25 minute read
Jewish Family Community Services - The Quiet Agency
By Hilary Bettman, Jewish Family & Community Services
Advertisement
There are many things I’ve learned about Jewish Family & Community Services in my eight years of working at the agency: People come to Jewish Services in crisis. We provide services and support that is confi dential and professional. Our clients don’t shout from the rooftop when we help them with issues like substance abuse or domestic violence. Parents aren’t talking about how we helped their children deal with crippling anxiety or depression. Your neighbor doesn’t talk about how we helped keep their lights on or that their main meal of the day is provided by us.
We are boots on the ground! Here is just some of what we do that many may not be aware of…
Counseling: Domestic violence, children, teens, substance abuse. Six free sessions are provided with Federation dollars. We utilize insurance when possible, but as long as clients are making progress and committed to the therapeutic relationship, we fi nd ways to approve more support and funding. Our Case Management clients are encouraged to attend therapy as well. They are processing trauma, gaining positive coping skills, and attend their sessions under strict confi dentiality.
Financial Assistance: Rent, utilities, medication. We keep the lights on and a roof over the heads of families. Clients see a case manager to better assess where their money is going. Are they helping out an aging family member? Is there an issue with substance abuse? Again, very important issues, although not something people who use our services want to talk about with others.
Meals4You: For our seniors, this is their main meal of the day. Every year we ask this question on our satisfaction survey and every year it is the same response: "...this is our main meal." Many Jewish people in the community would go hungry without it. And all of our clients have access to the Max Block Food Pantry.
Call-to-Go: Our aging community needs safe transportation to medical appointments, the grocery store and other vital appointments. We use pre-booked Lyft rides so they look like regular passengers, like everyone else in the community.
EPIC: We ensure kids who aren’t typical learners have the support they need to attend Martin J. Gottlieb Day School or Torah Academy of Jacksonville. At the request of the schools, we have added counseling services. We provide teachers with resources so all children can be included in the day schools.
Holocaust Education: During the pandemic we formed a Speakers Bureau, composed of Second-Generation survivors. Their mission is to tell their family stories to the greater community. We also launched a Holocaust Education program which provides resources, training, and support to educators teaching the Holocaust.
Case Management: Scenarios we hear often include, “My parents moved to town but I live far away. I’m not sure what they are eating. Can you look in on them?”. And “I can’t take care of my aging wife at home anymore… where should she go? How do I pay for this?”. Also, “I will not leave this house… but I need someone to help with cooking, cleaning and driving me around town. What should I do?”. Every week we get calls from the Jewish community about these issues, and more.
Case Managers provide resources, referrals, support and planning. We help transition loved ones into assisted living or long-term care. How do you tell your elderly mother that she can no longer live safely in the home she has lived in for more than 50 years? We help facilitate that conversation. We help adult children process their history and see their parents as they are today, older and maybe more frail.
Every year we conduct a survey. We rate customer satisfaction and see what we can improve upon. One response we received is simple yet speaks to the heart of why we do what we do: “We are grateful that you did not forget us.”
30
NOSH ON THIS
SHARING RECIPES
APRICOT AND SQUASH PUREE
By Claire Soria, Jewish Family & Community Services
My mother-in-law (from Tunisia) used to make this recipe when apricots were in season. I make this recipe with at least ¾ pound of fresh apricots and instead of squash, I use zucchini. After I am done, I store the apricot spread in mason jars and my family enjoys spreading it on Italian bread as an appetizer or snack. (You can store it like jelly or jam.)
INGREDIENTS
1 ½ cups (½ pound) dried apricots, cut into small pieces ½ cup sugar ½ cup olive oil 2 onions, fi nely chopped 1lb butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into ½ inch dice 2 cups water ¼ cup fresh lemon juice 1 tsp ground cinnamon Salt to taste Couscous (optional)
DIRECTIONS
Yields 3 cups
1. Soak the apricots in hot water for 1 hour to soften.
Drain apricots.
2. In medium, heavy saucepan, heat the sugar and oil over high heat until the sugar is melted and pale caramel in color. (Don’t worry if some sugar solidifi es. It will melt as the onions cook.) 3. Add the onions, reduce heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender.
About 10 minutes.
4. Add the squash and water and cook until the squash is tender, about 20 minutes.
Add apricots, lemon juice and cinnamon, and cook until you have a slightly chunky puree.
5. Test for salt. Serve warm or at room temperature as an accompaniment to couscous.
B'NAI MITZVAH
REMEMBER THE PAST AND EDUCATE FOR THE FUTURE
OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA
Mazel Tov to Adam Tesler and Kyle Schatz on becoming a Bar Mitzvah! Through their participation in Chain of Memory they demonstrate the importance of remembering the past as well as educating the future. Chain of Memory makes it possible for B’nai Mitzvah to remember one of the �.� million children who were murdered by the Nazis before being able to fulfi ll the mitzvah of learning Torah. The B’nai Tzedek Program, with the support of Mel and Debbie Gottlieb, helps young people learn about leadership, service, fi nancial literacy, and long-term investing to use their tzedekah for good. The Gift of Israel Program, designed in cooperation with the Levin family, was established to encourage teens to visit Israel by providing them with a $��� subsidy towards an accredited travel program.
Adam Tesler for Chain of Memory and Gift of Israel
Adam Tesler attends Bernard & Alice Selevan Religious School and is interested in modern Jewish history. His favorite holiday is Hanukkah and in his free time Adam enjoys playing soccer and basketball.
As part of the Center’s B’nai Mitzvah program, Adam chose 13 mitzvot that engaged the family in strengthening their Jewish home, synagogue, and community, including donating to various foundations, reciting prayers before meals and Shabbat, as well as inviting friends and family for dinner. Out of all of them, Adam's most meaningful mitzvah was having his friends and family over for dinner, because spending time with his loved ones means everything to him
Adam has chose to dedicate this special occasion to the memory of Franco Cesana.
Franco Cesana was born to a Jewish family living in the northern Italian city of Bologna. He had two brothers: Ermanno, born in 1918, and Lelio, born in 1920. Even though a fascist leader, Benito Mussolini, came to power in Italy in 1922, Bologna's Jews continued to live in safety. Like many Italian Jews, Franco's family was well integrated into Italian society. Franco attended public elementary school. When Franco was 7, Mussolini enforced "racial" laws against the Jews: Franco was expelled from school and went to a Jewish school hastily organized in makeshift quarters in one of Bologna's synagogues. Franco could not understand why he had to leave his friends just because he was Jewish. His father died in 1939, and he moved with his mother and older brother, Lelio, to Turin, where he began religious school. 1940-44: Mussolini was overthrown in July 1943. Two months later, German forces occupied Italy and gained control of the north, the part where Franco's family and most of Italy's Jews lived. The Italians had been protecting the Jews, but now Germany controlled Italy. The Cesana family went into hiding in the mountains. To evade the Germans, they moved from hut to hut. Lelio joined the Justice and Liberty, partisan group. Though only 12, Franco joined as well, proud that so many Jews were fi ghting in the Italian resistance.
Franco was shot by Germans while on a scouting mission in the mountains. His body was returned to his mother on his 13th birthday. He was Italy's youngest partisan.
B'NAI MITZVAH
REMEMBER THE PAST AND EDUCATE FOR THE FUTURE
Kyle Schatz for Chain of Memory and Gift of Israel
On January 15, Kyle Schatz became a bar mitzvah at Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue. Kyle is an eighth grader at Landrum Middle School. Kyle plays on the varsity baseball team at Landrum and loves rooting for his favorite teams, the Mets and Jets, collecting cards and playing with his friends. He loves celebrating Jewish holidays with his family and how it provides a link to his relatives and heritage.
For his Mitzvah project, Kyle is gathering pre-owned bicycles from his neighbors and others in the community and will be delivering them to The Honey Pot Bike Collective, a local non-profi t that will repair the bikes and distribute them to those in need within Jacksonville. Kyle, who has been passionate about helping the less fortunate since he was very young, loves the freedom that his bike provides him and wants to be able to ensure that other kids and adults have this opportunity too.
Kyle chose to dedicate this special occasion to the memory of Nadine Schatz. Nadine was born to immigrant Jewish parents in Boulogne-Billancourt, France, settling there following the Russian Revolution of 1917. Nadine attended elementary school in Paris and was fl uent in both Russian and French. After France declared war on Germany in September 1939, Nadine's mother moved the family to Saint-Marc-sur-Mer, a small village on the coast of Brittany, hoping it would be safer. There, Nadine resumed her schooling. However, victorious German troops reached Saint-Marc-sur-Mer in June 1940, as France surrendered to Germany. Nadine and her mother then moved to the nearby city of Nantes, but local French offi cials frequently cooperated with the occupying Germans to help enforce anti-Jewish laws. In 1942, Nadine and her mother were arrested by French police and separated. Twelve-year-old Nadine was deported to Auschwitz on September 23, 1942, and was gassed shortly after arriving.
FAITH AND INSPIRATION
By Ilyse Greene, Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue
As an involved and dedicated member of my synagogue, I am spiritually moved by our Rabbi, the congregation, and the good work we do for the community. Personally, recent challenging times began with a tough fi rst week of the New Year, as my family battled COVID-19 for a repeated time. The stresses of life tried to invade our home. However, the challenge inspired me, and my faith rescued me with participation in Beth El. The remarkable and reinvigorating moment experienced through faith, spirituality, and a belief that
there is a plan for all of us, helped me to embrace my purpose. During a day when stress began to occupy my life, I met the challenge with more important and fun tasks, and created clarity which brought me back to center. As a Beth El congregant, Board Member, Education Chair, and Communications Chair, my involvement has reminded me to come back “home.” In diffi cult and distracting times, it is my belief that speaks to me. I am a dedicated Jewish woman, who is guided by her inspiration through faith. 35
SEE & BE SCENE
THROUGH THE LENS IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA
CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH 2022!
In spite of freezing temperatures, more than 100 women attended the Women's Philanthropy Champagne Brunch on January 23 at Jacksonville Jewish Center. It was a fun and festive morning, celebrating the first in-person Champagne Brunch in two years. Guest speaker and author Elise Scheck Bonwitt, shared tips from her book, More, How to Get More Out of Life with Less Complication. Mazel Tov to Jenn Neuman and Sandy Shapiro, event co-chairs, and their committee on a wonderful event! Everyone left with a copy of the book and a few lucky women won fantastic raffle prizes. Thank you to the following businesses for donating to the raffle: Ally with Shine Massage & Spa, Baby Boldly, Bailey's Gym, Cabi by Lisa Silvers, Independent Stylist, Club Pilates of Mandarin, Durbin Park, Ponte Vedra and Jacksonville Beach, Fresh Market, Friend of Federation, Hair Flair Salon, Jacksonville Jewish Center Judaica Shop, Jewish Community Alliance, Publix, Settle In Retreat, Simply Christine Hair at Sola Salons, Tanya with Arodasi Skin Therapy, Taverna, and Trader Joe's.
JF&F President, Jennifer Plotkin; CEO Mariam Feist; Guest Speaker, Elise Scheck Bonwitt; Women's Philanthropy Chair, Diane Rothstein; and Annual Campaign Chair, Haley Trager Lisa Silvers with a raffle prize Tammy Shumer, Katie Kight, and Karen Freedman
Lauren Setzer, Jodi Rogozinski and Danielle Leder Samantha Holtzman, Nicole Brown and Haley Trager
Champagne Brunch Co-chairs: Jenn Neuman and Sandy Shapiro
SEE & BE SCENE
Women's Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida hosted it's inaugural Connections event at the beautiful home of Sherrie Saag. The group held a lively and interesting discussion around Corie Adjmi's book, Life and Other Shortcomings. Monthly connections programs are planned through June and the next one will be March 10 at 7:00 pm at the home of Suzie Becker. Featured: Claudia Margolis, Beth Wolpoff , Diane Rothstein, Sherrie Saag, Eunice Zisser, Suzie Becker and Marcy Sandler
October 1�7�, photo provided by Joan Waitz. Jacksonville Jewish Community members joined 3,000 American Jews in Israel for the UJA conference in 1�7�, led by Arnold z"l and Phyllis Vandroff z"l. The Jacksonville Group led a solidarity march to the Western Wall.
RIVER GARDEN HAPPENINGS!
Employee Recognition at River Garden: The tenure of staff at River Garden is truly remarkable. Here, Mauri Mizrahi recognizes the 25-year service anniversary for Sheri Samuels.
The Kollel launched a new weekly parsha class at The Coves. Every week, residents discuss ideas related to the weekly torah portion, led by one of the Kollel Rabbis. Members of the Coves out on the town: Alberta Marks, Matthew Jackson, Vangie Smith & Harriett Dame enjoy dinner at Peony's Joey Hamoui from the Jewish Student Union deliver cards to Leslie Held, Director of Jewish Life. The cards offer encouragement to residents and members. Thank you!
Sherry Herring and her mother, Esther Michelson, enjoy an afternoon concert on the Edelman Patio.
Cousin surprise on the Edelman Patio! Janet Kronenberg and Janice Hayflick are neighbors on the River Garden campus.
SEE & BE SCENE
Participants from the Center's Jewish Teen Leadership Initiative (JTLI) made blankets to donate to a worthy cause as the colder weather hits North Florida. Featured: Blake Zaner, Avigail Barak, Jadyn Reff, Ava Jaffa, and Aidan Kempner.
Martin J. Gottlieb Day School 7th grade Science Fair winners will attend regional fair: Itamar, Joey and Eli Martin J. Gottlieb Day School students experiencing a lesson from a visiting Sofer.
Martin J. Gottlieb Day School and DuBow Preschool families provided holiday gifts for 50 children who are either in the foster care system through JFCS or are supported by the MaliVai Washington Foundation.
In November, the Bernard & Alice Selevan Religious School held a Hanukkah Gift Drive in partnership with Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS). Students provided gifts for seven members of the greater Jacksonville Jewish community and taught our students about the power of giving. Thank you to our volunteer room parents.
Students also welcomed our Community Shaliach, Stav Brener, to our school for the fi rst time. Stav spent time in several classes, teaching students about Israel, reading stories, and playing games.
Life members, Ruth Cohn and Helen Hill, sporting their Hadassah masks at a recent outdoor lunch.
SEE & BE SCENE
Our Shaliach Stav Brener brought a special speaker to our community - Marom Shmueli, a Shaliach from Youngstown, Ohio to speak about his Israel Defense Forces service as an Iron Dome Fighter and about the Iron Dome system. Marom and Stav visited the Torah Academy of Jacksonville school and the Jacksonville Jewish Center religious school, as well as speaking at the Jewish Community Alliance for the whole community and also met with the Congregation Ahavath Chesed, Temple 20s & 30s group!
Women of Reform Judaism - Temple Sisterhood Membership Appreciation Dinner was held at Epping Forest. The evening was enjoyed by everyone who attended. Featured: Monique Miller, Carolyn Kantor Susan Board, and Sisterhood President Ann Stone.
SEE & BE SCENE
Latkes & Vodkas at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. Food and drink were served alongside live music and various casino games, such as blackjack, poker, craps, and roulette. At the end of the event, a raffl e took place with the number of chips a player earned corresponding to the number of tickets they received for the raffl e.
WORTH THE SCHLEP
The Science of Thriving with Dr. Elliott Rosenbaum February 7, February 14, February 21, February 28
Now, more than ever, people are searching for the secret to happiness. Thankfully, scientists have been studying happiness and have found some pretty compelling answers by researching thousands of people who are thriving. This relatively new science is called Positive Psychology. Join Dr. Elliott Rosenbaum for a three-part series on The Science of Thriving. In Person at Etz Chaim and on Zoom. Zoom Meeting ID: 843 906 9742 Passcode: Etz For more information please contact Rabbi Avi Feigenbaum at avifeigenbaum@gmail.com
JCA Cultural Arts Festival Extension Event: Alison Hammer February 8 7 PM 8505 San Jose Blvd.
Following her acclaimed debut novel, You and Me and Us, in Little Pieces of Me, Alison Hammer offers a deeply moving story of family, identity, relationships and Jewish culture. Free to the community. Advance registration is required. For more information, please contact Rachel Sandler at (904) 730-2100 ext. 271 or rachel.sandler@jcajax.org.
Rabbi Matuson’s Retirement Celebration February 12 6:30 - 10:30 PM Sawgrass Country Club 10034 Golf Club Dr. Ponte Vedra Beach
Please join us in celebration as we honor Rabbi Michael Matuson on the occasion of his retirement. Better Late than Never, Epic Bar Mitzvah Party!
JCA The Berman Family Concert Series: Steven Banks February 13 3:00 - 5:00 PM 8505 San Jose Blvd.
The Jewish Community Alliance is proud to announce our featured artists in 2022! Zhu Wang, Steven Banks and Albert Cano Smit. These young musicians have performed in concert halls around the world and will take the stage in our Bessie Setzer Frisch Auditorium at the JCA! The Berman Family JCA Concert Series at the JCA is free and open to the entire community thanks to the generosity of the Berman family. Advance registration is required. For more information, please contact Heather Terrill at (904) 730-2100 ext. 265 or heather.terrill@jcajax.org.
Red Sofa Series February 13 1 PM
P2G Fellows are hosting a panel on The Rise of New Antisemitism with Neil Lazarus, and internationally acclaimed expert in the fields of Middle East politics, public diplomacy, and effective communication training. RSVP here: www.bit.ly/3nAbNGW
Kids Mega Challah Bake February 13 3:00 PM Durbin Creek Elementary School, 4100 Race Track Rd, St. Johns
RSVP at www.jewishsjohnscounty.com
JCA Cultural Arts Festival Extension Event: Laraine Newman February 15 7:00 - 9:00 PM 8505 San Jose Blvd.
Laraine Newman’s memoir May You Live in Interesting Times, chronicles her life and experiences such as being a founding member of the groundlings and an original cast member of Saturday Night Live all while dealing with “demons,” getting sober, having children and reinventing herself. Free to the community. Advance registration is required. For more information, please contact Rachel Sandler at (904) 730-2100 ext. 271 or rachel. sandler@jcajax.org.
Congregation Ahavath Chesed Parent-and-Me Playdate! February 16 & 27 9:30 - 11:00 AM 8727 San Jose Blvd.
Free and open to the community. Activities are geared to ages 0-4 and their caregivers (older siblings welcome). Sunday at the Temple featuring crafts, storytimes, and music-and-movement classes 9:00 AM Free Breakfast 9:30 AM Parent-and-Me Program RSVP to garad@thetemplejax.org
Jacksonville Jewish Center Virtual Lunch and Learn with Clergy February 16 12:00 - 1:30 PM 3662 Crown Point Rd.
"White Lie" Liar: Pants on Fire? Zoom link located at www.jaxjewishcenter.org/engage/ full-calendar
WORTH THE SCHLEP
Mah Jongg Tournament February 17 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM 10 Fair Banks St., St. Augustine
Temple Bet Yam is sponsoring a Mah Jongg Tournament at the St. Augustine Duplicate Bridge Club! For the fee of $30.00, lunch and prizes will be provided. Please send your reservation(s) and check, indicating Mah Jongg Tournament in the memo, to Temple Bet Yam, PO Box 860098, St Augustine, 32086. Note that there are no walk-ins and masks will be required. For more information, contact Teresa Freedman at (774)994-2066.
Beaches Ladies Night Out Pt. 2 February 17 7:00 PM Location provided upon RSVP
Beth El The Beaches Synagogue, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida, and PJ Library will be hosting part 2 of Ladies Night Out! Chef “bee” Cheryl will share the benefits of Mediterranean and vegan food. Register at www. events.idonate.com/blno2
An Evening with Jack Romberg: Doorway to Heroism February 19 7:00 - 9:30 PM 2055 Wildwood Dr.
"Doorway to Heroism", the biography of WWI decorated German soldier, protesting against Hitler and heroic Silver Star decorated U.S. WWII soldier, will be discussed by the author, W. Jack Romberg, the great nephew of hero Richard Stern. Copies of the book will be available upon request. Masks will be required. Sponsor: Life Long Education and Ways & Means Committees
Cafe Israeli February 24 7:00 - 9:00 PM 8500 San Jose Blvd.
Come hang out with our Shaliach Stav, drink coffee, eat Israeli snacks and talk about Israel! For more information, please contact Stav Brener at jaxshlichut@ jewishjacksonville.org. Advance registration is required.
Sharsheret: Cancer Prevention February 24 7:00 PM 8500 San Jose Blvd.
February is National Cancer Prevention month. Join Sharsheret, a national Jewish breast and ovarian cancer organization, and Dr. Samiian of Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center to learn what you can do to protect against cancer and what support services are available. This is a partnership with the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida Women’s Philanthropy, Baptist Health, and Sharsheret.
Federation Super Sunday 2022 February 27 8540 Baycenter Rd.
This year’s co-chairs, Leah Palestrant and Sarah Schwartz are excited to welcome volunteers to a “Margaritaville: It’s Give O’Clock Somewhere” themed morning. Outdoor calling stations and social distancing protocols will allow for a safe and fun event! Sign up for a volunteer opportunity to either make thank you calls OR raise dollars for the 2022 Annual Campaign at www.bit.ly/neflsupersunday
Congregation Ahavath Chesed Community Breakfast February 27 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM 8727 San Jose Blvd.
Guest Speaker, Israeli Nadav Kidron, discussing Israel - The Startup Nation. 10:00 AM Registration & Breakfast 10:45 AM Program Begins Open To All! $5 Members, $10 Non-Members, pay at the door RSVP to: garad@thetemplejax.org
Rosh Chodesh Women’s Group: Courage February 27 Virtual 1 PM
Join with neighboring Jewish women from the Southeast U.S. Jewish communities, Israel, and Prague for study sessions about leadership, courage, liberation, and love in the world of women and Judaism. Led by Partnership2Gether Fellow Jasmine Hubara and Rabbi Michal Ratner Ken-Tor from our partnership community of Hadera-Eiron, these sessions will help build your connections around the world. Register today at www.bit.ly/3FgQ2BT
COMMUNITY RESOURCES HELP ACROSS NORTHEAST FLORIDA
River Garden is the go-to resource for high-quality adult care in Jacksonville. Honoring our Jewish traditions, the dedicated staff , leadership and volunteers are all committed to a best-in-class experience.
Whether it is for you, your spouse, parents or friend, be sure to request River Garden.
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 Melissa Willams at (904) 394-5724.
JFCS, in partnership with Margo's Catering, is pleased to bring you our meal program Meals4You. Meals are delicious, nutritious, convenient and delivered right to your door. Jewish dietary laws are observed. Call Nicole Andrews at (904) 394-5810 for more information. Through a partnership with GO GO Grandparent and a grant from the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, JFCS is now off ering immediate rides through our Call2Go program. Riders will no longer have to call to book transportation. They will now be able to use an "on demand" service available at their fi ngertips! GO GO Grandparent will have booking agents available 24/7. When a client calls, the agent will book, monitor and stay available to the client until the ride is complete. Riders MUST pre-register with Nicole Brown at (904) 394-5724 and have a cell phone (texting is not necessary) to use this service.
Call2Go is available to those in need of transportation to attend synagogue, medical appointments and other important outings. A sliding fee scale is available. Don't be deceived by the name...you don't have to be a grandparent to use the program. Call Nicole today!
Admissions (904) 886-8420 Adult Day (904) 288-7858 Home Health Care (904) 288-7851 Outpatient Rehab (904) 886-8454 Th e Coves (904) 292-2683 Volunteers (904) 886-8429 Foundation (904) 886-8430 MAIN (904) 260-1818
Searching for identity hosts writing workshops for second and third generation holocaust survivors. Meet monthly in a confi dential and judgement-free setting, in-person/ online, to explore experiences, capture important stories and explore identity. RSVP at www.searchingforidentity.org/ writing-workshops.
TORAH ACADEMY
OF JACKSONVILLE
Every Tuesday from 3:15 to 4:15, Torah Academy hosts a free kosher food program sponsored by the USDA for children under 18. The program helps provide food during these trying times. For more info, contact shorowitz@torah-academy.com.
8505 San Jose Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32217
NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID JACKSONVILLE, FL PERMIT NO. 146
