SYNAGOGUE NEWS
Federation Star
September 2021
NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION
37
www.naplesjewishcongregation.org / 239.431.3858
A different High Holidays in 2021 — again Roberta Obler President
T
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
A
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.
REGISTER: on our eblast or at www.jewishnaples.org
OF GREATER NAPLES
