Jacksonville Jewish News - November 2016

WORKING AT THE CARWASH Torah Academy of Jacksonville’s student government puts on carwash fundraiser for school donations Page 8

TEAM WORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK

SELF(IE) REFLECTION

Jacksonville teen Spreading the learns to expect love around Jax the unexpected on Federation’s in the face of trip to Israel Page 19 hatred Page 9 A publication of the

November 2016

• Tishrei/Cheshvan 5777 • www.jewishjacksonville.org

Southside Chabad breaks ground on $2.9 million center for Jewish life

Rabbi Shmuli Novack and his wife Chana (center) join project donors and other honored guests for the groundbreaking ceremony

By Southside Chabad

In mid-September, more than 200 people attended the Chabad of Southside Jewish Life Center’s groundbreaking, which marked the beginning of construction on the new, 10,000 square-foot religious hub. In addition to Rabbis, community leaders, donors and community members, in attendance for the occasion were Republican nominee for Congress, John Rutherford, and recently elected member of The Florida House of Representatives, Clay Yarborough.

The 10,000 square-foot structure will be equipped with a student lounge, a library, a full-featured kosher kitchen for Shabbat and holiday meals, in addition to a kosher café, a dining hall, an activity room, and a state of the art preschool. The project carries a hefty $2.9 million dollar price tag, and cornerstone donations have been made by couples Lazar and Raissa Finker-Frenkel and Ryan and Dinie Shapiro.

The new building allows Rabbi Shmuli and Chana Novack to expand their efforts to reach out to the Jewish students who attend neighboring schools, UNF, FSCJ, and Florida

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Federation partners with Northeast Florida’s largest fundraisers for the Hurricane Matthew Relief fund

By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville & United Way of Northeast Florida

In mid-October, The Jewish Federation of Jacksonville, along with the United Way of Northeast Florida, United Way of St. Johns County and The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida joined together to create Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund to assist organizations helping those in Northeast Florida affected

by Hurricane Matthew. The Jessie Ball Federation Executive Director Alan Margolies, with fellow community leaders following JackDuPont Fund has pledged up to $500,000 sonville Mayor Lenny Curry’s press conference announcing the creation of the relief fund to seed the region-wide relief fund, which presented us with many opportunities,” will accept gifts from individuals and other match others’ gifts up to $250,000 for a toMayor Curry said. “I am incredibly grateful tal potential contribution of $500,000. “We funders to help with immediate unmet for the overwhelming support offered by needs resulting from Hurricane Matthew. are pleased to join with Northeast Florida’s philanthropic leaders, organizations, and Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry anstrongest nonprofit funders in responding to residents throughout our community,” he nounced the funding partnership at the this crisis,” said Alan Margolies, Execuadded. “The First Coast Relief Fund is an American Red Cross Northeast Florida tive Director of the Jewish Federation of incredible demonstration of this support Chapter headquarters in Riverside, just Jacksonville. “Each of us is committed to established to help citizens rebuild and three days after the storm passed through making our community whole again.”

Northeast Florida. He said the City of Jack- support their immediate and long-term 100-percent of all gifts will go to the reneeds.” sonville will participate in the relief fund’s lief effort. Any unspent funds will be used Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund will oversight committee. to seed a permanent disaster relief fund for begin with a $250,000 gift from the Jessie “While Hurricane Matthew presented See RELIEF FUND, p. 3 Ball duPont Fund. The Fund will then our city with many challenges, it has also

Dan Nichols & his band Eighteen rock the Temple at the Federation’s annual campaign kickoff event

By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville

Renowned Jewish musician Dan Nichols and his band ‘Eighteen’ treated the Jacksonville Jewish community to a complimentary concert earlier this fall, courtesy of the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville, in support of its annual campaign. The Federation is especially grateful to the Sisisky Family Foundation for partnering with them to make this event a reality. The kickoff event was held at Congregation Ahavath Chesed, and concert goers were treated to such well-known Nichols’ tunes as ‘Sweet as Honey’, ‘B’tzelem Elohim’ and new music from Dan’s most recently released album, ‘I Believe’.

“It’s a tremendous coup for our city to have Dan Nichols here because he is incredibly well respected and is really a legend in this area,’ said Federation campaign chair Ken Jacobs. “This event is the kickoff and really sets the tone for the entire 2017 campaign.”

That tone was surely an energetic one as even Nichols himself realized after spending one weekend in Jacksonville.

“I was very joyfully surprised at how this community sings,” Nichols explained of what he witnessed during those three days in September. “It inspires me to go home and talk to my Rabbi and the head of music at my Congregation and talk to them about how to emulate so many of the beautiful things that are happening here with music and congregational involvement.”

Prior to the concert, three outstanding members of the Jacksonville Jewish community were honored with special awards and recognitions. Federation president Sandy Zimmerman presented past-president Larry Appel with the Joe P. Safer Community Service Award, while rGEN’s Shylie Bannon and Zach Schwartz were given the Ilene Sari Selevan Young Leader- Dan Nichols, dazzled the Temple crowd at ship Award. the Federation’s annual campaign kickoff

See KICKOFF CONCERT, p. 17

event, Sept. 18th / / Photo by Larry Tallis

Jacksonville Jewish community reflects on fond memories of Shimon Peres, following his passing

By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville

8505 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL 32217

Jewish Federation of Jacksonville

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Jacksonville, FL Permit No. 146

See CHABAD GROUNDBREAKING , p. 5

•

Shimon Peres (1923 - 2016)

On Sept. 28th, former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres died at the age of 93. He was one of the most influential and eloquent leaders the Jewish state has ever known. In addition to serving as Prime Minister on three different occasions, Peres was the immediate past President of Israel and he devoted the last years of his life to his belief that his country could be a world leader in prosperity and peace.

The eighth Prime Minister of Israel was born in 1923 and raised in a small town outside of Minsk, moving to Israel in 1934, eventually playing a major role in the

founding of the Jewish State. In the early years of Israel’s statehood, Peres led the country toward becoming a military force.

In his later years, he was a champion for peace, as the founder of the Peres Institute for Peace.

See PERES MEMORIES, p. 4

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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2016

opinion and cartoons Rabbinically Speaking Column: Turning Inspiration into Action

BY MENDEL SHARFSTEIN Rabbi, Chabad of S. Johns

At the close of the very colorful month of Tishrei, we are on a spiritual high. A month packed with holidays, where every shade and hue of Jewish life is represented.

We have stood in awe before the King of the universe, we have been forgiven and cleansed by G-d’s mercy and we have experienced the joy of uniting with G-dliness and one another through the Mitzvot of eating in the Sukkah and the four species, all together rejoicing with His Torah.

As we enter the month of Cheshvan, the every-day grind of another year and all its familiar challenges, we start to feel the ‘Cheshvan Blues’. It’s a month without any special events to look forward to, so what a let-down and how do we come to terms with this? The Torah (Leviticus 24:3) refers to the many holidays on our calendar as Moadim – ‘appointed times’, and Mikraei Kodesh – ‘callings of Holiness’.

Each holiday is an opportunity to call forth the holiness of that day and to tap into the spiritual resources it holds. Rosh Hashanah is when G-d was first recognized by creation as king and creator of the entire universe. On Yom Kippur, G-d forgave us for our

first and most terrible betrayal, the Golden Calf, and gave us the gift of Teshuva/repentance – the capacity to transform and rectify a deficient past. On Sukkot we commemorate G-d’s shelter and the cloud of glory that unified us on our journey to the promised land.

On Simchat Torah we celebrate completing the cycle of the Torah readings and we restart the Torah anew thereby renewing our commitment to the Torah.

Why couldn’t G-d spread out the holidays over the year? Instead of three weeks of non-stop happenings, we could have had some breathing space to recuperate and catch our breath in between each holiday. This is exactly the paradox of our lives here in this world, so try and think of it this way. In order to survive in the wilderness, you have to properly plan. You have to pack carefully and fill your backpack to the brim with everything you need for your journey.

But just packing your bag doesn’t mean you have the skills you need to cope in the wilderness. In order to experience true independence and build those skills, you have to go hiking and camping under the moonlight without the usual comforts of home. The month of Tishrei is when we do our planning and packing which is crucial to the success of our journey later

RABBINICALLY SPEAKING on. In Cheshvan we’re out there in the wilderness, now is when we have to put forth our coping and camping skills, and go forth in our journey to fill our purpose on earth. It is now time to go do what G-d put us here to do, to suffuse the mundane with holiness.

Here’s another way to look at it. Tishrei comes from the word ‘reishit’ which means beginning or head. The mouth, nose, ears, eyes, and face - intelligence, speech, smell, hearing, and sight – they’re all contained in the head. You

might think it’s better to have the senses spread throughout the various parts of the body. But in order for the head to conduct all the affairs of the body, it needs those vital tools to work with, concentrated in one place. Each of the days in Tishrei is another component of the ‘head’ that will be a source of strength and inspiration and will provide direction for all the days of the year that will follow after.

Still it’s important to remember that while the head has all those tools, it’s actually the legs, and even more, the heels - the lowest and least sensitive part of the body - that takes its cue from the head and makes the actual journey possible. Only the heels can make the body go places. The month of Cheshvan is the heels. It’s time to take what the head does, time to take all the excitement and inspiration of Tishrei, and start out on our real journey, using it in our day to day lives in Cheshvan. That means grounding all that inspiration in positive action.

Think of a Mitzvah that you will add this year and let the inspiration live with you all year through that Mitzvah. That’s how you turn the inspirational High of the High Holiday season into eternal moments that you can draw on for the rest of the year. You have to do

something about it. How do you plan to capture the inspiration of the High Holidays? What Mitzvah will you be doing to turn it into action?

Rabbi Mendel Sharfstein and his wife Dini are co-directors at Chabad of St. Johns, serving the St. Johns, Nocatee, and World Golf Village communities. With the inspiration of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, Rabbi Mendel Sharfstein started doing outreach at the age of 13, by helping Wall Street businessman fulfill the mitzvah of Tefillin.

Now as then, he and Dini bring the joy of Judaism and that same inspiration to St. Johns County families through Torah study groups, holiday celebrations, and children’s enrichment programs.

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.

How to Contribute ...

Online: bit.ly/flfirstcoastrelief Text: Texting STORM to 50503 By check: Pay to the order of United Way of Northeast Florida and mail to P.O. Box 41428, Jacksonville, FL 32203-1428 ** Be sure to note “Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund” on the check

Relief Fund Continued from pg. 1 Northeast Florida.

“We know that many generous groups and individuals will want to assist in repairing and rebuilding our community,” said Nina Waters, president of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. “This effort allows us to focus on the disaster needs of the entire region and we believe this united strategy will allow us to move as swiftly as possible and achieve better results.”

Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund will make grants only to organizations helping individuals impacted by Hurricane Matthew in Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties.

The fund will provide resources to meet needs not met by government programs.

“The damage to our communities by Hurricane Matthew is enormous and our residents and businesses will face many obstacles in the effort to rebuild, but we will,” said Melissa Nelson, Executive Director of the United Way of St. Johns County. “Through this collaboration, we are able to approach this disaster relief regionally, which is fitting because we were all impacted. United Way of St. Johns County is proud to be a partner in this effort.”

The distribution of funds will be overseen by a committee comprised of representatives of the City of Jacksonville, United Way of Northeast Florida, United Way of St. Johns County, The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund and the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville. The first grants

to be made by the relief fund will be $25,000 each to the Northeast Florida Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Jacksonville Area Command of the Salvation Army.

Scan QR Code to donate to the disaster relief fund

Dry Bones Cartoons by Yaakov Kirschen

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.

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Copy due dates: All news, photographs, etc., must be received by the 6th of each month, and sent to jjn@jewishjacksonville.org.

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Peres Memories

community news JJN Advertising Directory

Continued from pg. 1

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:

Below are some memories and thoughts from those in the Jacksonville Jewish community, whose lives the beloved politician touched in some way, shape or form.

“Prime Minister Peres visited the Jacksonville Jewish community on two occasions in the 1990’s.

He also graciously met with us in Israel on one of our missions.

When writing of Peres, I think of a man who, with passion, humor, intelligence and dignity was one of the most influential and eloquent leaders of our time. His life was so much so a blessing to the world and may his memory be a blessing as well.”

–Alan Margolies Federation Executive Director ”Growing up in Israel, I always looked up to Peres as a live evidence of our history, values and accomplishments. He was there ever since my grandparents arrived to what was soon to become the state of Israel. He was there when my parents were born and grew up to become the Israeli citizens. He was also there as I grew older and searched for paths to influence the society that I lived in. I truly felt, as many others did, that Peres would always be there to guide us with his wisdom, belief and optimism. Israel has lost one of her founding fathers, our grandfather, a dreamer, a mentor, our tribe’s leader. May Peres’ vision of peace, coexistence and a

Former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres speaks at the Jacksonville Jewish Center during one of his two visits to Northeast Florida in the ‘90s

brighter future enlighten us and guide our way. May his devotion and love for Israel penetrate into our hearts. May this great, wise and astounding man rest in peace forever.”

– Dana Marmari Community Shlicha “The First time I met Shimon Peres was when he was the Scholar in Residence on a Mission to Belarus in the late ‘80’s. We visited Vishneyev, the small shtetl where he was born and saw the synagogue where his grandfather officiated as the rabbi. He also took us to see the old Jewish cemetery. In 1997, Peres came to Jacksonville for a Federation campaign opening event at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. During Peres’ visit, I was privileged to have lunch with him. Peres was a brilliant speaker as he never used notes or a teleprompter. As President of Israel and as Prime Minister, he was a featured speaker at Federation General Assemblies as well

as at Jewish Agency Assemblies and Board Meetings. No matter how many times I heard him I was always impressed by his ability to understand so many varied aspects of modern life including business trends and scientific innovation. Although, in Israel, he was criticized for some of the decisions he made, Shimon Peres was a man who constantly worked during his lifetime for peace. Although he never lived to see that dream become a reality, he will always be a hero to me. May he rest in peace.”

– Joan Levin Past Federation President Shimon Peres was laid to rest Sept. 30th at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem and his funeral was well attended by numerous prominent dignitaries from Israel and abroad, including U.S. Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, former UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon and current Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Opening night at the JCA Jacksonville Jewish Film Festival features three films

By Jewish Community Alliance

The Jewish Community Alliance’s 2016 biennial Jacksonville Jewish Film Festival takes place from Sunday, Nov. 13th – Thursday, Nov. 17th and it includes an exciting and diverse week of films and screening events. The festival commences on Sunday, the 13th, featuring three film showings and a special culinary reception in the evening. The kickoff showing starts at 10 a.m. that day with the film ‘Very Semi Serious’, directed by Jacksonville native Leah Wolchok. The film gives viewers an intimate glimpse of The New Yorker’s iconic cartoons and is accompanied by a skype interview with the film’s director Leah Wolchok.

Opening day continues at 1 p.m. with the ‘Wedding Doll’, which was nominated for 10

Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2016

Israeli Academy Awards and tells the story of Hagit, a young woman who finds her escape creating bridal gowns and dolls out of leftover materials from the toilet paper factory where she works.

The movie will be accompanied by a skype discussion with Israeli academy award winning actress, Moran Rosenblatt. The day culminates with opening night at 6 p.m. with a showing of ‘In Search of Israeli Cuisine’, a portrait of Israel’s dynamic food scene, followed by an evening reception featuring

Israeli specialties by Chef Roger Regulacion of Hobnob and music

by Koltrain.

On Monday, Nov. 14th the festival continues with the film ‘Partner with the Enemy’, followed by a special program co-sponsored with Jewish Federation of Jacksonville’s young adult division (rGEN). On Nov. 15th, the JCA will show the highly praised docudrama, ‘Once in a Lifetime’, and thanks to a generous sponsor, all Duval County students can see

• All About Ballroom (p. 5) • All Pro Painting and Restoration (p. 22) • B&C Financial (p. 5) • Beachview Rentals (p. 11) • Bob Ham Eyewear (p. 10) • The Bolles School (p. 13) • Brandon Pest (p. 11) • Dana Davis Massage Therapist (p. 22) • Erica Jolles Realty (p. 8) • General Assembly (p. 30) • Highway Press (p. 7) • Impressions (p. 22) • Innovative Financial Solutions (p. 7) • Israel Partnership (p. 12) • Jewish Federation of Jacksonville (p. 32)

• Jewish Community Foundation of NE Fla (p. 31) • Jewish Java (p. 29) • Jewish Museum Fla (p. 6) • Jews for Progress (p. 14) • JJN (p. 30) • Larry Tallis Photo (p. 28) • LIVE Entertainment (p. 4) • Memorial Emrgncy ( p. 3) • Metro Diner ( p. 15) • Margo’s Catering (p. 10) • Native Sun (p. 15) • Wajsman Home Team Realty (p. 27) • Pediatric Dentistry (p. 22) • River Garden (p. 17) • rGEN Jax (p. 16, 18-19) • Shalom Jax (p. 20) • Stein Mart (p. 9)

For your advertising needs, please contact advertising sales representative Barbara Nykerk at 904-733-4179 or Eta Perras at 904-629-0466.

Nov. 2016 - Tishrei/Cheshvan 5777

Adult Education................ p. 30 Business Directory........... p. 22 Chabad News................... p. 13 Community News...................... ............................ p. 4-7, 16, 27 Education ..................... p. 8-11 Federation News......... p. 17-21 Foundation ..................... p. 25

JCA .................................. p. 23 JFCS ..................................p. 24 Hurricane News............... p. 12 Lifecycles.......................... p. 22 Opinion & Cartoons............ P. 3 River Garden.................... p. 26 Synagogue News............28-29 Top Stories...........................p. 1

this film for free. Then, on Nov. 16th, see the Haifa International Film Festival best documentary ‘Rabin in His Own Words’ featuring a special guest. The festival closes on Nov. 17th with ‘For the Love of Spock’, a tribute to Leonard Nimoy and his beloved character, Mr. Spock, directed by his son, Adam Nimoy and accompanied by a dessert reception.

Tickets for the all films with the exception of the opening night

film, ‘In Search of Israeli Cuisine’, are $10 in advance and $12 if purchased on the day of the film.

Tickets for the opening night film and special reception are $25 if purchased by Nov. 9th and $30 thereafter. Sponsorships are crucial to the success of the festival, so for sponsorship information, ticket purchases and additional details, visit jcajax.org/filmfest or contact Jan Margolies, at 904-730-2100, ext. 227.

mot m

Nov.

Martin Schwartz

2016

Valuable Visitor to Area Hospitals Martin Schwartz takes time out of his busy schedule each week to visit those members of the Jacksonville Jewish community who are in the hospital. He lifts the spirits of these valued members of the

community who are in desperate need of some cheering up every Monday and Tuesday.

Schwartz and his wife Mere, (pictured) are active with Etz Chaim Synagogue in Mandarin.

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Chabad Groundbreaking

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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2016

community news

Continued from pg. 1 Coastal School of Law. The Chabad house is the only full-time Jewish center dedicated to local students. The Novack’s established Chabad of Southside in 2006 at the behest of Rabbi Yoseph Kahanov who together with his wife Rivkie heads Chabad’s network of six centers on the First Coast.

‘Chabad on Campus’ is a rapidly expanding network of more than 235 centers serving colleges and universities globally. It represents the largest network of full-time professionally staffed Jewish campus centers in the world.

UNF Students pose with Rabbi Novack at the Sept. 18 groundbreaking

A rendering of how the new Jewish Life Center will look after completion

“It was my first week of school and I was walking around campus when something caught my attention,” said UNF graduate, Steven Bigio, who flew in to emcee the

they immediately treated me as if they had known me forever,” he remembered. “That moment was pivotal to my education at UNF and indeed to my future.” Now

event. “There were two Jewish looking people grilling under a tent, chatting with some people and even though I was a very shy freshman, I approached them and

experiences like Bigio’s will only be able to happen more and more, thanks to this very exciting and expansive addition.

JCA Jewish Book Festival feature books The Jax Jewish Community prepares for first ever mega & much more challah bake with multiple The 2017 JCA Jewish Book generations participating Festival has arranged five days

By Jewish Community Alliance

of diverse, Jewishly-themed literature and programming between November 1st – 10th.

This festival features five authors presenting works with topics from history to psychology to food. The festival opens Tuesday, Nov. 1st at 7 p.m. with Chanan Tigay, author of ‘The Lost Book of Moses’. Tigay’s novel follows his eight country search to determine if archeological treasure hunter Moses Wilhelm Shapira did, indeed, find the world’s oldest Bible.

On Thursday, Nov. 3rd at 7:30 p.m., actor and author Jonathan Rabb presents his novel, ‘Among the Living’, a moving tale of a holocaust survivor’s unconventional journey back to a new normal in 1940’s Savannah, Georgia. Then on Sunday, Nov. 6th at 10 a.m. famed Chicago restauranteur Ina Pinkney will present her cookbook and memoir, ‘Ina’s Kitchen: Memories and Recipes from the Breakfast Queen’ along with a

continental breakfast featuring some recipes from her book.

The last two days of the festival features fiction writer Jennifer Brown, who will present her debut novel, ‘Modern Girls’, on Wednesday, Nov. 9th at 7 p.m., and then on Thursday, Nov. 10th, the festival closes with Claudia Kalb, author of ‘Andy Warhol was a Hoarder: Inside the Minds of History’s Great Personalities’.

Kalb, an acclaimed health and science journalist, will give a surprising, inventive and meticulously researched look at the evolution of mental health, giving readers a glimpse into the lives of high-profile historic figures through the lens of modern psychology. Kalb will be introduced

by special guest Barbara Colaciello, who has presented at MOCA in a one-woman performance in which she shares her experiences at Warhol’s Factory.

Finally, on Thursday, Jan. 19th the JCA, in partnership with the Museum of Science & History’s Voices of Hope initiative, will feature Josh Aronson, author of ‘Orchestra of Exiles’, a look at the origins of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. All book festival events are free and open to the community. For information on the festival and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.jcajax.org/ bookfest or contact Jan Margolies at 904-730-2100, ext. 227.

By Etz Chaim Synagogue

Jacksonville’s first ever Mega Challah Bake will be held Thursday, Nov. 10th, at The Temple, starting at 7 p.m. Etz Chaim Synagogue, along with local partnering organizations of this event, Congregation Ahavath Chesed, The Jacksonville Jewish

Ladies taking part in previous challah bakes showing off their creations

Center, Federation Women’s Division and Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue, encourage all women from across the community to attend this event to discover the art of making and blessing challah while learning about challah’s unique connection to women.

Etz Chaim’s WIFI has sponsored smaller scale successful Challah bakes at several homes around the community, but for this mega event, organizers are expecting hundreds of women from across Jacksonville to attend. Did you know that when a woman makes challah she has the opportunity to ask for blessings for herself and others? Imagine the energy created when hundreds of women come together in Jacksonville to make challah and bring blessings to our families, friends, neighbors and community. Along with making challah and meeting other Jewish women, there will be singing, entertainment, refreshments and a joyful spirit of Jewish unity and togetherness.

The Temple ballroom will be prepared with pre-measured ingredients for each participant and there will be a hands-on demonstration on how to prepare challah, while table captains will guide participants and demonstrate tips on how to make the best tasting challah. Each participant will have the chance to mix her own dough and shape the loaves and be able to take home their loaves with baking instructions so they can be enjoyed with friends and family.

The hostess committee, consisting of Caren Appel, Devora Feigenbaum, Henny Fisch, Allison Jacobs, Sylvia Jaffa, Andrea Mail and Tammy Shumer are eager to personally welcome you to the Mega Challah Bake. The cost for this event is just $10 per person and RSVP is required to jaxmegachallahbake@gmail.com or on Facebook at JaxMegaChallahBake. Sponsorship opportunities for this first event of its kind are also available.

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Community news MOSH’s Anne Frank Museum looking for All community members volunteer docents for January exhibit invited to the 99th annual OneJax interfaithThanksgiving gratitude service

By OneJax

BY ARLENE WOLFSON Museum of Science & History

The Museum of Science and History (MOSH) is in search of volunteers to serve as docents for its ‘Anne Frank: A History for Today’ exhibition, scheduled to premiere Jan. 12, 2017. Those interested will be provided a three hour training session, with three-optional times, including Jan. 11th, from 6-9 p.m., Jan. 12th, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and on that same day but from 1-4 p.m. Docent Volunteer application forms will be available on the MOSH website using the Anne Frank link.

The international traveling exhibit and the MOSH ‘Voices of Hope’ Initiative is designed to

underscore the dangers of intolerance, anti-Semitism, racism and discrimination and to inspire the next generation to build a world based on equal rights and mutual respect. Due to its importance the museum will be free for the length of the Exhibit.

The Exhibit is the centerpiece for the MOSH community Initiative, ‘Voices of Hope’, which will encompass diverse programs, performances and exhibits with leading organizations throughout the area to address various forms of discrimination with the goal of making Jacksonville a place where everyone feels welcome.

Exhibit attendees will have the opportunity to hear the Jacksonville Symphony perform with 16 violins, which were played during the Holocaust, in addition to learning from the author of the new book, ‘The Nazi Hunters’.

They will also have the opportunity to be inspired by a play about Martin Luther King and Anne Frank, as well as seeing and learning about a collection of Holocaust art, before listening

to a moving concert by the Ritz Chamber Players. For a complete listing of programming, with additional information, go to the MOSH website (MOSH.org) and click on the Anne Frank link.

None of this would be possible without the generosity of the exhibit’s generous sponsors, which include to date: Liberators, Florida Blue Bridgebuilders, Interline Brands, The Delores Barr Weaver Fund, Peacemakers, SteinMart/ Jay and Deanie Stein Foundation Trust, DuBow Family Foundation, The Gottlieb Family, Fanny Landwirth Foundation, Spark, Inc., Times Union Media Heroes, The Community Foundation For Northeast Florida, PGA TOUR, WJXT Channel 4 Friends: Bestbet, The Main Street America Group, Beaver Street Foundation, Inc., WJCT Ellipse, Jacksonville Human Rights Commission, Jacksonville Urban League, Jewish Community Foundation of NE FL, Inc., Ritz Theatre and LaVilla Museum, Jacksonville Public Library, and Jewish Family & Community Services.

The greater Jacksonville community is invited to join OneJax, an Institute of the University of North Florida, for the organization’s 99th annual interfaith Thanksgiving gratitude service, scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 17th. Friends, family and neighbors will come together at the Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church (4001 Hendricks Ave.), to offer thanks and gratitude for all we cherish and appreciate as a community. Many different traditions will be part of the service, including: Baha’i, Buddhism, Greek Orthodox, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism,

Native American, Protestant, Roman Catholic, Unitarian Universalism and others.

Once again, canned food and dry goods will be collected for distribution to those in need. A reception is scheduled immediately following the service and as always, this gathering is free and open to the public. Anyone with questions can e-mail OneJax at onejax@ unf.edu or call 904-620-1JAX (1529).

Local dentist swaps many sweets for a single sweet act for military personnel

Jax Jewish Singles to sample delicious wine and food selections in November

BY FRANCINE SMITH Jax Jewish Singles

Join the Jax Jewish Singles for a Sunday luncheon at Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant.

This is a modern casual dining locale with a diverse menu,

which will accommodate almost anyone’s palate and if not, the restaurant is also so able to work with any and all dietary restrictions. Contact Francine Smith at 904-221-8061 or email her at francine.smith@comcast.net for details.

By Krantz Dental Care

For the 10th year in a row, in an effort to promote a safe and healthy Halloween for children, Krantz Dental Care will buy back the candy that young trick-or-treaters collect this year. The candy will then be donated to American servicemen and women serving around the world. Candy can be brought to Krantz Dental Care at 12058 San Jose Blvd.,

Suite #102 from Tuesday, Nov. 1st through Thursday, Nov. 3rd, between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Krantz Dental Care will pay $1 for each pound of candy with a five pound limit, which is brought in. Children can also bring in notes with personal messages to the U.S. troops that will be included in the shipment as everyone wins at this annual event put on by Dr. Alan Krantz and his team at Krantz Dental Care.

The Jacksonville Hadassah looks forward to a pair of exciting events in November

BY HELEN HILL

Jacksonville Hadassah

The Jacksonville Hadassah will be hosting a pair of events this month within a week’s span.

First on Tuesday, Nov. 15th, a godparent luncheon will be held at Maggiano’s Little Italy at 12 p.m. in the St. Johns Town Center. This annual event is a major fundraiser for Hadassah each year as all members and associates are urged to attend. Special guest speaker will be Melissa Ross from WJCT News and First Coast Connect.

The minimum donation is $100 (Godparent $180) plus $25 for lunch. Those interested in attending should send a check to Susan Sidle, 13872 Intracoastal Sound Dr., Jacksonville Fl., 32224.

Then on Sunday, Nov. 20th at 10 a.m., a nature walk will be held at pavilion no. 2 of Mandarin Park, (14780 Mandarin Rd.) The walk will be led by Naturalist, Stacey Goldring and registration is $18 per person, which includes walk entry, a

Local radio personality Melissa Ross to be the guest speaker at Jacksonville Hadassah’s Godparent Luncheon on November 15th.

t-shirt, water and snacks. RSVP to Liat Walker at 904-591-6984 or walkers.beach@gmail.com.

Proceeds of both events will help to benefit the Hadassah Medical Organization, in Jerusalem.

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www.jewishjacksonville.org

Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2016

community news

Local Rabbi helps inspire local community The Jacksonville Jewish to action by talking on live radio broadcast community gets in gear

for its fifth annual mitzvah day project

By UF Hillel

Rabbi Adam Grossman, CEO of UF Hillel joined Sue Wagner, Director of Community Relations for the UF College of Journalism and Communications and Christine Ackerman Machen, Former First Lady of University of Florida in raising more than $5,000 for WUFT-FM’s 35th anniversary fall membership campaign earlier this fall. WUFTFM, provides 24/7 news and talk to residents in North Central and Mid-Florida and is a main source of information for UF Students and the local community.

“When I was asked to be involved in the drive I immediately said yes,” Rabbi Grossman said. “As part of the UF and the local community, UF Hillel is dedicated to giving back to each of them.” Rabbi Grossman has a history in local public radio as he was once a ‘man-on-the-street’ for WNCI 97.9’s for the Morning Zoo in Columbus, Ohio. “It was nice to be back on the air and hopefully it led to an increase in donations,” he added.

Rabbi Grossman, alongside Wagner and Machen were on live during the morning hours of a Sept. 15th broadcast, with

BY RHODA GOLDSTEIN

Mitzvah Day Project Coordinator

UF Hillel CEO, Rabbi Adam Grossman following his appearance on WUFT

the goal of raising $4,500. All told, they not only succeeded in meeting that objective, but they ended up surpassing it by raising $5,037. Rabbi Grossman has always promoted community outreach and said that they would not have been able to reach this goal without the help of the Gainesville Jewish community. Pheobee Cochran, Donor Relations Coordinator echoed this sentiment, saying that “Adam’s shift was one of their best producing blocks for this drive.”

Ever since Grossman was

hired as the Rabbi and CEO at UF Hillel, he has worked toward establishing UF Hillel as a change-maker in the community and with the UF students. UF Hillel inspires change by offering innovative programs for students, such as Career Up which provides professional coaching and helps students connect with top industry leaders, find internships as well as create opportunities for social good and Jewish meaning.

For more information, visit UFHillel.org or contact Rabbi Adam Grossman at adam@ufhillel.org or 352-371-2900.

For the fifth year, social action chairs from the Jacksonville Jewish Center and Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple) are coordinating opportunities for the Jacksonville Jewish community to help their neighbors by volunteering to do a variety of projects on December 25th. Like last year, this year volunteers will be cooking, packaging and delivering 500 plus Meals on Wheels for Aging True.

Volunteers are being asked to bake cookies, bring them to The Temple, package them and then deliver them to area first responders and police stations. In addition, dinners will be prepared and served at the Ronald McDonald and Gabriel House of Care and new this year the same can be said for the Sulzbacher and Five Star Veterans Centers.

To sign up to volunteer, cook,

package or deliver the meals to seniors or cookies to our area first responders, go to signupgenius. com/go/10c0a4eaaae2fa0ff2meals. The link to other volunteer opportunities will be available shortly. For information about Sulzbacher Center, Ronald McDonald House, Gabriele House of care and Five-Star Veteran’s Center email rhodagoldstein@ hotmail.com. Watch for more information on each of these projects in the December issue of the Jacksonville Jewish News as your help is needed.

Award winning author to speak about Sephardim at interesting St. Augustine Jewish Historical society event, Nov. 14th

BY MERRILL SHAPIRO St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society

Marcia Fine, award-winning author of seven novels, will speak about a ‘Sephardic Journey’, Monday, Nov. 14th at 7 p.m. in St. Augustine. Fine’s historical fiction ‘The Blind Eye’, has been chosen by the State Library of Arizona, ONEBOOKAZ, a celebration of quality literature. The event is sponsored by the St. Augustine

Jewish Historical Society as part of the quest to understand the behaviors of Converso Jews in hiding during the Spanish Inqusition. Conversos are thought to have been present in colonial St. Augustine.

Fine has a BA from Florida State University and a Master’s from Arizona State University.

‘Paris Lamb’, her sixth novel, deals with anti-Semitism in the 1950s and ‘Paper Children - An Immigrant’s Legacy’ has been a finalist for three national prizes.

She has also written the only satirical series about Scottsdale and her next novel, ‘Hidden Ones’, which will be released in 2017, examines conversos in Mexico during the Inquisition. The program is free as all are welcome and no advance arrangements are necessary. The talk will be held in the Flagler Room of the Old Ponce de Leon Hotel (74 King St.) on the Flagler College Campus. Please call (904) 829-6481 for best directions.

Hurricane Matthew forces rescheduling of Temple’s movie night

By Congregation Ahavath Chesed

Saturday Night at the Movies in October was washed out by Hurricane Matthew but there remains an opportunity to view the movie ‘Hester Street’, now rescheduled for Saturday, Nov. 5th, beginning at 7 p.m. at Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple). This classic film, released in 1975, addresses the theme of assimilation and is set in the early 1900s.

The plot focuses on the experience of an immigrant family in

New York City. Gitl (Carol Kane) has just arrived in America from Russia with her son. She has come to meet her husband, Jake (Steven Keats), who has been in the States for some time and is comfortably settled. While Gitl struggles to find her place in this country, she clashes with Jake, who has fully embraced their new homeland. Doris Roberts, of Everyone Loves Raymond fame, plays the part of Mrs. Kavarsky. Everyone is welcome to attend and, of course, popcorn will be served. The film will be

followed by a discussion led by Rabbi Shapiro. For those who plan ahead, The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz, will be shown Saturday, Dec. 10th.

Guest speaker Marcia Fine

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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2016

education

Torah Academy of Jacksonville students Bountiful baskets return take part in student government car wash for Michele Block Gan Yeladim’s fundraiser

By Torah Academy of Jacksonville

In mid-September, Torah Academy Student Government

held its first fundraiser and it was a big hit in the form of a car wash. After all the kids’ hard work cleaning those dirty cars,

they now have a nice jingle to be proud of in the treasury. A big thank you goes out to all those who came out to support them.

Rosh Hashanah celebrations fill the hallways and classrooms at the DuBow Preschool

BY LINDSEY HELFER

Co-Director, DuBow Preschool

When the wind begins to blow and feel a little cooler and the sun sets somewhat earlier, the feel of Rosh Hashanah is in the air. When that happens, it’s time to grab an apple, pour some honey, and read some books about the Jewish New Year. The sound of the shofar will fill the air (or hallways of the preschool) and songs will be sung, like ‘It’s

Time to Hear the Shofar Blast’.

Dad’s, Abba’s, Zadie’s and more will come to school to paint apples with their little ones and share in the joy of watching the culture of Judaism live on by educating our children about our customs and history.

Last month, the DuBow Preschool hallways have smelled

of honey baked cakes, and the school’s art wall has been full of 3-D pictures and words of wishes for the New Year, such as ‘to be a better big brother’, and ‘to say thank you to mommy more’. So as this New Year begins, a big ‘thank you’ goes out to all the families who allow their babies to spend quality time at DuBow. The school’s New Year wish is to keep the youngest ones engaged, nurtured, and learning about Judaism through songs, words, books, activities, and so much more this upcoming month and throughout the school year. L’Shana Tova!

BY NATHAN WOODS Michele Block Gan Yeladim

Join Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten for their annual Bountiful Baskets Fundraiser, Nov. 1st – 16th in the JCA lobby. Bountiful Baskets, the primary fundraiser for the school each year, is a silent auction in which beautiful themed baskets are filled with donated items from local businesses and parents. The baskets are assembled by parent volunteers and placed in the lobby for auction. All proceeds from the auction go directly toward enhancing the unparalleled learning environment at Michele Block Gan Yeladim.

This year, donations will be fo-

cused on improvements to the outdoor play environment at Michele Block Gan Yeladim. The school is installing an awning and Trek deck for its outdoor kitchen with a working sink, allowing children to imagine and create sandy culinary treats as well as baking mud pies outside. The school has participated in International Mud Day since its inception, and this provides yet another venue for outdoor celebrations year-round.

The Bountiful Baskets silent auction coincides with the JCA’s Jewish Book and Film Festivals, so stop by the JCA and participate in both. For more information about the Bountiful Baskets auction, contact Theresa Levy at 904-730-2100, ext. 237.

Beaches and Clay County Chabad to offer special six-week course on how success thinks

By Clay County Chabad

A new six-week course, entitled ‘How Success Thinks, Jewish

Secrets for Leading a Productive Life’ will be offered by both the Clay County Chabad and Chabad at the Beaches starting in No-

vember. The course is CME and APA accredited (for medical and mental health professionals) and is presented by the Jewish Learning Institute.

There is no one magic pill or secret formula that will turn you

into an overnight sensation as becoming a success is a product of who you are, what you believe, how you behave and lots of hard work. Nobody can do the work for you, but Jewish wisdom and positive psychology have insights that will help you cultivate signature strengths, deal with weaknesses, and overcome the obstacles to your success.

At Chabad of Clay County, this course begins Sunday, Nov. 13th from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., at the Fleming Island Public Library (1895 Town Center Blvd.). Cost of the course is $89 (textbook in-

cluded) and there is a 10-percent per student minimum with two sign-ups. For more information call 904-290-1017 or e-mail info@ jewishclaycounty.com.

The Chabad at the Beaches course will begin Wedneaday, Nov. 16th at the Aaron and Blanche Scharf Chabad Center for Jewish Life (521 A1A N.) in Ponte Vedra. Cost of the course is $79 and the textbook is $20.

For more information log onto ChabadBeaches.com/JLI, call 904-543-9301 or e-mail Rabbi@ ChabadBeaches.com.

www.jewishjacksonville.org

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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2016

education

Positivity is the only reasonable response to hateful literature being handed out in the community

BY LEAH PALESTRANT

Temple Religious School Teacher

Sometimes as a teacher, you just have to throw the lesson plan out the window and this is exactly what happened with the eighth and ninth grade class at The Temple in early October following the distribution of anti-Semitic flyers in and around Mandarin and its Jewish institutions. The curriculum for this particular class focuses on tikkun olam, the Jewish value commanding us to partner with God to ‘repair the world’. The students study social justice topics such as oppression, racism and sexism, to name just a few. But the recent events inspired me to encourage the students to take action by doing something rather than merely talking about the issues.

In collaboration with leaders at Congregation Ahavath Chesed, parents and community members, a special educational opportunity was created for the teens.

Following morning t’filah, eighth through 10th grade students and their parents came together for a discussion about the anti-Semitic materials. Students engaged with the message content, discussed anti-Semitism in the community and debated whether taking action was an appropriate response, given the American value of freedom of speech. These conversations were led by educational community leaders from Duval County Public Schools, City Year and KIPP. In partnership with, #withlovejax, a movement born out of KKK activity downtown last year, the group decided to put out messages of hope, love and tolerance into the community as a response to hate. Students, parents and community leaders created bright and uplifting messages just in time for the Rosh Hashanah holiday.

During one activity, quarterpage flyers were created with optimistic messages of the author’s choosing. Using the same mechanism for distribution (zip-lock

Inspiring messages like these were inscribed in chalk along the sidewalk by Temple religious school students

bags filled with rice and their messages), students tossed these messages of hope onto driveways on Bear Avenue in Mandarin, the same street where the antiSemitic ones had been placed just one week prior. Using the hashtag #withlovejax, (and in the Jews in Jax Facebook group) a few residents posted their comments about how loving it was to find

these messages on their street.

The class also participated in positive chalking on the sidewalk leading up to The Temple.

Later that night, while walking from their cars to Rosh Hashanah services, congregants were delighted to find messages such as ‘Teamwork Makes the Dream Work’ and ‘Do Not Let Others Bring You Down!’ The students

will do similar social action projects throughout the remainder of the year, so if you, or anyone you know, are interested in facilitating discussions, helping to set-up these projects, or are interested in becoming involved, please encourage them to e-mail Leah Palestrant at palestrant2@gmail. com.

Junior kindergarten art Gan Shabbat gives families a fun and gallery and show will be friendly experience at the Jacksonville Jewish Center on display

BY BILLIE MCNETT at Michele Block Gan Yeladim Co-Director, DuBow Preschool

BY NATHAN WOODS Michele Block Gan Yeladim

As an extension of Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten’s rewarding partnership with the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, Michele Block Gan Yeladim students the school’s Junior Kindergarten (JK) program will set up its have an appreciation and eye for art annual art gallery in the school field trips to the museum. Students hallways of the Jewish Comare instructed in art appreciation munity Alliance. The show takes and taught the basics of the Feldplace from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., man Method of art criticism. It is on Nov. 17th and 18th. Junior a unique opportunity for young Kindergarten students sell tickets, students to get a head start in serve as docents and guide visiunderstanding and appreciating tors on an exciting tour of their the arts. multi-dimensional works of art.

Each day, Michele Block Gan The pride and depth of learning Yeladim students walk past the roshows as each child explains the style and techniques used to create tating art exhibit in the JCA’s own in-house Vandroff Art Gallery. these works of art.

Meeting the local artists, learnMichele Block Gan Yeladim’s ing firsthand about art expression unique curriculum-based partnerand watching the care and skill ship with the Cummer Museum allows its educators to more effec- needed to set up a gallery further, enhance the rich cultural opportutively instill an understanding of nities Michele Block Gan Yeladim art and the world among students.

The museum educators work with students are privileged to receive at school. To learn more about the Michele Block Gan Yeladim’s upcoming art gallery or Michele teachers and students on the Block Gan Yeladim’s partnership basics of art appreciation. Junior with the Cummer Museum, please Kindergarten students receive contact Rochelle Golomb at 904exciting, hands-on learning in art 730-2100, ext. 259. and nature, both at school and on

Kids will get to show off their art work to admirers, Nov. 17th and 18th

Every Saturday morning something great happens in the DuBow Preschool at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. As families walk through the front doors of the synagogue, a greeter warmly welcomes them. They then continue down the hall with beautiful skylights above while hearing the enchanting voice of Hazzan Holzer from the sanctuary, where Shabbat services are taking

place. Finally, walking into the DuBow Preschool, families find themselves surrounded by smiling faces, familiar and new, and best of all, a start to a tradition of observing Shabbat for the youngest congregants.

Gan Shabbat is a fun, familyfriendly Shabbat service geared toward preschool-aged children and held in the DuBow Preschool’s Levin Family Indoor Play Area every Saturday morning at 11:15 a.m. Each week it is lead by a wonderful volunteer varying from DuBow Preschool teachers, Center clergy, parents or another beloved member of the congregation. Parents are able

to bond with their children while singing fun Shabbat songs, saying prayers, marching with torahs, and reading stories that teach little ones about Shabbat and doing mitzvot. The morning is finished with Kiddush, where the grape juice and challah are blessed and then ate.

Parents are welcome to lead this service as training packets are available and Gan Shabbat leader training sessions are available later in the fall. Please contact Billie McNett if you are interested at bmcnett@dubowpreschool.org or call the preschool office at 904268-4200, ext. 143.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2016

education

CKids launches at Chabad at the Beaches JCafé hosts family movie morning during the JCA’s with Saturday Night Alive

By Chabad at the Beaches

Cancel those babysitters because there’s a new kids program in town as ‘CKids Club’ offers a fun, exciting, and educational experience for children and their parents to come together and explore their Jewish roots. The club will feature four innovative events throughout the year. The first event premieres next month as children adventure through an interactive super fun Havdallah.

Saturday night, Dec. 3rd at 6:15 p.m., light it up with an inspirational Havdallah ceremony and party for the entire family. Activities, game shows and crafts will be held to excite and unite the entire family and then participants will be able to take home their very own, handcrafted Havdallah kit with everything needed to bring the fun home. This event will take place at Chabad at the Beaches’

Aaron and Blanche Scharf Center for Jewish Life (521 A1A N.) in Ponte Vedra. There is a cost of $12 per child, but only $9 for those who prepay by Nov. 21st.

The fun doesn’t stop there though as in February, bedtime is illuminated with popcorn, PJ’s and prayer through ‘An Adventure through the Bedtime Shema’.

Activities include a mysterious, glow-in-the-dark scavenger hunt lit by handcrafted lanterns and the evening concludes with a mixed media artwork on canvas. The program culminates with ‘FreedoMan: The Exodus Experience’, where past meets present in this explorative, multi-sensory Exodus walk-through, Matzah Factory and Model Seder, as children examine what it means to be truly free in today’s world.

Within the club there is an emphasis on the personal, as Judaism not only comes alive for these

2016 Jewish Film Festival

BY NATHAN WOODS Michele Block Gan Yeladim

young children and their families, but acquires a new dimension of meaning, mastery, and unique identity. For Further information and registration please call Chabad at the Beaches at 904543-9301 or email: leah@chabadbeaches.com.

While parents enjoy the opening morning of the 2016 JCA Jewish Film Festival, they can drop off their children for a movie-based experience of their own at Michele Block Gan Yeladim’s JCafé Family Movie Morning event. JCafé, a JCA program dedicated to creating family experiences based in cultural arts, presents a familyfriendly movie morning from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 13th to coincide with the beginning of the JCA’s film festival. Tickets are sold separately from the festival events and parents have the option of dropping their children off and heading to the festival or staying and enjoying a family movie morning.

The movie title will be announced prior to the event and in addition to the movie viewing, there will also be a snack and fun activities planned for the morning. Tickets to the JCafé Family Movie Morning will be available for $15 per family, and $10 for JCA valued members. For more information or to register for this event, contact Rochelle Golomb at 904-730-2100, ext. 259.

JAFTY to hold its annual social action banquet, December 2nd

By The JAFTY Board

The greater Jacksonville Jewish community is invited to ‘set sail with JAFTY’ for its annual Social Action Banquet, scheduled for Friday, December 2, at Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple.) The Social Action Banquet supports two very important programs: Camp Jenny held over Memorial Day weekend and the JFCS Shopping Spree. The funds raised from this event will help send kids to Camp Jenny and pay for foster children’s holiday presents.

In May, 10 JAFTY teens from the Temple, plus JAFTY alumni and parents participated as specialists, counselors, and other volunteer positions at Camp Jenny,

a summer experience for underprivileged Atlanta-area children on the grounds of Camp Coleman in Cleveland, Ga. Being selected to staff Camp Jenny is a big honor, not to mention responsibility, and having such a large group from Jacksonville demonstrates the teens’ commitment to social action.

“The moment that made me realize what Camp Jenny is all about was during Sports, when one girl was sitting alone instead of jumping rope with the others,” explained JAFTY President Jodi Gilmore. “I asked if she wanted to join in, and she said she just wanted to run, so we raced across the large field and amazingly, she beat me,” she described of the en- Fundraising Associate Alexander Wajscounter. “Afterwards she thanked man and JAFTY adviser Stefanie Levine

me sincerely and I asked why.

She told me, ‘I can’t run when I’m home because it isn’t safe to run outside alone.’ That is what put it into perspective for me.

Camp Jenny provides the safety and security for these kids to do things they normally couldn’t do.”

Like Gilmore, Lexi Morris, NFTY-SAR Membership Vice President loved her camp experience and job as dance specialist. “My favorite moment was seeing a camper’s face light up when their favorite song came on in Dance,” she said. “I was surprised by how many campers came up to me during meals to show off their dance moves.”

Applications for Camp Jenny will open later this year. Every

Temple teen is invited to participate in the JFCS Shopping Spree in December. Jewish Family & Community Services connects JAFTY with foster children to go shopping for their holiday gifts.

“The shopping spree is awesome because JAFTY’ites get to see up close the effects of the money we raise,” said, JAFTY Social Action Vice President Sara Branly. “I love searching through the store, seeing the kids’ smiling faces, and sharing their excitement,” she added.

Please mark your calendar to come out and support Temple teens and these two great programs. For more information or to donate an item to the silent auction, send an email to JAFTYtyg@ gmail.com.

Southside Chabad to host special workshop with artistic genius known as the Chassidic Warhol

By Southside Chabad

Young Professionals are invited to join renowned Pop-Artist Yitzchok Moully for a silkscreen workshop enabling participants to create their very own piece of art, while learning about the artist and

his take on Jewish art. This event will take place Sunday, Nov. 20th at Chabad of Southside (11271 Alumni Way #1) in Jacksonville.

Often referred to as the ‘Chassidic Worhol’, Moully’s work takes recognizable Jewish objects and symbols and presents them in a

contemporary style, making Judaism and Jewish art more accessible to all. This workshop gives participants the chance to make their own Jewish art masterpiece, which is no doubt something they will cherish for a long time to come while reminding them of their Jewish heritage and silkscreen gives participants the opportunity to create their own piece of art in a comfortable non-pressured environment.

The process of silkscreen is a printing method done by hand with minimal equipment, allow-

ing each participant to print a prepared image onto a canvas, creating a recognizable yet unique piece of art. The cost to participate

in this event is just $15, so for more information or to RSVP go to southsidechabad.com.

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www.jewishjacksonville.org

Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2016

education

Michele Block Gan Yeladim now uses ASQ testing to connect with parents

BY NATHAN WOODS Michele Block Gan Yeladim

Encouraging parents and teachers to work together as a team is how Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten approaches student’s learning, progress and development throughout the year. Both parents and teachers recently had the opportunity to complete an Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ3™) as an age-based developmental screening.

The ASQ-3 test is a free screening tool that parents complete while performing fun activities with their children. It takes only about 15 minutes to complete, and is designed to identify a child’s strengths as well as any areas of concern. The questionnaire focuses on five developmental

categories: communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving and personal-social. Individualized lesson plans are designed by the teachers based on skills under development, and the results of the testing are shared at parentteacher conferences so parents and teachers can work together to develop a plan that will support the child’s educational development.

While the screening is not required, the program enjoys an involvement rate close to 100-percent. With that in mind, it is a fantastic way for parents to partner with teachers in their child’s education and also contributes to the school’s satisfaction of the emerging criterion of family engagement from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC),

Chabad at the Beaches to hold special Babyccino, mommy and me classes at Chanukah

By Chabad at the Beaches

through which Michele Block Gan Yeladim has been accredited for more than 25 years. To learn more about how ASQ-3 testing helps children, parents and educators form a collaborative approach to education, please contact Rochelle Golomb at 904-730-2100, ext. 259.

The Torah Academy of Jacksonville’s youngest students enjoy learning about the magic of the High Holy Days

From Chabad at the Beaches comes ‘Babyccino’ which is a chic meet for mod moms and their tots. Join the newest parent and baby club in town, while meeting other parents in a relaxed and comfortable environment where your baby will engage in a wide range of activities and sensory discoveries. Enter the parent-kid haven and be prepared to sing, clap, schmooze, laugh, snack, play and enjoy as Chanukah themes are explored.

Brighten your winter with three little classes of Chanukah delight and join in as others learn about the story, while discovering the miracle of light and exploring the many customs and traditions through music, movement, arts, sensory, science and heaps of interactive play.

Leadership skills that are demonstrated, developed at the Temple

BY JOY KORMAN & CINDY EDELMAN

Congregation Ahavath Chesed

Torah Academy students were busy learning about the High Holy Days last month and creating fun projects

By Torah Academy of Jacksonville

Torah Academy of Jacksonville students in Nursery/VPK have been having so much fun while learning about Elul and the very special holiday of Rosh Hashanah. Students learned that Elul is a time for three special things, Teshuva, Tefila, and Tzedakah as they practice blowing their pretend shofars and love

when Rabbi Rabinowitz comes in to blow a real shofar. The kids also enjoy playing the wake up game, pretending to sleep and then wake up to hear the sound of the shofar, because it’s time to do Teshuva. The students have made beautiful tzedakah boxes and look forward to pretending to be coins and dance around as if they were coins shaking in the tzedakah box.

Teachers were busy teaching

their young students about the special day of Rosh Hashanah, tasting honey and creating beautiful simanim. They also learned about tashlich as the little ones want to throw their Aveiros away.

Some Rosh Hashanah related science experiments included what happens when we leave apples out for a while? What happens if we sprinkle lemon juice on apples? And which is heavier, honey or water?

The three-week series takes place on Tuesdays and begins Dec. 6th, lasting through the 20th. Each class takes place from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. and are for kids ages 12 months to four years. Mom’s with babies 0-12 months are welcome to come free of charge to enjoy the motherly company.

There is a nominal fee of $33 for all three classes, however an early registration discount applies. RSVP is required, so for more information and registration please call Chabad at the Beaches at 904-543-9301 or email: leah@ chabadbeaches.com. All moms, grandmas and nannys are welcome.

A special nine month leadership development program for 17 men and women has been created by dedicated volunteers at Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple). Each month a different topic will be explored interactively with other Temple leaders serving on panels or making presentations.

“We think leadership development is an integral component of Temple’s future,” said co-chair Joy Korman, who along with Cindy Edelman has planned this unique initiative. Each class member has already demonstrated leadership skills and may already be involved, on some level, in Temple activities. They all want to learn more about ‘everything Temple’ from the history of the Reform movement to the ethics of Jewish leadership. They are interested in deepening their knowledge so they can be more effective Reform Jewish leaders. Each month a different topic will be explored interactively with other Temple

leaders serving on panels or making presentations.

“Cindy and I based the experience on the Leadership Jacksonville model which we felt was very well balanced, educational and a great deal of fun,” Korman said. “We are very excited to spend time, learn with and learn from the group members, each of whom was nominated by a member of Temple’s professional staff or by a lay leader.”

The 2016-2017 class includes Laura Bailet, Rebecca Bennett, Larry Caplan, Joanne Cohen, Lauren Edwards, Sarah Fraden, Melanie Hare, Ben Marsh, Robin Mendelson, Nicole Miller, Jeff Nykerk, Leah Palestrant, Michelle Pargman, Leed Silverfield, Mike Sims and Kendall Sisisky.

“This is the second class that we have organized and of the group who participated five years ago, the majority have served the Temple in some major capacity, several as Board members, and in the case of Brian Mendelson, he is our current President elect,” Edelman explained. “ Joy and I are committed to helping secure the future of the Temple and are delighted to be working with Rabbi Rick Shapiro and the professional staff as we look forward to this year’s class and to its future.”

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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2016

hurricane news

Jewish Federations of North Ameica create a disaster relief fund for Jacksonville and other communities affected by Hurricane Matthew

By Jewish Federations of North America

With winds topping 140 miles per hour, Hurricane Matthew has left a path of destruction in its wake. The powerful storm wreaked havoc and forced hundreds of thousands to flee for their lives. The full scope of the devastation is still being assessed and with this in mind, Jewish Federations across North America are raising funds to support communities in need. JFNA has set up a special relief fund, accessible at http://bit.ly/2dXYmvf.

The powerful category four hurricane hugged the Florida

coast line in early October, creating powerful storm surges and as a result massive flooding in and around Jacksonville and its beaches, leaving thousands without electricity and downing dozens of trees and branches on houses and in neighborhood backyards in its wake. The storm claimed a total of four lives in Florida before being downgraded to a category three

storm as it broke for the Georgia border and headed north to the Carolinas where it caused millions of dollars of destruction. The Jewish Federations of North America is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit organization and 100-percent of donations will go toward helping the Jewish communities across the southeast damaged by this dangerous storm.

St. Augustine’s Bridge of Lions was impassable due to massive flooding

Chabad of Southside prepares Shabbat Aftermath of Hurricane care packages in advance of Hurricane Matthew makes for a busy time at the Temple Matthew

By Southside Chabad

Community members and students at Chabad of Southside prepared Shabbat Care Packages for UNF Students and others in need as dangerous conditions were forecasted for Friday afternoon, October 7th in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. So instead of hosting a Shabbat dinner in unsafe conditions, Chabad of Southside brought Shabbat to the community, delivering dozens of care packages that included a full Shabbat meal, candles and some basic necessities.

Even though UNF was not exactly in an evacuation zone, many students were required to evacuate from the older housing units to safer structures.

Rabbi Novack and volunteer students prepare Shabbat Care Packages for those students who had to shelter in place due to the Hurricane

Volunteers help pick up the leaves scattered in the Temple’s parking lot left behind by Hurricane Matthew, which hit the Florida coast last month

By Congregation Ahavath Chesed

Like so many other homes and businesses, The Temple lost power at some point during Hurricane Matthew’s time wreaking havoc along the Florida coastline. At the direction of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Temple announced it would not host Shabbat services on Friday or Saturday in the wake of Matthew.

In spite of the fact that religious school was the Sunday following the storm and was a very busy day at The Temple.

Mid-morning Saturday, Rabbi Rick Shapiro, Interim Senior Rabbi, received a call from JSO asking if Temple would agree to serve as an emergency supplies distribution center. By 11 a.m.

Sunday, the synagogue’s parking lot was a bevy of activity as JFRD and JSO responded to assist the National Guard in establishing the distribution process. Shortly after noon, there was a line-up of cars and pick-up trucks in the parking lot and spilling onto San Jose Boulevard as Mandarin and neighboring residents waited patiently

for food, water and tarps.

Late Saturday afternoon, Temple administrators sent electronic communications to congregants (wondering how many might receive it) offering help to whoever was in need and additionally announcing that The Temple could use some help removing the debris which was covering the parking lot. More than 70 congregants arrived Sunday morning with work gloves, rakes, push brooms, and lawn bags and together with help from JFRD and JSO, the parking lot was cleared in less than two hours.

Hurricane Matthew sure packed a punch and the congregation as a whole is pained for those who lost homes and possessions, but is grateful for the minor damage the synagogue experienced.

The Temple feels fortunate to have been able to provide help to those who sustained damage and is most grateful to its congregants who joined together for Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, which is a pillar on which the Temple family proudly stands.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2016

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chabad news

Chabad at the Beaches to dedicate new Torah in honor of one of Rebbe’s protégés

By Chabad at the Beaches

Chabad at the Beaches will dedicate its new Torah scroll at 4 p.m., Sunday Nov. 20th at the Aaron and Blanche Scharf Chabad Center (521 A1A N.) in Ponte Vedra. The Torah is one of the Jewish people’s most sacred objects, as the text of the five books of Moses contains about 600,000 handwritten letters on 54 pieces of parchment and took a year to produce. The dedication is in memory of Rabbi Yisroel Drizen by his wife Mrs Feige Drize and their children Nechama and Rabbi Zalmen of New York. The family, longtime

friends of Rabbi Nochum and Leah Kurinsky, will be joining the Ponte Vedra community for the event.

Rabbi Yisroel Drizen, of blessed memory, was one of the first Chabad emissaries and was one of the very first followers of

the Lubavitcher Rebbe to heed his call to move to a remote location to revitalize a Jewish community. Rabbi Drizen was a renowned philanthropist and a world class educator in both Israel and the United States. He is survived by his wife, and their children and grandchildren, many of whom have themselves continued in Rabbi Drizen’s footsteps. The dedication includes a special chupah ceremony, a children’s program, dancing and a buffet. For more information, go to ChabadBeaches.com, or call 904-543-9301, or to RSVP for this unique event, please call Chabad or email leah@chabadbeaches.com.

From High Holy Day to Israel focused art, GROW after school enrichment has Dream Building course, go to global impact JewishSJohnscounty.com/Grow and choose GROW and watch

By Chabad of S. Johns

Chabad of St. Johns’ GROW After School Enrichment recently concluded It’s High Holiday Art Series with lots of smiling children and proud parents. GROW is all about giving children an authentic Jewish environment which fosters excitement, love and Jewish pride. In honor of the High Holidays, the children decorated elegant honey jars for Rosh Hashanah, made Shana Tova cards for their loved ones, and personalized a pair canvas shoes for Yom Kippur.

“When children have a chance to prepare for and participate in each of the holidays, they begin to feel a sense of ownership,” said Mrs. Dini Sharfstein, the director of GROW. The goal is to give children everything they need to grow up and be the next generation of empowered young Jewish minds, which is why this fall, a brand new series comes to GROW After School Enrichment, entitled ‘Dream Building: The Magic of Israel’.

The upcoming course is a once in-a-lifetime opportunity for children to develop creative building skills, deepen their

relationship with the Land of Israel and foster a desire to create global Change and all this will happen through hands-on construction workshops and engineering labs.

“Kids today want to have a positive impact,” explained Sharfstein. “By empowering them to give globally, to touch the lives of other kids in Israel, they begin to believe in themselves and believe that they can leave their mark of kindness on the world and that is revolutionary.”

During this upcoming course, the children will be guided by students at Technion University in Israel as they design, build and send off toys to their peers in Israel. Children who haven’t yet participated in GROW can still join this course as they will learn integrate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) and as they turn their building and engineering dreams into reality.

This series is open to the public, so to register for the six-week

Chabad of S. Johns asks families to add some fire and spice to their night

By Chabad of S. Johns

Join Chabad of S. Johns, Saturday, Nov. 19th at 6:30 p.m., for Saturday Night Alive, which will turn your typical Saturday evening into a dramatic, sensational and crafty family experience. Saturday Night Alive, a project of The Jewish Kids Club, is a musical celebration and a mystical Havdallah Ceremony.

The evening will feature candle braiding, storytelling and spice box crafting, so families can take home all the ingredients they need to recreate the Magic of Havdallah at home.

What is Havdallah? And what makes it mystical and musical?

The Havdallah Ceremony is an ancient ritual that was performed by our ancestors for thousands of years at the end of Shabbat. To this day, it is the way Jews mark the conclusion of Shabbat and welcome a new week of personal development, community growth and global accomplishments. But what about the flame, the spices

and the wine? Together we will uncover the deeper secrets, the symbolism, and the meaning of this timeless tradition.

Right on the heels of the Jewish Kids Club High Holiday Fair, which took children and parents on an interactive journey through the High Holidays, Chabad of S. Johns brings you this incredible opportunity to bond with your kids, change up your Saturday night routine, and explore the spiritual significance of the Havdallah. This event is for kids who are ages three and older, so visit JewishSJohns.com for more details.

your child’s creative Jewish spirit unfold.

Dream Building begins Tuesday Nov. 1st and will run for six weeks at Durbin County Elementary School. For more information e-mail Dini@JewishSJohnsCounty.com or call her at 904-701-4422.

upcoming and ongoing events Mandarin/HQ Daily Chassidic Philosophy Held weekday mornings, Monday – Friday, 6:40 a.m., Sundays 8:15 a.m., with instructor Rabbi Yossie Kahanov.

Insights on the Torah Portion Shabbos Mornings, 8:30 a.m., with instructor Rabbi Mendy Browd.

Exploring The Talmud Tuesday evenings after Maariv with instructor Rabbi Mendy Browd.

Women’s Study Group Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m., with instructor Rebbetzin Rivkie Kahanov.

Shabbos Live - Join us for a memorable Shabbat dinner and monthly oneg, Nov. 25th. The dinner is free and open to all to experience the feeling of holiness that only Shabbat can bring. Great food, insightful discussion, Chassidic melodies and a warm ‘Heimish’ atmosphere is to be had. Call 904-262-6641 for more information or to reserve a spot.

Southside CHS - Chabad Hebrew School on the Southside - At CHS our top priority is creating an interactive learning environment in which each and every child feels welcome.

Every effort is made to ensure that the learning experience is positive, stimulating, and exciting, going out of our way to ensure that every child is motivated and engaged in thought provoking activity. Visit SouthsideChabad.com to learn more today.

S. Johns Glass Fusion Mezuzah Making The St. Johns Jewish Women’s Circle invites you to design and create your own Mezuzah masterpiece and discover the mystical powers of the Mezuzah, Wednesday, Nov. 2nd at 7 p.m. at Doing Dishes (CR 210 Location).

Saturday Night Alive - Saturday, Nov. 19th at 6:30 p.m., Jewish Kids Club invites you to a musical celebration and a mystical havdallah ceremony featuring candle braiding, storytelling and spice box crafting. This program is for kids ages three and older. For more info visit JewishSJohnsCounty.com.

Torah & Tea Series - Mondays, Nov. 7th and 21st at 7:30 p.m., join together with Jewish women for inspiring Torah discussions, Jewish meditation, camaraderie, hot tea, and delicious refreshments.

For more information on the feminine Spirituali-Tea, email: Dini@JewishSJohnsCounty.com.

Hebrew School for Grown Ups Hebrew School for Grown Ups is your informal space to refresh your knowledge of Judaism. You’ll gain a basic knowledge of Jewish practice and an understanding of why we Jew-it, while also delving into the deeper, more mystical aspects of Jewish life. Contact info@JewishSJohnsCounty.com for more information.

www.chabadjacksonville.org

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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2016

The following is a paid advertisement by a third-party. The Jewish Federation of Jacksonville does not endorse this candidate or any other for the 2016 Presidential election and has reached out to the opposing party for advertising opportunities in this publication.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2016

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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2016

COMMUNITY news

The Shlicha Corner: Where were you on Nov. 4th 1995?

BY DANA MARMARI

Community Shlicha jaxshlicha@jewishjacksonville.org

In each society there are events that happen and as a result forever change our lives, the way we see the world, and ourselves. These events impact society for generations. In Israel, one of these events was the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Where was I on November 4, 1995? I remember that day clearly, even though I was only five-years old.

During that time in Israel, a sense of belief, hope and optimism was felt in the air. Only two years

before, on Sept. 13th, 1993, Prime Minister Rabin and Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) Chairman Yasser Arafat signed the first Oslo Peace Accord. More Accords were signed and peace talks between the two sides were taking place. At last, after many years, peace was not foul language anymore. Unfortunately, like in most political situations, reality was much more complicated.

Between 30-40-percent of Israeli society did not agree with the Accords being signed and many protests against Rabin took place throughout the country, as well as extreme demonstrations filled with hatred and derision.

Fast forward to Nov. 4th, 1995. Just like any five-year old, I went to sleep early that night. My parents were out meeting friends while my babysitter was watching the peace rally that took place in Tel Aviv. All of a sudden I woke up from the noises that came out of the TV. Shooting, sirens and tumult. Rabin was shot, my parents returned and everyone stood in front of the TV, shocked, waiting to see if the Prime Minister would make it. The breaking news of his death came later that night, a TV scene that would forever change Israeli society. People were crying, candles were lit in ‘Kings of Israel Square’ (later renamed ‘Rabin

Square’) as many citizens were mourning the sudden death of their leader. No one could believe that a Jew, a citizen of the state of Israel, would do such a thing.

Fast forward to Nov. 4th, 2016.

Israeli society still deals with the outcomes of Rabin’s assassination.

Some believe that if Rabin was still alive, we would now have peace in the Middle East. Others would say that the shooter saved the nation from signing more devastating peace agreements. Either way, all Israelis acknowledge the fact that something deep within our society has changed. As a society, the hardest notion to grasp was that we can become our own enemies,

that one Jew can kill another because of conflicting political views. I was only five-years old when Rabin was assassinated, but his legend and death has carried on with me ever since. A founding father of our state who was killed minutes after singing a song for peace. A man that would not wear a bulletproof vest because he believed in democracy and not in violence. An assassination which was a wakeup call for the Israeli society that it needs to continue choosing the values of life. A wakeup call for all of us to work on ‘Shalom Bayit’ within ourselves. May his memory be a blessing.

Chabad at the Beaches’ Jewish book club for women celebrates its four-year anniversary with detailed discussion

By Chabad at the Beaches

Chabad at the Beaches’ Jewish book club for women is going strong and is now in its fourth year. Discussions are led by Mrs. Carolyn Hirsch as every month the club meets and discusses a new book, which covers a wide variety of topics that often meets various interests. This is a great

opportunity to meet new people, share your thoughts and opinions and hear other people’s insights as well. The first meeting of the New Year will take place Tuesday, Nov. 1st at 7:30 p.m.

This month the club will meet and discuss ‘The Tenth Song’, by Naomi Regan. In this book Regan tells the story of Abigail Samuels, who is the epitome of the success-

ful Jewish American woman. She is married to a well-known and respected accountant and is in the middle of planning her daughter Kayla’s wedding. Kayla, too, wakes up that morning with the world in the palm of her hand. With a shocking suddenness, all that is smashed to pieces in ways they could never have dreamed. When a heartbroken Kayla runs away

to a desert commune run by a charismatic mystic, Abigail rushes to save her, only to find that there is nothing more whole than a broken heart.

The book club is free of charge and open to the community, 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. The December meeting will take place Monday, Dec. 5th at 7:30 p.m. and the book to be dicussed will be ‘The Bridge Ladies’, by Betsy Lerner.

High Holiday Family Fun

Chabad of S. Johns’ Jewish Kids Club took children and parents on an interactive journey through the High Holidays with a Honey Bee Demonstration, a Shofar Factory, a Sukkah Simulator and more in advance of what was a busy month of October filled with many celebrations.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2016

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federation news Kickoff Concert Continued from pg. 1 Photos by Larry Tallis A total of $135,258 was raised by the community as a result of the campaign kickoff event, and the Federation thanks the many board members and volunteers who helped make the concert such a success and an amazing memory for all those in attendance.

Hundreds of people packed The Temple to hear Dan Nichols and his band Eighteen play hit songs known to many congregations nationwide

Nichols thrilled the Temple crowd with his energy and enthusiasm

Federation Board President Sandy Zimmerman presents Larry Appel with the prestigious Joe P. Safer Community Service Award

rGEN Director Ariel Frechtman with Ilene Sari Selevan Young Leadership Award winners Zachary Schwartz and Shylie Bannon

Ben Marsh and Dana Marmari

Temple Rabbi Rick Shapiro

Scan QR code to watch event video on YouTube

Jill Abel, Allison Jacobs and Mike Abel

Mauri Mizrahi, Kim Glasgal and Emma Pulley

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federation news

rGEN kicks off exciting new year while educating attendees about Jews in the Diaspora

BY ARIEL FRECHTMAN rGEN Director arielf@jewishjacksonville.org

What better way to jump start the new year than with delicious food and drinks, a little Jewish history, and great company? rGEN did just that in mid-September as guests were graciously hosted by Lior Spring and Daniel Miller (rGEN Chair) at their home in San Marco for its ‘Kibitz and Cocktailz’ Kickoff event. The program included a brief history lesson about about Jews in the Diaspora, specifically New York, Russia, Cuba, Spain, and France which were (not so) coincidentally the countries of origin of each

of the delicious cocktails created by rGEN’s very own bartenders, Jesse Bannon, Dave Flagler, Matt Flagler and Zachary Schwartz.

This event truly set the tone for

what the upcoming year will be all about for rGEN, and that is Jewish social networking with a mix of Jewish enrichment and education.

rGEN’s break the fast another success rGEN to spend a night at

BY ARIEL FRECHTMAN the movies in support of It has become a longstanding the JCA’s annual Jewish Jacksonville Jewish community tradition that rGEN provides a Film Festival place for young professionals to go after Yom Kippur services to rGEN Director arielf@jewishjacksonville.org

break-the-fast each year. 5777 was no different as this year, nearly 50 young adults from the rGEN community were graciously hosted in the home of Nicole and Andy Brown, who adopted the group last minute due to lack of power because of Hurricane Matthew in the original hosts’ home. Break-the-Fast with the Bannons at the Browns’ was cohosted by rGEN Campaign Chair Shylie Bannon and her husband Jesse Bannon, with support from rGEN’s Ben-Gurion Society Chair Ben Marsh. Without these five, this event could not have been the success that it was as we have been told there are even still leftovers.

BY ARIEL FRECHTMAN rGEN Director arielf@jewishjacksonville.org

On Monday, Nov. 14th, as part of this year’s Jewish Film Festival, rGEN members are encouraged to come to the JCA for the screening of ‘Partner with the Enemy’, a documentary film about the successful business relationship between a Palestinian woman and an Israeli women who work in tandem in a male-dominated industry despite societal and family pressures in the West Bank. Following the film, a panel discussion will be lead by Donna Orender, business and brand strategist and former president of the WNBA, featuring UNF students who represent both the Palestinian and Israeli/Jewish community in Jacksonville. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

This documentary is about a successful business relationship between a Palestinian woman and Israeli Jewish woman

Special Video Tutorials on the High Holy Days by local Rabbis

Etz Chaim Synagogue Rabbi Avi Feigenbaum explains more about Sukkot

Jacksonville Jewish Center Rabbi Howard Tilman talks about Simchat Torah

Log onto JaxJewishTV on

to watch videos

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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2016

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federation news

Jacksonville teen learns to expect the unexpected on Federation sponsored trip to Israel

BY HALLIE WRIGHT Trip Participant

I was sitting in my room, completing an urgent homework assignment due the next morning. I was stressed nonetheless, unsure of my future and where I would stand if I turned in an incomplete assignment to my strict teacher. I heard footsteps leading up to my room.

Someone knocked on my door and peaked their head through the crack. My mother’s friendly voice told me she had good news. Des-

perately hoping something would make me less stressed, I was eager to hear what she had to say. “You are going to Israel this summer with that program the Federation does,” she exclaimed.

Now, most people would have immediately responded, ‘Wow, that’s amazing and thanks, Mom!’ But, instead, I chose to say, ‘What?’

A part of me was excited for a new adventure, but the other (more stressed) half was panicking, thinking, “Israel?” My mother assured me this was a once in a lifetime opportunity, but at that moment, I didn’t care. And then, I became extremely nervous of what the future had in store. Little did I know that going overseas on the Israel Partnership’s Tikkun Olam trip sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville would be one of the best experiences of my entire life.

Fast-forward a few months later to early summer, when I remember walking into the airport, still un-

sure of what this trip had in store for me, but slightly less anxious.

I had no clue what to expect, and no idea what a great connection I would make with the people and the Land of Israel. I saw Jill Abel, the coordinator of the trip, and Logan Sims, a boy who had also never been to our homeland. Jill helped check me and Logan in for our flight and brought us to the security checkpoint. Before we knew it, Logan and I were on our way to John F. Kennedy International Airport. After a couple hours, we landed and quickly ran to the gate marked Tel Aviv. Eventually we made it onto the plane, and out of the blue, I had that incredible moment when I entered the plane and turned down the aisle, stopping as I saw the most amazing thing. The entire plane was filled with bustling orthodox men and women, placing luggage in overhead compartments and cradling small children. In that moment I had a realization that

everyone on this plane is like me because everyone is Jewish.

Growing up in Jacksonville, I have always been the minority.

Though the Jewish community in Jacksonville is large and vibrant, I am one of the only Jews in my school and in my neighborhood, which can make any person feel alone, especially a high school student. I believe this is why entering a plane filled with other Jewish people like myself left such a lasting impact. I wasn’t alone anymore.

I was with ‘MY’ people. All my stress from the previous months drifted away and was replaced by comfort and security. In that moment, I became ecstatic for the next two weeks and what they had in store.

Climbing a mountain, swimming in the Dead Sea, and praying at the Western Wall were only a few of the life-changing activities I shared with my Israeli and American peers on the Tikkun

Olam trip. Though these activities were absolutely amazing, I believe the most impactful aspect of the trip were the people. Every night after a long day, the entire group of American teens and their Israeli hosts would gather at a host’s home and just hang out. Here, the group would talk, dance, laugh and crack endless jokes, making everyone chuckle until their stomachs hurt.

These are the moments I enjoyed the most and the ones I will miss the most as I think about the incredible opportunity I was afforded this past summer, so I could learn more about Israelis and the country they call home, but mostly about myself.

Wright went to Israel as part of The Federation’s Partnership 2Gether Tikkun Olam Israel experience. For more information on the program and how to become involved please refer to the advertisement on page 12 of this newspaper.

Lions of Judah to host speaker on geographic and ethnic diversity of the Jews Jewish Community Centers, and Jewish museums all over the nation.

“After having visited more than 100 Jewish communities in dozens of countries, I look forward to finally visiting Jacksonville’s and sharing with you some of the beauty of the diversity in our Jewish world,” Schwartz said in

BY ERIN COHEN

Women’s Division Chair erinc@jewishjacksonville.org

On Wednesday, Nov. 30th, the Jacksonville Lions of Judah will proudly welcome Bryan Schwartz, who is an Oakland, Calif. civil rights attorney and founder of Scattered Among the Nations, to its annual Lion event. For many years, this event has traditionally been a luncheon, but this year Women’s Division Lion of Judah Chair, Debbie Banks-Kitay, is graciously hosting an early-evening event. The program will begin at 5 p.m. and wine and heavy hors d’ oeuvres will be served.

Scattered Among the Nations (SAN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the Jewish and non-Jewish world about the beauty and diversity of our people.

The organization assists geographically and politically isolated Jewish or Judaism-practicing communities to continue embracing the Jewish religion and culture, while documenting these communities as they are today before they disappear through immigration or assimilation.

For thousands of years since successive waves of invaders chased the Israelites from their ancestral home, Jews have carried their religion with them wherever they have gone. Living in the Diaspora, Jews maintained their way of life, gathering in communities to share their traditions. Others were touched by the faith of the Jews scattered among them, or by the words of the Torah, and bound their lives to this enduring heritage. There

Bryan Schwartz

are less than 14-million Jews in the world today and most of them live in established Jewish centers like Israel and large cities in North America and Western Europe.

What many do not know is that there are Jewish communities in Africa, Asia, South America, even parts of Europe and the Former Soviet Union, in which the Jewish populations do not have white skin or do not live fast-paced, modern lives. Some of these communities exist in places so geographically and culturally distant from other Jews that they must struggle daily to maintain the religion of their ancestors.

Schwartz conceived Scattered Among the Nations in the spring of 1999 as a book project, compiling stories and photographs of the world’s most isolated Jewish communities. These communities inspired him with new enthusiasm for Jewish practice through their unshakable devotion and unbounded warmth and kindness. Schwartz led the effort to create SAN and has since spoken to audiences in four languages on five continents. His articles have been published in magazines and newspapers worldwide.

Schwartz’s ‘Scattered Among the Nations’ and ‘Jews of Color: In Color!’ exhibits with Jay Sand and photographer Sandy Carter, feature stories and photographs from their book, ‘Scattered Among the Nations’, premiered at New York’s Center for Jewish History in February 2003. These exhibits have been shown throughout the United States, at universities, synagogues,

advance of his appearance. No doubt, there is so much to learn from this fascinating presentation and Banks-Kitay along with Jen Plotkin, women’s division president and Allison Jacobs, women’s division campaign chair, look forward to learning and enjoying the company of all the Jacksonville Lions at this program.

This event is in support of the 2017 Annual Campaign and a $5,000 minimum contribution is required to attend. To read more about SAN, visit scatteredamongthenations.org and for more information about this event and the Lion of Judah program, contact Erin Cohen at 904-448-5000, ext.

205 or erinc@jewishjacksonville.

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federation news

The Executive Director’s Message: Why endowments?

We are engaged in the months of the year when Federation’s focus is on its annual campaign.

On these pages of the JJN, on Facebook, our website (jewishjacksonville.org) and on all of our communications such as e-blasts and mailings, we state how this is a wonderful Jewish community in

which to live and raise our families. With this in mind, we urge support of the annual campaign to allow us to provide for the unmet needs of our local and overseas recipient agencies. This year is no different as we again need everyone’s support.

Equally as important, is the need for everyone in the Jewish community to think about setting up endowment funds, or leaving legacy gifts for the Federation’s annual campaign and the outstanding Jewish agencies and synagogues here in Jacksonville.

It is imperative that we ensure the future of the Jewish family of organizations that we support annually through the campaign each year.

The Jewish Community Foundation of Northeast Florida has been a part of this family of organizations since 1995. It was formed as an independent 501 (c) (3) organization and as a partnership of Federation, JCA, River Garden, JFCS, the Jacksonville Jewish Center, Congregation Ahavath Chesed, Etz Chaim Synagogue and Beth El – the Beaches Synagogue. Sue Nussbaum, M.D. is the agency’s current president and the Foundation has an outstanding executive director in Jeff Klein.

There are numerous ways to establish an endowment fund, whether it be through a bequest, an outright gift of cash or appreciated securities in addition to

other types of gifts, including life insurance. Endowments may be established by those of any economic means and in any amount.

As a general rule, if you wanted to endow your gift to the Federation’s annual campaign you would take an amount of twenty times that amount. So for example if your annual gift is $1,000 your endowment would need to be $20,000.

When creating your legacy, much depends on one’s financial situation and it is best to seek out advice from financial planners as well as estate planning attorneys to learn which is the best way to proceed.

I encourage everyone who supports Federation with generous gifts to the annual campaign to

also consider leaving an endowment to our Jewish community through the Jewish Community Foundation of Northeast Florida.

Call Jeff Klein at 904-652-2122 and he will be able to help you begin this process. Just as we continue to build Jewish community here in Jacksonville, let’s together ensure our future.

Alan Margolies Executive Director Jewish Federation of Jacksonville

Jewish Java to feature adventures in Jacksonville delegation is inspired at International Yiddish land with Elliot Palevsky Lion of Judah Conference

BY ISABEL BALOTIN Shalom Jacksonville Director shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org

Federation’s Shalom Jacksonville and River Garden Senior Services invite newcomers and locals to a delightful Jewish Java on Wednesday, Nov. 2nd when Elliot Palevsky will share his personal ‘Adventures in Yiddish Land’, Program. The former CEO of River Garden is also an educator of Yiddish Language and Culture having served on the Yiddish faculties of Queens College (N.Y.) and Vilnius University in Lithuania.

The Yiddish language and literature played a major role in the lives of millions of Eastern European Jews as many of us grew up learning wonderful stories and expressions, such as abi gezunt, which translates to ‘be well’.

Palevsky’s presentation is sure to conjure up many fond memories as he shares some of his experiences and incredible knowledge of this subject.

Attendees of this event will enjoy a bagel breakfast and friendly conversation from 9-9:30 a.m.

followed by a nostalgic and interesting program. Reservations are a must if you plan on partaking in breakfast, so please RSVP by Oct. 31st by calling Isabel Balotin at 904-448-5000, ext. 206 or shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org.

Looking ahead to next month, folks are urged to save the date for Wednesday, Dec. 7th, when videographer and storyteller Byron Caplan explains how he is helping families to keep their histories alive by preserving life stories of loved ones through his ‘Living History Video Memoirs’. Those in attendance will enjoy some

Guest speaker Elliot Palevsky

samples of his work and have lots of opportunity to learn about the creative process.

Shalom Jacksonville is the official Jewish welcome wagon of Northeast Florida, so if you are new to the community or are newly interested in the community, please contact Isabel Balotin. Jewish Java meets the first Wednesday of every month, same time and same place at River Garden (11401 Old St. Augustine Rd.). Mark your calendars now for our popular breakfast and schmoozing programs.

Marjie Rogozinski and Erin Cohen grabbed a few moments with the extraordinary panelists from their breakout session

The Jacksonville Lions enjoying their last evening in D.C. together

BY HALEY TRAGER Conference Participant

For three incredible days in September, seven of Jacksonville’s Lions of Judah joined other women from around the world in Washington D.C. for the 2016 International Lion of Judah Conference. On the evening of Sept.

11th, as the world commemorated the 15th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, the conference began with the more than 1,200 participants paying tribute to both the victims and the survivors as together they sang America’s National Anthem followed by the Hatikvah, Israel’s National Anthem. The Lions then heard from fearless leaders such as Madeleine Albright, Former Secretary of State and also a Lion of Judah, in addition to Tom Ridge, First Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and Rabbi Elka Abrahamson, President of The Wexner Foundation.

The conference continued with opportunities to hear from more than 100 speakers during plenaries and smaller breakout sessions in which Lions were able to bond, be educated, and strengthen the values held true by the Jewish people. The Lions were also inspired by activists who shared their personal experiences of making a difference in the world. The Jacksonville delegation was able to personally meet with many of these inspirational women, such as Michal Barkai-Brody, Founder of Alma Academy for Female Leadership, an organization that helps

See LOJ CONFERENCE, p. 21

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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2016

www.jewishjacksonville.org

federation news

Stop by the Red Apple for Shalom Jacksonville’s talk featuring author Elaine Freed Lindenblatt

LOJ Conference Continued from pg. 20

BY ISABEL BALOTIN

Shalom Jacksonville Director shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org

young girls advance their maturation and qualify for higher level units in the IDF, which improves Israelis career trajectories for a lifetime.

The Jax Lions were honored to have the chance to spend time with Bat-Galim Sha’ar, who is the mother of Gilad Sha’ar, one of the three Israeli teens kidnapped and murdered in June 2014.

Sha’ar has spent the past two years learning English in order to be able to speak at the Lion of Judah Conference and to thank the Jewish Federation for the help they provided to her and continue

Kimberly Sisisky, the local KipnisWilson/Friedland award recipient

to provide all over the world. The constant themes of Tzedakah, Tikkun Olam, and the celebration of sisterhood and the global Jewish community were evidenced as the Lions sang, danced, loved, and laughed during the closing celebration. This year’s Lions of Judah raised a record-breaking $31.5-million, which is a lot to roar about.

Federation’s Shalom Jacksonville Division and River Garden Senior Services are delighted to present Elaine Freed Lindenblatt, author of ‘Stop by the Red Apple’, Sunday, Dec. 4th at 2 p.m., at River Garden’s Cohen Auditorium located at 11401 Old St. Augustine Rd. The youngest child of Red Apple’s founder, Reuben Freed, Elaine shares her many memories of growing up in the 1950’s small town America, along with a glimpse into the workings of a successful food operation and a swan song to a glorious slice of bygone culture. It seems that everybody who’s stopped at the Red Apple has a story and if you’ve ever visited a Catskills hotel, bungalow colony or summer sleep away camp, then you surely stopped at the iconic Red Apple Rest. Located midway between New York City and the resorts,

Learning how to volunteer for Israel at Jewish Java

Isabel Balotin, guest speaker Stanley Greenfield and Leslie Held

BY ISABEL BALOTIN

Shalom Jacksonville Director shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org

This past October, Stanley Greenfield was the guest speaker at Jewish Java, instructing attendees how easy it is to work on an Israeli army base in the Volunteer for Israel program.

Greenfield has been overseas a handful of times to volunteer and has the uniform to prove it. More than 40 newcomers and locals attended this informative presenta-

Stanley Greenfield spoke to Jewish Java attendees about how to take part in a unique and rewarding program called ‘Volunteers for Israel’

tion. For information on this program, log onto http://www. vfi-usa.org. Shalom Jacksonville is the official Jewish welcome wagon of Northeast Florida, so if you are new to the community or are newly interested in the community, please contact Isabel Balotin. Jewish Java meets the first Wednesday of every month, same time and same place at River Garden (11401 Old St. Augustine Rd.). Mark your calendars now for our popular breakfast and schmoozing programs.

Have some news or a special milestone you would like to share with the JJN?

By Jacksonville Jewish News

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 from January to May and then again from August to December, with a Summer Maga-

zine 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.

For advertising inquiries contact Barbara Nykerk at 904923-3205 or bnykerk@comcast. net, or reach out to Eta Perras at 904-629-0466 or perraseta@ bellsouth.net.

the restaurant served who’s who of entertainment luminaries and millions of people like you and me.

The book is stuffed with vignettes, photos, interviews and personal recollections of an immigrant success story that will warm your heart. Freed Lindenblatt will take attendees on an armchair ride discussion about what it was like to grow up in a round-the-clock family business that served more than one million customers each year. She will also be selling her books and will sign already-owned copies. So jump in the car and take a drive

down memory lane, N.Y. State Route No. 17 midway between metropolitan New York and New Jersey, the Catskill Mountains to be exact, and stop by The Red Apple. Refreshments will be served prior to the program, which there is no charge for, however reservations are must

by Nov. 30th. To RSVP, please contact Isabel Balotin at 904-4485000, ext. 206 or at shalomjax@ jewishjacksonville.org.

page 22

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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2016

lifecycles B’nai Mitzvah

Maiah Jaffa, daughter of Karianne and Daniel Jaffa, will be called to the Torah on the occasion of her Bat Mitzvah, Saturday, Nov. 12th at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. Sharing in the simcha will be her sisters, Ava and Kyra, her grandparents Irene and Jimmy Jaffa of Jacksonville and Karan and Maiah Jaffa Richard Anderson of The Villages, in addition to many other friends and family. Maiah Jaffa is an eighth grader at the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School, where she enjoys Language Arts and is an avid reader. Maiah loves food and connected with Maimonides’ teaching that if you enjoy food you need to share it with others.

For her Bat Mitzvah project, she organized a Hametz food drive for the JFCS Max Block Food Pantry and is also collecting food the week of her Bat Mitzvah. Maiah is a board member of Kadima and Knesset, and a member of the National Junior Honor Society. This past summer she learned to mountain bike at Camp Ramah Darom.

In her spare time, she enjoys playing volleyball, dancing, and spending time at the beach with her family and friends.

Leah Black will be called to the Bima to become a Bat Mitzvah, Saturday, Nov. 19th at Temple Bet Yam in St. Augustine. Sharing in her simcha will be her parents Lisa and Robert Black and grandparents Carol and Marc Gladstone in addition to aunts, cousins and other close family and friends.

Leah Black Leah is a 13-year old eighth grade student at RJ Murray Middle School Center for the Arts. She is active in chorus and dance and is the only youth member of Temple Bet Yam’s volunteer choir. Leah is incorporating her love of music into her Mitzvah project as she plans to collect iPods to help create individualized music playlists for adults with dementia. These men and women live in a local assisted living facilities and will help them facilitate memory, interaction and with overall happiness. Leah is a member of the Interfaith Youth League in St Augustine where she, along with young people of Muslim and Christian faiths, come together under the supervision of Compassionate Women of St. Augustine with the goal of inspiring compassion and diversity in their community. The Bat Mitzvah’s greatest passion is for animals and she hopes to become a zoologist or veterinarian some day.

Julia DeBardeleben, daughter of Jennie and Jon DeBardeleben, will be called to the Torah on the occasion of her Bat Mitzvah, Saturday, Nov. 5th at the Jacksonville Jewish Center.

Sharing in the simcha will be her brother Josh, grandparents

Paula and Ken Horn of Jacksonville and Pat and Jim DeBardeleben of Memphis, Tenn., in addition to many Julia DeBardeleben other friends and family. Julia is in the seventh grade at the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School, where she is on the honor roll. In her spare time, she enjoys acting in theater, reading, and spending time with her friends. For her mitzvah project she is collecting children’s books to donate to the Books-A-Go-Go charity.

Engagements

Jessica Kopp, daughter of Henry and Ellen Kopp, recently celebrated her engagement to Chris McCorkle, son of Kurt and Kathi McCorkle of Raleigh, N.C. The two will be married on Nov. 11, 2017 in Seattle, Wash.

Weddings

Debra Mizrahi and Benny Smith were married Sunday, Sept. 4th, in Los Angeles. The bride is the daughter of Jack and Nancy Mizrahi of Jacksonville and graduated from the University of Maryland and from Teachers College at Columbia University with a Masters in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She works as a SpeechMizrahi and Smith Language Pathologist-CFY with Innovative SLP in L.A. The groom is the son of Susan Fink and Robert Smith of Los Angeles and graduated from Yeshiva University, he now works with Fraser Financial Group in L.A.

Accomplishments

Sarah Fraden has been promoted to Associate Campus Dean at Strayer University.

Fraden has been with the school for eight years and holds a Master’s in Education from Strayer University in addition to a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from University of Central Florida.

Fraden is an active community volunteer, donating time to the Temple 20’s and Sarah Fraden 30’s, where she serves as President, and is a member of the Congregation Ahavath Chesed Board of Trustees. She is a past Chair of the Jacksonville Jewish Food Festival, is a member of the Jacksonville Jaycees, and is a passionate animal advocate, volunteering for the IMPS-Min Pin Rescue. Fraden is the daughter of Sher Alloway and Andy Fraden.

Milestones

Martin and Miriam Kaufman celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, Oct. 14th with family and friends. The couple was married on that date in 1956 in Newark, N.J. The

Kaufmans have three children; Richard (Beth) from Cooper City, David (Sherry) of Jacksonville, and Linda Levin (David) of The Kaufmans Jacksonville, and are blessed with seven grandchildren.

Sympathies

… To the family of Justin Clevette, who passed away Friday, Sept. 23rd. He is survived by his mother, Cheril Clevette, brother Andrew Clevette, grandparents Pamela and Allan Kleinfeld, in addition to aunts Cori Kleinfeld, Rachel Gibbs, and Kristen Stephanofsky. A graveside funeral service was held Sept. 27th at the New Center Cemetery in Jacksonville. Contributions in Justin Clevette’s memory may be directed to the ASPCA. … To the family of Paulette Schotz Wolff, who passed away Friday, Sept. 30th in Pompton Plains, N.J. She is survived by her daughters Barbara (Eliot) Safer, Patty (Howie) Ritt and Susan (Peter) Diamond, grandchildren Morry (Rachel) Safer, Mathew (Dede) Safer, Jake Ritt, Marc Ritt, Martin Diamond, Raney Diamond and two greatgrandchildren. Funeral services were held Oct. 2nd in New Jersey. Contributions in Paulette Wolff’s memory may be made to the Marilyn & Louis Safer Shabbaton fund at the Jacksonville Jewish Center or Ceder Crest Jewish Council in Pompton Plains, N.J. … To the family of Dorothy ‘Bobbie’ Jacobson, who passed away Wednesday, Oct. 12th.

She is survived by her children Arlene Jacobson, Judy Jacobson and Adam Jacobson, a brother Samuel Greenbaum and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Oct. 14th at the Evergreen Cemetery in Jacksonville with Rabbi Perra officiating. Shiva was held at Etz Chaim Synagogue on Oct. 14th and 16th. Contributions in Bobbie Jacobsen’s memory may be made to the Jacksonville Jewish Center. … To the family of Leon ‘Lee’ Stone, who passed away Monday, Oct. 17th at the age of 85.

He is survived by his wife Ann Stone, children Linda Poquette, David Stone, stepchildren Pearl Lunney, Philip Cohen, Brian Cohen and Stuart Cohen and 19 grandchildren. Graveside funeral services were held Oct. 19th at King David Gardens at Greenlawn Cemetery. Shiva was held at the Stone home, Oct. 19th and the 20th. The family requests that donations in memory of Lee Stone be made to Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple), River Garden or Community Hospice of Northeast Florida. … To the family of Phillip M. Berman, who passed away Wednesday, Oct. 19th at the age of 87. He is survived by his wife Ruth, daughters Nancy (Gary) Perlman, Margery and Susan, and grandchildren Andrew and Amy Perlman. Funeral services were held Oct. 21st in New Jersey. Donations in Philip Berman’s memory can be made to Jespy Endowment Fund. … To the family of James ‘Jim’ Grinnan, who passed away Thursday, Oct. 20th at the age of 88. He is survived

by his wife Mary Sue Grinnan, children, Allan (Mindy) Grinnan, Mary Ann Grinnan, Glenn Grinnan and grandchildren Jennifer, Matthew, Eric, Emily, Joe, Katie and John. A memorial service was held Oct. 31st at the South Jacksonville Presbyterian Church. Shiva was held Nov. 1st at the home of Allan and Mindy Grinnan. The family requests that donations in memory of James Grinnan be made to South Jacksonville Presbyterian Church or Community Hospice of NE Florida.

To submit an item for life cycles, please email it to jjn@ jewishjacksonville.org. Due date is the 6th of the month.

For guidelines of how to write Bar/Bat Mitzvah, wedding or obituary announcements, go to jewishjacksonville.org/

… To the family of Dr. Fred Eaglstein, who passed away Friday, Oct. 21st. He is survived by his wife, Sue, children, Mitch, and Brett (Dr. Emily), brother, Bill (Janet) and sister, Eileen Cohen. A graveside service took place Oct. 26th at the New Center Cemetery in Jacksonville. Contributions in Fred Eaglstein’s memory may be directed to the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville or River Garden.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2016

JEWISH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE

JCA looking for athletes to send to 2017 JCC Maccabi Games in Alabama

BY IMAN BYFIELD

Jewish Community Alliance

The 2017 JCC Maccabi Games will take place in Birmingham, Ala. from July 30th – Aug. 4th and the Jewish Community Alliance invites Jewish teens, ages 13 – 16, to participate in a week of Olympic-style sports competition, social activities and Judaic programming.

Each year, the Jewish Community Alliance gathers gifted, The JCA team put on a strong performance, taking home numerous medyoung, Jewish athletes from als in various sports during the 2016 JCC Maccabi Games in St. Louis across Jacksonville to join teens

from other JCCs from across the world for the JCC Maccabi Games, sponsored by the JCC Association of North America, Maccabi World Union, Maccabi Canada and Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel. The mission of the games is to promote and foster healthy fitness practices and sportsmanship in Jewish teens while instilling Jewish values. The JCC Maccabi Games also offers young athletes the chance to gain rewarding and worthwhile experiences as they make friends and relationships to last a lifetime.

Youth athletes can choose those sports in which they would like to compete. The event offers participation in baseball, soccer, basketball, flag football, volleyball, dancing, tennis, swimming, golf, table tennis, track and field and star reporter. Those interested in joining the Jacksonville delegation should contact JCA Sports and Recreation Director Rio Robinson at 904-730 –2100, ext. 250 or rio.robinson@jcajax. org. If chosen to play, there will be a non-refundable deposit due

by Dec. 1st.

Save the date for JCA’s bright lights, big city 2017 fundraiser

By Jewish Community Alliance

Take a trip downtown, stand in the shadows of city lights, listen for the buzz of the taxi cabs, take in the scents of street food and other tempting assortments of culinary flavors and let yourself be enveloped by the Jewish Community Alliance’s 2017 annual fundraiser, ‘Bright Lights, Big City’. The event will transport you out of Jacksonville and into an all-encompassing experience that will tantalize the senses. Delicious food and cocktails and an extraordinary array of entertainment will bring a bright light and big city vibe to the JCA, Saturday, Feb. 25th, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.

Honorary chairs of this year’s event are the Block Family and the committee has already kicked off planning for the festivities with members Sharon Bloom, Nicole Brown, Mary Edwards, Sue Elinoff, Adam Frisch, Pat Frisch, Sierra Frisch, Allison Jacobs,

Jane Levine, Jan Lipsky, Glenn Miller, Michael Miller, Monique Miller, Debbie Parker, Kim Robbins, Jeanine Rogozinski, Ellen Rosner, Ryan Saltz, Shari Saye, Fran Selevan, Rebekah Selevan, Allison Korman Shelton, Kimberly Sisisky, Linda Stein, Randee Steinberg, Michele Steinfeld, Rochelle Stoddard, Alison Trager, Brent Trager, Jeff Wiener, Stacie Wilf, David Wolf and Chase Zimmerman.

The JCA’s annual fundraiser benefits many JCA programs,

including senior activities, preschool, after-school care and camp tuitions for families in need. Last year, the JCA awarded more than $330,000 in scholarships for children, families and senior adults. Sponsorships and ticket sales are crucial to the success of this event. For more information regarding tickets or sponsorship opportunities for the event, please contact Lior Spring at 904-730-2100, ext. 318 or lior. spring@jcajax.org.

The theme of the 2016 JCA Fundraiser was the 1970s and ‘Let’s Boogie’

Jewish community alliance HAPPENINGS Nov. 2016 Tishrei/ Cheshvan 5777

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

From Oct. 27 – Nov. 26th, Mac Truque presents his eclectic body of work which is influenced by early American illustrators and the abstract expressionism of the 1960s.

Glenn Miller Movies

On Wednesday, Nov. 9th at 12 p.m., enjoy a double feature of ‘Orchestra Wives’ and ‘Sun Valley Serenade’. The fee is $6 and $3 for JCA valued members. Advance registration is always appreciated.

Sass N Brass

This musical duo returns Wednesday, Nov. 16th at 1:30 p.m., for another fabulous performance that is sure to please the music lover in all of us. The fee is $8, however JCA valued members are free. Advance registration is always appreciated.

Tikkun Olam Project Habitat for Humanity

In the spirit of repairing the world, join our volunteer project and create a home for a Jacksonville family in need, Sunday, Dec. 4th. Contact 904-730-2100, ext.

239 for more information. Registration is required by Nov. 29th.

This event is free and open to all members of the community.

JCafé Movie Morning

On Sunday, Nov. 13th from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., bring your preschool-age children for a family friendly movie, snack and activity while you attend the opening of the Jacksonville Jewish Film Festival. The fee is $15 per family and $10 for JCA valued members. JJFF tickets are sold separately.

Family Mitzvah Project

This Veteran’s Day partake in Tikkun Olam and give your time, effort and resources to help those in need. Visit River Garden Hebrew Home and participate in a local cleanup project on Friday, Nov. 11th from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

This event is free and open to the community.

Family Movie Night Join us for snacks, fun and a screening of ‘Finding Nemo’,

Saturday, Nov. 19th at 6:30 p.m.

The fee is $10 per family and JCA valued members are free. Reservations are required by Nov. 18th.

Rio at 904-730-2100, ext. 250 for more information.

Winter Break JCation Days

This winter break, youth in grades K – 6 can join the JCA Youth Services Department for an American Road Trip from Dec. 23rd – Jan. 6th. Visit jcajax.org/youth for information and to register.

Learn the fundamentals of Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in a fun, structured class that focuses on self-defense, discipline and respect. This class is held Mondays, Nov. 7th through the 28th from 5:15 – 6:05 p.m. The fee is $90 and $60 for JCA valued members.

JCA Tennis

Youth Fencing

The JCA has tennis clinics and private lessons for youth and adults. For information, contact Reggie at 904-730-2100, ext. 317.

JCA Swim Programs

JCA’s Learn to Swim programs, along with the JCA School Year and JV swim teams have sessions beginning in November. Contact

Youth Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

The JCA offers fencing lessons for youth, ages 7 – 13, Sundays, Nov. 6th through Dec. 18th from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. The fee is $158 and $105 for JCA valued members.

Premier Soccer Clinic This clinic, for intermediate to advanced players, ages 4 – 12, is held Sundays, Nov. 13th through

JEWISH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE 2016-17 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $196,000

Dec. 18th. The fee is $90 and $60 for JCA valued members. For information, call 904-730-2100, ext. 250.

Red Cross CPR Certification

Professional rescuers can get CPR/AED certified in this course, Sunday, Nov. 13th from 1 – 6 p.m.

The fee is $105 and $70 for JCA valued members.

Babysitter Training Course

In this one-day class on Friday, Nov. 11th from 9 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., learn to prepare for an emergency if home alone or babysitting.

Valuable safety tips, basic CPR and first aid will be reviewed. For ages 10 – 15. The fee is $75 and $50 for JCA valued members.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2016

JEWISH FAMILY and COMMUNITY SERVICES Briefs

JFCS finalizes plans for new home on Baycenter Rd.

By Jewish Family & Community Services

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.

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

JFCS is now using a Lyft product called Concierge, which allows JFCS to arrange rides on behalf of its clients, including the ability to schedule rides up to a week in advance.

Lyft has also partnered with GreatCall, a senior focused cell phone company, which will help seniors use Lyft without having to navigate the smart phone app. Anyone using a Jitterbug phone can now simply press ‘0’ and arrange a ride with the company. To learn more or schedule rides, please call Whitney Kuvin at 904660-9268.

Jewish Healing Network

Become a Jewish Healing Network Volunteer at JFCS and help us fulfill the mitzvah of Bikkur Cholim. Volunteers are needed 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.

Jewish Family & Community Services is excited to announce that it signed closing documents in late September for its new home. In its largest community investment to date, JFCS purchased a 30,000 square foot building, at 8540 Baycenter Rd. The agency’s new home will house the Jewish Services Department, PJ Library and resources center, children’s services, adoption programs, financial assistance, counseling, the Dupont Counseling Group and JFCS Administrative offices. Several meaningful and valuable additions will include a Holocaust Survivors’ Memorial and Jewish Community Exhibit within the building’s main entrance, along with a children’s garden, a private entrance for counseling clients, an

agency conference and training room, in addition to an indoor/outdoor staff break room.

Because of the agency’s recent growth across multiple departments, JFCS will renovate its existing building at 6261 Dupont Station Ct., housing an enlarged Max Block Food Pantry, a spacious clothing closet, a financial assistance office, safe family visitation spaces, and training rooms. Many thanks go out to JFCS’ ‘Volunteers of the Year’, Lanny Felder, Sid Ansbacher, and Marc Angelo, who were instrumental in helping select the right building. Several dedicatory naming opportunities still exist within both buildings, so if you are interested in investing in the community and leaving a legacy that matters, please contact Kathy Wohlhuter at 904394-5727.

Crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s on the building’s official paperwork

EverBank Field to host JFCS to hold its Pajama JFCS’ 100th anniversary Mama Party in December celebration

By Jewish Family & Community Services

Occasions this big only come around once in a century, so with that in mind, JFCS is excited to announce that it will be holding its 100th anniversary celebration at EverBank Field, on the evening

of Saturday, April 1st, 2017. The community is welcomed to join in on the celebration of this momentous occasion and the renewing of JFCS’ commitment to the community through 100 Years of Service to Northeast Florida. More details of this most special event will be available very soon.

By Jewish Family & Community Services

JFCS will be holding a ‘Pajama Mama Party Mom’s night out’ to be held at a PJ Mom’s house that will include making

no-sew blankets for JFCS kids, while drinking wine, noshing, and gabbing. The event is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 8th at 7:30 p.m. For more information or to RSVP Contact Whitney Kuvin at wkuvin@jfcsjax.org.

JFCS rallies for its cherished partner, the United Way of NE Florida

By Jewish Family & Community Services

Jewish Family & Community Services is proud of its partnership with the United Way of Northeast Florida and its standing as a charter member of the United Way, joining it when it was established in 1924. JFCS continues its strong

JFCS staff wore their PJ’s to work to raise money for the United Way Rally

partnership with United Way in their support of the Achievers for Life program to provide educational support to middle school students who are risk of dropping out of school. Jewish Family & Community Services kicked off its annual United Way campaign in early October. Last month, JFCS staff participated in many fundraising activities to help raise money to support United Way’s yearly community fundraising campaign.

JFCS’ Dept. of Jewish JFCS’ Max Block Food Services receives special Pantry will be open five music and memory grant days a week following the Hurricane

By Jewish Family & Community Services

JFCS’ Department of Jewish Services received a grant from Music & Memory,-a non-profit organization that brings personalized music into the lives of the elderly or infirm through digital music technology, vastly improving their quality of life.

Through the grant and a matching donation, 40 JFCS clients

will be receiving iPods filled with tailored music. Care Management staff also completed a Music & Memory certification training that helped them understand the therapeutic values of music and how it can improve the quality of life for their clients. Musical favorites tap into deep memories, enabling older adults to feel like themselves again, to converse, socialize and stay present in the moment.

By Jewish Family & Community Services

In response to Hurricane Matthew, Jewish family & Community Services’ Max Block Food Pantry will be open five days a week to serve those in need following the prolonged power loss that many residents in Northeast Florida and Duval County endured.

Voices of the Second Gen collaborates with FSCJ students for a special multimedia presentation

By Jewish Family & Community Services

The community is invited to come to FSCJ’s Wilson Center for Performing Arts as second generation Holocaust survivors share selected essays from their JFCS writers’ workshop in collaboration with FSCJ students. ‘Voices of the Second Gen’ will be held at

2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13th, as well as 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14th, so be sure to make your reservations now for this remarkable program.

The three million Holocaust survivors remaining after the war had to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives as displaced and stateless persons. The war did not end when the concentration camps’ gates were forced open, so what happened to these prisoners

and hidden souls as they eventually became immigrants in foreign lands with unknown futures?

They had to start again.

Some never recovered, while some married and some even had children. ‘Voices of the Second Gen’ explores experiences of the children who grew up with the weight of the Holocaust woven into their lives. This creative multimedia program is the first of

its kind in partnership with JFCS’s writers workshops, ‘Searching for Identity’ and the MOSH ‘Voices of Hope Initiative’ in association with the upcoming exhibit, ‘Anne Frank: A History for Today.’ Please call JFCS’ Stephanie Goldstein at 904-394-5737 or email her at sgoldstein@jfcsjax.org to reserve your seats for this very special program.

JEWISH FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES 2016-17 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $279,000

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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2016

JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA

JCF’s Endowments Quiz Be sure to test Your Knowledge of the Jewish Community Foundation of Northeast Florida 1) What is an endowment gift?

A. Those chocolate coins you get during Chanukah B) A gift that will live on forever C) A gift that provides a stream of income, in perpetuity or for a term of years to your favorite charity or temple or synagogue D) A gift you get when you find the afikomen E) B and C F) A and B 2) Why do people make endowment gifts?

A) To sustain the future of our Jewish community B) To honor or memorialize a loved one C) To continue the good work they have supported all their lives D) To choose where their dollars go so that others or the government doesn’t decide for them E) To pass on their values to future generations F) All of the above 3) The most common vehicle used to leave assets to the JCF to establish an endowment fund is...

A) Rolls-Royce B) Maserati C) Will D) Harley 4) Why should you establish an endowment with the JCF?: A) To sustain those Jewish organizations that mean a great deal to you B) Because we can handle all of your charitable giving both Jewish and secular C) Our state of the art on-line fund access D) Jews support Jewish organizations, synagogues day schools and programs.

E) All of the above 5) To establish an endowment gift with the JCF you need to be A) Warren Buffett B) Bill Gates C) Really rich D) A person who cares about the Jewish community 6) Donors who start endowment funds with the JCF are …

A) More than 70 years old B) Long-time members of synagogues and supporters of the Federations and other Jewish agencies C) Young people with families D) People who have never before given annual gifts but want to leave a legacy

Jeff Klein to present at a pair of General Assembly FEDovations sessions in D.C.

By Jewish Community Foundation

Jewish Community Foundation of Northeast Florida executive director, Jeff Klein will present at this year’s General Assembly, which is one of the largest national Jewish gatherings. The GA is where more than 3,000 lay and professionals associated with Jewish Federations, Jewish Community Foundations

and other Jewish organizations convene to discuss engagement and philanthropy.

This year’s event will be held in November in Washington D.C. and Klein will focus his FEDovation talk on Jacksonville’s successful Professional Advisory Committee trip to Israel this past summer entitled, ‘It would have been enough, Dayenu, Our Professional Advisory journey

to Israel’. Presented in a TED style format, this year’s Fedovations will focus on nine topics from successful responses to Multi- Gen Family engagement to engaging millennials in volunteerism. Klein will present during two sessions focusing on innovative endowments and planned giving Initiatives in addition to securing gifts and donors.

MONEY MATTERS JCF unveils its new grants program

By JEFF KLEIN, Executive Director

E) All of the above – plus many others 7) What are some common ways you can establish an endowment through your estate?

A) With an outright gift of cash or appreciated assets such as stocks or Israel Bonds B) By putting a charitable bequest in your Will or trust for a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate or a particular asset C) By purchasing a new life insurance policy or contributing a paid-up policy D) By naming the JCF as the beneficiary of your IRA or other retirement plan E) All of the above 8) What are endowment gifts for?

A) To perpetuate your gift to the Federation annual campaign B) To fund programs in an area closest to your heart – like Israel, Jewish education or caring for the elderly C) To make gifts to multiple organizations you supported throughout your lifetime D) All of the above

By Jewish Community Foundation

The Jewish Community Foundation of Northeast Florida, Inc. has rolled out a new grants program.

JCF President Sue Nussbaum, M.D., noted that the JCF Board has mandated a grants program as part of its strategic planning process that was completed in the spring of 2015.

Funding for the grants came from generous members of the Foundation’s board and staff who made individual contributions. Nussbaum also noted that the JCF has had individuals who have left small bequests to the JCF and other miscellaneous donations, which have been deposited into the JCF Grants fund.

Finally, a very generous family, has established the David A. Kossak and R. Courtney Gullet Endowment Fund that is specifically designated for grant making.

Ellen Rosner, Chair of the JCF Grants Committee was assisted in reviewing 18 grant proposals by five community members, includ-

The 2016-17 JCF Grants Committee during a recent meeting this fall ing Alex Ackerman, Caren Appel, Adam Marmelstein, Sue Nussbaum MD and Erin Rogozinski Weintraub Esq. Grantees which had to be 501(c)(3) non-profits or synagogues had specific guidelines to follow, which had been approved by the JCF board and communicated with those organizations interested in submitting a proposal. Part of the stated criteria was that that the program or services, needed to be something new and innovative or an enhancement to an existing

program.

The committee recommended and the JCF board approved funding for 10 grant proposals totaling a little more than $18,000. Please see the ad on page no. 31 for more information on JCF’s grant awards.

Grant requests totaled more than $60,000. A second grants deadline has been set for March 31, 2017.

Details will be available after Dec. 1st on the new JCF web site at jcfnefl.org or by calling the JCF offices at 904-652-2122.

9) The best time to plan your endowment gift is _______ A) Next year B) Never C) Now (Answers:1-e;2-f;3-c;4-e;5-d;6e;7-e;8-d;9-c) If you got all of the answers correct, then congratulations but if not and you want to learn more about the questions or any of the endowment vehicles mentioned in the quiz, please contact Jeff Klein, JCF Executive Director at 904-652-2122 or jeff.klein@ jewishfoundationnefl.org.

JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA 2016-17 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $83,560

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RIVER GARDEN SENIOR SERVICES

RIVER GARDEN 2016-17 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $184,000

Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2016

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www.jewishjacksonville.org

Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2016

community news

The Jewish Federation of Jacksonville thanks you for your support!

We appreciate our donors and want to express this each month in the Jacksonville Jewish News. Thank you to the following donors who have made a commitment to support our 2016-17 Federation Annual Campaign as of October 1, 2016.

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abel Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Ackerman Ms. Barbara Ames Mr. and Mrs. Allan Andrew Mr. and Mrs. Henry Arnold Ms. Sara August Mr. and Mrs. David Bailys Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Bannon Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Barkowitz Dr. and Mrs. Harold Baumgarten Mr. and Mrs. Jean Benjamin Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Bennett Mr. and Mrs. Odell Bennett Mr. and Mrs. Larry Bernard Mrs. Adrienne Biber Mr. and Mrs. Larry Blaustein Ms. Stacey Blum Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Board Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bossen Mr. Wiatt Bowers Mr. and Mrs. James Brady Ms. Michelle Branly Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Breault Mrs. Ruchel Broadman Dr. and Mrs. Andy Brown Drs. Robert and Suzanne Bryskin Mrs. Felice Caliestro Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Chait Ms. Miriam Chefer Mr. and Mrs. Allan Cheiken Mr. and Mrs. Alan Chepenik Dr. Colleen Bell and Mr. Craig Cherrin Ms. Carol Cohane Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Cohen Ms. Joanne Cohen Mrs. Lisa Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Perry Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Meir Cohen Dr. and Mrs. Donald Cohen Ms. Cheryl Covitz Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Datz Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Datz Drs. Leo and Joanne Davis Mr. and Mrs. Jim De Arman Ms. Angela Deese-Theobald Mr. and Mrs. Martin Edwards Ms. Gloria Einstein Mr. and Mrs. Jack Eisenberg Mr. and Mrs. Michael Elkin Dr. and Mrs. Mark Emas Ms. Arlene Faracchio Rabbi and Mrs. Avi Feigenbaum Ms. Harriet Feinglass Dr. and Mrs. Neil Feinglass Mr. and Mrs. Brian Feldman Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Feldman Ms. Etta Fialkow Mr. and Mrs. Neal Finkelstein Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Fischer Mr. Dave Flagler Mr. Matt Flagler Mr. and Mrs. Martin Flamm Mr. and Mrs. Michael Fleet Ms. Kaitlin Flynn Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon Fox Ms. Ariel Frechtman Mrs. Marilyn Freedman Dr. and Mrs. Michael Freeman Dr. and Mrs. Marc Freeman Judge Jerry Funk Ms. Elaine Furman Mr. and Mrs. Paul Furman Mr. and Mrs. Simon Garwood Mr. Victor Gaukhman Mr. and Mrs. Larry Geller Judge and Mrs. Marvin Gillman Mr. Peter Levy and Ms. Kim Glasgal Mr. and Mrs. Martin Goetz Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Goldberg Mr. David Golding and Ms. Leslie Carmel Mr. Harvey Goldstein Ms. Janet Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. David Goodman Mr. and Mrs. Alan Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Jarzyna Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Gottlieb Mr. and Mrs. Chris Gould Dr. and Mrs. Alvin Green Dr. Mickey Greenfield Ms. Gari Greenwald Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Arnold Mrs. Dolly Grunthal Dr. and Mrs. Jesse Halpern Mrs. Cynthia Handmaker Mr. and Mrs. Alan Harrison Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hayflick Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hedrick Mrs. Leslie Held Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Herman Ms. Dena Heyman Mr. and Mrs. Jay Holiday Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Holzer Hazzan and Mrs. Jesse Holzer Mrs. Nancy Honig Mrs. Wendy Honigman Ms. Sheila Horowitz Ms. Helene Isolica Mr. and Mrs. Ted Jackrel

Mr. Marc Jackson and Ms. Ann Tiefenthaler Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Jacobs Ms. Gail Jarrett Mr. and Mrs. Jamie Jolles Dr. Edward Joseph Ms. Sharon Juhasz Mr. and Mrs. Alan Kagan Mr. Jeffry Wollitz and Ms. Randy Kammer Dr. and Mrs. Robert Kanner Ms. Libby Katz Mr. and Mrs. Manfred Katz Mr. Robert Kaye Mrs. Barbara Kazin Ms. Sharon Kesler Mr. and Mrs. Rudolf Kigel Mr. and Mrs. David Kight Mr. and Mrs. Gil Kleiner Mr. and Mrs. Myron Kodner Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kornhauser Mr. and Mrs. Eric Korzyniowski Dr. and Mrs. Alan Krantz Mrs. Carolyn Krestul Mr. and Mrs. Martin Kulchin Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Kurtz Dr. and Mrs. Ron Kushner Dr. and Mrs. Dennis Lafer Mr. and Mrs. Eric Land Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Langer Mr. and Mrs. James Lawson Mrs. Naomi Lazar Ms. Jean Lebowitz and Ms. Thelma Lebowitz Mrs. Dorothy Legum Mr. and Mrs. Stephan Leimberg Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Levine Ms. Stefanie Levine Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Lewis Mr. Tyler Curl and Ms. Jessica Ligator Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lissner Mr. and Mrs. Herman Lodinger Dr. David Loeb Ms. Maigret Loureiro Ms. Joanne Lowell Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner and Mrs. Susan Lubliner Ms. Stephanie Majeskey Mrs. Ilana Manasse Mr. and Mrs. Alan Margolies Dr. and Mrs. Alan Marks Ms. Caroline Marks Mr Howard Capland and Ms Jeanne Maron Dr. Ronald Mars Mr. Ben Marsh Mrs. Deinya Mautz Mrs. Hilda Mazo Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Meisel Mr. and Mrs. Paul Metlin Alexandra Miller Bequest Mr. Daniel Miller and Ms. Lior Spring Mr. and Mrs. Ruben Mirensky Dr. and Mrs. Jon Mitzmacher Mr. and Mrs. Alan Mizrahi Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Montagna Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Morris Dr. and Mrs. Peter Natale Mr. and Mrs. Lon Neuman Mr. and Mrs. William Newman Mr. and Mrs. Robert Nied Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Nykerk Mr. Andrew Ocean Mr. and Mrs. Jais Ohayon Mr. and Mrs. Moshe Ohayon Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Olesker Mr. and Ms. Albert Osborne Ms. Marilyn Pagano Mr. Michael Pallen Mr. and Mrs. Brian Pargman Mr. and Mrs. Mark Penson Mrs. Sophia Pentel Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Perin Mr. and Mrs. Donald Perlin Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Persky Mr. and Mrs. Eric Pinnar Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Plotkin Mr. and Mrs. Jay Plotkin Mr. and Mrs. Richard Plotkin Dr. Judy and Mr. Ronel Poppell Mr. and Mrs. Steven Porter Mrs. Phyllis Portnoy Mr. and Mrs. Fred Pozin Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Priddle Ms. Terri Quint Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Raudt Mr. Edward Witlen and Ms. Marie Reitzes Mr. and Mrs. Harold Reiz Ms. Sondra Resnikoff Mrs. Marian Rice Mr. and Mrs. Matt Rickoff Dr. and Mrs. Harris Rittenberg Dr. and Mrs. Chaim Rogozinski Ms. Margaret Rose Mr. William Rose Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Rosen Mr. and Mrs. Alan Rosner Mr. and Mrs. Marc Rotenberg Mrs. Sandi Roth

Ms. Nan Rothstein Mr. and Mrs. David Saag Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Sachs Mrs. Carol Sack Ms. Daryl Sadowsky Ms. Jill Sadowsky Ms. Bess Saliman Mr. and Mrs. Neil Sandler Mr. and Mrs. Mark Saye Ms. Amy Schemer Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Schemer Mrs. Shirley Schemer Mr. and Mrs. William Schemer Judy and Robert Schnitzer Mr. Zachary Schwartz Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Seebol Mr. Alan Selmanoff Dr. and Mrs. Robert Selwitz Mr. and Mrs. Alan Setzer Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Shacter Mr. and Mrs. Robert Shafer Mr. and Mrs. Joel Shapiro Rabbi and Mrs. Rick Shapiro Mr Harry Shmunes Mr. and Mrs. David Shuman Ms. Elaine Silver Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Simms Mrs. Julie Simon Ms. Laurie Smirl Ms. Dianna Smith Mr. and Mrs. Eric Smith Drs. Todd and Catherine Snowden Mr. and Mrs. Eugolio Soliven Mrs. Carole Solomon Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Solomon Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Spill Mr. and Mrs. Murray Stern Ms. Adele Stewart Mrs. Bernice Stone Mr. and Mrs. Leon Stone Mr. George Strumlauf Mrs. Marilyn Tanney Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Tavill Rabbi and Mrs. Howard Tilman Mr. and Mrs. Marty Trachtenberg The Trager Family Mr. and Mrs. Brent Trager Mr. and Mrs. Izrail Turovskiy Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Ullmann Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Van Mrs. Dot Verstandig Ms. Sharon Voiron Mr. and Mrs. Vladimir Voloshin Mr. and Mrs. Ilan Wajsman Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Weihnacht Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Weiner Mrs. Margie Weinstein Ms. Rachel Weinstein Mrs. Renee Weinstein Mr. Daniel Weinstock Mr. Mitchell Weiss and Mrs. Gale Cohen-Weiss Mr. Jeff Wiener Mrs. Linda Wilkinson Mr. and Mrs. Skip Willbach Mr. and Mrs. Irwin Witt Mrs. Carole Wolpin Mrs. Elsie Yellin Mr. and Mrs. Donald Young Dr. and Mrs. Larry Young Mrs. Barbara Zimmerman Mr. Sandy Zimmerman

River Garden’s annual Gala to be full of Pure Imagination, Nov. 12th

BY KATHY OSTERER Chief Development Officer

The River Garden Foundation invites you to hold your breath, make a wish, count to three and come into a world of Pure Imagination at the 24th River Garden Gala, which will be held Saturday, Nov. 12th at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra. Sponsored by SunTrust Bank, a sweet evening is guaranteed starting with cocktails and the renowned silent auction. Mobile bidding will also be added to the auction this year and dinner coupled with outstanding entertainment from one of Atlanta’s hottest bands - Anita and the Party Band will make the night fly away.

River Garden is delighted that Jackie and Stephen Goldman are chairing the amazing Gala committee. Jackie is originally from Long Island and along with volunteering and raising her family, she is also the owner of, Puzzles Plus, Inc. Her business success has been recognized by Parents Magazine, Ellen DeGeneres and others. Stephen, a native of Jacksonville has strong family ties to the community as his grandparents, Henrietta and Bill Goldman, were active volunteers at River Garden. When Stephen was just six-years old, his grandparents would take him to the Hebrew Home to play cards with the residents. Stephen, is a SVP and Sr. Commercial Banker with Bank of America Merrill Lynch, providing commercial and investment banking services to large private and publicly traded companies.

Stephen and Jackie have two grown sons, Andrew and Alec.

River Garden is especially grateful to SunTrust Bank for Presenting Sponsorship for the seventh year. “SunTrust is proud to support River Garden and serve

In 2016, the River Garden Gala will be celebrating 24 years in the Jacksonville Jewish community

once again as Presenting Sponsor of the River Garden Gala,” said Brian Parks, Jacksonville/North Florida Region President. “We share River Garden’s commitment to the community and dedication to providing clients with outstanding service and care, and thank you for your support of the important work this organization does in the Jacksonville area.”

The Gala is the Foundation’s major annual fundraising event in support of River Garden’s mission to serve the community with caring and excellence. The philanthropic support of caring friends and members of the community is essential to the success of the home. Sponsorship levels range from $1,000 to $20,000.

Individual ticket prices begin at $250 and there is a special Junior Patron price of $175 for the 40 and younger crowd. For more information or reservations, call Kathy Osterer at 904-886-8430 or e-mail kosterer@rivergarden.org.

Reservations can be made directly on line at rivergarden.org/donate.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2016

synagogue news

Jacksonville Jewish Center’s Operation Isaiah gets into high gear for high holy days

By Jewish Community Alliance

The Jacksonville Jewish Center just completed its annual Operation Isaiah High Holiday food drive, which is an on-going yearround program but is accelerated during the High Holy Days. The Center would like to thank its congregants, the children and parents of the Galinsky Academy,

The Jacksonville Jewish Center’s hallways were filled with food donations

Klezmer concert coming to Temple Bet Yam, November 5th

BY JACKIE WITT Temple Bet Yam

St. Augustine’s Temple Bet Yam will host a special Klezmer concert, Saturday, Nov. 5th at 7 p.m., featuring Joseph and Lynn Goldovitz, Jacob Goldberger and Ray Guiser. Klezmer originated in the shtetles and ghettos of Eastern Europe where it was performed at weddings (like in Fiddler on the Roof) and holiday celebrations. Today’s Klezmer, influenced early on by its Eastern European roots, gypsy, and Balkan music, now also reflects American jazz and Israeli sounds and uses a variety of musical instruments. The music continues to not only elicit a whole gamut of emotions but reminds many of their Jewish history.

The Goldovitz’s greatest influence has been the music and teachings of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, and they have played at Klezmer Festivals in Safed, Israel, at the Jewish Renaissance Foundation in Princeton, N.J., as well as locally and around the

US. Their repertoire includes numerous traditional pieces, and its fusion with other forms of music including jazz and popular.

While continuing as performers, they are also Cantorial Soloists for Congregation Sinai in Clermont/Minneola, Fla. Goldberger has been a musician since his early years in Israel and has performed in New York, with the Gulf Coast Symphony, in addition to a quartet at the International Klezmer Festival in Safed, Israel.

Throughout his life, Goldberger has had a lifelong enjoyment of classic Klezmer music styles and has developed an extensive repertoire of traditional melodies, combined with a fluid ability to utilize improvisation. He continues to perform regularly with the Gulf Coast Symphony and as the clarinetist for a Klezmer ensemble throughout Florida.

Guiser, a renowned saxophonist, reflects the influence of American jazz on Klezmer.

He began his professional life performing with elite jazz en-

which is comprised of the Martin J. Gottlieb School, the Bernard and Alice Selevan Religious School, the DuBow preschool, and Setzer Youth Education for their outstanding generosity in donating to our food drive.

Thanks to their efforts, more than 3,500 lbs. of food items were delivered to the Jewish Family & Community Services’ Max Block Food Pantry to be distributed to the many families in Jacksonville in need. The High Holy Day food drive gives everyone an opportu-

nity to engage in the mitzvah as a community to accept responsibility for the world we live in and to make it better.

The Center encourages everyone in the community to continue donating food and toiletry items to the Operation Isaiah food drive throughout the year. There are shopping carts in the lobby of the Center, which is located at 3662 Crown Point Rd., in Mandarin.

Beth El – The Beaches’ sisterhood puts on fall fashion show

By Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue

Just before fall hit Northeast Florida, Beth El – The Beaches Synagogue’s sisterhood in conjunction with Hadassah, put on a fashion show featuring sisterhood members wearing fashions by Petunia Patch ‘Fashion Express’. In addition to the fashion show, there was high tea including scones and a variety of finger sandwiches.

Everyone enjoyed the delicious food and seeing their friends strut their stuff out on the runway.

Saxophonist Ray Guiser

sembles and other bands of note in Washington, D.C. In addition to teaching woodwinds, he’s recorded with many top performers in the musical venues of jazz, classical, pop, and blues.

This one-of-a-kind concert will be held at the Synagogue, located at 2055 Wildwood Drive in St. Augustine and tickets are just $25 per person. Contact Carol Levy at 954-895-7732 for more information or to order tickets.

Paula Klausner walking the runway at Sisterhood’s Fashion Show

The Temple to host Rabbi Mark Levin as scholar in residence for weekend in November

BY RABBI RICK SHAPIRO Congregation Ahavath Chesed

Rabbi Mark Levin will be the Scholar-in-Residence at Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple) for the weekend of Nov. 11th – 13th. Rabbi Levin, whose book ‘Praying the Bible: Finding Personal Meaning in the Siddur, Ending Boredom, and Make Each Praying Experience Unique’ was recently published

by Jewish Lights Books, will be sharing his wonderful wisdom and unique presentation style at four programs over the course of the weekend.

Rabbi Levin’s presentations for the weekend will all focus around the subject of his newest book, which centers around the message of enabling everyone to enter the treasure-filled world of Jewish prayer. According to Rabbi Levin, “the siddur is an unlimited spiritual gold mine whose map has been has largely been lost to us,” and that “It is well worth investing a few hours to go for the gold and rediscover this lost approach to Jewish prayer.”

At Erev Shabbat services on Friday evening, Nov. 11th, Rabbi Levin will be speaking on the topic ‘Adon Olam: No Lexapro or Xanax Needed’. On Saturday, the 12th, he will be leading the regular Shabbat morning Torah Study discussion starting at 9 a.m., focusing on ‘The Hidden Siddur: Why The Rabbis Quoted The Bible in Prayer’, and following morning services, he will lead a special multi-media Lunch & Learn session entitled ‘The Medieval Haggadah: Opposing the Oppressor in Secret’. Finally, on Sunday morning, Rabbi Levin will be the guest speaker for the regular monthly Brotherhood Breakfast, where his topic will be ‘Why Pray the Standing Prayer, and What’s It Got To Do With Us

Rabbi Mark Levin

Today?’

Rabbi Levin was ordained from Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati in 1976, and received his Doctor of Hebrew Letters, as well as an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree, in 2001. Levin has been active throughout the Kansas City Jewish community since his arrival there following ordination, sitting on many Boards and committees serving the needs of the community and he is a nationally recognized expert in the areas of advocacy for equal rights and diversity. He has also served on the National Board and Executive Committee of ARZA, and currently is a member of International Executive Committee of Hiddush: For Religious Freedom and Equality and Israeli-based organization battling for the rights of the non-Orthodox streams of Judaism. Rabbi Levin is married to the former Kacy Childs-Winston and they continue to reside in Overland Park, a Kansas suburb of Kansas City, Mo., where he founded and served for 26 years as the Rabbi of Congregation Beth Torah following his twelve years at Congregation B’nai Jehudah.

All sessions are open to the public and exact times are available on the Temple’s website at thetemplejacksonville.org.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2016

synagogue news Israeli Fashion comes to Jacksonville The Temple to host yearly blessing of the animals Jewish Center Sisterhood

By Jacksonville Jewish Center Sisterhood

The Jacksonville Jewish Center Sisterhood kicks off November with its annual Paid-Up Membership event at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. Starting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 2nd, attendees will get an inside look into Israeli fashion with Talie Zaifert, a participant in the first industry specific JWRP trip with a focus on fashion. Those in the crowd will be introduced to

designers that were featured in a private fashion show event that was included in Tel Aviv fashion week and Zaifert has promised to share some of her favorite shopping highlights of her trip.

Whether traveling to Israel next month or even if a trip isn’t planned yet, guests will take home information on how to follow Israeli designers and support their businesses through online shopping. If interested in attending, you must be a paid up member of the Jacksonville

By Congregation Ahavath Chesed

Jewish Center Sisterhood, however you may pay your annual dues of $36.00 at the door. For more information please contact the Jacksonville Jewish Center at 904-292-1000.

Beth El – The Beaches congregants send prayer books to Croatian Temple

By Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue

Beth El – The Beaches Synagogue buried many of its no longer usable prayer books in September and as a mitzvah, Jerry and Sherry Chait sent 40 of these no longer used but still in good condition siddurim to Split, Croatia. Some of these books will remain there, while others will be sent to smaller communities in the area.

By Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue

Beth El – The Beaches Synagogue is scheduled to screen the film ‘Deli Man’ at its next member and guest mixer, scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 6th at 5 p.m.

There will be a wine and cheese social prior to the screening of the movie, which features Ziggy Gruber, a third generation delicatessen man and owner of the world-renowned deli, ‘Kenny and

Members of Beth El’s Sisterhood and Brotherhood polishing the silver in advance of the High Holy Days

By Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue

In preparation for the High Holy Days, Beth El – The Beaches Synagogue’s sisterhood devoted their time (and elbow grease) to polishing the silver on its Torahs, Kiddush cups, Shabbat candlesticks, and Havdallah set. The congregants of Beth El are very grateful for the work they did in the late summer, completing this task and some of the Synagogue’s brotherhood members even stepped up to help out as well. Special thanks goes out to Elaine Silver for organizing this wonderful mitzvah each year.

tion has made connection with First Coast No More Homeless Pets, a no-kill shelter located on Norwood Avenue, so with this in mind, congregants and the community are urged to bring donations for the care of the sheltered animals, including dry food for dogs and cats, blankets (no stuffing), gallon Ziploc bags, chew toys, leashes, food dishes, sheets, pillowcases, laundry detergent and paper towels.

Beth El students take part in a very special Siddur burial service

Deli Man film to be shown at Beth El’s next member and guest mixer

Beth El gets polished up for the High Holy Days

On Saturday, Nov. 5th, Jews around the world will read Parshat Noach and The Temple will host a Shabbat morning service to which all pet owners and their domesticated little ones (dogs and cats, no reptiles please) are invited to participate. Associate Rabbi Matt Cohen will lead the service during which he will acknowledge the important role pets play in many families and offer blessings for both the pets and their owners. Jessica Gross, Chair the event, promises a kiddish following services with human and pet treats.

WRJ Temple Sisterhood brought this idea to The Temple several years ago and the project has expanded with each passing year. Rebekah Barkowitz, Sisterhood’s Chair of Social Ac-

Ziggy’s’ in Houston, Texas, who is the central figure in this film.

The story of the American deli is the story of American Jews, their immigration, migration, upward mobility and western assimilation and the deli is the virtual epicenter of food, family, laughter and community. This program is open to the entire community, so for more information contact Gail Greenfield at gailsgreenfield@ hotmail.com or via phone at 904534-7381.

BY BETH BRENNER Education Director beth@bethelbeaches.org

Earlier this fall, Beth El – The Beaches Synagogue held a service for the burial of sacred objects, including prayer books and tallit. The seventh grade class of the Religious School attended and participated in this service. “It was kind of beautiful knowing that some of what we buried was more than 100 years old,” said student Joe Sinder of the experience. Beth El members of all generations enjoyed Seventh graders Beth El’s Religious the service and sacred practice.

School help to bury the prayerbooks at the service

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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2016

adult education November 2016 Tishrei/Cheshvan 5777 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

November 15th

Jewish Community Alliance (6 – 7 p.m.)

DIABETES AWARNESS MONTH WITH DR. ARCON-RIOS Join Dr. Sirlys Arcon-Rios from Baptist Endocrinology and learn about preventing type 2 diabetes and risk factors for this chronic condition. This is free and open to the community.

November 16th

Beth El-The Beaches Synagogue (7 p.m.)

FINDING G-D WITH RABBI MATUSON – A monthly program will be taught by Rabbi Matuson based on the book Finding G-d by Sonsino and Syme, which contains chapters on significant Jewish thinkers from Biblical times and moving through the Medieval era to the modern age. Thinkers such as Philo, Maimonides, Spinoza, Buber, Kaplan, Heschal, and Kushner attempt to answer questions including ‘What is G-d?’, ‘Is there more than one way to perceive of G-d?’, ‘How can we know G-d?’, and ‘Why do bad things

happen in the world?’ This class meets on the third Wednesday of each month through May, with no class in December. This course is free to Beth El members and $75 for non-members.

November 20th

Beth El-The Beaches Synagogue (9:30 - 10:30 a.m.)

DEALING WITH CHRISTMAS ENVY AT CHANUKAH - Presented by Hilary Rotenberg, MSW and co-sponsored by JFCS. Bagels and coffee will be provided prior to the program at 9 a.m.

November 29th

Jewish Community Alliance (6:30 – 7:30 p.m.)

WOMEN’S HEALTH - Join Baptist Health family physician Dr. Patricia McFall Calhoun to take steps to protect your health now and in the future. Enjoy refreshments and take home a small gift. This is free and open to the community.

Regular Events

Sundays

Etz Chaim Synagogue (after Shacharis) THE CHABURAH - The Chaburah is a text-based Talmud study learning program with an emphasis on practical Halacha.

After preparing the source materials with a learning partner, a brief synopsis and discussion is led by Dr. Elliott Rosenbaum. Hot coffee and pastries are served. For more information or to sponsor this event, please speak with Avi Smith or Jonathan Gross.

Jacksonville Jewish Center (9:15 – 10 a.m.)

ALEF BET HEBREW - Classes will be held weekly at the Jacksonville Jewish Center, beginning on Oct. 30th and are open to all.

Jacksonville Jewish Center (10:15 a.m. – 12 p.m.)

FOUNDATIONS OF JUDAISM - Classes are held at the JJC 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. Our second unit, taught by Rabbi Jim Rogozen, is called People of the Book(s) and will be held Oct. 9th, 16th and 30th.

Jewish Community Alliance (6 – 8 p.m.)

FENCING FOR ADULTS – Learn the fundamentals of fencing.

The fee is $210 and $140 for JCA valued members. Held from Nov. 16th – Jan. 18th.

Mondays

Jacksonville Jewish Center (Mornings following minyan) MINYAN MAPQUEST - Rabbi Lubliner takes us on a tour of Jewish cities, explaining history and current statistics of some well-known and not-so-wellknown Jewish communities in our country. Next class is scheduled for Oct. 10th.

Jacksonville Jewish Center (11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.)

SERVICE SKILLS - Basic reading skills are necessary, but participants will work together on fluency and prayer vocabulary as they get comfortable with the Center’s Shabbat and weekday services. Next class is scheduled

for Oct. 10th.

Jacksonville Jewish Center (7:15 p.m.)

TALMUD CLASS - Immediately following minyan, Rabbi Lubliner explores communal responses to crisis in tractate Ta’anit. Oct. 10th and 31st.

Jewish Community Alliance (6:15 – 7:15 p.m.)

GRACE BARRA BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU – Learn self-defense and increase cardio and muscular endurance in this quick-paced workout. The fee is $90 and $60 for JCA valued members. Held from Nov. 7th – 28th.

Tuesdays

Etz Chaim Synagogue (8 p.m.)

TALMUD STUDY - Learn the Talmud as you never have before with Rabbi Rabinowitz. The class will slowly and methodically study the sixth chapter of Tractate Brachos and delve into its many intricacies. Previous Talmud study is recommended but not required.

Jewish Community Alliance (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.)

POTTERY – This course teaches fundamentals of clay forming, hand building and wheel throwing. The fee is $162 and $108 for JCA valued members. Held from Nov. 1st – Dec. 6th.

Jewish Community Alliance (6:30 – 9 p.m.)

BLOCK PARTY: A PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP – Create personalized holiday stationary in this two-day introduction to single color relief print. The fee is $36 and $24 for JCA valued members. Held on Nov. 8th and 15th.

Wednesdays

Wants YOU to be a part of its growing advertising sales team!

The Jacksonville Jewish News is in search of a highly qualified, highly motivated sales representative to secure advertising on a monthly and yearly basis for the official publication of the Jacksonville Jewish community. Candidates should have 2-3 years of sales experience and be willing to work in assigned territories.

The Jacksonville Jewish News is a newspaper published monthly from August – May, with a Summer Magazine for the months of June and July. The JJN has a circulation of approximately 12,000, with three stands for pick up in and around Mandarin. This is a commission based, part-time position. Interested candidates should e-mail their resume to JJN editor Matt Franzblau at mattf@jewishjacksonville.org, no later than Dec. 15th.

Congregation Ahavath Chesed (7:30 a.m.)

PIRKEI AVOT - (Ethics of the Fathers) Join Rabbi Cohen for a discussion on the timeless lessons found in Pirkei Avot. These are the lessons taught by our ancestors which are as useful today as they were when first discussed.

No prior knowledge of Hebrew is needed and text is read in translation.

Beth El-The Beaches Synagogue (10:30 a.m.)

YOGA SHALOM, MEDITATION AND SPIRITUALITY - Yoga Shalom meets every Wednesday at Beth El. Using a DVD with Cantor Lisa Levine and Carol Kurgoff, you will learn to relax your body, calm your mind, and nurture your spirit. We learn to use advanced, gentle chair modifications for each posture sequence, so bring your mat and we will see you at the next session! Immediately following Yoga Shalom is an hour of Jewish Meditation and Spirituality for you to study and grow spiritually within a Jewish framework.

Beth El-The Beaches Synagogue (5 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.)

INTERMEDIATE HEBREW FOR ADULTS - This intermediate class will be taught by Education Director Beth Brenner and is designed for those students who want to improve upon their basic knowledge of the Hebrew language.

This class will meet the second and fourth Wednesday of every month (Nov. 9th and 23rd).

Etz Chaim Synagogue (8:45 a.m.)

JAVA FOR THE SOUL – Class is for women and is taught by Rabbi Feigenbaum. In the weekly class on The Ethics of our Father you will discover how these messages are relevant to our daily lives. This is an informal class that offers a unique blend of inspirational insight and practical tools for our daily lives.

Jacksonville Jewish Center ONLINE ALEF-BET HEBREW Beginner’s level classes are live webinar-style, which can be

easily accessed from your own computer in the convenience of your home. New classes will begin Oct. 26th and meet weekly for 10-12 weeks. Please contact JJC to reserve your spot as the class is limited to six students.

Jewish Community Alliance (7 – 9 p.m.)

DRAWING: PEN AND INK Learn to use line, value, gesture and perspective to develop a solid foundation in drawing. The fee is $153 and $102 for JCA valued members. Held from Nov. 2nd – Dec. 14th.

Thursdays

Congregation Ahavath Chesed (7 p.m.)

INTRODUCTION TO JUDASIM - This class will examine the principles and practices of Judaism focusing on their importance and relevance for contemporary life. The curriculum includes all the holidays and life-cycle observances, concepts of God, prayer, spiritual living, ethics. Fee for members of The Temple is $210 and the fee for non-members is $250. Enrollment fees covers all books and materials. For more information, or to register for the series, call Edwinna Green at 904-733-7078 or email her at egreen@TheTempleJacksonville. org. Classes begin Oct. 27th and continue through April.

Etz Chaim Synagogue (11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.)

MORNING CLUB WEEKLY STUDY - Join us for a weekly dose of every day Halacha. We will be beginning with Hilchos Tefilla in the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch. This is an interactive class no textual knowledge required, if you have a Kitzur, please bring it along. Held in Mirkis Chapel and taught by Rabbi Schochet.

Etz Chaim Synagogue (6:50 p.m.)

NOSH & DRASH - This class is taught by Rabbi Fisch and covers Torah portion that are every week in synagogues. Yet for many of us there is a major disconnect between the words from this ancient text and our lives. Please come for an informal discussion and see the weekly parsha come alive like never before. Hot potato kugel from Sweeta by Ita will be served for participants to enjoy.

Jewish Community Alliance (6:30 – 7:30 p.m.)

STRAIGHTEN UP – Build back, core and shoulder muscles in this small group training led by personal trainer Kaley Messner.

Advance registration required by Nov. 1st. The fee is $90 and $60 for JCA valued members. Held from Nov. 3rd – Dec. 1st.

Jewish Community Alliance (7 – 9 p.m.)

PAINTING: ACRYLIC – This course explores basic painting and principles of two-dimensional art.

The fee is $153 and $102 for JCA valued members. Held from Nov. 3rd – Dec. 15th.

Saturdays

Congregation Ahavath Chesed (9 a.m.)

TORAH STUDY - Bring yourself to Torah and study the weekly portion. No prior knowledge is expected.

Jacksonville Jewish Center LEAD A SERVICE - David Wolinsky, JJC Ritual Director, will work with any member who is interested in leading a portion of Shabbat or daily services. Please contact Wolinsky at 904-268-4200, ext.

224 for scheduling.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • November 2016