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JEWISH NEWS JEWISHJACKSONVILLE.ORG | VOL. 31 NO. 11 | AUGUST 2018
New faces of Federation
Lauren Rickoff
Kellie Kelleher-Smith
Faye Hedrick
By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville
30 years of the JCA By Jewish Community Alliance
August 28, 2018 marks thirty years since the JCA opened its doors to the Jacksonville community and became the cornerstone of Jewish Life in Jacksonville. The JCA serves as the common meeting ground for the entire Jewish community to experience exceptional programming that changes lives and truly makes a difference in Jacksonville. Each day, hundreds of people from diverse backgrounds walk through the doors of the JCA to enhance mind, body and spirit in the tradition of our heritage while they improve the quality of their lives. For many people, the support and connections to the JCA are lifelines. When you donate to the JCA, you make all of this possible. The JCA relies on your support and generosity to ensure that its important work continues. What do you do at the JCA that is meaningful? Is there a program, project or event at the JCA that has captured your heart and imagination? Make a difference and preserve the Jewish community for the future; secure the JCA for the next 30 years and beyond.
8505 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32217
Jewish Federation of Jacksonville
Published Monthly POSTMASTER PLEASE DELIVER BY FEB. 1ST
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Jacksonville, FL Permit No. 146
See JCA, p. 22
As most of you know, the past few months have been a season of change here at the Federation. One of our biggest changes is the addition of four staff members. Fourteen months ago, we began working on the merger with the Jewish Community Foundation. We knew we would need to hire a Director of Planned Giving to run the department and direct our planned giving, estate planning and endowment work. As the merger process came to a close, we began our search for the best fit for the job. The search was quite the undertaking, and, after an extensive process, we found the perfect fit with Kellie Kelleher. Kellie started mid-May and brings with her 15 years of solid fundraising and development experience most recently serving as a National Campaign Director developing a major and planned giving program in the southeast United States with the American Cancer Society. During her time there, she launched and managed a two-year $20 million campaign to build and operate a no-cost lodging facility for cancer patients on the Mayo Clinic Jacksonville campus. From 2016-18, she was honored with the Nationwide Highest Achiever Award. Since she walked into our office, we have seen amazing things. Kellie brings invaluable knowledge and charisma to our staff and the community, and we can’t wait to see all she does for our Jewish community. Two weeks after we started the process of searching for a Director of Planned Giving, we found out that our beloved Women’s Division Director, Erin Cohen, would be leaving us to relocate for her husband’s job. Amid much change, we began the quest of finding
Rotem Gabay
someone who could not only continue what Erin had built but also grow our Annual Campaign, Women’s Division, and Society of Healers Division. After interviewing several qualified candidates, we hired Lauren Rickoff as our Director of Campaign and Women’s Division. With her, she brings 14 years of experience working at the Jewish Federation of Broward County. From 2004-14, she served as Vice President, Women’s Philanthropy Director. During her tenure, she managed a $1.7 million women’s campaign. She also co-managed the annual campaign, served as Young Leadership Director and staffed missions to Israel. Since her move to Jacksonville, she has sat on the Girlfriend Connection Committee, co-chaired our most recent Cham-
See FEDERATION, p. 22
Temple welcomes new senior rabbi By The Temple
On July 1, 2018, Rabbi Elizabeth Bahar officially took the spiritual reins of Congregation Ahavath Chesed. She comes to Jacksonville after serving as rabbi of Temple B’nai Sholom in Huntsville, Alabama for nine years. During her tenure there, she won wide recognition for promoting the congregation’s inclusiveness, innovative programming and welcoming all who entered its doors. Rabbi Bahar was ordained in 2009 by Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion, where she also earned her Master of Arts in Hebrew Letters. Before that, she was a rabbinic intern at Adath Is-
rael Congregation in Cincinnati, a student rabbi at Anshe Emeth in Pine Bluff, Arkansas and Temple Shalom in Winnipeg, Canada. She earned a BA in philosophy at Brandeis University. Rabbi Bahar is president of the South East Central Conference of American Rabbis. She was listed by The Forward as one of “America’s 33 Most Inspirational Rabbis” in 2015. Introducing herself to her new congregants, Rabbi Bahar said central to her new role at Congregation Ahavath Chesed are the values and traditions she cherishes and her commitment to fostering the closest relationship possible between congrega-
See RABBI, p. 28
Rabbi Bahar
Inside: Read about the merger of the Federation and Foundation LIFE and on our new Federation Planned Giving page. LEGACY Page 5 Planting the Seeds for Jewish Tomorrows A division of the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville
JJN Index
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Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2018
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JEWISH NEWS content
credits
Adult Education Community News Education Federation News Federation Planned Giving JCA JFCS Lifecycles Opinion River Garden Synagogues
27 6, 7, 15, 19 11-14 3-4, 16-17, 29 5 23 24 26 18 25 8-10, 20
Editor & Communications Director Natalie McElwee nataliem@jewishjacksonville.org Editorial Support Chloe Myers Val Battini Alarie Gibbs Federation Executive Director Alan Margolies Federation President Ken Jacobs
Advertising Representatives Barbara Nykerk 904.733.4179 • 904.923-3205 Eta Perras 904.629.0466 Communications Committee Jon Israel, Chair Shirley Bielski Helen Hill Michele Katz Joan Levin Andrea Mail Rachel Morgenthal Andrew Ocean Marsha Pollock
The Jacksonville Jewish News is published monthly. All submitted content becomes the property of the Jacksonville Jewish News. Announcements and opinions contained in these pages are published as a service to the community and do not necessarily represent the views of the Jacksonville Jewish News or its publisher, the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Jewish News is not responsible for the Kashruth of any product advertised. Copy due dates: All news, photographs, etc., must be received by the 7th of each month, and sent to nataliem@jewishjacksonville.org. Ad deadlines: All ads must be received by the 15th of each month and sent to nataliem@jewishjacksonville.org in .pdf format. 8505 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32217 | 904-448-5000
ADVERTISING DIRECTORY At the Jacksonville Jewish News, our advertisers are precious to us. It is with their support that the Jacksonville Jewish community has a newspaper. Advertising revenue also offsets the cost of production, so Federation dollars can be dedicated to helping Jews locally and overseas. Please continue to live generously and support our advertisers:
• Alhambra Theatre (p. 3) • Athenian Owl (p. 22) • B&C Financial (p. 5) • Bob Ham Eyewear (p. 27) • Brandon Pest (p. 27) • Dignity Memorial (p. 31) • Erica Jolles Realty (p. 7) • Gili’s Kitchen (p. 28) • Hala’s Mideast Eatery (p. 8)
• Jewish National Fund (p. 32) • Jacksonville Jewish Center (p. 13, 20, 21, 22) • Jewish Federation of Jacksonville (p. 4, 19, 28, 29, 30) • Margo’s Catering (p. 27) • River Garden (p. 15) • Stein Mart (p. 9)
MUSIC & LYRICS BY COLE PORTER
A TOPSY-TURVY MIX OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY, GANGSTERS & ROMANTIC ENTANGLEMENTS
AUG. 1 - SEPT. 9
Discover your INNER elf.
1776 A Musical Revolution
AUGUST 2018 - Sh’vat/Adar 5778 J
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JEWISH NEWS Jacksonville Jewish News gets updated look BY NATALIE MCELWEE Editor, Jacksonville Jewish News As you may have noticed, the Jacksonville Jewish News looks a little bit different this month. Every editor of the JJN has had their own style and goals they hope to accomplish with this publication. One of my top goals as editor is to bring the JJN into the
future and to create a sleek, modern design that excites the community and encourages more community members to become regular readers. I hope you will enjoy the new look and are just as excited as I am about the future of the JJN. Lots of dynamic and exciting changes are happening at the Federation, and a new look for the newspaper is just one of many to come.
SEPT. 12 - OCT. 7
SEPTEMBER 12 - OCTOBER 7
OCT. 17 - NOV. 18 October 17 - November 18
NOV. 21 -NOV. DEC. 21 to DEC.2424
“Enormous Fun! ”
–Charlie Patton, Florida Times-Union
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! 904-641-1212 | alhambrajax.com
FEDERATION NEWS
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Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2018
Jax teens travel to Israel By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville
The Tikkun Olam Teen Exchange Program is an incredible opportunity for our Jacksonville teens to experience Israel while being hosted by Israeli families in our Partnership community of Hadera, Israel. Each American teen is paired with an Israeli teen and they experience Israel together - through travel to famous Israeli sites such as Masada, the Dead Sea, the Kotel and the Old City. The
teens and their host participate in service projects including agricultural work and participation in local summer day camps. Jacksonville teens travel with teens from our other nine Southeast Consortium communities and live in Hadera. While in Israel, the American teens experience life as a “real Israeli” including family dinners, cookouts and swimming parties. The teens participate in family simchas including Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations, graduations and
whatever else “real life” Israeli families might experience. This opportunity is part of the Israel Partnership Program sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville. Unlike most other programs for teens, this program allows teen to form lifelong connections with Israeli teens and their families so that upon returning to Israel, our Jacksonville teens have “family” in Israel they look forward to seeing in the future. For more information, please contact Jill Abel at jilla@jewishjacksonville.org or 904-224-1445.
Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel
First Stop: Hadera Park! Our whole group of Americans and Israelis had a picnic lunch, participated in some games and ice breakers and then toured the park and the waterway to the Mediterranean Sea!
Favorite memories from the trip Drew Wright: I kept seeing NFTY kids everywhere we went on this trip, but I’m so glad I did this trip instead. You really don’t get to experience every day life in Israel any other way than the way we did it on this trip and with these people. An important visit to Mount Herzl
Josh Jacobs: We are the dream. This is what the dream was and what our ancestors fought for - the chance for us to have this experience together in this country with all of these people together. Jillian Penson: I think that it would have been fun no matter where we were but I’m so lucky that we came to Israel with these people. They showed us how they live and this experience helped to break down stereotypes of what we see on the television. It was so great to see the real side of Israel. Jasmine Mail: All of the people on this trip were amazing. I knew this trip would be fun but it was better than I ever imagined. Two weeks is not a long time but I feel so close to all of you. I promise myself that I will stay in touch with all of these terrific people. Lily Hernandez: This has been a wonderful experience. I will miss all of my new friends from Israel and the U.S. I learned so much on this trip about Israel and Israelis and their families.
Our first full day in Israel - Jerusalem! Here is our Jacksonville Delegation at the Kotel.
See more photos on p. 26
federation news
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Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2018
THE Four Questions with Sue Levine By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville
would say- the rest is history.
In an effort to get to know our Lions of Judah a little bit better, we will be featuring one Lion a month! Our first featured Lion is none other than Sue Levine, a Lion since 1997. She is now a Ruby Lion.
Q: What is your favorite Federation memory? A:I have so many wonderful memories of fabulous Federation events with moving speakers and enjoying being a part of our greater Jewish community. Perhaps my most favorite memories have been on the Federation missions: the 50th which was my first trip to Israel and my most recent, the 70th, which was an equally amazing experience. We also traveled on two family missions with our four daughters. My advice to anyone would be if you can travel to Israel on a Federation mission, please try to. The opportunities to see Israel not just as a tourist but from how our monies directly impact the country is life changing.
Q: Why is being a Lion meaningful to you? A: Being a Lion is important to me. By donating generously to Federation, I take my place in a beautiful legacy and community of women who are dedicated to the cause supported by FederationIsrael, Jewish communities in need an our local Jewish community.
Sue Levine (far right) stands with Wendy Pozin, Lynn Maiman, and Robin Morris at the 13th Annual Girlfriend Connection event. Photo credit: Larry Tallis
Q: What was your first Federation event? A: Having lived in Jacksonville now for 30 years it is hard to remember my first Federation event. I do remember getting calls for Super Sunday, and Mitch and I making our first pledges. We were a young couple and had just started a business in town, but making a pledge felt important to us. A few years later, Mitch became very involved and traveled with Federation to Israel. I guess you
Q: What Jewish tradition do you want to pass on to your kids? A: There are so many Jewish traditions I would hope that our daughters live by, but if I had to choose one it would be to live a life filled by doing mitzvot, helping others and the world wherever and whenever possible and leaving the world a better place.
Getting Involved Makes a Difference
How to Re-establish a Vodka Empire
BY ISABEL BALOTIN
How many times have you thought about going back to the ancestral home of one of your ancestors? How complicated would it be to research old documents in a foreign language and to find the actual shtetl, house, business or even the cemetery markers of our dearly departed ancestors? On Sunday, August 19 at 10:30 a.m. at River Garden Hebrew Home we will be screening, “How to Re-establish a Vodka Empire.” This popular film of Jewish film festivals nationally and around the world, follows the filmmaker’s journey as he attempts to trace and reconnect with his
Shalom Jacksonville Director
“Tell me and I’ll forget Show me and I’ll remember Involve me and I’ll understand.” (Author Unknown) When I want to remember an aphorism, quotation, a line in a prayer book or other words of wisdom that inspire me, I generally save them in my favorite file folder in the computer called “Worth Quoting.” Over the years, I’ve compiled hundreds of sayings and anecdotes that have inspired me at one time or another. The opening quote is one of my newest additions. When you re-read the quote, and I apologize for not knowing the author, you can see how simple words can say so much and how actions can make the difference. For those of us who are long time members of the Jewish community, we’ve had many opportunities to greet newcomers, tell them about the community, invite them to events and show off our synagogues and agencies. However, until they really get involved and volunteer, share their time, talents and even financial commitments, only then will they really begin to understand the missions of the various organizations. It is our responsibility to be their guides and to encourage their involvement. If you are a newcomer reading this, my advice to you is to accept as many invitations as possible. Meet as many people as you can and befriend those with
whom you are comfortable. See for yourself, in this free Federation newspaper, all the programs the Jewish Federation supports for our community and Israel. Consider joining a synagogue and/or the JCA. Take the time to volunteer for a committee and I promise you’ll meet very interesting, friendly and dedicated people who are sure to inspire you. We are so glad you moved to Jacksonville; not only are you helping us grow in number, you also bring to our community fresh ideas, new energy and talent, interesting experiences and support of our schools and programs. When you are ready, get involved and you will understand. If you are new to the community or interested in learning more about the Jewish community, please call me, Isabel Balotin, 904-448-5000 x1206 or shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org. Shalom Jacksonville is the official Jewish welcome wagon of Northeast Florida. Our programs are open to anyone interested in connecting to the Jewish communities in Jacksonville, the Beaches, Fernandina and St. Augustine.
Follow us on social media facebook.com/JaxJewish facebook.com/rGENJax
@jaxjewish @rgen_jax
BY ISABEL BALOTIN Shalom Jacksonville Director
Jewish Ukrainian roots. British filmmaker Daniel Edelstyn became mildly obsessed after discovering his grandmother’s journals in the attic of his family home. Maroussia Zorokovich, born into a wealthy Ukrainian Jewish family, was a budding writer and dancer before the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution rewrote her destiny and sent her into exile. When Edelstyn travels to the Ukraine in search of his roots and discovers that the vodka distillery opened by his great grandfather in 1904 is still in operation, he decides—despite his utter lack of business experience—to become a liquor entrepreneur and import the vodka to the UK.
This funny, charming documentary employs an ambitious mixture of vérité cinematography and inventive animated sequences created by and starring the artist Hilary Powell (Edelstyn’s wife). This presentation is a partnership of the Jewish Federation’s Shalom Jacksonville, River Garden Hebrew Home and the Jewish Genealogy Society of Northeast Florida. Refreshments will be served. There is no charge for this event, however, RSVPs are must by August 12. Please contact Marla Westberg, marla@westbergfl.com or Isabel Balotin, 904-448-5000 x1206 or shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org.
Shalom Y’all! New to Jax? Want to make Jewish Connections? Just call Isabel Balotin
at 904-448-5000 x1206 or shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org
Find Isabel’s rap video on Federation’s Facebook page!
federation planned giving
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Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2018
The Legacy Continues Union of Federation and Foundation takes shape
BY KELLIE SMITH
LIFE and LEGACY
Jewish Federation of Jacksonville
Life isn’t always picture perfect.
Please allow me to introduce myself TWO MONTHS! How time flies when you’re having fun! OK, so it hasn’t all been fun and my son’s face says it all. In my short time as the Federation’s Endowment & Planned Giving Director, I have read through countless files comprising over 20 years of history and work. Though I haven’t finished them all, I did borrow my opening line from the director’s letter of the inaugural Jewish Community Foundation Annual Report, written by the unforgettable Elliot Horovitz. I’m honored and thrilled to be in this role and have hit the ground running meeting with incredibly passionate Jewish leaders in our community. Many of whom supported the work of the Foundation since its inception in 1995. Some of my first communications have been to share that through the merger we have been able to reduce the fees paid by our local agencies and synagogues, the Jewish Foundation’s historical partners. In addition, we are set to convene an Investment committee to help oversee the relationship with our investment management company and soon I will establish a new Planned Giving Committee to partner with me and help move us forward. I’ve also begun meeting with clients of JCF who still hold Donor Advised Funds and Permanent Endowments to ensure their agreements are satisfying their intent. In my first few weeks I was fortunate to guide two endowment agreements to fruition, one of which was that of Elliot Horovitz whose shoes I must now fill. Some of my most cherished meetings have been with leadership from of each of the synagogues and agencies where I listened, processed, and learned about the past, present and future. These meetings reminded me of a quote “We are as great as the challenges we have the courage to undertake” and I am courageous to have taken on this work. As synagogue members we know memberships are relied upon, as parents we are fully aware of the funds needed to ensure that our children have the very best Jewish education, as JCA members we want to have the best equipment available and the most engaging programming, and for me especially, as the granddaughter-in-law of a Holocaust Survivor who lost her entire family, I am fully aware of the services needed to care for the aging Holocaust Survivors. We have such an impressive capacity for all of this in Jacksonville - to grow, to care, to teach to serve - and I am in awe of each of our inspiring nonprofit agencies and incredible schools that are doing this valuable work. But as we all know, great work requires money - now and in the future. This is an exciting time for our Jewish community and I look forward to working with you as we continue to build upon the Foundation’s commitment to ensure excellence for future generations. Stick with me and follow this column - I believe with our collective power, what we envision for our Jewish community is within reach. Bequest-ions with Kellie coming soon!
While Federation’s Annual Campaign serves as a lifeline for immediate needs locally, in Israel and around the world — the Jewish Community Foundation was created in 1995 to secure the future of Jewish Community through planned giving and endowments. Under the visionary leadership and tireless efforts of Mike Donzinger, Mel Gottlieb, Elliott Horovitz and countless others, the work to ensure Jacksonville’s Jewish future began as a passion and transformed into over two decades of active, effective reality. The Foundation grew substantially within the first few years of operation. Several Donor Advised funds were opened as well as two Endowment funds. In 1999, the Foundation began the B’nai Tzedek program, a vehicle through which they worked to inspire and teach the next generation of philanthropists. With over 300 B’nai Tzedek funds open currently, this noteworthy portion of the Foundation legacy is going strong. The mid 2000’s saw continued growth for the Foundation, culminating in the creation
Foundation Founded
Mel Gottlieb, Mel Fruit, and Michael Dubow open the first DAF’s
1995 Elliot Horovitz Executive Director
A division of the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville
of the Len & Judy Elikan Camp Scholarship Endowment Fund in 2010. Established with the intent to help youth with the potential to be the leaders of tomorrow, the Fund has succeeded in awarding 15 deserving teens the unforgettable experience of attending Jewish Summer Camps. The possibility of a merger between the JCF and the JFJ was first explored in 2017 – a task force was formed and took on the work to investigate the feasibility of a merger, as well as best practices learned and borrowed from other Intermediate sized Federations in the U.S. By January 2018, the merger was completed between the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville and the Jewish Community Foundation, thus creating the Endowment and Planned Giving Division of the Federation.
Elliot Horovitz retires. New ED appointed. Book of Life is introduced.
Jewish Community Foundation establishes success with: 36 Endowment Funds, 309 B’nai Tzedek Funds, 40 Donor Advised Funds, 4 Point of Interest Funds
2000
1995-1997
1995
Planting the Seeds for Jewish Tomorrows
1999 B’Nai Tzedek Program is established to teach philanthropy and give children the opportunity to give with some guidance.
The work continued while a merger with Federation was investigated… $598,821 in total Annual distributions for 2017 $1.2 million in total distributions year to date 2018
Sol and Hilda Goldman Endowment Fund is fulfilled upon the passing of Sol Goldman, this fund becomes the largest endowment gift at the Jewish Community Foundation to date.
2017
2018
2002-2010
2001-02 The First Endowment Funds are established by Sol and Hilda Goldman and David Kossak
Our website has moved! Visit our page on the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville’s website:
www.jewishjacksonville.org/plannedgiving
Here you’ll be able to access your donor advised fund information, as well as stay up to date on the latest news as we continue to secure our Jewish future.
If you’d like to open a new account, please call Kellie Ann Kelleher Smith at 904-512-3796
The focus and energy of this new Division is dedicated to cultivating and nurturing a stronger Jewish community and a brighter Jewish future. Over the last few months, Federation was able to reduce the fees and remove the necessity for dues to be paid by the local Jewish agencies and synagogues, all of whom are valued and historical partners of the Foundation. In addition to this, the creation of the Sol and Hilda Goldman Early Childhood Education and Summer Camp Endowment Fund brought the largest Endowment gift in the Foundation’s history, worth $4.7 million to benefit JCA early childhood education - an agreement signed nearly 20 years earlier. The possibility of a sustained and vibrant Jewish future is now brighter than ever thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of those who worked to make this merger a success. The Federation is both proud and humbled to take up the mantle of those who truly set an example in this community with their values and commitment to securing our Jewish future through the work of the Jewish Community Foundation.
2010 The first Len and Judy Elikan Young Leaders Camp Scholarship is awarded. To date the scholarship has sent 15 deserving teens that exhibit young leadership qualities
2018 Roslyn and Elliot Horovitz Endowment Fund takes shape
community news
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Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2018
Historic sanctuary to reopen after hurricane damage By First Congregation Sons of Israel
River Garden speaker to talk on “Building a Better World” By River Garden Senior Services
Alina T. Kentof, a beloved teacher and speaker from our local Jewish Community, will be presenting at The Coves at River Garden on August 15 at 10:30 a.m. Kentof’s presentation “Building a Better World with Your Most Powerful Weapon” will focus on how people can harness the incredible power of words to nurture and uplift others. And, she certainly practices what she preaches, as many have benefitted from her gracious style and caring spirit. Leslie Held, Director of Jewish Life at River Garden, said, “In this day, there’s so much anxiety and depression, so much distress. I think we’ll find Alina’s words inspiring.” Originally from Poland and a Holocaust survivor, Kentof was later raised and schooled in Israel. She also served in the Air Force there. After her marriage to Rabbi Dov Kentof, she moved to the U.S. as a legal immigrant. Throughout her career, Kentof taught Hebrew in schools from Massachusetts to Florida, often sharing stories of her childhood difficulties. She is now retired and enjoys gardening, where, according to her husband, her plants are her “quiet, well-groomed students.”
After 22 months to repair the damage from two hurricanes, the historic St. Augustine synagogue, First Congregation Sons of Israel, will be reopening its sanctuary. The restoration and repairs have been financed in part with assistance from the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville, the Northeast Florida United Way, and the generosity of many members and friends of the Congregation, along with disaster assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The roof and ceiling have been repaired and replaced, original wood floors are being restored, a replica of the original front doors will be installed, all the vintage seating have been restored, reupholstered, and will be reinstalled, along with other repairs and restoration in keeping with historical time period of the original opening. The community is invited to join First Congregation Sons of Israel for our “Restoring Our Past, Building Our Future” Reopening Celebration and Historic Sanctuary Open House, 161 Cordova Street, St. Augustine.
“Restoring Our Past, Building Our Future” Reopening Celebration and Historic Sanctuary Open House
Friday, August 24th 4:00 pm|Ribbon Cutting 5:00-6:00 pm|Wine & Cheese and Tours 7:30 pm|Erev Shabbat Service, Rabbi Joel Fox Saturday, August 25th 10:00 am|Shabbat Service, Rabbi Joel Fox 6:00-8:00 pm|Food, Drink, Silent Auction 8:00-10:00 pm|Historic Overview, Welcome, Music Sunday, August 26th 12:00-3:00 pm|Tours of Historic Sanctuary
JCA Summer Camp has another successful season By Jewish Community Alliance
JCA Summer Camp was a season of sun, fun and friends. The campers of Camp Gan Yeladim, KinderCamp, Camp Sabra, Camp Habonim, Stage Door Theatre Camp and JCA Adventure Days had a great summer experience and made memories to last a lifetime.
Kids Mega Challah Bake to take place in Sept. By Chabad Headquarters/Mandarin & S. Johns
On Sunday, September 16 at 2:30 pm, join the Kids Mega Challah Bake for a day of unity, inspiration, and “loaves” of fun. We’ll roll up our sleeves, and together, we’ll bake Challah: one to eat and one to give. Dozens of eggs. Cups of oil. Sticky hands. And lots of bright, smiling faces - but not just for the kids who make the Challahs. That’s right! Every child at the Kids Mega Challah Bake will shape 2 Challahs - one to take home and bake, and one to be donated to children in need. Baking bread has always brought people together, and challah is extra special because it’s a mitzvah. The Kids Mega Challah Bake is for all ages and is open to every synagogue and affiliation, all Hebrew/Religious schools and organizations. This “Challah Bake” was started by a group of Jewish moms from various backgrounds with one common goal: unity through challah. Make sure to reserve a spot for your kids by Sunday September 2nd. All children must be accompanied by an adult. To RSVP and for more info visit call 904.701.4422 or 904.302.6857
River Garden Auxiliary presents private viewing of 2019 calendar By River Garden Senior Services
The River Garden Auxiliary invites you to join a private viewing of the 2019 calendar starring members of The Coves. This themed calendar features major blockbuster movie films with a twist. The event will be held on August 22, 2018 at 7 p.m. in the Cohen Auditorium on the River Garden campus. Dessert and coffee will be served at this premiere event. The event is free and open to the public. Proceeds from calendar sales will benefit the residents of River Garden. Please plan to attend and bring a friend. The River Garden Auxiliary appreciates the public support of this fun and worthy fundraising effort. For more information or to RSVP contact Mimi Kaufman at (904) 626-2472, or Michelle Steinfeld, (904) 636-7588.
community news
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Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2018
Martin J. Gottlieb Day School Students Shop, Deliver Food Items to Max Block Food Pantry
Michele Block Gan Yeladim Parent and Me classes BY ROXANNE GORDON
Michelle Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten provides enrichment opportunities for the entire family, with programs designed to help parents bond with their child at all stages. The school’s successful Prenatal and Parent and Me classes have new programs coming this fall, free to the community. Stroller Fit Moms is a fun way to exercise as a new parent. In this class, strollerbased, barre Pilates, yoga and power walking routines build strength and tone muscle. Prenatal Yoga helps to keep the
body comfortable through the various stages of pregnancy. Parent and Me Shabbat, Story Time and Sensory Sensations provide interactive learning experiences for children. New additions to these programs are On the Move and Parent and Me Music. These classes support early stages of language development, give opportunities for fine and gross motor skill development and help babies achieve active listening for later in life. Parent and Me classes begin the week of August 20 and continue through October. Visit jcajax.org/gan for more information.
By Jewish Family & Community Services
Martin J. Gottlieb Day School students delivered 50 bags of groceries to the Max Block Food Pantry to help stock the shelves in preparation for the summer. The young students’ end of the school year Tzedakah Project included shopping for the items as well as delivering them. The Max Block Food
Pantry experiences high need during the summer. With students out of school, free meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) provided by Duval County Public Schools disappear when summer starts. Countywide, one in five children eat their only meal of the day at school, so when school is out, the parents and children who depend on these meals are left asking, “How will I feed my children through the summer break?”
E R I C A
Jewish Family & Community Services’ Max Block Food Pantry provides free food to parents and children in need all year, and with the help of our community and our Jewish Day Schools, we are able to meet the need – one family at a time. For more information on how to help keep the Max Block Food Pantry stocked throughout the year, contact Donna O’Steen at 904-3945714 or dosteen@jfcsjax.org.
J O L L E S
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synagogue news
Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2018
Rabbi goes from patient to athlete By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville
It only takes a minute to change your life. That lesson rang true for Rabbi Kurinsky of Chabad at the Beaches about a year ago when he suffered a severe heart attack at the age of 36. At a bat mitzvah, he was not feeling well but brushed it off. “I wasn’t feeling well, but I didn’t take it seriously,” Kurinsky said. “At 36, you don’t pay attention.” Luckily there were doctors at the bat mitzvah who advised him to go to the hospital. After hours of testing, they discovered he was in the middle of a heart attack. and had one artery completely blocked. Once home, he started going to cardiac rehab but didn’t feel it was the right fit for his recovery. At the same time, his brother told him about a person he knew who trained people in cycling, specifically cardiac patients. So, Kurinsky took a leap, went to Texas, and trained in cycling. And he’s cycled every day since. In order to motivate himself, he came up with the idea of doing a bike ride all the way down to Key West. He didn’t think it would happen, but it was the goal he needed to push him. As time passed, more and more people signed up for the ride, and Kurinsky’s attitude toward rehab shifted. “I went from being a patient to an athlete,” he said. He also discovered the true meaning of self care. “I used to think that you could either be a physical or a spiritual person, but I realized you can be both,” he said. “You can care about your body and do God’s work. I used to think it was selfish to take time for
myself, but I realized I need a good body to serve God and to serve others.” With that mindset, Kurinsky and his crew of cyclists made it all the way to Key West, stopping at cities along the way. They received an outpouring of love and support for their message, and Kurinsky is looking to make the trip a yearly tradition. Read more about Rabbi Kurinsky’s outlook on self care in this month’s Rabbinically Speaking column on page 18.
Dr. Ed Bez to speak on Biblical gardens By The Temple
Dr. Ed Bez, Pastor at Christ the Messiah Church and President of the Biblical Botanical Gardens Society will speak at Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple) on Tuesday, August 23 beginning at 7 pm. Among his duties at the church, he is supervising the development of a biblical botanical memorial garden on the church’s campus. The garden will include many of the 200 species of plants mentioned in the Bible. An enthusiastic avocational biblical botanist for over 25 years, Dr. Bez and his wife, Rachel, have lived in the Negev region of southern Israel, gathering and preparing a variety of thorns and thistles as food, drink, medicine and fuel. “Very few people find thorns captivating. They are not beautiful and they don’t seem very useful,” explains Dr. Bez who achieved Master Gardener certification in 2014 and Master Naturalist the following year. “All the negative associations of thorns and thistles are what make their appearance in the Bible so intriguing. In fact, all thorns, either in part or whole, are edible and nutritious. They offer protection against predators and almost without exception are tasty,” continues Dr. Bez. The first and largest biblical garden in North America was established at Rodef Shalom in 1987, in Pittsburgh, PA. Sitting on a third of an acre, the garden is the only one of its kind to feature an ongoing program of
research and publication. All plants in the garden—more than 100—are labeled with appropriate biblical verses and are displayed among replicas of ancient farming tools. Rabbi Elizabeth Bahar, Temple’s Senior Rabbi, remembers many visits to the garden as a young child. Rodef Shalom was her home synagogue. Dr. Larry and Kathy Kanter met Dr. Bez shortly after his arrival in Jacksonville. “His special blend of personality, humor, wit and biblical botanical facts will make for a stimulating evening of learning and laughing,” Larry promises. The entire community is invited. Wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres will be provided free of charge. This program is sponsored by the Dr. Larry and Kathy Kanter Fund for Jewish Preservation based at The Temple. Additional donations to the Fund are always welcome.
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synagogue news
Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2018
page 9
Amazing summer at Camp Sheves Achim By Gitty Silber
What an amazing summer has flown by here at Camp Sheves Achim! At the start of the summer we introduced our theme for camp, “Under the Sea,” and each day had activities connecting to it in a different way. Our counselors came all the way from New York, sent by Project SEED, a division of Torah U’mesorah, to give us an awesome summer. We were constantly having fun at Camp Sheves Achim. Every morning we were welcomed by our counselors dressed up according to the theme of the day and we had to guess how it connected to under the sea. We had a blast dancing and singing to our camp song which we played at lineup and many times throughout the day. Each day consisted of many exciting activities, whether it was sports, arts n crafts, baking, or games, etc. we always wanted more! After running around and playing all day, we looked forward to cooling off at the Center’s beautiful swimming pool, and relaxed before we continued with the rest of our day. Some of our exciting activities included, color war, an octopus challenge, relay races, jewelry making, planting our own tropical plants, sand art, receiving our own goldfish, creating our own sand and so much more. We’ve gone all over on tons of trips to enhance our camp experience. We’ve went exploring all the cool animals at the Jacksonville Zoo, jumped away at Pump it Up, striked out at Bowl America, and became farmers at Diamond D Ranch. The fun didn’t end there though because so many exciting visitors were brought to camp, such as Critter Caravan, Doing Dishes Pottery, and the JSO K-9 Unit. All too soon, the summer came to a close and we ended with a smashing goodbye carnival with tons of booths and inflatable games. Camp Sheves Achim 2018 may be over but the memories and friendships that we have gained will last forever!
Jacksonville Jewish Center Sulam Strategic Planning Steering Committee
Sulam Strategic Planning begins at Jacksonville Jewish Center By Jacksonville Jewish Center
We are excited to share the important framework that has been established to begin the Sulam Strategic Planning process at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. We are excited about the wonderful partnership we have with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) and Bob Leventhal. Bob has worked with hundreds of congregations over the past 17 years and designed the Sulam program. Bob came to the Jacksonville Jewish Center earlier this year on April 18-19 to work with the Strategic Planning Steering Committee, the Center Board of Directors, clergy, staff, and congregants willing to serve as facilitators. The working sessions were extremely informative and included a concise plan for the process over the next 12-15 months. The Sulam co-chairs are Debby Kaye and Lois Chepenik. They will regularly report on the progress and development of our strategic plan to our Board of Directors. The Steering Committee is broken into three teams; communications and writing, mission/ vision, and data gathering. Our Steering Committee members include Lois Chepenik, Debby Kaye, Gayle Bailys, Danielle Berke, Gaby Bubis, Tracy Hilbert, Hazzan Jesse Holzer, Bruce Horovitz, Gilbert Kleiner, Whitney Kuvin, Christina Levine, Sue Levine, Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner, Jay Plotkin, Shari Shuman, Brent Trager and Ex-officio: Rabbi Shira
See PLANNING, p. 21
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synagogue news
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Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2018
The Jacksonville Jewish Center A community, home, and place for my family’s spiritual guidance THE HILBERT FAMILY
By Jacksonville Jewish Center
Close to 7 years ago, when my family moved to Jacksonville, I had no idea what our Jewish journey would look like. I had hoped that for myself and my 2 baby girls it would include some Jewish education. Personally, I had known since my young adult years that I would venture to fill the void I felt in my heart that existed from being raised without Judaism. I was secure in my heritage, my religion, clearly knew Judaism was a part of who I was... but ultimately, I had a fear, an insecurity of how to make it a reality. The first and easiest step was to enroll our, at that time, 3-yearold in the DuBow Preschool - a step that filled my heart with joy. Next, my oldest son, who was 11 at that time, my only child that wasn’t born with my DNA automatically making him Jewish, told me he wanted to have a Bar Mitzvah - which of course would also require conversion. Around the same time and after much research, my husband, Ken had also shared with me that he wanted to convert. After a long meeting with Rabbi Lubliner, discussing each family member one at a time, we all began on this miraculous family journey. The first step for adult conversion is taking the class “Foundations of Judaism”. I decided to share this experience with Ken because, honestly, I needed to learn as much as he did. We were blessed to be
receiving knowledge from 2 incredible sources at this point: through the Jacksonville Jewish Center Adult Education program and through Morah Raquel & Morah Miriam during Jewish Studies and Friday Shabbats at the DuBow preschool (which I often felt was more my speed). Jewish learning is intense. There is history. There are customs, traditions and service rituals. There is a foreign language. I found it all quite intimidating. Soon, between the amazing
You are invited to enroll BY MICHELLE PENSON Director of Temple Institute of Religion
It is difficult to quantify the new vibe at TIR. If you haven’t been to Temple on a Sunday morning during the academic year, accept this as your invitation to join us. It is louder, for sure. Students excitedly greet their friends. Teachers deliver lessons with gusto. Parents hang around to kibbitz or use the Temple as a place of refuge. We enjoy the noise and the chaos and all the new relationships that form each week. We have Nosh & Schmooze and pizza lunch each Sunday morning. The Sisterhood gift shop is open for business and selling Judaica to our families and the community. Brotherhood often has meetings or community breakfasts. Sisterhood is often preparing for programs later in the day. Committees are meeting. Often times, we run out of spaces and places on a Sunday morning. It’s a wonderful problem to have. If you can’t tell, we love the new energy. It feels like the community we have all been yearning for. This past year we welcomed eighteen new families who were either new to Temple or new to TIR. We created a new opportunity for families who wanted to try us on for size as they became non-member TIR families. Through our Early Bird Registration process, we already know we will have many new families joining us for the next school year. And there is always room for more. Last year’s faculty did an amazing job of teaching and
creating new relationships between our students and their peers, and our students and God. Ten teachers will be returning this fall. Sondra Schwartz, Dave Flagler, Linda Ginsberg, Rochelle Miller, Wiatt Bowers, Leah Palestrant, Celeste Danos, Beth Brenner, Kaitlin Flynn, Zissy Pozin and Stephanie Natale Frus will continue to inspire learning in the hearts and minds of our students and their families. I am excited to announce the addition of Jacklyn Hammer, Rachel Kuhbander and Rachael Levin Barber to our faculty. We look forward to them adding their knowledge and talents to our community. Depending on class size, we may be looking to add more teachers to our faculty. Please email Michelle Penson at mpenson@thetemplejacksonville.org to add your talents to our Hebrew, Judaics and Experiential learning programs. We accomplished much in the last year and I look forward to all we have planned for next year. Please join us for our first Family Worship at MOSH on Saturday, September 11. Rabbi Elizabeth Bahar will add her unique insights and gifts to our program and our congregation, both inside the walls of our building and in the greater community. We will be adding experiential learning and new opportunities for our students and families to participate in prayer, social action and social programs. Registration is open for all returning and new students. We look forward to all the learning and teaching in front of us. Please join us!
education from Bernard and Alice Selevan Religious School and DuBow Preschool, our children knew so much more than Ken and I. On one hand, I felt inferior. But on the other hand, and most importantly, I knew I had to be doing something right as a parent. I knew without any shadow of a doubt, I wanted my children to be educated in their Judaism. My dream became that my kids would be able to walk into any synagogue throughout their lives and be comfortable.
Join in. Feel secure! The concept was so incredibly foreign to me. When I walked in to any synagogue, I wanted to hide in a corner and not be seen. I didn’t want everyone to notice that I didn’t know prayers and when to rise on my toes or bend my knees and bow. But not my kids. They were learning. That is when more big moments and big decisions were made. Sophia, the former 3-yearold starting DuBow, was now coming into the age of kinder-
garten. We had moved to Saint Johns County for the schools and planned on our kids attending them. But what a dream Jewish Day School would be. My child... learning Hebrew and Judaism every day. We were so fortunate to be able to enroll her into the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School. Not long after kindergarten began, my husband and son went to the mikvah and were both officially Jewish. My son then had his Bar Mitzvah which is my proudest parent moment by far. And at that point, my husband and I knew our adult Jewish journey would continue – honestly, it had only begun. Adult B’nei Mitzvah was our next thought. Was it possible that we could accomplish what our son had just accomplished? 4 years ago, with clergy, Lois, and Scott Zimmerman’s (z”l) support, love, and guidance we began studying to also become a bat/bar mitzvah. It was a lot. Spending family Sundays at the Jacksonville Jewish Center instead of at the pool. Working. Studying. We always kept 2 things in mind: 1) we were doing what was best for our soul, which ultimately would make us better parents, and 2) we were setting the example for our (now 4) children that learning should
See CENTER, p. 21
Gan Israel of St. Johns completes another awesome summer By Chabad of S. Johns
Before we could blink, the outrageously jam-packed Jewish adventure - Gan Israel of St. Johns - whizzed by! We raced around, we got wet-n-wild, raced go-carts and hosted a Gan Israel’s Got Talent. Gan Israel Yoga, mini-golf, splash park - that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Our warm and spirited counselors filled our days to the brim with exciting trips and activities. They taught us awesome Jewish songs and camp cheers. They kept us on our toes until we
were happily exhausted at the end of each day. From Rebounderz to Fear Factor to Adventure Landing… from Bubble Magic to Pajama Day to the Gan Israel style Chopped… we had an unforgettable experience. We laughed our heads off. We made new Jewish friends. And we can’t wait until next year! Camp Gan Israel of St. Johns is a project of Chabad of S. Johns County. For more info on our year round programing visit www.JewishSJohnsCounty.com or call 904.701.4422
education news
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Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2018
Jacksonville Jewish Center launches Jewish Teen Leadership Initiative By Jacksonville Jewish Center
Setzer Youth Education at the Jacksonville Jewish Center is excited to announce a new Hebrew High School program starting in the Fall of 2018! The Jacksonville Jewish Teen Leadership Initiative, open to teens in grades 8-11, will strive to prepare the next generation of young Jews for the future. Building upon the successes of our 2017-2018 Hebrew High School program, this new initiative will continue to focus on preparing Jewish teens for life in the 21st century. Teens will participate in informal, experiential programs, community service opportunities and positive peer interactions. They will engage with Jewish values and concepts while learning how to handle a variety of real-life issues they are likely to face in high school, college and beyond. There will be an increased emphasis on social justice and the teens will be able to give back to the greater Jacksonville community and simultaneously cultivate their leadership skills. For more information about this exciting new initiative please contact Rabbi Shira M.T. Rosenblum, Director of Setzer Youth Education at the Jacksonville Jewish Center, at srosenblum@jaxjewishcenter.org. 12th grade students who are interested in a program of this nature are encouraged to participate in our Siyyum program which reflects the link between Jewish learning and social action and culminates in Confirmation. For more information about the Siyyum program please contact Danielle Berke in the Center clergy office at dberke@jaxjewishcenter.org.
Michele Block Gan Yeladim Summer Camp continues Mud Day tradition
Beth El Religious School to implement new hands-on curriculum BY SHERILL HERZFELD Beth El
August 2018 – Ponte Vedra Beach, FL – Beth El Religious School is looking forward to implementing a new spiraling, hands-on curriculum which creates a meaningful and enjoyable learning environment for its students. “The curriculum is based on three big ideas”, says Vickie Kennedy, Beth El Education Director, “Developing a Deep Connection to out Sacred Texts, Belonging to a Spiritual Community and Living Our Values and I am Part of the
Jewish Community and have Responsibilities to it.” This new curriculum allows the students of Beth El the opportunity to discuss such essential questions as: How can Torah help me in my life when I am not sure what to do? What values can I learn from Bible characters? How has Israel shaped and been shaped by the story of the Jewish people? How can I make a difference for other people in the world? Ms. Kennedy added, “The goal for the students of our Religious School is to develop a love of Judaism through
story, art and celebration! Knowledge and appreciation of our faith is gained through experiences such a discussion, creativity and technology.” In addition to many fun and creative classroom learning experiences, the students can look forward to many special activities such as the school wide Hanukah celebration, Purim carnival, model Seder, Mitzvah Day and more! The learning begins on August 12, 2018 at 9:00 am!! For more information, please contact Vickie Kennedy at 904-273-9100 or vickie@ bethelbeaches.org
DuBow Preschool again rated 5-star school BY DALE SCHEMER DuBow Preschool
We did it! Again, the DuBow Preschool has been awarded a 5-star rating by the Guiding Stars of Duval County. By acquiring a five-star rating it has been determined that DuBow Preschool exceeds all health and safety requirements and meets the high-quality benchmarks of program personnel, program content, and teacher child interactions. To meet this top standard, we must have highly- skilled staff, small class sizes, language rich By Jewish Community Alliance
Every summer camp season for the past nine years, Michele Block Gan Yeladim’s Camp Gan Yeladim and KinderCamp participate in International Mud Day. Along with being a great sensorial experience for the school’s littlest campers, the origins of the most fun day of the summer is a heartwarming story of sharing and community. In 2008, Gillian McAuliffe from Australia was at the World Forum for Early Childhood Care and Education. She found herself in a conversation about the natural fun children have playing in the mud with a colleague from Nepal. The colleague expressed the issues with playing in mud, such as resources like a change of clothes that unfortunately the children in her school do not have at their disposal. When Gillian got back to Australia, she and her group of seven and eight-year-old students raised over $1000 for the school in Nepal to have clean clothing so they could all celebrate International Mud Day together! This year, during Michele Block Gan Yeladim’s second week of summer camp, they celebrated with play in a mud kitchen and sensory mud tables and painted a wall with mud. The children loved it, and parents got to enjoy pictures of their children connecting with nature and having fun!
environments, age appropriate curriculum, stimulating materials, and a safe physical environment. During the accreditation period many accreditors came to observe our school, and each commented on how outstanding our teachers were and what a warm, inviting program we have. We are proud of this achievement and welcome you to come and see for yourself what a five-star preschool has to offer. If you would like to schedule a visit to our school, please contact Amanda Watsky at 904-268-4200.
Jewish Community Alliance practices Tikkun O-Yum with Meals on Wheels By Jewish Community Alliance
Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten, JCA Youth Services and JCA Jewish and Family Outreach Departments have teamed up with Meals on Wheels to practice Tikkun Olum. These programs, called Tikkun “O-Yum,” include projects for all age groups, proving that no one is too young or too old for tzedakah. For this initiative, the students of Michele Block Gan Yeladim will lend their original artwork for the decoration of placemats. The children of JCA Youth Service will also create placements as well as birthday cards and lunch bags and boxes. These unique art pieces will be delivered
along with the Meals on Wheels service to seniors throughout the community. This program will also include a food drive to collect canned goods and other non-perishable items. The youth departments of the JCA are excited to partner with Meals on Wheels and participate in this important practice of giving within the Jacksonville community.
EDUCATION news
Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2018
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Bernard & Alice Selevan Religious School Ready to go By Jacksonville Jewish Center
The Bernard & Alice Selevan Religious School at the Jacksonville Jewish Center will kick off is school year with a Meet and Greet on Sunday, August 19, from 11:00-12:00, at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. Parents and students will get a chance to learn more about the school’s innovative programs, including the return of the very successful and popular Judaism through the Arts program, Mitzvah projects, 24/7 Hebrew Online Learning Center and numerous family programs. This year, we will add a computer resource classroom, where a qualified instructor will guide students as they create and play games and practice Hebrew, several “Bring Your Parents to Religious School” days, and a t’fillah “Principal’s Challenge” for each grade! An expanded Hebrew through Prayer program now includes more self-paced class time, a variety of 21st Century as well as traditional teaching methods, and additional professional staff in the classroom. Classes will begin on Sunday, August 26 (grades K-7) and Wednesday, August 29 (grades 2-7). There are still limited spots open! For your convenience, all of the Religious School registration forms, calendars, costs, and other pertinent information, as well as a glimpse into the program, are available on the Religious School webpage at www.BASRS.org (click on Parent Portal). Our Meet and Greet is open to all – come by and check us out! For more information, please don’t hesitate to call Lois Tompkins, Principal, at 904 292-1000, ext. 146.
Michele Block Gan Yeladim teaches Hebrew through movement BY ROXANNE GORDON
This fall, Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten is excited to initiate an eight-part class with Morah Karen called Hebrew through Movement. In this active class, for children ages 3 – 6, students learn Hebrew through play to engage their minds and get their bodies moving. The educators at Michele Block Gan Yeladim know that Middle school students display original artwork; students enjoy a movie night with JCA Youth Services.
JCA Youth Services has new middle school programs this fall By Jewish Community Alliance
During the school year, JCA Youth Services department offers engaging, active programming for students ages K – 8. For those in middle school, the JCA has a new lineup of programs beginning in August. This new focus on programming for students in the preteen to early teen age range offers a variety of activities after school as well as homework help and private tutoring. Events like Third Saturday Tween Trips and School’s Out Trip offer a chance for students to socialize within their age group while enjoying outings to rock climbing, the movies and shopping. Hands-on programs
like Chopped: Middle School Edition, Future City, Blue Sun Prints and Teen Ceramics teach printmaking, painting, robotics and cooking. For those requiring homework help, Study Central provides homework assistance and access to computers. Private math tutoring and specialty lessons and learning workshops are also available. These programs are designed to meet the specific needs of tween and middle school students, while providing opportunities for age-appropriate activities and socializing. For information on JCA Youth Services middle school programming, contact Amanda Collins at 730-2100 ext. 245.
children in their formative years have more elastic brains, which makes it easier to learn languages. Hebrew through Movement encourages children of all faiths to exercise the language learning areas of the brain, develop second language learning skills, all while using their creative energy through movement learning experiences. There are many cognitive benefits to children learning
a second language, including increased problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, greater flexibility of the mind and enhanced memory. Second language learning also encourages cultural exchange and establishes a pattern of inquisitiveness that leads to future success. For more information on this and other enrichment classes at Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten, call 730-2100 ext. 235.
JCA’s Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool educator selected for prestigious leadership institute By Jewish Community Alliance
The JCC Association of North America has honored Michele Block Gan Yeladim teacher Lori Eisenberg Castro by inviting her to participate in a cohort with the Sheva Center Leadership Institute for Early Childhood Professionals from 2018-2021. For this fellowship, the Sheva Center Leadership Institute for Early Childhood Professionals will focus on exemplary education, building skills such as marketing and enrollment and continuing education in early childhood care. The goal of the fellowship is to take leaders in JCC early childhood education programs and prepare
Lori Eisenberg Castro
them for increased leadership roles and enhanced executive skills. Eisenberg Castro will participate in in six, week-long retreats as well as two international
study tours to Israel and Reggio Emilia, Italy. These learning sessions incorporate aspects of the Sheva learning framework, which helps create excellence in early childhood Jewish education, and provides professional training and certification. The Sheva Center Leadership Institute for Early Childhood Professionals is funded with a $1.9 million grant from the Jim Joseph Foundation (JJF). JJF founded the Sheva Covenant Directors Institute in 2014.
education news Brian Pargman welcomed to schools’ leadership team
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Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2018
By Jacksonville Jewish Center
Joining our schools in the new position of Director of Strategic Initiatives, Development and Operations, Mr. Brian Pargman holds a masters degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida and an undergraduate degree from Florida State. He joins us following 15 successful administration years at St. Johns Country Day School in Orange Park. Brian is excited to blend his knowledge of private, independent schools with his love of Judaism and living an active Jewish life. A former head of school shared that “Brian is a listener, a giver and a learner.” Another stated that, “Brian transfers his skill set across many areas and will be an asset to any leadership team.” We are thrilled to have Brian as a part of the leadership team of DuBow Preschool, Martin J. Gottlieb Day School and the Galinsky Academy.
DuBow Treehouse gears up for fall By Emily Carpenter
The DuBow Preschool Treehouse offers Parent & Me Classes for ages 2 weeks-2 years old. These classes give participants the opportunity to “dip their toes” into early education opportunities and the preschool life, while also providing a great network of like-minded families to grow and develop with! Treehouse’s highly demanded Family Music & Movement Class and Theatre for Babies are wonderful first classes where parents and babies bond with caregivers while also being involved in experiential whole-child focused programming. Family Music & Movement even offers a newborn music class for little ones’ ages 2-12 weeks old! Did you know babies can remember melodies beginning at 2 months old? The Treehouse will be expanding their programming the in Fall to also include educational programming, a sensory class, wellness programs for mind and body, and more! Curious about our programming? Come in for Shalom Baby, our monthly free playgroup centered around Shabbat traditions and includes story time, music, and crafts and we can tell you all about our calendar of events! Please note that classes run on different days of the week throughout the year and waiting lists can be expected. Call 904-292-1241 for more information!
Free STEAM & music event for children and families By Jacksonville Jewish Center
The DuBow Preschool and The Martin J. Gottlieb Day School are hosting an interactive hands-on experience for children with PJ Library. Prior to the Jacksonville Jewish Center’s Maccabeats Concert on Sunday, August 26th the schools will be opened and have learning stations, make-and-take projects, and more. Enjoy the day with your family and allow them to
explore music through science, technology, engineering, and art. This program is free, but RSVP’s are preferred to ensure we have enough supplies for each child. For information about our STEAM and Music event please contact amanda.watsky@mjgds. org for more information. For tickets to the Maccabeats at the Jacksonville Jewish Center visit maccabeatsjax.eventbrite.com or contact the Jacksonville Jewish Center Office at 904-292-1000.
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Programs for Kindergarten through 7th Grade!
Integrated Family Programs & Mitzvah Days!
Judaism Through The Arts
Program returns by popular demand! Through Music, Cooking, Stories, Technology, and Crafts we explore History, Traditions, Torah, Holidays and Israel.
Hebrew @jaxjewish @rgen_jax
Two days per week for Second through Seventh Grade. Our self-paced program is expanded to meet all needs; additional online learning opportunities. Address: A Galinsky Academy School at the Jacksonville Jewish Center 3662 Crown Point Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257
education news
Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2018
Setzer Youth Education year in review By Jacksonville Jewish Center
Setzer Youth Education youth groups at the Jacksonville Jewish Center had a great 17-18 and we are looking forward to an even better 18-19. We hosted a Mercaz Sub-Regional Schmoozefest for USY. We sent 51 Kadimaniks and USYers to Yom Universal. We had our second annual Ugly Hanukkah Sweater Dance Party at the Coves, this time with our friends from JAFTY at the Temple. Kadima was competitive all year long—with beat-the-clock challenges, Wacky Olympics, and Minute-to-Win-It, the competition was fierce! Chalutzim kicked off the year with a messy day and then kept up the momentum with an epic Lech Lecha blanket-fort movie day, and Jam-uary celebration and more. We don’t want to spoil any surprises about what’s to come next year, but what we can say is this… Look forward to another year of awesomeness for the 2018-2019 school year! If you’re interested in joining our email mailing list or learning more about our programs and how your kids can get in on the fun, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at setzeryouthed@jaxjewishcenter.org or call 904-2921000. We’d love to have you join us and you don’t have to be a member of the Jacksonville Jewish Center to do so—all Jewish kids in Jacksonville are welcome! Last but not least, we’d like to introduce you to our 2018-2019 boards. We’re so proud of our students for stepping up to take on leadership roles within our chapter. And, we’ve got to give a shoutout to Jamie B. for representing JJCUSY on Mercaz Sub-Regional board!
Chalutzim President—Andrew W VP Programming—Sophia H VP SATO—Mason G Secretary—Joey M Kadima President—George S VP Membership/Chalutzim—Evan W VP Rel/Ed—Eva G VP SATO—Sadie H Secretary—Ava J USY President/MemKad—Naomi H VP SATO—Arin N VP Rel/Ed/Israeli Affairs—Sabrina Z Secretary—Samantha Z
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COMMUNITY NEWS
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Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2018
JBN July Meeting: “The Voice of Business!” BY, JUDITH FOX-GOLDSTEIN “Word by Word”
“Hot Topics” took center stage today at the July JBN meeting with an exciting presentation and networking with Democratic Candidate for Congress, George “Ges” Selmont. - 4th District. “We All Have A Voice and we need to change the tone of discourse in America! JBN has no political affiliation and welcomes presentations and information from a wide diversity of candidates and political perspectives. JBN’s priority is to provide networking opportunities and, working as an elected official is truly the ultimate networking job! Likewise, a successful small business, or freelance career, is only possible when you take time to develop and nurture connections. Whether it’s with vendors, customers or colleagues or mentors, it’s all about learning to build and maintain effective, trusted, business relationships and authentic friendships. Dr. Ivan Misner, (Founder of BNI) says, “The true master networkers know that networking events are about moving through the relationship process and not just about closing deals. Visibility leads to credibility which, with time and effort, leads to profitability.” Becoming a trusted contact is the best way to insure future business and referrals. Actively engaged in the candid discussion, our JBN members were filled with challenging and provocative questions and appreciated the time to network with Ges on his political priori-
ties, experience and values. JBN business members all agree that Jacksonville is a rare gem in our nation. People choose to locate here and it’s our collective responsibility to help grow a thriving and welcoming city. Leaving nothing on the table, Selmont tackled issues from the environment to sustainability, downtown development; the waterfront; healthcare; immigration, affordable housing, the ‘brain drain’, community
involvement; Israel, the need for visionary leaders and, of course, growing and sustaining a strong and vital business climate. JBN member, Hanna Moore, (Selmont’s Director of Strategic Outreach) remarked, “Educating ourselves on the leaders
we elect is critically important – especially during this time of such political turmoil in our country!” As JBN founder and organizer, Zach Cohen says, “Networking is a process of building relationships that will lead to
symbiotic long-term benefits for you and your contacts. You definitely have to put the time in, but – rest assured, you will reap the benefits,” Networking Tips: • Next time you meet a new contact, take time to get to know them. • Let the majority of the conversation focus on their work and interests and make certain to follow up with an email demonstrating your interest and appreciation. • Share information or insight that might prove helpful and refer contacts or vendors who might be interested in their services. JBN welcomes all political views as we offer our members opportunities to become well educated on vital areas affecting their businesses, lives and communities. JBN neither endorses or supports opinions expressed by invited Political speakers but appreciates the opportunity to engage in dialogue. The next Jewish Business Network meeting will be sponsored by Audi Jacksonville and Shemron Tomer, General Sales Manager. The meeting will be held on Friday, August 10th from 8:30-9:30AM located at 7230 Blanding Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32244. If you’re able to attend, please RSVP to Zach@stjohnsasset.com.
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page 16
federation news The Jewish Federation of Jacksonville thanks you for your support! Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2018
We appreciate our donors and want to express this each month in the JJN. Thank you to the following donors who have made a commitment to support the 2018 Federation Annual Campaign as of August 24, 2018. Names printed in BOLD TEAL denote a gift that was made after July 20, 2018. Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abel Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abramson Dr. and Mrs. Mark Abramson Dr. and Mrs. Scot Ackerman Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Ackerman Dr. and Mrs. Tony Adelson Dr. and Mrs. Philip Adler Mr. and Mrs. David Adler Mrs. Peggy Ageloff Mr. and Mrs. Michel Allen Mr. and Mrs. Michael Allen Mr. and Mrs. Sandy Alliance Mr. and Mrs. Norman Allison Mr. and Mrs. Howard Alterman Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Alterman Mr. and Mrs. Allen Altman Ms. Barbara Ames Mr. and Mrs. Eric Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Allan Andrew Mr. and Mrs. Marc Angelo Mr. and Mrs. Brian Ansbacher Mr. Lawrence Ansbacher Mr. and Mrs. Barry Ansbacher Mrs. Sybil Ansbacher Mr. and Mrs. Larry Appel Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Appelbaum Ms. Eve Aptheker Mrs. Sandy Archer Mr. and Mrs. Henry Arnold Ms. Sara August Ms. Diana Azpiazu Mr. and Mrs. Frank Backilman Mr. Al Bagocius and Ms. Carol Doyle Mr. and Mrs. David Bailys Dr. and Mrs. Robert Baker Mrs. Audrey Baker Dr. Scott Baker and Mrs. Maureen Ruddy-Baker Mrs. Isabel Balotin Mr. and Mrs. Scott Balotin Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Bannon Mr. and Mrs. Martin Barna Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Barone Mrs. Rita Baumgarten Mr. Jack Bazinsky Mr. and Mrs. Ben Becker Dr. and Mrs. Matthew Becker Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Beckerman Ms. Sarah Beekman Mrs. Mary Beissinger Mr. and Mrs. Jean Benjamin Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bennett Mr. and Mrs. Odell Bennett Dr. and Mrs. Guy Benrubi Dr. Isidore D. Benrubi Mr. and Mrs. Prince Benyehudah Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Berger Mr. and Mrs. Greg Berger Mr. and Mrs. Ira Berger Mr. Martin Berger Mr. Daniel Bergman Ms. Danielle Berke Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Berke Mr. and Mrs. Mark Berman Mrs. Steve Bermudez Mr. and Mrs. Larry Bernard Dr. Anne Bernstein Ms. Carolee Bertisch Mr. and Mrs. Jack Bettman Mr. and Mrs. Richard Beyer Mrs. Adrienne Biber Mr. and Mrs. Abe Bielski Mr. and Mrs. David Bielski Mr. Sheldon Blattner Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon Blattner Mr. and Mrs. Larry Blaustein Block Family Mr. and Mrs. Philip Bloom Dr. and Mrs. Adrian Blotner Dr. David Blum Ms. Stacey Blum Mrs. Sue Ann Blumenthal Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Board Mrs. Traude Bohrman Mrs. Josephine Bonnett Mr. Robert Bossen Mrs. Rhona Botnick Mr. Wiatt Bowers Mr. and Mrs. James Brady Ms. Michelle Branly Mr. and Mrs. Warren Brattner Mrs. Joyce Braun Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Breault Mrs. Ruchel Broadman Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Brodsky Dr. and Mrs. Sol Brotman Mr. and Mrs. Richard Browdy Mr. and Mrs. Richard Browdy Dr. and Mrs. Andy Brown Dr. and Mrs. Robert Brown Ms. Alison Brown Mrs. Estelle Brust Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Bubis Dr. and Mrs. Dennis Buchman Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Burke Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Burns Mr. and Mrs. Howard Buss Mr. and Mrs. Jan Butensky Mr. Leonard Cagan Mr. and Mrs. Steven Cantor Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Cantor Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood Cantor Mr. and Mrs. Paul Cantor Mr. and Mrs. Howard Caplan Mrs. Barbara Carman Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Chait Ms. Miriam Chefer Mr. and Mrs. Barry Chefer Mr. and Mrs. Allan Cheiken Mr. and Mrs. Alan Chepenik Dr. Colleen Bell and Mr. Craig Cherrin Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Cherry Ms. Susan Cherry Mrs. Rita Clark Mr. and Mrs. Allan Cohen Mrs. Shirley Cohen Rabbi and Mrs. Matt Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Martin Cohen
Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Danny Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Norman Cohen Ms. Joanne Cohen Dr. and Mrs. Donald Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Jack Coleman Mr. and Mrs. Edward Constain Mr. and Mrs. Mark Cooper Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Coplan Mrs. Ellen Cottrill Ms. Cheryl Covitz Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Crafton Dr. and Mrs. Richard Crovatto Mr. and Mrs. Walter Crowder Mr. and Mrs. Steven Cutler Ms. Bev Darkatsh Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Datz Mr. and Mrs. Albert Datz Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Datz Ms. Joan Davidow and Mr. Stuart Glass Mr. and Mrs. Richard Davis Mr. James Davis Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Davis Drs. Leo and Joanne Davis Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Dayan Mr. and Mrs. Jim De Arman Mrs. Lisa De Marco Mr. and Mrs. Jon DeBardeleben Mr. and Mrs. Allan Decker Mr. and Mrs. Moti Demri Mrs. Marilyn Desser Mr. and Mrs. Harold Diamond Mrs. Ellen Diamond Mr. and Mrs. Scott Dreicer Mr. and Mrs. Sean Driscoll Judge and Mrs. Robert Droker DuBow Family Ms. Nanci Duchovnay Mrs. Jody Dughi Mr. and Mrs. Alexius Dyer Mrs. Sue Eaglstein Mr. and Mrs. Dan Edelman Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Edelman Mrs. Goldie Edelstein Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Edwards Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Edwards Mr. Marvin Edwards Mr. and Mrs. Martin Edwards Dr. Barry Efron Ms. Gloria Einstein Mrs. Lisa Eisenberg Mrs. Elizabeth Eisenberg Mrs. Marie Eisenberg Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Elikan Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Elinoff Mr. and Mrs. Michael Elkin Dr. and Mrs. Warren Endes Mrs. Fern Estner Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Farhi Mr. and Mrs. Dave Fastenberg Ms. Betsy Federman Dr. Denise Sherman and Mr. Yakov Feig Ms. Harriet Feinglass Dr. and Mrs. Neil Feinglass Mr. and Mrs. Brian Feldman Mr. and Mrs. Edward Feldman Mr. and Mrs. Alan Feldman Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Feldman Dr. Alan Fetner and Dr. Mary Hartigan Dr. and Mrs. Michael Fetner Drs. Howard and Dina Fetner Ms. Gaye Feuer Ms. Etta Fialkow Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Fields Dr. Miriam Finegold-Price Ms. Anna Finelt Mr. and Mrs. Neal Finkelstein Rabbi and Mrs. Yaakov Fisch Ms. Cheryl Fisch Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Fischer Mr. and Mrs. Ben Fishman Mr. and Mrs. Myron Flagler Mr. and Mrs. Martin Flamm Mr. and Mrs. Michael Fleet Ms. Bobbie Fost Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon Fox Ms. Sarah Fraden Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Franzblau Mr. Matthew Franzblau Ms. Ariel Frechtman Mr. and Mrs. Michael Freedman Mrs. Marilyn Freedman Dr. and Mrs. Michael Freeman Dr. and Mrs. Marc Freeman Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon Friedman Mr. and Mrs. Steven Friedman Frisch Family Mr. and Mrs. Adam Frisch Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Frohman Mr. and Mrs. Melvyn Fruit Judge Jerry Funk Ms. Elaine Furman Mr. and Mrs. Paul Furman Mr. and Mrs. Oren Gahanian Mrs. Helena Gandell Mr. and Mrs. Harold Garber Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gare Ms. Nicola Garner Mrs. Zelda Gartner Mr. and Mrs. Simon Garwood Mr. Victor Gaukhman Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gefen Mr. and Mrs. Larry Geller Mr. Sheldon Gendzier Mr. and Mrs. Gary Gendzier Mrs. Alois Gendzier Mrs. Sunny Gettinger Judge Marvin Gillman Mr. John Gilmore and Ms. Amy Grass-Gilmore Mr. and Mrs. Randall Ginzig Mr. and Mrs. Marc Gladstone Mr. Peter Levy and Ms. Kim Glasgal Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Glassman Mr. and Mrs. Martin Goetz
Mrs. Patricia Goldberg Mrs. Carole Goldberg Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Goldberg Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Golden Ms. Lauren Goldenberg Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Goldfarb Dr. Bruce Goldfeder Mr. and Mrs. Ira Goldfield Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Goldhagen Mr. David Golding and Ms. Leslie Carmel Mrs. Muriel Goldman Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Goldman Mrs. Irma Goldman Mr. and Mrs. Jack Goldman Mr. and Mrs. Karl Goldman Mr. Alan Goldman Mr. Kenneth Goldman Dr. and Mrs. Roy Goldman Mr. and Mrs. David Goldman Mrs. Hilda Goldman Mr. and Mrs. Marty Goldmintz Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Goldsmith Ms. Bea Goldsmith Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Goldstein Mrs. Barbara Goldstein Ms. Janet Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. Allen Goldstein Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Goldstein Mr. Harvey Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Goldstein Rabbi and Mrs. Robert Goodman Mr. and Mrs. David Goodman Mrs. Gloria Goodman Mr. Jonathan Goodman Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell Gordon Mrs. Naomi Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Goshen Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Jarzyna Gottlieb Family Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Gottlieb Mr. and Mrs. Martin Gottlieb Mr. and Mrs. Chris Gould Mr. and Mrs. John Grado Mrs Polina Graff Dr. and Mrs. Neill Graff-Radford Dr. and Mrs. Lloyd Granat Dr. and Mrs. Brett Gratz Mr. and Mrs. Mark Green Dr. and Mrs. Alvin Green Ms. Diane Greenbaum Mr. and John Barrett Dr. and Mrs. Jesse Greenblum Dr. and Mrs. Michael Greenburg Dr. Melinda Greenfield Mr. and Mrs. Paul Greenfield Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Greenfield Mr. and Mrs. Steven Greenhut Mr. and Mrs. Joel Greenhut Mr. Gerald Greenspoon Ms. Gari Greenwald Dr. and Mrs. Earl Greenwald Mr. and Mrs. Edward Grenadier Ms. Ilisa Griffin Mr. and Mrs. James Grinnan Mr. Matthew Grinnan Dr. and Mrs. Jonathan Gross Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Arnold Mr. Michael Grossman Mrs. Roslyn Grossman Mrs. Dolly Grunthal Mr. Stephen Gurne Mr. and Mrs. Scott Gutterman Drs. Randall and Shoshana Haas Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Haile Mr. and Mrs. Greg Hall Dr. and Mrs. Jesse Halpern Mr. Robert Handmaker Mrs. Cynthia Handmaker Mrs. Bonnie Hardy Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Hare Mr. and Mrs. Gary Harlow Dr. Sherrie Harris Dr. and Mrs. Alan Harris Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Harris Mr. and Mrs. Robert Harris Mr. and Mrs. Alan Harrison Rabbi and Mrs. Shaya Hauptman Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hayflick Mrs. Sonie Hecht Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hedrick Mr. William Layton and Ms. Rachel Heiser Mrs. Leslie Held Mr. Steven Heller Mr. and Mrs. Harlan Helming Dr. and Mrs. Bradley Herbst Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Herman Mr. Christopher Hernandez and Mrs. Christopher Hernandez Mr. and Mrs. Brian Herschkowitz Mrs. Raymonde Higgins Mr. and Mrs. Ken Hilbert Mr. John Nelson and Ms. Murren Hill John and Helen Hill Mr. and Mrs. Bob Hirsch Ms. Masha Hleap Mr. and Mrs. Howard Hodor Mr. David Hoffman Mr. Royal Holian Mr. and Mrs. Jay Holiday Hazzan and Mrs. Jesse Holzer Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Holzer Mr. and Mrs. David Honig Mrs. Nancy Honig Mrs. Wendy Honigman Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Horn Ms. Sheila Horowitz Mr. Arthur Hurwitz Ms. Janet Healy and Mr. Charles Hyman Mr. and Mrs. Michael Isakbayev Ms. Helene Isolica Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Israel Mrs. Judith Israel Mr. and Mrs. Larry Jaben Dr. and Mrs. Ira Jackler
Mr. and Mrs. Ted Jackrel Mr. and Mrs. George Jackson Mr. Marc Jackson and Ms. Ann Tiefenthaler Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Jacobs Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Jacobs Mr. Darryl Jacobson Mr. and Mrs. Sam Jacobson Mr. and Mrs. Leo Jacobson Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Jaffa Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Jaffa Mr. and Mrs. James Jaffa Jaffe-Zimmerman Family Mr. and Mrs. Jon Jagodinski Ms. Anita Jarrett Mrs. Lorraine Jenkins Mr. and Mrs. Jamie Jolles Dr. Edward Joseph Ms. Sharon Juhasz Mr. and Mrs. Alan Kagan Mr. and Mrs. Norman Kagan Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kahn Mr. and Mrs. Alan Kaminsky Mr. Jeffry Wollitz and Ms. Randy Kammer Dr. and Mrs. Jesse Kane Dr. and Mrs. Robert Kanner Dr. and Mrs. Larry Kanter Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Kantor Mr. and Mrs. Jay Karp Mrs. Barbara Karsin Mr. and Mrs. David Kasriel Mr. and Mrs. Michael Katz Ms. Heidi Katz Mr. and Mrs. Alan Katz Ms. Michele Katz Dr. and Mrs. David Katz Ms. Libby Katz Mr. and Mrs. Manfred Katz Mr. and Mrs. Martin Kaufman Mr. and Mrs. Howard Kaufmann Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Kaunitz Mr. and Mrs. Donald Kaye Mrs. Barbara Kazin Mr. and Mrs. Jason Smith Ms. Sharon Kenner Rabbi and Mrs. Dov Kentof Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kersun Judge and Mrs. Morton Kesler Ms. Sharon Kesler Ms. Marcia Kessler Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kessler Mr. and Mrs. Rudolf Kigel Mr. and Mrs. David Kight Ms. Simone Kilbourn Ms. Ida Kirsner Dr. and Mrs. Garry Kitay Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Klausner Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kleiman Mr. and Mrs. William Klein Mr. and Mrs. Gil Kleiner Ms. Janice Knack Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kopp Dr. Michael Koren Mr. and Mrs. Howard Korman Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Korn Mrs. Annetta Kornblum Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kornhauser Mr. Yefim Brunfon and Mrs. Polina Koropova Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Kossoff Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kraemer Mrs. Sylvia Kraemer Dr. and Mrs. Alan Krantz Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kraus Mr. and Mrs. Leo Kreisel Mrs. Carolyn Krestul Ms. Ann Kristal Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Kuhbander Mr. Don Kupfer Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Kurtz Dr. and Mrs. Ron Kushner Mr. Carl Kutlin Mr. Louis La Russo Dr. and Mrs. Dennis Lafer Mr. and Mrs. Eric Land Mr. Howard Laner Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Langer Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lantinberg Mrs. Sonya Lasris Mr. and Mrs. James Lawson Mrs. Naomi Lazar Mr. and Mrs. Eric Leach Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Leach Mr. and Mrs. Edward Leader Ms. Jean Lebowitz and Ms. Thelma Lebowitz Mrs. Dorothy Legum Ms. Sybil Lehr Mr. and Mrs. Stephan Leimberg Ms. Tilde A. Lerman Dr. and Mrs. Eli Lerner Drs. Jeff and Ilene Levenson Dr. and Mrs. H. Ronald Levin Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Levine Mr. and Mrs. Arnie Levine Mrs. Eileen Levine Ms. Robin Levine Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell Levine Ms. Stefanie Levine Mr. and Mrs. Mark Levine Mr. and Mrs. Kal Levinson Mr. Alan Levinson Mr. and Mrs. Don Levinson Ms. Carol Levitan Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Levitsky Levy Memorial Fund Mrs. Phyllis Lewis Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Lewis Mr. and Mrs. Sam Lewis Ms. Suzanne Lichter Ms. Karen Lidsky Dr. and Mrs. Larry Lieberman Mr. Tyler Curl and Ms. Jessica Ligator Dr. Leonard Lipkin Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Lipsky Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lissner Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lissner Mrs. Muriel Litt
Mr. Mark Lodinger Mr. Herman Lodinger Mr. and Mrs. Alan Loeser Ms. Rhoda London Ms. Esther LoPiano Ms. Sherri Louer Ms. Sylvia Lubliner Rabbi and Mrs. Jonathan Lubliner Ms. Marcia Luettchau Drs. Robert and Anne Lufrano Ms. Diance Lurye Mrs. Betty Lustig Ms. Lucille Lustig Mr. and Mrs. Richard Mack Ms. Gabrielle E. Magid Mr. and Mrs. Steven Mail Mr. and Mrs. Leonardo Maiman Mrs. Raquel Maiman Mrs. Amy Malkin Ms. Maria Mamalui Mrs. Ilana Manasse Mr. and Mrs. John Mitchell Mrs. Laura Marder Mrs. Marilyn Margol Mr. and Mrs. Alan Margolies Mr. and Mrs. Adam Marko Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Marks Ms. Caroline Marks Dr. and Mrs. Alan Marks Mr. and Mrs. Adam Marmelstein Dr. Donald Mars Dr. Ronald Mars Mr. Ben Marsh Mr. and Mrs. Bob Marshak Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Martin Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Martino Dr. and Mrs. Mike Mass Mrs. Deinya Mautz Mrs. Charlotte Mayo Mr. and Mrs. Adam McDonough Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Melamed Mr. and Mrs. Walter Menaged Mr. and Mrs. Myron Mensh Mr. and Mrs. Paul Metlin Mr. and Mrs. Yosef Meyer Mr. A.J. Michaels Mr. and Mrs. Barry Michelson Mr. Alex Migdall Mr. Robert Milden Mr. and Mrs. Tony Milian Alexandra Miller Bequest Mrs. Jo Miller Mrs. Margaret Miller Mr. Daniel Miller and Ms. Lior Spring Mr. Matthew Miller Mr. and Mrs. Albert Miller Mr. Glenn Miller and Mr. Michael Miller Mr. Michael Miller Mr. and Mrs. Richard Miller Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Millrood Dr. and Mrs. Stuart Millstone Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Mintzer Mr. and Mrs. Alan Mizrahi Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mizrahi Mr. and Mrs. Steven Mizrahi Mrs. Judy B. Mizrahi Mr. and Mrs. Jack Mizrahi Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Montagna Ms. Cheryl Moore Dr. and Mrs. Craig Morgenthal Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Morris Mr. and Mrs. Joel Morris Ms. Vanessa Morris Mr. and Mrs. Todd Morse Ms. Geri Myers Mrs Marlene Myers Judge and Mrs. Bernard Nachman Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Nadler Dr. and Mrs. Peter Natale Dr. and Mrs. Alan Nathans Ms. Maria Natovitch Ms. Melissa Neadle Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Neadle Drs. Steven and Tmima Neihaus Mr. and Mrs. Lon Neuman Ms. Kym Newlen Mr. and Mrs. Robert Newman Mr. and Mrs. Lance Newman Mr. and Mrs. William Newman Mr. and Mrs. Michael Nicotra Mr. and Mrs. Robert Nied Drs. Michael and Sue Nussbaum Ms. Linda Oberdorfer Mr. Andrew Ocean Ms. Gloria Oehlman Mr. and Mrs. Jais Ohayon Mr. and Mrs. Moshe Ohayon Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Olesker Mrs. Donne Ordile Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Organes Ms. Allysondra Osborne Mr. and Mrs. Morrie Osterer Ms. Sandra B. Overton Ms. Marilyn Pagano Mr. and Mrs. Michael Paisner Ms. Leah Palestrant Mr. and Mrs. Elliott Palevsky Mr. Michael Pallen Mrs. Francine Parfitt Mr. and Mrs. Brian Pargman Mr. and Mrs. Richard Passink Mr. and Mrs. John Pataky Mr. and Mrs. Herman Paul Mr. and Mrs. Michael Paul Ms. Adele Paul Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Pearl Mrs Evelyn Peck Mr. and Mrs. Mark Penson Ms. Ruth Penson Mrs. Sophia Pentel Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Perin Mr. and Mrs. Donald Perlin Dr. and Mrs. Gary Perlman Dr. and Mrs. Morton Perlman Ms. Meredith Persky Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Persky Mr. and Mrs. Bertram Peters
CONTINUED ON PG. 29
Girlfriend Connection
page 17
Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2018
Girlfriend Connection turns 13 On May 17, the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville’s Girlfriend Connection celebrated its thirteenth anniversary! The ladies of the Jacksonville Jewish community came together, honored the past Women’s Division Presidents and heard from women about what Federation means to them. Below are some of the words women shared that night.
“Federation means connecting to my Jacksonville Jewish community. Federation means supporting important Jewish causes near and far! Federation means creating new friendships and insights through our partnership with Israel.” Henny Fisch
“Insuring the legacy of the Jewish people! The resources that are allocated by Federation year after year here and abroad allow all of us who share this common goal to enrich and support Jewish organizations and communities and perpetuate Jewish values. Federation embodies mitzvot and Tikkun Olam!” Jeanine Rogozinski
“I support Federation because of l’dor vador, from generation to generation. My parents have set a strong example of involvement in the Jewish community and supporting good causes from Jacksonville to Israel. From mitzvah trips as a day school student to a campaigner’s mission to Israel, I’ve seen the impact Federation has had up close and I’ve been an example of it myself.” Stefanie Levine
“Federation has always been a part of my life. My mother was the Miami Federation’s Major Gifts chair, and my father, of Blessed Memory, helped inspire other Orthodox community members in Miami Beach to support Federation. More directly, my husband’s family was sponsored by JAFI to immigrate from a DP camp after WWII. More recently, I met my husband at a Federation Conference in DC. Now it is our turn to help Jews locally and around the world through Federation.” Sylvia Jaffa
“I give from my heart because of the people that I have met from all over the world who benefit from Federation. I have a chance to make a positive impact on lives and Federation gives me a purpose.” Marjie Rogozinski
“I give to Federation because I’ve seen firsthand in Jacksonville, in Houston, in Israel, in Spain, and even in Morocco how Federation impacts those who need help. My Federation gift that saves and transforms lives around the world has also transformed my life.” Haley Trager
“Getting involved with the Jewish Federation was one of the best decisions I made after graduating college. Through it’s creative programming it provided insight and awareness into Jewish agencies and needs around the city. I learned firsthand how it also supported Jews around the world. My involvement also provided opportunities to unite with old friends and meet new people with common values and passions similar to mine. In the process it elevated me as a person and as a parent it has set an invaluable example for my children to follow. I have witnessed the impact on both of my girls through their leadership in Jewish causes in their own communities! I am proud to support this fascinating organization!” Kim Robbins
“We enrolled our kids in the MJG day school when we moved to Jacksonville 5 years ago where I was welcomed by a group of women who quickly became my friends (and still are). These same women invited me to volunteer or serve on various committees like the River Garden Gala and the Champagne Brunch which led me to the Women’s Division (5 years in and here I am co-CHAIRING GFC!). These opportunities and friendships have made my family and I feel so connected to and supported by this community and it is so comforting to see so many friendly faces wherever I go here in Jacksonville.” Christy Rosen
“I give because Federation brings our community together and creates ties to Israel. There’s a variety of programs and opportunities in which to participate so there’s something for everyone.” Jill Metlin
“It is an honor for me to be here as the co chair of the girlfriend connection, where I connected to so many women, as a newcomer to Jax 9 years ago. The warmth and welcoming of the new friends I made that evening, inspired me to become active in Federation.” Arlene Adelson
“I’ve personally seen how Federation helps Jews in need and connects people here and all over the world. The connections I’ve made have enriched my life. My daughter, Elana, recently participated in a six month career Israel experience through a MASA program and she too now knows how federation has touched the lives of Jews from all over the world. It’s not just about the money we give, but the connections and the friendships we make. We have federation family in Hadera that have become true family! Elana had a home away from home.” Lynn Maiman
Federation has given me so much more than I have given to it…Federation has taught me the impact my philanthropy can have on my local and global community; the importance of doing mitzvot; pride in my Judaism; a love for Israel; role models and mentors; friendships; and my family-I met my husband at a Federation event! Lauren Rickoff Photos by Larry Tallis
Opinion
page 18
Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2018
August Mensches of the Month
This month we recognize our incredible Israel Part-
Allison and Ken Jacobs
Mark and Michelle Penson
Chris and Andrea Hernandez
nership Summer Teen Exchange Host Parents. We are incredibly grateful to the Hernandez, Jacobs, Jaffa, Osher, Penson and Wright families for opening their homes and welcoming our summer delegation from Hadera, Israel. They spent countless hours driving, entertaining and celebrating these teens and their chaperone and showed them the most amazing hospitality our Jacksonville Jewish community has to offer. We thank them for all they did to make this experience an unforgettable one for the Israelis they hosted and we want them to know we couldn’t do it without them!
Sylvia and Andrew Jaffa
Lisa Wright
JJN’s Rabbinically Speaking: Judaism and self care BY RABBI KURINSKY Chabad at the Beaches
Dear Friends, I hope you will indulge me as I write a different type of Rabbi’s column this month. As some of you may know, in June of last year I had a heart attack. I was 36 years old. A year later I bicycled with 6 friends from Ponte Vedra to Key West [ 600 miles in 6 days]. I’d like to share some thoughts that inspired me along the way. It is my hope that others might be inspired to hopefully live longer, be happier, feel great physically and spiritually. Self Care Self care? I had no idea what that was. Don’t get me wrong, I advised hundreds of others to take care of themselves. I know the speech well, I’ve given it to so many others on countless occasions. I heard the sermon but never listened to it. Why? Guilt? Shame? Who knows. Between raising 6 children with my wonderful wife Leah, being a full time rabbi, a husband, brother and friend, who has time? The journey from patient to athlete is only possible with a paradigm shift of the highest order. Jewish ethicists teach us that the body is not a person’s possession, but belongs to G‑d. We are put on earth to fulfill a great mission that G-d himself has custom selected for each one of us. It is our job to take the time to take care of this gift called life. This requires taking time to take care of ourselves. We need to eat properly, meditate and pray properly, and exercise regularly. The big secret? By taking care of myself I am more present as a father, husband, Rabbi and friend. It’s counterintuitive at first but it
works! Another eye opener for me. Being healthy is part of our religion. When I was told by my doctor in no uncertain terms, if I didn’t get healthy I wouldn’t live very long... you can say I hit bottom. I was not living a healthy lifestyle, unhealthy eating, irregular exercise and high stress were my normal. Then, over time I came to realize, as a Jew, I find my truth in the Torah. What does the Torah say about being healthy? The Torah tells us (Deuteronomy 4:15) “Scrupulously guard your health.” That
was my answer… In the words of the Great Teacher, Maimonides that “it is impossible to grow in comprehension and wisdom when one is hungry or ill ... for his body must be healthy and whole to serve G‑d.” I came to realize that to be an observant Jew means to follow even the things that make me uncomfortable. Perhaps, I struggle with certain Mitzvas because those are what my soul needs most! In other words a healthy body leads to a healthy soul! As a matter of fact that’s the name we chose for our bike trip.
A major change was my mindset. Be an athlete not a patient. Who likes to be a victim? Who likes to give up control of themself? I don’t. I firmly believe in G-d, nay I trust in G-d. Things that are out of my control I must accept with grace. As a matter of fact, I’ve come to learn that stress is caused by trying to control the things that are out of our hands. Health? Now that’s in my control. I can eat better. I can exercise. I can take the time I need for myself. I can do my best to be there for the people in my life, including myself. To put it another way, as the world exists currently the mortality rate is 100%. Thus, this is not something I can control. Living a healthy life? Knowing that if I do end up in the hospital again, G-d forbid, it was G-d’s choice not mine. I am ok with that. I learned, that, having fun is so important, in fact, it’s the kosher thing to do! I challenge you, go to the beach when you are feeling down, angry or upset. Take a 5 minute walk. I challenge you to remain upset. I call the beach G-d’s prozac. I don’t believe you will be able to resist feeling calmer and more joyful. Maybe it’s the fresh air that makes a person happy. Maybe it’s the endorphins or simply admitting to yourself that you are important enough to give time to. Who knows? Who cares? The Torah tells us to “serve G-d with joy.” My conclusion, exercise, do what you love! If you love cycling, cycle, if you love yoga, do yoga. Crossfit? Running? Walking? Start with what you love. It is powerful and empowering to set goals, big goals with small measurable steps. I biked Florida’s East Coast, completed a sprint distance triath-
lon and plan on doing two more before the summer ends. My big goal for the season? I’m training for a half ironman in October. My son asked me if I fail at the Ironman will I be disheartened. My answer was, I will probably be bummed for 5 minutes then remind myself that I trained for a 70.3 mile Ironman event. My real goal is to be healthy. I’ve learned that, for me, training without goals leaves me exercising aimlessly. I believe it’s true about many areas of life, one’s personal health is no different. The same applies to ones spiritual health, going to a class at the synagogue every now and again is nice, glancing at an article online is inspiring. To succeed spiritually goals are key. Have a set time each day to study. Make time to meditate and pray. It doesn’t have to be a lot of time. A few minutes before each meal does wonders. Indeed Judaism teaches us to pray, or rather meditate three times a day. The key is having small measurable goals that combined lead to bigger goals. I am writing this article during the time period in which we mourn the destruction of both of our holy temples in Jerusalem. The time period following these rather sad days are the High Holidays. May each and every member of our broader Jewish community be blessed with a New Year filled with physical and spiritual health, joy and prosperity. May we merit a time when, as the Prophet Isaiah promised us “The eyes of the blind shall be clear sighted, and the ears of the deaf shall be opened… the lame shall leap as a hart and the tongue of the dumb shall sing…” (Isaiah 35:5-6). Shana Tova, Rabbi Nochum Kurinsky
community news
page 19
Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2018
Building Bridges – Coming to Value Diverse Relationships By Jewish Family & Community Services
In a new initiative building on the success of an older program, Building Bridges brings much to the table in terms of impact. Headed by Project 4293, this nonprofit program coordinated by students from The Bolles School establishes relationships between student volunteers and children from foster care. Using art and the Frisch Family Holocaust Memorial Gallery, Hope McMath facilitates the program by introducing an aspect of inner and outer reflection. The art used throughout the program serves as a way for foster children and volunteers to be introspective and bring oneself out of a creative ennui. McMath notes, “In the first week of the program, it was obvious that both the volunteers and those that are in foster care clearly did not have the capability to relate to one another. When I brought them into the Holocaust Memorial Gallery and when they viewed the suffering that the survivors
went through and experienced true emotion, it was then that both groups recognized that the other had emotions, that the other had struggles, that the other had issues on both the personal and global scale.” The art that was created was utilized to unite the two groups in having a shared experience and appreciation. Linda, one of the original creators of the Building Bridges program notes, “The program is in excellent hands. Never have I seen a more cordial group of students interact with a more willing group of participants. Building Bridges has proven that it is a serious program that intends to do good for the community, and they are starting at the grassroots level. Karen, a JFCS therapist, assists in managing the program. “Building Bridges is founded on the principle of building relationships from different pockets of communities. The life experiences of a student going to The Bolles School is nowhere near the same experience that someone in the world of foster care is
experiencing. But these groups forming relationships and being able to recognize the other as people with their own emotions, goals, and achievements, is the true purpose of Building Bridges.”
“It is our hope that the artwork created throughout the program will be on display in the JFCS Frisch Family Holocaust Gallery in the fall. The true goal for this program is for the participants to learn tolerance for each
•Jewish Genealogy Soc. of NE FL
•ShalomJax
other, as well as other cultures and diversities. JFCS is so proud to have been a part of it and we hope to continue building bridges in the future.” said executive director, Colleen Rodriguez, of the program.
•River Garden Hebrew Home
How to Re-establish a Vodka Empire Sunday, August 19, 10:30am River Garden Hebrew Home This charming, sentimental and funny documentary follows filmaker, Daniel Edelstyn, as he travels to the Ukraine in search of his family roots and discovers that the Vodka distillery his grandfather opened in 1904 is still in operation. He decides--despite his utter lack of business experience--to become a liquor entrepreneur and import the vodka to the UK. There is no charge for this event, however, reservations are a must by August 14. Contact Marla Westberg, marla@westbergfl.com or Isabel Balotin, 904-448-5000 x 206 or shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org.
September Jewish Java “Find Your Inner Shalom” Wed., September 5th River Garden Hebrew Home 11401 Old St Augustine Rd., 9:30am - 10:30am
Join Michelle Pargman, mental health counselor, as she gives a dynamic presentation on finding your inner Shalom. See difficult people through a different lens. Increase awareness about your communication style through a fun and interactive survey and learn more about those styles that are the most challenging for you. Increase your inner peace (Shalom).
Michelle Pargman (ED. S., LMHC, NCC)
A Complimentary bagel breakfast will be served. RSVP by Aug. 29th to Isabel Balotin at 904-448-5000 x1206 or shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org
S T A E B A C C A M E TH T S U G U A
6 2
R E T N E C H S I W E J E L L I V M P N O 0 S 0 : K 3 C T A A J N E P M O P S 0 DOOR GINSAT3:3 E B T R E C N CO
Tickets on sale now!!!
Visit maccabeatsjax.eventbrite.com Adults (18+): $25 ($36 at the door) Child (6-17): $12 ($18 at the door) Young Child (under 5): Free
Babysitting for children under 5 available by reservation only. Contact the Center Office at 904-292-1000 to reserve your spot.
For more information contact the Jacksonville Jewish Center at 904-292-1000 Generously Sponsored By: Shorstein Family Foundation DuBow Family Foundation Trager Family Foundation Glasgal/Levy Family Zimmerman Family Raitt Family Bielski Family Jolles Family
synagogue news
Planning Continued from pg. 9 Rosenblum. Our Community Conversation Facilitators include Gayle Bailys, Debbie Banks, Lois Chepenik, Kim Glasgal, Melissa Gross-Arnold, Debby Kaye, Whitney Kuvin, Kim Millrood, Elyse Whitman, Barbara Schneider, Brent Trager, Sara Werner and Clergy and Staff members Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner, Gilbert Kleiner, Danielle Berke, and Tracy Hilbert. The facilitators will organize and lead Community Conversations and will forward the information they gather to the Steering Committee. Community Conversations (CoCos), similar to parlor meetings, will take place over the next few months. Emails inviting Jacksonville
Center Continued from pg. 10 never end. No matter how old, how busy (and we are!), or how smart a person is - learning and Judaism should always remain a priority in our lives. Two years later, I proudly shared much of this story with the congregation when I stood on the bimah, giving a small sermon while celebrating our b’nei mitzvah. Currently, I am the proudest mommy of 4 incredible children. The younger 3 are all graduates of DuBow Preschool and current Martin J. Gottlieb Day School students. Also, two years ago when I was ready to return to the work force, I was blessed to be hired to work at the Center. I am proud to have advanced into the role of Director of Operations and Head of Membership, two areas I have great passion for. You may be thinking about why I am writing this article and sharing this personal story. The Jacksonville Jewish Center was here for my family from the moment we walked through the amazing glass doors and is still today in so many ways. I want Jewish Jacksonville to understand that I fully understand and have a huge respect for all the emotions involved when choosing a synagogue. It may feel overwhelming. It may feel intimidating. It may feel exhausting. But in the end, it is worth it! Please contact me by phone (904) 292-1000 ext 111 or by email Thilbert@jaxjewishcenter.org if you are looking for a place to celebrate the High Holidays or if I can help you find a Jewish home at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. I look forward to sharing this amazing synagogue and community with you.
Jewish Center congregants to participate have gone out. We hope that many Center congregants will attend a Community Conversation and let us know if they would like to host one at their home, office, community clubhouse, or the Jacksonville Jewish Center. In early August Jacksonville Jewish Center congregants will be invited to participate in an on-line congregational survey. This data, along with the information received from Community Conversations, will be essential to developing a strategic plan representative of our congregation. If you would like to know more about the Sulam Strategic Planning process at the Center or about the Jacksonville Jewish Center, please visit jjcjax. org or contact Gilbert Kleiner F.S.A., Executive Director, at 904-292-1000.
Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2018
page 21
continued stories JCA Continued from pg. 1
For information on supporting the JCA, visit jcajax.org/donate or contact Lior Spring at lior.spring@jcajax.org or 730-2100 ext. 318. THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR DONORS WHO HAVE SUSTAINED THE JEWISH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE FOR THE PAST 30 YEARS!
Federation Continued from pg. 1 pagne Brunch in January of 2018, and is a member of the PJ Library Planning Committee. Since her start with us in June, Lauren has brought amazing energy and knowledge to our staff. We are in the middle of planning an amazing campaign year and can’t wait to show you what we’ve been working on. Among adding two amazing professionals to our staff, we were also searching for some-
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Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2018
one to take over our rGEN Division. We found a gem in Faye Hedrick, whom we hired in June as well. She is no stranger to the Jacksonville community, as she grew up here and has
also been an active member of the Jacksonville community. She currently sits on the Jacksonville Jewish Center’s executive board as their Vice President of Programming and
is the PTA’s Vice President of Membership and Room Parent Coordinator at the DuBow Preschool and Martin J. Gottlieb Day School. Faye recently cochaired a very successful and inspiring L’Dor V’Dor evening for the Galinsky Academy, the school’s largest fundraiser each year. She also serves on the PJ Library Planning Committee. She brings with her so many great ideas and initiative. Since day one in the office, she has been a delight, and we can’t wait to see what she has planned for rGEN. This month, we say see you again to Shelly Shalev, our
shlicha for the past year, and say welcome to Rotem Gabay, our first shaliach. We are so fortunate to be entering into our third year in a row of having the Shlichut (Israeli emissary) program. This would not be possible without the support of the Kraemer family. While here, Rotem will put on different programs in the community, help plan the annual Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration at the JCA, and much more. We are looking forward to having Rotem with us, and can’t wait for you to meet him!
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jewish community alliance
page 23
Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2018
JCA’s Jewish Cultural Arts Festival returns this November By Jewish Community Alliance
Enjoyed by a record number of community members last year, the JCA’s Jewish Cultural Arts Festival returns this November, bringing Jewish films, books, authors and musical performances to Jacksonville. A team of volunteers, led by second-time chair Sherrie Saag, is already hard at work selecting the best of current Jewish literature and films to present to the community. Always at the forefront is planning fun and engaging content with all ages in mind. Last year’s panel discussions, interviews, children’s event and musical theater performance proved very popular and, according to Saag, engaged and connected newer audiences for the JCA. “The committee was really excited to review the offerings available to us this year and looks forward to the exciting choices
we are making. You will want to mark your calendar for the first two weeks in November and join the community at the JCA for the entire festival,” said Saag. The 2018 Jewish Cultural Arts Festival Committee includes Lisa Ansbacher, Nicole Brown, Susan Elinoff, Sunny Gettinger, Kelsi Hasden, Hazzan Jesse Holzer, Faye Hyken, Katie Kight, Dan Kossoff, Jan Margolies, Rachel Morgenthal, Sandy Oasis, Jennifer Plotkin, Edrea Porter, Emma Pulley, Jackie Simms, Michele Steinfeld and Eunice Zisser. Sponsorships are crucial to the festival’s success and are the reason all events are free and open to the entire community. Stay tuned for information on becoming a festival supporter and help the JCA bring the best books and films to Jacksonville! For additional information about JCA’s Jewish Cultural Arts Festival, please contact Lior Spring at lior. spring@jcajax.org or 730-2100 ext. 318.
JCA Labor Day Family Fun Day
By Jewish Community Alliance
Three times a year, JCA members and their families gather at the JCA Joy and Howard Korman outside pool for an afternoon of fun, food and sun. On Monday, September 3, the JCA will hold its annual Labor Day Family Fun Day from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. This event for JCA members features poolside games, DJ entertainment, hot dogs and refreshments. With the start of the school year, JCA Labor Day Family Fun Day is a great break during the new school year and a chance to reconnect with the JCA community. JCA Family Fun Days, are free for JCA valued members. For more information on this event, call 904-730-2100 ext. 228.
Jewish Community Alliance HAPPENINGS Aug. 2018/Sh’vat Adar 5778
For more information or to register for programs at the JCA, call 904-730-2100 or visit our official website at www.jcajax.org.
Vandroff Art Gallery
The work of Christian Brook Ramsey will be featured from August 2 to 29. For information, contact Heather at ext. 265.
Sunday Film Series
See Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story (2017) on August 12 at 2 p.m. Free and open to the entire community.
Parent and Me Shabbat
Celebrate the Sabbath with Morah Karen and enjoy songs, stories and challah with your young ones on Fridays, Aug. 24 to Oct. 26, 12 – 12:30 p.m. Free to the community.
Story Time
Engage your child’s creativity and build reading readiness on Wednesdays, Aug. 22 to Oct. 31, 10 – 10:45 a.m. Free to the community.
Stroller Fit Moms
Bond with your baby and get fit with stroller-based exercises led by JCA certified trainer Gisela
Morgan on Mondays, Aug. 20 to Oct. 29, 12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Free to the community.
Sensory Sensations
Bring your child to this sensory program to stimulate scientific learning and social connections while having fun on Tuesdays, Aug. 21 to Oct. 30, 10 – 10:45 a.m. Free to the community.
On the Move
JCA Sports and Recreation leads interactive games to strengthen toddlers’ development on Thursdays, Aug. 23 to Oct. 25, 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. Free to the community.
Prenatal Yoga
Practice poses to help you relax and prepare your body for labor and childbirth on Thursdays, Aug. 23 to Oct. 25, 6 – 7 p.m. Free to the community.
Make Music
On Mondays, Aug. 20 to Oct. 29, 10 – 10:45 a.m., babies and young children can sing and dance in this interactive class. Free to the community.
JCA Fencing
The JCA has fencing for adults and youth on Wednesdays, Aug. 15 to Oct. 10. The fee is $210 and $140 for JCA valued members.
JEWISH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE 2018 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $189,197
Call ext. 250 for details.
Youth Soccer League The mandatory skills evaluation for the upcoming season is on August 12. Call Mike at ext. 254 for details.
JCA Makos Swim Teams JCA Aquatics has JV and School Year Makos swim teams beginning August 1. Call Josie at ext. 240 for details.
JCA Tennis
Youth clinics and adult teams are ongoing at the JCA. Call Reggie at ext. 317 for details.
Jewish family & community services briefs Jacksonville Holocaust
Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2018
PJ Library
PJ Library, the award-winning free program for books and music is open to all families with Jewish children in Jacksonville. If your children are between the ages of six months and eight years, they are eligible. Please sign up now by going to pjlibrary.org/communities/jacksonville, or calling Whitney Kuvin at 904-394-5724.
Survivor Finds Family
Call2Go
JFCS is now using a Lyft product called Concierge, which allows JFCS to arrange rides on behalf of its clients, including the ability to schedule rides up to a week in advance. Lyft has also partnered with GreatCall, a senior-focused cell phone company, which will help seniors use Lyft without having to navigate the smart phone app. Anyone using a Jitterbug phone can now simply press ‘0’ and arrange a ride with the company. To learn more or schedule rides, please call Whitney Kuvin at 904-6609268.
Jewish Healing Network
Become a Jewish Healing Network Volunteer at JFCS and help us fulfill the mitzvah of Bikkur Cholim. We need volunteers to make weekly visits or phone calls to a senior or deliver food to those who cannot get out. For more information, please call Gail at 904-
JFCS Success story: Heather
Survivor receives support through Jewish Family & Community Services
By Jewish Family & Community Services
Meals4You
JFCS in partnership with River Garden is pleased to bring you our meal program, Meals4You, from our kitchen to yours. Meals are delicious, nutritious, convenient and delivered right to your door. Jewish dietary laws are observed. Call Whitney for more information at 904-394-5724.
page 24
Evelyn Imbach outside her apartment in Pablo Hamlet, Jacksonville Beach. By Jewish Family & Community Services
Local Holocaust survivor Evelyn Imbach can get lost in memories of her family – of their breathless escape from Nazi Germany, her rough-and-tumble childhood, and how she carried her clothes in a bag while traveling with her door-to-door salesman father. But they are only memories now. The 80-year-old is the last Holocaust survivor left in her family. But Imbach has found a community, and a family again, through Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS), which provides support to local Holocaust survivors. Imbach was born in Berlin, Germany, in 1937, the youngest of three daughters. She
was still a baby when her father began hearing rumors about Hitler’s plans for the Jews. When the Germans began quietly taking Jewish citizens to camps, her father knew they had to escape. “We leave Germany or die,” he told his family. They tried to flee to Switzerland, but the border was closed. They changed routes to Venice, Italy, where they were able to find refuge in an army general’s house. But then, just when they thought they had found a safe haven, Italy became allies with Nazi Germany. With Italy no longer safe, the family boarded a British cargo ship to Cuba. From there, they
See SURVIVOR, p. 28
School Supply Drive
3-Ring Binders (2 inch)
Highlighters
Notebook paper
Colored pencils
Spiral notebooks
Glue Sticks
Tab subject dividers
Student scissors
Composition books
Post-it notes
Graph paper
Rulers
3-prong pocket folders #2 Pencils
Pens (blue or black)
Zipper storage pouch
White out
Mini-pencil sharpener
Bookbags
Hand Sanitizer
Contact: Donna O'Steen at 904-394-5714 or dosteen@jfcsjax.org
Even if you make mistakes in life, there is always hope for recovery. Case in point? Heather, a JFCS client. Heather was referred to the Strengthening Ties Empowering Parents (STEPS) program because of her history of substance abuse. She agreed to participate in the program after the Department of Children & Families (DCF) deemed her child at-risk for entering the foster system. The program included counseling for both Heather and the baby’s father, as well as weekly case management by a JFCS Prevention Specialist. During the 13-sessions of counseling, Heather was able to recognize the stressors in her life, which, in turn, opened her eyes to the reasons she was unable to communicate effectively and bond with her child. She also realized how important it is to provide her baby with a solid foundation. Since completing the program, Heather is sober, thinking clearly and has less anxiety because of the support she received through the STEPS program. She can now successfully interact with her child and she is looking forward to her own continued success because she now has a solid foundation upon which to stand.
Staff Spotlight: Amy Keith By Jewish Family & Community Services
Amy Keith is one of our fabulous Family Service Counselors. She has been with Jewish Family & Community Services for a little over a year and loves everything about us. When asked why she does what she does, Amy responded, “I believe every child deserves a fair chance and I always wanted a profession where I could help to make this a reality.” Amy is passionate about child welfare and reunifying families. She believes that every child wants to be with and should be with their parents. She considers it a privilege that she can be a part of making that happen. Additionally, Amy’s supervisor, Jessica Marra, said about Amy, “Amy seeks to find the good in every person she works with. She does an amazing job at ensuring the children in our care maintain their identity. She goes out of her way to see that the children are well-taken care of – including providing clothing and getting their hair done. All of our FSC’s should be like her!” What three traits would you use to define yourself? Outgoing, kind and funny.
See SPOTLIGHT, p. 28
JEWISH FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES 2018 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $269,311
river garden senior services
Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2018
page 25
River Garden recognizes teen volunteers By River Garden Senior Services
904-260-1818 www.rivergarden.org 11401 Old St. Augustine Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32258
briefs Caring for a loved one with a memory disorder? We invite you to attend a Monthly Caregivers Support Group 2nd Wednesday of each month 3:30-4:30 PM in the Frisch Family Pavilion. Confidential, free of charge and open to all. For more information, contact Dr. Sue Krall, PhD, ARNP 904-886-8421 or skrall@rivergarden.org
As summer draws to a close, River Garden is pleased to recognize fifteen area teens for their participation in our Teen Volunteer program. Overall, the teens contributed over 1,000 hours to our care community! The teens volunteered their time and talents in many ways, including bicycle chauffeurs, BINGO callers, ceramics assistants and special event helpers. They also created presentations including dance and food to highlight their diverse cultural experience. One-on-one visits and time spend with memory care residents were named by the teens as a couple of their favorite activities. Leslie Held, directs the teens throughout the eight-week program. “Throughout the year we work with many volunteers,” Held said. “This year’s teen group has been especially motivated, and they jumped in, ready to go! They’ve been focused on fulfilling our service-oriented mission, and I’ve really appreciated their being a part of our volunteer family and bringing joy to our seniors. In addition to the community service hours the teens earn, they also benefit from the relationships they build with our residents and each other. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
You are the best gift! Acts of kindness are what build the world. Our campus is home to devoted and caring volunteers. From teens to those who are young at heart, we invite you to become a part of our volunteer team. Create your own convenient schedule. We guarantee your personal fulfillment! Contact Leslie Held at 904-886-8429 or lheld@rivergarden.org Remember River Garden when honoring or memorializing your loved ones Donating to River Garden is an uncomplicated, feel-good activity. Here are several ways we’ve made it easy for you.. Simply go online: www.rivergarden.org/donate Or mail to: Development Department River Garden Hebrew Home 11401 Old St. Augustine Rd. Jacksonville, Florida 32258 Or call: 904-886-8432 From Generation to Generation L’Dor V’Dor Remember River Garden and the entire Jewish Community in your will.
- Please Note As an integral part of the River Garden community, you have priority access to our care system when our programs can best meet your needs
River Garden Senior Services
Admissions: 904-886-8420 Adult Day Care: 904-288-7858 Donations: 904-886-8432 Foundation: 904-886-8430 Home Health Care: 904-288-7851 Rehab/Therapy: 904-886-8454 The Coves: 904-292-2683 Volunteers: 904-886-8429 CEO Marty Goetz: 904-260-1818
Serbia to U.S. Citizenship By River Garden Senior Services
Dzenita “Jenny” Hadzifejzovic, Assistant Director of Life Enrichment at River Garden Senior Services, came to the U.S. to visit her family nine years ago, after winning a green card Visa lottery. After a two-month visit, she returned to her small hometown of Prijepolje, Serbia. Not long after, Jenny decided to pack her suitcase once again and return to the U.S. permanently, beginning a new life in Jacksonville. Just ten days here in Mandarin, Jenny became acquainted with a River Garden staff member who encouraged her to apply for a housekeeping position on campus. She started in that role in August 2009 and has since worked her way to earn her current position as an activity leader for long-term memory care residents. This month, Jenny is celebrating her 9th year of service. Successful immigrant stories like Jenny’s are remarkable. Jenny’s mother and two siblings had come to the U.S. during the Yugoslav Wars, leaving Jenny behind at just twelve years old. While still in Serbia, Jenny lived with her aunt and cousins, attended college and became owner of a clothing boutique. But, when she had the chance, Jenny entered the highly-competitive
See CITIZEN, p. 26
RIVER GARDEN SENIOR SERVICES 2018 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $177,607
lifecycles
Weddings
With great thanks to Hashem, Caroline and Ed Lee, along with Chaim and Marni Teicher of (New York), are overjoyed to announce the engagement of their children Shimrit Lee and Jordan Teicher. Grandparents Helen and Bart LaRose (Florida), and Gertie Lee (Manchester, UK) are excited to join the simcha. Shimrit graduated from New York University (Gallatin), holds a Masters in Law from the University of London, England, and PhD from NYU, where she teachers as an associate professor in their Middle Eastern Studies Department. Jordan, also an NYU (Gallatin) graduate, writes and researches for IBM and writes for the New York Times as their theatre, photography and book critic. Plans are underway for a summer 2019 wedding in Brooklyn, NY. Mazal tov, mazal tov!! Teicher, with a chet (Chanukah) Robin Skrockie, of Jacksonville, Florida, married Ryan Sussman of Columbia, South Carolina, in Jacksonville, Fl., on November 24, 2017. The couple will reside in Columbia. Mazel Tov to parents Harvey and Donna Sussman and Tom and Susan Skrockie.
Mazel Tov Dorothy and Fred Weiss celebrate the birth of their greatgrandson, Liam Powers - son of Marisa and Joshua Powers. Their granddaughter Nikki Weiss is receiving her degree from the University of Michigan Masters in Mechanical Engineering. Their granddaughter Carly Weiss, graduating from Florida Gold Coast with a B.A. /Special Education
Sympathies ...The Jacksonville Jewish Center community is saddened by the passing of Jeffrey Dryden on Wednesday, June 13. We extend our condolences to his wife, Beth Oberlander, and his daughter, Dalia Dryden, as well as to his parents Earl (Trish) Dryden, brothers Michael (Kristy) Dryden and David (Tina) Dryden, his nieces and nephew, and Beth’s extended family. May the Holy One comfort the family of Jeffrey Dryden among all the others mourners of Zion & Jerusalem.
page 26
Teens
B’nai Mitzvah Andrew Garrett Herbst, son of Sharon and Bradley Herbst, will be called to the Torah on the occasion of his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, August 18, 2018, at The Jacksonville Jewish Center. Sharing in this simcha will be his older sister, Sydney; his grandparents, Anita & Howard Cohen of Beachwood, Ohio, Ernie & Joann Cohen of Orange Park, Florida, and Harriet & Jeff Herbst of Delray Beach, Florida; along with many other out of town, and local, family and friends. Andrew is in eighth grade at Fruit Cove Middle School, where he is a peer counselor for current 6th graders, and will be playing in his third year, for the school’s baseball team. His passion is baseball, and there’s nothing more that he loves than playing for his travel team, and middle school team. He also enjoys volunteering at Field of Dreams of St. Johns County, and spending quality time with his family and friends.
Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2018
...The Jacksonville Jewish Center community is saddened by the passing of Beverly Goodfriend on Wednesday, June 13. We extend our condolences to her sons, Benedict (Jane) Goodfriend and Jason Goodfriend; niece Judy (Stephen) Davis; and sister-in-law Helen Goldman. Contributions in memory of Beverly Goodfriend may be made to the Friends of the IDF. May the Holy One comfort the family of Beverly Goodfriend among all the others mourners of Zion & Jerusalem. ...The Jacksonville Jewish Center community is saddened by the passing of our life-long member Dr. Edward Alan Mizrahi Thursday afternoon, June 28. The family requests those attending dress appropriately for the summer heat. We extend our condolences to Dr. Mizrahi’s wife, Judy H. Mizrahi; his children Alan and Mauri Mizrahi, Rachel and Dr. Craig Morgenthal; siblings Jack and Nancy Mizrahi, Jan and Bruce Glassman; inlaws Bruce and Edith Horovitz; and his six grandsons, Ryan, Max, Zach, Jacob, Joseph, and Daniel as well as many loving nieces and nephews. Contributions in Dr. Mizrahi’s memory may be sent to the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School Mitzvah Fund or the Joseph and Dorothy Mizrahi Jewish Music Fund at the Jacksonville Jewish Center by following this link, the Inclusion Fund at Jewish Family Community Services, the Tikvah Fund at Ramah Darom, Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, or to River Garden Senior Services. May the Holy One comfort the members of Dr. Edward Mizrahi’s family among all the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. ...The Jacksonville Jewish Center community is saddened by the death of our member, Eileen Levine, who passed away on Saturday, June 16. We extend our condolences to Eileen’s husband, Martin Levine; her children Pamela Lynch, Michael (Daphne) Warshawsky, and Shellie Warshawsky; siblings Cheryl Eve (Bruce) Roberts and Arnie Jay (Linda) Diamond; as well as her grandchildren, niece, and nephews. Please direct contributions in Eileen’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Shriners Hospitals, or Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. May the Holy One comfort the members of Eileen Levine’s family among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Continued from pg. 3
More camel riding in the desert!
Hanging out in Machane Yehuda
Shabbat Lunch for Josh and Sarah Jacobs, Aaron Abel, and Or Pravda with Nitza Gerber, our chaperone from last summer
...The Jacksonville Jewish Center community is saddened by the death of our member, Estelle Kritz, who passed away on Saturday morning, June 16. We extend our condolences to Estelle’s husband, Sheldon Gendzier; her children Cindy (Dr. Daniel) Wohl, Pamela (Alan) Kosansky, and David (Randi Schweriner) Kritz; brother Sumner (Barbara) Abramson; grandchildren Michael Wohl, Mitchell Wohl, Aviva Kosansky, Rachel Kosansky, Jeremy Kritz, and Benjamin Kritz. Please direct contributions in Estelle’s memory to River Garden Hebrew Home, MAZON, or the domestic abuse shelter of your choice. May the Holy One comfort the members of Estelle Kritz’s family among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. ...Gary Rothman, beloved husband of Peggy, father of Jamie, Heather and Jacob (Amber) and grandfather of Eleanor, Isaac, Chloe and brother of Eric, passed into his eternal rest on July 1, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents, Irv Rothman and Ruth Rothman. The family requests that contributions in memory of Gary be made to Cancer Specialists of North East Florida. All of us at Congregation Ahavath Chesed join in offering the family members our sincere condolences. Hamakom yenachem Otam B’Toch Sha’ar Aveilei Tziyon Viyrushalayim. May God comfort them among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. Hilda Gelfman, beloved mother of Joan (Tom) McGee and David (Melissa) Gelfman, grandmother of eight and great grandmother of 14, passed into her eternal rest on June 21, 2018. Her husband, Rabbi Harold Gelfman, predeceased her. The family requests that contributions in memory of Hilda be made to Temple’s Wurn Family Library. All of us at Congregation Ahavath Chesed join in offering the family members our sincere condolences. Hamakom yenachem Otam B’Toch
Beautiful overlook at Rosh Hanikra up near the Lebanon border.
Citzen Continued from pg. 25 Diversity Immigrant Visa program, also known as the ‘green card lottery.’ Eventually, green card holders can receive a U.S. Permanent Resident Card (est. Immigration Act of 1990). In May, Jenny became a full-fledged U.S.
citizen. According to Robyn Stone, senior vice president for research at Leading Age, which represents the nonprofit side of long-term care, “This immigrant population primarily came to the United States through family reunification,” says Stone. “If we shift in our policy [on] immigration, the pipeline for this workforce could be substantially affected.” At River Garden, we are
extremely proud of employees like Jenny, and we value the contribution of immigrant workers in the healthcare field. It is particularly notable that statistics show foreign-born workers are more likely to work entry-level jobs, or fulfill oddhour shifts. Plus, these employees are often hard-working and loyal, aiming to build a new life of prosperity for themselves and their families.
adult education August 2018 Sh’vat / Adar 5778
To include your adult education event in this listing please e-mail the Jacksonville Jewish News at jjn@jewishjacksonville.org, with the time/date or frequency of the event from your specific organization or synagogue, along with a short description of each program or event.
Upcoming events at JCA August 27
Jewish Community Alliance (7 – 8:30 p.m.) ADJUSTING TO AN EMPTY NEST – Mental health counselor Karen Hanson and a panel of empty nesters share their experiences navigating this emotional rollercoaster. Advance registration appreciated. The fee is $5; JCA valued members are free.
Thursdays
Jewish Community Alliance (6:30 – 8:30 p.m.) Pottery – Learn the basics of handbuilding and wheel throwing in this 8-week class. Clay is provided. Instructor: Christie Rogers. The fee is $216 and $144 for JCA valued members. (August 16 - October 4) OIL PAINTING – Explore basic painting techniques through a variety of subject matters. For all levels. Registration required by August 27. (August 30 – October 4; 7 – 9 p.m.) CHINESE INK PAINTING – Learn basic and advance techniques of Chinese brush painting inspired by nature subjects. Registration required by August 27. The fee is $153 and $102 for JCA valued members. (August 29 – October 10; 5 – 7 p.m.)
* Foundations of Judaism class Classes are open to all, whether you are considering conversion, seeking to understand a friend or relative’s religious choices, or simply trying to go beyond your childhood Jewish education. Classes are ongoing – join us at any time! August 12: Introduction to Jewish Identity and Spirituality, taught by Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner August 19: Jewish Perspectives on God, taught by Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner
Upcoming events at River Garden Our Jewish community thrives when we engage in conversations and build relationships. If you’re looking for ways to connect with our Jewish Community, consider joining us for the upcoming programs at River Garden. • August 15 Alina Kentof Presents at 10:30 AM “Building a Better World with Your Most Powerful Weapon” • August 19—Jewish Genealogy Society of NE FL Movie at 10:30 AM “How to Re-establish a Vodka Empire” • August 22—River Garden Auxiliary “Sneak Peek Party” at 7:00 PM • September 5—Jewish Java at 9:00 AM • September 26—Lunch & Learn: Sukkot with Rabbi Shapiro at 11:00 AM “Ushpizin and the Great American Sukkah: How Our Seven Guests Teach Us About Liberty and Justice for All” • October 17-18—AJAS Regional Meeting 2018 Philanthropy & Fundraising
Upcoming events at the Jacksonville Jewish Center
Weekly Programs:
* Monday Minyan Mapquest Monday mornings, following morning minyan: Rabbi Lubliner takes us on a tour of Jewish cities, explaining history and current statistics of some well-known and not-sowell-known Jewish communities around the world. August 6, 13, 20, 27 * Talmud Class Rabbi Lubliner explores communal responses to crisis in tractate Ta’anit. Open to all! Mondays 7:00 p.m. August 6, 13, 20, 27 * Beginning Hebrew Class 11:00am – 12:30 pm Alef-Bet reading skills and fluency. This class is now closed; please check back for new classes beginning in October. August 6, 13, 20, 27 * ShalOM Meditation Please join us for 25 minutes of meditation in a Jewish environment! At 9:15-9:30, we will offer some basic instruction of meditation technique and approach. We will start our actual practice at 9:30 and go until 9:55 (in time for the Torah service). We meet in the Kraemer Library (JJC). August 4, 11, 18, 25
Laura A. Bennett, MSN,ARNP
Mindfulness for wellbeing and health BY LIAT WALKER Jacksonville Hadassah
Jacksonville Hadassah is holding an educational program, “Practicing Mindfulness for Well-Being and Good Health”, with Laura A. Bennett, MSN, ARNP. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, August 14 at 10 a.m. and will be held at the Athenian Owl Restaurant, 9551 Baymeadows Road Suite #21-23. Ms. Bennett, a healthcare leader, clinician, educator, and trainer with a unique background in both the military and as an entrepreneur, will provide an opportunity for participants to improve their personal wellness, resilience, and performance. Those attending have the option to stay for lunch, however, an RSVP by August 10th will be required. Contact Helen at (904) 504-8251 or hillhelenhill@gmail.com to confirm your attendance.
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Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2018
Trivia night at Temple Bet Yam Traditionally Inspired High Holy Day Kosher Cuisine Options
For a complete list of our Holiday Take Out Menus, please visit our NEW website and Facebook page. As always, Margo’s offers a variety of options to create wonderful holiday meals for the entire family. We will be offering Take Out on the following dates.
What is the best way to test your knowledge and have fun? Come to Trivia Night at Temple Bet Yam, 2055 Wildwood Drive just off SR 207, St. Augustine on Saturday night August 18 at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $18 per person and the kids under 16 participate for free. Food and prizes are included. Call Carol or Bernie for information and reservations at 904-461-5190 or Bernie.levy@att.net.
September 9 for Rosh Hashanah September 18 for Break the Fast on September 19 Additional opportunities to enjoy our High Holy Day Menus. Please join our JJC Congregation for services followed by; Break the Fast - Sukkot Kiddushes & Dinner - Simchat Torah
904-559-9781 or 904-292-1000 Ext. 142 margoscatering@aol.com
Want to keep up with Margo’s Catering? Like us on Facebook. Check out our NEW website;
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Continued stories Survivor Continued from pg. 24 made it to Miami in the early 1940s. While Imbach’s immediate family managed to escape, other relatives who chose to stay – including her grandmother and uncle – were sent to concentration camps. Starting over in a new country presented its own challenges. The Imbachs had sold nearly everything in their escape from Germany. They arrived in the U.S. with no jobs, no relatives and a language barrier. They moved to Atlanta where Imbach’s father found a job as a salesman, and they built a happy life. Imbach graduated from high school and married before moving to Jacksonville in 1971. As she aged, Imbach’s life again became more difficult. Her mar-
Spotlight Continued from pg. 24 What’s one thing you couldn’t live without? I could not live without my husband and children – one 13-year old daughter, and two sons, one age 10 and one age 6. What is the one thing you cannot resist? Chocolate, specifically warm chocolate chip cookies. What is your greatest fear? My greatest fear is staying under the current political regime. Where is the best place you’ve traveled to and why? Puerto Rico. The beaches were
riage ended, her daughter moved across the country and all of her immediate family members passed away. For a woman whose life was centered around her family, it’s been hard for her to feel alone. Imbach has learned to find joy in new ways. She has a green thumb, and her apartment is filled with various flowers and plants. She feels a deep connection with animals and loves watching them outside her window. In the last few years, Imbach also found a new sense of family through JFCS, the local nonprofit that provides support and compassionate care for 68 aging Holocaust survivors who live in the Jacksonville area. She heard about JFCS through her apartment facility, and she met with the organization’s care manager, Hilary Rotenberg. They formed an instant connection. Through JFCS’ case manage-
ment services, Imbach receives Kosher meals and food boxes delivered through the JFCS’ Meals 4 You program, as well as transportation services to get to and from appointments. More importantly, Imbach now feels like she is once again part of a community. She has a renewed pride in her Jewish identity, and has been able to connect with other local Holocaust survivors and families through social events. “Now, I feel pride in who I am,” Imbach said. “I’m so thankful for the family I’ve had across my life and for the wonderful community I’m part of today.” This feature is part of the Holocaust Survivor Series, which highlights the story of a local Survivor each month. The series is presented by Jewish Family & Community Services. To learn more about the nonprofit, visit JFCSJax.org.
so clear and the water was absolutely beautiful!
Playing video games!
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? I would love to learn to speak multiple languages. What are 3 words you’d use to describe JFCS? Caring, supportive and a family. If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? I would buy a house. When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time? I LOVE to go on walks or runs with my family. What’s your favorite indoor/ outdoor activity?
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Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2018
What is your favorite thing about working at JFCS? JFCS is filled with the most caring, compassionate and supportive people I have ever met! It is a family that I am proud of.
Rabbi Continued from pg. 1 tion and clergy. “The stronger that relationship, the more effective our partnership will be in bringing light to the darkness in the world and in generating a deep sense of holiness around us,” she said. Rabbi Bahar says she looks forward to immediately working with Temple congregants in several key areas: • Worship – “Prayer and ritual invite us to put down the distractions of daily living and open ourselves up to the sounds of the Divine singing around us.” • Torah – “Jewish knowledge is one of the firm legs upon which any congregation stands and provides a lens through which we gain understanding of the challenges we face in life.” • Pastoral care – “Perhaps the most important aspect of my congregational service, making every member feel
loved, included and that their needs are being addressed.” • Life cycle events – “Guiding families in Jewish rituals and customs to help them experience the spirituality of their meaningful events, whether it is a baby naming, bris, bar/bat mitzvah, conversion, wedding or funeral.” • Youth and family – “Through the joy of spiritual engagement and knowledge of Torah, guiding our children to become the next generation of Temple members. • Interfaith and community outreach and inreach – “Continuing the Temple’s longstanding engagement with other Jewish congregations in Jacksonville and the interfaith community.” • Social Action – “Engaging Temple members with members of partner congregations and organizations in tikkun olam and promoting social justice.” Rabbi Bahar married her husband Uzi in 2008. They delight in being the parents of their daughter Aiden and their sons, David and Daniel.
What chore do you absolutely hate doing? I despise mopping/cleaning the floors. If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet? Mr. Rogers. I think Mr. Rogers is a great role model for everyone and I love how he encourages people to be kind to one another.
PARTNERSHIP2GETHER PHYSICIANS’ DELEGATION EXCHANGE The Jewish Federation of Jacksonville through our Partnership2Gether Physicians’ Delegation Exchange has reserved spaces on a unique and specialized weeklong trip for medical doctors.
January 20-26, 2019
Restaurant, Deli, Bakery, Catering and Butcher
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Trip Includes: • All meals and hotel accommodations including two nights of home hospitality. • Tours of Hillel-Yaffe Hospital, Hadassah Medical Center, Western Galilee Hospital, and other innovative medical facilities.
Business Meetings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Holiday Packages, Shabbat Meals, Weddings, Events - Private Chef
Program includes touring, Shabbat in Jerusalem and social and professional time with physicians in our region. Cost $950 for all land costs for one week. Airfare purchased on your own. For more information or to reserve your space, contact: Jill Abel, Israel Partnership Director at jilla@jewishjacksonville.org or 904-224-1445
Downtown 126 W. Adams Street , Jacksonville, FL 32202
page 29
federation news The Jewish Federation of Jacksonville donors continued from pg. 16 Jacksonville Jewish News • August 2018
Ms. Laura Platzer Mr. and Mrs. Michael Platzer Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Plaut Mr. and Mrs. Jay Plotkin Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Plotkin Mr. and Mrs. Richard Plotkin Mrs. Lita Poehlman Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Pollan Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Pollock Dr. Judy and Mr. Ronel Poppell Dr. and Mrs. Steven Porter Mrs. Phyllis Portnoy Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Portnoy Mr. and Mrs. Fred Pozin Mr. Jan Pozin Mr. and Mrs. Marc Preminger Mrs. Anne Presser Mr. Bradley Preuss Mr. and Mrs. Ron Price Ms. Terri Quint Dr. and Mrs. Marco Rand Mrs. Laura Rappaport Mr. and Mrs. Joel Rappoport Mrs. Cornelia Rappoport Dr. Todd Rasner and Dr. Inbal Cohen-Rasner Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Rauchwarger Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Raudt Mr. Melvin Redmond Rein Family Mr. Jeff Reindl and Mrs. Marcy Reindl Dr. Harry Reinstine Jr Mr. Edward Witlen and Ms. Marie Reitzes Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Resnick Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Resnick Mrs. Barbara Resnick Ms. Sondra Resnikoff Mr. and Ms. Ronald Rettner Ms. Karen Rettner Mrs. Marian Rice Ms. Rachael Rice Dr. Deena Richman and Mr. James Richman Mrs. Ina Richter Mr. and Mrs. Matt Rickoff Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Rideman Mr. and Mrs. William Rifkin Mrs. Toby Ringel Dr. and Mrs. Harris Rittenberg Mr. and Mrs. Skip Roach Mr. and Mrs. David Robbins Mrs. Linda Rodman Mr. Howard Roey Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Rogove Ms. Danielle Rogozinski Dr. and Mrs. Abe Rogozinski Dr. and Mrs. Chaim Rogozinski Mr. and Mrs. Sam Rogozinski Mr. and Mrs. Steven Rohan Mr. Jeff Rood Mr. and Mrs. Don Rosborough Ms. Margaret Rose Mr. William Rose Mr. Paul E. Rosen Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Rosen Ronnie and Jerrold Rosenbaum Family Dr. and Mrs. Elliott Rosenbaum Mr. Jerome Rosenbaum
Dr. and Mrs. Sanford Rosenberg Mrs. Joan Rosenberg Mrs. Janet Rosenblatt Mrs. Stacia Rosenblum Rabbi Shira Rosenblum Mr. and Mrs. Martin Rosenfield Mrs. Elaine Rosenthal Mr. and Mrs. Alan Rosner Mr. and Mrs. Steve Ross Dr. Emily and Mr. Erik Rostholder Ms. Hilary Rotenberg Dr. and Mrs. Neal Roth Mrs. Sandi Roth Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell Rothstein Mr. and Mrs. Paul Rothstein Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Rothstein Mr. Simon Rothstein Mr. and Mrs. George Rubens Ms. Nancy Rubenstein Dr. and Mrs. Devon Rubin Mrs. Arlene Rubin Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Ruby Mrs. Shirley Rudnick Mr. and Mrs. Michael Rudowitz Mr. and Mrs. Leif Rush Mr. Joseph Rutansky Mr. and Mrs. David Saag Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Sachs Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Sachs Mrs. Carol Sack Ms. Daryl Sadowsky Mr. and Mrs. Eliot Safer Joe P. Safer Endowment Fund Ms. Eleanor Safer Ms. Bess Saliman Ms. Debra Salinas Dr. and Mrs. David Sall Rabbi and Mrs. Marty Sanberg Mr. and Mrs. Neil Sandler Dr. Rachel and Mr. Daniel Sandler Dr. and Mrs. Craig Sandler Drs. Jeff and Wendy Sapolsky Ms. Mitzi Saul Mr. and Mrs. Mark Saye Ms. Lois Sayward Mr. and Mrs. David Schachnovsky Dr. and Mrs. Howard Schare Dr. and Mrs. Michael Scharf Dr. and Mrs. Jay Schauben Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Scheer Mr. and Mrs. William Schemer Judge and Mrs. Jack Schemer Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Schemer Mrs. Shirley Schemer Ms. Amy Schemer Mrs. Frances Schemer Mr. and Mrs. Harold Schemer Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schiller Ms. Ilene Schinasi Mr. Jonathan Schlackman and Mrs. Jonathan Schlackman Judge and Mrs. Harvey Schlesinger Mr. and Mrs. Michael Schneider Rabbi and Mrs. Avi Schochet Mrs. Laura Schulman Mrs. Sandra Schwam Shira and David Schwam-Baird Mr. Zachary Schwartz Dr. Renee Scott Mr. and Mrs. Allan Sebotnick
Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Seebol Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Sekine Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Selber Selevan Family Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Selevan Mrs. Mimi Selig Dr. and Mrs. Robert Selwitz Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Serkin Mr. Howard Serkin Setzer Family Dr. and Mrs. Barry Setzer Mr. and Mrs. Michael Setzer Mr. and Mrs. Alan Setzer Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Shacter Mr. and Mrs. Robert Shafer Mrs. Arlene Shainbrown Mr. and Mrs. Mark Shainbrown Mr. Barry Shapiro Mr. and Mrs. Joel Shapiro Mr. and Mrs. Steven Shapiro Dr. and Mrs. Craig Shapiro Mr. and Mrs. Robert Shenkman Mr. and Mrs. Steven Sherman Mr. and Mrs. Richard Shieldhouse Mr. Mike Shields Mr. and Mrs. Josh Shilts Mr. Harry Shmunes Shorstein Family Mr. and Mrs. Harry Shorstein Mr. and Mrs. David Shuman Dr. and Mrs. Michael Shumer Dr. and Mrs. Jules Sidle Mr. and Mrs. Edward Siegel Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Siegel Dr. and Mrs. Arnold Signer Dr. and Mrs. Raymond Silbar Mr. and Mrs. Allen Silberman Mr. and Mrs. Leon Silke Mrs. Cynthia Silverberg Mr. and Mrs. Gary Silverfield Ms. Barbara Berlin and Mr. Robert Silverman Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Silverman Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Simms Mr. Richard Singer Mr. and Mrs. Federick Singer Mrs Carole Sinoff Mr. and Mrs. Richard Sisisky Mr. and Mrs. Zachary Sherman Mr. and Mrs. Adam Skala Mrs. Irene Sloat Mr. Michael Smalline Mr. Michael Smalling Mrs. Joscelyne Smiley Ms. Laurie Smirl Ms. Francine Smith Mr. and Mrs. Avi Smith Ms. Dianna Smith Mr. and Mrs. Eric Smith Mr. and Mrs. Lon Smolensky Drs. Todd and Catherine Snowden Mrs. Phyllis Sohn Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Soilson Mr. and Mrs. Eugolio Soliven Dr. and Mrs. Michael Solloway Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Solomon Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Solomon Mrs. Carole Solomon Mr. and Mrs. David Solomon Mr. and Mrs. David Spencer
Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Spill Mrs. Elaine Stack Mr. Rob Armstrong and Ms. Barbara Stafford Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Stark Dr. and Mrs. Mandell Stearman Mrs. Susan Stein Mrs. Marilyn Stein Mr. and Mrs. David Stein Ms. Ruth Stein Mr. Daniel Stein Mr. and Mrs. Martin Steinberg Ms. Talia Steiner Mr. and Mrs. Murray Stern Ms. Adele Stewart Mr. Richard Margulies and Mrs. Karen Stone Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Stone Mrs. Bernice Stone Mrs. Ann Stone Dr. and Mrs. Richard Stromberg Mr. George Strumlauf Ms. Linda Stuart Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Sugar Dr. and Mrs. Saul Sussman Dr. Millie and Mr. Edward Tannen Dr. Kenneth Tannenbaum and Mrs. Kenneth Tannenbaum Mrs. Marilyn Tanney Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Tavill Mr. and Mrs. Howard Teitelbaum Mr. Larry Teitelman Ms. Ilene Thrasher Mr. and Mrs. Lev Tillis Ms. Marion Tischler Dr. Karen Toker Mr. and Mrs. Marty Trachtenberg Trager Family Mr. and Mrs. Jason Trager Mr. and Mrs. Fred Tromberg Ms. Esfir Tulchinskaya Mrs. Carol Turbow Mr. and Mrs. Izrail Turovskiy Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Ullmann Mr. and Mrs. Sean Valliere Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Van Ms. Ruth VanAlstine Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Vandroff Mr. and Mrs. David Vandroff Mrs. Dot Verstandig Mr. and Mrs. Vladimir Voloshin Dr. and Ms. Yan Makeyev Mr. and Mrs. Jules Wagman Mrs. Leonore Wagman Mr. and Mrs. David Wagner Mr. and Mrs. Sumner Waitz Mr. and Mrs. Ilan Wajsman Mr. and Mrs. Blair Walker Mr. and Mrs. Richard Wallman Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Ware Dr. and Mrs. Steven Warfield Mr. Michael Waskew and Ms. Elsa Mitschele Drs. Paul and Marte Wasserman Mr. and Mrs. Carl Wasserman Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Weihnacht Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Weiner Mr. and Mrs. Frank Weiner Dr. Joseph Weinman Mrs. Renee Weinstein
Mrs. Margie Weinstein Mr. Daniel Weinstock Mr. and Mrs. Dan Weisberg Mr. and Mrs. David Weisblatt Mrs. Susanne Weisman Mr. and Mrs. Alex Weiss Dr. and Mrs. David Weiss Mr. Mitchell Weiss and Mrs. Gale Cohen-Weiss Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Weiss Dr. and Mrs. Jerome Weitzen Dr. and Mrs. Jeff Weitzner Dr. and Mrs. Gary Weltman Mrs. June Weltman Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Werner Mr. and Mrs. Josh Whitman Mr. Jeff Wiener Mr. and Mrs. Gary Wilkinson Mrs. Linda Wilkinson Mr. and Mrs. Skip Willbach Mr. and Mrs. Steven Wilson Mrs. Dottie Wilson Ms. Grace Wilson Mrs. Hylda Wilson Mr. and Mrs. James Wiss Mr. and Mrs. Irwin Witt Mrs. Jacqueline Witte Ms. Carole Witten Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Witten Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Wohl Ms. Kathy Wohlhuter Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Wolchok Dr. and Mrs. Eugene Wolchok Mr. and Mrs. David Wolf Mr. and Dr. Arnie Wolf Ms. Irene Wolfe Mrs. Carole Wolpin Mr. and Mrs. Howard Wolpoff Mr. and Mrs. Frank Woodard Mrs. Daiva Woodworth Ms. Elaine Wright Mrs. Marjorie Wyzan Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Wyzan Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Yahre Dr. Paul Yarish Mr. and Mrs. Evan Yegelwel Mrs. Elsie Yellin Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Yergin Mr. Leon Yergin and Ms. Caryn Kenny Dr. Harry Yoffee Mr. Charles Young Mr. and Mrs. Donald Young Dr. and Mrs. Larry Young Mr. and Mrs. Dana Zaifert Mrs. Elissa Ziemba Mr. and Mrs. Lev Zilberman Mr. Sandy Zimmerman Mr. Bradley Zimmerman Dr. and Mrs. Rod Zimmerman Zimmerman Family Mrs. Barbara Zimmerman Mr. and Mrs. Elliot Zisser Mr. Jonathan Zisser Mr. and Mrs. Barry Zisser Mr. Daniel L. Zucker Mr. and Mrs. Paul Zyserman
Partnership2Gether Educator Seminar Seminar will feature: 1. Educational Speakers 2. Workshop Interaction between American and Israeli Educators 3. Sightseeing in Charlotte When: December 6-9, 2018 Cost: $150/person participation fee (and
travel expenses - all other expenses covered by P2G budget) Accommodations will be provided.
For more information, contact Jill Abel at jilla@jewishjacksonville.org or 904-224-1445
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