CELEBRATING PURIM IN STYLE Jacksonville Jewish community dresses up for the occassion with much flair Pages 10 & 11
CAPS AND GOWNS
Numerous graduation ceremonies to be held around town Page 15
GOING TO D.C. FOR AIPAC
Jacksonville sends sizeable delegation to conference in our nation’s capital Page 18 A publication of
May 2016 • Nissan/Iyar 5776
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River Garden pays homage to agency’s 70 yrs. and Elinoff’s five as its president
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Federation’s support of UNF Interfaith Center paves way for special interfaith Passover Seder
BY SKIP WILLBACH
River Garden Hebrew Home Director of Communications and Marketing
River Garden’s 70th Anniversary Day celebration was full of plenty of food, fun and good memories as balloon artists, clowns, and face painters made an appearance at the event, held Sunday, March 13th. Pony rides, along with a bounce house and delicious barbecue were on hand for the kids and kids at heart to enjoy. The day commemorated the Hebrew Home’s 70 years as a strong community agency serving the greater Jacksonville area and beyond. The celebration also included the annual meeting of River Garden Senior Services. Outgoing River Garden president Ron Elinoff receives Dr. Ron Elia plaque from incoming noff has been president of the president Gloria Einstein Senior Services board for the past five years and under Ron’s leadership, the community agency has seen a great deal of change. River Garden successfully completed the largest capital campaign in its history, added 10,000 square feet of state-of-the-art space designated for outpatient programs and refurbished the entire skilled nursing facility. The Hebrew Home also refurbished all of its public spaces and most of its private apartments at The Coves at River Garden, the independent living garden apartment complex on its campus. River Garden is very grateful to Dr. Elinoff for his passion in helping shape the future of the agency, and to the Jacksonville Jewish
Rabbi Matt Cohen of Congregation Ahavath Rabbi Cohen enjoys the Seder with Interfaith More than 30 students from all faiths and Chesed plays some Passover inspired tunes Center members who are in the Passover spirit backgrounds attended the unique Seder
BY MATT FRANZBLAU
Federation Communications Director mattf@jewishjacksonville.org
On a warm week night in late March, more than 30 students from all different faiths and backgrounds came together at the University of North Florida’s student union to take part in a sacred Jewish tradition, the Passover Seder. The idea was born out of a hope by the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville and UNF’s Interfaith Center to spread awareness, understanding and acceptance of Judaism and Jewish students on the UNF campus. “Our mission is to advance pluralism and positive engagement between diverse populations, so we do a lot of programs centered around interfaith dialogue or
service,” said Center coordinator Rachael McNeal. UNF’s Interfaith Center has been around for nearly a decade and serves a wide variety of students of all different religious faiths and backgrounds, totaling a few thousand, only a handful of which are Jewish. One of those students is UNF senior Triana Arguedas, who aside from serving as the Jewish Student Union president, is the Jewish student liaison to UNF’s Interfaith Center. “I am very thankful that we have such a strong support system and the more established Jewish community here is really showing support by lending a hand to this student organization,” Arguedas said. “It also is very humbling to know that I am not alone and that the other Jewish students are
not alone.” This unique partnership was forged over the last year when Federation executive director Alan Margolies reached out to UNF’s Interfaith Center, seeing how it could help support the organization, in order to bring together the participation of more Jewish students to its numerous programs. “Tarah Trueblood, who is the director of the Center, along with Suzie Menaged in development, worked together with the Federation and sort of bridged that relationship,” McNeal explained. “The Jewish Student Union had been around for close to 20-years but recently participation dwindled, so the hope was that under the tutelage of the Interfaith Center, the Jewish Student Union could really thrive,” she
See INTERFAITH SEDER, p. 21
Trio from Jacksonville joins fellow JFNA members in New York to discuss world issues at the U.N. Photos by JFNA’s Jonathan Levine
8505 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32217
Jewish Federation of Jacksonville
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See ANNIVERSARY DAY, p. 7
Jacksonville’s Steve Silverman and fellow members from the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville met with foreign dignitaries
BY MATT FRANZBLAU
Federation Communications Director mattf@jewishjacksonville.org
Federation executive director Alan Margolies, along with former Jewish Federations of North America Board of Trustees treasurer Stephen Silverman and his wife Judy, made a historic trip to Manhattan last month, along with leaders from other federations across the continent to discuss a variety of world issues affecting Israel, the Middle East and diaspora Jewry at United Nations headquarters. Members of this continental group of leaders discussed issues including the status of Israel in the United Nations, implementation of the Iran deal, the plight of displaced Ukrainians, in
Silverman and fellow members from the Jewish Federations of North America attend a formal information session outside the U.N.
addition to the Middle East refugee crisis and European anti-Semitism. Former JFNA treasurer Stephen Silverman, “I think it was a great opportunity to not Federation board member Judy Silverman only meet with representatives from JFNA and executive director Alan Margolies but to meet with delegates from the United Nations, to help build a positive relationficials including, Israel Ambassador Danny ship with the ambassadors so that they at Danon, Canadian Ambassador Michael least would support Israel when it comes up Grant, French Ambassador François Delatfor vote next year of becoming a member tre, and Ukrainian Deputy Chief of Mission of the security council,” Stephen Silverman said of his experience. “When you’re See JFNA UN VISIT, p. 19 meeting one-on-one or in a group it makes a significant difference because they said a lot of things that were surprisingly very open and honest in all of the sessions that we attended.” During their various sessions, the Silvermans, Margolies and their counterparts met with a number of high ranking of-
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
Society of healers israel experience
july 23 - august 2, 2017
Trip highlights may include:
Contact Erin Cohen 904-448-5000, ext. 205 erinc@jewishjacksonville.org
-Visit Israel’s world renowned medical facilities (itinerary customized to meet interests of participants) -Innovations in military and emergency medicine or Alan Margolies -Tour of Tel HaShomer simulation center 904-448-5000, ext. 207 -Spotlight on Israel’s pharmaceutical industry alanm@jewishjacksonville.org -Opportun -Opportunity to earn CME’s in your specialty -Historical tours of holy sites in the north and in Jerusalem *$500 refundable deposit -Exposure to our partner region of Hadera-Eiron guarantees your spot on the trip -Optional tours of Masada, museums and Yad Vashem -Five star hotels, restaurants and relaxation
page 3
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
community news
Jacksonville Beach youth bowling coach takes home a national award BY TERRY BIGHAM USBC Communications
Allen Solomon of Jacksonville Beach, has been selected to receive the 2016 David Dahms Coach of the Year Award. Solomon has been the Youth Director at Beach Bowl for 27 years. The David Dahms Coach of the Year Award recognizes a United States Bowling Congress-certified coach who has been actively involved in a USBC Youth Program and has demonstrated outstanding commitment to coaching, sportsmanship and knowledge of USBC Youth rules. Solomon was selected by the International Bowling Campus Youth Committee from those nominated. “Having dedicated most of the spare time of my adult life to the sport of youth bowling, receiving the David Dahms Award shows appreciation for all the work I’ve done and the accomplishments of the bowlers I’ve had the honor of working with,” said Solomon, a USBC Bronze coach. “Not only do I have my own grandkids in the program, but the children of
2016 Coach of the Year award recipient Allen Solomon
my former bowlers make up a good portion of the leagues.” Solomon began coaching youth bowlers at age 18, after taking his first coaching class. In 1989, he was asked to be the Youth Director at Beach Bowl and continues to run the program that has awarded more than $100,000 in college scholarships. For nearly 20-years of the program he has run a Bowler of the Month Scholarship tournament and an annual Summer Scholarship League that
pulls in bowlers from throughout the Jacksonville area. Solomon was inducted into the Jacksonville Coaches Hall of Fame in 2001 and honored as Coach of the Year in 2002. He has been on the Florida State USBC Youth board for 17 years and currently serves as vice president. He has held many positions at the local level. For being selected as the 2016 recipient, Solomon will enjoy an all expenses-paid trip to the USBC Convention, set for April 26-29th in Las Vegas, where he will be presented with the award.
Jax Jewish Singles to sample fine seafood
T OU ION B T A K IZA S A OM ST CU
JJN Ad Directory - May 2016 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:
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AXA Advisers (p. 6) B&C Financial (p. 5) Beachview Rentals (p. 24) Berkshire Hathaway Realty (p. 28) The Bluffs on Plummers Cove (p. 16) Bob Ham Eyewear (p. 9) Borland Groover (p. 5) Brandon Pest Cntrol (p. 8) Camp Kitov (p. 23) DuBow Preschool (p. 17) Round Table Realty (p.9) Galinsky Academy (p. 20) Impressions (p. 24) Innovative Financial Solutions (p. 22) Jacksonville Jewish Center (p. 3, 14) Jacksonville Jewish News Summer Magazine (p. 31) Jacksonville Suns (p. 36) Jewish Federation of
Jacksonville (p. 2) • Jewish Java (p. 18, 32) • Jewish Museum of Florida (p. 11) • Jerry Seebol (p. 24) • Larry Tallis (p. 13) • Letterpress (p. 8) • Live Entertainment (p. 15) • Margo’s Catering (p. 28) • Metro Diner (p. 35) • Keller Williams Jacksonville Realty (p. 29) • The Palazzo (p. 3) • Pediatric Dentistry (p. 24) • River Garden (p. 15, 21) • Stein Mart (p. 10) • Society of Healers (p. 2) • Thrasher Horne (p. 33) • The Tax Man (p. 24) • Torah Academy (p. 34) • Vandroff Insurance (p. 11) • Watercrest San Jose (p. 29) • Whole Foods (p. 7) • Women’s Div. (p. 18, 19)
For your advertising needs, please contact advertising sales representative Barbara Nykerk at 904-733-4179 or Eta Perras at 904-629-0466.
what's inside BY FRANCINE SMITH Jax Jewish Singles
Join the Jax Jewish Singles for fresh seafood at Sid & Linda’s Seafood Market & Restaurant (12220 Atlantic Blvd.), a family owned seafood market with an adjoining eatery. The food is fresh and the prices are reasonable. Call Francine for details at 904-221-8061 or email her at francine.smith@comcast.net.
Adult Education................ p. 29 Business Directory............p. 24 Chabad News.............p. 10, 35 Community News...................... .............................. p. 3, 5-9, 30 Education ................................. ..................p. 11, 14-16, 32-22 Federation News....................... ........................ p. 12-13, 19-23
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Foundation ...................... p. 27 JCA .................................. p. 25 JFCS ................................. p. 26 Lifecycles...........................p. 24 Opinion & Cartoons............ P. 4 River Garden.................... p. 28 Synagogue News...................... .................................. 17-18, 34 Top Stories...........................p. 1
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
opinion Rabbinically Speaking: A popular notion inconsistent with reality BY RABBI YAAKOV FISCH Etz Chaim Synagogue
“Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing,” declared Vince Lombardi, the legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers. That attitude has been adopted as sacred gospel by our society and at the conclusion of the most recent Super Bowl, Cam Newton the quarterback that led his team to great heights in an unbelievable season finale, ultimately succumbed to defeat in America’s biggest game. He really was taken to task for not going all the way and bringing home the Lombardi Trophy, but this perspective manifests itself in many ways off the football field. From the classroom to the playground, we have become all about winning. Therefore, we are increasingly unforgiving about any setback or defeat. Indeed there is a major presidential candidate that has anchored his campaign on the notion of constant winning and that he can deliver uninterrupted winning. Putting aside the reality for a moment that this is even remotely possible, I would even further ask, ‘is winning all the
time even desirable? Is there something to learn from occasionally losing?’ and ‘are there any teachable moments that can emerge from a defeat?’ All these questions appear to be unheard of in the alternate reality of presidential politics and beyond, but these are questions that beg to be asked. In fact, Jewish tradition enlightens us about the virtue in failure. No less an authority than King Solomon, wrote that the righteous fall down seven times before rising up. Some have suggested that doesn’t mean that the righteous rise despite falling seven times, rather it’s the righteous that rise precisely because they stumbled on multiple occasions. That is not to suggest that a person should not aspire to win and be successful but when there is a stumbling block, it can be utilized as an opportunity to learn from for the future. In fact, some research has shown that many times students who averaged grades of ‘C’ were more successful later in life than their fellow students who averaged ‘A’s’ One reason given is that students who didn’t always get that 100-per-
RABBINICALLY SPEAKING cent say that they understand how to rebound from setbacks and cope with the inevitable curveball that life will undoubtedly throw at them. This is why so many successful entrepreneurs struggled in school. Learning to handle failure, hopefully in small doses, equip people for bigger challenges. Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest basketball player of all time put it best when he said, ”I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career and I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game
winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life, and that is why I succeed.” It’s time to stop fantasizing about being married to the perfect person, having the perfect life and dare I say it, electing the perfect president. We live in an imperfect world with imperfect people and attaching ourselves to the notion of constantly winning is not only totally inconsistent with reality, it deprives us of the opportunity to grow from our failures. Rabbi Yaakov Fisch is the Senior Rabbi at Etz Chaim Synagogue Rabbinically speaking is a monthly column written by clergy members in the Jacksonville Jewish community. If you are a Rabbi, hazzan or religious leader in NE Florida and would like to contribute your inspirational thoughts for a monthly column, please e-mail jjn@jewishjacksonville.org with your name, organization, congregation and which month you are interested in writing for and what topic, specifically you would like to write about.
”I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career and I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life, and that is why I succeed.” -- Six time NBA champion Michael Jordan
Parents of murdered Israeli teens salute Partnership2Gether at recent awards ceremony BY AMISHAI GOTTLIEB The Jewish Agency for Israel
The families of the three Israeli teens kidnapped and murdered in the summer of 2014 — Eyal Yifrah, Gil-ad Shaer, and Naftali Frankel — recently praised The Jewish Agency for Israel’s Partnership2Gether (P2G) network of hundreds of communities in Israel and around the world, which are paired with one another and maintain long-term relationships aimed at strengthening the residents of both and the bonds between them. They were present at the Peres Center for Peace in Jaffa, where former Israeli President of Israel Shimon Peres and Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency for Israel Natan Sharansky joined hundreds of Jewish leaders from around the world, April 7th in celebrating the 20th birthday of The Jewish Agency’s Partnership2Gether (P2G) program. The parents of the teens declared the P2G Global School Twinning Network the recipient of the 2016 Jerusalem Unity Prize, created in their sons’ memory. “It takes a person of great dignity to experience such tremendous pain and produce such deep
and abiding hope – you are proof that such people exist. All of Israel shares your pain,” former President Peres told the parents during the ceremony. Then, turning to the hundreds of Jewish leaders and activists in attendance, he thanked them for their “uncompromising work strengthening the connection between Diaspora Jewry and the State of Israel.” He praised the leaders and activists for not giving up - even though unifying Israel and Diaspora Jewry can be hard work. “We have become a creative, innovative nation,” Peres continued. “We are the only country in the Middle East that has no brother and no friend – not in language, not in religion, and not in culture. We have been attacked many times and they have done everything possible to destroy us, but despite it all, they have not destroyed our morality or the righteousness of our path.” Chairman Sharansky also spoke at the ceremony, saying, “The future of the Jewish people depends on the sense of shared responsibility between all Jews around the world. The solidarity and connection between all parts of the Jewish people are key, and our future will be built on a
Former Israeli President Peres and Jewish Agency Chairman Sharansky celebrate Partnership2Gether’s 20th birthday at the Peres Center
foundation of morality and on the basis of Aliyah.” Partnership2Gether (P2G) is a network of hundreds of communities in Israel and around the world, which are paired with one another and maintain long-term relationships aimed at strengthening the residents of both and the bonds between them. Founded in 1996 by The Jewish Agency, The Jewish Federations of North America, and Keren HayesodUIA, P2G today connects some 450 communities in Israel and around the world through 46 established partnerships. Some 10,000 volunteers work to build meaningful connections between the communities by addressing residents’ core needs, engaging in exchange programs, and fostering
a common Jewish identity. The P2G program includes the Global School Twinning Network,
which connects tens of thousands of students at more than 650 schools in Israel and around the world, who participate in joint educational activities and interact with one another online, while faculty members engage in joint training. The goal of the initiative is to bring about a positive cultural shift in Israel-Diaspora relations by developing a sense of unity and Jewish family amongst Jewish children, teachers, and parents around the world. Additionally, the program seeks to reinvigorate young people’s connections to Jewish life, to the Jewish people, and to Israel, and to create a common Jewish educational conversation.
Advertising Representatives Barbara Nykerk • 904.733.4179 Eta Perras • 904.629.0466 Editor & Communications Director Matt Franzblau • mattf@jewishjacksonville.org Communications Committee Jon Israel, Chair Shirley Bielski Helen Hill Michele Katz Joan Levin Andrea Mail Rachel Morgenthal Andrew Ocean Marsha Pollock Federation President Sandy Zimmerman Federation Executive Director Alan Margolies 8505 San Jose Blvd. • Jacksonville, FL 32217 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 6th of each month, and sent to jjn@jewishjacksonville.org. Ad deadlines: All ads must be received by the 15th of each month and sent to jjn@jewishjacksonville.org in .pdf format. Editorial support: Donna O’Steen, Erin Cohen, Ariel Frechtman, Val Battini, Emma Pulley, Alan Margolies, Andrew Ocean
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
community news
Larry Kanter Passionate, philanthropic and committed community member
May
2016
Larry Kanter’s passion for Jewish continuity and preservation is evident by all he does for the community, which includes interfaith education and community outreach through a variety of means. He established the Dr. Larry and Kathy Kanter Fund for Jewish Preservation at Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple), which brings numerous speakers to Jacksonville. He also supports a long established scholarship fund for Jewish studies at Tulane University and is expanding his vision locally to start up a Jewish studies program at UNF. He personally mentors and provides tuition assistance to several local college students as another example of his strong commitment to education. While long-time members of The Temple, Larry and his wife Kathy maintain a community perspective, as they have sponsored several learning days, called Yom Limmud, at Etz Chaim Synagogue, where the entire community comes together to learn. Kanter has no small view of the importance of social justice and is involved in
the making of a documentary about Raoul Wallenberg, a heroic humanitarian whose efforts saved tens of thousands of Jews during the Holocaust. He also traveled to Russia this past summer with the producers and directors of the movie to interview Holocaust survivors who were saved by the courageous work of Wallenberg. Today, Kanter serves as one of the executive producers of the film which he hopes will become widely distributed in the coming year. As a retired medical cardiologist, Larry enjoys his new-found leisure time. When he’s not engaged in planning community service related events, he attends classes at UNF, plays golf, tennis, skis and enjoys traveling. If you would like to nominate someone special for Mensch of the Month who volunteers both their time and efforts to the Jacksonville Jewish community, simply submit their name, photo and a short write-up about them to jjn@jewishjacksonville.org
National MS Society to honor former JFCS head at luncheon her ability to move, but through the help of assistive technology she is able to navigate her environment. The event, hosted by Channel 4’s Mary Baer, will also feature a raffle, flower auction, and local jewelry sale. Funds raised by the luncheon benefit the research and services of the Society. Young currently serves as a trustee of the National MS Society’s North Florida Chapter, is a member of the Mayor’s Public Service Grants
BY CORRINA STEIGER MADRID
National MS Society, N. Fla. Chapter
On Thursday, June 2nd, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society will hold the 2016 MS Luncheon at the Jacksonville Marriott. This year’s luncheon will honor and celebrate the life of inspirational community leader Iris Young, who spent her career at the helm of Jewish Family & Community Services before retiring in 2010. Young has lived with progressive MS which today completely limits
Former JFCS executive director Iris Young will be honored by the National MS Society, May 13th
Council, in addition to consulting for UNF’s small business initiatives and serving on the board of City Kids Arts Factory. The National MS Society mobilizes people and resources so that everyone affected by the disease can live their best lives as we stop MS in its tracks, restoring what has been lost and end MS forever. To fulfill this mission, the Society funds cutting-edge research, drives change through advocacy, facilitates professional education,
collaborates with MS organizations around the world and provides programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. The Society is dedicated to achieving a world free of MS. For more information about MS, the National MS Society, or the luncheon, please call Corrina Steiger Madrid of the North Florida Chapter at 904-332-6810 or email her directly at Corrina.madrid@ nmss.org.
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Community news
Local arts organizer bringing new Jewish themed musical series to Jacksonville By Karen Cohen Morse
It’s always the radical ones that wind up forging new directions for the future. In an effort to continue this spirit of progress, local arts organizer, producer, and impresario, Keith Marks, is forging a new path, bringing disparate threads of the Jacksonville community and tying them together through a new musical series with a global perspective. The new series, titled ‘Avant: Curious Music for Curious Minds’, will bring diverse musicians to Jacksonville. The series will focus on the Jewish inspiration behind the eco-system of jazz, classical, and ethnic musicians involved with New Yorkbased musician/composer John Zorn.
Avant series creator Keith Marks
Zorn’s label, Tzadik, has consistently released engaging new music that explores the idiom of new Jewish music for more than 20-years. Zorn’s flagship Masada projects have garnered international acclaim and audiences. As a result, he was awarded The MacArthur Genius Grant and has
received numerous honorary doctorates from musical institutions across the globe. “This is relevant music not because it is Jewish, but because it is important music bridging
for me, it forces me to ask what does it mean to be Jewish?” Avant kicks off its programming with a special concert, Sunday, May 15th at the Downtown Public Library with Grammy-
the 20th century with the 21st,” said Marks. “So much of Judaism is historical facing, and while I respect the past, I don’t feel like the past has significant meaning in my present moment as I’ve always connected to the world through art and music,” he explained. “There’s something deeply intelligent, soulful, funky, and spiritual in this music because it’s a way forward that brings the past with it and asks the question of what it means to make Jewish music, but,
nominated classical/jazz pianist and composer Uri Caine who lives in New York City. In addition to the performance, more than 250 Jewish-related CDs from Zorn’s Tzadik will be donated to the public library for their general collection. The gift, valued at more than $4,000, was the result of Marks’ efforts to crowd fund the money from a wide-range of Jewish and non-Jewish contributors in the community ranging anywhere between $25-500.
The series continues in June with a performance from guitarist and composer Tim Sparks, who will perform at The Karpeles Museum, Sunday, June 12th. Avant, a 501(c)3 nonprofit venture, will continue to seek funding through independent contributions, grants, and ticket sales of future shows to continue its goal of advancing community diversity through music. “Music has always been the one equalizing factor among people, in my experience as it brings young and old, Jew and Gentile, black and white together,” Marks said. “Music opened my eyes and ears to so much in the way of culture and the world and my hope is that the community gets halfway excited as I am to organize this series.” For more information, reach out to Marks at curious@avantcurious.org or 386-295-3687.
Jax Hadassah to hold special swing night Jacksonville’s Jewish with the Rat pack at Alhambra Theatre American Heritage Month BY HELEN HILL
observance to be held May 22nd at The Temple
Jacksonville Hadassah
Join the Jacksonville Hadassah for a swinging good time at the Alhambra Theatre and Dining, Thursday, June 9th as you’ll be clapping your hands with ‘The Rat Pack’ while they recreate the amazing performances from the Copa Room with incredible authenticity. The group looks, sounds and acts just like the real thing, including the comedic onstage antics and costumes. You will not believe your eyes and ears as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. come to life in this nostalgic reunion concert. This year’s annual event at the Alhambra is a special performance, and is not on the regular Alhambra schedule. The cost is $70 per person or $135 couple and there will be a reception and
‘The Rat Pack’ will be live and swingin’ as Hadassah hosts its annual night at the Alhambra on Thursday evening, June 9th
silent auction, starting at 6 p.m. Dinner will then begin at 7 p.m., followed by the show. All the proceeds generated from the event will benefit Hadassah projects in
the United States and Israel. Call Aviva Kaplan at 813-435-0547 or avivajkaplan@gmail.com for additional information.
BY HAZEL MACK Temple Archivist
May is Jewish American Heritage Month, which is a national commemoration of the contributions that American Jews have made to the fabric of our nation’s history, culture and society. The official 2016 Jacksonville observance of JAHM, will be held at Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple), Sunday, May 22nd at 2 pm, where Jewish Museum of Florida founding executive director Marcia Jo Zerivitz will present a PowerPoint lecture on the role of Jacksonville in Florida’s Jewish population, which is the third largest among any state in the nation. “There are tens of thousands of Jews who have made significant contributions to improve the quality of life for Americans, Zerivitz said. “Many know of important Jews in the areas of education, business, law, politics, entertainment, the arts, philanthropy, medicine, sports, science, military and more, but few realized the impact of our people, collectively.” Jewish American Heritage Month was initiated by the Jewish Museum of Florida and enacted by the 109th Congress in 2006. “In 2002-03, when I worked with our state legislature, primarily with Senator Gwen Margolis, to get a designated Florida Jewish History Month (January), I was astounded to learn there was no national month for Jews, as a cultural ethnic group, when so many other groups have a month.”
In April 2005, the Jewish Museum of Florida honored Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz with a Glass Ceiling award as the first Jewish woman from Florida elected to the U.S. Congress. At that time, Wasserman Schultz agreed to sponsor federal legislation creating a Jewish American Heritage Month, and in December that year the brand new representative brought up the Resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives, which passed by a vote of 423-0, urging President George W. Bush to proclaim each year a designated Month for American Jews. Senator Arlen Spector led the same effort in the Senate in February the following year and the rest is now history. Since 2006, JAHM programs have taken place across the country. In Washington, D.C. alone, the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum have joined in raising national consciousness about the contributions of American Jews to our country’s heritage. Communities all across the nation have presented programs to celebrate American Jewish achievements and May’s presentation at The Temple will be another important one to add to the list, so be sure and attend to help share in the pride of contributions from Jacksonville’s Jews to American life.
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
community news JCA Board members to receive leadership June 5th JFCS Holocaust awards from JCC Assoc. of North America survivor gathering to talk
about Nazi stolen art
By Jewish Community Alliance
JCA Board members Michael Miller and Brent Trager have been awarded the prestigious Esther Leah Ritz Next Generation JCC Leadership Award by the Jewish Community Centers Association of North America. The award, named for late community leader Esther Leah Ritz, identifies future leaders from Jewish Community Center Boards and provides a leadership development training program to enhance the skills needed to assume top leadership roles. Both Trager and Miller are leaders within the JCA and the Jacksonville Jewish community. “We are proud of Michael and Brent for receiving the Ritz Award at the JCCA biennial conference,” said JCA executive director Myron Flagler. “They follow many of our esteemed leaders who are past recipients and continue to contribute meaningfully to our Jewish community and the community at large.” Trager co-chaired the JCA’s annual fundraiser, which was
By Jewish Family & Community Services
Michael Miller
Brent Trager
held in February, in addition to leading the Strategic Planning Initiative for the agency. “The JCCs have a unique opportunity to work together to become more efficient and innovative and I am driven to improve and position our agency to continue to serve the needs of our communities in the future,” Trager said. “I am humbled by this recognition.” Miller also co-chaired the JCA’s February fundraiser and serves on the JCA finance committee. “I am proud to have received the
Esther Leah Ritz Next Generation JCC Leadership Award,” Miller said. “The JCA has been a huge part of my entire family’s life and this honor reinforces the positive feelings I have for making a difference in our community and the future of the JCA,” he added. “I am hopeful to learn and grow from the JCC Association’s fantastic leadership program.” The program will take place during the 2016 JCC of North America Biennial Conference in Baltimore, Md., May 15-18th.
Anniversary Day Continued from pg. 1
There was plenty of good food and great fun to be had at River Garden’s 70th Anniversary Day, March 13th
community. As Elinoff completed his term as president, he passed the gavel to Gloria Einstein, and said “It has indeed been my honor to have served as president and I look forward to Gloria taking the helm, as she will be a great leader.”
Jax Hadassah’s summer book review returns
BY HELEN HILL
Jacksonville Hadassah
One of the Jacksonville Hadassah’s most popular events is back and this year will introduce participants to three more great books during its annual Summer Book Review. The review will take place in three installments (July 5th, 12th and 19th) and will be held at 10:30 a.m. inside the Jacksonville Jewish Center, located at 3662 Crown Point Road. Check the Jacksonville Jewish News Summer Magazine next month for more details.
The next gathering for Holocaust survivors and their children will be held on Sunday, June 5th at the Cummer Museum of Art. The event will feature Cindy Edelman, noted art historian, who will present a slideshow about Nazi Stolen Art. Her presentation centers around Simon Goodman’s shockingly true story, ‘The Orpheus Clock’, a book about restoring his family’s art legacy, as well as examining examples of the consequences of recovering Jewish family owned art. For more Simon Goodman’s book is about information please contact Naomi restoring his family’s art legacy and Mirensky at 904-394-5777. will help guide the presentation
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
community news Jacksonville Public Library to host talk on Temple Bet Yam gets visit from special Torah scribe Judaism’s place in St. Augustine history BY CAROL GLADSTONE
BY MERRILL SHAPIRO
Temple Bet Yam
St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society
Jacksonville’s Main Public Library will host an overview of the Jewish history of the United States’ oldest European City, Sunday, May 22nd at 2 p.m. The presentation is put on by the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society and will be open to the public free of charge. The talk will be held in the Lounge, adjacent to the Laura Street entrance of the Main Library at 303 N. Laura St. The presentation affords the Jewish Historical Society an opportunity to share new information about the Jews buried in the
St. Augustine National Cemetery and the work being done to link Antonio Martinez Carvajal, the chief harbor pilot of St. Augustine in the 1570s to the Carvajal fam-
ily of Mexico City. Tragically, his family members were burned at the stake in the 1590s after having confessed under torture to participating in Jewish rituals.
Jacksonville Jewish Center to host RE:MIND May mental health series By Jacksonville Jewish Center
The Jacksonville Jewish Center will host a stirring four-part lecture series in May about mental health. The series is organized by the synagogue’s RE:MIND group, which is a congregational initiative to improve overall community mental health. The series kicks-off May 1st from 9:30 – 11 a.m., with ‘conversations about personal struggles and family dynamics with issues of mental illness’ and panelists Chris and Naida Gould, Tammy Shumer, Wesley Evans and Rabbi Mark Wieder. It continues with a Monday evening series slated for May 9th with ‘families in exile – Estrangement, when enough is enough’ and then May 16th with ‘home alone – cause and effect of slipping into isolation’. The series wraps up May 23rd with a special panel and a variety of
different topics. All Monday lectures last from 7:30 – 9 p.m. RE:MIND is a Center initiative with the goals of improving literacy, awareness and understanding about individuals and families dealing with mental illness and reducing stigma that prevents acceptance and outreach to its congregants and others in the community. For more information or specific details on guest speakers and event moderators, please reference the RE:MIND series listing in this issue’s adult education listing.
Last month, the congregation of Temple Bet Yam in St. Augustine had the rare opportunity to observe and interact with Rabbi Levi Selwyn, who is a Sofer or Torah Scribe. This project was initiated several years ago and made possible by a generous donation from Rabbi Mark Goldman. Rabbi Selwyn spent the day examining and repairing the Temple’s two Torahs, estimated to be 80-100 years old. Being a Sofer entails great responsibility because Torah scrolls are precious, delicate, and at the center of Jewish identity and they require expert handling and ongoing care. Rabbi Seywyn, who is part of ‘Sofer on Site’, is a master teacher and educator who is very passionate about motivating students. The Rabbi graciously invited the congregation to stop by to watch him work and learn about the process of examination and cleaning of the parchment, Torah repair, and restoration of the lettering using a quill pen and very
Max Sherman watches intently as Rabbi Levi Selwyn works on a Torah
special ink. Many congregants stopped in during the day to observe and ask questions. Several families even picked up their children from school and brought them straight to Temple to allow them to be a part of this once in a lifetime experience. All of the congregants who participated, left with a sense of awe, feeling very blessed to take part in a very remarkable and memorable day.
Local Rabbi to reveal some surprises through unknown Jewish heroes discussion By River Garden Hebrew Home
Please join River Garden, Wednesday, May 17th at 11:00 a.m., in the Cohen Auditorium as Rabbi Gary Perras presents a fascinating program with a surprising twist. This engaging discussion will provide you with some fascinating and perhaps previously unfamiliar details about ‘Unknown Jewish Heroes’. Light refreshments will be served as attendees enjoy this delightful lecture.
Rabbi Gary Perras
Entman Seminar returns to River Garden with focus on palliative & advanced care By River Garden Hebrew Home
Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 18th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. as River Garden Hebrew Home is proud to offer the 2016 Entman Seminar. This year’s event is focused on Palliative Care and Advanced Care Planning. Andrew P. Daigle, M.D., Senior Medical Director and Community Palliative Consultant, and Elizabeth McCullough, M.D., Community Palliative Consultant, both from the Community Palliative Department of Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, will give the keynote address ‘Palliative Care Overview – Taking the Boogie Man out of the Advanced Care Planning Discussion’. Additionally, Richard Stromberg, M.D., President, Emergency Resources Group, Chief of Emergency Medicine and Medical Director of the Chest Pain Center for Baptist Medical Center, will offer insight into making informed choices regarding cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, based on his many years of experience in the emergency room. Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner, Senior Rabbi of the Jacksonville Jewish Center,
will present ‘Ethical Wills: An Inheritance of Values We Cherish’, and will conduct a discussion around how to leave an ethical legacy for the next generation. Learn how to ‘start the discussion’ regarding approaches to chronic care management as well as end of life care decisions as these topics have a quality of life component and discuss aspects of healthy aging. The Entman Seminar was named in honor and memory of Sidney Entman, the first administrator of River Garden Hebrew Home. The goal of this seminar series is to bring first rate speakers to the River Garden campus to discuss topics of community interest and importance, so join us for stimulating and interesting discussion in addition to a delicious lunch and dessert. Those planning on attending must do so via RSVP by contacting Laura Platzer at 904-260-1818, ext. 859 or by e-mailing her at lplatzer@rivergarden.org.
www.jewishjacksonville.org
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
community news Go behind enemy lines with St. Augustine city commission will French Jewish spy in Nazi name May as ‘Jewish Heritage Month’ BY MERRILL SHAPIRO Germany, Marthe Cohn St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society
Marthe Cohn circa World War II By Chabad Lubavitch of NE. Fla.
Hear the incredible true story of a Jewish spy in Nazi Germany, May 8, 9, and 10th at three separate locations, sponsored by the Chabad of S. Augustine, Chabad of Clay County and Chabad Lubavitch of NE Florida. Complete with faith, courage and espionage, this story centers around Marthe Cohn, who was born in Metz, France in 1920. She was a devoutly religious Jewish woman living just across the German border in France when Hitler rose to power. As the Nazi occupation escalated, Cohn’s sister was sent to Auschwitz, while her family fled to the south of France. Cohn chose to fight back and joined the intelligence service of the First French Army. Utilizing her perfect German accent and Aryan appearance, she posed as a German nurse, desperately trying to obtain word of a fictional fiancé. She traveled the countryside and approached troops sympa-
Photo of Cohn in present times
thetic to her ‘plight’, thereby obtaining critical information for the Allied commanders. At age 80, Cohn was awarded France’s highest military honor, the Medaille Miliataire, and not even her children knew to what extent this modest woman faced death daily to defeat the Nazi Empire. At its heart, this remarkable story is the tale of an ordinary woman who, under extraordinary circumstances, became the hero her country needed her to be. In 2002, Cohn penned her memoir ‘Behind Enemy Line: The True Story of a French Jewish Spy in Nazi Germany’. Currently, she resides in Palos Verdes, Calif., with her husband and travels internationally, sharing her remarkable story. Cohn will share that story, Monday, May 8 at 7 p.m. at Flagler College’s Gamche Koger Theater, Tuesday, May 9 at 7 p.m. inside the Fleming Island Public Library and Wednesday, May 10, also at 7 p.m., at the Chabad Center in Mandarin.
River Garden Auxiliary to hold its annual meeting and luncheon on May 24th BY MIMI KAUFMAN River Garden Auxiliary
The River Garden Auxiliary will hold its annual meeting and closing luncheon, Tuesday, May 24, at 11:30 a.m. at River Garden Hebrew Home. A delicious luncheon will be followed by an exciting fun-filled program, involving audience participation. There will also be raffles, door prizes and lots of surprises. The cost to
attend the luncheon is $10, so to make reservations or for more information, call Mimi Kaufman at 904-626-2472. The deadline for reservations is Friday, May 13th.
Camp Gan Israel Jax makes 2016 summer plans known By Chabad Lubavitch of NE. Fla.
As temperatures rise, an exciting Jewish day camp experience is generating quite a buzz among parents on the First Coast. Camp Gan Israel or CGI, the world’s largest network of Jewish camps with over 500 locations, is back by popular demand. “Summer is a critical time in a child’s life, because a successful summer camp experience is more than a break from studies to let loose as every activity is a major learning experience,” said Chanie Kahanov, Director of CGI JAX. “Our program is designed to let our camper’s minds run wild, enjoying nature, crafts, sports and water activities, while building
character and responsibility in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.” CGI will take place for 2-3 weeks in July, for children ages 3-9. For more information in addition to rates and dates, please call 904262-6641.
The city commission of America’s oldest European city will declare the month of May as ‘St. Augustine Jewish Heritage Month’. This decision will officially be made during the Commission’s regularly scheduled meeting, at 5 p.m., Monday, May 9th in The Alcazar Room of City Hall (75 King St.). Commission meetings are open to the public, so all are welcome to attend and the Proclamation is to be made early on in the proceedings. The City Commission of St. Augustine is joining the national Jewish American Heritage Month at the urging of the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society. The request came in a letter noting the possibility of the presence of Marranos in the city as early as 1565. The presence of Proto-Zionist,
Proclamation of Jewish History Month 2015 - From Left to Right : Robyn Shapiro, Secretary, Merrill Shapiro, President, Mayor Nancy Shaver, Carl Lindenfeld, Treasurer, Esta Lindenfeld, Vice President
Abolitionist, social, religious and educational reformer as well as American Jewish pioneer, Moses Elias Levy was felt in the 1820s, along with his son, David Levy Yulee, the first person of Jewish descent to serve in the United States Senate. The letter notes, as well, that St. Augustine is home to the oldest synagogue in continu-
ous use in Florida and the site of the largest mass arrest of Rabbis in U.S. History on June 18, 1964, when 16 spiritual leaders who came at the request of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. were detained while attempting to integrate the lunch counter at the Monson Hotel.
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Ongoing & Upcoming Chabad events Mandarin Headquarters
Daily Chassidic Philosophy Weekday Mornings, Mon-Fri 6:40 a.m., Sunday 8:15 a.m. with instructor Rabbi Yossie Kahanov. Insights on the Torah Portion Shabbos Mornings, 8:30 a.m. with instructor Rabbi Mendy Brown.
Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
chabad news
Chabad’s 24th annual Purim celebration filled with fun, food & music By Chabad Lubavitch of NE Fla.
More than 200 people from across the Jewish Community in Jacksonville celebrated Chabad’s 24th Annual Purim Celebration.
Exploring The Talmud Tuessday evenings, After Maariv with instructor Rabbi Mendy Brown. Women’s Study Group Wednesday evenings 7:30 p.m., with Instructor Rebbetzin Rivkie Kahanov. Shabbos Live Join us for a memorable Shabbat dinner and monthly oneg, May 7th, June 4th, July 2nd and 30th. This event is free and open to all so come and experience the feeling of holiness that only Shabbat can bring. Great food, insightful discussion, Chassidic melodies and a warm ‘Heimish’ atmosphere are all to be had. Call 904-262-6641 to reserve spot or for more information.
Chabad of Southside
Yoga & Torah for Women Unleash Your Inner Strength with an invigorating Yoga exercise followed by delicious and healthy refreshments, and a thought provoking discussion of Jewish wisdom. Held Tuesday evenings in the St. Johns Town Center. To RSVP visit SouthsideChabad.com or call 904646-4434. Hebrew School CHS is for you! Families of all backgrounds feel comfortable and welcome as our school enjoys a well-earned reputation as a trendsetter in creative Jewish education for children ages five to 13. School is held Sundays from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Visit SouthsideChabad.com for more info. Saturday Morning Shabbat Join us every Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m., for services with Rabbi Shmuli Novack in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Our nonjudgmental philosophy embraces everyone, regardless of commitment or religious background. Services are held in a traditional setting, with a contemporary message. A traditional cholent luncheon follows the service.
Chabad of S. Johns
Bar Mitzvah Discovery The most important event in the life of a young Jewish person should be more than just rote memorization leading up to an anxiety-ridden recital of the Torah. A new breakthrough in Bar Mitzvah education is oriented toward preparing our youth for the important new role they will be assuming as a Jewish adult, which will help them define who they are for years to come. The classes are for boys ages 11-13, and are held every Sunday at 9 a.m. Call 904-701-4422 or email Rabbi@ JewishSJohnsCounty.com for more information. Bat Mitzvah Club An all-inclusive venue for girls of Bat Mitzvah age to meet and learn about this special stage in their lives through art, creative writing, trips, community outreach and more. *The club is an enrichment program that is independent of any Bat Mitzvah ceremony or celebration and is geared toward girls ages 11-13. Email Dini@JewishSJohnsCounty.com for more information. Torah and Tea Join other Jewish women for inspiring Torah discussions, Jewish meditation, camaraderie, hot tea, and delicious refreshments. For more information email Dini@ JewishSJohnsCounty.com.
Chabad to hold weekend full of unique Shavuot themed events and classes By Chabad Lubavitch of NE Fla.
Chabad Lubavitch of Northeast Florida will be holding a number of different classes and events this Shavuot including an all-night learn-a-thon and the reading of the ten commandments. All Night Learn-a-Thon (June 11th- 12 a.m. – 12 a.m.) Starting at 12 a.m., June 11th and wrapping up at midnight June 12th, separate study sessions will be conducted by Rabbi Yossie Kahanov, Rabbi Mendy Browd as well as by
Chabad to hold annual Lag B’Omer picnic May 26
A petting zoo will be one of just a number of suprises at this year’s Chabad Lag B’Omer picnic By Chabad Lubavitch of NE Fla.
Now in its 20th year, the Lag B’omer picnic and outing, will once again feature blow up rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, and of course the famous grand barbeque. The event will be held Thursday, May 26th at 5 p.m., at the Chabad headquarters in Mandarin. “My kids look forward to this all year,” said Sara, mother of several children in the community. The event is hosted by all six Chabad centers on the First Coast and is sponsored in part by Al and Marilyn Wolfson in honor of their wedding anniversary. Additional donations are always greatly appreciated and accepted.
lay members of the community. This will be held at the Chabad Center, however there will be separate study sessions for women, given by Rivkie Kahanov, Nechamie Browd, as well as others held at the Levine residence. The Ten Commandments (June 12th - 11 a.m.) It is extremely important for every Jew to be in Synagogue at the time of the reading of the Ten Commandments but it is especially important for children to be in Synagogue
during the reading, as they played a critical role in our receiving the Torah. That’s because when G-d gave the Torah to the Jewish people, he gave it on the condition that the young boys and girls will be the guarantors.
Dairy Dazzle (June 12th - 12:30 p.m.) Following Services and the reading of the Ten Commandments, a delicious dairy Kiddush will be served, including blintzes and other delicacies. There will also be special treats, including ice cream for the children.
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
education
Martin J. Gottlieb Day School’s third graders help entire school elect Batman in mock election BY SETH CARPENTER
Martin J. Gottlieb Day School
Students were able to log onto their laptops and cast their votes
This past February, third grade students at Martin J. Gottlieb Day School began learning about the Presidential election process. After a discussion of what traits the students look for in a leader, each student nominated a fictional character to one of the two mock parties, the ‘Page Party’, made up of characters from books, and the ‘Screen Party’, comprised of fictional characters from TV and film. The class held primaries in
Torah Academy, Etz Chaim put on Purim extravaganza
There were plenty of smiles to go around at this year’s Purim celebration
BY SHAYA HAUPTMAN
Torah Academy of Jacksonville
Torah Academy of Jacksonville and Etz Chaim Synagogue teamed up to invite the Jacksonville Jewish community to its annual Purim Extravaganza in late March. The Academy’s PTO, headed up by Shari Goranson, organized activities for the children so that adults could enjoy the delicious dinner and exciting program prepared for them by Etz Chaim. The children’s activities, including scavenger hunts, holiday craft tables, cotton candy, inflatable derby racing, and a family
magician. While taking part in these fun ventures, the kids were supervised by members of Torah Academy’s PTO and Etz Chaim’s professional care staff. Meanwhile, the adults were entertained with live music, dancing, cocktails and a hearty dinner catered by a volunteer staff led by Beth Beyer. The event had a great turnout and was open to the entire Jacksonville Jewish community, free of charge. Academy and synagogue staff is already looking forward to next year’s Purim Extravaganza to see what surprises both organizations are able to pull out from under their hats.
Celebrations are ahead at Michele Block Gan Yeladim BY NATHAN WOODS
Michele Block Gan Yeladim
The students of Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten are looking forward to a busy month of May. That’s because in addition to celebrating Israel’s Independence Day, May 12th with a mock school-wide ‘trip to Israel’, students will also celebrate the Jewish holiday of Lag B’Omer at a JAway event at Plantation Park, Sunday, May 22 at 5 p.m. JAway Lag B’Omer is free and open to the community, but reservations are required by May 17th at jcajax.org. Lag B’Omer is considered a celebration of the eternal fighting Jewish spirit and is usually celebrated with outdoor activities, picnics and bonfires. In keeping with tradition, the JCA JAway outdoor event will feature snacks, games, music, singing and marshmallow roasting for JCA families and the community. Participants should pack a picnic dinner and bring some friends as the JCA will provide the fun and festivities. This program is part of the JCA’s JAway, which brings JCA programs to satellite communities in Jacksonville.
The JCA will also hold Family Shabbat Dinner and PJ Library Storytime, Friday, May 6th at 5:30 p.m. in their beautiful courtyard. Throughout the year, Michele Block Gan Yeladim partners with PJ Library to bring fun, interactive Jewish storytelling and experiences to children. PJ Library and PJ Goes to School serves to enhance Jewish literary content in classrooms across the country, while encouraging collaboration and conversation between home, school and the community. The upcoming Family Shabbat Dinner and PJ Library Storytime will include a festive dinner, Shabbat celebration, stories, songs, games and the company of other families from the JCA and the local community. This event is free and open to the entire community but reservations are required by May 4th.
mid-March along with Florida’s primary, then took the election ‘national’ or school-wide, with Batman winning 43-percent of the vote. Overall, there was a 67-percent voter turnout, which the students learned was bet-
ter than the average for U.S. Presidential elections. After the election, the students talked about the process, how popularity plays a role, and why some don’t exercise their right to vote. These discussions helped
them relate to the democratic process happening right now in our country. Each Third Grader then wrote a blogpost about his/her candidate. To see more, please visit: http://mjgds.org/ students/#tab3
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
federation news
The Jewish Federation of Jacksonville thanks you for your support! We appreciate our donors and want to express this each month by publishing their names in the Jacksonville Jewish News. Thank you to the following donors who have made a commitment to support the 2016 Federation Annual Campaign as of April 15th. *Names in BOLD have made contributions to the campaign since March 1st.
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abel Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abramson Dr. and Mrs. Mark Abramson Dr. and Mrs. Scot Ackerman Mrs. Arlene Adelson Mr. and Mrs. David Adler Dr. and Mrs. Philip Adler Mrs. Peggy Ageloff Mrs. Carol Agress Mr. and Mrs. Norman Allison Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Alterman Ms. Rosa Alvarez Ms. Barbara Ames Mr. and Mrs. Allan Andrew Mrs. Frieda Andriesse Mr. and Mrs. Marc Angelo Mr. Lawrence Ansbacher Mrs. Sybil Ansbacher Mr. and Mrs. Barry Ansbacher Mr. and Mrs. Larry Appel Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Appelbaum Mr. Robert Armel Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Arnold Mr. and Mrs. William Arnold Mr. and Mrs. Mark Atkins Ms. Sari August Mr. and Mrs. Richard Axelberg Mr. Philip Axelrod Mr. and Mrs. Frank Backilman Mr. and Mrs. Peter Bailet Mr. and Mrs. David Bailys Dr. Scott Baker and Mrs. Maureen Ruddy-Baker Dr. and Mrs. Robert Baker Mr. and Mrs. Scott Balotin Mrs. Isabel Balotin Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Bannon Mrs. Valerie Battini Dr. and Mrs. Harold Baumgarten Mr. Eli Becker Dr. and Mrs. Matthew Becker Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Beckerman Mr. and Mrs. Walter Beissinger Mr. and Mrs. Morris Bendit Mr. and Mrs. Jean Benjamin Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Bennett Mr. and Mrs. Odell Bennett Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bennett Dr. and Mrs. Guy Benrubi Mr. Isodore D. Benrubi Mr. and Mrs. Greg Berger Mr. and Mrs. Ira Berger Mr. Martin Berger Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Berger Mr. Daniel Bergman Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Berke Berman Family Mr. and Mrs. Larry Bernard Mr. and Mrs. Jack Bettman Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Bettman Mr. and Mrs. Brian Bialik Mrs. Adrienne Biber Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Bickel Mr. and Mrs. Abe Bielski Mr. and Mrs. David Bielski Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon Blattner Mr. and Mrs. Larry Blaustein Block Family Mr. and Mrs. Philip Bloom Mr. and Mrs. Norm Blum Mr. and Mrs. Fred Blum Ms. Stacey Blum Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Blumenfeld Mrs. Sue Ann Blumenthal Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Board Mr. Al Bogacius and Ms. Carol Doyle Mrs. Traude Bohrman Mrs. Josephine Bonnett Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bossen Mrs. Rhona Botnick Mr. Wiatt Bowers Mr. and Mrs. David Boyer Dr. Joy and Mr. Steven Boyne Ms. Michelle Branly Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Breault Mrs. Ruchel Broadman Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Brodsky Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bronowitz Dr. and Mrs. Sol Brotman Mr. and Mrs. Richard Browdy Dr. and Mrs. Andy Brown Dr. and Mrs. Robert Brown Mrs. Estelle Brust Drs. Robert and Suzanne Bryskin Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Bubis Dr. and Mrs. Dennis Buchman Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Buckley Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Burke Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Burns Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Burstein Mr. and Mrs. Howard Buss Cantor and Ms. Henry Butensky Mr. and Mrs. Jan Butensky Ms. Sharon Cane Mr. and Mrs. Steven Cantor Mr. and Mrs. Paul Cantor Mrs. Barbara Carman Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Chait Mr. and Mrs. Barry Chefer Ms. Miriam Chefer Mr. and Mrs. Allan Cheiken Mr. and Mrs. Alan Chepenik Dr. Colleen Bell and Mr. Craig Cherrin Ms. Susan Cherry Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Cherry Mrs. Rita Clark Mr. and Mrs. Allan Cohen Rabbi and Mrs. Matt Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Danny Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Martin Cohen Ms. Becky Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Norman Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Joel Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Cohen Ms. Nancy Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Perry Cohen Mr. Hyman Cohen Ms. Joanne Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Cohen Dr. and Mrs. Donald Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Jack Coleman Mrs. Maxine Cooper
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Cooper Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Coplan Mrs. Ellen Cottrill Ms. Cheryl Covitz Dr. and Mrs. Richard Crovatto Mrs. Susu Cruse Mr. and Mrs. Steven Cutler Mr. and Mrs. Albert Datz Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Datz Ms. Joan Davidow and Mr. Stuart Glass Drs. Leo and Joanne Davis Ms. Marilyn Dawson Dr. and Mrs. Joey Dayan Mr. and Mrs. Jim De Arman Mrs. Lisa De Marco Mr. and Mrs. Jon DeBardeleben Mr. and Mrs. Moti Demri Mr. Michael Desanto and Ms. Debbi Barry Mrs. Marilyn Desser Dr. and Mrs. Robert Diamant Mrs. Helen Diamond Ms. Pamela Diamond Mr. and Mrs. Harold Diamond Mrs. Anita Dittman Ms. Anna Dittus Judge and Mrs. Robert Droker DuBow Family Mrs. Jody Dughi Mr. and Mrs. Alexius Dyer Dr. and Mrs. Fred Eaglstein Mr. and Mrs. Dan Edelman Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Edelman Mrs. Goldie Edelstein Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Edwards Mr. and Mrs. Martin Edwards Dr. and Mrs. Barry Efron Ms. Gloria Einstein Mrs. Judy R. Eisen Mr. and Mrs. Jack Eisenberg Mr. and Mrs. Fred Elefant Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Elikan Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Elinoff Ms. Laura Evans Mr. and Mrs. Dave Fastenberg Dr. Denise Sherman and Mr. Yakov Feig Dr. and Mrs. Neil Feinglass Ms. Harriet Feinglass Mr. and Mrs. Alan Feldman Mr. and Mrs. Brian Feldman Mr. and Mrs. Edward Feldman Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Feldman Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Feldman Dr. and Mrs. Charles Feldstein, Dr. and Mrs. Michael Fetner Drs. Howard and Dina Fetner Ms. Gaye Feuer Ms. Etta Fialkow Mrs. Luba Finegold Mr. and Mrs. Neal Finkelstein Rabbi and Mrs. Yaakov Fisch Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Fischer Mr. and Mrs. Robert Fischer Mr. Matt Flagler Mr. and Mrs. Myron Flagler Mr. Dave Flagler Mr. and Mrs. Martin Flamm Mr. and Mrs. Robert Fleet Mr. and Mrs. Michael Fleet Ms. Kaitlin Flynn Ms. Deborah Foust Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Fox Ms. Sarah Fraden Mr. Rick Franzblau Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Franzblau Mr. Matthew Franzblau Ms. Ariel Frechtman Mr. and Mrs. Michael Freedman Mrs. Marilyn Freedman Dr. and Mrs. Michael Freeman Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon Friedman Mr. and Mrs. Steven Friedman Mr. and Mrs. Adam Frisch Frisch Family Mr. and Mrs. Charles Frohman Judge Jerry Funk Mr. and Mrs. Paul Furman Ms. Elaine Furman Mr. and Mrs. Oren Gahanian Mrs. Helena Gandell Mr. and Mrs. Harold Garber Mr. and Mrs. Philip Garces Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gare Ms. Nicola Garner Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Gartner Mr. and Mrs. Simon Garwood Mr. Victor Gaukhman Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gefen Mr. and Mrs. Larry Geller Mr. and Mrs. Irwin Gendzier Mr. Sheldon Gendzier and Ms. Estelle Kritz Judge and Mrs. Marvin Gillman Mr. and Mrs. Randall Ginzig Mr. and Mrs. Marc Gladstone Mr. Peter Levy and Ms. Kim Glasgal Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Glassman Mrs. Cecile Goetz Mr. and Mrs. Martin Goetz Mrs. Carole Goldberg Mr. Sheldon Goldberg Mrs. Rose Goldberg Mr. and Mrs. Irwin Goldberg Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Goldberg Dr. Bruce Goldfeder Mr. and Mrs. Ira Goldfield Mr. David Golding and Ms. Leslie Carmel Dr. and Mrs. Roy Goldman Mr. and Mrs. Sol Goldman Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Goldman Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Goldman Mrs. Muriel Goldman Mr. Alan Goldman Mrs. Irma Goldman Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Goldring Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Goldsmith Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. Allen Goldstein Mr. Harvey Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. Andy Goldstrom Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Goodfarb
Mr. and Mrs. David Goodman Mr. Jonathan Goodman Mrs. Gloria Goodman Mr. and Mrs. Steven Goranson Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Goshen Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Jarzyna Gottlieb Family Mrs. Shari Gottlieb Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Gottlieb Mr. and Mrs. Chris Gould Mr. and Mrs. John Grado Mr. and Mrs. Jay Graff Dr. and Mrs. Neill Graff-Radford Dr. and Mrs. Brett Gratz Mr. Allen Gray and Ms. Diane Greenbaum Dr. and Mrs. Michael Greenburg Mr. and Mrs. Paul Greenfield Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Greenfield Dr. Earl Greenwald Mr. and Mrs. Edward Grenadier Mr. and Mrs. Garth Gridley Mr. and Mrs. James Grinnan Dr. and Mrs. Jonathan Gross Mrs. Doris Gross Mr. Marc Grosse and Ms. Lisa Ross Mrs. Dolly Grunthal Drs. Randall and Shoshana Haas Dr. and Mrs. Jesse Halpern Mr. Peter Hammer Mrs. Bonnie Hardy Ms. Melanie Hare Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Hare Mr. and Mrs. Gary Harlow Dr. Sherrie Harris Mr. and Mrs. Tom Harris Mr. and Mrs. Robert Harris Mr. and Mrs. Alan Harrison Rabbi and Mrs. Shaya Hauptman Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hayflick Mrs. Sonie Hecht Ms. Wanda Hedrick Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hedrick Mrs. Leslie Held Mr. and Mrs. Corey Heller Mr. Steven Heller Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Herman Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Hernandez Mr. and Mrs. Brian Herschkowitz Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hersh Mrs. Raymonde Higgins John and Helen Hill Mr. John Nelson and Ms. Murren Hill Mr. and Mrs. Jon Hill Ms. Karen Hill Rabbi Joseph Hirsch Mr. and Mrs. Bob Hirsch Dr. and Mrs. Scott Hochwald, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Hodor Mr. David Hoffman Mr. Royal Holian Mr. and Mrs. Jay Holiday Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Holzer Hazzan and Mrs. Jesse Holzer Mrs. Nancy Honig Mrs. Wendy Honigman Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Horovitz Mr. and Mrs. Elliott Horovitz Mrs. Christina Hovey Mr. and Mrs. Michael Howard Ms. Janet Healy and Mr. Charles Hyman Mr. and Mrs. Michael Isakbayev Ms. Helene Isolica Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Israel Mr. and Mrs. Larry Jaben Dr. and Mrs. Ira Jackler Mr. and Mrs. Ted Jackrel Mr. Marc Jackson and Ms. Ann Tiefenthaler Mr. and Mrs. George Jackson Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Jacobs Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Jacobs Mr. and Ms. Brian Jacobs Mr. and Mrs. Sam Jacobson Mr. Darryl Jacobson Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Jaffa Mr. and Mrs. James Jaffa Mr. and Mrs. Larry Jaffe Mr. and Mrs. Jon Jagodinski Mrs. Joy Jarchower Ms. Gail Jarrett Mrs. Lorraine Jenkins Mr. and Mrs. Jamie Jolles Mr. and Mrs. Charles Joseph Dr. Edward Joseph Ms. Sharon Juhasz Mr. and Mrs. Norman Kagan Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kahn Mr. and Mrs. Herb Kaminsky 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 Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Kaplan Mr. and Mrs. Jay Karp Mr. and Mrs. Philip Karp Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Karpman Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Karsin Mr. David Kasriel Mr. and Mrs. Alan Katz Mr. and Mrs. Michael Katz Mr. and Mrs. Manfred Katz Ms. Michele Katz Ms. Libby Katz Mr. and Mrs. Howard Kaufmann Mr. and Mrs. Donald Kaye Mr. and Mrs. Allen Kellman Mr. and Mrs. Benjay Kempner Mr. and Mrs. Jim Kempner Ms. Sharon Kesler Judge and Mrs. Morton Kesler Ms. Marcia Kessler Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kessler Mr. and Mrs. Rudolf Kigel Mr. and Mrs. David Kight Ms. Simone Kilbourn Dr. and Mrs. Garry Kitay Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Klein Mr. and Mrs. Myron Kodner
Mrs. Helene Koenigsberg Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kopp Mr. Brett Koretzky 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. Eric Korzyniowski Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Kossoff Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kraemer Mrs. Sylvia Kraemer Dr. and Mrs. Alan Krantz Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kraus Mrs. Carolyn Krestul Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Kurtz Dr. and Mrs. Ron Kushner Mr. Carl Kutlin Dr. and Mrs. Dennis Lafer Mrs. Janet Laine 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. Jeffrey Leach Ms. Jean Lebowitz and Ms. Thelma Lebowitz Mrs. Dorothy Legum Ms. Sybil Lehr Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Leif Mr. and Mrs. Stephan Leimberg Ms. Tilde A. Lerman Dr. and Mrs. Eli Lerner Drs. Jeff and Ilene Levenson Mrs Julia Levin Dr. and Mrs. H. Ronald Levin Dr. Sharon and Mr. Mort Levin Mr. and Mrs. Michael Levin Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell Levine Ms. Stefanie Levine Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Levine Mr. and Mrs. Mark Levine Mr. and Mrs. Don Levinson Marilyn and Michael Levinson Ms. Carol Levitan Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Levitsky Mr. and Mrs. Philip Levy Levy Memorial Fund Mrs. Phyllis Lewis Mr. and Mrs. Sam Lewis Mr. and Mrs. Larry Lieberman Mr. Tyler Curl and Ms. Jessica Ligator Dr. Leonard Lipkin Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Lipsky Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lissner Mrs. Muriel Litt Dr. and Mrs. Marc Litt Mr. and Mrs. Herman Lodinger Dr. David Loeb Mr. and Mrs. Alan Loeser Ms. Joanne Lowell Ms. Sylvia Lubliner Ms. Marcia Luettchau Drs. Robert and Anne Lufrano Ms. Lucille Lustig Mr. and Mrs. Richard Mack Mr. Leonard Magid and Mrs. Claudia Baker Mr. and Mrs. Steven Mail Mr. and Mrs. Leonardo Maiman Mrs. Raquel Maiman Ms. Stephanie Majeskey Mrs. Amy Malkin Mrs. Ilana Manasse Dr. and Mrs. Milton Mann Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Margol Mr. and Mrs. Alan Margolies Mr. and Mrs. Adam Marko Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Markowitz Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Marks Ms. Caroline Marks Dr. and Mrs. Alan Marks Mr. and Mrs. Adam Marmelstein Mr Howard Capland and Ms Jeanne Maron Dr. Donald Mars Dr. Ronald Mars Mr. Ben Marsh Mrs. Phyllis Martin Mrs. Pearl Marton Dr. and Mrs. Mike Mass Mrs. Deinya Mautz Mrs. Charlotte Mayo Mrs. Hilda Mazo Mr. and Mrs. Tom McNett Mr. and Mrs. Steve Meinstein Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Meisel Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Meiselman Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Melamed Mr. and Mrs. Walter Menaged Mr. and Mrs. Brian Mendelson Mr. and Mrs. Myron Mensh Mr. Joseph Merwin Mr. and Mrs. Paul Metlin Mr. and Mrs. Yosef Meyer Mr. and Mrs. Tony Milian Alexandra Miller Bequest Mrs. Jo Miller Mr. Michael Miller Mrs. Melissa Miller Mr. and Mrs. David Miller Mr. and Mrs. Richard Miller Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Miller Mr. Daniel Miller and Ms. Lior Spring Mr. Glenn Miller and Mr. Michael Miller Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Millrood Dr. Stuart Millstone Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Mintzer Mrs. Shirley Mirkis Dr. and Mrs. Jon Mitzmacher Mrs. Judy B. Mizrahi Dr. and Mrs. Ed Mizrahi Mr. and Mrs. Jack Mizrahi Mr. and Mrs. Steven Mizrahi Mr. and Mrs. Alan Mizrahi Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Mizrahi Mrs. Annice Molinaro Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Montagna Dr. and Mrs. Craig Morgenthal
Mrs. Sonya Morris Mr. and Mrs. Joel Morris Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Morris Mr. Ben Morse Ms. Anita Moss Mr. Andrew Yellen and Ms. Ruthellen Mulberg Ms. Geri Myers Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Myers Judge and Mrs. Bernard Nachman Dr. and Mrs. Peter Natale Dr. and Mrs. Alan Nathans Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Neadle Drs. Steven and Tmima Neihaus Mr. and Mrs. Lon Neuman Ms. Kym Newlen Mr. and Mrs. William Newman Mr. and Mrs. Robert Newman Mr. and Mrs. Michael Nicotra Mr. and Mrs. Robert Nied Drs. Michael and Sue Nussbaum Mr. and Mrs. Louis Nussbaum Mr. and Mrs. Richard Nykerk Ms. Linda Oberdorfer Mrs. June Oberdorfer Mr. Andrew Ocean Ms. Gloria Oehlman Mr. and Mrs. Moshe Ohayon Mr. and Mrs. Jais Ohayon Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Olesker Mrs. Donne Ordile Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Organes Ms. Allysondra Osborne Mr. and Mrs. Morrie Osterer Ms. Janice Ozer Mr. and Mrs. Peter Pagano Mr. and Mrs. Elliott Palevsky Mr. Michael Pallen Mr. and Mrs. Brian Pargman Mr. and Mrs. Richard Passink Mr. and Mrs. John Pataky Mr. and Mrs. Troy Patton Mr. and Mrs. Herman Paul Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Pearl Mr. and Mrs. Ira Peck Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Perin Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Perlis Dr. and Mrs. Gary Perlman Dr. and Mrs. Morton Perlman Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Persky Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Pies Mr. and Mrs. Michael Platzer Ms. Laura Platzer Mr. and Mrs. Richard Plotkin Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Plotkin Mr. and Mrs. Jay Plotkin Mrs. Lita Poehlman Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Pollock Dr. Judy and Mr. Ronel Poppell Mr. and Mrs. Steven Porter Mrs. Phyllis Portnoy Ms. Elaine Portnoy Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Portnoy Mr. and Mrs. Marc Preminger Mrs. Anne Presser Mr. Neil Presser Mr. Bradley Preuss Mr. and Mrs. Sam Price Dr. Susan Price Mr. and Mrs. Ron Price Dr. Miriam and Mr. Jack Price Dr. and Mrs. Michael Pulley Dr. and Mrs. Marco Rand Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Spector Mr. and Mrs. Neil Rashba Dr. Todd Rasner and Dr. Inbal Cohen-Rasner William and Joan Rein Family Dr. Harry Reinstine Jr Mr. Edward Witlen and Ms. Marie Reitzes Mr. and Mrs. Harold Reiz Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Resnick Dr. Harold Resnick Ms. Sondra Resnikoff Dr. Amy and Mr. Jason Rice Mrs. Marian Rice Dr. Deena Richman and Mr. James Richman Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rickerson 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. Martin Marquez and Ms. Effie Rocca Mrs. Linda Rodman Mr. Howard Roey Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Rogove Mr. and Mrs. Yoav Rogovin Rabbi and Mrs. Jim Rogozen Mr. and Mrs. Sam Rogozinski Dr. and Mrs. Chaim Rogozinski Dr. and Mrs. Abe Rogozinski Mr. and Mrs. Steven Rohan Mr. and Mrs. Don Rosborough Ms. Margaret Rose Mr. William Rose Mr. Paul E. Rosen Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Rosen Ronnie & Jerrold Rosenbaum Family Dr. and Mrs. Elliott Rosenbaum Mr. Jerome Rosenbaum Dr. Eli Rosenblatt Mrs. Stacia Rosenblum Mr. and Mrs. David Rosenthal Ms. Marla Rosin-Borrousch and Ms. Pennie Rosin-Borrousch Mr. and Mrs. Alan Rosner Mr. and Mrs. Steve Ross Mr. Marc Rotenberg Dr. and Mrs. Neal Roth Mrs. Sandi Roth Mr. Simon Rothstein Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell Rothstein Mr. and Mrs. Paul Rothstein Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Rothstein Mr. and Mrs. Grigory Royzen Mr. and Mrs. George Rubens Dr. and Mrs. Devon Rubin Mrs. Arlene Rubin
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Donor List Continued from pg. 12 Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Rubin Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Ruby Mrs. Shirley Rudnick Mr. and Mrs. Leif Rush Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Sachs Mrs. Carol Sack Ms. Daryl Sadowsky Mr. and Mrs. Eliot Safer Mrs. Rubye Safer Ms. Eleanor Safer Mrs. Gaye Sager Ms. Bess Saliman Dr. and Mrs. David Sall Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Saltz Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Sandler Mr. and Mrs. Neil Sandler Drs. Jeff and Wendy Sapolsky Mr. and Mrs. Mark Saye 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. Harold Schemer Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Schemer Judge and Mrs. Jack Schemer Mr. and Mrs. William Schemer Mrs. Shirley Schemer Mrs. Frances Schemer Ms. Amy Schemer Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schiller Ms. Ilene Schinasi Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Schlackman Judge and Mrs. Harvey Schlesinger Judy and Robert Schnitzer Rabbi and Mrs. Avi Schochet Dr. Elana Schrader Mrs. Laura Schulman Ms. Regina Schuman Mr. Simon Schuster Mrs. Barbara Schuster Dr. and Mrs. Brian Schwam Shira and David Schwam-Baird Mr. Zachary Schwartz Mrs. Margie Seaman Mr. and Mrs. Allan Sebotnick Ms. Stephanie Seebol Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Seebol Selevan Family Mr. Jack Merwin and Ms. Karen Selig Mrs. Mimi Selig Mr. Alan Selmanoff Dr. and Mrs. Robert Selwitz Mr. Howard Serkin Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Serkin Setzer Family Dr. and Mrs. Barry Setzer Mr. and Mrs. Alan Setzer Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Shacter Mr. and Mrs. Robert Shafer Mr. and Mrs. Steven Shapiro Mr. and Mrs. Harry Shapiro Mr. and Mrs. Joel Shapiro Mr. and Mrs. Robert Shenkman Mr. and Mrs. Jay Sherline Shorstein Family Mr. and Mrs. David Shuman Dr. and Mrs. Jules Sidle Mr. and Mrs. Edward Siegel Mr. and Mrs. Leon Silke Mr. and Mrs. Gary Silverfield Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Silverman Ms. Barbara Berlin and Mr. Robert Silverman Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Simms Mrs. Deborah Simon Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Sims Mr. and Mrs. Richard Singer Mr. and Mrs. Federick Singer Mr. and Mrs. Barry Sinoff Mr. and Mrs. Richard Sisisky Mr. and Mrs. Adam Skala Mrs. Irene Sloat Mr. and Mrs. Alan Smiley Ms. Laurie Smirl Mr. and Mrs. Avi Smith Mrs. Francine Smith Ms. Dianna Smith Mr. and Mrs. Eric Smith Mr. and Mrs. Lon Smolensky Drs. Todd and Catherine Snowden Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Soffer Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Sohn Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Soilson Mr. and Mrs. Eugolio Soliven Mrs. Carole Solomon Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Solomon Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Solomon Mr. and Mrs. Damian Spector Mr. and Mrs. David Spencer Mrs. Elaine Stack Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Stark Dr. and Mrs. Mandell Stearman Mr. and Mrs. Jay Stein Mr. and Mrs. David Stein Mrs. Marilyn Stein Ms. Ruth Stein Mrs. Susan Stein Mr. Daniel Stein Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Steinberg Mr. and Mrs. Martin Steinberg Ms. Talia Steiner Dr. and Mrs. Irving Sterman Drs. Barry and Rori Stevens Ms. Irina Stevens Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Stone Mr. and Mrs. Leon Stone Mr. and Mrs. Elliot Stone Dr. and Mrs. Richard Stromberg Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Sullivan Dr. and Mrs. Saul Sussman Sweetwater Chavurah Club Dr. Millie and Mr. Edward Tannen Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Tannenbaum Mrs. Marilyn Tanney Ms. Shelley Tarbox Mr. and Mrs. William Tatel Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Tavill Mr. and Mrs. Jason Teichman Mr. Larry Teitelman Mrs. Barbara Teitelman Mr. and Mrs. Lev Tillis Rabbi and Mrs. Howard Tilman Ms. Marion Tischler Dr. Karen Toker Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Toyzer
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
federation news Mr. and Mrs. Marty Trachtenberg Trager Family Mr. Asher Trager Mr. and Mrs. Brent Trager Mr. and Mrs. Fred Tromberg Ms. Esfir Tulchinskaya Mrs. Carol Turbow Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Turko Mr. and Mrs. Izrail Turovskiy Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Ullmann Mr. and Mrs. Steven Underkofler Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Van Mrs. Dot Verstandig Ms. Sharon Voiron Mr. and Mrs. Vladimir Voloshin Mr. and Mrs. Jules Wagman 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. Marvin Watkins Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Weihnacht Mr. and Mrs. Frank Weiner Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Weiner Dr. Joseph Weinman Mrs. Renee Weinstein Mrs. Linda Weinstein Ms. Rachel Weinstein Mrs. Margie Weinstein Mr. Daniel Weinstock Mr. and Mrs. David Weintraub Mr. and Mrs. Barry Weisman Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Weiss Mr. Mitchell Weiss and Mrs. Gale Cohen-Weiss Mrs. Sandra Weiss Dr. and Mrs. Jerome Weitzen Dr. and Mrs. Jeff Weitzner Mrs. June Weltman Dr. and Mrs. Gary Weltman Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Werner Mr. and Mrs. Todd Werwa Mr. and Mrs. Josh Whitman Mr. Jeff Wiener Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Wilde Mrs. Linda Wilkinson Mr. and Mrs. Skip Willbach Mr. Stuart Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Steven Wilson Mrs. Dottie Wilson Mr. and Mrs. James Wiss Mr. and Mrs. Irwin Witt Mrs. Jacqueline Witte Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Witten Ms. Carole Witten Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Wohl Ms. Kathy Wohlhuter Dr. and Mrs. Eugene Wolchok Mr. and Mrs. Judah Wolf Ms. Irene Wolfe Mrs. Lesley Wolfson Mrs. Carole Wolpin Mr. and Mrs. Howard Wolpoff Mr. and Mrs. Frank Woodard Ms. Elaine Wright Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Wyzan Mrs. Marjorie Wyzan Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Yahre Mrs. Elsie Yellin Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Yergin Mr. Leon Yergin and Ms. Caryn Kenny Dr. Harry Yoffee Mr. and Mrs. Charles Young Mr. and Mrs. Donald Young Dr. and Mrs. Larry Young Mr. and Mrs. Dana Zaifert Mr. and Mrs. David Zavon Ms. Anita Zeldin Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ziemba Mrs. Donna Zimmerman Mrs. Barbara Zimmerman Mr. Bradley Zimmerman Mr. Lanny Zimmerman Mr. Sandy Zimmerman Mr. and Mrs. Charles Zimmerman Mr. and Mrs. Barry Zisser Mr. and Mrs. Paul Zyserman
rGEN to hold special end of year thank you event for Jewish young professionals BY ARIEL FRECHTMAN
Jewish Federation of Jacksonville arielf@jewishjacksonville.org
Join rGEN, Wednesday, May 25th, beginning at 6:30 p.m. as the Federation’s official young professionals division closes out
another great year with a special ‘thank you’ event featuring craft cocktail making and of course noshing. Please visit the official rGEN Facebook page (RGEN Jax) for more information or contact Ariel at arielf@jewishjacksonville.org.
Jewish Java and River Garden Senior Services co- host author Sally Constain BY ISABEL BALOTIN
Shalom Jacksonville Director shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org
Shalom Jacksonville invites the community to attend its monthly Jewish Java program which will be held Wednesday, May 4th from 9-10:30 a.m. at River Garden Senior Services (11401 Old St. Augustine Rd.), where a complimentary bagel nosh will be served. May is Jewish American Heritage Month, which recognizes the many achievements of the outstanding Jewish scientists, authors, doctors, celebrities and politicians, who most likely had a parent or grandparent that immigrated to the United States. In light of this special recognition month, author and newcomer Sally Constain will share her inspiration for writing ‘The Keys to Fanny’, a coming-of-age novel that captures the hopes and challenges of the female Jewish immigrant experience. The book is about 13-year old Fanny who faces a bleak future after the sudden death of her mother. Forbidden to learn how to read and write in her native Ukraine, Fanny is forced to care for the family after her father remarries. Upon learning that a
Sally Wahl Constain
marriage has been arranged for her with her stepmother’s lazy, cruel nephew, Fanny panics, but when her Aunt Freda offers her secret passage on a boat headed to America, she faces a crucial choice. To attend this event, an RSVP is required and can be given to Isabel Balotin at 904-448-5000, ext. 206 or at shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org. Please note that the June 1st, July 6th and August 3rd Javas will also be held at River Garden. Our appreciation is given to the Federation’s partner agency, for providing the bagel noshes for the summer Javas. It doesn’t matter how long you have lived in Jacksonville, you are invited to join us and enjoy a bagel nosh in
a casual and friendly atmosphere, where you’ll learn from knowledgeable speakers and find out the latest happenings in the Jewish and general community. The Jewish Federation’s Shalom Jacksonville is the official Jewish welcome wagon of Northeast Florida. Next Java is scheduled for Wednesday, June 1st from 9-10:30 a.m. at The Coves at River Garden, and is titled ‘Get your daily dose’, featuring guest speaker Kristin Spinner, who is a professional wellness coach.
Have something newsworthy to share? By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville
Whether it’s a milestone achievement accomplished by a friend or family associated with the Jacksonville Jewish community, or simply a story, event or announcement to be shared, drop us a line at jjn@jewishjacksonville.org. You can also contact newspaper editor and Federation communications director Matt Franzblau directly at mattf@
jewishjacksonville.or or by calling 904-448-5000, ext. 212. The Jacksonville Jewish News is published 11 times a years, in newspaper form from January to May and then again from August to December, with a Summer Magazine covering the months of June and July. For further information as well as advertising rates, log onto jewishjacksonville.org/ news and for back issues go to issuu.com/jewishnews.
Proposed slate of officers announced by the Federation By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville
In accordance with the bylaws of the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville, the nominating committee chaired by immediate past president Hal Resnick, presented to the members of the Jewish community a proposed slate of officers and board members for the fiscal year, beginning July 1, 2016 and ending June 30, 2017. Election and installation will occur at the annual meeting to be held Wednesday, June 8th at River Garden. Any changes or additions to this list will be noted in the next issue of the Jacksonville Jewish News. The executive committee will include: Sandy Zimmerman, president; Ken Jacobs, vice president and campaign chair; vice presidents, Wendy Efron, Risa Herman, Jon Israel, and Jen Plotkin, women’s division president; Allison Jacobs, women’s campaign chair; Mike Nussbaum, treasurer; Iris Kraemer, secretary; Daniel Miller, rGEN chair; Hal Resnick, immediate past president; Larry Appel, presidential appointee; and Sue Nussbaum, president of the Jewish Community Foundation of
Northeast Florida. Board members include: Marsha Pollock (River Garden), Ali Korman Shelton (Jewish Community Alliance), Claudia Baker, Shylie Bannon, Dina Fetner, Debbie Banks Kitay, Susan DuBow, Kim Glasgal, Mark Green, Andrew Jaffa, Erica Jolles, Francine Kempner, Michael Korn, Mark Kraemer, Ben Marsh, Judy Silverman, Emily Rosenbaum, Diane Rothstein, Zackary Schwartz, Mike Solloway, Susan Wolchok and Eugene Wolchok, Barry Zisser. Past president/honorary life members include: Scot Ackerman, Guy Benrubi, Jack Coleman, Ronald Elinoff, Leslie Held, Joan Levin, Mitchell Levine, Gary Perlman, David Robbins, Kenneth Sekine, Leonard Setzer, Steve Silverman, Richard Sisisky, Arnold Vandroff and Elliot Zisser. Rabbis include: Rabbi Yaakov Fisch, Rabbi Joshua Lief, Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner and Rabbi Michael
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
education
Torah Academy honors Michele Block Gan Yeladim celebrates Yom Ha’Atzmaut with pretend trip to Israel the Kraemers, Jaffas with multicultural experience
BY NATHAN WOODS
Michele Block Gan Yeladim
Students and faculty at Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten are packing their bags, getting their mock passports and heading off for a pretend visit to the land of milk and honey, the Jewish homeland— Eretz Yisroel. Students and faculty will arrive, Thursday, May 12th to celebrate Yom Ha’Atzmaut, the national independence of Israel on the fifth day of the Jewish month of Iyar, with a day of Israeli themed activities and experiences. For this event, students often dress up in blue and white in honor of Israel and participate in activities designed to teach them about the land its people. Both preschool and kindergarten students will visit Michele Block Gan Yeladim’s newly renovated beach area to take part in a simulated archeological dig. For this activity, they’ll search for hidden Judaic ‘artifacts’ and learn about archaeology and historical relics. Students are also able to learn about daily life in Israel through a visit to the shuk, or market, and browse food tables and bins set up
Irene and Jimmy Jaffa Students milk cows on a mock kibbutz while celebrating Yom Ha’Atzmaut
in the library where they can shop for their afternoon snack. They also will use their knowledge of counting to learn about currency by paying for food and gifts using real shekels provided to them. In continuation of their handson day of learning, students will also get a glimpse into pastoral life by pretending to milk cows at the kibbutz, an agricultural commune, and have a mini-spa day with an experience that simulates
the healing powers of the Dead Sea’s mud. The day also includes a visit to the world-famous Western Wall in Jerusalem where students can leave messages on sticky notes. These activities serve to enhance the strong cultural ties and Judaic programming at Michele Block Gan Yeladim, where learning, experiencing and appreciating Israel occurs throughout the year, not just on this very special day.
By Torah Academy of Jacksonville
On June 2nd, the Torah Academy of Jacksonville will have the pleasure of honoring Iris and Mark Kraemer with the ‘Pillars of Jewish Education Award’ along with Irene and Jimmy Jaffa with the ‘Kesser Shem Tov Award’. Both of these couples have been great supporters of Torah Academy and the school is very excited about hosting their friends and family at a special gala dinner. This year’s theme is ‘Around
Iris and Mark Kraemer
the World with Torah Academy’, as the event acts as a culmination of a detailed world showcase curriculum that the school will be working on in the weeks leading up to the event. Each Torah Academy class will be dressed to represent a different United Nations country and guests will be treated to a model U.N. during dinner. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. featuring global cuisines and a tour of the school. Please contact the school office at 904-268-7719 if you would like to attend.
DuBow Preschool makes big splash at the annual Jax prego expo BY EMILY CARPENTER DuBow Preschool
DuBow Preschool was one of 70 vendors at the popular annual Prego Expo in downtown Jacksonville in early April. More than 1,200 pregnant moms attended the
event to meet vendors, see demos, get baby swag and see a pregnancy/baby fashion show in addition to talking with experts. DuBow Preschool and DuBow Preschool Treehouse were proud to be the sole preschool at this popular event as
moms were very interested in the school’s new infant program as well as its Treehouse classes. Check out the program’s website at treehouse.dubowpreschool.org to learn more about the five fabulous ‘Parent
& Me’ classes, including ‘Family Music & Movement’, ‘Color Splash’, ‘Shalom Baby’, ‘Baby Sign-A-Long’ and ‘Stroller Workout’. Treehouse summer spots always fill the fastest and each class is limited to 10 families, so those wishing to
register, can do so by claiming their spot online at the treehouse’s official website.
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
education
Temple’s confirmation class to hold special ‘what Judaism means to me’ Shabbat By Congregation Ahavath Chesed
Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple) will welcome Shabbat, June 3rd, with a creative service written by this year’s Confirmation class entitled ‘What Judaism Means to Me’. These 17 Confirmands began their Jewish studies years ago with Bible stories, Jewish history, Shabbat and holiday observances. A few years later,
The Temple’s confirmation class on its recent trip to Savannah, Ga.
they began to decode Hebrew and to learn the key elements of the Shabbat morning service. Before middle school, they were discussing the meanings of prayers and some of the history of the Jewish people as they prepared to take their places as Jews in today’s world. When they became B’nai Mitzvah, they led the congregation in worship, read from the Torah and delivered D’vrei Torah, and now they will stand in front of the congregation to share a more fully explored understanding of the
expectations of adult Jewish life, and confirm their choice to live informed and engaged Jews. The Temple is proud of this year’s Confirmands who are as follows: Caroline Barkowitz, Mackie Garwood, Jacob Glassman, Audrey Goldstrom, Jake Goldman, Cara Jackson, Molly Lantinberg, Hannah Mendelson, Hannah Neuman, Jacob Rubin, Isabel Schwam, Jessica Shapiro, Rachel Shapiro, Harrison Snowden, Lilly Steinberg, Rachel Wolf, Hallie Wright.
CTeen to wrap-up year with trip to the Martin J. Gottlieb Day able energy and at CTeen, we believe in the power of youth,” Batt Family Fun Center School to hold graduation he explained. “What we offer is a means of channeling that power in a positive and uplifting way.” ceremonies for June 1st CTeen Junior is comprised of The Jacksonville Beaches/ By Chabad at the Beaches
Martin J. Gottlieb Day School will graduate nine students June 1st By Martin J. Gottlieb Day School
This year’s eighth grade class at the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School cordially invites the Jewish community to celebrate their commencement ceremony, which will be held Wednesday, June 1st at 10 a.m. at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. The graduating class of nine students have been accepted to the International Baccalaureate program at Stanton College
Prep, the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) program at Mandarin High, as well as the Advanced Scholar program at Creekside High in St. Johns County and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. Please make plans to join them as they celebrate this milestone with their families. For more information about the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School, please call 904-268-4200, ext. 147.
DuBow Preschool students prepare for Passover with crafts and model Seders BY BROOKE ZANER DuBow Preschool
Students at the DuBow Preschool are getting ready for Passover as the children are preparing for the holiday by making fun crafts. Each class is busy creating something special to take home and use during the Seder. The children have fun decorating items like a special matzah cover, a personalized Haggadah, or their own Passover Kiddush cup. Each class learns to sing Passover songs like ‘Ma Nishtana’ and ‘Dayenu’. They also act out the story of Moses, his family, and King Pharoah with the help A DuBow Preschool student creates of their Judaic Studies teachers, Morah Rachel and Morah Miriam. a kiddush cup for the model Seder Preschool students learn about the Passover is a wonderful holifour questions asked during the day to experience with little ones Seder and their significance. because they are so excited to Classes also get to have a participate in the upcoming Seder model Seder at school with their and show their families what they friends. The children enjoy this have learned. part so much as they practice As a parent of two DuBow the Seder while learning about Preschool graduates and one curthe meaning of each item on the rent student, I must say that the Seder plate. Watching the children crafts, songs, and model seder try each food is always a treat behave added to our own family’s cause this helps prepare them for Passover experience at home. their family Seder at home. They This year our two-year-old daughknow songs, sequence, and think ter will get to sing and take part it is fun to get to eat with a pillow in the Seder along with her proud behind them and ‘relax’. big brothers.
Ponte Vedra chapter of CTeen Junior will wrap up an incredible season with one final outing, scheduled for Sunday, May 15th as they’ll take a trip to Batt Family Fun Center (1838 Cassat Ave., Jacksonville), which is a state of the art 45,000 square foot facility with bowling lanes, 18 holes of Krazie glow golf and 40-plus arcade-video games. Teens will gather at Chabad at 9:45 a.m., and reservations must be made by May 11th. To date, there are more than 85,000 teens involved in CTeen around the world and there are 210 CTeen chapters in 27 countries, across six continents, with a
pair here in Northeast Florida. CTeen director, Rabbi Nochum Kurinsky, attributes its success to CTeen’s unique philosophy. “Teenagers have insurmount-
two parts, the Jewish Discovery program and CTeen Junior’s monthly teen club. Each Sunday morning the CTeen Junior students meet for some interactive study, social action, and discussions on relevant Jewish topics and Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation. Once a month, CTeen Junior meets for a club gathering that is open to the public and teen’s do not need to belong to the CTeen Jewish Discovery class to join the monthly meeting. Those interested in learning more about CTeen and its affiliate programs can visit ChabadBeaches.com/CTeen, e-mail Rabbi@ChabadBeaches. com, or call 904-543-9301.
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education
Michele Block Gan Yeladim students greet Temple’s religious school new friends after hatching into the world teaches life-long Jewish learning to its students
BY NATHAN WOODS
Michele Block Gan Yeladim
Students at Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten recently observed an important life cycle lesson with the hatching of a clutch of chicks to the school. The classes watched as seven eggs, which they kept track of through an incubator for three weeks, hatched into six healthy baby chicks. The eggs’ progress was marked by students and their teachers each day leading up to the hatching. Students discussed the development inside a typical egg and what features emerge day-to-day. A webcam also allowed parents and students to take a peak and follow the entire process from home. As part of the curriculum, Michele Block Gan Yeladim presents these types of opportunities to students as a method of hands-on learning. Students enhance their skills in an engaging way while experiencing the fulfillment of caring for animals, a principle that comes from the Jewish law of ‘tza’ar ba’alei chayim’, which serves to prevent unnecessary cruelty to animals. Preschool and Kindergarten students at Michele Block Gan Yeladim have brooded many birds over the years, including
BY NAOMI CHASE
Temple Religious School Director
At the Temple’s religious school, we’ve shifted the focus of Hebrew for Bar Mitzvah to Hebrew for life-long Jewish experience, engaging students and parents in Torah study via strategies that demand critical thinking and questions. Our students are A student practices the straight finger technique to safely touch the chick better listeners who expect and respect a multiplicity of ideas and quails, partridges and a variety of hypotheses and making predicinterpretations. Teachers teach ducks. These types of intentional tions, in addition to comparison, more than one grade level so they learning experiences with nature description and recording.” know more children and more serve as part of their ‘Growing Michele Block Gan Yeladim children know them and because Up Wild’ programming, which students were extremely excited of that everyone is more invested brings nature into the curriculum about their fuzzy new friends as for children. The school introonce they hatched, the new chicks in the ways that each year of learning cumulatively contributes duces these nature experiences to were moved to a spacious bird to the evolution of a new attitude students early, through projects condo where students could obof lifelong engagement. like organic gardening and partserve, care for, feed and provide The school has tried to align nerships with various animal and water to them. After a week, stuconservation organizations. The dents moved the chicks to a block learning with congregational expressions of Jewish values, so intent of these programs and part- enclosure so they could exercise, that the children feel connected to nerships is to instill in students a and the children could practice something larger than the Synarespect for and kindness toward appropriate handling techniques gogue’s Sunday school mornings. nature and animals. they had learned throughout the “There is so much children can week. After a few weeks, the little The Temple’s Sunday routine begins with communal T’filah learn from nature,” said Michele birdies were returned to a local so that whole families enter the Block Gan Yeladim director Thefarm, but in their honor, during building’s front door and promptresa Levy. “Through this program, the Purim holiday, the students ly join teachers, friends and clergy students learn critical and creative named them King Ahashverush, thinking skills like scientific Queen Esther, Mordecai, Grogger, for song and prayer. This new way to start the school day represents a inquiry, classification, forming Hamantashen and Haman. drastic change in attitude from the carpool drop-off lane. Even congregants without children in the school have started attending T’filah. Likewise, families are encouraged to attend Friday and Shabbat morning worship services and holidays where their Sunday school explorations coalesce, allowing more adults to observe their growth and development. The Temple is breaking down the silos that separate ages and stages of life so that Jewish learning for Jewish living is continual and celebratory because the Temple belongs to all of us every day, so it’s important to teach that Temple and its school are one. On the Union for Reform Judaism’s website under ‘youth engagement’, one will read the following: “The URJ’s campaign
Book fair prepares kids for Passover By Southside Chabad
On April 3rd Ganeinu preschool director Chana Novack hosted a Passover story time and book fair at Barnes & Noble in the St. Johns Town Center. More than 70 people came out to enjoy the exciting program which featured special holiday crafts for children of all ages. Kids in attendance listened intently to a captivating story, while their parents enjoyed coffee and a great social experience to boot.
for youth engagement seeks to inspire more young Jews to embrace Jewish life as a path to meaning, purpose and joy. Central to our strategy is collaboration with Reform congregations and other Jewish organizations and individuals who are committed to youth engagement. Together, we are leveraging existing opportunities and launching new initiatives to engage many more youth.” The religious school regularly consults this resource and its counterparts around the country to hear what’s working and changing in Jewish Education, and why. The Temple is not alone in its pursuit of the most cost and time efficient ways to teach and to measure learning, and is among the best and most innovative in its implementation of new techniques and methodologies. The school is completely synchronized with the reform movement’s ambition to give its students a plethora of experiences, and to expose them to an abundance of trusted adults who will help and sustain them. The religious school’s education committee, faculty and leadership have worked hard these past two years to move closer to accomplishing the goals described above. The current school year concludes, Sunday May 15th with confirmation of the Temple’s 10th graders, scheduled for Friday, June 3rd. School registration for 2016-17 will be published soon, as it includes a new eighth and ninth grade program with which The Jacksonville Jewish Center has asked to be included.
Spring has sprung at the DuBow Preschool with a few amazing life like examples
DuBow Preschool students get better acquainted with their new friends
BY AMANDA WATSKY DuBow Preschool
As the warmer weather brings more life to everyone’s gardens, DuBow Preschool also starts its annual life cycle studies units. To get a better understanding of the butterfly lifecycle, students raised painted lady caterpillars in their classrooms and then reveled as they turned into chrysalises, hatching into beautiful butterflies. DuBow’s outdoor walk-in butterfly garden is also up as all of the monarch caterpillars that were savoring each last leaf of milkweed have turned into glorious bright green chrysalises, embellished with golden detail. Seeing these
wonders up close and personal is such a treat, and when they hatch students will perform their annual blessing with Hazzan Holzer as they are released into the wild. The school also helped hatch five baby chicks as part of a hands-on learning experience, which allowed students to experience the chick life cycle first hand. The chicks enjoyed the warmth of their incubator in the office window, and the entire school enjoyed counting down and patiently waiting for the chickens to hatch, which many of the students and staff were able to eventually see. From the very first pip hole made by their beaks to hatching out of the shell, it was an absolutely amazing experience.
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
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synagogue news
Jacksonville Jewish Center to host renowned author and scholar at first annual Jack F. Shorstein memorial lecture By Jacksonville Jewish Center
Renowned author and celebrated scholar, Dr. Daniel Gordis will address the community at the first annual Jack F. Shorstein Memorial Lecture, scheduled for Tuesday, May 17th at 7:15 p.m. inside the Jacksonville Jewish Center. The lecture, which will be followed by a dessert reception, is open to the public and free to attend. After studying political science at Columbia University, receiving a Masters and ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California, Daniel Gordis became the founding dean of the Ziegler School of Rab-
binic Studies at the University of Judaism in Los Angeles. Upon moving to Israel in 1998, he spent nine years as Vice President of the Mandel Foundation and Director of its Leadership Institute. In 2007 Gordis helped found Shalem, Israel’s first liberal arts college, where he currently serves as Koret Distinguished Fellow and Senior Vice President. Dr. Gordis is highly regarded as a commentator and essayist on Israeli society and the challenges facing the Jewish world. Professor Alan Dershowitz has described him as “one of Israel’s most thoughtful observers,” while Leonard Fein, the founder of Moment Magazine, has written that Gordis is “perhaps the single most
popular speaker on Israel to American Jewish audiences.” His writing has appeared in magazines and newspapers including the New York Times, the New Republic, Moment, Tikkun, and Commentary. A threetime recipient of the National Jewish Book Award, his best-selling books include ‘Saving Israel, God was not in the Fire’, ‘If a Place Can Make You Cry’, and most recently, a biography of Israel’s sixth Prime Minister entitled ‘Menachem Begin: The Battle for Israel’s Soul’. Established as part of the endowment of the Jack F. Shorstein Senior Rabbinic Chair at the Center, the annual Jack F. Shorstein Memorial Lecture focuses on bringing distinguished scholars
Beth El – Beaches Synagogue to hold end of life planning community forum By Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue
The Caring Community of Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue will be presenting a community forum titled ‘Having The Talk – What You Need to Know about End of Life Planning’, scheduled for Sunday, May 22nd from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the synagogue (288 North Roscoe Blvd.) in Ponte Vedra. Hilary Rotenburg with Jewish Family & Community Services will discuss what hospice care means and the various opportunities for hospice care in Northeast Florida. Brent Headrick, of Palm Valley Funeral
and other noteworthy individuals to address the various challenges and opportunities faced by Jewish leadership in the 21st century. A life-long member of the Jacksonville Jewish Center, Jack Shorstein of blessed memory, served as the synagogue’s President and played a central role as a lay leader within the larger Jewish community. Deeply devoted to the well-being of the Jewish people, his commitment to the cause of Jewish community and continuity was integral to his values and priorities.
Jack F. Shorstein
Israeli independence day celebration to be held at Etz Chaim Synagogue By Etz Chaim Synagogue
Home and Cemetery will additionally discuss what services to expect from a funeral home and a representative of the law firm of Carolyn Zisser, will cover elder law issues. Rabbi Michael Matuson, who will lead the panel, will also talk about Jewish customs and traditions surrounding the end
of life. The Caring Community has developed a booklet outlining information entitled ‘Pre-planning, Upon the Death, at the Funeral and After the Funeral’, which will be available to those attending, as will light refreshments.
Etz Chaim Synagogue is pleased to announce its annual barbeque in honor of Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Thursday May 12th at 4:30 pm. This is a great opportunity for the community to come out in honor of Israel’s Independence Day and also have a great time in friendly and relaxed atmosphere. There will be hot dogs and hamburgers fired up on the grill and of course blue and white snow cones for all to enjoy. There will be plenty of activities
for the entire family including loads of fun for all the kids. The entire community is invited to attend, so for more information, please visit etzchaim.org or call the synagogue office at 904-2623565.
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synagogue news A number of Jacksonville delegates attend Jacksonville Jewish Center AIPAC policy conference in Washington D.C. to host musical cabaret BY BARRY CHEFER with New York City soprano Etz Chaim Synagogue
The Jacksonville Jewish community was well-represented at the American Israel Political Action Committee (AIPAC) Policy Conference, which was held March 20-22, in Washington, D.C., More than 35 people from Northeast Florida joined the 19,000 attendees at the annual conference. Supporters of Israel from throughout the U.S., overseas, across the entire political and religious spectrum were all united in their boundless love for Israel, as amazingly enough 30-percent of the conference attendees were non-Jews. Additionally, more than 4,000 high school and college students took part in the event, adding sparks of youthful energy and optimism to the conference. “This AIPAC policy conference was amazing as being with 18,000 plus people who share a passion and concern for Israel and listening to speakers on topics including innovations and security concerns is incredibly inspirational,” said Sherry and Mike Herring, who also attended last year. “Being with our Jacksonville Jewish community was the best part and having the opportunity to meet our elected officials on Capitol Hill, to voice our concerns on Israel policy is what the event is all about.” ‘Come Together’ was the central theme of the entire forum, emphasizing everyone’s shared dedication to the security and success of Israel. “Many people are Pro-Israel but aren’t really sure how to channel that sentiment into action,” said Yaakov Fisch, Senior Rabbi at Etz Chaim Synagogue. “AIPAC really does an incredible
A portion of the Jacksonville delegation who made the trip to D.C.
job at its annual policy conference by educating people about the core issues that challenge Israel and empowers people to directly communicate their positions to our elected officials in congress.” The Policy Conference of included a wide variety panel discussions, break-off sessions and talks by leading political personalities. In addition, cutting edge exhibits, special venues and a wide variety of videos showcased the heart and soul Israel. On the last day of the conference, each AIPAC delegation attended scheduled appointments with Senators and Congressmen. The Jacksonville delegation joined the larger Florida delegation in a wide-ranging, question-and-answer session with Sen. Marco Rubio. Later that day, led by Rabbi Yaakov Fisch, the Jacksonville delegation met with Congressman Ander Crenshaw in his office on Capitol Hill. Crenshaw noted that among the attendees were several students, including Rachelli and Tammy Fisch; Sabrina, Zoe and Jasmine Mail; and Aaron Kitay. The students were included in the discussion and voiced their strong support for Israel.
“Bringing our teenage girls was one of the best decisions and investments Steven and I have made as parents,” Andrea Mail explained. “Jasmine said she feels lucky to be Jewish and wants to get more involved with politics, while Zoe wants to work for AIPAC.” A beautiful Shabbaton preceded the conference and was enjoyed by more than 1,500, including many from overseas. The warmth of Shabbat permeated every moment, which included personal choices of beautiful Shabbat services, superbly catered meals, stimulating speakers and a truly memorable musical havdalah. “AIPAC’s 2016 Policy Conference was three days of back-toback intellectually and emotionally inspiring experiences,” said Lisa Ansbacher of her experience. “We connected with18,700 other pro-Israel activists from diverse demographic backgrounds, learned about important topics that affect Israel’s future from some of the world’s top political minds, and had face-to-face discussions with our congressmen.”
Sopranos Rebecca Shorstein and Monica Pasquini will pay a visit to the Jacksonville Jewish Center June 1st, for its musical cabaret By Jacksonville Jewish Center
The Jacksonville Jewish Center is proud to welcome home New York City based soprano, Rebecca Shorstein along with Monica Pasquini, Wednesday, June 1st. The duo will join pianist Bonita Wyke for a fun-filled musical cabaret starting at 7:30 p.m., featuring Broadway favorites, opera clas-
sics, original arrangements, and everything in between. This musical performance will take at the Jacksonville Jewish Center and is free and open to the community, however a suggested donation of $18 that will go toward the Joseph and Dorothy Mizrahi Jewish Music Fund is encouraged. For questions, please call 904-292-1000.
Girlfriends Connect with Israel
FEDERATION MISSION TRIP April 23 - May 2, 2017
Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue busy making matzah with Chabad’s help BY BETH BRENNER
highlights from the 2015 mission trip
Beth El the Beaches Synagogue
Last month, the Religious School students at Beth El – The Beaches Synagogue took part in Chabad at the Beaches’ Model Matzah Bakery program, where they learned all about how to check the wheat, roll the dough, and even took some dough home to bake. The entire Religious School participated and all of the students had a wonderful time, eager to volunteer when they had a chance.
Beth El Religious School students at the Model Matzah Bakery program
Itinerary may include: - Discovering Israel's high fashion and textile industry - Meeting influential women in politics - Visit to an IDF base - Historical tours to Holy sites in the north & Jerusalem - Exposure to our partner region of Hadera-Eiron - Optional tours of Masada & museums including Yad Vashem - Explore Israel’s food, nature, and wineries - Five star hotels, restaurants and relaxation Contact Erin Cohen
at 904-448-5000, ext. 205 erinc@jewishjacksonville.org
or Alan Margolies
at 904-448-5000, ext. 207 alanm@jewishjacksonville.org *$500 refundable deposit guarantees your spot on the trip
Testimonials from 2015 mission trip participants “After almost two years of planning and dreaming about this mission, it exceeded my expectations. I can't imagine a more meaningful and wonderful experience. The best part was bonding with such wonderful women from our local Jewish community.”
– Risa Herman, 2015 Women's Division President and Mission Chair
“It had always been on my bucket list to travel to Israel and I am so happy I was able to go for my first time to Israel on the Women's Mission Trip. Every detail was carefully planned and perfectly executed. I feel so fortunate to have gained such a great insight into Israel with our carefully chosen tour guide. It was one of the best trips I have ever taken.”
– Beth Angelo, 2015 mission trip participant
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
federation news JFNA UN Visit Continued from pg. 1 Yuriy Vitrenko. “After Being in the United Nations, and speaking with the Israeli staff members who have to pass the pro-Palestinian displays in the lobby every day, it just shows these men and women’s dedication to Israel and the Jewish people,” Judy Silverman took remembered from her visit. “One of the things I was really amazed by was the Ukrainian ambassador
to the United Nations, because I didn’t quite have an understanding going in of the productive working relationship that Ukraine and Israel have.” The group’s final meeting of the day was scheduled with Antonella Caruso, Director of the United Nations Middle East and West Asia Division. She was joined by Stephane Dujarric, a French national with prior experience as a journalist for ABC, in addition to the spokesman for the current Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, as well as Nicole Ganz Political Affairs Officer of the Middle East Team.
The delegation from the Jewish Federations of North America pose outside the U.N. during their recent visit
JJN newspaper production Shalom Jax to hold screening of Sophie to resume again in August Tucker film at River Garden, June 26th
BY MATT FRANZBLAU
Federation Communications Director mattf@jewishjacksonville.org
Following the release of the Jacksonville Jewish News’ Summer Magazine in mid-June, the JJN will return in newspaper format, starting again in August, however copies of the magazine will be out alongside the August paper while supplies last
in newsstands around the community. Those locations are now up to three places in and around Mandarin as Whole Foods Market at 10601 San Jose Blvd., as joined the JCA and River Garden Senior services as the exclusive public pick-up locations of the publication. The exact location in Whole Foods is at the café area behind the registers.
BY ISABEL BALOTIN
Shalom Jacksonville Director shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org
River Garden Senior Services will show the film ‘The Outrageous Sophie Tucker’, this summer, which tells the rags to riches story of the iconic superstar, who ruled the worlds of vaudeville, Broadway, radio, television and Popcorn and drinks will both be Hollywood throughout the 20th served at the screening of this film
Century. The screening will take place at River Garden (11101 St. Augustine Rd.), Sunday, June 26th at 2 p.m., and is presented by The Jewish Federation’s Shalom Jacksonville division. There is no cost to attend and popcorn and drinks will be served, however an RSVP is a must. To reserve your spot, contact Isabel Balotin at 904-448-5000, ext. 206 or shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org.
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
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federation news Interfaith Seder Continued from pg. 1
added. One of the programs, aimed at fostering that environment and creating a better understanding of the Jewish religion and its practices was a unique interfaith Seder. The Seder was funded by the Federation and led by Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple’s) Associate Rabbi Matt Cohen, who brought his guitar, Haggadah and vast knowledge of Judaism to the Seder, where nearly all of the participants were not Jewish. “Anytime we can get together and have a conversation in a meaningful way it is so important,” said Rabbi Cohen. “I thought the Passover Seder and the way it is was set up really brought the essence of the holiday to the forefront, which is to experience slavery and what it took for us to be free.” Events and experiences like this, are exactly why the Federation wanted to allocate funds to the
Rabbi Cohen explains the purpose and use of matzah during a Passover Seder to attendees organization. That support is also allowing for a part-time Jewish grad student to work in the center’s office for the next two and a half years as the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville will partner with UNF in helping to finance that position in the hopes of ultimately getting more Jewish students to participate in the interfaith initiative. Cohen has also started going to UNF’s interfaith text study, called ‘Talk Better Together’, and is looking forward to participating in ‘Almost Shabbat’, held the final Thursday of each month and put on by the Jewish Student Union, another organization which the Federation has assisted monetarily. “In this time where there is a lot of hatred, mistrust and ignorance around the whole Middle East issue and Israel, that when we have opportunities to actually sit down and get to know each other, we realize that we can-
There were students from all different kinds of races and faiths at UNF’s Interfaith Seder
not just put everything in a box,” said Rabbi Cohen. “We can’t just keep everyone in the same category, because there are Muslim students who were able to interact with me that probably didn’t have a chance to spend time with a talk to a Jew, let alone a Rabbi.” One of those Muslim students being more intimately exposed to Judaism was UNF senior Almas Sehick, who along with other Christians, Buddhists and non-Jews, sat down at a Seder table and around a Seder plate for the very first time. “I think it was a pretty cool experience and I learned a lot,” the international student described of his experience. “I think the more people are knowledgeable and the more we get to know each other, the better we can operate together, no matter what we are doing.” Interestingly enough, Sehick’s fellow Muslims on campus played
The Passover table was complete with traditional components as well as some new additions
an instrumental role in helping Arguedas recruit more Jewish students. “They have really been my support system and my guides in how to effectively reach students,” the JSU president explained. “They are a success story, going from four people in their organization to 40-people in the span of two to three years, so obviously they were doing something right.” Arguedas credits the Muslim Student Association with giving her great ideas and invaluable support in helping to boost participation among Jewish students with JSU and the Interfaith Center. It’s this collaborative and supportive environment which is ultimately why Rabbi Cohen makes it such a priority to get involved with these students and for this cause. “Anytime we can get together at an event like the Seder it will only
help, because the next time these students hear someone talk about the Jews, the Muslims, the Christians or anyone else, they can say, ‘you have that opinion, but I met a Rabbi and he is actually really cool, understanding and cares about diversity,” Cohen explained. “It has been a really wonderful thing for me to be the voice and the face of Judaism for these kids, who are going into this world with a lot of ignorance and assumptions based upon what they see and hear on television and amongst people in their own community, who don’t really have much exposure to Jews.” For more information about UNF’s Interfaith Center, contact director Tarah Trueblood at
t.trueblood@unf.edu, coordinator Rachael McNeal at Rachael. mcneal@unf.edu or call the main office at 904-620-2837.
Meeting of the minds mixes Passover in the Matzah Aisle brings out plenty of holiday shoppers to Winn-Dixie business with art in Israel BY ISABEL BALOTIN
Shalom Jacksonville Director shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org
Passover in the Matzah Aisle was again another success as numerous volunteers helped to pass out holiday themed treats in addition to Haggadahs in early April at the Winn-Dixie on San Jose Blvd. A big thank you goes out to volunteers Adrienne Biber, Mimi and Marty Kaufman, Barbara Kuhn, Alice Sherman and Ina Taffet. Special appreciation is given to the Mandarin Winn-Dixie store manager and Gina Bastiani for allowing Shalom Jacksonville to share the Passover spirit with its many friends and neighbors as they shopped in order to pre-
BY JILL ABEL
Israel Partnership Director jilla@jewishjacksonville.org
Volunteers Marty & Mimi Kaufman stationed at the Mandarin Winn-Dixie
pare for their holiday feast. The grocery store continues to carry a wide variety of kosher products
throughout the year, generously supporting Jacksonville’s Jewish community.
Members of the Federation’s Israel Partnership steering committee, led by chairperson Iris Kraemer met for the annual budget meeting in Hadera-Eiron, Israel, Friday, April 8th. Executive Director Alan Margolies and Israel Partnership Director Jill
Abel also represented the Jacksonville community. In addition to the budget meetings, the grand opening of the joint Israeli and American art exhibit entitled ‘Psalms’ was celebrated. The exhibit, which showcased Jacksonville artist Susan Natale, will travel through all of the Partnership Southeast communities with its final stop here in Jacksonville in late 2017.
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
federation news
Federation Partner Spotlight: Jewish Community Foundation of NE Florida
Foundatiion Board of Trustees: Professional Advisors Council Michael Korn, Richard Sisisky, Mel members Jeff Marks and Matthew Gottlieb and Jeff Edwards Edelman. The PAC meets quarterly. By Jewish Community Foundation of Northeast Florida
Growing in stature and visibility, the Jewish Community Foundation of Northeast Florida, Inc. (JCF) is becoming the place where philanthropists of all ages, incomes and financial means can ensure the current needs of our community while assuring the future vitality of our respective Jewish organizations, synagogues and day schools. Today’s philanthropists may also have worthwhile causes and interests in the global community and that’s why the JCF encourages our donors to establish funds for any charitable purpose near and dear to their hearts, including healthcare, universities and cultural and civic programs. JCF donors are as diverse as
is the Jewish community here in Jacksonville. Recognizing this fact, legacy funds can be created that will have meaning to our donors and their families because endowment funds established today will last for generations. Established through appreciated assets or cash, donors can see their funds in action during their lifetimes and funds can be established through a bequest in a will. These funds ensure that the programs donors have supported during their lifetime will continue for years to come. The JCF B’nai Tzedek teen philanthropy program, established through the generosity of Mel and Debbie Gottlieb, provides for the establishment of a JCF B’nai Tzedek fund in a teenager’s own name as they are called to the Torah at
Peter Levy and Kim Glasgal recently opened Donor Advised Funds for the whole family as their children, Evan and Rachel Levy have in the past, participated in the B’nai Tzedek and Children of the Holocaust Programs
their bar or bat mitzvah. A fund is easily established by a donation to the JCF in the amount of $125, and the Jewish Federation generously matches the initial contribution
total in excess of $250,000. The success of this program is shared with the local synagogues and day schools which participate in it. Growing the JCF into a success-
($125), while the Gottlieb’s provide a gift of $250 creating a total starting amount of $500. The JCF B’nai Tzedek teen philanthropy program has more than 250 enrolled individuals and these funds combined,
ful organization wouldn’t happen without the involvement of its many donors. Today the JCF’s current and future expectations total close to $42 million. Current funds consist of donor advised funds, en-
rGEN adds mid-month mingles to social as they’ll visit new places for event rotation casual meetups to network and BY ARIEL FRECHTMAN
Jewish Federation of Jacksonville
rGEN is pleased to announce new ‘Mid-Month Mingle’ happy hours at various locations throughout Jacksonville. Join fellow Jewish young professionals in Jacksonville every month
schmooze. Upcoming mingles are Wednesday, May 11th at World of Beer in Southside beginning at 5:30 p.m., and then Tuesday, June 14th at Parlour in San Marco, also beginning at 5:30 p.m. Be sure and visit our rGEN’s official Facebook page or contact Ariel at arielf@jewishjacksonville.org for more information.
JCF Executive Director, Jeff Klein alongside current President, Sue Nussbaum, M.D.
dowment funds and agency funds. Life insurance or IRA’s naming the JCF as owner and beneficiary can be earmarked for a specific purpose or program. The JCF is here to help you achieve perpetuity, so please call us at 904-394-0720 and we will show you how easy it is to achieve immortality through a fund at the Jewish Community Foundation of Northeast Florida, Inc. This past year during allocations, the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville allotted $88,422 to help the Jewish Community Foundation of Northeast Florida in its goal to secure the financial future of the Jacksonville Jewish community. To make a contribution to the Federation’s 2016 annual campaign, call 904-448-5000 or go to jewishjacksonville.org.
Jax’s only bioethicist talks to Society of Healers about when their cultures collide
Alissa Swota and Irv Sterman
Todd Rasner and Kenneth Sekine
Inbal Cohen-Rasner, Michele Pargman and Jill Metlin By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville
This past April, Jacksonville’s only bioethicist, Alissa Hurwitz Swota, Ph.D. talked to the Federation’s Society of Healers Division during a brunch held at Maggiano’s Little Italy about caring for
patients in a multicultural society. Her talk was entitled ‘When Cultures Collide’, and covered a variety of topics concerning diverse patient care. Event sponsors were Dr. Todd Rasner and Dr. Inbal Cohen Rasner.
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
federation news
rGEN’s Puri’m Another celebration brings in big crowd to Riverside locale BY ARIEL FRECHTMAN
Jewish Federation of Jacksonville arielf@jewishjacksonville.org
rGEN held its annual Purim celebration earlier this spring at Kickbacks Gastropub in Riverside. Tabbed ‘Puri’m Another’, the event brought in a robust attendance from the young professionals in the Jacksonville Jewish community, including nearly a dozen newcomers. With appearances
from the Jacksonville Jewish Center’s Hazzan Jesse Holzer and Congregation Ahavath Chesed’s (The Temple) associate Rabbi, Matt Cohen, there were plenty of clergy members to go around with food and drink inside the restaurant’s new downstairs Belgian Brew Room. The celebration was also co-sponsored by The Temple 20s and 30s (T3) and the Center’s So-Shul Network.
rGEN’s Purim event was co-sponsored by The Temple 20’s and 30’s group and the Center’s So-Shul Network
Israel Partnership helps April’s Jewish Java takes on balanced local artist travel to Israel theme with nutritionist Nancy Cohen to showcase her hard work BY ISABEL BALOTIN Shalom Jacksonville Director shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.
Volusia County and P2G artist Rachel Thompson
BY RICK DE YAMPERT Daytona News-Journal
Rabbi Shai Held, co-founder of the Jewish educational center Mechon Hadar in New York City, created a series of video teachings he titled ‘Theology of Psalms: Praying Biblical Poetry’. Inspired by Held’s teachings, Ormond-bythe-Sea artist Rachel Thompson decided to create biblical poetry and to paint ‘mourning into dancing’. Now her vision-in-paint is taking her to Israel, where her work will be exhibited as part of a program that partners American and Israeli artists. Thompson was oversees from late March, stretching into early April as part of the Israel Partnership’s Psalms Art Project. While in Israel, she met face-to-face for the first time with her partner, sculptor Avi Zafon, who lives in Hadera and is also a paramedic for Magen David Adom (the Red Star of David, Israel’s equivalent to the Red Cross). The project includes a number of artists throughout the Southeastern United States who partnered with Israeli creators. Each pair studied a particular Psalm and then followed their muse. Their works will be exhibited in Israel in the coming weeks, and later in the Southeastern United States. “Part of the purpose is not just to do an art exhibit together but to get to know each other and to make a relationship,” said Thompson, who applied to and was accepted into the program through the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville. Rabbi Held’s teachings are part of Project Zug, an online program which seeks to partner people wanting to learn more about Jewish theology and culture. Using Held’s course, Thompson and Zafon studied the Psalms together via Skype, email and phone calls. “My partner let me choose the Psalm and I chose Psalm 30,” Thompson said. “The verse that I particularly zeroed in on was ‘He turned my mourning into dancing’.”
Thompson’s work ‘mourning into dancing’ will be featured in Israel
Thompson was intrigued that Held teaches that the Psalms fall into three categories: orientation, disorientation and re-orientation. Orientation is when everything’s hunky-dory. You have God and life is beautiful, but disorientation is when all hell breaks loose. Something terrible happens, you’re in crisis and it seems there is no God. Re-orientation is when you begin to see the some little ray of hope that there is God and life begins to stabilize to some degree. “I really resonated with the re-orientation aspect because my life has fallen apart a few times,” Thompson said with a soft laugh. Each partnership chose whatever Psalm they wanted, and then each partner expressed it however they wanted. “Avi does monumental sculpture throughout Israel,” She explained. “He likes to include windows, so I incorporated a window into my painting so it would be cohesive.” The Volusia County artist titled her painting ‘Mourning into Dancing’, although she noted the Israeli organizer of the project renamed the work because a shorter title was needed for the exhibition. “I felt like in a way it was a self-portrait,” said Thompson, who was named the Gargiulo Art Foundation’s 2015 Flagler County Artist of the Year. “My partner let me choose something that was pertinent to my life, and mourning into dancing was a transition and transformation that I had been through.” Thompson expects her muse to be re-energized by her sojourn in Israel, which will be her eighth visit there over the past 20 years. Her itinerary includes Jerusalem, the Karaite Synagogue, which is the oldest operating synagogue in the world, and Ein Gedi near the Dead Sea, where David hid from Saul in the cave. “My next body of work will be informed by my experience and the research I’m going to do,” Thompson, who is represented by Ocean Art Gallery in Flagler Beach, said.
Jewish Java has had wonderful speakers this year but no one brought as many props as nutritionist Nancy Cohen, who headlined the April Jewish Java. At the podium there were all kinds of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, grains and more to emphasize the importance of good nutrition. We learned so much from her and are looking forward to hearing her again in the fall. Thank you, Nancy, for a wonderful and informative program as we will remember to ‘eat lots of color’.
Nutrionist Nancy Cohen poses with Shalom Jax director Isabel Balotin (left) following her presentation
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
lifecycles Births
Chelsea and Jean-Paul Cottave announce the birth of their daughter Aurelia Deborah Cottave, Sunday March 20, 2016. Proud grandparents are Wendy and Skip Willbach, and Jan and Georges Cottave, of Jacksonville. Aurelia Cottave Megan Laubacker Photography
B’nai Mitzvah
Zach Aaron Mizrahi, son of Alan and Mauri Mizrahi, will be called to the Torah on the occasion of his Bar Mitzvah, Saturday, May 28th at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. Sharing in the simcha will be his bothers Ryan and Max, great grandparents Elliott and Roz Horovitz, grandparents Edward and Bunny Witten and Edward and Judy Mizrahi, in Zach Mizrahi addition to many other friends and family. Zach is in the seventh grade at the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School and enjoys playing basketball and baseball. For his mitzvah project, he is volunteering at Fresh Prints Pet Lodge and Day Resort. He will also be spending a portion of his Bar Mitzvah money to donate supplies to the Humane Society and will be sharing information about animals who are in need of a home. Rebecca Sarah Katz, daughter of Jennifer and Hary Katz, will be called to the Torah on the occasion of her Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, May 7th at The Jacksonville Jewish Center. Sharing in the simcha will be her brother Joshua Katz, Grandparents Lawrence and Lois Lazarus of Jacksonville and many other family and friends. Rebecca is in seventh grade at Fruit Cove Middle School, where she Rebecca Katz is an honor student and member of the National Jr. Honor Society. She enjoys traveling with her family, spending time with friends and cooking. For her Mitzvah Project, Rebecca collected gently used books and donated them to two local elementary schools. With the help of family, friends and the community she collected and eventually donated more than 600 books. Annabelle Barnett, daughter of Staci and Jeff Barnett, will be called to the Torah on the occasion of her Bat Mitzvah, Saturday, May 21st at Beth El – The Beaches Synagogue. Sharing in the simcha will be her older sister, Rebecca as well as her Bubbe and Zayde, Deanna and Mike Lissner of Jacksonville, in addition to many other friends and family. Annabelle is in the seventh grade at Annabelle Barnett Landrum Middle School where she is an honor student and plays the trombone in both the jazz band and symphonic. This year she participated in the St. Johns County District All-County Middle School honor band and has been performing in community theater for the past five years, where she has been cast in many musicals and plays. For her Mitzvah project, she is volunteering as well as helping to raise money for the ‘Dreams Come True Foundation’. Annabelle’s older sister, Rebecca, had her wish granted and was sponsored by the help of contributors to Dreams Come True. Joshua Miller was called to the Torah on the occasion of his Bar Mitzvah, Saturday, April 2nd at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. Joshua’s mitzvah project was fund raising for Heifer International that helps feed hungry families all over the world. He also established the ‘Joshua Hunter Miller B’nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy Fund’, sharing his bar mitzvah
with Maurice Prajs, a child of the Holocaust. Joshua’s parents, Marc and Kim Miller along with his sister, Nicole all wish him much love, Joshua Miller happiness and continued blessings. Ethan P. Lefkowitz, son of Bradford Lefkowitz and Michelle DeDeo, will be called to the Torah on the occasion of his Bar Mitzvah, Saturday, June 18th at Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple).Sharing in the simcha are Ethan’s brother, Noah DeDeo, grandparents Roberta and Lawrence Crane of Jacksonville, Herman and Diane Lefkowitz of Pensacola and many other friends and family. Ethan Lefkowitz Ethan is in seventh grade at Fruit Cove Middle School where he plays alto sax and bass clarinet. He also excels in playing basketball and has volunteered more than 100 service hours to various community organizations during the past three years. In March, Ethan became an Eagle Scout with Troop 474, joining his brother in this exceptional achievement. For his Bar Mitzvah project, he spent 13 hours building cubbies and Adirondack chairs for the UNF EcoAdventure Center’s summer camps.
Accomplishments
Mark Kraus of Innovative Financial Solutions, an office of MetLife and a part of the MetLife Premier Client Group, was recently awarded one of the financial services industry’s premier professional credentials, the Retirement Income Certified Professional Mark Kraus (RICP) designation from The American College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Kraus met the experience and ethical requirements, and completed the required coursework and examinations. RICP designees must meet ongoing continuing education requirements and agree to uphold The American College’s Code of Ethics. Kraus is a Conference Level Financial Advisor, an honor given annually to a select set of top MPCG financial services representatives across the country who demonstrate exceptional standards of personal integrity, professionalism and customer service. He has 18 years of experience in the financial services sector and resides in Jacksonville. Kraus is a graduate of from the University of Missouri and serves as a member of the Estate Planning Council of Northeast Florida. Dr. Shayna Weiss Ph.D., has been appointed Distinguished Visiting Scholar of Israeli Studies at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. Weiss is the daughter of Dr. David Weiss and the late Lisa Weiss. Proud Dr. Shayna Weiss grandparents are Dorothy and Fred Weiss of Jacksonville and the late Inge and Sam Weiss of Chicago.
Engagements
Joanne and James Lawson and Barbara and Michael Schneider are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Lisa Mandell Schneider, to Dan Karp, son of Sue and Hal Karp of New York. Lisa is the granddaughter of the late Harriet and Sheldon Mandell and the late Thelma and Nathan Schneider. The couple will be married in New York City in June.
Sympathies
… To the family of Robert David Moses, who passed away Sunday, April 2nd at the age of 97. He is survived by his siblings Gary, David, and Richard (Karen) Wolfson, as well as their sister-in-law Vicki Wolfson; children, Linda Moses Litwin and Elliot (Jolene) Moses; step-son Bud (Lisa) Wolfson, grandchildren Amy, Mandi Ben, Jacob, Alex, Jared, Allison, Seth,
Sympathies
(Ross), Justin, Andy, Mia, Rebecca, Ben, Jacob, Alex, Jared, Allison, Seth, Jared, Josh, Tia and Morgan; and his seven great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held April 8th at the Hardage-Giddens Hendricks Chapel in Jacksonville.… To the family of Jacksonville Jewish Center member ... To the family of Vladimir Zhukov at the age of 69, who passed away Tuesday, April 5th. He is survived by his wife Mayya, daughter Svetlana Zhukova and grandchildren, David and Isabella. A graveside funeral service was held April 8th, at the New Center Cemetery in Jacksonville. Contributions in Vladimir Zhukov’s memory may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. … To the family of Joseph Milton Baker, who passed away Wednesday, April 6th. He is survived by his children Lois (Robert) Tompkins, Jim Baker, Pat Thomas, Dave Baker, and Paul Baker, in addition to his seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held April 8th in Newburgh, N.Y. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Jacksonville Jewish Center. … To the family of Paul Strauss, who passed away Friday, April 8th at the age of 84. He is survived by his wife of nearly 60-years, Lynn Strauss, and children Barry and Lisa. A memorial service was held April 10th at Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple). The family requests that contributions in memory of Paul Strauss be made to the American Cancer Society and/or The Temple. … To the family of Dr. Herbert ‘Herb’ Oberlander, who passed away Wednesday, April 13th at the age of 76. He is survived by his wife Barbara, children Beth (Jeffrey Dryden) and Jon (Krista) Oberlander, granddaughter Dalia Dryden and sisters Roz (Phil) Slater and Bea Curtis. Funeral services were held April 15th in Gainesville and interment followed at B’nai Israel Cemetery also in Gainesville. Contributions in Herbert Oberlander’s memory can be made to Congregation B’nai Israel or the Bread of the Mighty food bank. … To the family of Suzanne “Suzi” Lissner Bernard, who passed away, Thursday, April 14th. She is survived by her husband Ed Bernard, parents Deanna and Michael Lissner, sisters Sheri (Wayne) Williamson, and Staci (Jeff) Barnett, sister-in-law Deann Johnson, nephews and nieces Tyler, Drew, Morgan, Austyn, Rebecca, and Annabelle. A graveside funeral service was held April 17th in Jacksonville at the Beth Shalom section of the Evergreen Cemetery. Memorial contributions in her may be made to the charity of one’s choice. … To the family of Barbara Meyerson Schuster, who passed away Sunday, April 17th. She is survived by her children, Barry (Linda) Schuster, Susan (Richard) Ford, Richard (Terri) Schuster, and Leonard Schuster, sister Jean Meyerson, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be planned for a future date, in the contributions in her memory may be made to Jewish Family and Community Services of North Florida or to the American Transplant Foundation. … To the family of Jacksonville Jewish Center member Seymour Cohn, who passed away, Monday, April 18th at the age of 78. He is survived by his wife Betty Jones Cohn, daughter Sherry Cohn, sons-in-law Alan (Angie) Taylor and Robert (Rochelle) Taylor, brother Jerrold (Mary) Cohn and grandchildren Josh, Hunter, Rebecca, and Joseph. A graveside funeral service was held April 20th at the New Center Cemetery in Jacksonville. Contributions in Seymour Cohn’s memory may be made to Haven Hospice, Rabbi Howard Tilman’s discretionary fund, or a Jacksonville Jewish Center fund of your choice.
Classifieds
Part Time Job Handyman: An Israeli property owner is looking for someone to take care of the maintenance of nine properties on city’s west side, mainly around I-295. Call 561-299-6907 or 720-408-3471 if interested. Maid Services Available Housecleaning, laundry and cooking with reasonable rates. By appointment only. Call 904-387-9293 or leave a message. Ask for Lidia.
To submit an item for life cycles, please email it to jjn@ jewishjacksonville.org. Due date is the 15th of the month. For guidelines of how to write Bar/Bat Mitzvah, wedding or obituary announcements, go to jewishjacksonville.org/news under “Share your news.”
business card directory
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
JEWISH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE
Seventh annual Cardboard Boat Regatta to take place at JCA BY IMAN BYFIELD
Jewish Community Alliance
During the warmer months, the Jewish Community Alliance brings together families from all over Jacksonville for afternoons of community and fun during its popular ‘Family Fun Days’. On Monday, May 30th from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., the JCA will host its annual Cardboard Boat Regatta and Family Fun Day to commemorate the opening of the JCA Howard and Joy Korman outdoor pool. Family Fun Days are organized by the JCA Aquatics Department, and are all age events for JCA members and their families. Every event includes free snacks and refresh-
ments, music and pool games such as hula hoop contests, penny dives, limbo, cannon ball splash and much more. The seventh annual Cardboard Boat Regatta begins with a 50-yard race and there will be prizes and giveaways, free hotdogs and refreshments served during the first part of the event, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., along with DJ entertainment and games. Family Fun Days will also be held on Monday, July 4th and Monday, September 5th. For information on these events, regatta race rules or to enter your boat, please contact Jessica Novotny at Jessica. novotny@jcajax.org or 904730-2100, ext. 240.
JCA staff successfully completes continental leadership program By Jewish Community Alliance
Betsy Miller, JCA Youth Services director, and Lior Spring, JCA director of development and communications, have completed LEAP (Leadership Enrichment and Advancement Program), a 12-month continental leadership program, designed to enhance leadership skills among JCC staff to allow for advancement within the field. Miller and Spring were among 22 participants selected from nine JCCs participating in the JCC Association’s Talent Management pilot program. For this initial LEAP cohort, high-performing, highpotential JCC professionals were chosen in 2015, and the program included in-person
summits and web-based, distance learning focused on elevating the leadership skills of the participant, increasing their strengths and developing additional areas of leadership needs. “This program has helped grow and fine tune some of my natural strengths,” Miller explained. “Since going through this program, I now feel more enlightened and respectful in regards to the diversity of my cohorts and I am very thankful to have been given the opportunity to participate in the LEAP program,” she added. “I am very proud to work in an organization that provides such encouragement and support.” Topics of study in the program included ‘The Leader as Influencer’, ‘The Leader as Change Agent’, ‘Difficult
Betsy Miller
Lior Spring
JCA HAPPENINGS May 2016 Nissan/Iyar 5776
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
Debbie Pounders’ ‘People, Places and Things’ is showing from May 6th to June 1st. These multimedia works are done in foils and acrylics. The reception for this exhibit is scheduled for Sunday, May 15th from 2 - 4 p.m.
Film Series: A Strange Among US
A tough cop goes undercover to solve a puzzling disappearance in the New York Hasidic community. This event will be held Sunday, May 29th at 2 p.m. and is free and open to the community.
Film Series: Miracle at Midnight The true story of how one Danish family risks their lives to save thousands of their Jewish countrymen. This event will be held Sunday, June 19th at 2 p.m., and is free to the community.
Family Shabbat Dinner
Join us for a festive Shabbat celebration with PJ Library story
time on Friday, May 6th from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. The fee is $15 and $10 for JCA valued members. Reservations are required by May 4th.
JAway Lag B’Omer
Bring a picnic and celebrate this little known holiday in Julington Creek, Sunday, May 22nd, from 5 - 7 p.m. This is free and open to the community. For information, contact Dave at 904-730-2100, ext. 271.
Mom’s Day at the J
Celebrate your mom with food, fun and a bit of pampering from the Aveda Institute, Friday, May 6th from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Day at the Jacksonville Suns
Enjoy discounted tickets and the chance for your kids to play on the field, Sunday, May 15th. Registration is required by May 2nd, for information, contact Dave at 904-730-2100, ext. 271.
Bone Density Screening
Receive a risk assessment and ultrasound screening from Baptist Health, Wednesday, May 25th from 7 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. This is free and open to community members
18 years of age and older.
Tennis Clinics
The JCA offers ongoing youth and adult tennis clinics. Learn the basics or shape up your game. For information, contact Reggie at 904-730-2100, ext. 317.
Learn-to-Swim
These instructional swim programs for children ages six months to 12 years are designed by the American Red Cross. For information and schedules, contact Jessica at 904-730-2100, ext. 240.
JV Makos Swim Team
This team is for children who can swim half the length of the pool unassisted. Clinics are May 2-25 and June 1-29. The fee is $82 and $55 for JCA valued members.
Men’s Basketball Leagues
Form teams of six players for 4-on-4 competition. For information, contact Mike at 904730-2100, ext. 254. Leagues start during the month of June.
Morse Museum
Meet at 9 a.m. at the JCA for an American art adventure, Thursday, May 19th. The fee is $75 and $49 for JCA valued members. Paid reservations required by May 9th.
Call 904-730-2100, ext. 322 for more information.
Mother’s Day Painting Party
Paint May flowers in honor of Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8th from 2:305:30 p.m. The fee is $45 and $30 for JCA valued members.
Conversations’ and ‘Building Community’. The program concluded in March with a virtual graduation called ‘Be Bold’, which helped to launch participants into the next phase of their JCC professional role. “I thoroughly enjoyed learning as a part of the LEAP Program,” Spring said. “It helped me gain insight into my personal leadership style and how I can continue to use my strengths to benefit my work at the JCA,” she added. “I am grateful for this opportunity because JCC Association is where I got my start in the JCC field 13 years ago, and I was honored to be a part of this first cohort of LEAP professionals.” LEAP was directed by Joy Brand-Richardson, who is the JCC Association association is investing in Talent Management and the growth and development of JCC staff, which is very important for the ongoing health of our JCCs,” Said Brand-Richardson. “We understand that we can provide critical assistance to JCCs and staff by identifying leadership ability and providing ongoing support and education to capitalize on it.” “We are delighted and proud Lior and Betsy were participants of the JCCA Leap Program,” said JCA executive director Myron Flagler. “Developing future leaders is critical to the success of the JCA and our community.”
Parents’ Night Out
Make a date while your kids play, eat, watch movies and more, Saturday, May 7th from 7-10:30 p.m. The fee is $30 and $20 for JCA valued members.
Mediterranean Diet
Come to Beirut Restaurant for an evening of food and facts with Dr. John Repole, Thursday, May 19th at 6 p.m. Dinner is a Dutch treat and registration is required by May 16th. The fee is $5 and JCA valued members are free.
Color me Happy
Join the coloring craze! This program is from May 5 – 26th and takes place between 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The fee is $20 and $10 for JCA valued members. Be sure and bring supplies.
JEWISH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE 2015 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $208,000
jca.jax.org jcajax @jcajax TheJCAJAX
@jaxjca
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
JEWISH FAMILY and COMMUNITY SERVICES Briefs
JFCS celebrates 99 years with its annual ‘heroes among us’ event
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 904394-5724.
a surprise flash mob which interrupted co-chairs Gayle Bailys and Cathy Klein as they introduced the evening’s proceedings. After dinner, attendees were treated to the outstanding vocal talents of Arin Nathans and Hannah Silverstein, in addition to the moving testimonials of Chauncey Johnson and Morris Bendit, who all received standing ovations. Honorary Co-Chairs Linda and David Stein welcomed all guests, as David shared his thoughts on charitable giving, his support of JFCS, and how he is passing these values along to his family.
Photos by Larry Tallis 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.
Call2Go
Inspiration beamed from the stage in late March as JFCS supporters, clients, and staff all took to the microphone to share how ‘They Are JFCS’ before an audience of nearly 400 at the organization’s annual event. Participants told their stories in the hopes that others might better understand the breadth of the life changing ways JFCS influences Northeast Florida . ‘Heroes Among Us’, was held at the Prime Osborn Convention Center, and the evening began with
JFCS holds its annual model Seder for local Holocaust survivors and their families
Call2Go is the transportation program at JFCS. We work with Checker Cab and are happy to schedule rides for Shabbat and Holidays at no charge. We also provide rides for medical appointments and quality of life events. Call Whitney for more information at 904-660-9268.
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 904-394-5723.
Part Time Care Mgr. Position at JFCS
The Care Manager provides comprehensive assessments, coordinated action plans and ongoing monitoring to help seniors, Holocaust survivors and family members with life transitions. The Care Manager offers individualized support and services connecting seniors and their families to local resources. A college degree is required and a Masters Degree in Social Work is preferred. Interested individuals need to apply by completing an application at jfcsjax.org.
Photos by Larry Tallis By Jewish Family & Community Services
As part of JFCS’s Holocaust Survivor Services, the fourth annual model Seder for Holocaust survivors and their families, was held in early April, where more than 100 attended the awe-inspiring event at Beth-El at the Beaches. The Seder was conducted by Rabbi Michael Matuson, along with
readings and songs presented by Beth-El Hebrew school students. The survivors read from the unique Holocaust Haggadah that incorporates the Passover Seder text with their stories of survival. Following the Passover story theme of, ‘from bondage to freedom’, a delicious light Passover meal was served, which was generously sponsored by Beth-El at the Beaches sisterhood.
JFCS looking to fill volunteer opportunity with its dependable with refood pantry Someone liable transportation (an SUV By Jewish Family & Community Services
Jewish Family & Community Services needs a volunteer to help for about two hours a week, picking up bread for the food pantry and helping put it on the pantry shelves. Pick up would be Monday mornings, from ‘Waste Not Want Not’, a partner agency in Orange Park.
is ideal) is needed for this position. JFCS has a weekly, standing appointment and the families it helps to serve really depend on that bread to supplement the food that is provided to them. Those interested in volunteering should contact Geege Schuman at gschuman@jfcsjax.org or call her at 904-394-5720
A volunteer is needed to help stock these shelves for two hours a week
JEWISH FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES 2015 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $294,500
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA The #future JCF to launch its new Harris and SEI to takeover is now! online portal for donors Foundation’s investment Uber, Amazon, Twitter, and management Bluetooth. It seems that just a few years ago we needed yellow cab, sears, Polaroid and stereos. Our world is evolving and the Jewish Community Foundation of Northeast Florida ( JCF) is here to be sure that the needs of the Jewish community can MONEY advance along with it. No MATTERS one could By JEFF have ever predicted the KLEIN, revolutionary Executive changes that Director are happening in society and our world, but change is inevitable and so are the financial needs of our community. Planning for change is not always easy but if we are strategic, we can be sure that as a community we can address and prepare for the inevitable changes that will almost certainly occur. The best part of change is when we can be a part of it because isn’t it great to have Bluetooth headphones? No more of those wires to contend with when we are running or working out. And who can deny that Amazon hasn’t in some way changed our buying habits? Or that UBER has impacted some of the taxi companies – affecting how some people ‘catch a ride’. In this instantaneous world, Twitter’s limit of 140 characters has in some ways boiled down into simplest terms how and what we say #keepingitsimple. Here at the JCF, you can be part of the future today as many people in our community want to be sure that the programs and services at our local non-profit organizations are here for future generations. This notion is laudable and encouraged at the Foundation, but how will the community address the evolving community? No one as far as I know has a crystal ball, but through the establishment of an unrestricted fund at the JCF, whose earnings can be used by the Foundation for grants which will fund new and innovative programs, you will ensure that the future will be fully funded. While cash always works, we can use your cash today and leverage it. For example, take a sum of $250. A 40year old might be able to take those dollars and apply it to a $250,000 life insurance policy. The premium payment, paid to the JCF is tax deductible and at some point and time in the future, that $250,000 will be here for grants to guarantee the future vitality of the community. As the owner and beneficiary of a policy on your life, the JCF – and ultimately the community – will be the beneficiary of your philanthropy. Call the JCF today at 904-394-0720 to learn how you can establish a fund for the future.
By Jewish Community Foundation of NE Fla.
By Jewish Community Foundation of NE Fla.
During the past several months the JCF staff has been working on the transition to a new log in portal for all of its donors. The Jewish Community Foundation of Northeast Florida, Inc. is committed to serving the needs of its donors and the community. As the Foundation strives to expand and improve the services it provides, it’s pleased to announce the launch of its new online platform with Renaissance Philanthropic Solutions Group. JCF’s partnership with Renaissance will allow its donors to access their personal fund information and the ability to log-in and see the status of their
fund online at any time, as well as viewing up-to-date account values, a history of contributions to their fund and any disbursements made from it. Though the JCF staff will still be available to process grant requests, individuals with Donor Advised Funds will be able to log in from their mobile device or any PC and recommend grants personally. This straight-through process will be a more efficient way to get checks to grantees, and best of all, donors will be able to track their grants from entry through payment. To learn more about donor advised funds and how you can initiate a new fund at the JCF please call Jeff Klein, Executive Director at 904652-2122.
The JCF will be moving over to its new investments advisor, SEI Investments Management, which is located in Oaks, Pa. Leading the team will be Glenn Harris from SEI, who will serve as the Foundation’s relationship manager and will advise the JCF Investment Oversight Committee (IOC) on a quarterly basis, making himself available to meet with Foundation partners and donors during his visits to Jacksonville. Harris, who has been with SEI since 2012, was previously with Russell Investments for 18 years. He will lead a team of SEI professionals whose area of specialty is non-profits and foundations, and will be assisting the JCF in its daily investment operations. SEI manages $775 billion in assets including the Baptist Health System, the Southwest Florida Community Foundation and nine other
SEI Investment Management’s Glenn Harris
Jewish Community Foundations, providing investment solutions for institutional investors, private banks and investment advisors. The JCF Board of Trustees and its Investment Oversight Committee, chaired by Barbara Jaffe is confident that SEI will provide excellent investment oversight to the nearly $20 million dollars in investable assets held on behalf of JCF’s various donors and partners.
Winners of Len and Judy Elikan Camp scholarship announced By Jewish Community Foundation of NE Fla.
The 2016 Len and Judy Elikan Camp Scholarships has been awarded and a handful of winners have been announced as the lucky recipients. The winners are as follows: Jagger and Sydney Leach, Benjamin Miller, Isaac Shumer and Emily Teitelbaum. The Len and Judy Elikan Camp Scholarship offers overnight camp scholarships to teens who are seen as potential leaders of the next generation in the Jewish Community. Teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 and whose families are members of one of the local congregations are encouraged to apply for this scholarship, which is based in part by financial need. The awards can be for a grand total of $1,800 in assistance. All teens wishing to go to a summer camp are encouraged to apply for the 2017 scholarship. Those who are interested should be on the lookout for the application on the official JCF website at jewishfoundationnefl.org. Those looking for more information on the Len and Judy Elikan Camp Scholarship can contact the Foundation offices at 904-394-0720. Best wishes to the winners for a wonderful summer camp experience.
• Israel Investment Summit Local professional advisors are invited to participate in the first-ever Israel Investment Summit in Tel Aviv from June 16-20, 2016. The summit will provide Jacksonville Advisors with the opportunity to learn the inner workings of the Israeli economy. participants will have the opportunity meet and talk with high-level financial investors as well as have dinner with former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres. Contact Jeff Klein, JCF Executive Director for more information AT 904-652-2122.
Mark your Calendar • Investment Committee Meeting - Tuesday May 3, 2016
4932 Sunbeam Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32257 P: (904) 394-0720 / F: (904) 394-0956 jewishfoundationnefl.org facebook.com/JCFNEFL
• Board of Trustees Meeting Wednesday, May 25, 2016
JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA 2015 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $88,422
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RIVER GARDEN SENIOR SERVICES
RIVER GARDEN 2015 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $195,000
Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
adult education May 2016 Nissan/Iyar 5776 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.
Special Events
May 1st
Jacksonville Jewish Center (9:30 – 11 a.m.) RE:MIND lecture series opening event - More hidden family stories with conversations about personal struggles and family dynamics with issues of mental illness. Panelists include Chris and Naida Gould, Tammy Shumer, Wesley Evans and Rabbi Mark Wieder. Moderator is Lois Chepenik.
May 2nd
Congregation Ahavath Chesed (7 p.m.) Israel – Then, Now, and Tomorrow- As the modern State of Israel celebrates its 68th birthday, we’ll take a look at the progress it has made and the challenges it faces at it moves forward in history. We will examine the current political realities and discuss the relationship we might have with Israel as Diaspora Jews. We’ll also hear from Rabbi Cohen about his recent trip to our homeland. Tasty Israeli treats will accompany our learning.
May 4th
Congregation Ahavath Chesed (7:30 a.m.) Lessons from Pirkei Avot - Rabbi Cohen leads a bi-monthly early morning (7:30 a.m.) discovery of ethics of the fathers, which guided our ancestors and can guide our behavior today. Each class stands on its own and everyone is welcome. No prior knowledge or Hebrew proficiency is necessary, so come with an open-mind and a willingness to embark on a journey of self-discovery. Classes will also be held May 18th and June 1st.
May 9th
Jacksonville Jewish Center (7:30 – 9 p.m.) RE:MIND lecture series - Families in Exile—Estrangement: When enough is enough. Discussion facilitators include Beth Shorstein, LCSW, and Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner.
May 10th
Jewish Community Alliance (6 – 7 p.m.) Healthy Hips - Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Carl R. Freeman discusses hip health related issues. This is free and open to the entire community.
May 14th
Jacksonville Jewish Center (9:15 a.m.) Jewish Meditation Shabbat Morning - Invite your soul to enter in
an extended moment of stillness. Beginners are welcome. Held the second Shabbat of every month in the Kramer Library.
May 16th
Jacksonville Jewish Center (7:30 – 9 p.m.) RE:MIND lecture series - Home Alone—Cause and effect of slipping into isolation. Discussion facilitators include Hilary Rotenberg, Care Manager with JFCS, and Michael Solloway, M.D.
May 17th
Jacksonville Jewish Center (7:30 p.m.) Book Club - We have recently put together a new book club, open to all interested adults. It will meet the third Tuesday of each month at Barnes & Noble on San Jose Blvd.
May 18th
Jacksonville Jewish Center (6:45 p.m.) Chai Mitzvah - A national program created as a way to engage adults in a Jewish journey throughout their lives. Participants attend monthly study sessions, identify something Jewish that they wanted to learn, take on or deepen an existing Jewish ritual, and engage in social action. Jewish Community Alliance (7 – 8:30 p.m.) Autoimmune Disease on the Rise - Join esteemed allergist/immunologist Dr. Sunil Joshi for an evening of information on this health epidemic. The fee is $5 and JCA valued members are free.
May 21st
Jacksonville Jewish Center (8 – 9 a.m.) Coffee & Torah - Come enjoy a strong cup of brew, a tasty breakfast treat and thought-provoking insights into the weekly Torah portion in the intimate setting of Rabbi Lubliner’s office. Held the third Shabbat of every month.
May 23rd
Jacksonville Jewish Center
(7:30 – 9 p.m.)
- RE:MIND lecture series - Legislators in Action for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Priorities Panelists include Representative Charles McBurney and Denise Marzullo, President & CEO of Mental Health America of Northeast Florida. - RE:MIND lecture series - Criminal Justice/ Behavioral Health Collaborative. Panelists is Christine Cauffield, Vice President of LSF Health Systems, Inc. - RE:MIND lecture series - An Introduction to Mental Health First Aid. Panelist is Samantha Lawson, Manager, LSF Training Institute.
May 24th
Jewish Community Alliance (7 - 8:30 p.m.) Rabbis in the Round - Rabbis Cohen, Tilman and Feigenbaum will lead an open discussion on the future of religion. This is free and open to the entire community.
June 6th
Congregation Ahavath Chesed
(7 p.m.) Shavuot – A Night of Jewish Learning - A very special night of Jewish learning featuring diverse course offerings from Temple’s Executive Director Goldie Lansky, Religious School Director Naomi Chase, and both Rabbis. Jewish Community Alliance (7 – 8:30 p.m.) Reflexology: How It Works Learn more about this alternative practice with certified reflexology instructor Julie Wesley. Advance registration appreciated and the fee is $5, but JCA valued members are free.
June 13th
Jacksonville Jewish Center Adult B’nei Mitzvah class - We are on the second of a two-year program. Students will study Torah and service skills together and will celebrate their simcha on Shavuot.
Regular Events
Saturdays
Chabad (8:30 a.m.) Insights on the Torah Portion Shabbos Mornings with instructor: Rabbi Mendy Browd.
Sundays
Chabad (8:15 a.m.) Daily Chassidic Philosophy with instructor Rabbi Yossie Kahanov. Jacksonville Jewish Center (10:15 a.m. – 12 p.m.) Foundations of Judaism class - Classes are held in the Shorstein Room and 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, so you can join us at any time. Unit no. 7 covers Medieval and Modern Jewish History and will be taught by Hazzan Holzer on May 1st and 8th.
Mondays
Jacksonville Jewish Center Minyan Mapquest - Following morning minyan, Rabbi Lubliner takes us on a tour of Jewish cities, explaining history and current statistics of some well-known and not-so-well-known Jewish communities in our country. Jacksonville Jewish Center (11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.) Service Skills - This is an ongoing class, designed to increase prayer fluency at an intermediate Hebrew level and help congregants to become more comfortable in Jacksonville Jewish Center weekday/Shabbat services. Basic reading skills are necessary, but we will work together on fluency and prayer vocabulary. Jacksonville Jewish Center (12:15 – 1:45 p.m.) Parent Torah Study Group Weekly Parashah (Torah Portion) study, led by Marci Rogozen. Included will be suggestions of additional at-home family applications, such as relevant holiday
activities and discussion topics to share with your children. Jacksonville Jewish Center (7:15 p.m.) Talmud Class - Rabbi Lubliner explores communal responses to crisis in tractate Ta’anit. Open to all immediately following minyan. Jacksonville Jewish Center (1:45 – 2:30 p.m.) Hebrew Classes - Alef-Bet Hebrew class, taught by Lois Tompkins, will be held weekly in the afternoons at the Jacksonville Jewish Center.
Tuesdays
Jewish Community Alliance (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.) Pottery- This four-week course teaches hand building, wheel throwing and high-fire glazing techniques. No previous clay experience required; clay is provided. Registration is required by May 6.
Wednesdays
Jacksonville Hadassah (10:30 – 11:30 A.M.) Shalom Yoga - Sponsored by Jacksonville Hadassah and Congregation Ahavath Chesed, this group meets every week at the Temple (8727 San Jose Blvd.), and combines yoga, with elements of the morning prayer services. Call Jodi Seitlin at 904-254-2322 for more information.
Jewish Community Alliance (7 – 8 p.m.) Laughter Yoga - Certified laughter yoga instructor Amy Angelilli shows you how unbridled laughter can improve your mood, health and life. The fee is $30 and $20 for JCA valued members. Chabad (after Maariv) Exploring The Talmud in the evening with instructor Rabbi Mendy Browd. Chabad (7:30 p.m.) Women’s Study Group with instructor, Rebbetzin Rivkie Kahanov. To submit an item for the adult education page for your local synagogue or agency, please email it to jjn@ jewishjacksonville.org. Due date is the 6th of each month. For guidelines of how to author an event, please refer to the style used on this page.
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
Community news Jacksonville teenager creates non-profit Chabad at the Beaches’ to help save some exotic animals overseas annual gala to celebrate a baker’s dozen of great yrs. By Chabad at the Beaches
An array of beaded animals are available from Beads4Breeds
This beaded elephant is one of the many types of replica animals someone can purchase off of the organization’s official website, beads4breeds.org.
BY ALEX CYWES Beads4Breeds Inc.
Jacksonville high school student Alex Cywes has started his own non-profit organization because he wanted to do something more for the world around him. His organization is called Beads4Breeds, Inc., and was founded in 2015 with one sole purpose, to save other species. Many species go extinct each day all around the world and Cywes could not idly stand by, taking action to create this non-profit, which donates 100-percent of its profits to preserving dying ecosystems around the world. Cywes, who is currently a rising sophomore at the Bolles school, along with fellow group organizers plan to give grants to
charity is staffed completely by high schoolers, who do not receive monetary compensation for their time. Instead, they are compenBolles high school student Alex Cy- sated with service hours, so they wes created his non-profit, ‘Beads- are able to give back every cent 4Beeds’ because he wanted to help they take in. On the organization’s animals around the world who may website, beads4breeds.org, those interested can take a quiz to see be in danger of going extinct. which animal best correlates to their personality, while also choosorganizations and later take part in ing from a wide-range of beaded funding actual preservation projanimal species. Cywes’ goal is to ects in countries around the world. raise $500,000 before the end of “One of the greatest things I 2017 and save thousands of anihave learned throughout the years mals in the process. His non-profit is that people in general want you has been formally incorporated to succeed more than they want and is in the process of obtaining you to fail,” Cywes described of 501c(3) sanction. his experience. “I have learned the As a young child, Cywes worst thing someone can say is no traveled with his family around and if that happens, shrug it off the world, granting him and his and continue to push for success.” sister a unique perspective on the There are two things that make many ranges of life. He is curthis organization different from rently learning French, Chinese, any other charity. First, to raise and Spanish and in his spare money, the charity sells intricate time the current sophomore class beaded animals made from wire president at Bolles runs track and directly imported from the vilcross country and participates lages of South Africa. Therefore, in his school’s Model UN club. by purchasing a beaded animal, He plans to continue not only you not only help an animal, but Beads4Breeds, Inc., but a charity also the economy of a developnetwork under an LLC. ing country. Second, this entire
A capacity crowd is expected at the One Ocean Resort in Atlantic Beach, Sunday, June 5th, as Chabad at the Beaches holds its annual gala. This year’s event starts at 4:30 p.m., and will serve as its Bar-Mitzvah year celebration, with the theme, ‘Turning Judaism Outward: It’s about YOU’. That’s because Chabad at the Beaches will be celebrating its 13th year of commitment to Jewish life in the Ponte Vedra and Jacksonville Beaches communities. The Gala is timed to coincide with the yahrtzeit of Chabad’s beloved friend Mr. Aaron Scharf, whom along with his wife Blanche (of blessed memory) are the center’s namesakes. This year’s honorees are Rabbi and Mrs Yoseph and Rivkie Kahanov, Mr. Daniel Levy, along with Joan Csillag and Mrs. Samara Gilbert. All of our honorees have made great contributions to the broader community as well as locally through sweat, spirit and inspiration. As Chabad at the Beaches honors it’s longtime friends and supporters, it is also important to take time to reflect on another year of spiritual and material growth. The evening will feature a delectable four-course lavish gala dinner complete with first class entertainment, a charitable auction and multimedia presentations, in addition to entertainment which will conclude the
evening. Also during the dinner, Chabad will host its fifth annual Chinese and silent auctions. There will be raffles for tickets to the Super Bowl, Masters Tournament and the Grammys as well as jewelry, cameras, trips to Cancun, Disney park passes and a host of other prizes. The auction is already online and bids and tickets can be placed at WinWithChabad. com. The dinner will highlight the vast educational and social work of Chabad around the world and Chabad at the Beaches in particular, all of which is testimony to the vision, passion, and leadership of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Greetings and well wishes are currently being gathered from friends and associates of the honorees for the dinner journal and its this event which provides much of the funds necessary to maintain the Chabad’s programs throughout the year. Tickets are $150 per person or $125 if they are prepaid by May 15th. For sponsorship opportunities or to RSVP please contact Chabad at the Beaches via email at Dinner@ChabadBeaches. com or call 904-543-9301. The event can also be found online at jewishdinner.com
Chabad women’s group to host special Purim is out of this world healthy body and spirit series lecture By Chabad Women’s Group
The Chabad women’s group presents ‘A holistic approach to striving for a healthy body and spirit’, which will take place Tuesday, June 2nd. Topics will include ‘how to stay
young’ with Dr. Thuraia Owais, DC and ‘the healing power of Tehillim’ with Nechamie Browd. A salad bar will be available for those in attendance and the cost is $6 for this women’s only event. E-mail chabadwomensgroup@ gmail.com or call 9046464470 for more information. Chabad of St. Johns’ ‘Purim in Outer Space’ was a creative twist to this year’s Purim celebration. Participants enjoyed a rocket launch show, magic carpet Megilah reading and holiday themed refreshments.
May JJN paper will last until mid-June ByJacksonville Jewish News
Just a reminder to all those who receieve the Jacksonville Jewish News, that this edition will span from May 1 - June 15th, when the Summer Magazine is scheduled to come out.
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
education
Jacksonville Jewish Center’s confirmation Michele Block Gan Yeladim acts as capstone for high school students learning tool belt continues with new mind mapping
By Jacksonville Jewish Center
The Jacksonville Jewish Center will celebrate the Confirmation of its Siyyum class, Saturday, May 21st during Shabbat morning worship, beginning at 9 a.m. Siyyum, which means ‘conclusion’ or ‘graduation’ in Hebrew, is the name of the Jacksonville Jewish Center’s 12th grade program. Culminating in Confirmation, Siyyum is a part of the synagogue’s Setzer Youth Education program, and serves as the capstone to secondary school education at the Center’s Galinsky Academy. Throughout the class’ senior year, students partner with the Jacksonville-affiliate of World Relief, an international organization engaged in the resettlement of refugees granted asylum in the United States. Through study and dialogue with program director Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner, Siyyum participants explore biblical and rabbinic texts relevant to the issue of refugees, and explore the parallels between the current world refugee crisis and different periods of Jewish history. The students also undergo volunteer training and orientation to prepare them to serve as friendship partners with a refugee family. This year’s class has
Jacksonville Jewish Center confrimation students with the Fudel family
chosen to work with the Fudels, a family from the Nuba region situated along the border between Sudan and South Sudan, an area torn apart by political, religious and ethnic conflict for nearly three decades. As friendship partners, the group tutors family members in English and helps them acquire basic skills to navigate life in America, as well as familiarizing them with Jacksonville and providing support and reassurance during the difficult transition from life in a refugee camp to becoming new Americans. “The Siyyum program has made me feel both more Jewish and more American at the same time,” one participant explained of their experience in the class. “With our friendship family I am
an ‘expert’ on America because I was born and raised in this country. At the same time, as different as their story is from mine, it reminds me that Jews can understand oppression better than many others because of our own historical experience.” At the Confirmation ceremony, students will participate in Shabbat morning worship and share their thoughts and experiences in the Siyyum program and how it has impacted their Jewish identity. This year’s confirmands include Hannah Gilbert, Eli Mizrahi, Rebecca Nathans, Manya Osher, and Brooke Sapolsky. All are invited to attend and partake of a Kiddush luncheon afterwards in honor of this year’s graduates.
DuBow Preschool and local dance studio costumes as they show off all form a solid partnership their graceful ballet movements. The Tumbling kids will also BY SHEREEN CANADY DuBow Preschool
For decades, Mark Spivak’s Dance Institute has offered a variety of dance classes to the preschoolers at the DuBow Preschool. The children have enjoyed tumbling, fairy tales In motion,
and ballet, but this year, Ms. Victoria, brings a fresh new enthusiasm to her classes as her children are currently practicing for their end of the year performance. The show is scheduled for June 1st at the Jacksonville Jewish Center and the fairy tales in motion class will be wearing tutus and special
perform the gymnastics skills they have been working on as Ms. Victoria will be leading classes in P.E. for the month of May, so rest assured the preschool’s one to five-year-olds are in for a treat. To learn more about Mark Spivak’s Dance Institute, visit their official website at markspivak.com.
BY NATHAN WOODS
Michele Block Gan Yeladim
In April, for the first learning tool, constructivist learning was explored in this learning tool series, which continues in an effort to help parents and families better understand Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten’s educational approach by explaining various terms used in education. Constructivist learning encourages inquiry and exploration in student learning and this month, mind mapping will be the next topic to be covered. A mind map is a graphical technique for visualizing connections between several ideas or pieces of information. Each idea or fact is written down and then linked by lines or curves to its major or minor idea or fact, thus creating a web of relationships. This technique is used in note taking, brainstorming, problem solving and project planning. Its purpose is to focus attention and to capture and frame knowledge to facilitate sharing of ideas and concepts. The term was coined by BBC personality Tony Buzan in 1974 on his show Use Your Head. Mind mapping starts with a
general topic written in the middle of a sheet of paper. From there, ideas connected to that topic are written in a circle around it, with lines or arrows drawn from the topic to new ideas. Each idea can then be developed further with its own list of related ideas or pieces of information. Mind maps can be graphs or lists and offer a less robotic alternative to outlines and long pages of notes. The technique can be extremely helpful for teachers when planning lessons and activities, thus ensuring comprehensive learning. At Michele Block Gan Yeladim, educators teach students mind mapping as a useful tool for connecting and tracking information. Through this process, students are given the advantage of being able to better process and visualize what they are learning. Since it is such a sophisticated tool, teachers use age-appropriate techniques to ensure students can be creative, while still gaining the benefits of the method. “We encourage them to incorporate pictures and color codes into their mapping so they learn the skill but in a way that is developmentally appropriate,” explained Michele Block Gan Yeladim assistant director Rochelle Golomb.
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
education
Chabad of S. Johns serves up kosher eats and treats at local high school By Chabad of S. Johns
We all know that the way to the heart of a Jew is through their stomach and that infamous phrase has never been more applicable than in today’s market, where kosher food has become more accessible, and far more exciting. Among the locations where Kosher food is making a grand stand is at local high schools and universities, where food is being served up to the Jewish public by the spoonful. However, that is not always the reality, so what do Jewish teens do when kosher food is not available? That’s exactly where Chabad steps in as in 2015, CTeen of S. Johns successfully launched KFC (the Kosher Food Club) at Creekside High School. The Kosher Food Club serves
as a humanitarian initiative by promoting healthy lifestyles and feeding the homeless, as well as providing educational hands-on experiences of Jewish foods and their meanings. Each month, teens are treated to a hearty Kosher meal, with a slice of Jewish learning on the side. It’s a sight to behold because after all, it’s not every day that you will see a Rabbi strolling through a high school campus with kosher pizza. “This innovative and unique program was born from a need,” explained Rabbi Mendel Sharfstein. “The fact that we were able to start this program on a high school campus and have the ability to offer Jewish teens the opportunity to meet with and connect to their peers has been incredibly
inspiring.” “KFC is my favorite part of the week,” shared 10th grader Sophie. “It’s the only time of the week that I have an opportunity to add a spark of Judaism into my hectic schedule, and the great food is always a plus.” “Teens are busy and we realized that we had to work with their schedules and offer them something that would require no effort,” said Rabbi Sharfstein. “All they have to do is walk down the hall and into a classroom.” If you’re a Jewish teen hungry for more out of your school day, you too can join KFC. For more information, visit JewishSJohnsCounty.com, e-mail Rabbi@ JewishSJohnsCounty.com or call 904-701-4422.
Kosher Food Club or KFC meets with students at Creekside High School
Camp KiTov is busy preparing for an another fun filled summer By Camp KiTov
Camp KiTov is getting ready for another awesome summer of fun, friendship and great experiences. A favorite preschool teacher will lead each cabin in the preschool camp as having a highly qualified teaching staff ensures that preschool children will enjoy a well-organized, safe, nurturing and creative camp experience. The children can look forward to weekly themed indoor and outdoor activities, daily swimming and water play, along with special guests, field trips and fun activities such as fishing, cooking, gym, music, science, Judaics, and
art. Camp begins Tuesday, June 14th and will run for a total of eight weeks. Enrolling for camp is easy and flexible scheduling is available, including three and five day programs for preschool aged children, in addition to full and half-time, as well as extended day options. Families can also enroll for one week or more. The themes this year will be Out of this World (Week 1), Dr. Seuss (Week 2), Wild West (Week 3), Stars & Stripes (Week 4), Messy & Zany Fun (Week 5), It’s A Jungle Out There (Week 6), Super Heroes (Week 7), Olympics (Week 8). The Upper Camp is for kids entering kindergarten
DuBow Preschool art gallery is awe-inspiring for its many onlookers
Students hard at work preparing their works for the DuBow Art Gallery
BY SHEREEN CANADY DuBow Preschool
Art is woven into DuBow Preschool’s programming every day as children grow creatively and strengthen their fine motor skills through daily art experiences. As one enters the school, they’ll see the DuBow Art Gallery with masterpieces from each class. The gallery is updated each month so that each young artist enjoys the opportunity to display their minimasterpeices multiple times each year. The entire school looks for-
ward each month as the new creations are hung and the children enjoy learning about artists’ tools and using mixed media, watercolor, collage, paint, cray-pas and more. Many of the masterpieces from the past can be viewed on our school’s Flkr feed. DuBow’s Full Day Preschoolers also attend a weekly art class at the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School art studio with Mrs. Shana Gutterman. The school believes as Pablo Picasso does, that “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”
Playing the role of Seder
Ganeinu preschool students prepare for Passover with a model Seder
through eighth grade. Campers in that age group will enjoy the same themes as their younger counterparts as well as special weekly activities such as obstacle courses, archery, scavenger hunts, fishing, field trips, color wars, and more. In addition to the Upper Camp Program, there will also be a new Middle School cabin for those entering the sixth through eighth grades. Teens going into ninth and 10th grade can apply for the L.I.T. or ‘Leaders in Training’ program. For more information, visit the camp’s official website at campkitov.org, or contact the camp office at 904-268-4200, ext. 143.
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
synagogue news
Etz Chaim Synagogue to host Canadian TV star for its summer Shabbaton
By Etz Chaim Synagogue
Etz Chaim Synagogue is pleased to host Adrienne Gold as its scholar in residence for a summer Shabbaton, scheduled for June 3-4th. Gold was a fixture on Canadian television more than 15 years, both as host of her own daily fashion and beauty program, as well as a regular contributor on scores of others. Her direct, no holds barred approach and her
disarming humor won her a large and loyal viewership. Around the turn of the century, Gold’s family began the journey to reclaim their Jewish spiritual roots and she found herself more interested in matters of substance than matters of style. She left television and today is an international lecturer and a popular teacher at The Village Shul in Toronto, leading several yearly Birthright for Mom’s style trips to Israel with The Jewish
Adrienne Gold was a fixture on Canadian tv for two decades
Gold goes to Israel with the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project
Women’s Renaissance Project. The topics of her presentations will be ‘The top 10 ways to raise a mensch and how to be one’, ‘Taming the green eyed monster in the age of social media’ and ‘The power of the paradigm shift: wow to re-frame our thoughts for a happier and more positive life’. The entire community is invited to attend what will be an uplifting, informative and inspiring event.
A familiar name headlines Etz Chaim Synagogue’s annual spring Shabbaton
Rabbi Feigenbaum addresses a capacity crowd inside the social hall
Rabbi Yitzchak Feigenbaum with Jimmy Jaffa during the Shabbaton
BY MIKE & SHERRY HERRING Program Participants
Several weeks ago, the Jacksonville Jewish Community was fortunate to have Etz Chaim Synagogue host its annual Spring Shabbaton, and this year the event featured renowned ScholarIn-Residence, Rabbi Yitzchak Feigenbaum. If the name sounds familiar, that’s because he is the
father of the synagogues’ own Rabbi Avi Feigenbaum, Education Director at Etz Chaim. With the senior Rabbi Feigenbaum’s dynamic, animated teaching style, those on hand saw that the ability to impart wisdom is a Feigenbaum family trait, and in fact, the acorn did not fall far from the tree’. Rabbi Yitzchak Feigenbaum’s accomplishments are many as he has been educating adolescents
and adults of all ages for more than 30 years. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, he spent years studying in Israel, and received his smicha from both Mir, Yerushalayim, and Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh, (where students combine Judaic Studies and service in the IDF). Rabbi Feigenbaum was the first Education Director of Aish HaTorah in Jerusalem and in 1978 founded Yeshivat Darche Noa /Shapell College of Jewish Studies. Rabbi Feigenbaum also served in the IDF and participated
in an officer training program and in 1987 he and his family moved to Toronto, where he served as a senior lecturer for the prestigious Melton Centre for Jewish Studies and for NCSY. He also taught at Yeshivat Or Chaim and Ulpanat Orot High Schools; lectured for Aish HaTorah and Ohr Sameach; and has been the Scholar In Residence for multiple programs across North America. The Shabbat of learning included a four-part lecture series, presented by Rabbi Feigenbaum Sr., and included the topics ‘The devil made me do it - How free is our free will?’, ‘Mystical meaning of the number 7’, ‘Jews: people of the (face)book - maintaining a
Jewish identity in a cosmopolitan world’ and ‘If G-d judges us why can’t I judge G-d?’ (making sense out of a senseless world). Throughout his presentations, Rabbi Feigenbaum Sr. used anecdotes, humor, and insight to describe and explain the choices we make, our Jewish spiritual connections, and how we fit into ‘the big picture’ of meaning and purpose. All of the sessions were informative, insightful and inspiring and presented with unsurpassed exuberance that was constantly engaging. This event also included delicious Shabbat meals, as approximately 85 people attended the Friday night dinner and 130 for the Shabbat lunch.
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016
chabad news
Southside Chabad prepares and delivers Purim care packages to IDF
items specifically chosen to assist the IDF in the field including tactical headlamps, socks, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, Gold Bond medicated powder, and plenty of tasty treats. The following week, Rabbi Shmuli Novack actually delivered the packages to a group from IDF’s famed Givaty Brigade, and the troops were very grateful for the gifts, expressing their appreciation by sending back a Givaty flag which was hand inscribed by members of the battalion for the Rabbi to bring back to his Southside community.
By Southside Chabad
Earlier this spring, community members and supporters of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) gathered at Chabad of Southside to prepare care packages for men and women currently serving. The idea for the project was hatched some weeks in advance at a Shabbat dinner when Jacksonville Native and “Chayal boded” (lone soldier) Joey Offenberg mentioned how uplifted he and his comrades were upon receiving care packages from overseas. The Purim Packages contained
Volunteers prepare the packages
The soldiers were excited to receive their care packages from Florida
Chabad of S. Johns launches program Alan Dershowitz novel to be tabbed Hebrew school for GrownUps featured at Jewish Book Club for Women
BY DINI SHARFSTEIN
Co-Director Chabad of S. Johns
As a kid, Laurie didn’t attend a formal Hebrew school, but when her son came home from the Bar Mitzvah Discovery with Rabbi Mendel Sharfstein at Chabad, he couldn’t stop talking about what he’d learned. His excitement was contagious and Laurie thought to herself, ‘this is awesome, now how do I sign up?’ After talking with a few parents and the Rabbi about her own curiosity, Hebrew School for GrownUps was born, which is an informal space to refresh your knowledge of Judaism, where you’ll gain a basic knowledge of Jewish practice and an understanding of why we ‘Jew-it’. Together, participants will delve into the deeper, more mystical aspects of Jewish life in addition to offering a mini-course on holiday traditions before each holiday. “We are thrilled to announce the start of Hebrew School for GrownUps!” said Rabbi Sharfs-
By Chabad at the Beaches
tein. “Instead of decorating our classroom and doing arts-n-crafts, we’ll have coffee, tea and refreshments, while taking a fresh look at a variety of Jewish topics and getting real about the important things in Judaism.” In Hebrew School for GrownUps, there are no classroom desks, no need for attendees to raise their hands, but instead, comfortable couches, open discussions, lots of questions and hopefully some answers. Because the topics are chosen by the participants, they are encouraged to
send an e-mail to class organizers, letting them know what they are curious about. “Whether or not you’ve had a chance to attend Hebrew School as a kid, you’ll fit right in,” explained Rabbi Sharfstein about the program. Classes will take place once a month on Sunday evenings in Julington Creek. RSVP for the address and for more information about Hebrew School for GrownUps, contact Mrs. Dini Sharfstein at Dini@JewishSJohnsCounty or 904-701-4422.
Chabad at the Beaches is proud to present its Jewish book club for women, which meets the first Tuesday of every month and discusses a new novel each gathering. The books will cover a wide variety of topics that meet various interests, as this is a great opportunity to meet new people, share your thoughts and opinions, and hear the other people’s insights as well. This month’s meeting will take place Tuesday, May 3rd at 7:30 p.m., with Alan Dershowitz ‘s book, ‘Just Revenge’, which is about Marcellus Prandus, a Lithuanian militia captain who carried out the blood-thirsty orders of his Nazi commanders during World War II. Today he is an old man living outside Boston. The book club is free of charge and hosted at private homes. Address information is given with reservations. For
more information on this or other Chabad at the Beaches programs and events, visit Chabadbeaches. com or call 904-543-9301. Interested parties are encouraged to e-mail Mrs. Leah Kurinsky with suggestions of Jewish themed books or if they would like to host a future meeting.
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Jacksonville Jewish News • May 2016