Join us in our mission

Charles Flum, President

As an organization, we need to know where we are and where we are going. That is why we created a mission statement to be our overall guide: “Naples Jewish Congregation (NJC) is an inclusive, vibrant Reform congregation serving Southwest Florida. We embrace diversity, spirituality, friendship, learning and social justice.” Below are examples of how we are working to be true to this mission statement.

Diversity

We welcome all to “The Small Temple with a Big Heart.” Jew, non-Jew, LGBTQ; in fact, people of any kind will be included in our family.

Spirituality

Why don’t you come and worship with us on the High Holidays and throughout the year? If you have never attended High Holiday services with us, there is no cost. If you have come in a previous year, the cost is $100. In either case, please register at office@naplesjewishcongregation.org to let us know you are coming and let us know if this is your first time or you have come before.

Friendship

We Flamingle nearly every month. This is a gathering of congregants in various venues to enjoy different experiences while getting to know each other better.

Learning

We have a fabulous adult education program, thanks to our very erudite Rabbi Herman. All are at 5 p.m., followed by a low-cost light supper and services. More information is on our website, naplesjewish congegation.org. Come join us. His topics this year are:

• Wise aging with joy and resilience and spirit (Oct. 13)

• Sinning for God – when do the ends justify the means? (Nov. 10)

• Who is righteous? (Dec. 15)

• Jewpernatural – signs, spirits and superstition in Jewish life (Jan. 19)

• Is democracy in danger in Israel? (Feb. 23)

• What is “truth” – can we know it in more than words? (March 22)

Social justice

Social justice or Tikun Olam, repairing the world, is not only a core value for us, but also a core value for Judaism. We practice this in many ways. On Rosh Hashanah, we have a clothing drive and, on Yom Kippur, we have a food drive, both to aid the less fortunate in our community. We also help make the world a better place by being election poll watchers, helping to ensure fair elections.

Last year, and again this year, congregants are painting bowls for the Empty Bowls organization. The bowls will be sold so the proceeds can help alleviate hunger. From their website — “Empty Bowls is a grassroots movement by artists and crafts people in cities and towns around the world to raise money for food-related charities to care for and feed the hungry in their communities.”

I urge you to go to naplesjewish congregation.org to see what we are doing and come join us. I look forward to greeting you at any of our services.