening. We are happy that he will remain on the Board and continue to contribute to the Museum’s future. The incoming Board Chair is Stuart Price. Price and his wife, Estelle, are longtime supporters of the Museum and its mission. They are well-known in our community and the New Jersey/

Philadelphia area for their generosity toward nonprofit organizations of all sizes. The Prices were named “Philanthropists of the Year” on National Philanthropy Day in 2020 by the Collier-Lee Chapter of AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals). The award recognized them for their long-standing philanthropic commitment in Southwest Florida. Our newest Board member is Stuart Mest, M.D. Dr. Mest is a pulmonary and critical care physician who served as chairman, department of medicine and chief of critical care at a southern New Jersey hospital. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his medical degree

Abe Price (credit Erik Kellar) from Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine. Dr. Mest is the child of two Holocaust survivors and has worked with us for many years as a docent and museum educator.

Museum Board Chairs (l–r): Incoming Board Chairman, Stuart Price; immediate past Chairman, Steve Strome; and past Chair, Herb Berkeley In late February and early March, exhibit will be accompaMuseum Docent Stuart Mest, M.D. nied by special in-person presents his two-part series, “Eugenics, and Zoom programs Experiments, Ethics: Nazi Germany, during its run. Japan and the U.S.” The cost for the series In January and Febis $40. RSVP required. More details availruary 2022, Museum able on the Museum’s website. Docent Ellaine Rosen We hope you’ll plan a visit to the will present her fiveMuseum soon. To stay in touch with part lecture series, “Nazi news and upcoming programming Looted Art — Unfinnotes, sign up for our monthly newsletished Business.” The ter using the link at www.HMCEC.org. series will be in person and You can follow us on Facebook and cost $100 for the series Instagram, also. ($20 per session). RSVP required. More details available on the Museum website.

Summer programs This summer, we hosted a variety of student programs as well as private group tours for adults from across Southwest Florida. Additionally, the Museum experienced an increase in the number of public visitors, both local residents and people outside of the area. The special exhibit in the Estelle and Stuart Price Gallery, “Caught on Film: The Wartime Photography of Ken Regele and the U.S. Army Signal Corps” is on display through Oct. 17, 2021. The collection of photographs, one of the largest in our archives, came to the Museum from former U.S. Signal Corps member Ken Regele. It presents a unique eyewitness look at WWII as captured by Signal Corps cameramen. You’ll see photos taken during battles, soldiers crossing hastily constructed Allied bridges alongside destroyed German ones, famous celebrities visiting the troops, and more.

Museum program news for the fall/winter season The “Movies That Matter” series returns with three films about current human rights issues on Oct. 13, Oct. 20 and Oct. 27. Please check the Museum’s website next month for details and to RSVP. “Vedem,” the new exhibit about the Czech-language underground magazine created by teenage boys in the Theresienstadt camp, debuts in November in the Estelle and Stuart Price Gallery. The

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Federation Star

COMMUNITY FOCUS

September 2021

NAPLES SENIOR CENTER

www.naplesseniorcenter.org / 239.325.4444

Susan & Jeffrey Feld

Naples Senior Center reopens and looks to future Dr. Jaclynn Faffer President/ CEO

Kenny & Peggy Brown

Mel & Sheryl Affrime

Rosalee & Jerry Bogo

Charlotte & Jay Foreman

t has been a hot and busy summer. And, it certainly has flown by quickly! Naples Senior Center (NSC) opened the doors to its building on Castello Drive, welcoming members and clients back, on Aug. 2. The decision was made to operate at a limited capacity for August, then gradually increase capacity depending upon what is happening with COVID in our community. For everyone entering the senior center building, masks are required and vaccines, while required for staff and volunteers, are strongly encouraged for members, caregivers and program participants. For the near future, NSC will offer programs through a “hybrid” model, continuing Zoom programming as a supplement to onsite offerings. Please check the center’s website, www.naplesseniorcenter. org, for up-to-date information.

Great progress is being made on the new building, which is in the final permitting process. On June 3, we held a small “sign unveiling” event, attended by board members and Collier County Commissioners Penny Taylor and Andy Solis, both of whom spoke about the importance of Naples Senior Center to the community. We are looking toward a formal groundbreaking ceremony in early November. Plans are well underway for the center’s 10th annual “Evening for Better Tomorrows,” scheduled for Jan. 8, 2022, 5:30 p.m. at Royal Poinciana Country Club. The Shadows of the '60s will be making an encore appearance and we know that, once again, their Motown and Rock & Roll music will keep the crowd dancing. This year, tickets are $450 per person and patron tables are $10,000 per table. For more information, please contact 239-325-4444 or jfaffer@naplesseniorcenter.org. On behalf of all of us at Naples Senior Center, best wishes for a sweet, healthy and safe New Year! L’Shana Tova.

Ron & Ronna Hain

Gayle & Marty Dorio

Thomas & Sondra Greer

Rita & Ben Greenberg

Susan & Dr. Nathaniel Ritter

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COMMUNITY FOCUS

To:

September 2021

Tributes

The Family of Bernard Alpert In memory of Bernard Alpert From: Barbara & Ira Kushnir

To:

Rosalee Bogo In memory of your brother Sam Aronson From: Phyllis & Stanley Magrill Jay & Stuart Kaye To:

Nancy & Ted Brother In honor of your 60th Anniversary From: Nancy & Hank Greenberg To:

Susan & Jeffrey Feld In honor of the marriage of your daughter Jennifer to Sean From: Arlene & Michael Sobol To:

Jesse Feld Mazel Tov on your new position as Executive Director of your Community Foundation From: Karen & Stan Deutsch To:

Leslie Friedman & Family In memory of Dorismae Friedman From: Nancy & Hank Greenberg To:

The Herscowitz Family In memory of Steffi Rothschild From: Nancy Kaplan

Les Nizin & Family In memory of Guy Nizin From: Jane Schiff Stuart Price Mazel Tov on becoming Chair of the Board of Directors of the Holocaust Museum and Cohen Education Center From: Karen & Stan Deutsch To:

Jane Schiff In honor of Jane Schiff From: Debbie Zvibleman To:

Jane Schiff Mazel Tov on being our Lion of Judah KipnisWilson/Friedland awardee From: Karen & Stan Deutsch To:

Deborah Schreier In memory of Max Friedman From: Rolly & Adir Jacob To:

Elaine Soffer In honor of your new home From: Barbara & Steve Suden To:

Phyllis Strome In honor of your special birthday From: Nancy & Hank Greenberg

Tributes require a minimum donation of $18.

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

ANNOUNCING

TH E 2021-2022 Jewish Book Festival! NOV. 19, 2021 – MARCH 17, 2022 Join us at the Preview Event to see what’s in store for this season’s festival:

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 6 AT 2 P.M. ON ZOOM

17 AUTHORS

15 EVENTS

Federation Star

Temple Shalom events open to the community By Jeanette Fischer, Temple Shalom Director of Communications

or information on the Temple’s High Holy Days services, please visit www.naplestemple.org/ HHD2021.

Shabbat on the beach Join us at Lowdermilk Park beach on Friday, Sept. 3 for a beautiful sunset Shabbat service at 7 p.m. We meet at the north end of the beach. Don’t forget a beach chair!

Torah Talk Join this lay-led discussion of the week’s Torah portion via Zoom on the first Saturday of each month at 8:30 a.m. The portion for Saturday, Sept. 4 is Nitzavim. Please contact the Temple Shalom office at info@naplestemple.org for the Zoom link.

Shabbat ShaPlay

Saturday, Sept. 11 at 10 a.m. as we sing, dance, play and celebrate Shabbat in the park. All young families are invited to attend. Temple Shalom membership is not required. Please contact the Temple Shalom Preschool office at 239-455-3227 for more information and to register. This program is generously supported by the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

Sukkot & Simchat Torah celebration On Sunday, Sept. 26, we begin at 9:30 a.m. with a Yizkor and Simchat Torah service, followed by a Sukkot celebration. Come shake the lulav and etrog in the sukkah and enjoy activities and food truck vendor fare. Please let us know you are coming by emailing info@naplestemple.org.

Join Rabbi Boxman and Miss Jane on

Read current and previous issues of the Federation Star online at www.jewishnaples.org

Federation Star

JEWISH INTEREST

September 2021

Tfillah and Shirah — two legs of the spiritual throne By Arlene Stolnitz

ecently, I have been reading about Rising Song Circles. These are groups of music lovers in Jewish communities who join together on a regular basis to study and sing all forms of Judaic music. Song Circles include nigunim, nusach, prayers and all forms of known Jewish music, but unlike a traditional choir, everyone may join regardless of musical background. The idea for the program was originated by Joey Weisenberg, whose mission is to bring people together in song. He believes that where there is song, there is prayer, and that Jewish tradition teaches

that music unlocks the has ever sung in a Temple choir has felt that connection. And in the door to divine connection. congregation, one can sense the feelIn his own words, recently published in the ing as worshipers join in singing the online My Jewish Learnprayer liturgy.” So, who is Joey Weisenberg? He is ing, “Music is the most… ephemeral of all art forms. the founder and director of Hadar’s Rising Song Institute and author of We can’t see music, we Arlene Stolnitz “Building Singing Communities” as can’t grasp it in our hands, but we can feel it working through us well as “The Torah of Music,” which won a 2017 National Book Award. His library and the world. As such, music represents our connection to the divine, to each of over 500 videos teaches topics such as other, to everything. Music is … a prayer Leading Moving Communal Prayer, Bringthat opens up our imaginations to the ing Nigunim into the Community, Shabbat divine source of all life. Anyone who and Festival Melodies, Building Joyous Singing Communities and High Holiday Prayers and Chants. These are only a few ways Weisenberg demonstrates, through song, the Torah of prayer and music. An interesting interpretation by Weisenberg talks about the idea that, in gematria (which is the code used in biblical times for assigning a numerical value to a word according to its letters), the numerical value for prayer, tefilla, and song, shirah are the same. His thought is that they are two legs of the spiritual throne, mutually supporting each other. He feels that where there is song, there is prayer, that music can open our hearts and minds to better understand what is around us. Besides referring to the prophets who knew this, he talks about the role of the cantor, or chazzan, whom he describes as a “sacred musician who snatches the song from the place where prophets suckle.”

He speaks of melodies forming a divine ladder connecting Earth with the heavens. In Hebrew, the word sulam means both “ladder” and “musical scale.” The most famous story in the Torah concerns Jacob’s ladder in which the patriarch dreams of a ladder with angels going up and down. Maimonides, the medieval authority, thought the angels had one purpose, that of singing. We can think of Jacob’s ladder as a musical scale then, with angels ascending and descending with our prayers. When we sing, we can think of ourselves as experiencing a state of our best selves as we enter a state of spirituality. Weisenberg’s idea is that music, although only a bunch of notes, can transform us, if we let it. Wishing you and yours a L’Shana Tova Tikatevu. Let the prayers and observance of these awesome days pave the way for a renewed spiritual life. This year, I look forward to sharing with you the stories of gifted musicians and their inspirational works. B’Shalom. Arlene Stolnitz, founder of the Sarasota Jewish Chorale, is a member of the Jewish Congregation of Venice. A retired educator from Rochester, New York, she has sung in choral groups for over 25 years and also sings in The Venice Chorale. Her interest in the preservation of Jewish music of all kinds has led to this series of articles on Jewish Folk Music in the Diaspora.

Shana Tova and L’Chaim in 5782

to our members, sponsors, supporters, friends and to all Jews in Southwest Florida and everywhere!

JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA 8805 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 255, Naples, FL 34108 833-547-7935 (833-JHS-SWFL) • office@jhsswf.org jhsswf.org Visit the Virtual Museum of SWFL Jewish History at JewishHistorySouthwestFlorida.org We are proud to announce that Southwest Florida Pioneers Films have been chosen to be included in the collections of the ANU Museum of Jewish People in Israel .

The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Contributions are deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

JEWISH INTEREST

Federation Star

September 2021

Emmys, new series and a movie, a little catch-up Stars of David By Nate Bloom, Stars of David Contributing Columnist

5782

HIGH HOLY DAYS

★ ★ ★

ts! r e nc Y Co PRESENTED B

nkel: Simon & Garfu Park, revisited al Live in Centr 22 20 , 17 Y R JANUA LI: ATRA & ROSEL THE FEUD. SIN OBOKEN H 2 GUYS FROM 22 20 , January 29 eatles, The Mersey B ples” Na “Favorites of 2022 , 22 Y R A FEBRU Mack is Back obby Darin” fB “The Music o 2022 , 24 FEBRUARY der: Larry Alexan Back d Broadway an 22 MARCH 14, 20 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“The Queen’s Gambit,” created by A. Scott Frank, 60; and “Wanda Vision,” created by Jac Schaeffer, 42. I’ve

H -12, 2021 December 10 e I Love My Wif , 2022 23 – January 13 ’s Bright Star Steve Martin , 2022 20 February 10we’s Camelot Lerner & Loe 22 , 20 March 10-20 unty f Madison Co The Bridges o 2022 1, April 21-May

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Limited series/TV movie

“Hit & Run” is the first Israeli series created for Netflix. All the actors, except one American, are Israeli and Jewish. The nine-episode series follows a tour guide (Lior Raz, 49) investigating the mysterious death of his wife. (Began streaming Aug. 6). “Respect,” a biopic about the late Aretha Franklin, opened in theaters on Aug. 13. Marc Maron, 57, has a large supporting role as Jerry Wexler (1917-2008), a legendary producer and record company executive who made Franklin a star. Aretha’s huge hit, “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman,” is sung in the film. The music is by Carole King, now 79. The lyrics were by her first husband, Gerry Goffin (1939-2014). It has always intrigued me that a man wrote the “Natural Woman” lyrics.

ws Sho ome for the Holidays

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Boys,” developed for TV by Eric Kripke, 46; “Bridgerton,” based on novels by Julia Quinn*, 51; “The Crown,” created by Peter Morgan, 58; “The Mandolorian,” created by Jon Faveau, 54; “Pose,” cocreated by Brad Falchuk, 50; and “This is Us,” created by Dan Fogelman, 45.

Catch-up “corner”

SEASON 21/2

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Drama series

“Ordinary Joe” stars James Wolk, 36, as a guy who faces a pivotal decision after college. The series follows three different lifepaths that could result from that decision. David Warshowsky, 60, has a supporting role. (Premieres Sept. 20, 10 p.m., on NBC). “Y: The Last Man” posits a dystopic future in which all mammals with a Y chromosome are rendered sterile — except one man. The main cast includes Olivia Thirlby, 34. (Premieres Sept. 13 on FX). “The Big Leap” is a musical-comedy series based on a British reality show. The supporting cast includes Jon Rudnitsky, 31. (Premieres Sept. 20, 10 p.m., on Fox) Opening in theaters on Sept. 29 is “Dear Evan Hansen,” based on the megahit Broadway musical of the same name. The title character is a troubled teen. Ben Platt, 27, who created the stage role, plays Hansen in the film. The music and lyrics are by the team of Benj Pasek, 36, and Justin Paul. The screenplay is by Steven Levenson, 37, who created the “book” (story) for the stage musical.

★ ★ ★

All but two of the following persons are “best series” Emmy nominees, but I also note (see asterisk) two persons who wrote books or films the series was based on. Comedy series: “Cobra Kai,” based on “Karate Kid” films, written by Robert Mark Kamen*, 73; “Kai” was created for TV by Hayden Schlossberg and Jon Hurwitz, both 43; and “Emily in Paris,” created by Darren Star, 60; and “Kominsky,” created by Chuck Lorre, 68.

TV shows and more

★ ★ ★

Best series

omitted the best talk show and animated series nominees.

★ ★ ★

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, or identify with, a faith other than Judaism. Converts to Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish. The Emmy Awards will be presented on Sept. 19 (CBS, 8 p.m.). As interest in the Emmys has waned, my sense is that new TV shows, etc. are of more general interest. Here are lists of Jewish nominees in just the acting and best series categories. Omitted are guest acting role nominees. Lead actor, comedy series: Michael Douglas, 76, “The Kominsky Method;” Lead actress, comedy series: Tracee Ellis, 48, “Blackish;” Supporting actor, comedy: Brett Goldstein, 40, “Ted Lasso” and Paul Reiser, 65, “Kominsky;” Supporting actress, comedy: Hannah Einbinder, 26, “Hacks;” and Lead actor, limited series/TV movie: Daveed Diggs, 39, “Hamilton.”

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Federation Star

JEWISH INTEREST

September 2021

Traditional Honey Cake goes modern Recipe by Chef Dalia

few days ago, someone emailed me asking if I had a modern honey cake recipe for Rosh Hashanah. Well, you don’t need to ask me twice. Honey cake is frequently served during Rosh Hashanah because honey symbolizes wishes for “sweet” things to come and, for me, more important than the appetizer or main course, a Rosh Hashanah meal is defined by dessert. For a dinner where sweetness is the prevailing theme, possibly determining the entire tone of the upcoming year, dessert is the most important course of all. And forever in my family, that most important dessert has been honey cake. I have always loved honey cakes, and not just for the flavor. I have wonderful memories of going to my Safta’s (Israeli word for grandmother) home a day before Rosh Hashanah, sitting in her kitchen and having a slice of honey cake with a cup of tea. Once I married and moved far from Israel, I found myself wanting to make my grandmother’s honey cake for Rosh Hashanah. I called my grandma to ask for the recipe, which she gave me over the phone, making sure to tell me everything I need to know. She even made sure our pans were the same size so my honey cake could be identical to hers. I wrote down everything. When it came to ingredients, she instructed me to use “a glass of this, a glass of that …”

Personal Chef Dalia Hemed can be reached at daliahemed@msn.com. So that’s what I wrote down, and that’s exactly what I did. When all was said and done, my cake didn’t look or taste anything like my grandmother’s. So, to make me happy, my grandmother sent me a honey cake every Rosh Hashanah. The cake was dark, sticky and sweet. It carried in it every good wish, every happy memory she could send from Israel. It was always exciting to receive the package. The cake would sit on our counter,

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until Rosh Hashanah dinner, promising future sweetness, future happiness and joy. And when we would eat it with our guests, we knew our family in Israel was with us as well. The next time I visited Israel, I went to see my grandma to find out how she makes my favorite honey cake. It didn’t take long to understand what went wrong with my cake — she uses an old jam jar to measure the ingredients. “Is that your glass? Is that what you using as a measuring cup?” I asked. My g r a n d m o t h e r i s originally from Spain, and Hebrew, the language in which we speak to each other, is not her mother tongue. I had assumed her one “glass” was one cup. She didn’t own a measuring cup. I found out the jam jar was equivalent to 1½ cups. That was my problem! On my next visit to her house, I brought her a gift — a measuring cup. Through the years, I’ve always made honey cake, and I always think of her. For this year’s celebration, I have renovated her traditional honey cake, giving it a modern spin. I modernized the classic honey cake to a pull apart cake baked in a Bundt pan.

Honey cakes are often presented as simple loaves, but a round pan makes the cake more festive and more symbolic. Similar to shaping challah into a circle at Rosh Hashanah, baking a round honey cake signifies the continuation of life, which is particularly appropriate for the Jewish New Year holiday. I wish you all a happy, healthy and sweet Rosh Hashanah!

Ingredients: For the dough ¾ cup water 2 tablespoon dry yeast ½ cup sugar ¼ cup honey 1 large egg, at room temperature 6 tablespoons melted butter 3½ cups bread flour (plus more, if needed) 1 tablespoon cocoa ½ teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon salt

with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 2 hours. 3. Prepare the stuffing: Mix pistachios, almonds and honey in a bowl. Gradually add butter and mix until you get a nutty spread with a thick, but not hard, texture – which will be easy to spread on the dough. 4. Transfer the dough to a work surface and cut into 3 equal pieces. Working with 1 dough piece at a time, roll into a large rectangle (roughly 14x10 inches) on a lightly floured surface. Spread a generous layer of the filling evenly over the dough, and then cut lengthwise into 3 strips. Cut the strips crosswise into 4 strips each, making 12 squares. Stack all 12 dough squares, one on top of the other. Repeat with remaining 2 dough pieces and remaining filling. Arrange stacks in a lightly buttered tube pan, standing up like little books, allowing gaps between dough pieces. 5. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let rise until the dough almost reaches the top, about 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 350° F. Bake for 35 minutes until cakes are golden and firm. 6. Prepare the syrup: In a small saucepan, bring all the ingredients to a boil, mix and remove from the heat.

For stuffing 1 cup finely chopped pistachios 1 cup finely chopped blanched almonds ¼ cup honey ¼ cup soft butter For lemon honey syrup 12 tablespoons honey 3 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice For decoration A handful of chopped roasted pistachios and almonds Directions: 1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the water, yeast and sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes. 2. Add honey, egg and butter, then slowly add the flour, cocoa, cinnamon and salt. Using the dough hook, mix until the flour is completely incorporated, about 4-5 minutes. (If the dough seems sticky, add ¼ cup of flour). Cover the bowl

For serving: When the cake comes out of the oven, use a tablespoon and pour the hot syrup on top of the cake. Sprinkle with pistachio and almond crumbs; cool slightly and serve.

JEWISH INTEREST

September 2021

Federation Star

Handing out cash to the grandkids – Is there a better way? Aging Jewishly — What our traditions tell us about growing old By Rabbi Barbara Aiello

“O

ne, two, three, four and five! basics regarding money. It’s a process that That’s it, five envelopes ready “Mimi” defines as “save, spend and give.” for the grandkids.” Ed smiled Marie Burns describes the grandparas he visualized each of the two boys and ent-grandchild relationship this way, three girls, ranging in ages from 5 to 12 “As grandmas, we often have teachable years, who make up the majority of his moments with our grandkids. Think extended family. They are his children’s of your own life or how often you have children, and the envelopes represent heard others say, ‘I learned X from my the monetary gifts that Ed and his wife, grandma,’ or ‘She was the one who taught Linda, will gift to them when they arrive me how to do Y,’ or ‘I was really close to en masse for the Jewish holidays. my grandma.’” “ We’v e b e e n g i v i n g It was Burns’ memory New Year’s gifts for years,” of her relationship with her Linda says. “But this year, own grandparent that led her I want to do something to to develop a similar bond make it more meaningful. with her grandchildren — It’s not just the money. It’s one that would teach them the ‘Money Message’ that I about earning money and want to share as well.” using it wisely. Linda is referring to a Burns says, “In order to structured program that save, we have to earn money combines gifts of cash in the first place. Working to with personal responsibilearn money is a great way to Rabbi Barbara ity, developed by financial help children start practicing Aiello expert and grandmother, save, spend, give.” Marie Burns (“What Simple Stories Can Back to skeptical Ed, who is still Teach Grandchildren about Money,” somewhat reluctant. “So you’re telling me July 27, 2021, “Sixty and Me” and that we don’t just fill the envelopes with “Managing Money”). cash and hand them out? Linda nodded The Money Message was designed vigorously and described how the Money by Burns, whose grandchildren call her Message program works. “This year,” “Mimi.” It’s a simple, straightforward proLinda said, “We’ll start with the kids sitgram that incorporates role modeling and ting with us in a circle and I’ll begin. Ed, storytelling into money-based conversayou and I will tell stories about how we tions so her grandchildren can learn the earned money when we were kids. I’ll talk

about how my Bubby paid me for dusting all the tchotchkes in her cabinet!” Ed jumped in. “And I’ll talk about how I mowed lawns and folded the laundry.” Ed and Linda recalled how they each received an allowance that was contingent on chores they completed each week. Burns suggests the personal stories shared by grandparents form the opening for grandchildren to share their earning experiences and, often, children are eager to brag about all the things they do to earn spending money. “Earning to Save” is an important first step in the Money Message plan. Here, Burns guides grandparents to continue the discussion about things the grandchildren bought with the money they saved. Did a grandson save his earnings to buy a new scooter? Did a granddaughter work hard to earn the price of a concert ticket? Burns emphasizes that step two, “Saving to Spend” is an integral part of the Money Message program. She says, “Delayed gratification is a huge life lesson learned when saving money. It reinforces and helps us practice learning to live within our means, a hard lesson our society today would do well to live by.” Finally, the essential third step is what Burns terms, “Saving to Give.” The benefit of earning money and having it available establishes the opportunity for our grandchildren to help others in need.

From the days when we grandparents collected coins for the Sunday School Tzedakah box, our Jewish traditions of charitable giving and volunteering for public service have informed our lives — a Jewish value worth discussing with, and perpetuating through, our grandchildren. Based on the Money Message program, Linda and Ed are preparing to offer their New Year monetary gifts in a new way. They expect that this sharing will lead to a discussion of saving for special purchases and improving the world through charitable giving. “So, we’ll give out the envelopes,” Ed says, “After we talk with the grandkids.” Linda agrees. “We have the blessing of being able to give money to our grandchildren. Now they can learn the blessings of using that money wisely.” Note: For more information on Marie Burn’s program, see The Tony Steuer Podcast - https://tonysteuer.com/ the-tony-steuer-podcast-with-marieburns-mind-money-and-motion/. For 10 years, Rabbi Barbara Aiello served the Aviva Campus for Senior Life (Sarasota, FL) 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

September 2021

Warm wishes for a meaningful fast. Find ideas for your break-the-fast meal at publix.com/highholidays.

September 2021

Federation Star

L’Shanah Tovah

OF GREATER NAPLES

https://jewishnaples.org

Federation Star

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

September 2021

Iranian Muslim dissidents and activists meet IDF soldiers on Lebanon’s border Israeli military base visit organized and hosted by Friends of the IDF (FIDF)

isgav Am, Israel (July 22, 2021) — A group of six Iranian Muslim dissidents and activists who had never been to Israel before visited “Parag,” an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) military post near the border with Lebanon yesterday. The post is primarily staffed by IDF Battalion 74 of the 188 Brigade. The visit to the base near Kibbutz Misgav Am in Northern Israel was hosted by Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF). The Iranian Muslim group was in Israel on a solidarity mission to renew ties between Iranians and Israelis. Their trip was sponsored by the Iranian American Jewish Federation of New York (IAJF) and the Institute for Voices of Liberty (iVOL). Among those who took part in the base visit were Foad Pashai, secretary general of the Constitutional Party of Iran and member of iVOL board of trustees; Khosrow Beitollahi, retired Imperial Iranian Air Force member and senior adviser to the Constitutional Party of Iran; Amir Hamidi, iVOL director and delegation co-chair, former ranking officer at the U.S. Department of Justice and attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi; and Ahmad Batebi, a former Iranian journalist who spent almost 15 years in an Iranian government prison as a political prisoner before escaping and making his way to the United States, where he now lives.

During their visit, the Iranian delegation toured the IDF post, where they could see into Lebanon and a Hezbollah terrorist stationed there. They also met with IDF commanders stationed at the post and received a briefing from Sharon Sheffer from the FIDF office in Israel. While at the base, Batebi waved the old Iranian flag, which dates back to the time before the Islamic revolution, so the Hezbollah terrorist standing on the Lebanon side could see it.

The group at Parag,” an IDF military post near the border with Lebanon

Ahmad Batebi (right) and Lt. Col. Maya from IDF's AKA corp (left). Selfie photo

Courtesy of FIDF

Hezbollah is sponsored by Iran and is one of the top military threats facing Israel today. “ Gr o w i n g u p i n Iran, I was taught to hate Israel and its army, but when I visited the Israeli army base and met actual Israeli soldiers, they treated me like family. It brought tears to my eyes,” said Batebi. “ T h e s e yo u n g m e n and women value life, u n l i k e t h e Is l a m i c Republic, which glorifies death.”

He added, “The Israeli soldiers told me that, while the regime wants to harm Israel, they know it doesn’t represent the Iranian people. They wanted me to send a message to all Iranians that they have great respect for the Iranian people and Iran’s rich culture. I really hope that one day the people of Iran will be able to visit Israel, so they will see all this for themselves.” “We were excited to be a part of arranging the base visit and creating an opportunity for the elite group of activists to witness firsthand the reality of security challenges in Israel, as well as to witness the morality and humanity of the Israeli soldiers,” said FIDF Long Island Chapter Executive Director Pninit Cole.

September 2021

Federation Star

INSULATION REMAINS A GREAT CHOICE FOR SAVING MONEY by Joe Jayne, Truly Nolen Last time, I discussed bed bugs causing headaches in Southwest Florida. This time, because saving money never goes out of style, I wanted to highlight how proper insulation once again can help reduce your overall energy footprint. With summer winding down and as we head into fall, proper insulation can help keep your house cool. As I have previously mentioned, according to the Department of Energy, over 70 percent of homes in the U.S. are under-insulated. Our Truly Insulation Plus (TIP) provides homeowners with a long-term preventative approach to reducing energy consumption while protecting your home from many common household pests. TIP services combine high-grade insulation with naturally occurring minerals to provide our customers with one of the most unique and effective insulation services on the market. In attics, our company uses blown cellulose insulation (recycled newsprint) infused with borates (naturally occurring minerals) which provide a superior pest barrier, all while maintaining your desired climate. We can also insulate crawl spaces

and under floors. In addition to climate control and added pest protection, TIP also has superior acoustic qualities and high-level fire retardation. To that end, every building material has an insulation value called an "R-value." An object's R-value measures how well that object resists the transfer of heat. Simply put, it rates how effective a material is at stopping warm air from passing through it. Insulation materials start at around R-2/inch and range up to R-7/inch, with higher values being better or requiring less material to stop the heat transfer. The R-value of Truly Insulation Plus is rated as a 3.7, making it a higher R-value than many other types of insulation materials. Additionally, TIP offers pest protection, a secondary barrier against termites and it leaves you with the ability to treat and inspect the area for termites or other pests.

it’s removing corrupted and antiquated insulation, or just adding to the R-Value and efficiency of the current insulation, Truly Insulation Plus has a significant impact on our customers’ lives. As a reminder, a FREE home, lawn, or insulation inspection is always just a phone call away by calling us or by visiting www.trulynolen.com and clicking “Schedule Free Inspection.” Ask us about TIP when you schedule! (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 about our Insulation capabilities, please visit https://www.trulynolen.com/truly-insulation-plus/ )

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Federation Star

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

September 2021

My teen self would be proud of my adult work to strengthen Israel By Joshua Mellits, Jewish National Fund-USA Director, Western Florida

T Wishing You a Sweet & Happy New Year “As we dip our apples in honey, we pray for an additional measure of sweetness. May we continue to grow in our commitment to our faith, our people and community. May all Jews experience blessings in the year ahead, and may the world become a better place for all your children.” – Rabbis Bennet Miller & Erik Lankin Please come visit our

Garden of Remembrance

Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens

525 11th Avenue North | Naples, FL 34108 239-597-3101 | www.HodgesNaplesMG.com

WOMEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE is excited to announce the

WCA Younger Division

hroughout my life, I people, or looking over valleys have recorded meanand vegetation below me in ingful moments the light of dawn at Masada. through writing, and I tend Before, I dutifully read the to hold onto those pieces. biblical text; now, I was using I kept my diary from third the Tanach [Hebrew Bible] as grade, letters from summy road map.” mer camp and clippings Other detailed scenes from school newspapers — include muddy knees in including a poignant article caves used during the Bar processing my own and my Kochva revolt against the middle-school classmates’ Romans in the 2nd century Josh Mellits trauma as eyewitnesses to CE; stargazing on a solo trek the September 11 terror attacks while in the dunes of the Negev; dancing in on a field trip. Having these first-person an ultra-Orthodox synagogue in a sea of accounts is a treasured window into past men’s black hats on the holiday of Simexperiences as they happened. chat Torah; windows rattling from notAmong these invaluable reflections are so-distant explosions during a homestay some from the most impactful trip I’ve near the Gaza border; and countless more. ever taken: my junior year semester at the That is why working for Jewish Alexander Muss High School in Israel, National Fund-USA feels like I have come now powered by Jewish National Fundfull circle, dedicating my professional USA (AMHSI-JNF). I had been to Israel many times, vacationing and visiting family outside Tel Aviv, but this was my first time exploring the country — not as a tourist, but as a resident and student. Years later, I think fondly back on the memories of studying abroad with my friends from my suburban Philadelphia Jewish day school (Barrack Hebrew Academy) and lescareer to the Jewish community and to sons learned on living independently as strengthening the land and people of preparation for college. Israel. I would like to think my past self Yet being able to peek into the realwould be proud, and he said it best, “My time thoughts of my teenage mind is a perspective has been entirely altered … special gift. In one passage, I describe I know I had taken for granted … my “the sense of accomplishment I felt trekfrequent visits to the Holy Land, and king on land where my ancient ancestors most importantly, my knowledge about died fighting for the survival of the Jewish our people. I was educated with a head for Judaism, but only now have I fully developed a heart and soul for it.” For more information about Jewish National Fund-USA’s High School in Israel, contact Joshua Mellits, Director, Western Florida, jmellits@jnf.org or visit amhsi.org.

Featuring evening and Sunday programming for women younger than 60. A new group for like-minded women to engage in social and cultural activities relevant to you, especially if you work or have children at home and are unable to participate in daytime activities. Join in activities and events designed to meet your interests and schedule. To learn more about the WCA Younger Division, contact Shelly Bell at sbell987@aol.com or call 313-550-3313. To learn more about WCA, visit wcanaples.org

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS THEY HELP MAKE THE FEDERATION STAR POSSIBLE To advertise, contact Joy Walker at 941-284-0520 or walkerjoy62@yahoo.com.

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

September 2021

Federation Star

Conversations on Zionism: reclaiming the narrative 8 3 rd A n n i v e r s a r y o f

By Jewish National Fund-USA

KRISTALLNACHT

he time has come to show the world what Zionism looks like. That Zionism comes in all colors, shapes and sizes. That it’s inclusive, diverse, beautiful, respectful. That it builds bridges. That it’s about freedom: freedom of religion, freedom of expression, freedom from preconceived notions. That Zionism supports Israel, a country where synagogues, mosques and churches all share the same skyline. A country where Christians, Jews and Muslims live as neighbors and sit around the same table. Join Jewish National Fund-USA twice a month for a year-long series of human interactions, short films, interviews, panel discussions and more — all meant to facilitate a dialogue and expose the beautiful and diverse facets of modern Zionism and its positive impact on many aspects of

The Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County our lives, no matter where we are on the globe. Guests participating in these discussions will include Zionist historian and activist, Gil Troy; human rights attorney, Arsen Ostrovsky; and Zionist activist and author of the “Almost Jewish” blog, Virag Gulyas. Panels will explore topics, including, “Can You be Progressive and be a Zionist?” and “Textures of the Jewish World.” For more information, visit jnf.org/ ZionismConversations.

President Biden nominates Professor Lipstadt to monitor and combat antisemitism

ew York, NY, July 30, 2021… Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) is proud that Prof. Deborah Lipstadt of Emory University, a former member of JFNA’s National Young Leadership Cabinet, has been selected by President Biden to serve as the nation’s Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism. “Jewish Federations have been at the forefront of urging Congress to pass the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act, and we are grateful for the bipartisan leadership in the Senate and the House for elevating this key diplomatic position to an ambassadorship,” stated Eric Fingerhut, President and CEO of JFNA. “… Naming a qualified individual for this position as soon as possible amid the surge in antisemitism has been a top priority — from our May 21 letter to the White House to the Day of Action Against Antisemitism virtual rally, and at our National Young Leadership Cabinet Fly-In to Washington, D.C. just last week,” continued Fingerhut. Antisemitic incidents have increased around the world, especially during and in the wake of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in May. Just this week, the carving of a swastika in the elevator at the State Department reminded us that antisemitism reaches into every corner of our own society. Mark Wilf, chair of the board of JFNA, said, “We are thrilled that Prof. Lipstadt, who is a longstanding Jewish Federation leader, has been chosen for this

crucial role in leading the charge against antisemitism ... We would be honored to work with her in restoring a sense of safety and security to all the members of the Jewish community.” Prof. Lipstadt, the Dorot Professor of Modern Jewish History and Holocaust Studies at Emory University, is not just the nation’s leading expert in the field of antisemitism, she has rendered decades of service to the Jewish community as a tireless advocate against all those who assault Jews and Jewish history. She has transcended the role of academic by taking on and ultimately defeating David Irving, a notorious Holocaust denier, in a British courtroom. She was appointed by President Clinton to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council and served two terms. She was the recipient of a 2019 National Jewish Book Award for her most recent book, “Antisemitism: Here and Now.” Eric Fingerhut added, “… We can think of no better candidate for the position of Ambassador to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, and we call upon the Congress to confirm her nomination without delay.”

About JFNA The Jewish Federations, collectively among the top 10 charities on the continent, protects and enhances the well-being of Jews worldwide through the values of tikkun olam (repairing the world), tzedakah (charity and social justice) and Torah (Jewish learning).

invites the c omm unit y to t his commemor ati ve ser vice.

OP EN TO THE PUBLIC FR EE ADMISSION Sunday, Nov. 7 at 3:00 pm DOORS OPEN AT 2:40 PM

The event will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Rd Naples, FL 34120

With gue st s pe ake r: Rabbi Micah Greenstein “Interf aith Re lat io ns 83 Years Af ter Kri st al lna cht : What Have W e Re al ly Le arn ed?” A discussio n of K ri sta lln acht and its cal l to a ct ion fo r socia l just ice to da y.

Sp ons ore d b y: Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples Diocese of Venice in Florida GenShoah of SWFL Holocaust Museum & Janet G. and Harvey D. Cohen Education Center For more information contact: CJDialogue@naples.net

Federation Star

ORGANIZATIONS

September 2021

HIGH HOLIDAY SERVICES OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY RESERVE TODAY!

FOR RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE SYNAGOGUE OFFICE:

(239) 434 -1818 • BethTikvahNaples.org 1459 PINE RIDGE ROAD, NAPLES AN EGALITARIAN PROGRESSIVE CONGREGATION MEMBER OF THE UNITED SYNAGOGUE OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM

JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SWFL

www.jhsswf.org / 239.566.1771

New year, new developments Marina Berkovich JHSSWF President

here are so many things to look forward to in 5782. Our Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers films were chosen for inclusion to the ANU Museum of The Jewish People in Tel Aviv, Israel. It is a great honor, and we are proud to have our work in that important place, where they will contribute Southwest Florida Jewish history to the worldwide Jewish story. From this point forward, all the films in this series can be included, providing they carry the same quality of information and production. With your gracious help and generosity, we hope to steadily continue on this path. We are also looking forward to inperson events resuming, Baruch Hashem, in 2022. On Jan. 16, we will mark Florida Jewish History Month with our annual fundraiser honoring Ms. Rosalee Bogo for decades of dedicated service to the Jewish community of Greater Naples. Bogo’s southern grace and humble gentility usually keep her in the shadows, yet she is a formidable force without whom many of Collier County’s Jewish organizations would not have garnered the support they enjoy in the 21st century. “Never Again” on Feb. 6, is the second of our celebratory events. It will be conducted in partnership with the Holocaust Museum of SWFL, honoring exceptional work of Jack Nortman aimed at preserving the lessons of the Holocaust and educating new generations. “No more genocides” is how Nortman summarizes his ongoing efforts to maintain the boxcar as part of the Museum’s exhibits, where hundreds of local students can receive a surreally hands-on experience of the unfortunate treatment to which Jews and other victims of the Nazis and Soviets were subjected throughout World War II, and after it. Please save both dates, we’d love to see you for these unique events at Hilton Naples. Come to toast our local Jewish

honorees, watch the entertaining documentaries detailing their stories and meet local dignitaries and celebrities, who will pop in to take part in festivities. Champaign brunch details will follow. There will be at least two new films added to the Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers film series during the next Hebrew year, the JHSSWF Virtual Museum will undergo a revamp and our education Zoom sessions will continue. Having taken on a task that is important and necessary, we are constantly rewarded and humbled by the excellent support of our community and beyond as we try to move fast and faster with our historical preservation mission. Regrettably, many of our Southwest Floridians belong to the most vulnerable generation and will not be with us forever. Over the summer, we lost one of our Southwest Florida Pioneers, Richard Segalman. A lovely man, Segalman spread sunshine wherever he went and encapsulated it in his many paintings. You too can experience some of his loveliness by watching “Richard Segalman, A Man and His Art” on The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida (JHSSWF) YouTube channel and at the Anu Museum of The Jewish People. We are so lucky to live in the digital age — although we say goodbye to Richard Segalman, we will have him with us forever on film.

Join The Jewish Historical Society of SWFL Help us fulfill our mission of historical preservation and education: family membership is $54; individual membership is $36; and student membership is $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. Contact us at 833-547-7935 (833-JHS-SWFL) or office@jhsswf.org. www.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.

Read the 2021 edition of Connections online at jewishnaples.org/connections

ORGANIZATIONS

September 2021

Federation Star

COLLIER/LEE CHAPTER OF HADASSAH

www.hadassah.org / 518.330.1559

The heart of Hadassah Joyce Toub Collier/Lee Hadassah President

wo days ago, I flew from Fort Myers to Albany, New York, my northern home that I hadn’t been back to since October 2020 because of COVID conditions and a family emergency. Storm conditions delayed the flight. Instead of coming home at 5 p.m., it would be 6 p.m. … no big deal. I alerted friends who were picking me up of the delay, but little did I know that the plane would be diverted to Richmond, Virginia, where we stayed for the next six hours! The crew had timed out and different pilots were flown in from Atlanta to take us the rest of the way! My dear friends drove me home from the airport at 2 a.m.! Walking into my entryway, I saw beautiful plants and thought my driving friends had done this. But no, my New York Hadassah group, unbeknownst to me, had done it! My table was all set up, with chocolate babka cake as a centerpiece. My refrigerator was stocked full of my favorite foods! I am shocked. My Hadassah New York friends were going to surprise me with a welcome home party at around 5 p.m. and waited three hours until they heard the most recent accounting of my flight. I was so surprised, thankful, grateful, totally taken aback — and sorry to disappoint them all because they hadn’t seen my reaction. Why am I telling you all this? What does Hadassah mean to us in America

and globally? The desire to help others to do good, to befriend those who are needy — physically, mentally and emotionally. To be a small part of a very large picture. As a member of this group for 40 years, most of us are/were professionals and desired the close friendships that this organization provided outside of our workplaces. We worked together for a common cause. We raised our children together, went to services together, learned together and helped each other out as needed. I belong to other organizations as well, but none with the tremendous heart that Hadassah has! My Collier/Lee Hadassah Board is as wonderful — many dedicated women bent on getting the job done, creating new activities, helping each other out, anytime, anywhere. Check our upcoming programs in the months to come. Of course, they will be Zoomed according to guidelines from National Hadassah. Besides our Expanding Horizons programs, we have a joint program with the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples in October, a speaker on Hadassah International from National Hadassah in November and a Symposium on Women’s Health and Wellness on Dec. 1. I look forward to you all tuning in! Hadassah members will get more details in their Hadassah Happenings. If you are not a member and want more information, please contact me! As the High Holidays are approaching, I want to wish all of you and your families a wonderful New Year, 5782! May you and your loved ones be inscribed for a year filled with joy, health and peace! L’ Shana Tova.

A. Stephen Kotler BOARD CERTIFIED SPECIALIST IN WILLS, TRUSTS AND ESTATES

• Medicaid Planning • Elder Law and Special Needs Planning • Estate Planning and Probate

Kotler Law Firm P.L. (239) 325-2333

999 VANDERBILT BEACH ROAD, SUITE 200, NAPLES, FL 34108

Israel Advocacy Committee of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

& Collier/Lee Hadassah PRESENT:

Speaker: Dina Kraft Taking a look at “The Branch” Dina Kraft covers Israel and the Palestinian areas for The Christian Science Monitor out of Tel Aviv. She’s a long-time foreign correspondent who began her overseas career in the Jerusalem bureau of The Associated Press. Dina is drawn to stories featuring unlikely connections, dual narratives and the impact of conflict on ordinary lives. She hosted “The Branch” podcast, sponsored by Hadassah, that tells the stories of friendships among Jews and Arabs, Israelis and Palestinians.

Dina will highlight two epsiodes of “The Branch”: Singers in the Rana Choir of Jaffa are Jewish, Christian and Muslim, from different educational and socioeconomic backgrounds and different political outlooks. Note by note and song by song, the choir proves that different voices and views can still join together in harmony. From each side of the Israel-Gaza border, two peace advocates – Rami and Roni -- organize via Skype and WhatsApp, convinced that people-to-people ties can help break the deadlock of decades of cross-border fighting.

Monday, Oct. 25 10:30 am, ET on ZOOM $18 per household

Federation Membership

According to the bylaws of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, members are those individuals who make an annual gift of $36 or more to the Annual Federation Campaign in our community. For more information, please call the Federation ofﬁce at 239-263-4205.

OF GREATER NAPLES

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ORGANIZATIONS

September 2021

JEWISH WAR VETERANS

https://jwvpost202.wordpress.com/ 239.261.3270

Remembering veterans Martin Cohn

Harve Sturm

Vice Commander JWV Post #202

Commander JWV Post #202

ay 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. During the months of May, June and July, JWV Post 202 has been active in the community with our Honor Guard’s proud participation in memorial services for veterans and families throughout Collier County. July 15th was a special day for our Post. We recognized the accomplishments of Rabbi Fishel Zaklos, who is dedicated to the Jewish War Veterans activities in this area, presenting him a plaque at the Chabad Naples Jewish Community Center. On May 31st, a Memorial Day tribute and celebration was conducted at Hodges Memorial Gardens. Chief William Carl, president of Collier County Veterans Council, presided over the event. Over 300 spectators, families

and veterans assembled to honor this special day. Rabbi Fishel was chosen to present the opening benediction and closing invocation at the event. The rabbi was

amazing in his presentation and content and received a standing ovation. This was a special day for JWV Post 202 as it was the first time a rabbi was selected to participate in the annual event. We stand for equality and diversity no matter race, gender, age or religion. It is our duty to advocate for our members and veterans. We owe this to every man and woman who dedicated their lives to defending our great nation.

We welcome those who have served in the U.S. military, combat not required. Nonveterans and friends who are patriotic and dedicated to our values are invited to join us as guests and patron members.

Become a member Contact us at jwvpost202@gmail. com or 239-261-3270 (Harve Sturm, Commander).

JWV presented an award to Rabbi Fishel Zaklos for his devotion and support of our Jewish veterans and community. : (l-r) Joel Treewater, Marty Rubin, Rabbi Fishel, Commander Harve Sturm, Vice Commander Sam Oshry and Vice Commander Earl Taube

AN EGALITARIAN PROGRESSIVE CONGREGATION MEMBER OF THE UNITED SYNAGOGUE OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM

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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September 2021

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HERE for Good! OF GREATER NAPLES

2 0 2 2 A NNUAL COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN

do good

everywhere!

PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT TODAY at https://jewishnaples.org or (239) 263-4205

Federation Star

September 2021

AN NOU NC I NG TH E 2021-2022

Jewish Book Festival!

NOV. 19, 2021 – MARCH 17, 2022 Join us at the Preview Event to see what’s in store for this season’s festival:

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 6 AT 2 P.M. ON ZOOM 17 AUTHORS

15 EVENTS

R E G ISTER AT WWW.JEWIS HNA PLES.ORG

COMMENTARY

Federation Star

September 2021

It’s time to remember Rabbi Adam F. Miller

traveler once heard the tale of Libush, a remarkable town where Shabbat was the most amazing experience that one could have. Wanting to see what all the fuss was about, he set off to discover the secret of Libush. Upon arriving, he learned, to his dismay, that the rabbi credited with the wonderful Shabbat experience left many years before. Very few even remembered the rabbi or if they did, they had trouble recalling the details of the time clearly. After searching the town, the traveler finally found a woman who could remember Shabbat with the rabbi. “Please tell me,” he said, “what was it like to have Shabbat in Libush when the rabbi was here?” “I was just a girl,” she began. “I remember that everything was so chaotic. There were always guests coming to stay and everyone was bumping into everyone else. We all had our tasks and we were focused on going from one responsibility to the next. We would be running around, stepping on each other’s toes and causing quite a commotion. It was a very tense time getting ready for Shabbat and everyone was on edge.” “I don’t understand,” said the man. “What made it so special, so amazing,

with the rabbi? Surely there is something that stands out in your mind.” The woman thought about it for a few moments and then answered, “I only remember that we were always angry at each other. Oh, and every week, we always forgot.” “Forgot what?” “Every week the rabbi would walk in and ask if we remembered. But from one week to the next, we always forgot.” Now desperate to get her answer, the man repeated, “Forgot what?” “We always forgot to let go of the busy work that we were doing. We were so focused on what we each needed to do, that we forgot to pay attention to the other people around us. We forgot about the holy time of Shabbat. As soon as we remembered, we would forgive one another, take a nice deep breath, and then it was Shabbat. Just like that.” The last year and a half, we have been running full speed. At the height of the pandemic, we went from Zoom to Zoom, seeking out as much engagement as we could in a socially distant way. When it came time to go out, we would wear our masks, stand six feet apart, and minimize our interactions as much as possible. Think back to the early COVID-19 trips to the store, when one would stay as far away from others as possible, then wipe down and disinfect every item before it entered our homes. As vaccines became prevalent, and restrictions loosened, we never slowed down. Many transitioned quickly to running

from event to event. Having been forced to stay apart, we eagerly wanted to make up for lost time, rekindling connections and relationships in person. Summertime brought increased travel and family visits, all squished into a short timeframe. All throughout, we have been going — like the people of Libush — without taking time to pause. Finally, the New Year arrives (fittingly on Labor Day, a secular day to rest!). It is time that we remembered. We need to remember to stop; to make time

for the rituals of worship and shofar (in-person or online); to take a deep breath and give thanks for the blessing of another year of life; to ask for forgiveness from those we might have hurt, and to forgive those who transgressed against us; and to embrace the peacefulness, hope and possibility offered by a new year. When we do those things, 5782 will arrive, and it will be amazing. Shanah Tova U’Mtukah. Rabbi Adam F. Miller serves at Temple Shalom.

Are you in your forties or fifties, single and Jewish? Sign up now by emailing: rbialek@jewishnaples.org to meet other Jewish Singles

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PLE A SE B E O U R G U E S T AT SERV ICE S FO R

High Holy Days NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGA CONGREGATION GATTION GA Warm, Reform, Affordable, Adult

COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS

available to anyone who has not joined us before

Previous attendees may purchase tickets for $100 per person

Please contact Rob Obler at 609-577-4559

Rabbi Howard Herman

COMMENTARY

September 2021

Cantorial Soloist Jane Galler

EREV ROSH HASHANAH MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 ROSH HASHANAH TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 KOL NIDRE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 YOM KIPPUR THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 All COVID-19 protocols will be observed

7pm 10am 7pm 10am

Founded in 1998, NJC is a mature congregation offering opportunities for observance, study and fellowship in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Our inspirational and throught-provoking High Holy Days services, led by Rabbi Howard Herman, are infused with beautiful music from Cantorial Soloist Jane Galler, Music Director Alla Gorelick and our choir. Please join us to experience the NJC difference!

NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION A WELCOMING PLACE FOR YOU TO BELONG

6340 Napa Woods Way, Naples

(at Unitarian Universalist Congregation)

naplesjewishcongregation.org

239-431-3858

Send kidsFREE FREE Sendyour your kids Send Sendyour yourkids kidsFREE FREE Jewish books! Jewish books! Jewish Jewishbooks! books! Send your kids FREE Jewish books!

Professionally Professionally Professionally curated, Professionally curated, curated, enjoyable stories curated, enjoyable stories enjoyable stories Professionally for for thethe whole whole curated, enjoyable stories for the whole family family enjoyable stories family for the whole

How many Jews does it take to change Rabbi Howard S. Herman DD

oth incremental and monumental happenings can alter our lives. It can be something as minor as a chance encounter or as major as a pandemic, but when we emerge on the other side, there is no question something has changed. Many people query as to whether the change is good or bad. I, personally, do not believe that we should judge the change because change is inevitable, the only variable being velocity. The question becomes how quickly or slowly are we able to adapt to that change and what can we do to make that alteration a positive force in our life? This is my current mindset as we are about to enter into a period of time known as the Yamim Noraim, the High Holy Days, where we actively look to bring about change. Our sacred texts tell us that changes are possible. It is important to reinvigorate and dedicate ourselves to the possibility and probability of transformation. Our ancestors teach us that an enslaved people need not stay downtrodden forever — they too can become a “kingdom of Priests and a holy nation.” Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, while sacred days of prayer, introspection and holiness, are also marvelous opportunities for change, growth and new perspective. It does not always have to do with sin, regret or error. It has to do with desiring a new healthy balance within one’s life. We human beings often become disengaged by two aspects of change. The first is the inevitable ups and downs. The second is that when we reach our goal, it is only then that we realize we have to continue enabling ourselves to stay there. To maintain the beneficial feeling of growth

and purposefulness that brought us to want change to begin with, we have to keep striving forward. In order to do that, we must put a support system in place. To initiate or encourage change, dramatic, bold steps generally don’t work. The Talmud teaches us, “Tofasta maruba lo tofasta.” (“If you grab too much, you will end up with nothing at all.”) With consistent baby steps sustained over time, there are often meaningful long-term results. The process of change is indeed a process. It doesn’t happen all at once. But once you have begun the process and realize some observable changes, you have to keep at it consistently and in earnest for it to continue. Change requires commitment. You can be inspired by others, but they cannot want the changes for you more than you want them for yourself. So, when is the right time to change for the better? An old tale attributed to Rabbi Israel Salanter tells the story of walking past the home of the town shoemaker one night. Despite the late hour, the shoemaker was still working by the light of a dying candle. When the rabbi asked why he was still at it, the shoemaker said that as long as the candle was burning, it was still possible to accomplish and mend. It dawned on the rabbi, if the shoemaker could work as long as there was light, “why can’t I improve my life as long as I am alive?” It is a unique insight that the light of the candle is an analogy to the light of your life. As long as you are breathing, you have the opportunity to mend your ways and improve your behavior. It is now the season of change. Success in changing comes one step at a time. Come to a decision now and take the control of the life that you want. Don’t procrastinate. As Hillel teaches us, “If not now, when?” Happy New Year. Shanah Tovah Umetukah. Rabbi Howard S. Herman DD serves at Naples Jewish Congregation.

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COMMENTARY

September 2021

Federation Star

Balancing core principles of the Jewish religion Rabbi Ammos Chorny

f anything emerged from the last year, it could be argued we had opportunities to evaluate and formulate a framework to wrestle with our Jewish identity. What brings us together as Jews? How can we chart the future for the 21st century and beyond? From its inception, Jewish religion and identity have been an amalgamation and synthesis of two core principles: peoplehood — defined as a Judaism of belonging; and practice — understood to be Judaism of becoming. Judaism of belonging is about attachment to a people, imagining oneself a member of the community of the descendants of Abraham and those who married or joined them. Jewishness is an existential fact; it is simply who you are. Your people. Your roots. It is not a statement of belief or a reflection of commitment to laws and values. Herein, there are no better or worse Jews; there simply are Jews. Judaism is a modality of being, not of doing. Judaism of becoming, on the other hand, maintains that to be a Jew is not simply who you are, but an expression of what you do and believe; of your commitments and what you strive to become. In this sphere, the defining moment is Sinai, where God becomes the commanding God. A Jew is an active member of a Holy Nation, a people commanded and challenged to live

according to Jewish values, beliefs and traditions, “becoming” because no individual ever fully embodies all of Judaism’s principles and values, but remains embarked on a lifelong journey to aspire to become more. For the most part, rabbis will speak in these terms when we talk about covenant, about relationships and obligations with each other, our community and God; about a search for meaning in our lives and the world. These two principles, belonging and becoming, are meant to complement and complete each other, constituting, together, the meaning of Jewishness. Judaism is at its best when the two exist as parts of a singular larger whole. Jewish identity becomes a challenge and a problem when one tries to exist without the other or the balance is skewed. How do we forge them together? Some suggest we focus on Jewish values, our moral compass. When congregations remain embedded in these values, being a member gives special meaning to one’s life, fostering ways to add meaning and purpose to our very existence. Judaism brings ethics and values to the world aimed at calling to mind the imperative that, because we all have a little bit of God inside and were created in God’s image, we must treat all people fairly. We are commanded to pursue justice with compassion, caring and concern. We seek wisdom to inform our decision-making in pursuing justice, in building community and finding sacred purpose in our lives. We strive for social justice when political culture seems

dysfunctional and the social and environmental threats to the planet grow exponentially every year. Hillel said, “Im ein ani li, mi li? Ucheshe’ani l’atzmi mah ani?” (If I am not for myself, who am I? But if I am only for myself, what do I amount to?) Pirke Avot 1:14. It wasn’t an either/or. It was a both/ and. The first, belonging, is particular — If I am not for myself, who am I? The second, becoming, is covenantal/universal — But if I am only for myself, what do I amount to?

Ann & Sam Varsano

Debbie Zvibleman

Jerry & Honey Sapir

Pinky & Margo Stein

Dena Sklaroff

Les & Betty Schwartz

We have the opportunity to find balance between them. The High Holidays invite us to write the next chapters in our stories — personal, American, Jewish and more — with pride in our unique experiences and a deep sense of what binds us all together. Let us remember, we are at our best when we use our particular traditions to realize the fullness of our universal humanity. Shanah Tova! Rabbi Ammos Chorny serves at Beth Tikvah.

Scott & Cathy Silver

Gail & Jerry Solomon

Amy & Bob Hirsch

Dottie Magen

Read the current and previous editions of the Federation Star online at www.jewishnaples.org

Federation Star

COMMENTARY

September 2021

Embrace the season of hope “Stand Stand Up For Justice” Justice

Application Deadline: February 11, 2022 For the 12th year a grant has been established by the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. The 2022 STAND UP FOR JUSTICE Educator Grant recognizes High School, Middle School and Elementary school educators who are innovative in bringing respect for others’ differences into their activities with students in a transformative, impactful, and caring way. The goal is to create a resource for educators of any discipline to incorporate strategies that promote understanding and respect among students, countering bigotry and bullying. This grant recognizes teachers, guidance counselors, school librarians, media specialists, school psychologists, administrators etc.

Go to:

jewishnaples.org/outreach/educator-award For additional information please contact:

Grant Coordinator, Beth Povlow 239-363-6306 marcopovlow@icloud.com

OF GREATER NAPLES

h s i w e J a u o y e r A H ig h S c h o o l S tu d e n t ? 2 2 0 2 n i g n i t a u d a r G

Rabbi Fishel Zaklos

ing David once called a jeweler and asked him to design a ring that would be his equalizer by bringing him joy when he was sad and ground him when his heart felt haughty. Overwhelmed by the task, the jeweler walked home with stress written all over his face. A young boy noticed him and asked why he was so sad. He brushed the boy off. The boy nudged. Reluctantly, he shared with the boy the seemingly impossible task the king just gave him. The clever boy told him, “Do not worry. Make a beautiful ring and on it engrave these words ‫( גם זה י עבור‬This too will pass). The king will be happy with it.” The fellow prepared such a ring and presented it to King David. The king was mightily impressed and asked him how he came up with this idea. The honest jeweler told the king about the young, clever boy. The king asked him to describe the boy’s features. It soon became apparent that this youngster was the crown prince — and future king — Solomon. The ring worked its magic on the king by always centering him regardless of the circumstances. Although this story happened thousands of years ago, its message could not be more relevant now. We see and have seen loneliness and emotional pain we never thought we’d see in our lifetime. We have witnessed extreme politics taking hold of the national (and global) conversation. We watched in horror as the incredible search teams, both local and abroad (a special shoutout to the incredible team from our Holy Land), searched through the rubble of crushed concrete and crushed dreams, looking for survivors amongst the carnage.

We saw missiles fly above the heads of children in southern and central Israel, taking the lives of innocents. Having suffered through more than a year of a pandemic that has overturned our lives, we now find ourselves facing a new variant which we don’t yet fully understand. We look at all this and ask, “Does this ever end?” “Is life as we knew it forever gone?” “Will we ever move beyond masks, social distancing, pandemic waves and all the havoc they bring?” Although none of us owns King David’s ring, the message of the ring reaches across the centuries with its soft and gentle voice. Let me tell you about King David. For the first two decades of his life, he was ostracized by his own family. As he says in the book of Psalms, “My father and mother have neglected me, yet G-d embraced me.” He was hunted by King Saul. His own son tried to kill him. His enemies were constantly waging war against him. He witnessed the dirtiest politics of his time. He faced endless drama amongst his family. And yet he always took heed of the wise words of his son, King Solomon, that this too will pass. Take this statement to heart. Let it remind you that, no matter what the challenge, it will pass. You will smile again. You will love again! You will overcome this. The best of life is not behind us; it is ahead of us! If I were to summarize this article in one sentence, I’d have to borrow from baseball legend, Yogi Berra, who said, “It ain’t over till it’s over.” We are far from over. Better days are ahead of us! As we anticipate the approach of the High Holidays with their theme of hope and renewal, we pray for better days in the coming year and that Hashem will bring physical, emotional and spiritual healing to our world. May this coming year bring sweetness and love to all. Rabbi Fishel serves at Chabad of Naples.

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PRESENTS: PATRICIA J. ADKINS YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD A one-time award of $2,500 for further education!

TO QUALIFY:

Jewish senior in high school Resident of Collier County Active in a congregation and/or BBYO Strong academic record Active leadership role in the community

Application Deadline: January 1, 2022 For Questions Contact Reneé at rbialek@jewishnaples.org

SIGN UP FOR THE FEDERATION’S WEEKLY COMMUNITY eNEWSLETTER! Get the latest information on upcoming community events and cultural activities, news from Israel and lots more.

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COMMENTARY

September 2021

Federation Star

Eyes on the stars Rabbi Mark Wm. Gross

ublished in Istanbul in 1730, MeiAm Lo’eiz is a comprehensive Torah commentary and compendium of folklore. Maintaining that balance between authentic religion and folk religion, between authority and entertainment, made author Ya’aqov Kuli a virtual tightrope walker. A case in point is his commentary on the six days of creation at the opening of Genesis. Discussing the formation of the celestial luminaries on day four (Genesis 1:14ff ), Rabbi Kuli digresses into an exposition of the 12 sun signs of the Zodiac. This poses a problem, since the concept that our lives are governed by the far-off stars is entirely contrary to our Biblical theology of free will and of personal moral responsibility. But Kuli pulls out of that dive — and steps back from the precipice of pagan heathenism — by casually (but nonetheless emphatically) explaining that any influence the celestial bodies may, in fact, have upon us is merely an attribute endowed upon them by their Creator, to whose will both we and they are subject, which comes under the category of “good save.” But even more to the point, it serves to establish a clear context for ethical monotheists to make passing reference to the signs of the Zodiac without compromising our status as ethical monotheists. The “sun signs” are not an inexorable force influencing our lives, but rather milestone markers on the calendar-clock of the sky. As such, our sages of antiquity and medieval commentators are not shy about invoking the hallmark constellation of the season to derive a topical lesson about the season in question and its moral and spiritual implications. And there are two Zodiac signs, half a year apart, that are most notable in this regard.

The first of them is Aries, “the Ram.” Our rabbis in the Talmud point out that this is the sun sign of early spring, marking the season of Passover. The ancient Egyptians worshipped a panoply of gods and goddesses, with the ram-headed deity of life and fertility being foremost. By slaughtering a lamb under the sign of Aries, our long-ago forebears marked their distinction from those who had enslaved them by affirming that a sheep is just a sheep. As such, the blood of the Passover lamb on our doorposts represented a literal point of departure — not just from servitude to freedom, but from idolatry to monotheism and to a sense of our own greater possibilities. Whether we have made the most of those possibilities is broached half a year later by the current sun sign of Libra, “The Scales.” With Rosh haShanah and Yom Kippur now upon us, the hallmark constellation of the season poses a question On High about how the balance between our worthy and unworthy impulses, between our proper and improper actions. The shofar-blast, Maimonides declares, is a wake-up call to our own personal inventory, while the prayer uN’taneh Toqef affirms that we stand in judgment before the open Book of Life, in which all our works are recorded. That tenuous dynamic is a reminder, if we take the New Year season seriously, that Ya’aqov Kuli was not the only tightrope act in the Jewish world. As we move this month from the solemn challenge of S’lichot to the 10 days of soul work beginning on Rosh haShanah, and beyond the arduous Fast of Atonement to the glorious joy of sukkahbuilding and -sitting, and after that to the jubilant start of a new Torah-reading year, may each step of this sacred journey be one of personal rediscovery. Formed of dust of the Earth and ensouled with God’s Own Breath, may we tread lightly in delicate balance as we walk the Earth with our eyes on the stars. Rabbi Mark Wm. Gross serves at Jewish Congregation of Marco Island.

Jane & Paul Shaw

Abbe & Dr. Elaine Hankin

Stuart & Carol Mest

Les & Gail Nizin

Patti & Sandy Berman

Gale Lazarus

Stanley & Karen Deutsch

MixMingle &

JEWISH SINGLES 55 AND UP DINNER: THE CLUB AT MEDITERRA

Sunday, Sept. 26 at 5:30pm RSVP to programs@jewishnaples.org or sign up via our eblast

Benjamin Dubin & Deedee Remenick

Jeff & Ida Margolis

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Jack & Nancy Wiadro

Federation Star

SYNAGOGUE NEWS

September 2021

TEMPLE SHALOM

www.naplestemple.org / 239.455.3030

TOP Jewish Foundation

Welcome members, old and new Deborah Fidel, Temple Shalom Executive Director

Joel & Susan Pittelman

Don & Sue Zulanch

Rob & Dan Sussman

Bert & Joan Thompson

WCA Board of Directors

Robin & Andy Mintz

Jane Schiff

Kirk Wisemayer & Vivian Wisemayer

f you’ve been in Southwest Florida lately, you know the real estate market is hot, with many new people making Southwest Florida their home. With this influx, our congregation is growing by leaps and bounds. We are blessed to have many new members, including young families, and look forward to welcoming them to our programs. When visitors to Temple Shalom walk in the door, they immediately feel the youthful energy and vitality. There were so many smiling faces here over the summer. The enrollment for our summer children’s program, Camp Shalom, was almost double what we expected! From animal encounters and science experiments to cooking classes and “visiting” Israel and other countries around the world, the seven weeks of Camp Shalom were filled with excitement. As we transition into the upcoming preschool year, we are adding new classrooms to meet growing demand. Preschool visitors are impressed by the new gymnastics/tumbling area, called Kef Shalom (Hebrew for Fun at Shalom!), presentations by scientists from Super Science & Amazing Art of Naples, a new and improved Storyland library and the children’s “shopping trips” to the Markolit (Hebrew for minimarket), where they learn while using their imaginations and play. YESh, (Youth Engagement at Shalom) is gearing up for a great year. Exciting Judaic and Hebrew programs are planned, as well as family programs, community service field trips and some engaging, new electives for students. For registration and more information, visit the YESh page under the learning tab at www.Naples Temple.org. We are also welcoming new members without

children at home. People join Temple for many reasons, including a desire to meet other Jewish people in Naples, study with our clergy and worship in our newly renovated Sanctuary. There is something for everyone at Temple Shalom — Sisterhood, Men’s Club, the social action committee (Tikkun Olam Council), havurahs (small groups), adult learning, Shabbat and holiday services, and so much more! As we return to in-person activities, there will be more opportunities for longtime members and newcomers to get involved. If you are thinking about joining a synagogue, we invite you to check us out. We believe in being welcoming and inclusive — no one should face barriers to being part of our congregation. Instead of paying an assigned fixed dues amount, you pledge the amount you wish to contribute as your annual financial commitment each July. Please call with any questions or come visit Temple Shalom. We will be happy to show you around and help you see why we truly are “One Family.”

SYNAGOGUE NEWS

Federation Star

September 2021

NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION

www.naplesjewishcongregation.org / 239.431.3858

A different High Holidays in 2021 — again Roberta Obler President

his month, we celebrate the High Holidays of Judaism, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This is a time for us to renew our spirit, ask for forgiveness and look forward to a new year. In years past, I recall celebrations with the whole extended family and friends, with a festive meal and high hopes for

the coming year. Last year, this was not possible because of travel restrictions and concerns about COVID-19. We missed the camaraderie of seeing our friends in shul. We hoped that next year would be ‘normal.’ These holidays are coming at a time when we are once again in crisis. In early July, we thought we were finally coming out of the 18-month nightmare of COVID-19. By late July, we were beginning to see the surge of the delta variant and by the first week of August, it was looking like it did at the height of the pandemic. It moved so quickly, we could hardly believe it. Again, we are looking at a year that may not be ‘normal.’

BETH TIKVAH

So here we are, wearing masks again, keeping our distance and having reduced capacity in some gatherings, such as services. We thought this holiday time would be ‘normal.’ Instead, we are taking nearly the same precautions as before. We have to remember that wearing, or not wearing, masks falls into the “love thy neighbor” category. Wearing a mask not only protects you, it also protects the people with whom you share your life — your family, your friends, your colleagues and even people you pass on the street whom you don’t know. It’s about all of us being concerned for the people we know and love, and those we only know in passing.

We can only hope the delta variant is controlled soon and there are no more variants after this. However, viruses need a host to mutate. As long as people are not vaccinated, do not wear masks and keep getting COVID, there are likely to be more variants in never-ending cycles of illness and recovery. Please make it a commitment as part of this holiday season to do everything you can to avoid getting and spreading disease. May we all be sealed in the book of life for the new year. L’shana tova.

www.bethtikvahnaples.org / 239.434.1818

Are we there yet? Steven Chizzik President

re we there yet? Yes, that’s the question everyone asks when you set out on a journey. I am happy to report that yes, we have arrived. So much had to be done and so many changes and adaptations had to be made along the way, but yes, we have arrived! There is so much energy at Beth Tikvah. Those of us who have been attending services since the in-person reopening are feeling it. I even think those attending via Zoom can feel the increase of energy. There is real “Ruach” during each Shabbat service! And there is real “Ruach” after the service as we have resumed a modified kiddush that has allowed us to socialize with our friends once again. I want to especially thank our Reopening Task Force for its wisdom in making sure all attendees are vaccinated. It has allowed everyone in attendance to feel safe. We can’t wait for our Beth Tikvah family to enter our synagogue for the upcoming High Holidays. In addition to the Sanctuary being more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable, we expect our Holiday services to be quite memorable. Rabbi Chorny will continue to inspire us with his wisdom as he has done each year. In addition, we are very privileged to have Cantor Norman Brody joining us. Cantor Brody is a very accomplished Chazan who will bring his beautiful voice to our Holiday services. I know everyone

will be excited to pray together and listen to our dynamic duo! An enormous effort has also been made to bring great programming to Beth Tikvah. Please keep Sunday afternoon, Dec. 5 clear on your calendar. State attorney for the 13th District of Florida (Tampa area), Andrew Warren, will be at Beth Tikvah to discuss antisemitism. I’ve had the privilege of listening to State Attorney Warren speak on this topic. I can only say he was so dynamic that I immediately asked him to come to Beth Tikvah. This event will be co-sponsored by the 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. There are many people working very hard to make Beth Tikvah a very special place; it is truly a team effort. We always have room for more people to participate. If you have energy and a few available hours, please let me know. We could 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. We are all ambassadors for Beth Tikvah. If you know a friend or a Jewish resident in your development who might want to experience the warmth and community found at Beth Tikvah, please invite them to come experience our special congregation. I look forward to seeing everyone at our High Holiday services either in person or by Zoom. Please also consider joining us for our Break Fast following the Neilah service on Yom Kippur. L’Shanah Tovah U’Metukah, a sweet and healthy New Year to all!

Opinions and letters printed in the Federation Star do not necessarily reflect those of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers.

High Holy Days Services Monday, Sept. 6 at 6:15 p.m. – Erev Rosh Hashana Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 9 a.m. – Rosh Hashana Wednesday, Sept. 8 at 9 a.m. – Rosh Hashana Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 6:15 p.m. – Kol Nidre Thursday, Sept. 16 at 9 a.m. – Yom Kipper

Thursday, Sept. 16 at 8:30 p.m. – Break Fast Monday, Sept. 20 at 6:15 p.m. – Erev Succot Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 9:30 a.m. – Succot Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 6:15 p.m. – Simchat Torah Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 9:30 a.m. – Yizkor

PRESENTS ISRAEL ADVOCACY A FREE PROGRAM! COMMITTEE Sept. 20 at noon (ET) OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER NAPLES

A Passion for ISRAEL

Adventures of a Sar-El Volunteer

by Mark Werner Book Synopsis:

A Passion for ISRAEL

Adventures of a Sar-El Volunteer

Mark Werner

What would motivate a successful corporate lawyer to trade in his comfortable life in America for three weeks every year to volunteer for manual labor on Israeli military bases? Mark Werner, son of a Holocaust survivor, answers this question in his book by describing the benefits which volunteers in the Sar-el program reap, including the camaraderie which develops between the volunteers and the soldiers with whom they work side-by-side. Mark, a Raleigh resident, is the national president of Volunteers For Israel, the U.S. organization which sends American volunteers to Israel to work in the Sar-el program.

Mark Werner is a retired attorney. A graduate of Haverford College and the University of Pennsylvania Law School, he served as Chief Legal Officer of GlaxoSmithKline (USA). Mark has volunteered on Israeli military bases for each of the past 18 years. He is currently the President of Volunteers for Israel, the organization that enables him and other Americans to serve as civilian volunteers on Israeli military bases. Mark will speak about his latest book, A Passion For Israel: Adventures of a Sar-el Volunteer, which describes his adventures on his most recent 14 volunteer experiences on IDF bases.

OF GREATER NAPLES

Federation Star

SYNAGOGUE NEWS

September 2021

www.chabadnaples.com / 239.262.4474

CHABAD JEWISH CENTER OF NAPLES

High Holidays Rabbi Fishel Zaklos

eeping in mind that our current situation requires us to be fluid and flexible, your Naples Chabad family will offer multiple options for the High Holidays — we’re calling it “Choose Your Own High Holiday Adventure!” We have something for everyone: • Virtual pre-High Holiday inspiration • A DIY guide, which will help you cover all the bases and, we hope, imbue this special time of year with an added element of sweetness. Call the office if you would like this or if you need a Machzor or a prayer book. • Holiday round challah, apple and honey drive-by pick up Monday, Sept. 6 at 3 p.m. • Shofar blowing in the park. Enjoy traditional holiday songs in the beautiful outdoors and pickup a delicious honey cake to go! Sept. 7, 4-5 p.m. at Cambier Park. We are here for you before the holidays. If you know someone who needs a visit or a smile — we are happy to help. For those in need, we will once

again send kosher meals to the elderly, ill and homebound. This year’s blessing is for all to continue supporting each other, drawing on inner strength to combat this virus pandemic and strive for world peace. May Hashem continue to look over us kindly and to remind us of the faith and hope that the Jewish people have always drawn on for survival throughout troubled times. For further details about services, contact the Chabad office.

The ﬂying challah and kosher meals from the heart Each week, we send out smiles with an uplifting message in the form of a tasty fresh challah. Nominate a recipient by sending us an email, and we will have it delivered.

Minyan If you have a yahrzeit or need to say Kaddish, we are always here to help make a minyan during the week.

Four Torahs As you may know, we have recently come into the possession of four Torahs, which require restoration and repair to make them kosher. Helping in this effort is a unique opportunity to

celebrate the High Holiday season with your family and participate in some Chabad history.

Partner Project Here is your very special opportunity to share in all the amazing projects we offer to the community. Join our Partner Project and choose how you wish to participate — no pressure!

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

Shabbat services Join us for uplifting Shabbat services held every Saturday morning beginning at 10 a.m. The Torah service begins at 11 a.m. and includes the rabbi’s insights, which always has a contemporary, meaningful and relevant message.

Hebrew school Having just celebrated graduation, we are beginning to enroll students for next year’s in-person classes, providing the best in Hebrew language and religious education available. We suggest early registration to reserve a place for your children. Contact 239262-4474 or office@chabadnaples.com.

Bat & Bar Mitzvahs We have been so fortunate to celebrate twice in June and twice in July, with the promise of many more as our students mature. We are blessed to have a great team of teachers, Rabbi Kawaler and Morah Adi Indianer, to assist the children as they become part of a special club to learn more about their Jewish heritage and culture. Contact our office at office@chabadnaples.com for more information.

Videos Reach out to office@chabadnaples. com to be placed on the weekly video email list. You can also view the past 12 months’ worth of videos at www.chabad naples.com.

Preschool of the Arts Space may be limited in this very popular, amazing experience for your children. For more information, visit naplespreschoolofthearts.com or call 239-263-2620.

Weekly email and mailing list To be added to our weekly updates and mailing list, call 239-262-4474 or email office@chabadnaples.com.

Thank You! Jewish Book Festival Committee We greatly appreciate your support!

Author Review Team: Jan Goldman & Carol Hirsch Book Review Specialist: Carole Greene Tracy Askotzky Emily Berkowitz Patti Boochever Steve Brazina Louise Forman Spencer Forman Judith Finer Freedman Sherry Greenfield

Lenore Greenstein Ronna Hain Bobbie Katz Ida Margolis Jeff Margolis Robin Mintz Susan Pittelman Irene Pomerantz Estelle Rauch

Book Festival Chair: Gayle Dorio Program Director: Reneé Bialek

Gale Schulman Dina Shein Iris Shur Linda Simon Marc Simon Elaine Soffer Phyllis Strome Steve Yussen

OF GREATER NAPLES

SYNAGOGUE NEWS

September 2021

CHABAD OF BONITA SPRINGS AND ESTERO

Federation Star

www.jewishbonita.com / 239-949-6900

Join us in celebrating Rosh Hashanah By Rabbi Mendy & Luba Greenberg, Co-directors

habad of Bonita Springs and Estero, led by Rabbi Mendy and Luba Greenberg, welcomes Jews from all backgrounds. You do not need to be a member to join our services or programs.

Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur services Please log on to www. jewishbonita.com for full schedule and to RSVP.

Rosh Hashana dinner experience First Night of Rosh Hashanah Monday, Sept. 6 at 7:45 p.m. (limited capacity) Join us for our annual Rosh Hashanah Dinner. Celebrate the New Year with a scrumptious holiday feast together with the community – our extended family. Enjoy succulent Iowa beef brisket paired with fine kosher wines – our famous matzah ball chicken soup and appetizing salads and kugels. Sing along to Jewish song classics and rejoice in the heritage of our people. RSVP at www.jewishbonita. com/rhdinner.

Please call 239-949-6900, email jli@jewishbonita.com or sign up at www.myjli.com/learn/bonita.

programs offered by Chabad. Hours are by appointment.

Community Friday Night Shabbat Dinners

We operate an independent center servicing the Jewish students at FGCU, now led by Rabbi Mendel and Shtenie Gordon. Visit www.chabadFGCU.com for more information.

2nd Friday night of each month, commencing in October.

Daily services Every Sunday at 9 a.m. Monday through Friday at 8 a.m.

Shabbat Services

Outdoor services including Shofar and Tashlich – Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 6 p.m.

10 a.m. Torah reading at 11:15 a.m. Sermon at 11:45 a.m. Kiddush & Lunch at 12:30 p.m.

Sukkos Dinner

Ongoing adult education

Tashlich/shofar service

A traveling Sukkah will make its way throughout communities in Bonita Springs and Estero. To schedule a visit to your home, please call us at 239-949-6900.

We are currently offering some classes in person as well as via Zoom. • Chassidic philosophy: Every morning, one-half hour before services • Torah class: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. • Zoom class: Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. • One-on-one classes: Study Talmud, Jewish mysticism or subject of your choice by calling or emailing.

JLI adult education

Kosher Meals on Wheels

Shabbat dinner under the stars in our beautiful Sukkah – Friday, Sept. 24 at 6:30 p.m. Call to RSVP.

Sukkah on the go

Please join Rabbi Mendy Greenberg for a remarkable, new four week course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute.

Outsmarting antisemitism It’s hard to outrun it. It’s time to outsmart it. Against the backdrop of a recent uptick in antisemitism and the increased anxiety it has brought to the Jewish community, this course sets out to beat this age-old cancer — with purpose, positivity and pride. Marshaling historical analysis, Talmudic sources, Jewish mysticism and contemporary expert analysis, the four lessons of this course provide insight, perspective, practical direction and personal reassurance to motivate and inspire proud, fearless Jewish life. Four Tuesday evenings, starting Tuesday, Oct. 19, 7:30 - 9 p.m.

The Kosher Meals on Wheels program will deliver nutritious kosher meals to homebound seniors and disabled individuals in the Jewish community. If you, or someone you know, may benefit from this program, please call or email us.

Kosher grocery store Bonita Kosher Market features an extensive line of kosher meats, chicken, deli, dairy, groceries, bakery goods and more. Our goal is to serve the community and help make it easier to keep kosher. To that end, we are committed to keeping our prices very reasonable and our overhead as low as possible. Shoppers will also be doing a Mitzvah each time they shop, as proceeds will go to further the

Jewish Center at FGCU

Location Chabad of Bonita Springs and Estero is located at 24611 Production Circle in Bonita Springs, facing U.S. 41, just north of Old 41. For more information, please call us at 239-949-6900, email chabad@ jewishbonita.com or check out our website at www.Jewishbonita.com.

Federation Star

September 2021

FOCUS ON YOUTH

Developing leaders By Jessica Zimmerman, Regional Director, North Florida Region

halom Naples! We are so excited that BBYO is back and stronger than ever in Southwest Florida. Our community sent five teens to BBYO domestic summer programs this past summer. One of those teens, Kylie Bell, shares her experience with us in this month’s column.

I’m Kylie Bell, and I’m the 2021 fall term N’siah (President) of Mishpacha BBG, North Florida Region’s Naples BBG chapter. Over the summer, I had the privilege of attending the Chapter Leadership Training Conference (CLTC), a BBYO summer experience leadership camp. Ever since learning about CLTC, I’ve wanted to go. BBYO has been a passion of mine for the last few years and that passion has grown even more because of my time at the leadership conference. I spent 12 days in Poyntelle, Pennsylvania learning leadership and life skills while making lifelong friends. While there, I brainstormed with other Jewish teens on how to create successful programs, including how to make them engaging for all members and how to correctly host them.

Programming is a vital we in a COVID pod together, part of the organization. Since but we made the most of it by beginning my own BBG meeting new people. Both of journey in 8th grade, I’ve been us grew closer to the girls in our fortunate to attend several cabins as well as the AZA boys. local, regional, national and When our pods were finally international events. CLTC able to commingle, we each taught me that even small introduced all of the friends programs can have an amazwe’d made, and our friend Jessica ing outcome. Additionally, groups grew larger. Zimmerman I learned how to improve Making new JewNaples’ small chapters and how to ish friends and creating memories increase membership. with them was my favorite part of Inclusivity was one of the themes at CLTC. I’ll miss the cabin story “tells” CLTC. We had the unique opportunity at 1 a.m., filming weird TikToks, talkto watch the movie, “The Hate U Give,” ing about life problems and taking followed by a recorded interview with funny photos. the screenwriter. Afterwards, our cabins I believe that every BBYO member discussed how the movie related to the should have the opportunity to attend world today. In BBYO, we talk about a BBYO summer experience. Everyone the world’s problems and how it affects who attends CLTC comes back with us. Making our chapters inclusive is a a different story to share about their priority in BBYO. experience and how it positively shaped Another theme at CLTC was sisterthem as a person. Attending CLTC comhood. My cabin was made up of the most pletely changed me. Going in, I was so amazing 13 girls I’ve ever met. nervous, but as soon as I got there, I felt We quickly bonded with each immediately welcomed. other. Now I can say I have I would like to thank Jewish Fedfriends in north Texas and eration of Greater Naples and BBYO. the Denver, Colorado area. In Without these organizations’ support, I fact, I made friends from all wouldn’t have been able to attend. As a over the international order. result of the conference, I will be a stronI’m already counting down ger leader and my passion for BBYO will the days until February’s never stop growing. BBYO International ConI can’t wait to utilize everything I vention in Baltimore, when learned at CLTC with the Naples chapters I’ll see my friends again. If I this year. hadn’t attended, I wouldn’t To help more teens like Kylie attend sumhave met them. mer programs and assist our community to I traveled to CLTC with host epic Jewish programming in the Greater my close friend and MishNaples community, consider donating to pacha, BBG’s S’ganit (Vice Naples BBYO’s fundraising effort. You President), Elinor Levy. We can find us on the web at https://fan.bbyo. didn’t share a cabin nor were org/support/donate/nfr or you can send a check directly to headquarters at Naples BBYO, 800 Eighth Street NW, Washington, DC 20001. Naples teens gather every Wednesday at the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples from 7 to 8 p.m. for programming, all teen led. We are kicking off the year by taking in the sunset from kayaks and paddleboards at Lowdermilk Beach Park from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 5. All eighth- through twelfth-grade Jewish teens in Southwest Florida are invited and encouraged to attend this epic event. You can find more information at https://bbyo.org/bbyo-near-you/regions/ north-florida-region/fall-kickoff-southwatersports-and-sunset. Or feel free to email me at jesszimmerman@bbyo.org.

FOCUS ON YOUTH

Federation Star

September 2021

PRESCHOOL OF THE ARTS

www.chabadnaples.com / 239.262.4474

Ultimate early childhood experiences By Ettie Zaklos, Preschool of the Arts Founder & Director

ince we founded Preschool of the Arts 11 years ago, we have prided ourselves on our ability to give the children who walk through our doors every opportunity for success in learning and in life. Our goal is to not only introduce our students to the wonders of the world around them but open their eyes to infinite possibilities. Every day, we strive to cultivate each of our student’s intellectual, emotional, social and moral potential. The exceptional individualized care that we invest in every single child, from when they walk in the door as a toddler until the day they walk out as a capable and school-ready student, is truly one-of-a-kind. Step onto our beautiful state-of-the-art campus and you are no longer just a face in a crowd; you and your child are important individuals who make up the mosaic of our unique community. Our very successful Summer of the Arts program was bigger and better than ever this year, providing the ultimate summer experience for dozens of young Neapolitans, ages 18 months to 8 years. Offering a treasure trove of customtailored activities, both classic and innovative, the one-of-a-kind program allowed campers to experience summer the way it should be — exciting, relaxing, eye-opening and forever a source of childhood’s best memories. As we approach the new school year, we are not satisfied to rest on our laurels. Every year, we seek out innovative, new resources to make our students’ early childhood experiences even better. This year, we are thrilled to add soccer and yoga to enhance our already extensive special programming, which includes music, visual arts, culinary arts, golf, tennis, basketball, gardening, science, Spanish and Little Explorers. At POTA, we utilize our own educational experts to develop a curriculum

that is exclusively designed for our students. This one-of-a-kind curriculum is specially designed to be implemented in our school using our wonderful resources, such as the Children’s Marketplace, the Nature Playscape, Garden of the Arts and the brand-new indoor and outdoor Studio of the Arts. This year, our pedagogical focus is on project-based learning, a Reggio-inspired technique that builds a thematic learning unit out of the interests of the children. During each learning unit, children investigate and construct things that bring meaning to their study. Children then represent what they’ve learned through art, music, stories, plays or other modes of expression. This method of learning incorporates Florida state educational standards as well as the multiple intelligences approach. As an example, we love celebrating the Jewish holiday season with our students, marking special days and learning all about our beautiful traditions. In keeping with the Rosh Hashanah theme, our school welcomes a local beekeeper who brings in thousands of buzzing bees for an incredible handson experience that teaches the children about bees’ habitats and honey-making ability. The children help extract the honey from the beekeeper’s cylinder and collect it in their very own jar of honey that

they design. Then, using the fresh honey, children get to bake delicious honey cake in our Little Chefs program! Our innovative programs and incredible staff are an open Naples secret, and our award-winning preschool is growing exponentially every year. We are proud to welcome many new and returning students this year, as our classes have reached full capacity, with an eager wait list. It is an honor to provide a top-notch preschool experience for our local Naples children. We are excited for the school year ahead and look forward to sharing our highlights along the way. For more information or to schedule a tour, please call 239-262-4474 or visit our website at www.NaplesPreschoolof theArts.com.

Jewish 20

-40 year

olds!

The Jewish Young Professionals of Greater Naples invite you to come socialize! Please email or call Renee’ to be added to the roster. rbialek@jewishnaples.org 239-263-4205

Jewish Young Professionals

Activities include: • Happy Hour We wa • Game Night n y our su t to hear • Movie Night g and id gestions • Shabbat Services e upcom as for • Volunteering ing ev ents! • Holiday Parties • Zoom Meet & Greets • and more! OF GREATER NAPLES

Federation Star

FOCUS ON YOUTH

September 2021

TEMPLE SHALOM PRESCHOOL

www.naplestemple.org / 239.455.3030

Celebrating new additions to Temple Shalom Preschool By Rabbi Ariel Boxman, Director of Lifelong Learning

s Rosh Hashanah approaches and we celebrate the Jewish New Year, we are also celebrating some new additions to our preschool! Over the summer, we not only added some new enrichment spaces and programs, but our building received a beautiful renovation! We are most excited about the following:

Kef Shalom (tumbling gym) In order to provide indoor physical and sensory development opportunities for our students, we built a tumbling gym in the Multipurpose Room. This gym is outfitted with padded flooring, a gymnastics bar, a balance beam and tons of plush

toys to climb on and play with. While this gym will be used mainly for preschool, it will also be used for Shalom Yeladim (Sunday program for young families) and Shabbat ShaPLAY (Shabbat program for young families).

of education. This program enables children to attend a quality preschool in order to prepare them for kindergarten. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to participate as a VPK provider in Florida and look forward to a wonderful year ahead.

Makers space (art room) Creative expression is of fundamental importance in our preschool curriculum. In order to aid our students in developing their creative genius, we have designed an enrichment center for them to create, imagine and build with open-ended materials. Check out all the exciting supplies we have gathered for our students to utilize!

Hallway renovation

VPK program (voluntary pre-kindergarten) For the first time in Temple Shalom Preschool history, we are offering the state-funded VPK program for 4-yearold children. Families are able to send their children to our school and submit their VPK voucher for three free hours

Our preschool hallways received a beautiful upgrade as we finally said goodbye to carpet and replaced our hallway floors with laminate tiles. We are loving the fresh look! We are very pleased with our updates and renovations and are looking forward to a wonderful school year ahead. Our classrooms are full, students are happy, and the sound of learning fills the hallway! I wish you all a Shana Tova and a year full of happiness, peace and joy.

Candle lighting times Sept. 3: Sept. 6: Sept. 7: Sept. 10: Sept. 15: Sept. 17: Sept. 20: Sept. 21: Sept. 24: Sept. 27: Sept. 28:

7:26 p.m. 7:22 p.m. Eve of First day Rosh Hashanah 8:14 p.m. Eve of Second day Rosh Hashanah 7:18 p.m. 7:12 p.m. Eve of Yom Kippur 7:10 p.m. 7:07 p.m. Eve of First day Sukkot 7:07 p.m. Eve of Second day Sukkot 7:02 p.m. 6:59 p.m. Eve of Shemini Atzeret 7:50 p.m. Eve of Simchat Torah

Federation Star Publication Policy The Federation Star is a subsidized arm of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples (JFGN). Its purpose and function is to publicize the activities and programs of Federation, and to publicize the ongoing activities of the established and recognized Jewish organizations in Greater Naples. The goal of 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 on 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 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 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 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

September 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 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

TOP Jewish oundation helps our partners - organizations and individual donors ust like you - to ake the ost of their charita le dollars. We offer each donor creative philanthropic solutions and white-glove service.

It is through your generosity that our entire community can continue to grow in strength.

Shana Tova!

(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 6:15 p.m. Saturday mornings 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.)

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples Phone: 263.4205  Fax: 263.3813 Website: www.jewishnaples.org Email: info@jewishnaples.org • 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 Exec. Dir.: Dina Ben Ari, 305.354.8233

GenShoah SWFL 263.9200

Collier/Lee Chapter of Hadassah President: Joyce Toub, 518.330.1559

Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center

Chairperson: Stuart Price President/CEO: Susan Suarez, 263.9200

Israel Bonds

Monica DiGiovanni, 727.282.1124

Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida President: Marina Berkovich, 566.1771

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

WWW.TOPJEWISHFOUNDATION.ORG

Together, we are ensuring a Jewish future. The Federation Star is published monthly, September through July, by Jewish Federation of Greater Naples 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 Challah of Love Community Events Daily Minyan Services Hebrew School Kosher Grocery Kosher Meals on Wheels Smile on Seniors

Publisher: Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

Volume 31, No. 1 • September 2021 • 44 pages USPS Permit No. 1101

Editor: Sharon Hood • 239.591.2709 • sharon@marketcrank.com Design: MarketCrank, Inc. Advertising: Joy Walker • 941.284.0520 October 2021 Issue Deadlines: Editorial: September 3 • Advertising: September 9 Send news stories to: sharon@marketcrank.com

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: Prentiss Higgins President/CEO: Dr. Jaclynn Faﬀer

Women’s Cultural Alliance

President: Patti Boochever, 518.852.3440

Zionist Organization of America President: Jerry Sobel, 914.329.1024

Federation Star

September 2021

DOUBLE your Capital Campaign contribution with a

CHALLENGE MATCHING GRANT opportunity!

OF GREATER NAPLES

DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT WITH A FIRST-TIME GIFT OR AN INCREASE TO YOUR CONTRIBUTION. Call Marcy Friedland at 239-263-4205 Or pledge online at www.jewishnaples.com

Federation Star - September 2021

Articles inside

Celebrating new additions to Temple Shalom Preschool

Ultimate early childhood experiences

Developing leaders

Join us in celebrating Rosh Hashanah

High Holidays

Are we there yet?

A different High Holidays in 2021 — again

Welcome members, old and new

Eyes on the stars

Embrace the season of hope

Balancing core principles of the Jewish religion

How many Jews does it take to change

It’s time to remember

Remembering veterans

The heart of Hadassah

New year, new developments

President Biden nominates Professor Lipstadt to monitor and combat antisemitism

Conversations on Zionism: reclaiming the narrative

My teen self would be proud of my adult work to strengthen Israel

Iranian Muslim dissidents and activists meet IDF soldiers on Lebanon’s border

Handing out cash to the grandkids – Is there a better way?

Traditional Honey Cake goes modern

Emmys, new series and a movie, a little catch-up

Tfillah and Shirah — two legs of the spiritual throne

Temple Shalom events open to the community

Naples Senior Center reopens and looks to future

Building respect through empathy

Are you ready for the new season? WCA is!

Debunking the myths of retirement communities

We are back

L’Shanah Tovah from MCA

Inside Israeli innovations

Israel Advocacy Committee plans upcoming season

Kristallnacht 2021 Commemoration

Volunteers are needed to join the Jewish Community Relations Council

A new year and Here for Good

Get ready for the 7th Jewish Book Festival!

Coming now … and next month

Programs for everyone

And the seasons go round and round

Participating in the community to better humanity

Your support makes our new cultural center possible

Capital Campaign challenge matching grant