Jacksonville Jewish News July 2013

PERSPECTIVES Holocaust survivors deserve safe housing, friendships and dignity.

GOD MOMENT Fulfilling a lifelong Bar Mitzvah dream. page 12

July

2013

•

Tamuz/Av

SHALOM JAX See photos from the new Java venue and Shaloha.

page 7

JEWISH NEWS

5773

Jacksonville

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Federation allocates to major recipients

Published

by

Jewish

Federation

of

Jacksonville

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www.jewishjacksonville.org

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Volume

26,

page 9

Number

1

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20

pages

Annual meeting showcases leaders

By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville

As of June 30, our 2013 campaign stands at $2,409,000. We need the support of our Jewish family of donors who have not made their gifts to the campaign, so that we may reach our projected final total of $2,470,000. All of our recipient agencies received increased allocations this year. Here are the allocations for 2013: • Overseas: $737,000 • Jewish Family & Community Services: $288,000 • River Garden: $192,000 • Jewish Community Alliance: $205,000 • Martin J. Gottlieb Day School: $113,500 • Torah Academy of Jacksonville: $39,300 • Jewish Foundation of Northeast Florida: $88,422 Please make your gifts today so that we will raise an additional $61,000 and reach our goal. Thank you very much!

View JJN’s feature photos

8505 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL 32217

Jewish Federation of Jacksonville

POSTMASTER PLEASE DELIVER BY JULY 1

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

Each month the Jewish News receives more photos than it has room to print. However the Federation’s website has plenty of room. So each month the Jewish News has been publishing extra photos from select events on its website.

To find these gems, look in the photo captions and in the stories for the link.

If you are interested in your event being considered for the monthly showcase, email Communications Director Diane Rodgers at jjn@jewishjacksonville.org.

Neil Presser and David Stein

From left: Barry Zisser, Ron Pollock, Eunice Zisser, Marsha Pollock, Randee Steinberg

From left: Barbara and Hal Resnick with Colleen Rodriguez From left: Blair Sisisiky Sherman, Larry Appel and Kimberly Sisisky

Adam Marmelstein and Jon Israel

Jacksonville’s five Jewish agencies honored its volunteers and installed its officers at the Annual Meeting May 30. To see more annual meeting photos, go to jewishjacksonville. org/annualmeeting2013. aspx.

Photos by L. Tallis

Three guest chefs

Spotlight: Mix ‘n’ Mingle sparks a match

By NICOLE SENA

Young Leadership Division

At times I feel like a broken record when I tell people how important it is to get involved in our Jacksonville Jewish community. I moved to Jacksonville six years ago not knowing anyone. Isabel Balotin was introduced to me, and I started attending activities hosted by the Temple and the Jewish Federation. Knowing how much the Federation added to my life, I wanted to give back. I became a co-chair for the young leadership group, helped plan activities and attended our monthly Mix ‘n’ Mingle.

Andy and I met at a Mix ‘n’ Mingle hosted at the pier. There were no sparks or butterflies, and I cannot say I knew at that moment he was the one. Andy had a lot going on at that time, and I remember thinking he bored me but I would be a friend and invite him to group gatherings. He was looking to meet new friends and that’s what YLD Mix ‘n’ Mingle is about.

See SPOTLIGHT, p. 7

Andy and Nicole

By Jenn Hopkins Photography

page 2

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Jacksonville Jewish News • July 2013

COMMUNITY NEWS

Building bridges in Israel with a lacrosse stick

By Jewish Agency for Israel

For centuries, members of Native American tribes played lacrosse with one another as a means of forging common bonds.

So it makes sense that a group of young American Jewish volunteers in Israel used the sport this past year to reach out to 24 Arab-Israeli teenagers, who last week played their first full game.

The lacrosse match, held in the port city of Jaffa, was the culmination of the Lacrosse Arab-Jewish Cooperation Project. The Project was created by Ian Cohen, a recent graduate of Monmouth University who is volunteering in Israel with Tikkun Olam, a Jewish service learning program supported by The Jewish Agency for Israel and

the Israeli government’s Masa Israel Journey partnership.

Masa enables more than 10,000 young Jews each year to spend up to 10 months volunteering, intern-

ing and taking academic courses in Israel as they learn about Jewish history, build friendships with Jews from around the world and experience Israeli culture on a dai-

Jewish Museum debuts seized posters

By Jewish Museum of Florida

The Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU, the only museum dedicated to the story of 250 years of Florida Jewish heritage, arts and culture, presents posters from the renown collection of Dr. Hans Sachs, confiscated by the Nazis in 1938 and just returned to his son, Peter Sachs, this year. Sachs has generously offered to display part of the collection at the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU, which will include many works that have never been seen by the public. The exhibit will open July 9 and remain on display through December 2013.

Dr. Hans Sachs was a

German Jewish dentist who amassed the largest and most significant private poster collection in the world, totaling 12,500 posters in 1938.

The posters were displayed as mounted exhibits, open to the public, through a society of friends. After Nazi occupation, Joseph Goebbels, chief of Nazi propaganda sent police to Dr. Sachs’ home in 1938 to confiscate the entire collection, telling him it would be transferred to a new museum. That would be the last time the Sachs family would see the posters for 75 years.

“We feel honored to have Peter Sachs choose the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU to

display his father’s treasured art,” said Jo Ann Arnowitz, executive director. “As a historically significant collection, we hope the whole community will enjoy these rare pieces of art that were stolen away and took so long to be returned to its rightful owners.”

The extensive collection of posters include original print runs of art, propaganda, politics, entertainment, travel, sports, consumer products, and scenes of war, some dating back to 1885. His collection included works by notable artists such as Mucha, Steinlen, Cassandre, Cheret, Bernhard, Edel, Gipkens, Klinger, Carlu, Schnackenberg and Dufau.

ly basis. The idea for the lacrosse project came to Cohen after he joined Tel Aviv’s lacrosse team last September and sought to combine his passion for the sport with his volunteer focus on Jewish-Arab coexistence.

“The program is intended to dispel bigotry through real contact between Arabs and Jews,” he said.

Through the Peres Center for Peace, Cohen connected with the Ajyal School in Jaffa. He then recruited fellow Masa volunteers and members of Israel’s national lacrosse association to help teach the sport to the Arab high-schoolers during weekly clinics.

“The Jewish volunteers developed a fantastic relationship with the kids,” Cohen shared. “Primarily, we are teachers and role mod-

els. The sport is secondary.”

The Arab teens are not the only ones who have benefited from Cohen’s passion for lacrosse.

Last fall, as the rocket attacks from Gaza intensified, Cohen helped organized a lacrosse clinic in Netanya to provide kids from southern border towns a few days of fun and respite from the daily barrage of rocket fire.

“We set up in an open field near where some local kids were playing on a playground,” Cohen recalled. “Within minutes, some students came over and snatched up the sticks, trying to figure out how to use this foreign device. I showed some of them some basics but they were really just interested in throwing the ball and shooting on the net.”

Getting the word out Laura Evans, manager of Adoption Services, and Rebecca Margulies, adoption coordinator for First Coast Adoption Professionals at Jewish Family & Community Services, begin an initiative to let area hospitals know about our adoption program. They begin by delivering promotional baskets to hospitals from Palm Coast to Nassau County.

Jacksonville Jewish News • July 2013

page 3

www.jewishjacksonville.org

COMMUNITY NEWS

Residents attend reporting mission

By Larry and Kathy Kanter

We just returned from a mission in Israel with Honest Reporting, an organization dedicated to defending Israel from media bias. It opened a portal of awareness about biased media coverage that’s as enlightening as it is frightening. So often we gulp down news bites and draw quick conclusions about who’s the good guy and who’s the bad guy, which military offense or defense strategy is too aggressive and which is too benign. The impact on Jews in the Diaspora and as citizens of the world is clear: We need to be correctly informed.

In the Middle East, fair media coverage and photo imagery is now a critical component of warfare. News has become a digital and print machine that shoots rockets of words that create considerable collateral damage. Honest Reporting strives to keep journalists from allowing their prejudices to creep into their reporting.

They review social media content as well. Social media often distorts facts and serves as a vehicle for propaganda, and/or spew hate. Hamas, as an example, is active on Twitter. There is no Iron Dome for words. Vigilant oversight of Twitter conversations keeps us on the front lines of current affairs and warfare strategy.

Throughout the seven-day mission, Honest Reporting took us to restricted places. We learned that flourishing in the desert takes ingenuity and chutzpah and Israeli’s have both. We felt it.

As Iran’s nuclear situation nears a tipping point, we can all do something: become adjunct soldiers from our homes. Pay attention to the news being reported about Middle East conflicts.

Become a media watchdog.

In the fog of war it’s difficult to discover the truth. As Mark Twain said, “A lie gets out the door and around the block before the truth can get its pants on.” We must catch it before we become its naked victims.

Dine with the Jax Jewish Singles

By Jax Jewish Singles

Come one, come all Jewish singles. This month the group will enjoy Sunday brunch at Mimi’s located in the St. Johns

Town Center. If you would like to participate in this or future social activities, please contact Francine for details at 904-221-8061 or email francine.smith@comcast. net.

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Thank you ... thank you ... thank you 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 adverisers: • • • • • • • • •

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What’s inside Community ................................ p. 2 Education................................... p. 8 Jewish Family & Community Services ................................... p. 14 Jewish Community Alliance ... p. 16 Jewish Foundation .................. p. 15 Lifecycles ................................. p. 17 Obituaries ................................ p. 17 Perspectives .............................. p. 6 River Garden ............................ p. 13 Shalom Jacksonville ................. p. 9 Synagogues ............................ p. 12 Women’s .................................... p. 4

page 4

Jacksonville Jewish News • July 2013

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WOMEN’S PAGE Youth Aliyah

Heidi Ruff: sisterhood’s unsung heroine

By ANDREW OCEAN

Congregation Ahavath Chesed

Congratulations, Heidi, on being named sisterhood’s Unsung Heroine for this past year.

How did that make you feel?

It was a complete surprise.

The sisterhood actually tricked me into thinking that my husband Doug was going to be honored (he was in on it), and I was really surprised when it turned out to be me.

What was it that caused the sisterhood to honor you this way?

I participated in sisterhood events even before I became a Jew. After our children attended a cousin’s Bar Mitzvah, they began pushing to learn more about their Jewish heritage.

We were so welcomed by the Temple, and by the sisterhood especially, I became a Jew by choice a short time later. I have enjoyed participating in Sisterhood Catering since the 1990s and was involved in raising money for the Temple’s china and silverware. I was also the Southeastern Region Convention co-chair one year and was involved in creating stained glass centerpieces that we used as part of the raffle for the YES fund. I also co-chaired the Donor Project in 2011 with Phyllis Stein-Wood where we had the entire congregation involved with the creation of the Children’s Youth Torah. Last year I again co-chaired the Donor Project with Morleen Berlin as we honored Laura Osofosky and

Anne DePaul. Today, though I’m not as active as I used to be, I basically do whatever needs doing when I’m asked to do it. I enjoy everything about it, from catering to mahjong; it is always a wonderful time.

What has being a member of sisterhood meant as part of your Jewish experience?

Being involved with sisterhood has enriched my Jewish experience. We are an exceptionally close family. My love for Doug and the children is deepened because we share this amazing religion in our home and in our community. But it was the initial affection I felt from the women of sisterhood, right from the beginning, that made becoming Jewish an easy decision for me.

Temple Sisterhood begins a new year

By Temple Sisterhood

Sisterhood Shabbat, held May 10, was a celebration of all the sisters have accomplished and the beginning of a new year filled with anticipation and excitement. Malcolm Bloom, Temple’s president–elect thanked the outgoing board, noting the many contributions sisterhood makes to Temple each year.

Sisterhood embraces the four pillars that support our congregation: worship, learning, social action and community. Sisterhood brings women from the congregation and their friends together to worship, to learn, to celebrate their Juda-

ism and to enjoy each other’s company. Their efforts provide scholarship support for TIR and Hebrew Union College students thereby assuring that other reform congregations will have the leadership of the caliber of Rabbi Lief and Rabbi Cohen.

And their commitment to social action makes life better for the less fortunate in our community and around the world.

Rabbi Joshua Lief, senior rabbi of Congregation Ahavath Chesed, blessed the incoming board before the open ark. The Executive Board officers are: Co-Presidents Susan Board and Rhoda London; President-Elect Morleen Berlin; Membership Co-VPs Celeste Danos and

Summer book club resumes

By Jacksonville Hadassah

Jacksonville Hadassah is once again presenting a series of weekly book review during the month of July. Book reviews will be held on July 9, 23 and 30 at 11 a.m. at the Jacksonville Jewish Center, 3662 Crown Point Road.

July 9: Aviva Kaplan will review “The Dovekeepers” by Alice Hoffman. A story that takes place nearly 2,000 years ago, “The Dovekeepers” focuses on four complex and fiercely independent women who have all had very different lives. Their lives intersect when they arrive at Masada, a mountain in the Judean desert where 900 Jews held out for months against the

Roman army.

July 23: Karen Backilman will review “The Art Forger” by B.A. Shapiro. A thrilling novel of intrigue that focuses on a young artist and a long-missing masterpiece that may have been stolen during one of the most famous art thefts in history at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. “The Art Forger” is described as “a thrilling novel about seeing—and not seeing—the secrets that lie beneath the canvas.”

July 30: Rabbi Jesse Olitzky will be the reviewer (book to be announced).

For further information, or to RSVP, contact Aviva Kaplan at (904) 538-0225 or avivajkaplan@gmail.com.

Center Sisterhood sizzles in the summer with beach party

By Center Sisterhood

When you think of Jewish life in the summer, you don’t typically think of adult activity. And yet this summer, you should. Center Sisterhood has a busy slate of activity for you.

In July we are presenting our first Tech Seminar Series.

Everything you wanted to know about Skype, Facebook, Google apps and more. Bring your laptop (or not) on July 22, 23 and 25 at 10:30 a.m. in the Shorstein Room at the Center.

Grab your games and join us for game days on July 10, July 23 and Aug. 7 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

It’s always a fun afternoon. RSVP to Rhoda Goldstein at rhoda. goldstein@hotmail.com.

Our Z’havah group (younger women of sisterhood) is getting together for a Girls Night Out Beach Party on July 12 at 7 p.m.

There will be cocktails, games and fun with friends.

You can get information on these events at www.jjcsisterhood. com under the events tab, and we’ll see you this summer.

Rochelle Miller; Programming Co-VPs Marie Reitzes and Joyce Elkin; Temple and Community Co-VPs Ann Stone and Gail Kodner; Ways and Means Co-VPs Ann DePaul and Morleen Berlin; Recording Secretary Jody Dughi; Treasurer Laura Osofsky; Immediate Past President Celeste Danos; Parliamentarian Gail Jarrett, second Past President; Past President Reva Sandler; and Centennial Ambassador Ruthie Nachman.

This Shabbat experience was the culmination of many celebrations in recognition of the 100th anniversary of WRJ. May sisterhoods throughout the world grow from strength to strength.

Aviva Kaplan, VP Education, Jacksonville Hadassah (second from right), is pictured here with Colleen L. Rodriguez, executive director of Jewish Family & Community Services; Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner of the Jacksonville Jewish Center; and Jodi Seitlin, attorney, at a Hadassah educational program last month. This panel offered a stirring look at ‘Kids at Risk,’ both in Israel and here in Jacksonville, and presented information about what is being done to help them.

The program was a benefit for Hadassah’s Youth Aliyah.

Community women’s group meets

By Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group

Rosh Hodesh, long associated with Jewish women, is a uniquely female Jewish experience. And the Community Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group, which meets monthly on the Wednesday following Rosh Hodesh, is unique and inspiring.

It began in 1999 as Kol HaNashim, a women’s prayer group, led by Rabbi Michelle Goldsmith at Beth Shalom Congregation which continued until the synagogue’s closing in 2011. It found a new home at Congregation Ahaveth Chesed and, in the spirit of sisterhood, is open to all women in the Jacksonville community who are bat mitzvah age

and older.

Many of the women who attend only see each other once a month at Rosh Hodesh, still there is a close friendship that has evolved. New members are always welcome. We sing songs, share readings and prayers, and have an informative program that centers on something seasonal, appropriate to the month or of interest to Jewish women. We also celebrate important moments in each other’s lives.

Again, the Women’s Rosh Hodesh group is open to the entire community. Please consider joining us. For more information, you may contact Helen at (904) 998-2187 or hjhill@comcast.net or Goldie at 733-2078.

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Jacksonville Jewish News • July 2013

page 5

www.jewishjacksonville.org

Thank You to the

Block Family to Allison

for creating

the Challenge,

Robbins for meeting the Challenge

and to everyone who participated in the Block Family Food Challenge during April and May. Together YOU have helped provide food to over 7,000 people, including children, who visit our food pantry each year.

Athens Café Diana Azplazu Jeff Bauer Mr. & Mrs. Jean Benjamin Rabbi & Mrs. Eliezer Ben-Yehuda Mr. & Mrs. Charles Berman Dr. Robert Bryskin Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Cantor Miriam Chefer Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Cherry Rebecca Ruth Cohn Congregation Ahavath Chesed Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Crafton Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Datz Mr. & Mrs. James De Arman Dr. & Mrs. Ronald Elinoff Marilyn Freedman Norman Freeman Mr. & Mrs. Paul Furman Margie Garcia Mr. & Mrs. Ira Goldfield Beverly Goldstein Dr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Goldstein Christopher Gould Annette Grauer Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hirsch

Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Horn Mr. & Mrs. Murray Husney JFCS Board Members Joel R. Shapiro Enterprises, Inc. Rhoda Kagan Dr. & Mrs. Robert Kanner Mr. & Mrs. Alan Katz Paulette Keifer Mr. & Mrs. Allen Kellman Natalie Kelly Mr. & Mrs. Jim Kempner Mr. & Mrs. David Kight Mr. & Mrs. William Klein Ladies Loving Life Jean Lebowitz Dorothy Legum Naida Leon Drs. Jeffrey & Ilene Levenson Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Levin Sanford Levy Suzanne Lichter Mr. & Mrs. Robert Lloyd Joanne Lowell Lynne Dicker Majefski Dr. & Mrs. Alan Marks Rae Masin

Ted Mazo Sherry Murray Geraldine Myers Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Myers Mr. & Mrs. William Newman June Oberdorfer Mr. & Mrs. Tal Osher Michael Pallen Mr. & Mrs. Morton Perlman Miriam Phillips Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Plotkin Mr. & Mrs. Jay Plotkin Denise Renfro River Garden Board Members Kenneth Robinson The Hon. & Mrs. Charles Romo Dr. & Mrs. Howard Rose William Rose Lisa Rosenbauer Sanford Rosenberg Dr. & Mrs. Myron Rosenfeld Dr. & Mrs. Mitchell Rothstein Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Saraga Drs. Andrew & Shiree Sauer Mitzi Saul The Hon. & Mrs. Jack Schemer

Shirley Schemer The Hon. & Mrs. Harvey Schlesinger Dr. & Mrs. Barry Setzer Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Shapiro Mr. & Mrs. Jay Sherline Mr. & Mrs. Leon Silke Blanche Slott Carole Solomon Mr. & Mrs. Mel Spill Barbara Stafford Virginia Steiger Dr. & Mrs. Saul Sussman Carol Turbow Mr. & Mrs. Jules Wagman Mr. & Mrs. Sumner Waitz Joseph Weiner Mr. & Mrs. Irvin Weinstein Daniel Weinstock Andrea Weisberger Irwin Witt Elaine S. Wright Marian Zagier Elissa Ziemba

for supporting the JFCS

Feed-A-Needy-Neighbor Program!

Together YOU helped us raise $27,000 for the Winn-Dixie Emergency Food Pantry!

(904) 448-1933 | www.JFCSJAX.org | 6261 Dupont Station Court, East | Jacksonville, FL 32217 – S E R V I N G O U R C O M M U N I TY F O R N E A R LY 10 0 Y E A R S –

page 6

Jacksonville Jewish News • July 2013

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PERSPECTIVES

Jacksonville

JEWISH NEWS Diane Rodgers, Communications Director 904.448.5000, ext. 212 Advertising Representatives Sam Griswold • 904.540.7954 Barbara Nykerk • 904.733.4179 Eta Perras • 904.629.0466 Communications Committee Jon Israel, Chair Shirley Bielski Helen Hill Michele Katz Joan Levin Andrea Mail Rachel Morgenthal Marsha Pollock Gail Sterman Federation President Hal Resnick Federation Executive Director Alan Margolies 8505 San Jose Blvd. • Jacksonville, FL 32217 The Jacksonville Jewish News is published monthly. All submitted content becomes the property of the Jacksonville Jewish News. Announcements and opinions contained in these pages are published as a service to the community and do not necessarily represent the views of the Jacksonville Jewish News or its publisher, the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Jewish News is not responsible for the Kashruth of any product advertised.

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

Ad deadlines: All ads must be received by the 15th of each month, and sent to jjn@jewishjacksonville.org in PDF format.

The tents of our community

By RABBI MATTHEW COHEN Congregation Ahavath Chesed

E

xactly one year ago, I was asked to write this column for the following July (that would be now). At the time, it seemed so far away. Being new at this rabbi thing, and living in a new city, I had no idea what was in store for me during my first year in Jacksonville. Furthermore, I had no idea how fast one year would go by!

So, now, a year later as I reflect on a year’s worth of experiences, I can’t help but think of the words of blessing uttered

by Balaam the prophet upon seeing the Israelite camp in the wilderness: “Mah tovu ohaelkha Ya’akov, mishkenotekha Yisrael,” “How lovely are your tents O Jacob, your dwelling places O Israel.”

A tent has many functions. It provides shelter from elements such as rain, cold and sunlight, and offers protection and comfort. It is durable, flexible and portable. It is a gathering place, one which is welcoming, inviting, and has an open door that implies “come on in.” Most importantly, it has a strong center that holds it up. Like the tents of Israel, the Jacksonville Jewish community is truly a wonderful

place to live and raise a family and is certainly worthy of blessings. So, what makes Jacksonville so special?

I grew up in a Cleveland suburb that was nearly 90 percent Jewish. I could count the number of non-Jews in my grade on two hands.

Being that the Jewish population of Cleveland is about 80,000 people, it meant we had pretty good delis, no shortage of synagogues, and plenty of decent Chinese food restaurants.

It was easy to be Jewish in Cleveland. Perhaps, though I was religiously disconnected, it seemed like just being coincidently Jewish was enough. Some people may view that as a gift.

Some may say, “How wonderful it is that I can just ‘be’ Jewish and not have to worry about being a part of its survival and future.

The Jewish community does not have to rely on me and my support for it to continue and stay vibrant and successful.

Someone will do the work and keep that flame alive.” However, though I lived it for 35 years, after spending a year in Jacksonville, I realize everyone’s participation and involvement, both in congregational life and in the greater Jewish community, is critical. As a rabbi at Congre-

RABBINICALLY SPEAKING

gation Ahavath Chesed – The Temple – I have experienced a Jewish community with deepseeded roots, full of love, pride and dedication. I am overjoyed and so blessed to be a part of this community, a sacred one that truly embodies the vision of the late Alexander Schindler: a welcoming community, open to all, that creates new Jews and sustains Judaism.

Over the past year in Jacksonville, I was honored to be a part of a number of communitywide celebrations and programs.

While singing at the Create a Jewish Legacy event, reciting poetry at the community wide Yom Hashoah service, teaching at Community University, and invoking God’s blessings on us at the Jewish Community Alliance’s 25th birthday party and the Federation’s Annual meeting, I experienced a Jewish community that comes together to strengthen and ensure its growth and survival. Both within and outside of my Temple community, we laugh and cry together, celebrate and mourn together, pray and study together. We are a community most worthy of the blessing that rejoices in the beauty and goodness of our tents and the work we do to take care of each other and the world around us. Khazak Khazak v’nitkhazeik, may we continue to go forward from strength to strength!

CARTOONS

Jacksonville

JEWISH NEWS Grow your business If you want to reach a demographic with a higher than average household income and education, the Jewish News is your connection.

To advertise, contact Diane Rodgers at 448-5000 x 212 or jjn@jewishjacksonville.org

Jacksonville Jewish News • July 2013

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page 7

PERSPECTIVES/COMMUNITY NEWS Preschoolers moving up

Never again

By MISHA GALPERIN Jewish Agency for Israel

M

DuBow Preschool celebrates its end of the year Moving Up Ceremony.

Bendit retires

ore than half a century after the Holocaust, world Jewry is strong.

We have our own homeland and our own army. We have a collective memory that will not tolerate another attempt to decimate us.

We are in a position to say “never again” and mean it.

We say “never again” not only when we as Jews are oppressed by others but when any nation in our global family is oppressed or vulnerable to injustice. We speak from the heart and from personal experience. We give the anguished a voice. We don’t only talk about collective responsibility. We live it. Anything else will not do.

Never again. Never, ever again.

Yet, despite the profound sincerity of our words, we are falling short. There actually is a great deal of suffering within the Jewish people. Over 60,000 Holocaust survivors in Israel live at or below the poverty line. Many live in unsafe housing conditions, rely on welfare agencies and can barely make it to the end of the month.

Can we say that they will never again experience pain and oppression? We cannot. We cannot because Jewish law tells us to stand before the dignity of the elderly.

To honor those who have profound wisdom to share, especially

SPOTLIGHT Continued from p. 1

Hanna Bendit retires from the DuBow Preschool after 28 years of dedication to our families. She will continue working in the Galinsky Academy’s Day school and religious school.

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Over the course of a few months, he continued attending Mix ‘n’ Mingle events, we started talking more often, discovering common interests, and developed a relationship I have never experienced with anyone else.

those who have faced humanity’s darkest hour. Instead, we sit passively while our only witnesses to last century’s devastating losses live out their last days alone and often hungry.

It’s true. Twenty-five percent of Holocaust survivors in Israel must choose between meals and medication, a choice few of us will ever have to make. Those who eat, often do so alone. They have outlived one of history’s greatest dictators only to find themselves without companionship, love and protection of a community that should have never let them down.

But we have.

We have relinquished our responsibility to our own heroes.

The Jewish Agency is doing something about it. We are partnering with other agencies and nonprofits, including federations, and creating new programs to better daily living conditions for aging survivors living in distress.

The Jewish Agency supports the Amigour Sheltered Housing project to provide safe living conditions for low-income seniors who are survivors. The Jewish Agency also sponsors Project HEART, the Holocaust Era Asset Restitution Taskforce, which provides the tools, strategies and information so that the Government of Israel and its partners can get survivors and their families much-needed funding. Last year,

we provided more than $90,000 in emergency cash grants to the neediest survivors. This year, our La’ad program will train 1,800 volunteers to make home visits to survivors. During these visits, the volunteers also record survivors’ stories and share them with Yad Vashem’s Archives.

While we cannot repay survivors for what they lost, we can and must ensure their dignity, comfort and fair restitution.

In Israel and in our Jewish tradition, our past is our future.

We become compassionate by showing compassion. We become more giving by sharing our blessings. We become more sensitive by making sure that those with less can benefit from those who have more. That is what it means to be a Jew. Join me in saying “never again.” Never again will a Holocaust survivor go without safe housing. Never again will a Holocaust survivor live without a friend. Never again will a Holocaust survivor suffer indignity after suffering the world’s worst indignities. Say it with me and mean it.

Andy shares my passion for the Jacksonville Jewish Federation and loves co-hosting YLD events. The most exciting event we are planning together is our wedding scheduled for July 6 in St. Augustine. We will be surrounded by our family and closest friends.

Ben Marsh, co-chair for YLD, will be standing in our wedding as a groomsmen. Ben, along with

Meryl and Wiatt, were with me on our Federation trip to Israel where I had my Bat Mitzvah. I feel honored they will be sharing another special event in my life with me.

Aside from providing support the community and Israel, the Federation has provided me with a Jacksonville family, close friendships and the opportunity to meet the love of my life.

Misha Galperin is president and CEO of The Jewish Agency for Israel’s International Development. He will speak at Federation’s campaign opening event on Oct. 9.

page 8

Jacksonville Jewish News • July 2013

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/JaxJewish

EDUCATION

Symposium announces keynote speaker Play: Where Learning Begins is the theme for this year’s exciting and educational symposium on Tuesday, Oct. 15. The keynote speaker is Rebecca Isbell, Ph.D., professor and consultant in early childhood education.

She is the former director of the Center of Excellence in Early Childhood Learning and Development and professor of early childhood education at East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tenn., where she was honored as a distinguished teacher.

She is the author of 12 books and numerous articles related to environments, play, literacy, creativity and child development.

Isbell has presented throughout the United States and internationally, including Denmark, Singapore, China and Canada. She has been a director of a lab school, a teacher of young children, a

Rebecca Isbell, professor and consultant in early childhood education, is the keynote speaker at the JCA Early Childhood Symposium program chair, a supervisor and a team leader. In addition, she has worked extensively with directors and teachers, helping them make changes in their classrooms and programs to ensure both children and teachers have the

New head of school hired

By Torah Academy

Torah Academy is pleased to announce a new principal, Joshua Wise, Ph.D. Wise will join the faculty starting in fall 2013.

Wise is currently the assistant principal of the Rav Teitz Mesivta Academy of the Jewish Educational Center in Elizabeth, N.J. He earned a bachelor’s degree in brain and cognitive science from MIT, followed by a master’s degree in psychology and a doctorate in education from Yeshiva University. He first began teaching in Phoenix, where he taught third through eighth grade as part of the inaugural

cohort of the Jewish Teachers Corps. He has also taught with a focus on math and Judaic studies for sixth through 12th grade at the Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy and Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School in Livingston, N.J. He will be moving here with his wife Jenn and his four children. In his spare time he likes to bowl with other fathers in his current community and volunteer for the Hatzolah ambulance corps.

Wise is excited to come to Jacksonville and start the next chapter of his career with Torah Academy.

best environment in which to live. Her energetic presentations are filled with current research, practical ideas and many opportunities to interact.

Isbell’s presentation will focus on the benefits of play for young children in the early childhood classroom. Topics will include language development, literacy opportunities, social skill development, enhancing life skills and the nurturing of creating thinking. Stories from real classrooms and visuals will inspire participants to value the positive force of play with young children.

Isbell’s books will be available for purchase and signing.

Jewish educators can attend at a special discounted rate as well as enjoy the kosher dinner provided. Parents of Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool will also be treated to a free intimate coffee talk the next morning by Isbell. Special thanks to CSX for their generous sponsorship of this year’s symposium.

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Carol Fryd’s captivating artworks of Miami and its cultural intersections meld the human figure with fabulous flora and fruit.

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Bat Mitzvah Comes of Age Thru September 15, 2013

On Saturday morning, March 18, 1922, Judith Kaplan, daughter of Rabbi Mordecai M. Kaplan, became the first American girl to mark her bat mitzvah during a public worship service. Learn the stories of nearly 100 b'not mitzvah, including many Florida girls and women.

A touring exhibition presented by the National Museum of American Jewish History and Moving Traditions. Sponsored in part by Congregation Beth Jacob and the Robert Arthur Segall Foundation.

Also see MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida, visit the Orovitz Museum Store for one-of-a-kind gifts and have a snack at Bessie’s Bistro!

301 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach Phone: 305-672-5044 www.jewishmuseum.com

Open daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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The Museum is supported by individual contributions, foundations, memberships and grants from the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, the Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners and the City of Miami Beach, Cultural Affairs Program, Cultural Arts Council.

Jacksonville Jewish News • July 2013

page 9

www.jewishjacksonville.org

SHALOM JACKSONVILLE

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Mark H. Kraus, CLU®, ChFC®, CASL® Above, Debi Cohen, Allyson Christy and Erica Jolles meet for first time.

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Below, our thanks to Betty Eisenberg, left, for her generous hospitality and Shalom Jacksonville Coordinator Isabel Balotin.

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Jewish Java enjoys new venue

By ISABEL BALOTIN Shalom Jacksonville

Jewish Java was perking with new faces and old friends in June.

Twenty-one locals and newcomers enjoyed the friendly ambiance of our new venue – Village Bread Café on San Jose Boulevard. The private room we will be using is conducive to friendly and spirited conversations. As always, new friendships and other important connections were made. Breakfast items are available for purchase; coffee and tea are free for attendees.

We invite you to join us for our next Java on Wednesday, July 10, 9-10:30 a.m., at Village Bread Café, 10111 San Jose Blvd. Generally, we meet the first Wednesday of every month; however, due to the holidays (Independence Day and Rosh Hashanah) we will meet the second Wednesdays in July and September.

If you are new to the community or you are newly interested in making Jewish connections, please contact Shalom Jacksonville Coordinator Isabel Balotin, 448-5000 x 206 or shalomjax@ jewishjacksonville.org. Shalom Jacksonville is the official Jewish welcome wagon of Northeast Florida and is a program of the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville.

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page 10

Jacksonville Jewish News • July 2013

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/JaxJewish

EDUCATION

A day in the life of a Gan Yeladim camper

By MOLLY SWEET

Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool

With one session behind them and three to go, JCA Summer Camp is in full swing. If you’ve been in the building lately, perhaps you’ve noticed the children who have moved into the JCA for the summer.

The fun starts early in the morning at Camp Gan Yeladim and goes all day, promising to give each camper a day of activity and structure. Drop-off starts

at 9 a.m. at the Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool entrance.

Campers, be prepared to bust-amove because the teachers play their favorite jams during the morning drop-off.

The first activity of the day is art class. You might find yourself elbow deep in tempera paint or constructing a cool collage. Not to worry if you get a little sticky with the glue. Our next stop is the pool.

Campers have pool time or swim lessons every day with our

CPR-certified, first-aid trained counselors. Don’t forget the sun block.

After all that swimming, it’s time for a snack. Camp Gan Yeladim provides many healthy snack choices for campers to enjoy.

Throughout the rest of the morning, Gan Yeladim campers take time for music and movement, special events, the great

outdoors and story time.

Session one’s special events included a zoo visit, Mud Fun Day to celebrate International Mud Day and the Camp Carnival.

There are plenty more events to look forward to in upcoming sessions. In session two, Buzzing Bugs will feature a visit from a bee keeper and bug story time with Hongying Song from the Mandarin library.

In session three, Up, Up and Away, campers will celebrate the first moon landing and Amelia Earhart’s birthday. Session four, Wild About Water, will include an educational program with the Riverkeeper, fish and water story time with Mr. David from the Mandarin Library, and the everpopular water slide.

There is never a dull moment at JCA Summer Camp.

Block Gan parent sings praises about school

Everyone cares about Alzheimer’s disease.

We understand it.

Introducing Clare Bridge® Place at Carriage Club Jacksonville Susan Wolchok and her daughter Reva create an art project celebrating Chanukah at the Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool at the JCA.

By MOLLY SWEET

Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool

When it comes to Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool, Susan Wolchok is a believer.

She’s sent her two children through the program.

Six-year-old Zane is a graduate of Block Gan and her daughter Reva just finished the school year as a junior kindergartener in Ms. Ledesma and Ms. Cindy’s class.

When choosing a preschool, Wolchok said all it took was a walk through the hallways.

“Everyone is friendly and smiles. All the children are happy, and there is so much positive energy, you can feel it. The teachers are so passionate about the children, the curriculum and making a positive effect on the lives of others.”

Surrounded by this positive energy, Wolchok says that her children were always stimulated by the engaging curriculum — one that went beyond the bounds of a classroom. Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool creates partnerships throughout the year

with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, the Jacksonville Zoo and the Museum of Science and History, among others. Students have opportunities to participate in workshops, travel on field trips and have in-house visits that include live-animal showcases and private concerts.

“The partnership with MOSH this year was really special.

Reva went to MOSH and learned about what science is and how to do experiments to test ideas.

Then MOSH came to the school with microscopes and showed the children how to use them,” Wolchok said.

Wolchok said she expected the academic curriculum to be top-notch, but was pleasantly surprised to find that the faculty was also conscious of the social and developmental needs of her children.

“They’ve learned effective tools to use to communicate with other children in times of disagreement, adversity or negativity. They’ve learned the questions that need to be asked in order to come to the decision to make the right choices.”

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Jacksonville Jewish News • July 2013

page 11

www.jewishjacksonville.org

EDUCATION

Walking around Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool

By MOLLY SWEET

Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool

Not many preschools can boast a campus with access to a pool, theater, gymnasium and pottery studio. However, Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool has all of these resources at the Jewish Community Alliance.

Block Gan sits on the southeast side of the JCA campus, easily recognized under the welcoming, red awning of the carpool circle. Every morning, students are greeted by faculty members

and walked to their classrooms through richly muraled hallways.

The River Hallway connects the library and office area to the classrooms.

As students walk by, they point excitedly and identify the wildlife species they’ve learned about during an educational outreach partnership with St. Johns Riverkeeper. Inside the campus, it’s common to see classes taking place in the gardens and on the outdoor deck. Students in Mrs. Bull’s kindergarten class carefully tend to the gardens throughout the

year and diligently watch for birds to log in their bird journals.

When it’s time for physical education, students can be found in the gymnasium and indoor track with Coach Rio and Coach Geoff, in the pool with Coach Lauren, in a dance studio, and even on the

racquetball and tennis courts.

Art class means more than just Elmer’s glue and Popsicle sticks at Michele Block Gan Yeladim.

Students are exposed to original fine art every day. A walk by the Vandroff Art Gallery at the JCA reveals art of all mediums by a

wide variety of artists, while the Setzer-Frisch Auditorium is often a venue for local and internationally acclaimed musicians to give recitals for students. Students also make their own art, and can even learn how to throw clay on the wheel in the pottery studio.

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Music comes to DuBow Preschool

Parents sing with their children while playing the shaky egg.

By DuBow Preschool

“Glad to meet you, glad to meet you. Nice to see you, nice to see you. Now let’s see who, now let’s see who’s here to join in all the fun!” This is how we start each class at Family Music & Movement, Jacksonville’s newest class for children birth to 5 years old.

Family Music & Movement classes will incorporate songs with movement and various handheld instruments. Classes are mixed-age which is a wonderful way to learn for babies and children. It’s also great to be able to take siblings to class, one activity for the whole family.

Classes will be taught by Emily Carpenter who has her bachelor of fine arts in musical theatre from Penn State University, where she studied classical voice, musical theatre, ballet, tap, jazz, musical theatre styles, acting, improv and directing. She’s traveled the world as a singer and as a character clown, and has performed on cruise ships and with Cirque du Soleil.

Each session is eight weeks long and is limited to 15 families.

Fall session runs Sept. 4 to Oct. 23, Winter session runs Oct. 30 to Dec. 18.

Classes are open to the Jacksonville community, and will be held at the DuBow Preschool in Mandarin.

To find out more, visit www. familymusicandmovement.com or visit Facebook.

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page 12

Jacksonville Jewish News • July 2013

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/JaxJewish

SYNAGOGUE NEWS

Temple Bet Yam experiences a God moment

By Temple Bet Yam

Rabbi Mark Goldman of Temple Bet Yam calls the Bar Mitzvah of 34-year-old Aaron Beasley a “God moment.” For Aaron’s parents, Terri and Sheldon Beasley, it was the fulfillment of a life-long dream. For the congregation, family and friends who witnessed the ceremony on May 17, it was a miracle.

Aaron suffers from the neurological disease, Fragile X, which has left him with severe physical, emotional and cognitive disabilities. While in New Jersey, the Beasleys were unsuccessful in finding a rabbi willing to create a ceremony that would accommodate Aaron’s special needs. Their dream faded as Aaron grew into adulthood. When the family moved to Florida, Aaron went to live in a group home in St. Augustine. One Sunday the Beasley’s passed by Temple Bet Yam, and they stopped and talked to one of the members who invited them to attend a service. Rabbi Mark Goldman, the welcoming congregation and the choir were all factors in their decision to join the congregation.

The Temple soon became a setting in which Aaron felt comfortable as he sat attentively listening to the rabbi and the choir.

Congregants became accustomed

to Aaron’s exuberant greeting, “Hey, how you doing, you doing all right?” Aaron also developed a special bond with Rabbi Mark telling him, “You’re the man.” One day friends Tom and Jennie Vick asked Terri, Sheldon and Aaron to take part in Tom’s adult Bar Mitzvah ceremony. Terri was nervous about bringing Aaron up on the bema, but when the time came, he stood solemnly and peacefully.

They weren’t the only ones to notice. In a private moment, the rabbi asked Terri and Sheldon if they had ever considered a Bar Mitzvah for Aaron. “It was bashert,” says Terri. Rabbi Goldman told them, “Before I retire we’re going to do this!” When Aaron was asked if he’d like to have a Bar Mitzvah, he replied, “I want to be like Tom.” Rabbi Mark and Dr. Meryl Goldman had created B’nai mitzvahs for special students in New York and Cincinnati, and they began to work on a custom plan for Aaron. Jennie and Tom Vick became a part of the team. Jennie, who Aaron calls “my Jeanie,” is an accomplished musician, teacher and composer. Using Aaron’s love of music, she developed hand signals to go along with the musical scale. Then she and Tom taught Aaron to chant the Shema.

Jennie was amazed: “You would tell him something once

or twice and he got it. But there was something more.” She added, “Aaron has an aura about his face, like God’s light shining on him.” Tom identified with Aaron on a deeper level. He, too, had a difficult childhood and considered himself to be “on the periphery.”

Tom likens Aaron to Isaac. “Our matriarchs and patriarchs were not the beautiful people,” said Tom. “But they were real and, like Aaron, were deeply spiritual.”

Rabbi Goldman began to bring Aaron to the bema to increase his comfort level. He used a “repeat after me” approach during their rehearsals and soon Aaron was able to identify religious symbols and answer questions with confi-

dence. Along the way, unexpected support was added by Lynne Murray-Gray, Aaron’s behaviorist who happens to teach catechism.

She practiced with Aaron and had him present what he learned to his housemates. Sparkle Phillips, his teacher at I Tech, made a special coloring book with pictures of the Torah and other symbols to reinforce what he was learning and Lisa Blizzard, his case manager for over 10 years, also attended the



Temple celebrates confirmation

 

By Congregation Ahavath Chesed

Friday evening, May 17, was a special Shabbat as the Temple family rejoiced with the confirmation class of 5773/2013. True to Temple tradition, the confirmands led the congregation in worship, sharing what Judaism means to each of them as they confirmed their commitment to lead a Jewish life.

At the conclusion of worship, Lawrence Sims spoke for the class when he said, “What unites us all is that each of us is acknowledging that this is not the end point of our lives as Jews.

We will continue to improve the community in which we live. We do that best by implementing our knowledge of our Jewish faith.

We now realize that we must understand Judaism as an adult since we choose to live our adult lives as Jews.” The future of the Jewish people is in good hands.

Temple’s confirmation class: Aaron Abel, son of Jill and Michael Able; Benjamin Abram, son of Deborah and Harry Abram; Allison Baker, daughter of Melanie and Robert Baker; Emily Cohen, daughter of Joanne Cohen; Andrew Gapinski, son of Nina Kannett and Matthew Gapinski; Hayley Giambalvo, daughter of Elissa and Seth Giambalvo; Mallory Harris, daughter of Alison Harris and Richard Harris; Jonah Perrin, son of Andi Perrin; Rachel Reindl, daughter of Marcy and Jeff Reindl; Daniel Schwartz, son of Sondra and Martin Schwartz; Rachel Schwam, daughter of Rebecca and Brian Schwam; Sarah Shapiro, daughter of Sylvia and Joel Shapiro; Lawrence Sims, son of Dea and Michael Sims; Alli Steinberg, daughter of Elana and Bruce Steinberg.

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Bar Mitzvah.

On the eve of his Bar Mitzvah, Aaron was excited amid the many well-wishers. When he was called to the bema, the rabbi asked him questions, which he understood and answered with pride. When the rabbi began to read the Torah passage he had Aaron repeat the words after him, one by one. When it was time for the priestly blessing, the rabbi and congregation were in tears. The rabbi had truly orchestrated a life-changing event for Aaron and his parents that exceeded their highest expectations Terri Beasley often says, “Aaron is the best thing that ever happened to us.” Aaron is also one of the best things to happen to the congregation. Lisa Black, choir director said, “It was a privilege to bear witness to Aaron’s Bar Mitzvah. It was one of those moments when you could clearly see the light of God, shining through one of his most special beings.”And when Aaron said, “One God,” while holding his hand over his heart, you knew it truly was a God moment.

Jacksonville Jewish News • July 2013

page 13

www.jewishjacksonville.org

RIVER GARDEN SENIOR SERVICES

Motown…Memories & Music set for Nov. 16

By KATHY OSTERER Director of Development

Contact Us: Admissions ........... 904-886-8420 Adult Daycare...............288-7858 Rehab/Therapy .............886-8454 Healthcare ..........288-7851 AHome great mix: teens The Coves.....................292-2683 and summer The Foundation.............886-8430 For the past few months, Donations......................886-8432 our local teens have thought Volunteers ....................886-8429 about their summer plans.

CEO Marty Goetz.........260-1818 They have made dates with   their friends for outings to Rd. 11401 Old St. Augustine the beach, scheduled family Jacksonville, FL 32258 vacations 904-260-1818 and searched for part-time jobs. www.rivergarden.org I am fortunate that an exceptional group of teens have joined the River Garden family for part of their summer.

While they have boosted our numbers, they have come ready to engage with our residents and assist in a variety of ways. Gaining community service hours is an added bonus to the meaningful experience that they will find through giving that precious gift: time.

If you believe that you know a mature, dependable teen who has the ability to communicate effectively and is a good listener, I hope you will request an application. River Garden would be a great place to spend the rest of your summer. Flexible scheduling is offered to those who have the right qualifications.

Briefs

Remember River Garden

When you wish to honor or memorialize your loved ones, please be sure you keep in mind the wonderful ways River Garden has served, and continues to serve, our Northeast Florida community.

L’dor V’dor, from generation to generation, please send donations to: Development Department, River Garden Hebrew Home, 11401 Old St. Augustine Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32258, or call 904-8868432. Donations may also be made by visiting us online at rivergarden.org/donation.

And, please remember River Garden and the entire Northeast Florida area Jewish community in your will.

The River Garden Gala will be held on Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village. Sponsored by SunTrust Bank, Motown…Memories & Music will be an evening that will keep everyone on their feet. This year we are also very excited to honor Lilo and Harry Frisch as our golden couple.

Arlene and Dr. Tony Adelson and Diane and Dr. Mitchell Rothstein are heading the amazing gala committee.

River Garden is delighted that two such outstanding couples have agreed to chair this year’s event. Guests will be treated to cocktails, Motown Alley Silent Auction, dinner and outstanding entertainment from one of Atlanta’s hottest bands, Anita and her Motown Review.

River Garden is especially grateful to SunTrust Bank for once again being the presenting sponsor. “SunTrust is pleased to serve once again as presenting

Anita and her Motown Review sponsor of the River Garden Gala, and support the organization’s important work in caring for seniors in the Jacksonville area,” said Debbie Buckland, Jacksonville president and executive vice president of commercial banking. “We share River Garden’s commitment to the community and dedication to providing clients with outstanding service and care,” Buckland continued. “We value our partnerships with organizations such as River Garden that make our community an even better place in which to live.”

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. More than 50 percent of River Garden’s residents receive Medicaid, and the facility must raise approximately $1.2 million annually to make up the difference between the cost of care and the amount received from Medicaid. The philanthropic support of caring friends and members of the community is essential to the success of the home.

Since its inception in 1993, the gala has raised almost $3 million dollars for the frail elderly of our

community.

Don’t miss out on the fun.

The entire community is invited.

Sponsorship levels range from $1,000 to $20,000. Individual ticket prices begin at $250 and a special junior patron price of $175 for the 40 and younger crowd. For more information or reservations, call Kathy Osterer at 904-8868430 or e-mail kosterer@rivergarden.org.

Check out our website www. rivergardengala.wordpress.com.

Make reservations on-line. Like our Facebook page: River Garden Gala.

Parkinson’s: Say it LOUD and make it BIG

By SHERI SAMUELS River Garden Rehab

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, nearly 1.5 million people in the United States are believed to suffer from Parkinson’s disease, with an average of 50,000 new cases reported every year. This degenerative disorder of the central nervous system presents with various layers of symptoms; the most common being shaking, rigidity, slow movements and decreased vocal quality.

With aggressive research, gains are being made in the treatment of Parkinson’s via conven-

tional methods such as medication, as well as less conventional methods including brain surgery.

One method that is quickly gaining awareness and yielding substantial results is the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment program.

This program is intensive with specific parameters and methods for treatment that focus on two main components of the symptoms: speech and movement.

The LSVT LOUD component focuses on techniques designed to increase vocal quality, including intelligibility and level of loudness, and strengthen the vocal cords. In addition to high-intensity vocal exercises, individuals are instructed to think loud in order

to increase volume. The goal is to retrain the brain so this type of communication becomes routine.

With the LSVT LOUD method, most patient’s experience immediate improvement and carryover which can last up to two years.

While LSVT LOUD focuses on the voice, LSVT BIG is centered on movement. Because Parkinson’s can cause an individual’s movements to become rigid or smaller, LSVT BIG uses repetitive, whole-body, large-motion exercises that retrain the brain to make bigger movements. These intensive strengthening exercises result in faster walking with larger steps, improved balance and increased trunk rotation.

While the LSVT program is mostly used in the treatment of Parkinsonism, it is widely making gains as a method for other neurological disorders and conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. The program must be administered by a therapist who has received specialized training and certification, with the treatment plan requiring 60-minute sessions four days a week for four weeks.

To learn more about the LSVT program or other River Garden Rehab specialized programs, contact us at 904.886.8454 or visit our website at www.rivergarden. org/therapycenter.

Saturday, November 16, 2013 Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village Presented by SunTrust Chairs: Arlene & Dr. Tony Adelson and Diane & Dr. Mitchell Rothstein

Contact Us: Admissions ........... 904-886-8420 Adult Daycare...............288-7858 Rehab/Therapy .............886-8454 Home Healthcare ..........288-7851 The Coves.....................292-2683 The Foundation.............886-8430 Donations......................886-8432 Volunteers ....................886-8429 CEO Marty Goetz.........260-1818   11401 Old St. Augustine Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32258 904-260-1818 www.rivergarden.org

Honoring Our Golden Couple

Lilo and Harry Frisch Cocktails• Silent Auction •Dinner• Entertainment• Black Tie For information and sponsorship opportunities contact kosterer@rivergarden.org or 904.886.8430. Visit us at www.rivergarden.org

RIVER GARDEN 2013 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $192,000

page 14

Jacksonville Jewish News • July 2013

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/JaxJewish

JEWISH FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES

JFCS expands into Nassau

By COLLEEN RODRIGUEZ

448-1933 www.jfcsjax.org

Briefs Volunteers needed

Jewish tradition teaches the importance of visiting those who are ill. Through the Jewish Healing Network we are able to help fulfill that mitzvah – and at the same time reach out to those who are recovering from illness or feeling lonely or socially isolated. But we cannot do it without you. We are looking for volunteers who can visit Jewish patients in the hospital, and in long-term care or assisted-living facilities throughout the area.

Please call Karen Susman, Jewish Healing Network coordinator, to let us know how you can help. Other non-client volunteer opportunities are also available.

Please call – you’ll be glad you did. (904) 394-5737.

Calling all cooks

The Holocaust Family Gathering Committee is compiling a cookbook, “A Spoonful of Memories,” with recipes from local Holocaust survivors. We are seeking additional recipes to add to the publication. If you know any survivors who might have any recipes, even if they do not currently reside in Jacksonville, please send the recipes to Naomi Mirensky, MSW, 6261 Dupont Station Court East, Jacksonville, FL 32217 or nmirensky@jfcsjax. org or for more information call (904) 394-5777.

CALL2GO logo

Need a ride to synagogue?

If you need a ride, CALL2GO at JFCS! We provide free transportation to synagogue for Shabbat services. Rides to medical appointments, shopping and other needs are offered at a reduced rate. Call the transportation line at 224-6287 for further information or to schedule a ride.

Foods of the month

JFCS appreciates the support of individuals, families and groups who give gifts of nonperishable food to the Winn-Dixie Emergency Food Pantry. We accept donations throughout the year and rely on the support of individuals, families and groups who help us keep our pantry shelves full. Foods of the month for July are peanut butter, jelly, rice, pasta, tomato sauce, mac’n cheese, tuna, canned fruits and juices.

COUNTDOWN TO 100 3 years 11 months

JFCS: Serving our COMMUNITY since 1917.

Executive Director

We are proud to announce that Jewish Family & Community Services is providing prevention and therapeutic services in Nassau County as of July 1.

Through a contract with Family Support Services/Department of Children & Families, JFCS will be working with families that are at risk of becoming involved with the Dependency Court System. This is the system that oversees children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned. JFCS staff will be going into the homes working with parents to develop parenting and budgeting skills, linking with community resources and ensuring that the children are getting their educational, emotional and medical needs met.

JFCS will base two family therapists out of the Nassau County office, as well. These therapists will be providing therapeutic support, counseling and interventions to these families. It is our hope that this will be the first of many programs that JFCS will provide in Nassau County.

Additionally, JFCS will be expanding in Duval County.

JFCS will be adding two teams of case managers that will be

By JFCS

Heading up the JFCS Nassau team: Bill Nolan, director of Child Welfare, with Maria Williams, associate director; Laura Evans, program manager; and Rachel Weinstein, manager of Dupont Counseling Group. working with a population of families where abuse/neglect has occurred but due to the compliance and engagement of the family, DCF has decided to leave the children in the home while JFCS provides intensive in-home services. There will be two additional therapists added to the team to work with the families in Duval County.

We are excited to begin working with this group of families.

We know that very often the trauma of removal is more detrimental to the children than the past living conditions. Within 24 hours of receiving a case, JFCS staff will begin to provide strengths-based interventions while continually monitoring for child safety.

Cosmic bowling a huge success

By Jewish Family & Community Services

Thank you to all of our sponsors: the Zimmerman Family Foundation, Lenny and Heather Ferman, Brandon Pest Control, Bob and Anne Lufrano, and Jack and Miriam Price, as well as everyone who participated in the JFCS cosmic bowling on June 2.

Guests and staff came together for a morning of bowling fun with lights flashing, music playing and kids (and grownups, too) laughing. There were giveaways for high scores, strikes and spares and a chance drawing was also held for some great gifts.

We hope you’ll join us for our next family event. Keep checking out the events on our

One community plus one challenge = success Thanks to the Block family and to everyone who made a gift in April and May during the Block Family Food Challenge. Along with the Block family match, you helped us raise $27,000, which directly benefits our Winn-Dixie Emergency Food Pantry.

This is the sixth consecutive year that the Block family has offered the Food Challenge.

And why do they do it? “It is unacceptable that anyone go to bed hungry,” said Bill Block at his Darifair Foods office. But unfortunately, hunger is a real problem. Statistics show that 1 in 6 people suffer from hunger in Jacksonville.

The donations made during the challenge certainly helps, and your ongoing donations and support will continue to help alleviate hunger in Jacksonville.

•In Jacksonville, 1 in 6 people suffer from hunger.

•Nationally, 1 in 4 children don’t know where their next meal will come from.

•35 percent of senior adult households choose between buying food and paying utilities.

Inspiration

The Feldman family Facebook page, or on our website, or let us keep you posted

by signing up for our electronic newsletter www.jfcsjax.org.

Katzman to perform for survivors

By Jewish Family & Community Services at the Marriott Southpoint on

Bernie at piano

Holocaust survivors and their families will celebrate summer to the sounds of Bernie Katzman on piano and vocals as he entertains with show tunes written by Jewish composers.

Jewish Family & Community Services cordially invites Holocaust survivors and their families for a Celebration of Summer

Sunday, July 21, at 10:30 a.m. In addition to the music, there will be plenty of time for schmoozing at a bagel brunch.

This program is generously sponsored by: Ben Gottlieb Family Fund; Robert M Morgan, Attorney at Law; and the Pollan Family. RSVP by July 10 to Naomi Mirensky (904) 394-5777 or nmiresky@jfcsjax.org.

8 Notes of Summer series begins

By Jewish Family & Community Services playlist will include such patriotic

Jewish Family & Community Services, through the generosity of the Ben Gottlieb family, are proud to present the 5th Annual 8 Notes of Summer concert series featuring a tribute to the Jewish American songwriter. We will again enjoy the music of Randy and Rhonda Tinnin, whose

themes such as “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” “It’s a Grand Old Flag,” and “God Bless America.”

The 8 Notes of Summer is coordinated by the Jewish Healing Network and is committed to reach out physically, emotionally and socially to Jewish seniors who may be less able to be as independent as they once were,

many who are now living in nonsectarian residential facilities.

The program promises to be a toe-tapping experience guaranteed to lift the spirits of the senior residents and their families. JFCS will present The 8 Notes of Summer between July 10 and July 16 in five different senior facilities throughout the area. Call 3945737 for additional information.

JEWISH FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES 2013 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $288,000

Chris Atkins, manager of Achievers for Life at JFCS, is pictured here with Richard Collier, former Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle, who was a featured speaker to the 8,000 students, families and community members celebrating academic excellence at the inaugural Public Education Partners event in Metropolitan Park last month.

Collier, who was shot while in his car after leaving a nightclub, was left paralyzed and lost one leg due to the incident, yet he has come back to live a full and active life, and was a great inspiration to the kids.

Jacksonville Jewish News • July 2013

President’s Corner:

page 15

www.jewishjacksonville.org

JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA

Focus on Beth El synagogue

Foundation thanks CJL supporters

By Mark Green Foundation President

We are grateful to the founders who built our Jewish community and to current supporters who sustain our world class agencies and synagogues. During January’s Create A Jewish Legacy event we celebrated our rich history. We also applauded legacy efforts our agencies and synagogues have undertaken together to secure a Jewish future for our children and grandchildren. As event cochair Andrea Mail stated, “We stand strongest when we stand together!”

Our Jewish Community Foundation thanks these outstanding volunteers for contributing to our success with CJL. Outstanding Fundraising: Richard Sisisky, Create A Jewish Legacy Community chair, for raising funds in support of the CJL program.

Special thanks to our 20 community angels for their contributions. Barry Zisser for raising funds to present the CJL event. Thank you, also, to our event sponsors.

Outstanding Event Chairs: Co-Chairs Andrea Mail, Ellen Rosner and Jeanine Rogozinski for their leadership, coordination and planning of our CJL community celebration.

Outstanding Video Production: Deborah Shapiro, Jeanine Hoff, Max Ackerman, Scott Goldstein, Hazzan Jesse Holzer for preparing videos highlighting the importance of each agency and synagogue. Special thanks to Legacy Video Program sponsors, Iris and Mark Kraemer.

Outstanding Entertainment: Isabel Balotin, Shirley Bielski, Mary Edwards, Ellen Hare, Jeanine Hoff, Hazzan Jesse Holzer, Rabbi Matthew Cohen and Koltrain band members, Leslie Blumenfeld, Bruce Horowitz, Jaime Kaufman, Dennis Mizrahi, Todd Morse, Cindy and Dan Wohl, and Scott Zimmerman for their lyrics, vocals and music during our CJL celebration.

Outstanding Volunteerism: Judy and Len Elikan, Sue and Ron Elinoff, Michele Katz, Penny Marks, Fred Marks, Lita Poehlman, Judy Poppell, Joanne Rosenberg, Larry Tallis, and Barry and Eunice Zisser for their efforts to prepare and present our CJL event.

You made our CJL celebration event a wonderful experience for the more than 350 who attended — we applaud you.

Outstanding Legacy Support: To the over 500 individuals who have signed CJL declarations, and those who told us they plan to remember Jewish causes in estate plans and to those who have already given to Jewish organization endowment funds: many thanks. You are securing the future of our Jewish community.

Outstanding Leadership: Members of our Foundation Board and the CJL Steering, Investment Oversight and other committees.

Through our Create A Jewish Legacy program over $64 million in legacy gifts have been promised to Jewish causes. Many thanks for your outstanding efforts to secure the future of our Jewish community.

Len and Judy Elikan

By Jewish Community Foundation

For Judy and Len Elikan, family and fond memories of Jewish education and camp experiences shaped their charitable giving philosophy. “We feel Jewish education is key to our survival as a people,” they shared. Guided by their principles, the Elikans are creating their Jewish legacy to support Jewish education experiences. They advised, “Our vision for the future is a Northeast Florida Jewish community with financial resources to provide Jewish educational opportunities to all.”

The Elikan Camp Scholarship Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation offers funding to local teens who wish to attend summer overnight camp.

Those who apply and meet the competitive grant criteria receive scholarships. Len recalled, “I know how camp affected me and my involvement in the Jewish community. I hope kids attending camp with these scholarships will be inspired to become Jewish commu-

nity leaders, too.” Judy added, “When Len and I decided to endow our Jewish legacy, we felt this was the way for our dream of helping young people experience Jewish summer camps ... to become reality.”

“We primarily donate charitable gifts to Jewish causes,” the couple shared.

Judy continued, “Many donate to worthwhile non-Jewish charities. A smaller pool – mostly Jews – supports Jewish causes. Our dollars have a greater impact on Jewish causes.”

Throughout their lives, Len and Judy have been active and taken leadership roles in numerous Jewish organizations.

Since moving to Ponte Vedra Beach from Cincinnati over 20 years ago, both have served on the Beth El board, with Len serving as treasurer in the 1990s.

Judy was a founding member and president of Hadassah’s Yamit chapter.

Len represents Beth El on the board of the Jewish Community Foundation and serves on its Investment Oversight and Create A Jewish Legacy Steering com-

mittees.

Judy and Len expressed their appreciation for the Foundation and the Create A Jewish Legacy program stating, “We look upon Foundation as a gift to people here in Jacksonville because it’s there to help you figure out how you can make your dreams come true.”

Len elaborated, “I have dreams about what I’d like the community to be in the future. Foundation helped me focus and set things up so I will be able to accomplish my dreams.”

To view the Elikans’ legacy video and other Create A Jewish Legacy videos, navigate your web browser to www.createajewishlegacyjax.org. On the top left, select Media Gallery. Select Create A Jewish Legacy Celebration Wish Upon a Shooting Star. Navigate to the video of your choice.

Please contact Leslie Lewis Kirkwood, CJL Program Director at (904) 394-0720 or lkirkwood@jewishfoundationnefl.org to create your own Jewish legacy.

If you don’t have a will Uncle Sam has one for you

By Jewish Community Foundation

You work hard to build a secure life for yourself and your family. But what happens to that security and your good intentions for your family’s well-being if you die without a will?

If you die without a will (intestate), the government will step in to decide who will receive your possessions, property, savings and investments.

Family heirlooms may be lost. Minor children could be placed in the custody of unintended guardians.

When you die without a will, the government settles your estate according to inheritance laws that spell out who receives what. Your hopes and

dreams are not considered. The family and charities you expected to support may be left out in the cold.

Absent a will, your loved ones may experience the additional emotional trauma of estate probate.

A will keeps you in charge of the planning. You decide the future, not the government.

Planning and creating a will may preserve your assets by reducing taxes and costs. How much difference can planning make? Elvis Presley died with more than $10 million. Estate taxes and costs ate up more than $7 million about 72 percent. Yul Brynner died with $5 million, but only $134,000 - about 3 percent - went to taxes and costs. Basic

estate planning is important for everybody.

You determine where your assets go by creating a will and selecting beneficiaries for your retirement plans and insurance policies. Review your will and beneficiary designations regularly. Fortunes and situations change, so be sure to keep them up to date. Please consult a qualified professional adviser, even to prepare a simple will. Tell someone you trust where to find your current will and other important documents.

Leave Uncle Sam out of the process.

A will gives you and your loved ones peace of mind knowing everything you worked for and all that’s precious to you will pass according to your intent.

To create your Personalized Legacy Agreement including which causes will be your beneficiaries, contact the Foundation. Then, use the following language in your will and to change a beneficiary designation on other assets such as IRAs or life Insurance: “I give and bequeath to the Jewish Community Foundation of Northeast FL Inc., its successors and or assigns X %, (whatever % or dollar amount that is comfortable for you) of my residual estate or/asset.” Contact the Foundation with additional questions. The Jewish Community Foundation of Northeast Florida, Inc., does not provide legal or tax advice. This information is not intended, nor may it be relied upon, as legal, accounting or other professional advice.

Before making any financial decisions, always consult your own professional adviser.

JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA 2013 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $88,422

page 16

Jacksonville Jewish News • July 2013

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JEWISH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE Happy birthday, JCA

Beat the heat at JCA

By Jewish Community Alliance

Not only can you work out in air-conditioned comfort during the summer months in the JCA’s Fitness Center, gym and cycling and exercise rooms, but you also can cool off in the JCA’s two swimming pools.

The Howard and Joy Korman Outdoor Pool is open from 1 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, from 5:30 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. MondayThursday and from 5:30 a.m. to

4:30 p.m. on Friday.

The Richter Family Indoor Pool offers open swim from 1 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, and at various times throughout the day Monday through Friday (see complete schedule on jcajax.org).

And don’t forget the JCA Swim School for youngsters age six months and up and the yearround Makos Swim Team for ages 5 to 18. Call 730-2100 ext. 240 for more information.

This year marks the 25th birthday of the Jewish Community Alliance. In honor of this milestone, the JCA celebrated the occasion on April 20 with a sold-out fundraising event. The event, attended by 300 members of the community, included 25 JCA stories and photographs, a documentary, a museum room that showcased items from the recently unearthed time capsule, cocktails, dinner, dancing and dessert. Special thanks to Larry Tallis for photographing the night. Visit www.jcajax.org/birthday to see additional photos from this fabulous evening.

Above: From left: Colman and Rachel Brodsky, Mark Green and Brent Trager Top right: Andy and Jeff Block alongside their family’s JCA story, one of the 25 JCA stories displayed at the event Right: From left: Marty and Susie Goetz Bottom right: From left: Ken and Allison Jacobs Below: From left: Phyllis Vandroff with Rabbi Matt and Erin Cohen

JCA happenings Vandroff Art Gallery

The paintings of Ted Head will be on display in the Vandroff Art Gallery through July 3. The gallery will exhibit works by members of the Society of Mixed Media Artists from July 5 to July 31.

The mission of SoMMA is to reach out to dedicated, innovative artists working in all forms of mixed media including collage, assemblage and experimental artwork. Their goal is to increase public awareness and to introduce mixed media and collage as an important and viable contribution within the fine arts community.

Beginning Aug. 2, the gallery will exhibit the work of Gordon Meggison. Gordon uses thick impasto texture material, bringing the paint into the viewers’ physical space. Acrylics and watercolors are his tools to explore his personal calligraphy of intuitive vibrating line and color.

Gordon is one of the JCA’s favorite art teachers, teaching

classes in oil painting and watercolor. General Mills hired Gordon to paint 70 murals in many Olive Garden Restaurants.

Creating your life’s collage

Collaging is a great way to express your inner creativity and find your voice. Join us at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, for a soulful evening of collaging, with award-winning collage artist Joyce Gabiou.

Joyce will show you how to weave together an artistic representation of your life that will continue to inspire you for years to come. Grab a friend and a couple of your favorite magazines and we’ll supply the rest. The fee is $16 for JCA members and $24 for nonmembers.

The Day of the Bull: Picasso style

Florida is 500 years old and that’s something to celebrate. St. Augustine is paying tribute to its

Spanish roots with a special bull and bull-fighting exhibit of Pablo Picasso’s artwork. Here is your chance to see Spain’s greatest artist’s work up close and personal.

Travel with the JCA on Wednesday, July 31, to St. Augustine for a docent-led tour of the Picasso exhibit followed by a Dutch-treat lunch at the Columbia Restaurant. Paid reservations are required with the JCA registrar by July 15. The fee is $28 for JCA members and $42 for nonmembers.

Tubing at Ichetucknee Springs

When was the last time you had some real fun? Join us as we make our way to Ichetucknee Springs State Park for a great day of tubing and more. We’ll start our adventure at 8:45 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18, in the JCA parking lot where we’ll board a luxury coach bus for our trip to the park.

Once there, you’ll enjoy a relaxing trip down the pristine

waters of the Ichetucknee River, followed by a tasty lunch. We’ll then make our way back to the JCA with fun had by all. Advance registration by Aug. 8 a must for this trip. The fee, which includes transportation, lunch, park fee, tube rental, snacks and tip, is $68 for JCA members and $102 for nonmembers.

Game Day at the JCA

Come to the JCA at noon Wednesday, Aug. 21, for an afternoon of fun and games. Lunch will be served followed by a selection of board and card games for your pleasure.

Haven’t played casino in a million years? Then this is your day.

If Rummy Q, Scrabble, canasta, hearts, or Mah Jongg are your thing, we’ll have those too. Please register your choice of games when you call the JCA registrar with your paid reservation. The fee is $5 for JCA members and $8 for nonmembers.

JEWISH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE 2013 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $205,000

Indulge yourself

It’s an indulge yourself kind of day with friends. At 4 p.m.

Aug. 28, let’s drive ourselves to Mandarin Landing for a manicure and pedicure at Aveda Institute.

We’ll get our fingernails and toenails twinkling and sparkling in a private room just for us before walking to Enza’s for a Dutchtreat dinner complete with music.

Reservations are a must with the JCA registrar no later than Aug. 20. The fee is $25 for JCA members and $38 for nonmembers.

904.730.2100 wwwjcajax.org

Jacksonville Jewish News • July 2013

page 17

www.jewishjacksonville.org

LIFECYCLES B’nai Mitzvah

Benjamin Soroka, son of Dr. Stuart Soroka and Kimberly Stewart, was called to the Torah on the occasion of his Bar Mitzvah on June 8, 2013, at Temple Bet Yam in St. Augustine.

Sharing in the simcha was his brother Adam and sister Lily, as well as other friends and family.

Benjamin Soroka is in the eighth grade at Sebastian Middle School.

He enjoys playing football and basketball.

Alexis Silverman, daughter of Jessica and Dr. David Silverman, and granddaughter of Judy and Steven Silverman, was called to the Torah for her Bat Mitzvah on May 18, 2013, at Chizuk Amuno Synagogue in Baltimore.

For Lexi’s mitzvah project she held a movie night and silent auction last summer, and raised over $13,000 for the Berry Kids Foundation.

Engagement

Risa Datz announces the engagement of her daughter Jodi Schneider to Andrew Shapiro of Miami Beach. A Feb. 8, 2014, wedding in Miami is planned.

Grandparents are Sonny and Joan Waitz.

Dr. Abraham and Marjorie Rogozinski announce the engagement of their daughter Laura Rogozinski to Benjamin Werber, son of Richard and Serena Werber of Boca Raton. The bride-elect received her bachelor of public health and health professions from the University of Florida. She received her doctorate of physical therapy from the University of Florida. The groomelect received his bachelor of history from Colgate University.

He received his juris doctorate from the University of Miami.

Ben practices at Shapiro, Fishman & Gache in Boca Raton. Laura and Ben met through a friend while Laura was an undergrad.

Almost four years later, this past April, Ben dropped on one knee and proposed to Laura where they had their first kiss in Gainesville.

A May 2014 wedding is planned in Jacksonville, where Laura grew up. Laura and Ben are looking forward to being surrounded by loving family and friends during this special time.

Howard and Lauren Hochrad of Jacksonville announce the engagement of their daughter Chloe to Dr. Daniel Grosberg, son of Dr. Hyman and Cilla Grosberg of Silver Spring, Md. Ms. Hochrad, a graduate of St. Johns Country Day School, earned a bachelor of science in advertising and public relations from the University of Central Florida. She is employed by the Summitt Group, where she is an account coordinator.

Dr. Grosberg earned a bachelor of science in physics from The University of Maryland, College Park and a certificate of physiology from Virginia Commonwealth University. He received his doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. He is now in private practice in Silver Spring. A November 2014 wedding is planned in Silver Spring. The couple will reside in Fulton, Md.

Marriage

Sasha and Charles Gibbons were married on June 1, 2013, at the TPC Sawgrass. After a honeymoon in Bora Bora, French Polynesia, they will be living in New Jersey where Sasha is employed as an in-house attorney with Geico Insurance Company and Charles is an attorney with Ernst and Young.

Sasha is the daughter of Linda and Phillip Bloom. Grandparents are Sonny and Joan Waitz.

Dena Sheryl Setzer and Jason Jacob Rosen were married May 26, 2013, at Bouley Restaurant in New York City. The bride is the daughter of Dr. Barry and Mrs. Ellen Setzer of Jacksonville, and the groom is the son of Mr. Harry Rosen and Mrs. Pauline Rosen of

Melbourne, Australia.

The bride, 30, is a global copy editor and legal liaison for Clinique, a division of The Estee Lauder Companies in New York.

She graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S. in journalism (magna cum laude) and received a J.D. (cum laude) from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, and a masters of law from NYU School of Law. While at UF, she was a member of Florida Blue Key and served as editor-in-chief of UF Law’s Journal of Law and Public Policy.

The groom, 33, is general counsel for Phosphagenics Limited, an Australian biotechnology company with an office in New York. He graduated from the University of Melbourne with a B.Comm (economics and finance) and an LL.B. (J.D. equivalent), and received a masters of law from NYU School of Law. Following a honeymoon to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, the couple will live in New York City.

elor of science in Sound & Video Production from the International Art And Design Technology in Tampa.

Sympathy

… to the family of Hilda Aron, the mother of Debra Setzer and the mother-in-law of Leonard Set-

zer. Hilda died in Houston at the age of 95. She is also survived by children Don Aron, Larry Aron, and Sandy Aron; grandchildren Faye and Ari Schuchman, Ben and Melanie Setzer, and Michael and Lauren Setzer; great-grand-

See LIFECYCLES, p. 18

Accomplishments

On May 16, 2013, Andrew M. Kaunitz MD, MD, NCMP, professor and associate chairman in the Department of Obsetrics & Gynecology, University of Florida College of Dr. Kaunitz, left, MedicineJacksonville, and Daniel R. Wilson, dean of received the College of the Robert Medicine, UniC. Nuss Researcher/ versity of FloridaScholar of Jacksonville the Year Award.

Congratulations to Laura Platzer, daughter of Michael Platzer and Rosalina Ayala, on graduating summa cum laude with a bachelor of science in psychology from Yale University. Laura also received recognition as a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Psi Chi. Lauren Bloom has been promoted to management supervisor at BBDO Advertising Agency, Atlanta. Lauren’s parents are Linda and Philip Bloom; grandparents are Sonny and Joan Waitz.

Congratulations to Jeffrey Strait, son of Helen and John Hill, who graduated June 1 with a bach-

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page 18

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Jacksonville Jewish News • July 2013

LIFECYCLES/SYNAGOGUE NEWS

Temple Bet Yam installs new Board of Trustees

By Temple Bet Yam

An installation ceremony for the new 2013-14 Board of Trustees of Temple Bet Yam took place on June 7 during Shabbat services. Rabbi Mark Goldman performed the ceremony. The new board members are: Rabbi: Mark Goldman, President: Barbara Carman, Immediate Past President: Phyllis Keiser, Vice President: Elliot Stone, Religious School Director: Joan Guglielmo, Recording Secretary: Marcia Rector, Treasurer: Joe Marx, Financial Secretary: Nancy Sorkin, Corresponding Secretary: Ronnie Botnick Committees: Life Long Learning: Terri/Jeff Kamm, Constitution: Ileine Hoffman,

Membership: Barbara Rogove, Newsletter: Bev Darkatsh, Publicity: Carol Gladstone/Jennifer Love, Religious School: Denise Mensh, Ritual: Maury Keiser, Ways and Means: Andrea Marx/ Terre Wallach, Sisterhood: TBA, Men’s Club: Bud Carr/ Stuart Einhorn, Facilities: Richard Zicht, Social Justice: Art Rogove Temple Bet Yam is a warm, welcoming reform congregation with a diverse membership. The Temple is located at 2055 Wildwood Drive in St. Augustine.

For information on services, religious school, or the many activities offered, please call 819-1875 or e-mail templebetyan@bellsouth.net. The Temple’s website is templebetyam.org.

Come for a taste of Judaism

By Congregation Ahavath Chesed

We seek to whet your appetite with just a taste of all that Judaism has to offer. Rabbi Lief, senior rabbi at Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple) will offer a modern, reform Jewish perspective on living in today’s complicated world.

This three-part series will be held on Thursdays, July 11, 18 and 24, at 7 p.m. at the Temple, 8727 San Jose Blvd. Learn a bit about Jewish spirituality, Jewish

values and Jewish community.

And if your appetite for learning has not been satisfied, you are welcome to enroll in Introduction to Judaism, a weekly learning experience with Rabbi Lief that will begin on Thursday, Aug. 1, and continue through Chanukah.

This series is open to the community, Jewish or not. Register for all Lifelong Learning opportunities at Temple at learning@TheTempleJacksonville.org or call us at 733-7078.

Center operates Operation Isaiah

By Jacksonville Jewish Center

A new disease has taken hold, and it is called food insecurity.

Just what is food insecurity?

Approximately 15 percent of U.S. households which equates to 50 million people or one in six residents are affected by food insecurity. Nearly 9 million children live in food-insecure households.

It has been reported that many shelves in the local food pantries are dangerously low.

That means that these food banks are distributing less and

less food to needy families.

Operation Isaiah at the Jacksonville Jewish Center is taking up the challenge of filling those shelves at the Jewish Family & Community Services pantry.

Everyone can do their part in this battle against hunger. Next time you go to your grocer, look for the BOGO items and bring one of them to the Center. There are carts in the front lobby to drop off your much-needed donations. The Jacksonville Jewish Center is located at 3662 Crown Point Road.

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LIFECYCLES Continued from p. 17

children George Setzer, Zachary Setzer, and Noa Schuchman.

Contributions may be made to the Jacksonville Jewish Center or Community Hospice of Northeast Florida. … to the family of Mort Benjamin. He is survived by his wife Vera, daughter Mindy Einhorn, and grandchildren Mike and Robin Einhorn. Mort was predeceased by his son, David Benjamin. Contributions may be made to River Garden or the Jewish National Fund. … to the family of Debora Dreher who died June 6, 2013.

She is survived by her daughter Diane Dreher (Larry Amsel); son Joel (Jody) Dreher; and grandchildren David, Danielle, and Noah.

Contributions may be made to any of the following organizations: Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, River Garden, or the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, where Debby volunteered as a docent for school children (https://www.cummer.org/support/ make-a-donation). … to the family of Larry M. Lefkowitz, husband of Barbara, father of Leslie (Chris Schneider) Lefkowitz, Marti (Benny) Malone, Alisa Ambrose and Randi Rogin, grandfather of five and brother of Donald (Rochelle) Lefkowitz.

Larry died May 19, 2013. Contributions may be made to the Temple. … to the family of Bernard Lipshitz who died June 14, 2013.

He is survived by his companion Sue Ann Blumenthal; daughters Judi Lento (Jerry) and Caryn Kenny (Leon Yergin); grandchildren Josh Lento (Sam), Jordan Lento (Andrew Wilson), and Joe & Sarah Moss. Contributions may be made to the Jacksonville Jewish Center, River Garden, or to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida. … to the family of Oren Margol who died May 23, 2013. He is survived by his parents Bobbi and Bennie; children Eden and Joel; siblings Seth and Drew (Michelle); and nephews and nieces: Yitzhak Meir, Yehonatan, Yisrael Asher, Yaakov Daniel, Yehoshua Simha, Lauren (Brandon Trager, fiancee), and Gabrielle. Contributions may be made to the Jacksonville Jewish Center, Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, or the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University. … to the family of Raila Esta Michelson (now Watkinson)who died June 15, 2013. She was born in Jacksonville on March 22, 1939, to Edith and Leo Michelson. She and her family were avid congregants of the Jacksonville Jewish Center, since her grandparents came to Jacksonville from The Bronx in the 1930s. Her

grandfather, Abe Weiss, owned the Star Bakery, which eventually became Worman’s. Raila graduated from Robert E Lee High School in 1956. She died in Bellingham, Washington, near her home in Mount Vernon. She is survived by her husband, Jerry Watkinson, of Mount Vernon; her son Neal Attinson of Sonoma, Calif.; her daughter Susan Attinson Stephens of St Augustine; her sister, Debby Michelson, of Harrisburg, Pa.; her brother, Ben Michelson of Phoenix; and granddaughter, Heather Stephens of Amsterdam, Netherlands. She also had several nieces, nephews, and cousins. … to the family of Carole Goldberg on the passing of her father, Alfred Nathan, on May 14, 2013. Other family members include a son, Ronnie (Renee) Nathan; grandchildren David (Cassie) Goldberg, Eric (Sherry) Goldberg, Lane (Allison) Goldberg, and Kimberly Kennedy; and five great-grandchildren. Contributions may be made to the Mitzvah Fund of the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School, or the charity of your choice. … to the family of Maurice Rose, father of Stephanee Rose.

Maurice died on Saturday, May 18, 2013. He is also survived by daughter Branda (Kevin Hackett).

Contributions may be directed to the Jacksonville Jewish Center or Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.

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page 19

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SYNAGOGUE NEWS/EDUCATION Beth El golf tourney a success Academy celebrates a successful year

By Martin J. Gottlieb Day School

By Beth El The Beaches Synagogue

Beth El The Beaches Synagogue Inaugural Golf Tournament was a tremendous success.

We had a great turnout and couldn’t have done it without the support of the community, volunteers and our sponsors.

We would like to give special thanks to The Palencia Club, Lincoln, Buzzy Klausner of Authorized Appliance, Dr. Schnipper of Jacksonville Eye Center

and a number of other sponsors who made this event possible.

The generous donations received from participating golfers and sponsors will help ensure Beth El continue to remain a vibrant center for lifelong learning for the entire community.

Thank you to all participants and sponsors of this year’s tournament. We look forward to an even bigger tournament next year.

Students visit River Garden

The Galinsky Academy of the Jacksonville Jewish Center can celebrate the successful close to its first year. Here are some of the big accomplishments from Year 1: 1. Creation of Community of Kindness initiative: Although there is a lot more work to do, we did take important first steps.

2. Extension of 21st century learning to all academy schools 3. Consolidation of L’Dor V’Dor campaign and hiring a development director 4. Establishing clear and consistent parent communication vehicles 5. Branding initiative for the academy and all its schools 6. Rebranding of DuBow Preschool 7. Better integration between

Mayor Alvin Brown visits the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School. academy and the Jacksonville Jewish Center between our educators and our clergy For more information about

the Galinsky Academy or to take a tour of one of its schools, please contact Talie Zaifert at 904-2684200 ext. 147.

Beth El synagogue shares with the needy

By Beth El The Beaches Synagogue

After a successful fundraising Corned Beef Sandwich Sale, Beth El The Beaches Synagogue in Ponte Vedra Beach wanted to pay forward by contributing to the needy at the beaches. To accomplish this, Beth El raised over $1,500 through its Corned Beef for the Needy program. The synagogue purchased enough corned beef and bread to feed over 1,000 needy people, and donated the

corned beef and bread to Mission House in Jacksonville Beach.

“It is important to help those less fortunate. Beth El has always placed charitable giving and repairing the world through social action and community service high on our list of priorities,” stated Helen Siegal, committee chairperson of the Corned Beef Sandwich sale. Rabbi Michael Matuson, rabbi at Beth El, reminds us of a quote from the Bible that says, “Whoever has a

bountiful eye will be blessed, for they share their bread with the poor.” Lorie Anderson, director of Mission House said, “Our No. 1 goal is to assist homeless people off the streets of the beach and back to productive and selfsufficient lives. We at Mission House are so thankful to Beth El The Beaches Synagogue for their continued support of Mission House in helping us accomplish our goals for the less fortunate of our community.”

All-night Shavous held at Etz Chaim

By Etz Chaim Synagogue

By Torah Academy

The students have been creating cards since Mother’s day last year. This year the second and third grade class created poems, cards, created songs to sing.

They went room to room of residents who could not leave their rooms to sing, make personal card deliveries and just brighten the days of residents, in general.

Students made trips for Rosh Hashanah, Chanukah and Pesach.

On Purim pre-K through third

grade students sang and dressed in costumes.

Second and third graders subsequently delivered cards to some of the residents who could not take part; and again, they delivered their handmade cards with a smile and sometimes a song.

Members of the River Garden staff commented on the transformation that took place in the students over time as they learned to work together and grow in their comfort and knowledge of the good they were doing.

Reconstruction plenum organized

By Kehillah Chadashah

The reorganized reconstructionist movement has designed a plenum of congregations. This is a wonderful chance for congregational leadership to directly guide the movement. At the same time, it offers an opportunity to put into practice the reconstructionist value of democracy. Discussions will be held online.

The plan is for the plenum to have ongoing, deep discussions

and to hold voting meetings at least twice per year, by conference call. The first plenum voting meeting will be in fall 2013, following the High Holidays.

The hope is to have a stable group that can build relationships, dive into issues, and hold the central movement organization accountable to the congregations.

Kehillah Chadashah will be among the reconstructionist congregations participating in the movement’s plenum.

Kehillah Chadashah provides meals

By Kehillah Chadashah

For two years now Kehillah Chadashah has been helping Carmei Ha’ir, a soup kitchen in Jerusalem through the sale of the “Holocaust Survivors Cookbook” and now the “Miracle and Meals Cookbook.” A portion of the sales of the books, $36 each, goes to Carmei Ha’ir. Carmei Ha’ir recently launched a breakfast

program at its restaurant. They’ve installed a dairy kitchen so their needy clients can eat a nutritious morning meal instead of waiting until lunchtime. A portion of the meals will be delivered to the elderly and disabled.

To order your book(s) and join Kehillah Chadashah in feeding the hungry in Jerusalem, you can email kehillahchadashah@gmail. com.

Nearly 70 people came to Etz Chaim Synagogue on the first night of Shavous for an exciting learning program that lasted until sunrise. Shavous is the anniversary of the time that the Jewish nation received the Torah from G-d at Mount Sinai.

Historically, both to commemorate and re-live that moment, Jews have stayed up all night to

study the Torah.

This year, Etz Chaim hosted a stimulating program for the night.

Men, women and children gave a five-minute presentation on the parsha (Torah portion) of their choice. It was amazing how many people young and old stepped forward to offer a synopsis, insight or perspective on the portion of their choice. It was especially heartwarming seeing so many kids deliver their presentations on

the Torah portions with such poise and confidence.

Rabbi Yaakov Fisch commented, “It was very inspiring to see such wide participation from the entire congregation and be engaged in Torah study all evening.”

There are also concurrent sessions for the teens and pre-teens throughout the night led by our youth director Rabbi Hauptman.

At sunrise, there was a minyan with over 50 people.

Summer Kollel returns to Etz Chaim Synagogue

By Etz Chaim Synagogue

Etz Chaim is once again thrilled to announce the return of its annual summer Kollel July 31-Aug. 6. This program is designed for Jews of all backgrounds regardless of observance to spend a week exploring, discussing and studying Torah study. The Kollel

returns for a week of stimulating lectures, meaningful study and great ruach. The theme of the Kollel will be “Staying Ahead of the Curve; How to deal with Life’s Challenges.”

Rabbi Ariel Shoshan from Scottsdale, Ariz., will be our scholar in residence. Rabbi Ariel Shoshan is the founding rabbi of

Ahavas Torah: The Scottsdale Torah Center. He has been an instructor at Shearim Torah High School for Girls since its 2007 inception, and is a regular lecturer for JAC: Jewish Arizonans on Campus and Yeshiva High School of Arizona.

The entire Jewish community is invited to attend. For more information, please visit etzchaim.org.

page 20

Jacksonville Jewish News • July 2013

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HUNGER DOESN’T

DISCRIMINATE. With millions still out of work, many people in our own community are forced to choose between paying the rent and putting food on the table. That’s why we’re, through Jewish Family & Community Services, not only running food pantries and meal programs, we’re also offering financial assistance to get people back on track.

Today, more people are turning to us for assistance than ever before. Help us ensure that no one is turned away.

THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.

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