A month of introspection

Marina Berkovich, JHSSWF President

The upcoming month of Elul is when the tradition of stocktaking kicks in. As does anxiety. Do I still have enough time to … you fill in the blank, because we all get that nagging urge to finish everything we have put off for tomorrow, before Tishri, the month of renewal makes its entry. This urgency has become especially true here in Florida, since the season will be upon us in no time and most full-timers understand the impact of both its disruption and benefits on our “normal.”

Every year, like other organizations and groups in Southwest Florida, we try to catch up and plan something special for the upcoming season. Not because we want to compete with the Joneses, but because summertime makes some additional research possible and we are eager to share it with you during our educational and entertaining programs.

Presentations you can book

We now have the following presentations we can bring to your communities: History Jews of Ukraine, The Jewish Confederates, Jews of The Caribbean, In Denial, Jews of Italy, Jews of the USSR and, of course, our infamous Partly Speculative Jewish History of Southwest Florida. Contact us for more information or to book.

Local Jewish History Film Festival

The Third Local Jewish History Film Festival will take place on Oct. 30, Nov. 4, Nov. 19 and Dec. 5, and will offer the mix of popular and brand-new films, produced specially for JHSSWF. You will not want to miss the release of “Becoming JFGN,” a three-film documentary history of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. As always in our Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers films, eyewitnesses tell this fascinating story of the transformation Naples, Florida made from a community that was pretty much closed off to the Jews into the contemporary thriving multi-faceted Jewish “homestead” with a reputation reaching to all corners of the U.S. and Canada and into which so many are now moving.

These films will be an absolute hit with old-timers, but the newcomers will learn so much. It has been an ongoing challenge to both Jewish and non-Jewish Southwest Florida to pass on history and ideals of yesteryear to a constantly refreshing population who are frequently unfamiliar with local history and who are bringing projects from “back home.” Wouldn’t it be best to get awareness before embarking on the next adventure? Exchange ideas and expertise; merge efforts instead of replicating them? We invite you to attend all four dates, but you can choose as many as you’d like.

Florida Jewish History Month

Our Annual Florida Jewish History Month Celebration and Fundraiser event will take place on Jan. 14, 2025 at 3 p.m. Every year, we strive to bring educational materials to your attention in an entertaining format. We immerse you in history so you can appreciate the newness of Southwest Florida and compare it to places you’ve lived before. Tea with History will be a very special event with Co-chairs Monica Goodwin, Ellen Frankel and Elena Novik. Come dressed for tea — wearing your fascinator if you wish — ready to meet interesting people and enjoy delicious tea-time fare. Come chit-chat with friends, local historical figures and characters who may pop in just to share their stories.

Support The Jewish Historical Society of SWFL research, future films, events and presentations. Donate online, by mail or contact us at office@jhsswf.org. We can be reached at The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida, 8805 Tamiami Trail North, Suite #255, Naples FL 34108, 833-547-7935 (833-JHS-SWFL) www.jhsswf.org, office@jhsswf.org.

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