A COMMUNITY CELEBRATION The highlights from this year’s Community University Page 10
BOOK BURNING A Conversation about Censorship Page 8
GOING HIGH TECH Connecting Parents with their Kids at School Page 7
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JEWISH NEWS June
2015
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Sivan/Tammuz
5775
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www.jewishjacksonville.org
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JaxJewish
@jaxjewish
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A publication of the
Volume
27,
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28
pages
Schwartz wins Women’s Division makes at One Spark pilgrimage to Israel BY JEANINE HOFF rGEN Division Director
Zack Schwartz, who recently relocated to Jacksonville, won first place in the Technology category at One Spark with his The City.Guide. Zack and his team received more than 1,200 votes and $16,000 in crowdsourced funding. In Zach Schwartz (R) creating The City. Guide, Schwartz explained to News4Jax, “Our goal and mission is to get kids off social media and out into the world by showing them basketball courts they never knew were next door.” Schwartz is an active member of both The Temple 20s and 30s (T3) and rGEN (Our Generation), the Federation’s Young Adult Division. Mazel Tov to Zack and his amazing team!
JJN sports new look BY MATT FRANZBLAU
Federation Communications Director
At first glance this month’s issue of the Jacksonville Jewish News may look a little different to readers. That’s because the JJN has undergone a bit of a facelift with a new masthead logo, type face as well as some new colors introduced into the paper’s palette. The font is meant to mirror the streak style Star of David incorporated into the Federation’s new logo last year. The colors also match the Federation’s with the more traditional blue taken from the words Jewish Federation and the Aqua hue coming from ‘of Jacksonville’ in the main logo. The script ‘Jacksonville’
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See New Look, p. 6
Women from the Jacksonville Jewish community take a trip 20 years in the making BY ERIN COHEN
Women’s Division Director
Last month, nearly two-dozen women connected with the land of Israel in a most extraordinary way. “Girlfriends Connect with Israel” was the first women-only mission trip with The Jewish Federation of Jacksonville in more than 20 years. It is safe to say, it will not be another two decades before the next women’s trip is planned for the Jacksonville community.
Some of the participants had been to Israel many times, while for others, this was their first time in the Holy Land. Regardless of where each woman was in their Israeli journey, all expressed that it was the experience of a life time. Led by Michal Granot, our brilliant, witty and thought-provoking tour guide, each day the group of 24 took a journey through the history of our people’s sacred land. “It was a fantastic and all encompassing Israel trip with the Federation,” remarked Susan Zyserman. “Our tour guide, Michal made the experience the best that I could have imagined!” The women experienced the land and discovered the vast history of the country in a variety of ways. There was hiking, biking and museum visits; there was high fashion and floating in the Dead Sea. There
was by fine dining and lots of shopping. At each stop along the way, strong and meaningful connections were made with the Israeli people. Most importantly, the group developed an appreciation for and saw first-hand the value of their Federation support. From the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) Absorption Center, to spending quality time with their Israeli “family” in our sister city of Hadera Eiron, to visiting Susan’s House, an American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) program for at-risk teens, it was powerful, to say the least to see the Federation’s dollars at work. Mission participant Jeanine Rogozinski said, “Seeing our Federation’s first-hand connection to Israel and its people was phenomenal and reassuring. Our presence there was palpable. It made me realize for the first time
See ISRAEL TRIP, p. 27
Temple’s annual Jewish Food Festival a tasty success By Congregation Ahavath Chesed
Congregation Ahavath Chesed’s fourth annual Jacksonville Jewish Food Festival attracted hundreds of people of many faiths throughout North Florida. This year’s theme was Jewish food from around the world, and the event, held May 3, showcased the diversity of countries Jews have called home throughout history. With something to please everyone’s taste buds, a total of 20 food vendors came together to offer many flavors, some more familiar than others, to please the palate. Caring Congregation’s chicken soup with matzo balls, usually reserved only for those who are ill in the congregation, was available for all to enjoy thanks to the cooking expertise of WRJ Temple Sisterhood. It was a truly a feast of the senses as festival participants enjoyed eggplant yahni from Athens Café, brisket sliders prepared by Margo’s Catering, and fatoosh from Beirut. Commonly shared concoctions such as Israeli couscous from Classic Kosher, falafel, taboule and hummus from Mandaloun were of course a big hit as
were the fried ravioli from Enza’s, the orzo and kale salads from from Taverna and The Well respectively. For those from an Ashkenazi background, there were corned beef sandwiches courtesy of River Garden, kosher hot dogs prepared by the Temple Brotherhood and a pickle selection, right from the barrels brought by Olive My Pickle. Kugel was prepared by Ira Millman, a temple member, who henceforth may be known as “the kugel man.” “The Food Festival is an opportunity to introduce the entire community to the breadth of Jewish cuisine,” said Mindy Grinnan, Food Festival chair. “Jews live all over the world, and Jewish cuisine has been influenced by what is available in the cultures in which we live.” Bubbe’s Bake-off, chaired by Jackie Simms and Linda Weinstein, encouraged bakers of all ages to re-create the flavors of generations past. The judges’ panel consisted of food editors, critics, cookbook authors and food columnists. Dan Tremper won first place in the cake category for his
Photo by Larry Tallis
See FOOD FEST, p. 25
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Jacksonville Jewish News • June 2015
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education
Torah Academy names new head of school
Rabbi Shaya Hauptman By Jacksonville Jewish Center
The Torah Academy is pleased to announce that its next Head of School will be Rabbi Shaya Hauptman, starting in the fall of 2015. Rabbi Hauptman is already well known in the community as Etz Chaim’s Associate Rabbi and Youth Director. Through that position he has directed all youth activities as well as helped Etz Chaim’s NCSY chapter (grades 5-12) become a four-time award winning youth chapter. In addition to his role with Etz Chaim, Rabbi Hauptman has previously worked with Torah Academy as the middle school Judaic Stud-
ies teacher. While simultaneously juggling the responsibilities of two jobs within the Jewish community, Rabbi Hauptman obtained his Masters in Educational Leadership from Bellevue University. Combined with his Judaic training from Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, N.J., Yeshivas Mir in Jerusalem and his time in the Friedman Kollel of Olney, M.D., Rabbi Hauptman has the perfect blend of leadership skills and Torah insight. Now he is looking forward to putting his talents to work in a new capacity as Head of School for the Torah Academy of Jacksonville. “My wife Yocheved and I are truly honored that Torah Academy and the Jacksonville community have entrusted us with the sacred responsibility of educating their children,” Hauptman said. “We anticipate a bright future partnering with the broader community leadership in continuing to bring excellence through education at Torah Academy.”
Chicago Children’s Choir serenades JCA students
BY MOLLY SWEET
Jewish Community Alliance
Due to a last minute scheduling change this past April, The Chicago Children’s Choir was able to perform for JCA students after a venue cancellation in Jacksonville. The unexpected shift in schedule resulted in a serendipitous musical treat for students of Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten as well as the JCA After School program. “We were thrilled to be asked to host such a talented group, and of course our auditorium was perfect for a performance of this caliber,” said Rochelle Golomb, Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool Assistant Director. “We are always eager to expose our students to the arts, so of course
we accepted.” The world renowned concert choir is comprised of the most advanced singers in the Chicago Children’s Choir Organization, which serves 4,000 students ages 8-18 in 46 schools throughout the greater Chicago area. These singers are selected by an audition process, and in doing so, become part of a national and international touring ensemble. 38 singers ages 10-15 traveled to Jacksonville and performed for and with the JCA students. “This was such a unique opportunity for our students to see talented musicians, who are not much older than they are, performing at a high level of artistry and musical skill,” Golomb explained. “I’m sure that it was an inspiration to many of our students.”
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St. Johns Country Day School awards merit scholarships BY SUZANNE DAWES
St. Johns Country Day School
The St. Johns Country Day School Board of Trustees has authorized a Merit Scholarship Program for rising Grade 7 and Grade 9 students. The purpose of this program is to recognize students who demonstrate both outstanding academic promise and a desire to make a significant contribution to the life of St. Johns Country Day School. Headmaster Ed Ellison recently announced that two St. Johns Grade 8 students qualified for the Merit Scholarship Award and they are Aaron Makar and Danielle Fetner. From outside the St. Johns community, one student earned a Merit Scholarship. Isabelle Amacker will enroll at St. Johns for Grade 9, as she currently attends SwitMerit Scholarship recipient Danielle Fetner zerland Point Middle School. Each Merit Scholarship entitles the recipient to a 50% tuition she is a deserving applicant. discount while enrolled in Grades 9 through 12, Several students applied for these scholarbeginning August 2015. In order to earn a Merit Scholarship, a student ships, with many writing excellent essays and earning ISEE scores that were well above the namust have a 3.5 GPA or higher, achieve an agtional averages. These students, many of whom gregate stanine score of 28 on the challenging attend St. Johns, came very close to earning a Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE), and Merit Scholarship. write a compelling essay explaining why he or
Gan Yeladim campers to celebrate mud day BY MOLLY SWEET
Michele Block Gan Yeladim Pre-School
Later this month campers from Camp Gan Yeladim and Kinder Camp will get dirty by celebrating International Mud Day, a holiday that revels in the joy of digging deep into the slimy dirt mixture. Camp Gan Yeladim has participated in International Mud Day since the event’s inception five years ago, when Austra-
lian and Nepalese representatives from the World Forum launched the holiday. Mud Day was created for children and early childhood professionals all over the world to celebrate nature and outdoors by getting really muddy. “Somehow the concept of children choosing to play in
mud on the same day emphasizes that we are all connected to the Earth and therefore each other,” said Gillian McAuliffe in her article The Wonder of Mud: Reflections from Australia.
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Jacksonville Jewish News • June 2015
community news
JCA directors to participate in continental leadership program By Iman Byfield
Jewish Community Alliance
Jewish Community Alliance’s Director of Development and Communications, Lior Spring, and Betsy Miller, JCA Youth Services Director, have been chosen to participate in the Leadership Enrichment Advancement Program (LEAP). The pair are two of only 22 participants selected nationally from nine JCCs participating in the JCC Association Talent Management pilot program. “JCC Association is investing in talent management and development of JCC staff, which is very important for the ongoing health of our JCCs,” said JCCA associate vice president and director of training Joy BrandRichardson. “We can provide critical assistance by identifying leadership ability and providing ongoing support and education to capitalize on it.” “It was truly an honor to be selected to participate in this seminar,” Spring said. “Having spent my entire career in the JCC field, I was excited to see a program
Beth El Beaches Sisterhood to host game day
By Beth El The Beaches Sisterhood
Join Beth El The Beaches Synagogue Sisterhood for its annual Game Day, Tuesday, Oct. 20th from 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. From mahjong to canasta, even bridge along with card and board games, there will be something for everyone! Those who feel up to the challenge can even enter the mini Scrabble tournament to win cash prizes. The cost of the event is $25 and includes snacks, lunch and door prices. To register or for more information, please contact Denice Goldberg at dzboss1@ hotmail.com.
Mahjong Class to be Held By River Garden Auxiliary
River Garden Auxiliary is about to begin its second mahjong class from mid-June to mid-July and presents a perfect opportunity for those looking to learn the game. Classes will be taught at River Garden on the following Tuesday afternoons from 2-4 pm. - June 9, 16, 23, 39 - July 7, 14 A donation to the River Garden Auxiliary of $36 is requested. For more information or to sign up contact Rhoda at rhodagoldstein@hotmail.com or 904-2588124.
Jeff Klein (L) and Richard Sisisky (R) with guest speaker Sharna Goldseker, who is Executive Director of 21/64, a non-profit consulting practice
Lior Spring developed that formally facilitates advancement within the field.” The year long LEAP program assists participants who hold diverse positions in their respective JCC’s to further develop their leadership skills through a series of webinars and educational opportunities. Spring and Miller participated in the first LEAP Summit from March 13-15 this past year in Orlando. “I am proud to work for an organization that takes this ap-
Betsy Miller proach; it is both inspirational on a personal level and good business on a professional level,” Miller explained. “I look forward to using my strengths more strategically at the JCA.” “Professional development has always been a priority at our agency,” JCA Executive Director Myron Flagler said. “I am thrilled that Lior and Betsy will be able to hone their leadership skills as part of the LEAP cohort.”
Jeff Klein, Executive Director at the Jewish Community Foundation of Northeast Florida takes part in a group activity during Sharna Goldseker’s presentation
Jacksonville Jewish News • June 2015
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community and federation news
JCA offers J Institute programs for summer By Jewish Community Alliance
With summer upon us, the J Institute has several fun programs to support your wellness goals. The J Institute is headed to the beach for a 5K Family Fun Run, Sunday, June 7, from 8-11 a.m. Meet at the beach at 16th Avenue South public access, next to Huguenot Park at 8 a.m. for sign in and pre-run energy snacks. JCA personal trainer Eiffel Gilyana will lead a pre-run stretch at 8:45 a.m., before the one mile family run and the 5K beach run. T-shirts will be given to the first 50 people to preregister, along with prizes for the winners and giveaways for all. This program is free for the entire community but registration is requested by June 4. On Monday, June 1 at 9 a.m., dietician Kelly Schooley will host ‘Get Juiced’, a program geared toward shedding light on the benefits of juicing and how easy it is to incorporate them into your daily meal planning. ‘Summer Slim’, scheduled to be held
By Martin J. Gottlieb Day School
Wednesdays from June 3 - 24, is another great way to get ready for summer. This light impact, cardio and toning group fitness class is led by fitness instructor Kristi Canto and lasts from 5:456:45 p.m. each session. Whatever your sport, join the JCA for ‘The Athlete’s Foot’, Thursday, June 4, at 5:30 p.m. First Place Sports Running will evaluate your feet for proper shoe fit and podiatrist Dr. Brad Herbst will discuss how to avoid sports related injuries. Also, save the date for Sunday, July 26, when the J Institute will be back at the beach collecting fossils with John Owens of Coastal Fossil Adventures. For more information or to register for these and other J Institute programs, visit www.jcajax.org/ji or call 730-2100 ext. 228.
Hadassah travels to Gainesville for conference BY HELLEN HILL
Jacksonville Hadassah
Jacksonville Hadassah members Helen Hill, Lin Pomerantz, Aviva Kaplan, Leah Ben-Yehuda (chapter president) and Liat Walker recently attended the Florida Central Region Conference in Gainesville.
The level of speakers at the conference was excellent and one particular presentation entitled “Terrorism Here and Abroad” is one that Hadassah is hoping to bring to Jacksonville during the next program year.
JJN Ad Directory - June 2015 At the Jacksonville Jewish News, our advertisers are precious to us. It is with their support that the Jacksonville Jewish community has a newspaper. Advertising revenue also offsets the cost of production, so Federation dollars can be dedicated to helping Jews locally and overseas. Please continue to live generously and support our advertisers: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Congregation Ahavath Chesed (p. 7 & 28) B&C Financial (p. 15) Beachview & Party Rentals (p. 16) Beirut Restaurant (p. 25) Bob Ham Eyewear (p. 11) Brandon Pest Control (p.10) Camp Kitov (p. 17) Davoli’s Catering (p. 13) DuBow Preschool (p. 15) Erica Jolles - Magnolia Properties (p. 16) Four Centries of Keyboard Music (p. 25) Heekin Clinic (P. 27) Impressions (p. 25) Israel Partnership (p. 10)
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
Jacksonville Children’s Chorus (p. 2) JCA - Discover Israel (p. 26) Jerry Seebol (p. 25) Larry Tallis Photography (p.20) Margo’s Catering (p. 11) Orange Park Medical Center (p. 12) PaigeWajsman-CBVanguard Realty (p. 16) River Garden (p. 15 & 17) Shalom Jacksonville (p. 14) Stein Mart (p. 11) St. John’s Country Day School (p. 3) The Tax Man (p. 25) Women’s Board (p. 13)
For your advertising needs, please contact advertising sales representative Barbara Nykerk at 904.733.4179 or Eta Perras at 904.629.0466.
What’s inside Business Directory........ Pg. 24 Celebration of Agencies ..Pg. 9 Classified Ads ................ Pg. 24 Community News.... Pgs. 3, 17 Community & Federation News ....................Pgs. 4, 6, 11 Education .....pgs. 2, 7, 13-15 Ed. & Comm. News ..........Pg. 8 Education & Synagogue News ...............................Pgs. 14, 16
Galinsky Academy honors Zimmerman
Federation & Synagogue News .............................. Pg. 10 Foundation .................... p. 23 Federation ..................... p. 18 JCFS ...................pgs. 20 & 22 JCA .......................pgs. 19, 21 Lifecycles ......................... p. 25 Opinion ............................... P. 5 River Garden ....................p. 24
On May 24, as part of Shavuot services at the Jacksonville Jewish Center, the Galinsky Academy presented the Rabbi David Gaffney Leadership in Education Award in loving memory of Scott P. Zimmerman. This award was established in honor of Rabbi David Gaffney, Rabbi Emeritus, who served as the Jacksonville Jewish Center’s spiritual leader from 1972 – 2001, and is bestowed upon a member of the community who has made a profound contribution to educating the children of The Galinsky Academy. Zimmerman, who passed away suddenly in December 2014, prepared generations of children at the Bernard & Alice Selevan Religious School and Martin J. Gottlieb Day School for B’nai Mitzvah, and led dozens of adults through B’nai Mitzvah training as well. Scott P. Zimmerman will posthumously receive the His loss was felt deeply by the Galinsky Academy and Jacksonville Jewish Center com- Rabbi David Gaffney Leadership in Education Award munities. As stated by Bat Mitzvah student Rebecca B., “Shavuot is the perfect time to remember Mr. Scott because he loved the Torah and brought the Torah to life for so many kids. I will never forget his friendship and what a great mentor he was to me.”
Sisterhood, Hadassah to hold girls night out By Beth El The Beaches Sisterhood
Join Beth El – The Beaches Synagogue Sisterhood along with Hadassah for Girls Night Out filled with fun, fashion and friendship.
The event will take place Thursday, Sept. 3, at 6:30 p.m. and will feature a fashion show put on by Chicos. It is free to attend for paid members and only $10 for non-members.
RSVP by Sunday, August 30 to Bobby Adler at 904-834-2948 or b.adler4315@gmail.com.
Young Leadership Award winner announced BY JEANINE HOFF rGEN Division Director
rGEN (Our Generation), the Young Adult Division of the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville is thrilled to announce this year’s Ilene Sari Selevan Young Leadership Award Winner, Nicole Sena Brown. Nicole has been an integral part of rGEN and its predessor, YLD (Young Leadership Division) having served on the Steering Committee for the last few years. Nicole has graciously hosted the annual rGEN Yom Kippur Break-The-Fast and rGEN Passover Seder for the last five years, welcoming newcomers and young professionals into her home during the holidays. She also co-chaired the Mix N Mingle program with Ben Marsh and traveled on a Federation mission to Israel several years ago. Ironically enough Nicole met her husband, Dr. Andy Brown, at a Federation Mix N Mingle and both are also very active in Congregation Ahavath Chesed – The Temple.
Nicole Sena Brown
Holocaust families gather at the Cummer Museum By SANDY DUGGAN
Jewish Family and Community Services
On Sunday, May 3, more than 75 Holocaust Survivors and their families attended the ‘Art of Terezin Tea Talk’ at the Cummer Museum. The program was presented by noted art historian Cindy Edelman, who shared her expertise and passion for Holocaust art and specifically about the works created by the artists at the Terezin Concentration camp. Participants were moved by the depth and diversity of the art and the program was made possible in thanks to Regions Bank and the Chai Circle Supporters. The next scheduled program will be Sunday, Oct 18 at the Temple featuring the voices of Gen 2.
Gail Furman, Naomi Mirensky, Cindy Edelman and Irene Jaffa at the Cummer Museum during the ‘Tea Talk’, May 3
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Jacksonville Jewish News • June 2015
opinion
Rabbincally Speaking: Tithing today for tomorrow By RABBI JOSHUA LIEF Congregation Ahavath Chesed
On his way to Haran, after his famous ladder dream, our ancestor Jacob promised God that if things went well for him, he would give to the Lord one tenth of everything with which God blessed him in his life. This statement became the foundation of later rules in the Torah for donating a “tithe,” or one tenth of our wealth back to God in thanksgiving for having it in the first place. If you itemize your deductions on your tax return, you can do the simple math to see what percentage of your gross income you’ve donated to charity over the past year. I like the fact that our sages asked of us a percentage so that all are
able to be givers and to feel the joy of participation. If you only make a little, give a little. If you make a lot, give more. The question becomes, to whom should we give? So many needy causes ask for our hard-earned charitable donations. Education, arts, civic causes, Jewish institutions; all are wonderful and all do good work with the gifts we contribute. While Becca and I are proud to be donors to our Jacksonville Jewish Federation, JFCS, the JCA, River Garden, and other Jewish as well as civic concerns, I encourage all of us not to forget the insight offered by the late Rabbi Alexander Schindler, former President of the Union for Reform Judaism, when he spoke to the delegates of the Union’s Biennial Conven-
tion in 1991. He reminded those listening that, “the synagogue is where Jews are made, where the individual soul and the community are joined. It is the place where modernity and eternity crossRABBINICALLY fertilize, where the seeds of Jewish identity are sown. All other institutions in Jewish life are created by Jews. Only
SPEAKING
the synagogue creates Jews, child by child, family by family.” So, too, it is for all of the wonderful institutions in our Jacksonville Jewish community. It is obvious that River Garden cares for our elders, that JFCS reaches out to the poor and the ill, that the JCA brings us together to learn and to play, that Federation helps support Jews in Israel and around the world. For our synagogues, the product is harder to see, but no less real. It is not worship, or learning, social action or socialization, though all of our congregations offer all of the above. It isn’t about purchasing theater tickets to the annual High Holy Day pageant. Our synagogues create our future givers and leaders, our future charitable
donors, our future board members and officers, the future supporters of the institutions which will someday support us. The synagogues are gifts to us from those who came before us, and they are our gift to the future, thanks to you. This summer, reflect on your connection to the synagogue of your choice, whichever it may be. Then, as we look to the New Year coming just around the corner in the fall, let us all make a resolution to take full advantage of the blessings of our amazing Jacksonville Jewish community, and show our thanks in return. Rabbi Joshua Lief is Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple’s) senior rabbi
Fundamentally Freund: Exposing the Saudi connection to the September 11th attacks By MICHAEL FREUND The Jerusalem Post
It may be hard to fathom but more than 13 years after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the public is still being kept in the dark about a critical issue related to the events of that dreadful day. As former Senator Bob Graham (D-Florida), who chaired the Senate Intelligence Committee from 2001 to 2003, put it in an April 17 opinion piece in the Tampa Bay Times, “This is the essential unanswered question remaining from 9/11: While the hijackers were inside the United States, did they act alone or did others facilitate them?” Specifically, as Graham and others have noted, there is a host of evidence suggesting that senior figures from Saudi Arabia financed and assisted the atrocity that was perpetrated on American soil. Nonetheless, Washington is adamantly refusing to share all the facts regarding Riyadh’s involvement with the American people. It is time for this to change. We all remember that horrific autumn day when commercial airplanes were hijacked, turned into guided missiles and used to murder nearly 3,000 people, changing the world forever. At the time, it was widely reported that 15 of the 19 hijackers were Saudis, as was Osama bin-Laden. But there is plenty of reason to believe that the desert kingdom’s connection to 9/11 is even more sinister.
In the wake of the attacks, the US Congress established a bipartisan commission headed by Graham and Republican Senator Richard Shelby which produced what came to be known as “the 9/11 report.” The document made for chilling reading, and provided a thorough account of the origins of the plot and its perpetrators. The report was published in book form and instantly became a national bestseller. But a key portion of the document was kept secret and remains so to this day. There are 28 pages which make up Part Four of the “9/11 report,” entitled “Findings, Discussion and Narrative Regarding Certain Sensitive National Security Matters,” and nearly all were redacted. The pages are blackened out, fittingly symbolizing the black hole down which certain American officials hoped to flush the information contained therein. The Bush administration refused to countenance the publication of this section, insisting that its release would compromise US national interests. And the Obama administration has continued that policy. And just what was in those pages that was so provocative that it had to be kept hidden from the public? By all accounts, it relates to Saudi officials and their alleged links to the attacks. As CBS News reported on July 30, 2003, “the redacted section lays out a money trail between Saudi Arabia and supporters of al-Qaeda.”
Among others, it singles out Omar al-Bayoumi, a Saudi intelligence agent who provided financial assistance to two of the hijackers prior to the attacks. AlBayoumi is said to have received funds from a charitable trust run by the wife of the Saudi ambassador to the US. In July 2011, journalists Anthony Summers and Robbyn Swan published a book, The Eleventh Day: the Full Story of 9/11 and Osama Bin-Laden, which offered still more damning evidence. Summers and Swan cited a US official who said there had been “very direct, very specific links” between Saudi officials and some of the al-Qaida hijackers. Others have suggested that members of the Saudi royal family may have been involved. Indeed, as The New York Times reported two months ago, lawyers representing the families of 9/11 victims, who are suing the Saudi government, disclosed that captured al-Qaida terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui had told them that members of the Saudi royal family had been major donors to the terrorist organization in the years leading up to the attacks. Over the years, Senator Graham repeatedly tried to get the redacted material in the 9/11 report declassified and released to the general public, but both the Bush and Obama administrations have refused to do so. But Graham continues to press on, and a resolution has now been introduced in the US House of Representatives calling on President Obama to release the 28 pages.
It is time for him to do so. For far too long, Saudi Arabia has escaped punishment for its atrocious behavior. It continues, as Graham has noted, “to promote Wahhabism, the extreme sect of Islam that promotes violence, denigrates non-Muslims as infidels and oppresses women. Saudi Arabia was the home of al-Qaeda and was instrumental in the creation of ISIS [Islamic State].” “These,” he added, “are the poisonous fruits that have grown from our refusal to sanction the kingdom for what it did.” The Taliban regime in Afghanistan, which provided al-Qaida with a safe haven, was removed from power, and bin-Laden, the mastermind of the attacks, was eliminated by the US military. But the other key player on 9/11 – Saudi Arabia – has yet to be held
accountable. This is morally obscene and it must not be allowed to continue. The American people and the rest of the civilized world have a right to know exactly what role Saudi sheikhs played in the mass murder that was carried out in the streets of New York and Washington. And the Saudis must finally be made to understand that they cannot continue to spread extremism and intolerance with impunity. Release the 28 pages from the 9/11 report, President Obama, and let the public decide for itself if Saudi Arabia is truly worthy of being called “friend” or “foe.” Michael Freund served as Deputy Communications Director in the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office under Binyamin Netanyahu. He is now a correspondent and
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JEWISH NEWS Advertising Representatives Barbara Nykerk • 904.733.4179 Eta Perras • 904.629.0466 Editor & Communications Director Matt Franzblau • mattf@jewishjacksonville.org Communications Committee Jon Israel, Chair Shirley Bielski Helen Hill Michele Katz Joan Levin Andrea Mail Rachel Morgenthal Andrew Ocean Marsha Pollock Federation President Sandy Zimmerman Federation Executive Director Alan Margolies 8505 San Jose Blvd. • Jacksonville, FL 32217 The Jacksonville Jewish News is published monthly. All submitted content becomes the property of the Jacksonville Jewish News. Announcements and opinions contained in these pages are published as a service to the community and do not necessarily represent the views of the Jacksonville Jewish News or its publisher, the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Jewish News is not responsible for the Kashruth of any product advertised. Copy 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.
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Jacksonville Jewish News • June 2015
community and federation news
JCA to hold youth basketball summer league BY IMAN BYFIELD
Jewish Community Alliance
The Jewish Community Alliance Sports and Recreation Department is known for quality sports programs for children and youth, with clinics that include fencing, lacrosse, flag football and gymnastics. Starting in July, the JCA Youth Basketball Summer League opens for younger players ages 4-12. As a continuation of the Winter Basketball League, the JCA Youth Summer League builds on the principles learned in the previous session, while teaching fundamentals, sportsmanship and competitive play. League clinics will be held on Sunday’s from July 12 – Aug. 2. The fee for this program is $75 and $50 for JCA valued members. A mandatory skills evaluation will be held on Sunday, June 7, from 1-3 p.m. For more information, including evaluation times for your child’s age group, call 904-730-2100 ext. 254 or e-mail pespecialist@jcajax.org.
New Look
Three J’s: June Jewish Java
Continued from p. 1 is the lone holdover from the old newspaper logo as it now sits atop the JJN logo and shares the big Aqua colored ‘J’ in Jacksonville Jewish News. Another new component to this month’s issue is a QR code in the bottom right hand corner of the front page and the ability to scan it
with your smart phone, tablet or mobile device and read it online via issu.com. This fresh, new look was done with careful consideration and planning, we hope you like it! Any questions or comments can be directed to jjn@jewishjacksonville.org.
Rabbis’ civil rights letter from jail to be heard at public reading
Crowds gather to pray at the steps of the Monson Restaurant in St. Augustine during June of 1964, following the arrests of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the incarceration of Rabbi’s who flocked to Florida in his support By St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society
The public reading of a letter written by 17 Jewish leaders swept up in the largest mass arrest of Rabbis in U.S. history, will take place, Monday, June 18 on the 51st anniversary of their incarceration. The letter will be read in Saint Augustine, across the street from the site of the arrest at what is now the Hilton Garden Inn. The letter entitled ‘Why We Went’ has generated some controversy as historians try to fix the role of the Holocaust in the minds of Jewish Communal leadership during the civil rights era of the 1960s. The work of Rabbi Allen Krause at Hebrew Union College ‘Rabbis and Negro Rights in the South, 19541967’ seems to indicate that most Rabbis were not influenced by the Holocaust in taking very brave stands on behalf of justice
and racial equality. The document was authored by a total of 16 Rabbis along with reform leader Al Vorspan from the St. Johns County Jail on the night of June 18-19, 1964 to be read aloud under the auspices of the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society. The letter’s most pointed and impactful passage is as follows: “We came as Jews who remember the millions of faceless people who stood quietly, watching the smoke rise from Hitler’s crematoria. We came because we know that, second only to silence, the greatest danger to man is loss of faith in man’s capacity to act.” The reading will begin at 12 p.m. and it is open to the public. For further information call 804914-4460.
BY ISABEL BALOTIN
Shalom Jacksonville Director
Join us for our monthly Jewish Java on June 3 from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Village Bread Café, 10111 San Jose Boulevard. This is the perfect place to meet other Jewish newcomers and friendly longtime residents. Find out the latest happenings in the community from people in the know and enjoy a free cup of coffee with your food purchase as well as a door prize. Federation’s Shalom Jacksonville is the official Jewish welcome wagon of Northeast Florida. All programs are casual and are held in public spaces or individual homes. Our events are designed to foster friendships and encourage community connections. It doesn’t matter how long you have lived in the area, you are always welcome to join us. Last month, newcomers Joan and Allan Silberman attended Java for the first time. Only in the area seven months, Allan teaches a current events class for OLLIE and serves on the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society. He shared some fascinating information with our May Java group. For more information, please contact Isabel Balotin, Shalom Jacksonville Director, 904-448-5000 x 206 or shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org. Shalom Jacksonville is a program of the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville.
Java first-timers Joan and Allan Silberman
River Garden to hold screening of Catskills themed movie By ISABEL BALOTIN
Shalom Jacksonville Director
If you ever spent time in the Catskills, you won’t want to miss the Northeast Florida premier screening of “Welcome to Kutsher’s” on Sunday, June 7 at 11 a.m. inside River Garden Senior Services, 11401 St. Augustine Road. Many people in this area have Catskills’ connections. Some grew up in this unique New York State area, others vacationed or worked in the famed hotels or bungalow colonies, still others attended summer camp in one of 50 small hamlets. The Jewish Federation’s Shalom Jacksonville and River Garden Senior Services invite you to a nostalgic morning that will transport you back to the glory days of your youth and the memorable Borscht Belt vacations. Brunch will be served promptly at 11:00. There is no charge for this event, however,
reservations are a must as there is limited seating. According to the Jewish Daily Forward, the film, “lovingly lays out the history of the Borscht Belt vacation with a grand smorgasbord of history, photos and film footage, and an appropriate dollop of nostalgic schmaltz.” The Catskills were not only a Jewish refuge and family vacation paradise, they also gave birth to American stand-up comedy, were places for athletes to train, and featured all-inclusive resorts. As the Catskills decline, this film provides unprecedented eye-witness documentation of Kutsher’s from its 100th anniversary season through the next seven years until the hotel is sold and demolished in 2014. The story of Kutsher’s is uniquely American, unexpectedly moving and a vital chapter-- Previously unexplored--of the modern Jewish experience. To RSVP, please contact
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Isabel Balotin, 904-448-5000 x206 or shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org or Mimi Kaufman, 904-880-4014. For more information, go to Facebook page “I had the time of my life in the Catskills— Borscht Belt.”
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Jacksonville Jewish News • June 2015
EDUCATION
Adult Ed wraps up another year at the JJC
Michele Block Gan Yeladim uses new technology in the classroom By MOLLY SWEET
Michele Block Gan Yeladim Pre-School
By Jacksonville Jewish Center
Another busy year in JJC adult education is coming to a close. This year saw another successful Safer Shabbaton with Biblical Scholar Judy Klitsner; an amazing one-woman show, and The Witness, sponsored by the Weiss-Leibo families. A standing-room only event co-sponsored with Jacksonville Hadassah was also held and featured the author of Rashi’s Daughters, Maggie Anton, to speak about her newest series of books. Visitors throughout the year also included Rabbi Matt Berkowitz and Professor Stephen Cantor. The Center’s regular ongoing classes have been well attended and will of course continue next year. Talmud class, Adult B’nai Mitzvah, Foundations of Judaism and many new multi-level Hebrew classes flourished in 2014-15. Todah Rabah to the hard work-
ing teachers, including Rabbis Lubliner and Tilman, Hazzan Holzer, Scott Zimmerman, Rabbis Mark Wieder and Merrill Shapiro, Etta Fialkow and Lois Tompkins. Look for more of these popular events and classes to continue next year as Hebrew classes will run throughout the summer months. Foundations and Adult B’nai Mitzvah class will then resume in August. Information is also coming soon about a great monthly motivating program for adults which encourages both Jewish living as well as learning. Visiting lecturers, Shabbatot, weekly Torah study and much more will be available to all adult learners of every age and level of comfort. Stay updated on all adult education events by visiting their official website at JJCAdultEducation.wordpress.com.
Have you ever wished you could catch a glimpse of your child’s daily life at school? For the parents of some Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool students, that wish has come true with the launch of two new classroom documentation apps: Kaymbu and Remini. Gan Yeladim teachers have been using the apps in their classrooms for several weeks now in an effort to strengthen engagement between home and school. The apps allow teachers to share and communicate with parents about their child’s activity and development in the classroom. “The response from parents has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Busy Bee teacher Megan Ferricane. “They feel more connected to what is happening with their child at school.” Using the new technology, Ferricane is able to share photos and videos with parents throughout the day, allowing a glimpse into the curriculum that isn’t necessarily captured through the lesson plans and newsletters she sends home. For Ferricane’s toddler students, who are in the earliest stages of verbal abilities, the app helps bridge the gap in communication between child and parent about what is going on at school.
“Parents seem to really love the circle time videos of songs their children sing later at home,” Ferricane adds. With the use of these new technologies in the classroom, teachers hope to provide both a sense of comfort for parents, who now can catch a glimpse of their child’s daily life at school, but also a sense of direction, for how to better reinforce the lessons their children are learning when they return home.
Mommy and Me class makes a ‘splash’
Selevan Religious School ends year on high note By LOIS B. TOMPKINS
Director Bernard & Alice Selevan Religious School
The 2014-15 school year was the beginning of many changes for the Bernard and Alice Selevan Religious School at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. With the introduction of a second through fifth grade Judaism through the Arts program, the look and feel of the Judaics program was dramatically improved. Jewish cooking, music, crafts, stories, and 21st Century technology became a joyous methodology as students learned in rotations each week. The curriculum remained concentrated on Jewish traditions, history, Torah, and celebrations; however, children actually experienced the many tastes, sounds, and feelings which are the most important and memorable parts of our rich culture. The students embraced this approach in full, as indicated by great attendance and happy faces throughout the year. Hebrew instruction also continued on a self-paced basis to meet the needs of a wide variety of learners and online learning options were expanded. More uses of online learning to will also supplement Hebrew reading and prayer classes next year. The Religious School ended the year on a joyful note with a special Shabbat service, Friday,
May 15 where members of all grades and their families were invited to lead portions of the service. The program included recognition for several students with perfect attendance as well as a moving up ceremony and acknowledgement of this year’s Religious School graduates. The school’s dedicated and hardworking teachers were also honored with certificates in addition to hand-made cards and flowers from their students. Following the service, religious school families shared a beautiful Shabbat dinner together. A formal Religious School graduation ceremony then took place on Sunday, May 17. Mazel tov to: Jacob Anchel, son of Melinda and Craig Anchel; Eliza Aretz, daughter of Margie Seaman and Edward Aretz; Ben Arnold, son of Melissa GrossArnold & Shawn Arnold; Kesha Ewing, daughter of Robyn and Justin Ewing; Yoni Homsky, son of Amit and Andrey Homsky; Jacob Lansaw, son of Ilene and Eric Lansaw; Ethan Levine, son of Christina and Mark Levine; Ethan Plotkin, son of Jennifer and Rick Plotkin; Alexander Wawzynski, son of Laura Zuckerberg and Michael Wawzynski; and Jonah Willens, son of Sara and Michael Willens.
By NATALIE DAYAN DuBow Preschool
Color Splash is the newest Mommy and Mestyle class that is offered at DuBow Preschool. Two classes began in April for a six-week session and throughout each one the participants were able to explore the world of colors. Each week a new color was introduced and children were given the opportunity to truly experience each one through a variety of materials, using each of their five senses. Some of the most memorable and fun moments of the class included painting
with giant white marshmallows, playing with a construction scene made of brown coffee as well as raking their hands through blue spaghetti and being introduced to red apple sauce oobleck. The variety of sensory bins and unique art projects, paired with color matching short story and tasty snacks guaranteed there was a fun and developmentally enriching activity through every moment of each Color Splash class. To stay up to date on future session offerings, including summer sessions scheduled to begin in June, like ‘Color Splash, Mommy & Me’ on Facebook or contact us directly at colorsplashclass@gmail.com.
Dahlenburg rejuvenates sunday school at Beth El The Beaches Synagogue By Beth El - The Beaches
Beth El The Beaches Synagogue’s new Religious School Administrator Marla Dahlenburg, has revitalized the Sunday School this year by bringing her 15 years of Hebrew and Judaics teaching expertise to its classrooms and various activities. The synagogue’s religious school families are continually engaged in fun and educational experiences such as Pizza in the Hut (Sukkot), Shabbat in a Bag, the Maccabee Challenge (Chanukah) and the Annual Purim Spiel and the Mother’s Day Mitzvah Project (Tikkun Olam) which supports a women’s shelter in the Jacksonville area. The Sunday School offers education to students in pre-kindergarten thru confirmation and concentrates on the following:
• New curriculum focused on preparing students to become B’nai Mitzvah. This is accomplished via Hebrew lessons and Judaica beginning in kindergarten and continuing through Hebrew prayer mastery by the end of sixth grade. • Judaic studies to discuss Jewish values, morals and ethics so that students can learn how to best connect with their Jewish Identity. This includes bible stories, prophets and mitzvahs as well as hands-on activities and projects to better understand Hebrew prayers and be well-prepared to lead productive Jewish lives. The school is currently accepting registrations for the 2015-16 school year which begins Monday, Aug. 24. For more information, please contact Beth El’s main office at 904-273-9100.
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Jacksonville Jewish News • June 2015
EDUCATION and community news
A conversation about censorship and free speech
By Remembering for the Future Community Holocaust Initiative
BANNED will examine the delicate balance between censorship and free speech in a Fall 2015/Spring 2016 program series. Celebrations, presentations, discussions and performances will take place at libraries, college campuses and parks across Florida’s First Coast. BANNED will explore censorship in history, focusing on Nazi repression of thought and expression, especially through the arts. It will also study connections between historic and contemporary censorship: calls to restrict public access to art in Jacksonville; removal of books from library and classroom shelves; and recent, deadly attacks on free speech at the Charlie Hebdo office in Paris and a free expression event in a Copenhagen café. BANNED challenges each of us to think critically about individual freedom, social responsibility, and the need to safeguard our rights.
Current program plans include: • A celebration of books, literacy and the freedom to read, Sept. 27 at Hemming Park • Director Hope McMath speaks about art censorship during the Nazi regime and beyond on Sept 29 at The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens • Award-winning author, Jacqueline Woodson conducts works shops for teachers and young writers on Oct. 3 place TBA and speaks about her 2014 National Book Award-winning memoir, “Brown Girl Dreaming,” on Oct. 4 at the Main Library • Kristalnacht Commemoration on Nov. 9 at Congregation Ahavath Chesed –The Temple Interested in participating? Please contact Leslie Kirkwood at bannedjax1@gmail.com regarding volunteer and sponsorship opportunities.
DuBow preschoolers ‘move up’ to kindergarten in graduation ceremony By SHEREEN CANADY DuBow Preschool
The Tzeeporim VPK class at the DuBow Preschool will be participating in a special “Moving Up Ceremony”, scheduled for Tuesday, June 2. Family, friends as well as Jacksonville Jewish Center clergy and teachers will be on hand to watch the kids perform some of their favorite songs, share their top VPK memories and receive their preschool certificates. The ceremony is a bittersweet event for the faculty as there are always tears of joy because the staff has worked with and watched these children grow from toddlers to inquisitive preschoolers. After several years of nurturing and care, the school’s tzeeporim (birds) have gained the skills necessary to leave their nest and move on to the ‘big’ school. To commemorate the occasion, the children will sing ‘We are moving up to Kindergarten’ as they walk across the Fletcher Selber Auditorium stage to receive their certificates. The pre-school staff would like to thank the parents for choosing DuBow and entrusting us with their precious children. It has been a great joy to work with the parents to help nurture the minds and hearts of these children. We take our role in their development and first school experiences very seriously and look forward to seeing how far they soar!
Members of the Tzeeporim VPK class at the DuBow Preschool will be taking place at a special ‘Moving Up’ ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday, June 2 at the Jacksonville Jewish Center
UNF board of trustees elects new leader in Joy Korman BY JESSICA SCOTT
University of North Florida
Joy Korman was recently elected chair of the University of North Florida Board of Trustees, a position held by only one other woman before her. “I look forward to working with Joy in her new leadership role,” said UNF President John A. Delaney. “Her leadership experience and expertise are great assets to the University.” Korman, a Mandarin resident, was appointed to the Board of Trustees by Governor Rick Scott in 2008, for a term ending in January 2013 and was reappointed for a second term through January 2018. In January 2014, she was elected as vice chair of the Board. The co-founder of Living Leadership, a consulting and training partnership that specializes in leadership, team building and organizational processes
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for the nonprofit and corporate sectors, Korman has worked as a teacher, counselor, administrator and community leader for more than 30 years. She has held various leadership positions including Jacksonville Public Libraries board chair, Congregation Ahavath Chesed president, as well as the boards of Leadership Jacksonville, Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, and Community Connections. Korman has worked on major capital campaigns and in an advisory capacity for Hope Haven Children’s Clinic, the Community Literacy Initiative and the Super Bowl Host Committee. While at The Bolles School, she created several initiatives related to leadership training, mentoring and community service for high school students. She is a trained facilitator in conflict resolution and has been a consultant and trainer for Leadership Jacksonville’s School Leadership Con-
Joy Korman
nection program. Her honors include the 1995 Community Connections Tribute Award – Women in Leadership, the 1996 Israel Unity Award, the 2004 NCCJ Humanitarian Award, the 2005 National Council of Jewish Women “Women In Power” Award and the Florida Library Association Outstanding Citizen’s Award in 2007.
Jacksonville Jewish News • June 2015
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jacksonville jewish agency leadership, 2015-16
Jewish Community Alliance
Executive Committee Adam Frisch, President Allison Korman Shelton, VP Brent Trager*, Vice President David Wolf, Secretary Rochelle Stoddard*, Treasurer Michael Miller*, Asst Secretary & Treasurer Positions Expiring in 2016 Jerry Kaplan* Leah Kennelly Debbie Parker Rebekah Selevan Blair Sherman Positions Expiring in 2017 Lisa Ansbacher Jill Metlin Douglas Oberdorfer* Denise Sherman* Irene Wolfe Positions Expiring in 2018 Andy Cantor Mary Edwards Garry Kitay* Jason Plaien Chase Zimmerman *new term Past Presidents Jan Lipsky Nancy Perlman
Jewish Community Foundation of Northeast Florida
Officers Sue Nussbaum*, President Ronald Elinoff*, Vice President Michael Korn*, Vice President Gary Perlman*, Vice President Larry Appel*, Secretary Jeff Edwards, Asst. Secretary Matthew Edelman, Treasurer Melvin Gottlieb*, Asst. Treasurer Andrea Mail*, Create a Jewish Legacy Co-Chairman Richard Sisisky, Create a Jewish Legacy Co-Chairman Board Members Andrew Cantor Leonard Elikan Melvin Fruit Mark Green Barbara Jaffe Susan Levine* Mark Lodinger Adam Marmelstein Hal Resnick Ellen Rosner Steven Sherman Gary Wilkinson* Sandy Zimmerman Barry Zisser Advisory Committee Mark Shorstein* Neal Presser* Elliott Horovitz* *new term
Nominating Committee Suzette Allen Leah Kennelly Allison Korman Shelton Michael Miller Rochelle Stoddard Myron Flagler - Staff Howard Korman President’s Award Mary Edwards Special Service Award Lisa Ansbacher Pat Frisch
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Jewish Federation of Jacksonville
Executive Committee Sandy Zimmerman, President Ken Jacobs, 1st Vice-President/ Campaign Chair Risa Herman, Vice President Jon Israel,Vice President Wendy Efron, Vice President Jen Plotkin, Women’s Division President, Vice President Mike Nussbaum, Treasurer Iris Kraemer, Secretary Allison Jacobs, Women’s Division Campaign Chair Daniel Miller, rGEN Chair Hal Resnick, Immediate Past President Larry Appel, President’s Appointee Board of Directors Mike Abel Claudia Baker Nancy Davis Susan DuBow Kim Glasgal Mark Green* Andrew Jaffa Erica Jolles Francine Kempner Debbie Banks Kitay* Michael Korn Michael Lewis Andrea Mail Benjamin Marsh Zachary Sherman Emily Rosenbaum Diane Rothstein Judy Silverman* Michael Solloway Eugene Wolchok Susan Wolchok Sue Nussbaum*, Foundation President Adam Fricsh – JCA President Ellen Rosner – JFCS President Marsha Pollock – River Garden President *new members Past president/honorary life members: Scot Ackerman Guy Benrubi Jack Coleman Ron Elinoff Leslie Held Joan Levin Mitchell Levine Gary Perlman David Robbins Kenneth Sekine Leonard Setzer Steve Silverman Richard Sisisky Arnold Vandroff Rabbis Rabbi Yaakov Fisch Rabbi Joshua Lief Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner Rabbi Michael Matuson Joe P. Safer Award Max Block, of blessed memory Ilene Sari Selevan Young Leadership Award Nicole Sena Brown
Jewish Family & Community Services
Board of Directors Ellen Rosner, President Hal Resnick, 1st Vice President Francine Kempner, Chairman Stephen Goldman, Vice President (Finance) & Treasurer Jodie Leach, Vice President (Development) Vanessa Solomon, Vice President (Programs & Services) Robert Morgan, Secretary Caren Appel Rusty Bozman Howard Caplan Mary Edwards Tom Harris Barbara Hunter Michael Katz Stuart Klein Sue Levine Sheryl Newman Judy Poppell Rabbi Avi Schochet Dr. Elana Schrader Debra Setzer* Kimberly Sisisky* Michael Solloway* Theresa Stahlman Andrew Steif Glenn Ullmann Elaine Wright *new term Of Blessed Memory Michele Block-Wiener, Esq. Michael Donziger Roy J. Sloat JCFS Charities Board of Directors Ellen Rosner, President Francine Kempner, Immediate Past President Secretaries & Treasurers Stephen Goldman Jodie Leach Robert Morgan Hal Resnick Vanessa Solomon JCFS Realty Board of Directors Ellen Rosner, President Francine Kempner, Immediate Past President Secretaries & Treasurers Stephen Goldman Jodie Leach Robert Morgan Hal Resnick Vanessa Solomon
River Garden
Officers Marsha Pollock, President Susan Cohen, Vice President, Chair of Admissions Larry Goldberg, Vice President, Co-Chair of Admissions Randy Kammer, Vice President, Co- Chair of Admissions Morrie Osterer, Vice President, Chair of the House Judy Paul, Secretary Cindy Demri, Treasurer Trustees Sharon Cohen Susan Edelman Jeff Edwards Gloria Einstein Ron Elinoff Janis Fleet Sheldon Gendzier Rachelle Gottlieb Michael Greenburg Ed Grenadier Bruce Horovitz Michael Howard Charlie Joseph Debby Kaye Michael Lissner Mark Lodinger Lew Meisel Herman Paul Michael Paul Michael Price Jerry Rothstein Michael Scharf Harvey Schlesinger Barbara Schneider Beth Shorstein Shari Shuman Fred Tromberg Sandy Zimmerman Naomi Lazar, Auxiliary President Honorary Trustees Jack Coleman Bernie Datz Allen Gray Bernie Nachman Jack Price Rubye Safer Volunteer Awards 5500 Hours Sondra Resnikoff Edwin Schroeder 4500 Hours Leslie Carmel 3000 Hours Stella Eison 2500 Hours Frank Baltes Barbara Safer
Rabbi Shmuel Novack
2000 Hours Harriet Safer
Volunteer Awards George Ameer Donna Stein McNett Mike Katz
1500 Hours Bunny Rutansky Ruth Seebol 1000 Hours Linda Crockford Sandra Weiss
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Jacksonville Jewish News • June 2015
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federation and synagogue news
Celebrating Yom Ha’Atzmaut at Community University By JEANINE HOFF rGEN Division Director
On Sunday, April 26, the entire Jewish community joined together to learn about and celebrate Israel’s Independence at Community University – Yom Ha’Atzmaut Edition. A fabulous time was had by all as everyone from infants to adults enjoyed the wide array of programming, music, and festive Israeli lunch. It was an incredible way to bring our congregations, schools and community members in addition to newcomers and the unaffiliated happily together under one roof. We proudly thank Margo’s Catering, Tomato Crush, and Moti Demri/Israeli Committee for sponsoring the afternoon’s lunch and festivities as well as Kol Train for providing live Israeli music.
JAFTY elects new officers for 2015-16 By Congregation Ahavath Chesed
The Jacksonville Area Federation of Temple Youth elected new leadership for the coming year. Abby Morris, daughter of Melissa Kicklighter and Andy Morris, will serve as President of The Temple’s high school youth group in 2015-16. Morris has been active both locally and regionally throughout her high school years and previously served as Religious and Cultural Vice-President. “When asked what aspect of my life is most important my answer is JAFTY,” she said. “Since seventh grade I have looked up to my brother and his friends on the executive board and I am inspired by our youth group for the love and support everyone brings to it. My passion for JAFTY is neverending because it has the ability to change the world and I want to help lead us in doing so.” She added. With this kind of enthusiasm,
the newly-elected JAFTY Board brings with it strong executive leadership to encourage other teens to join with them in supporting all aspects of youth group life including social action projects, religious and cultural experiences, social activities and informal gatherings as well as regional and international programming opportunities. Morris’ newly elected board includes the following teens serving as Vice-Presidents: Jodi Gilmore (Social Action), Lexi Morris (Programming), Alex Bolt (Religious and Cultural), Cara Jackson (Membership), Alex Wajsman (Communications), Sarah Jacobs (Head Song Leader) and Emily Weissblatt continuing in the Financial role. All Jewish high schoolers are welcome to join JAFTY. For more information, contact Stefanie Levine, JAFTY Advisor at stefanie816@gmail.com.
Confirmation Shabbat to be held at The Temple By Congregation Ahavath Chesed
On the first Shabbat in June, The Temple family will gather to worship with this year’s Confirmation class as they explain ‘What Judaism Means to Me.’ The 21 students began their Jewish studies years ago with Bible stories, Jewish history, Shabbat and holiday observances. Years later, they began to decode Hebrew and learn the key elements of the Shabbat service and before middle school they began discussing prayer and learning their responsibilities as they prepared to take their place as a young Jewish adult in today’s world. To date, they have led the congregation in worship, read from the Torah and delivered D’var Torah when they became B’nei Mitzvah. Now they will
stand in front of the congregation to declare that they understand the expectations of a Jewish adult and confirm their choice to live informed and engaged Jewish lives. The Temple is proud of this year’s Confirmands which include Alexander Bolt, Paige Bruman, David Rivera-Clapp, Hannah Daigle, Dylan Emerick, Daniel Gefen, Jodi Gilmore, Amelia Greco, Sarah Jacobs, Jillian Kight, Jonathan Mirensky, Abigail Morris, Alexis Morris, Danielle Oko, Sonya Pulley, Elan Sandler, Adam Snowden, Rebecca Spencer, Alexander Wajsman, Emily Weissblatt and Rachael Weston. The entire Community is welcome to attend this experience beginning at 7 p.m., Friday June 5.
Wolf wins photography contest By Congregation Ahavath Chesed
Rachel Wolf, daughter of Wendy Wolf, has been chosen by ‘Young Reporters for the Environment USA’, as the first place winner for photography in the age 13-15 category. The jurors awarded entries which best met the competition criteria and made the greatest contribution toward advancing the goals of environmental journalism. Her winning entry now moves on to the International Young Reporters for the Environment competition where results will be announced in early June.
Wolf’s winning photograph of Christopher Creek flowing into the St. Johns River, accompanied her essay on the importance of the river to Jacksonville and how it is being threatened by pollution runoff. “What humans do adjacent to the river can end up in it,” she explained. “Trash, yard waste and fertilizers flow into the river and the river flows into the ocean so everything people do can affect the river, and in turn the oceans and the world.” Wolf urges us to limit the use of fertilizer and plant seeds of
greens native to the area. Her winning photograph reminds us of the beauty of the St. Johns and our responsibility to take care of it and all the life forms that it supports. In her congratulatory letter, the judges praised Rachel for tackling an environmental issue is important to the community and for helping to spread the word about it. They also urged her to continue finding ways to share information on the topic with those in her area as a budding environmental journalist.
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Jacksonville Jewish News • June 2015
FEDERATION NEWS and community news Franzblau joins Federation’s Helping those in need staff as communications director By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville
Jewish Federation of Jacksonville Executive Director Alan Margolies is pleased to announce the addition of Matt Franzblau to the Federation family. Franzblau will serve as the Federation’s Communications Director, taking over for Diane Rodgers who served in the same capacity for the past eight years. The Bridgewater, N.J. native comes to Jacksonville following a stint at Penn State University where he worked in the athletic department as an assistant director of communications. While in State College, he was responsible for communication efforts for the Nittany Lion softball team as well as the men’s soccer and men’s swimming and diving squads. “I could not think of a better place and a better position to help start this next chapter in my life,” Franzblau said. “Florida has been a second home to me since my father moved to Orlando more than a decade ago and after living in Volusia County last year, I realized just how vibrant and active the Jewish community is in the northern and central part of the state.” Before Penn State, Franzblau was employed in communications roles at athletic departments at Oregon State and Stetson in nearby DeLand. He began his career in college athletics as a graduate student at the University of Kansas where he received a Master’s Degree in Journalism in 2011. Following his undergraduate education at West Virginia University, where he earned a Bachelor’s
Photo Credit: Penn State Athletics
Degree in Journalism in 2005, he worked as a television news reporter at stations in West Virginia and Illinois. From 2005-08, he reported on-air about stories ranging from human interest pieces to breaking news in the courts, classrooms and council chambers of the towns and communities in which he worked. Franzblau grew up in central New Jersey where he attended Temple Beth-El in Hillsborough and has since volunteered his time and efforts to Jewish causes and organizations during his various stops around the country. His 2009 trip to Israel with Taglit Birthright played a pivotal role in his Master’s research as he created an online newsletter entitled Israeli I.D.E.A.S. (israeliideas.wordpress.com), which is aimed at branding Israel as a destination for business and entrepreneurship. “I am so much looking forward to calling the First Coast home and helping tell the stories of those in the Jacksonville Jewish community,” he added. “I know what a tremendous impact the JJN and other publications like it has on the individuals and families it helps serve.”
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Winn-Dixie appreciates the Passover theme, “Let all who are hungry come and eat,” and that’s why the store in the Marsh Landing area donated all their extra Passover supplies to The Temple, who in turn shared them with the Winn-Dixie Food Pantry at JFCS.
Jacksonville Jewish News • June 2015
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education
DuBow Pre-School’s staff spotlight
Amanda Watsky uses hands on activities like this one to keep her students at DuBow Pre-School engaged and entertained By DuBow Pre-School
Amanda Watsky or Miss Amanda as she is known to her students shares her expertise in the areas of marine science and biology to bring amazing hands-on experiences to children of all ages. Linking some of her lessons to Jewish Studies themes, Miss Amanda joyfully engages the students in lessons relating to liquids, solids, and gases of the Chanukah candles in addition to surface tension during bubble play, mindful gardening and the butterfly life cycle to name a few. The children all enjoy learning weekly from an enthusiastic teacher such as Watsky.
Martin J. Gottlieb Day School holds commencement
Seven eighth graders from the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School graduated in a ceremony held Thursday, May 28th By Martin J. Gottlieb Day School
Martin J. Gottlieb Day School is proud to announce that a class of seven eighth-graders graduated from its Middle School in a ceremony held, Thursday, May 28. The class of 2015 boasts three members of the National Junior Honor Society. Based on their achievements and the school’s close relationships with local high schools, the Day School is proud to announce that the following students have been accepted to study these specific programs: Cayla C. will be attending Douglas Anderson School of the Arts; Sarah C. will be attending San Jose Prepatory Academy; Rachel L. will be attending Mandarin High’s AICE program; Casey B. and Sydney T. will be attending Creekside High; and Jake G. and Lily H. will be attending Stanton College Preparatory School. Mazel tov to the graduates and their families!
DuBow, Martin J. Gottlieb Day School boast buddy program By SHEREEN CANADY DuBow Pre-School
Each year the fourth and fifth graders from the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School are matched up with one of DuBow pre-school’s Tzeeporim (VPK) children. The youngsters meet each month to read, create, talk and play and in April the buddies talked about Yom Ha’Atzmaut in small groups. They thought about key words that describe Israel and came up with desert, Hebrew, Dead Sea, Kotel, camels, heat, pita, and Jews. The children then collaborated and created a blue collage made of paper, stickers, crayon and feathers. They glued their creations together and formed a giant Israeli flag.
Jacksonville Jewish News • June 2015
Jacksonville Jewish News • June 2015
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education and synagogue news
Experience Camp KiTov Dubow Preschool style
By SHEREEN CANADY DuBow Pre-School
DuBow pre-school is currently enrolling children age one (and walking) to five years old for Camp KiTov. All head counselors are talented, loving and educated preschool teachers so children will be well cared for in a nurturing, home away from home environment. There is a camp-wide theme each week and kids will keep learning while having a blast this summer. The camp offers daily water play for one and two year olds and daily swim instruction as well as fun pool games for those ages three and four. There are two teachers in each class and a team of specialists including teachers for art, music, sports, cooking, and Judaica. Weekly special
visitors as well as the school’s entering VPK children join the upper camp on a specially planned field trip. What else makes Camp KiTov at DuBow special? • Flexible scheduling (three or five days, part-time and full time • Sign up for six weeks and get one free • Led by educated, caring, trained pre-school teachers • Specialty staff, lifeguards and activeclergy For more information or to register, call the DuBow Preschool at 904-268-4200 ext. 143. Entering kindergarten through fifth graders will love the Upper Camp and entering 6th to 12th grade students can apply for the camp’s LIT (Leaders in Training) program.
Beth El Sisterhood to create simcha recognition program By Beth El The Beaches Sisterhood
Those celebrating something big or small can now have the Sisterhood at Beth El – The Beaches share in their joy. Each month the organization will be displaying a Simcha Recognition Board and for just $18 each simcha will be recognized on the board for the month during Shabbat services. Contact Randi Pakula for more information at nyranger57@bellsouth.net or 904-262-1378.
Find summer fun at Dubow By SHEREEN CANADY DuBow Pre-School
There are plenty of programs offered by the DuBow Preschool this summer that are geared to people of all ages, including babies, toddlers and of course their parents. Below is a sampling of some of the innovative and fun programs one can become involved with this summer. • Family Music & Movement Class (familymusicandmovement. com or on Facebook) • Shalom Baby ‘A playgroup with a Jewish Twist’ (For more info call Shereen Canady at 904268-4200, ext. 143 or email at shalombaby@dubowpreschool. org) • Color Splash, a Mommy and Me, Sensory Class (facebook.com/ colorsplashclass or contact colorsplashclass@gmai.com) • The Jewish Mom’s Playgroup, ‘A great group of moms’. Get together with new and old friends this summer! (facebook.com/ goups/jewishmothers)
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Jacksonville Jewish News • June 2015
EDUCATION
Michele Block Gan Yeladim to host early childhood education symposium By MOLLY SWEET Gan Yeladim Preschool
Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten teachers and administrators are already making preparations for the seventh Annual Early Childhood Education Symposium: Creating Wonder. The symposium will take place Tuesday, Oct. 20, and like in previous years is expected to draw educators from all over the city. Almost 200 teachers from across the community participated in 2014, making Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten a leader in educational excellence in Jacksonville. This year’s theme, Creating Wonder, explores the natural curiosity of children, and their innate eagerness to learn—an enthusiastic curiosity that need not diminish over time. The role of educators is to tap into, nourish and celebrate each child’s sense of wonder. Participants will be inspired and empowered to create wonder for their students. The symposium is open to community educators with a special reduced Jewish educator’s rate which includes a kosher dinner. Additionally, attendance counts toward professional inservice credit and continuing
The seventh annual Early Childhood Symposium will take place Tuesday, Oct. 20th at the Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten inside the JCA. education units are also available. For more information on Michele Block Gan Yeladim the Early Childhood Education Symposium, contact Rochelle teachers and administrators are proud to be leaders in educational Golomb at 904-730-2100 ext. 259 or rochelle.golomb@jcajax.org. excellence in the community.
T H A N K Y O U TO O U R W O N D E R F U L S P O N S O R S ! 19th Annual Golf Tournament
11401 Old St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258 (904) 260-1818 • www.rivergarden.org
April 29, 2015, 10am-7pm
A beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville.
Benefiting The Albert Z. Fleet Geriatric Training Center at River Garden
TITLE SP ONSOR
Janne and Jody Brandenburg RE CE P TION SP ONSOR Greene Hazel Insurance Group MA STE R SP ONSORS Dermatology & Laser Center/Dr. & Mrs. Fred Eaglstein | The DuBow Family Foundation, Inc. | First Coast Security | Flo & Steve Foody | The Florida Times-Union Frisch Family | Mark Lodinger & Associates | Ponce de Leon Risk Retention Group | Sunrise Fresh Produce | SunTrust Bank P A R SP O N SO R S
Aetna | BandZorb | Sysco Food Services Jacksonville CORPORATE SPONSORS
BEV ERA G E CA R T SP O N SO R S
Elise Bear & William D. Pollak Family Charitable Foundation, Inc. | Haven Hospice MMI Dining Systems | Mr. Davids Flooring SE | Media Works, Inc. | Betty & Michael Sorna Michael & Jill Weiss | Stacie & Larry Wilf
Duss, Kenney, Safer, Hampton & Joos, P.A. | The LBA Group | Susan & Dave McEwen Osterer Construction Company | Toney Construction Co.
H O LE SP O N SO R S B&C Financial, Jan Butensky & Allan Cohen Batesville Casket Company Harriet & Ernie Brodsky Community Hospice Dr. & Mrs. Harvey Eber Ed Waters & Sons Sue & Ron Elinoff Emas Spine and Brain
Evergreen Cemetery Association Lawrence S. Gendzier, P.A Susan & Martin A. Goetz GolfTEC Brian J. Hershorin / Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene, P.A. The Jacksonville Bank John Hancock Financial Network The Della Porta Agency
BEER SPONSORS Champion Brands
Jordan Ansbacher Realty Randy Kammer & Jeff Wollitz Judge Mort Kesler Paula & Scott Kukelhan The Learning Experience at Old St. Augustine Rabbi Joshua & Rebecca Lief MARCO Margol & Margol
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney / Sandy Zimmerman Modern Periodontics Orange Park Medical Center The Parts House Michael Price The Price Family Deena & Jim Richman Regency Centers
Reliant Yacht Kim & David Robbins Howard Roey Lorry & Paul Rothstein Roy Miller, CPA Sekine, Rasner & Brock OB-GYN Smile Stylist Linda & David Stein SunTrust Private Wealth
CA R SP O N SO R S Brumos Automotive
Swisher International TMC USA LLC/Kingdom Magazine Trane Tree Amigos Outdoor Services Vestcor Family Foundation Jeff Wyatt & Jason Hyrne Wells Fargo Advisors LLC
Jacksonville Jewish News • June 2015
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EDUCATION and SYNAGOGUE NEWS Setzer Class of 5775 Helps Refugee Camp Sheves Achim back
Family Find a Second Home
for more summer fun By Etz Chaim Synagogue
Camp Sheves Achim is getting ready for an amazing summer! This year camp will run from June 15th- July 31st, a seven week stretch of incredible fun. There will be weekly field trips, swimming, sports, baking, wacky science, music, creative arts and crafts and much more. Camp Sheves Achim is for Jewish children ages 3-10. Each bunk will have highly qualified counselors that will ensure your children are in a safe and friendly environment. Setzer Senior class members made the Abdines feel welcome to their new community by taking part in engaging and fun activities for the whole family such as this one By Jacksonville Jewish Center
On May 16, five high school seniors graduated from the Setzer Youth Education Hebrew High as they celebrated Siyyum Confirmation and received their Hebrew High School diplomas. The seniors’ milestone day was made more meaningful knowing that through their schooling they made a tremendous impact on the lives of a family within their community. Facilitated by Rabbi Lubliner, and with the support of Youth Director Steven Resnick and Rabbi Jim Rogozen, Head of the Galinsky Academy, this year’s Siyyum class engaged in learning more about the challenges faced by refugees granted political asylum in the United States. To that end, they partnered with the local affiliate of World Relief International to work with a refugee family newly arrived in Jacksonville. Members of the 12th grade Siyyum class have served as friendship partners with the Abdine family, who fled the Central African Republic in 2003 and spent more than a decade living in a refugee camp in Chad. Three generations of the family arrived in Jacksonville last fall, and include Zenal and Laila, parents of Zara 16, Abdelnasser 15, Mahamat 11, Djime 8, Yamama 6,
and Ibrahim 3; and Mr. Abdine’s mother, Achta. While Mr. Abdine is fluent in French, which is a required language in school, the other members of the family speak Sango, but have begun to learn English in the last few months. Zara and Abdelnasser attend Englewood High School, while their younger school-age siblings are enrolled in public school near the Abdines’ home in the Holiday Hills neighborhood of Jacksonville. Mr. and Mrs. Abdine are currently enrolled in English as a Second Language classes sponsored by World Relief. Siyyum Confirmation graduates shared thoughts about their involvement in the program and participated in services during the ceremony. Graduates include Harrison Andrew, son of Stephanie Andrew and Navy Commander (ret.) Allan & Dr. Rebecca Andrew; Michael Appel, son of Mr. Larry & Mrs. Caren Appel; Jenna Levine, daughter of Dr. Mitchell & Mrs. Susan Levine; Sarah Miller, daughter of Mr. Scott & Mrs. Melissa Miller; and Micah Rubin, son of Dr. Devon & Mrs. Perrin Rubin. Please congratulate this year’s graduating Siyyum class and to wish them well as they prepare to leave home for college!
Our trips and activities this year will include Pump it Up, Rebounderz, Skate Station, Karate America, Bricks for Kidz, Bowl America and a visit from the Jacksonville Zoo. The cost is very affordable at $139 a week (plus $25 registration fee). Don’t let your children miss out on a fun filled, action packed summer. For more information please contact Devora Feigenbaum email address devora@etzchaim.org or call the office: 904-262-3565, extension 7
Jacksonville Jewish News • June 2015
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Community news
Do you have something newsworthy you want to share with the JJN? By Jacksonville Jewish News
Whether it’s a milestone achievment accomplished by a friend or family member associated with the Jacksonville Jewish community or simply a story, event or announcement to be shared, drop us a line at jjn@jewishjacksonville.org. You can also contact newspaper editor Matt Franzblau at mattf@ jewishjacksonville.org or 904448-5000, extension 212.
Jax Jewish Singles hosts a night of food and history By Jax Jewish Singles
Have you ever passed the castle on A1A and wondered what significance it might have in Florida? And why would a Christian inspired Abbey have a carved out Star of David on one of its’ walls? Join the Jewish singles for an early dinner at Kingfish Grill followed by a very interesting tour of Castle Otttis. The Castle is privately owned and is incorporated with spiritual and historic symbolism throughout. Space is limited. Contact Francine for date and time at 904-221-8061 or email francine.smith@ comcast.net.
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Jacksonville Jewish News • June 2015
federation year in review
Federation thankful to those who made past year such a success BY ALAN MARGOLIES Federation Executive Director
Each year at this time, we craft an article for the Jacksonville Jewish News, sharing some of the highAlan Margolies lights of the past 365 days for the Federation. I want to begin by expressing on behalf of our board and staff just how proud we are of our president, Hal Resnick. The courage Hal continues to display with the challenges he is currently facing is a reflection of the manner in which he addresses all matters in his life. We were excited to welcome Hal to our annual meeting and look forward to having his presence at our final board meeting of the year. As the fiscal year draws to a close, we are pleased to announce that our final projection for the 2015 campaign is $2,566,000 which is $94,000 more than we raised last year. We are sincerely appreciative of the gifts we anticipate receiving from more than 1,200 donors and while the allocations process is still in progress, we can anticipate all of our local and overseas major recipient agencies receiving increases from their 2015 allotment. In addition, Sandy Zimmerman who has served as campaign
chair for the past two years, was installed as Federation president on May 27 at the annual meeting. Sandy brings years of volunteer experience at many of our Jewish family of organizations to his role as president and we are looking forward to his leadership. Last year at this time, we were working in partnership with the Jewish Foundation on their search for a new executive director. What a find for our Jewish community as it secured the services of Jeff Klein as executive director of the Jewish Community Foundation of Northeast Florida. Jeff has accomplished a tremendous amount during his first eight months here in Jacksonville and we know it is only the beginning of great things to come. I know I speak for Myron Flagler, Marty Goetz and Colleen Rodriguez in saying how thrilled we are to have another partner in Jeff as we work together to do right by this most important aspect of what we do on behalf of our community. I also want to note that Mark Green is completing his fourth year serving as Foundation president. A big thank you goes out to Mark for giving so much of himself and his time over the course of these last few years of transition at the Jewish Foundation. I mentioned Sandy and Hal earlier because I truly treasure the partnerships I have been so fortunate to foster and build within our leadership. This extraordinary way in which we conduct our business is also seen at our Women’s Division and rGEN ac-
The Women’s Division trip to Israel was one of the major highlights from the Federation for year gone by, it was their first time in the Land of Milk and Honey in nearly two decades tivities. The work of Erin Cohen and Jeanine Hoff continues to be successfully creative as they have been vitally supported by division presidents Risa Herman and Daniel Miller. These two most important divisions attract new people to Federation and are our best avenues for opening doors for those who wish to participate. Risa has been a model president and recently led our Women’s mission to Israel, which was one of the best Federation journeys to date. Pat Burke is completing his second year as our CFO and because of his tireless efforts, we are now in a terrific financial standing. After two years as treasurer, Ken Jacobs will transition to serving as the campaign chair for 2016, and Allison Jacobs, who
was our Lion of Judah chair this year is going to be the women’s campaign chair for the next twelve months. We are also so fortunate to have a pair of outstanding parttime staff members in Jill Abel and Isabel Balotin, who do a wonderful job taking care of the business of our Israel Partnership and Shalom Jacksonville programs. Everyone who has been to Hadera on our missions or hosted teens during the summer realizes what a great job Jill does. And, we now can announce that we have a new volunteer chair in Michael Abel, whose dedication to our Israel Partnership will allow us to continue to grow this important part of our work. It also goes without saying that Isabel is truly one of a kind! We are so pleased
that she continues to head up or Jewish welcome wagon activities, making those who move into town feel so welcome. This issue of the Jacksonville Jewish News marks the debut of our new communications director, Matt Franzblau, who joined the staff in late April. Matt comes to us from Penn State’s athletic department where he handled publicity for a number of their teams and we are thrilled to have join the Federation family. It is also worth noting that Jon Israel, who chairs the communications committee, helped to guide us along this year in creating some of the best public relations materials we have produced in many years. We also know that we are lucky enough to have one of the best Federation administrative support staffs in the country. The work accomplished by Donna O’Steen, Kris Light, and Emma Pulley has been truly outstanding this year. It continues to be an honor to serve the members of our Jewish community and I thank those who joined us at our annual celebration and meeting, May 27, at the JCA. Alongside the JFCS, JCA, River Garden and the Jewish Foundation, we enjoyed a cocktail party, installed our officers and board members and had the privilege of listening to keynote speaker Dr. Ken Stein of Emory University. Ken is an outstanding orator who did not disappoint, discussing issues pertaining to Israel, Iran and the middle east.
Photo by Larry Tallis
Photo by Larry Tallis
With close to 150 participants from the Federation’s Women’s Division, the 10th annual Girlfriend Connection was a hit. Pictured, Carrie Bielski (L) and Talie Zaifert (R) joined by the event’s keynote speaker, author and television host Alison Lebovitz (Center)
Super Sunday was a smashing success with nearly 60 volunteers representing every local partner agency and all synagogues
Photo by Larry Tallis
Photo by Larry Tallis
It was a full house to see Dr. Aviad Haramati speak to the Havura HaMarpeh/Society of Healers Division in March about stress and burnout in the healthcare profession
Plenty of great food and good conversation could be found at the Major Gifts Dinner
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Jacksonville Jewish News • June 2015
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jewish community alliance year in review
JCA’s exciting and eventful year draws to a close
Photo by Larry Tallis By Jewish Community Alliance
The JCA brought several new programs and initiatives to our members this year including the JCA Baptist Health Wellness Connexion, which aims to improve the quality of life of our members and community through assessing their current state of health and assisting those who wish to adopt lifestyle changes. Kelly’s Nutrition Korner, led by JCA Lifestyle Dietician Kelly Schooley is another innovative program and offers free nutritional information and advice to members seeking to manage weight loss, lower disease risks, enhance physical performance or simply eat wisely while maintaining a busy lifestyle. JAway brings the JCA to the community with programs and events held in satellite locations of Jacksonville and each program spotlights a different JCA department. The J Institute’s Healthy Eating Club explores the latest trends in healthy eating in an intimate, small group setting. Every year, the JCA staff, its members and the community celebrate Jewish holidays with events and programs for everyone in the community. Per our annual tradi-
tion, Rabbi Lief of Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple) made a special visit to Michele Block Gan Yeladim to blow the shofar for students in honor of Rosh Hashanah. For Sukkot, the JCA held its annual family celebration and second annual Family Fun Run. The agency also held its annual Family Chanukkah celebration and Michele Block Gan Yeladim students celebrated the festival of lights with a holiday baking class and retold the story of Chanukkah. For the New Year of the Trees and the beginning of spring in Israel, students attended the Tu B’Shevat Seder and tasted the four categories of fruits. During Purim, Michele Block Gan Yeladim students paraded through the building in their costumes to deliver treat-laden mishloach manot (Purim baskets) to JCA departments. In honoring the holiday of Passover, JCA Executive Director Myron Flagler and former JCA president Ken Jacobs presented a dramatic interpretation of the epic battle between Moses and Pharaoh, narrated by Rabbi Lief. And in celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, students packed
Photo by Larry Tallis
their bags and pretend passports to make their annual pilgrimage to Israel. The JCA continues to be the place in Jacksonville to enjoy quality cultural, educational and entertaining programming. The Cultural Arts Department’s Young Concert Artists Series brought three internationally renowned artists to Jacksonville and the 18th Annual Jewish Book Festival featured events covering a variety of topics, including readings accompanied by live musical performances. The JCA’s second Jacksonville Jewish Film Festival included Jewish themed films and supplemental programming which reflected Jewish history, culture and content and Full STEAM Ahead, Michele Block Gan Yeladim’s sixth Annual Early Childhood Symposium, presented to an eager audience of educators, focusing on the integration of problem solving, discovery and exploratory learning to the classroom through the use of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Discover the Magic of the Islands, the JCA’s Caribbean themed annual fundraising event, drew hundreds of JCA supporters
Photo by Larry Tallis
for a fun-filled, elegant evening. The JCA Theatre Department took on ‘the Bard’ himself with the production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). Throughout the year, the JCA’s various departments along with the Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten provided wonderful offerings for members and the community. Michele Block Gan Yeladim put on great programs for the JCA’s littlest members that included Magnificent Musicians, Prenatal Yoga, Purim Holiday Baking and a JPlay Pool Party. The J Insititute also held a range of educational and wellness programs, including LEAN IN, Yogatation, and various Discover Israel activities and Crafting at the J programs. Cultural Arts gave the community diverse programming with the JCA Film Series, JCA Book Review and painting and pottery classes. Across the age spectrum, Mature Adults presented members and participants with Music in the Afternoon, Brunch on the Go and Sunday Morning at the Movies, while Youth Services kept the JCA’s school age participants
engaged with programs such as Young Yoga, Spring Break JCation Days, SAT Prep, Babsitter’s Training Course and the Noah’s Ark Spring Fitness Challenge. Theatre of Youth continued to dazzle audience members with productions of Peter Pan, Frozen, The Wizard of Oz, and A Year with Frog and Toad and the Magic Wardrobe Theatre served close to 20,000 elementary aged students from Duval, St. Johns and Clay counties, once again making it the second most popular elementary school field trip destination in Jacksonville. In the area of athletics, Fitness and Wellness presented programs in support of Heart Health Month and programs addressing bone health and women’s fitness. Sports and Recreation offered various youth and family programs, including the annual Boat Regatta, Lacrosse clinics and new Flag Football Leagues, in addition to ongoing programming in the Aquatics and Tennis departments. With a host of great activities and events having taken place in the year gone by, the coming 365 days promises to hold even more great programs and events for the entire community to enjoy!
JCA leaders to be honored with special awards at board meeting By IMAN BYFIELD
Jewish Community Alliance
The JCA Board of Directors will honor Pat Frisch, Mary Edwards and Lisa Ansbacher with special awards at the June Board meeting. Mary Edwards and Pat Frisch are being recognized for their work as co-chairs of the JCA’s 2015 annual fundraiser. Mary will receive the Howard Korman President’s Award, which recognizes a JCA board member who embodied the qualities of leadership, vision and courage during the past program year. Pat Frisch will receive the Special Service Award, given to those who demonstrate outstanding service to the JCA. As co-chairs, Pat and Mary’s efforts resulted in record attendance and support for this year’s
Caribbean themed event. “Because of Pat and Mary’s hard work, the JCA will be able to extend financial assistance to a record number of members and program participants in preschool, summer camp and other JCA programs this year,” notes Executive Director Myron Flagler. “The event continues to be the talk of the Jacksonville community,” explained JCA Board President Adam Frisch. “We could not have achieved this without Pat and Mary’s ever-present leadership and steadfast commitment to our agency. It was an honor to collaborate with them in preparation for this exceptional event.” Lisa Ansbacher will also be honored with the Special Service Award for her outstanding work as chair of the JCA’s 2014 Jacksonville Jewish Film Festival. This past November, the festival
drew nightly audiences upwards of 250 attendees from all over Jacksonville, making it a great success for the JCA and everyone involved in its organization. “Lisa is truly deserving of this award,” said Assistant Executive Director Nancy Green. “She had a vision of success for the film festival and was dedicated in working to achieve it. We are grateful to have had her as our chair of the second Jacksonville Jewish Film Festival.”
Lisa Ansbacher
Mary Edwards
Pat Frisch
Co-Chair Jax Jewish Film Festival Special Service Award
Co-Chair Annual Fundraiser President’s Award
Co-Chair Annual Fundraiser Special Service Award
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Jacksonville Jewish News • June 2015
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jewish family and community services year in review
365 days of generous support and dedication comes to a close BY COLLEEN RODRIGUEZ Executive Director
There is much to be grateful for this year at Jewish Family & Community Services. Colleen Rodriguez We are fortunate to have generous donors, a supportive Board of Directors, dedicated volunteers and an exemplary staff. Together we have served more than 17,000 individuals who have come to us during their times of crisis and transition.
Big Impacts A reoccurring theme this year has been ‘Big Impacts’, such as when an individual or a family comes to us, we assess how we can have the most meaningful positive impact on their life. Very often this impact might be assistance with food, rent, counseling and educational support for their children. As we all know when you are in a crisis, it is comforting to have a trusted, single point of contact who will stand with you and wrap needed services around you. I believe our ability to do this is what makes JFCS unique.
Providing Support Our support for two special populations grew tremendously this year. The Inclusion Program which provides services to children and families with special needs has doubled in size. We have also been able to provide much needed support to families through the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School and Torah Academy and we have also facilitated numerous trainings offered to the
community to raise awareness and sensitivity. Our hope is to continue to expand this program to meet not only school based needs but those within the synagogues as well. A reoccurring theme this year has been ‘Big Impacts’, such as when an individual or a family comes to us. That is when we assess how we can have the most meaningful, positive impact on their life. Very often this impact might be assistance with food, rent, counseling and educational support for their children. As we all know when you are in a crisis, it is comforting to have a trusted, single point of contact who will stand with you and wrap needed services around you. I believe our ability to do this is what makes JFCS unique.
abandonment and has finalized more than 70 adoptions this year. We additionally support 1,200 children through our United Way Achievers for Life Program who were identified as being at risk of not being able to move onto the next grade level with their peers or dropping out of school entirely. Each year more than 90-percent of these students have not only graduated but remained in school thanks to the mentoring and tutoring offered through the program. These are of course great numbers but for us they aren’t just numbers, they are people; and the faces of children and individuals who come to us each day in hopes of support and assistance. Those faces are what keep us going each and every day.
Women of all ages came together to meet, share, and enjoy a special time with one another during JFCS’ annual Women’s Event. This year’s theme was ‘Learning Your Love Languages’.
Preserving the Past It goes without saying that our Holocaust Survivors and their families are extremely special to us and our ability to pull down Claims Conference dollars to ensure they receive in-home services as well as providing meals and transportation for them seems like not enough. That’s why we plan to continue to develop new ways to support our survivors as well as the second generation.
Making a Difference I can fill a page with the different statistics and the way JFCS has combated some of the serious social issues within our community, such as hunger. As sad as it is to say, a staggering one out five individuals will go to bed hungry in Duval County tonight, which is why JFCS served more than 77,000 meals to needy families last year. JFCS also currently has custody of 250 children that have been removed from their families due to abuse, neglect or
Gen 2 adult children of Holocaust survivors gathered at JFCS for the first workshop of Sharing Stories – Recording the Memory and Legacy of the Holocaust
Certus Bank Customer Service Rep. Erin Byrd organized a food drive through her synagogue which led to this large donation that was brought to the JCFS offices in early February
The 8 Notes of Summer theme this year was music by Jewish composers and Serafini entertained in six senior living facilities including River Garden
JCFS’ Inclusion Program first helped launch its first Sibling Support Group for brothers and sisters of children with disabilities and special needs
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Jacksonville Jewish News • June 2015
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JEWISH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE
JCA Baptist Wellness Connexion opens
JCA offers more summer fun with adventure days
JCA Board President Adam Frisch, JCA Executive Director Myron Flagler, Baptist Health President and CEO A. Hugh Green and Baptist Executive Vice President and COO John Wilbanks, along with JCA and Baptist Health Board and staff celebrate the opening of the JCA Baptist Wellness Connexion at the Jewish Community Alliance, April 14.
Swimming is just one of many activities offered during Adventure Days which has two specialized tracks, arts and athletics for campers to pick and choose what they want to be involved in more during their summer months at the JCA.
By IMAN BYFIELD
The JCA has several camp programs to help keep campers of all ages engaged and excited for the summer, but for those who want a little extra fun, Adventure Days is a perfect way to add more spice to the sweltering summer months. Adventure Days is a program that is offered before and after the summer camp sessions, and are jam packed with games, swimming and campers’ choice of arts or sports focused activities. The pre-Adventure Days arts track focuses on visual arts with
a wide variety of mediums. Post Adventure Days arts focuses on the performing arts, including dance, music and acting. JCA specialists work with campers to introduce a variety of art projects, genres of music, acting games and dance styles. For budding young artists and performers, JCA Adventure Days has a little something for everyone. The sports track for both pre and post Adventure Days features instruction by professionals in the world of athletics. Campers learn a variety of different sports, including tennis, flag football, soccer and much more. Even
though campers taking part in the two tracks are focusing on different subject matter, they still come together for unified camp games and activities. Adventure days are for campers who will be enrolled in grades K-8 by Sept. 1, 2015. Pre Adventure Days are held from June 8-12, and Post Adventure Days are from Aug. 10-14, with some participation times lasting from 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. For more information or to see a complete schedule, visit www.jcajax.org/ camp or contact the JCA at 904730-2100 and register your child today.
Instructors. The JCA assures program quality by maintaining small class sizes, monitoring instruction and adhering to Red Cross standards. For more information, contact Jessica Novotny at 904720-2100 ext. 210.
Evaluation is on a first come, first serve basis, Thursday, June 4, from 5:30-7 p.m. Programming then follows from 7:15-8:30 p.m. The fee is $5; JCA valued members are free and advanced registration is always appreciated.
Tennis at the JCA
Get Juiced
Youth Basketball League
Jewish Community Alliance
JCA happenings For more information or to register for programs at the JCA, call 904-730-2100 or visit www. jcajax.org.
Vandroff Art Gallery The paintings of Gordon Meggison will be shown from June 5 - July 1. Gordon has traveled extensively throughout Asia, Europe and the United States and attributes his range of artistic interests to many international influences. He has taught oil painting and watercolor at the JCA for the past several years.
JCA Film Series From acclaimed director Agnieszka Holland and based on a true story, In Darkness is an extraordinary story of survival, as men, women and children try to outwit certain death during 14 months of ever increasing and intense danger in the Nazi occupied city of Lvov, Poland. This event is free and open to the entire community but reservations are requested.
Book Review Evelyn Peck reviews A House of David in the Land of Jesus, June 8 at 7 p.m. The JCA’s new monthly book reviews are free and open to
the entire community but advanced registration is requested.
Adult Art Classes Oil painting with Gordon Meggison is for students with some basic oil painting skills who wish to expand their knowledge and emphasizes of color and composition. The dates for this course are Mondays, June 8 - July 13. The fee is $153 and $102 for JCA valued members.
JAway Beach: 5k Family Fun Run On Sunday, June 7, those participating will meet at 16th Avenue South public access next to Huguenot Park for sign in, prerun energy snacks and a pre-run stretch starting at 8 a.m. T-shirts will go to the first 50 people to pre-register, along with giveaways and prizes for all participants. This event is free to the entire community but advanced registration requested by June 4.
Summer Swim Lessons The JCA offers instructional swim programs designed by the American Red Cross. All of our instructors are certified as Water Safety
Join registered dietician Kelly Schooley on Monday, June 1, from 9 - 10:15 a.m. as she sheds light on juicing and smoothies and shows how easy it is to incorporate the tasty beverages into your daily meal planning. Those in attendance will even get to try some samples. The fee is $8 and $5 for JCA valued members.
Summer Slim
JCA Youth Summer Basketball League builds on the principles of the winter league while teaching fundamentals. The mandatory skills evaluation is Sunday, June 7 at the JCA from 1-3 p.m. For more information, contact 904730-2100 ext. 254 or pespecialist@jcajax.org.
Summer Rummy Q
Get ready for summer in this light impact, cardio and toning group fitness class taking place on Wednesdays from June 3 – 24. Classes are one hour (5:45-6:45 p.m.) and the fee is $60 and $40 for JCA valued members.
This summer, Rummy Q will take place at Whole Foods Market in the café, June 23, July 21 and Aug. 25 at noon. Lessons will be given to all who are interested but reservations are appreciated. All are welcome to attend and lunch is Dutch treat.
The Athlete’s Foot
Fencing for Adults
Let 1st Place Sports Running evaluate your feet for proper shoe fit, then join podiatrist Brad Herbst as he discusses how to avoid sports related injuries.
This class meets on Wednesdays, June 10 - July 15 from 6-7:30 p.m. The fee is $158 and $105 for JCA valued members.
JEWISH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE 2014 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $205,000
Summer is the perfect time to join one of our many youth or adult clinics. League play begins in August and continues throughout the summer. Those interested can also schedule a private lesson for an evaluation. For more information, contact Reggie Exum at 904-7302100 ext. 317 or reggie.exum@ jcajax.org.
New! Saturday Tennis The JCA now offers two new clinics on Saturday’s. Youth Clinics for beginner to intermediate players, ages 7 – 10 instructs proper technique for groundstrokes, volleys and serves. Stroke of the Week Clinic for ages 18+ focuses on individual strokes to teach form and consistency in an intensive drill session. The fee is $108 and $72 for JCA valued members. Tennis clinics are on an ongoing basis.
904.730.2100 wwwjcajax.org
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Jacksonville Jewish News • June 2015
JEWISH FAMILY and COMMUNITY SERVICES Briefs
Stein’s generous gift helps support JFCS and its mission BY COLLEEN RODRIGUEZ Executive Director
PJ Library The award winning free program for books and music is open to all families with Jewish children in Jacksonville. Children between the ages of six months and eight years are eligible to participate. Please sign up now by going to www.pjlibrary. org/communities/jacksonville, or calling Ilene Schinasi at 904-3945724.
Photo by Larry Tallis
JFCS Executive Director Colleen Rodriguez with honorary co-chair Jay Stein after Mr. Stein announced a generous gift of $300,000 in honor of his dear friend, Richard Sisisky
Meals4You JFCS, in partnership with River Garden, is pleased to bring you our meal program known as ‘Meals4You: From our kitchen to yours’. Meals are delicious, convenient and delivered right to your door. Jewish dietary laws are observed. Call Ilene for more information at (904) 224-6287.
Call2Go Call2Go is the transportation program at JFCS. We work with Checker Cab and we are happy to schedule rides for Shabbat and Holidays at no charge. We also provide rides for medical appointments and quality of life events. Call Ilene for more information 904224-6287.
Jewish Healing Network Become a Jewish Healing Network Volunteer at JFCS and help us fulfill the Mitzvah of Bikkur Cholim. If you are interested in helping, you can make a weekly visit or phone call to a senior, in addition to helping us deliver food to those who cannot get out. please call Ilene for more information at 9043945724.
JCFS, Camp Ki Tov looking for campers this summer By Jewish Family & Community Services
JFCS is again partnering with Camp Ki Tov to provide a wonderful enriching camp experience for children with disabilities. We are excited to work with the camp in which aides will be available to assist our young campers. We will also personally make adjustments in schedules and activities when necessary so that all children can enjoy the same camp experience. Have your child join us this sum-
mer to enjoy the fun of swimming, playing games outside, singing together and creating crafts and friendships that last a lifetime! Visit the Camp’s web site to register now at CampKitov.org. If you have any questions about your child and/or the camp itself please email: Cindy Land at cland@jfcsjax.org or call 904394-5760. Looking forward to seeing you at Camp Ki Tov!
Home care services for holocaust survivors By Jewish Family & Community Services
Home Care Services are available to Holocaust survivors who are residents of the Jacksonville community. A partnership between JFCS and Alpert Jewish Services in West Palm Beach enables JFCS to offer up to 25 hours per week of homecare ser-
vices to each Holocaust survivor, paid through by funds from the Claims Conference. Services include light housekeeping, medication management, assistance with bathing, meal preparation and errands. Please call Naomi Mirensky at 904-394-5777 for more info.
Achievers for Life celebrates another successful year By Jewish Family & Community Services
Achievers for Life is a United Way program managed by a JFCS team of professionals and is currently working in 10 Duval County middle schools to identify at-risk children who may not be able to move on to the next grade level. To date the program has helped more than 1,100 students successfully complete their studies and works with children and their families through mentor-
ing, tutoring and counseling methods. Amazingly, JFCS has insured a 98-percent success rate for the children and their families who participate. A free end of the year event was held May 14 at Everbank Field, where nearly 400 AFL families enjoyed food from Mojo’s along with performances by students from Highlands, Matthew Gilbert and Ribault middle schools.
At the annual Heroes Among Us event, earlier this spring, Honorary Co-Chair Jay Stein spoke briefly but with an enormous impact to those at Jewish Family & Community Services. In his presentation, he announced that he and his wife Deanie were giving a gift to JFCS in the amount of $300,000 in honor of his close friend Richard Sisisky. The gift will be held at the Foundation and be disbursed to JFCS in increments of $30,000 a year for the next 10 years. Sisisky has chosen the program designations on how the monies will be spent and those are as follows: $20,000 per year will be designated toward support of the Inclusion program for special needs children in the Jewish Community. This program is designed to provide a number of things, mainly a guidance counselor, training for teachers in special education as well as identifying
and working with children who need assistance. It also helps to educate and support parents as well as aims to reduce stigmas associated with disabilities among students and staff in the Jewish Day Schools. For these schools, JFCS’s involvement is the first time they have addressed the needs of students with special needs, leading to a rapid growth in sensitivity among the school’s staff and families. $10,000 a year will be used as high-impact dollars for families in the community with immediate and emergency assistance needs as vital as beds, food, housing, and household appliances such as water heaters. JFCS wishes to express its sincere appreciation for this tremendous financial support from Jay Stein and Richard Sisisky. Their generosity and community philanthropy will make a difference in the lives of so many of the JFCS children and their families in Jacksonville in the years to come.
Helping feed needy neighbors in the area By Jewish Family & Community Services
The Block Family Foundation and Jewish Family and Community Services team up for one month each spring to challenge the Jacksonville Community to ‘Feed a Needy Neighbor.’ FANN began in 1987 as the Jewish community’s response to hunger in Jacksonville and has been fortunate enough to make a major impact each year through The Block Family Food Challenge’s match of $10,000. In 2014, JFCS served more than 77,000 meals to hungry families in the area and the donations come at a vital time since
the summer months place a higher demand on the food pantry when children are no longer receiving free breakfast and lunches through their schools. This summer an estimated 53,000 children in Duval County will go hungry without resources like the JFCS food pantry. The Block Family Foundation once again plans to match all donations totaling $10,000. In addition, they have chosen to generously extend their match through July 31. Please accept their challenge by making your donation now! You can make your donation online at www.jfcsjax.org, by check, or by calling Tamir Schlosser at 904-394-5737.
Crowd moved by Gelfand’s profound message By Jewish Family & Community Services
Sam Gelfand, a high school senior from south Florida, shared his experiences of growing up with Asperger Syndrome as part of the Michael and Drew Land Speakers Series at this year’s Community University. Five years ago, Sam decided his Bar Mitzvah project would be speaking to people in different communities to raise awareness of those living with the developmental disorder within the Autism spectrum. More than 120 people attended Gelfand’s two sessions and during the adult session, those in the audience were moved by his poise and impressed by the delivery of his message. The second session included middle and high school students and before they met with Sam, they created touch and feel books for schools to use with their students who have disabilities. This was the perfect
JEWISH FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES 2014 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $288,000
Sam Gelfand spoke to people at April’s Community University event about growing up with Asperger’s lead into Gelfand’s presentation as the students had insightful questions, such as what they can do to be a better friend to other students like him. Throughout the discussion, his message was clear that we are all different and that we need to be accepting of those differences.
Jacksonville Jewish News • June 2015
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JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA
Planning for summer camps
S
ummer brings back many memories and summer camp is one of my favorites. Today there are so many choices, from the Jacksonville city camps, to the JCA Camps, in addition to Camp Coleman, Camp Stone and even day camps and overnight camps abound. There are By JEFF camps at the KLEIN, Jacksonville Executive Zoo for kids who like aniDirector mals, camps for kids that like to surf and camps for kids with disabilities and special needs. The camping experience brings out the very best in kids as they explore the new sights and sounds of the outdoors which is a great way to spend the summer! Many adults wish they could take the time to go to camp again based upon their own fond memories. What could be so better than rising early to see the sun come up over the lake or going into the mess hall for basically an all you can eat breakfast, and then off to the day’s activities. Swimming, hiking, arts and crafts just to name a few, oh to be young again… Camps today are multi-million dollar enterprises because they are very expensive to maintain. Consequently, sending a kid to camp—be it a day camp or overnight camp— can be financially overwhelming. Often, families with financial needs have to seek out scholarship assistance. During my short time here at the JCF we have seen several donors come forward and establish endowment funds to provide financial assistance to families so that kids can go to summer camp. Summer camps are very different today as they provide great experiences for all children, including those with special needs. Camps for kids with special needs may need to provide ‘shadows’, or those individuals who are close by at all times to insure inclusion and for the safety of the child. We are looking forward to the day when the JCF has many camp endowment funds that provide scholarship assistance for Jewish camping experiences. These funds will come from donors and individuals in the community that have included the JCF in their will or who have made an outright gift of cash or appreciated securities. Perhaps you attended a camp as a child or your family received some type of assistance to offset the cost of camp. Now you can to help a child attend summer camp and have a rewarding summer experience they will always remember. The camp fund you establish can be in your name or in the name of a loved one you want to honor or memorialize. Camp scholarship funds can be for a specific gender, religious affiliation or even a particular sport. You can even set one up that provides assistance for travel to Israel!
MONEY MATTERS
Partner Spotlight: Congregation Etz Chaim By KEVIN ROGERS
Jewish Community Foundation
What keeps Rabbis awake at night? If you are senior Rabbi Yaakov Fisch, education director, Rabbi Avi Feigenbaum, youth Rabbi Shaya Hauptman, or Josh Wise, head of schools at Etz Chaim’s Torah Academy, you might toss and turn for all kinds of reasons and legitimate concerns. Do we have the dollars to continue our extraordinary outreach efforts? Where will we add space as our congregation grows? Can we afford special programs to enhance our honors curriculum at Torah Academy? How can we attract more public school children to our NCSY events? Today, volunteer boards and their members have a lot on their plate. It used to be that board members showed up for a monthly meeting, the president crafted an agenda, signed the thank you letters and met with the finance committee. Was there ever an agenda item marked ‘planned gifts’ or ‘endowment fund’? All of our partners, including Etz Chaim, want to grow their endowments so that new programs can be established and outreach efforts can continue. We know there are many teens that need a connection to Judaism and that Etz Chaim’s NCSY youth program has been recognized as one of the best in the nation.
The JCF is not a new organization and in the past it has held ‘Create a Jewish Legacy’ events as well as helped maintain a visible presence through programs such as The Children of the Holocaust. Yet it never surprises me when people ask, ‘so what do you do at the JCF?’ Once I explain the mission and scope of the JCF, people are even more puzzled as to why they haven’t acted sooner in establishing a planned gift program for Etz Chaim, the Torah Academy or any of our other partners. Once we discuss the JCF’s commitment to enhancing Jewish life here in Jacksonville, people are more than ready to act. There are many variables to consider when a synagogue or non-profit decides to establish an endowment fund and work collaboratively with the JCF. The Foundation
is in business to provide expertise and back office operations for a synagogue like Etz Chaim, freeing the Rabbis and staff to focus on growing their memberships and providing educational and cultural activities which enhance the lives of Jews in our community. Etz Chaim has a rich history in Jacksonville. Many individuals and families have been members of the congregation for multiple generations. If asked, these same individuals and families will consider leaving a bequest naming Etz Chaim synagogue or their favorite non-profit organization in their wills and estate plans. Bequests used to establish endowment funds allow the money to grow and be distributed annually to provide financial stability for the future for synagogues like Etz Chaim. JCF president Mark Green has been a strong proponent of endowment and planned giving. Mark has often said that it would be wonderful to know that every synagogue had a substantial pool of money just waiting to be used to launch new programs for seniors or provide money for outreach to young adults. All of this would be possible if there were substantial endowment funds. This year, please be sure that planned giving is on your organization’s agenda. You will be ensuring that Jacksonville is a vibrant and exciting place to live and worship for generations to come. L’dor va’dor.
Planning your charitable giving By KEVIN ROGERS
Jewish Community Foundation
Making sound decisions is a skill we develop over time and good decision-making is a must if we intend to overcome obstacles and take advantage of the opportunities in life. Careful planning is one of the keys to making good decisions because planning helps us approach the decision making process with a clear mind and fresh perspective. Ensuring our bills are paid on time, effectively managing a medical condition and successfully completing work for a client on time and within budget all require careful planning. One area that many people are neglectful in is developing a plan for their charitable giving. As we approach the midway point in the tax year, it may be helpful to make an action plan for your charitable giving for the rest of 2015. The first step in building a giving plan is deciding what organizations or causes to give to. Ask yourself: What do I value? What am I passionate about? What work do I want to see continue even
after I’ve departed? Is the teen program at my synagogue in need of additional funds? Does our kosher food pantry need funding to buy more food? Be sure to seek input from professional advisors who can inform you of giving options such as your investment advisor, attorney, CPA and the professionals at the JCF.
“People often avoid making decisions out of fear of making a mistake. Actually the failure to make decisions is one of life’s biggest mistakes.” – Rabbi Noah Weinberg The next step is deciding how much to give. Once you’ve decided on a dollar amount, divide it by 12 and enter it as a line item in your monthly budget, the same way you would any other monthly expense such as your mortgage payment or auto insurance. Jessica Anderson of Kiplinger’s magazine encourages readers to, “contribute a little extra each month to create a char-
ity slush fund”. This provides you with the flexibility to respond to appeals for donations in the wake of a natural disaster, like the earthquake in Nepal, while keeping your budget intact. The final piece is deciding how and when to give. Remember that while most organizations have an annual fundraiser, the needs are there year round. Mark your gifts on a timetable which works best for you. Many people are discovering the ease and convenience found in using a JCF donor advised fund (DAF) for their charitable giving. A JCF DAF is easy to open, allows you to control the timing and amount of gifts and can be funded through appreciated assets such as stocks, mutual funds or cash. A JCF DAF is your charitable bank account. You receive a charitable deduction the day you deposit money into it and can make gifts out of it at any time. If you would like to learn more about donor advised funds, visit our web site. If you need assistance in developing a giving plan of your own, contact Jeff Klein, executive director of the JCF, at 904-265-6855 or at Jeff.Klein@ jewishfoundationnefl.org.
Foundation happenings Summer camps have been around for a long, long time. From the bungalow colonies of days gone by to the jet-set southern hemisphere fly and ski programs, kids of all socio-economic backgrounds continue to enjoy their summer camp experience. While our summer camp experiences are now just fond memories, here at the JCF you have the opportunity to help less fortunate kids build their own camp memories. Before summer 2015 is just a memory, please stop by so that we can establish a summer camp scholarship fund. You will be glad you did.
• The JCF is currently engaged in requesting, gathering and evaluating proposals for service from a number of different investment advisors. This process, referred to as an RFP (Request for Proposal), ensures that the investment management company selected by the JCF is providing our donors and partners with competitive returns, world class service and a reasonable fee structure. The Investment Oversight Committee (IOC) will spend the next few months evaluating and analyzing each proposal. When complete, they will report their findings and recommendations to the JCF Board of Trustees. • The JCF’s Len and Judy Elikan Camp Scholarship Endowment Fund recently awarded overnight camp scholarships
to four local Jewish teens. The 2015 award winners are Isaac Shumer, Joseph Plotkin, Eliza Aretz and Liam Wirsansky. Deciding which teens received awards was a difficult process given the combination of limited funds and a large pool of quality applications. Our goal for 2016 is to award at least 10 scholarships to local teens. Contact Jeff Klein at 265-6855 to find out how you can help make this goal a reality! • The JCF is beginning a website redesign process to jewishfoundationnefl.org. We look forward to keeping you updated on the progress of this project as well as sharing more about the amazing nonprofit that is doing the work.
• Mazel Tov to Rebecca Brown and Jolie Weiss, both of whom established B’nai Tzedek funds this past month in anticipation of their Bat Mitzvah’s. A B’nai Tzedek fund is a specialized endowment fund teens can establish through the JCF at the time of their B’nai Mitzvah. The teen contributes $125, the Federation contributes $125 and the Gottlieb Family Philanthropic Fund contributes $250 for an opening balance of $500.
4932 Sunbeam Rd., Ste 200 Jacksonville, FL 32257 904.394.0720 jeff.klein@ jewishfoundationnefl.org
JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA 2014 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $88,000
Jacksonville Jewish News • June 2015
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RIVER GARDEN SENIOR SERVICES
Photo by Larry Tallis
RIVER GARDEN 2014 FEDERATION ALLOCATION: $192,000
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Jacksonville Jewish News • June 2015
LIFECYCLES Births Ethan Shames Rostholder, son of Dr. Emily and Erik Rostholder and brother of Hannah, was born on March 31, 2015. Grandparents are Dr. Larry and Phyllis Goldberg, and Barry and Jill Rostholder of The Villages, Florida. Mazel Tov to Cara and David Berman and big sister Raya of Falls Church , Va., on the birth of their daughter Maryn Alaina, on March 20, 2015. Proud grandparents are Eric and Polina Berman of Jacksonville and Terry and Jeff Spiro of Middletown, N.Y. Great-grandmother Anita Spiro of Middletown N.Y., uncle Paul and aunt Kalpana Berman of Portland, Ore. share in their joy. Beryl Nathan Storch was born May 8, 2015. Proud parents are Dr. Douglas and Melissa Storch. Beryl Nathan is named after both paternal grandfathers of blessed memory. The parents as well as grandparents, Kathy and Morrie Osterer are members of the Jacksonville Jewish Center. Grandparents Annette and Herbert Storch are from Delray Beach and great grandparents are Lila and Leonard of Boynton Beach.
B’nai Mitzvah Benjamin Grant Arnold, son of Melissa Gross-Arnold and Shawn Arnold, will be called to the Torah on the occasion of his Bar Mitzvah on June 6, 2015 at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. Sharing in the simcha will be his Grandparents Jeff and Sharon Arnold (Jacksonville, Fla.), Grandmother Lori Gross (Broomfield, Colo.) and Grandmother Susan Sworski (West Palm Beach, Fla.) and many other friends and family. For his mitzvah project, he organized a trail clean-up for the North Florida Land Trust and helped raise awareness for the organization. Benjamin is in seventh grade at Kirby-Smith Middle School, where he is a straight A student and runs the mile and 800 meter events on the track team. He also plays basketball on the JCA Select Team and baseball at MSA.
Engagements Dr. Randall and Shoshana Haas announce with great joy the engagement of their daughter, Tamara Shoshana, to Ze’ev Zarzar, of Jerusalem, Israel. They will have a seaside wedding this fall in Jaffa, Israel and will live in Tel Aviv where Ze’ev is employed by the Phoenix Insurance Company as a computer programmer and Tamara owns an organizing business. Congratulations to Jessica Rogozinski and Brett Wishna on their recent engagement. Jessica is the daughter of Randi and Sam Rogozinski and the granddaughter of Ella Rogozinski of Jacksonville and Arlene Starsky of Coral Springs, Fla. Brett is the son of Phil and Sharon Wishna of Boca Raton, Fla.
Mazel Tov to Samuel Marvin Warfield and Rachel Diana Goldberg on their recent engagement. Sam is the son of Dr. Steven and Risa Warfield and Millette Menaged. Grandparents are Hilda Warfield and Steve and Betty Menaged. Rachel is the daughter of William and Cristine Goldberg of Orlando. The couple lives in New York City where Sam is an associate at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and Rachel is the Administrator of the Geriatric and Pulmonary Divisions at the Montefiore Medical Center. A November wedding is planned. Congratulations to Andrew Weiss and Sarah Levy on their engagement. Andrew is the son of Dr. David Weiss and the late Lisa Weiss. Sarah is the daughter of Kevin Levy and the late Linda Levy. Grandparents are Dorothy and Fred Weiss and Shirley and Alan J. Levy.
Accomplishments Michael Alan Peck, son of Ira and Evelyn Peck has won the Soon to be Famous Illinois Authors Project sponsored by the Illinois Library Association. Peck won with his first book, which also is the first in a trilogy entitled ‘Commons 1: The Journeyman’. The book is now available for purchase on Amazon.com. Mazel Tov to Abby Weiss, daughter of Dr David Weiss and the late Lisa Weiss or receiving her Masters in Urban and Regional Planning. Her grandparents are Dorothy and Fred Weiss and the late Inge and Sam Weiss
Sympathies … To the family of Charles “Chuck” Morris Grossman, age 83. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Roslyn Lubel Grossman; his children Steven (Heleen) Grossman of Atlanta, Vicki (Rick) Wyrick of Knoxville, and Michael Grossman of Jacksonville; Grandchildren Shira (Harel) Dan, Elan, Rami, Aryeh and Dov Grossman; and his great-granddaughter Ella Dan. He was known as Uncle Duck by his nieces and nephews. Chuck passed on April 30 and was interred in New Orleans on May 3.
Contributions may be made to River Garden Hebrew Home or the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation. ... To the family of Robert “Bob” Ackerman who passed away Saturday, May 9. Bob was a long-time member of the Jacksonville Jewish Center and is survived by his daughter Lynn (Gregg) Ackerman Landau. Funeral services were held May 12, at the New Center Cemetery. Contributions in Robert Ackerman’s memory can be made to the American Heart Association or Community Hospice of Northeast Florida. ... To the family of Phyllis Katz Strumlauf , who passed away Sunday, May 10. Strumlauf was a long-time member of the Jacksonville Jewish Center and is survived by her husband George; their children Ross Strumlauf, Lane (Melissa) Strumlauf, and Beth (Daryl) Walter; grandchildren Brooke, Faith and Hunter Strumlauf, and Noah and Jesse Walter; and her sister Rochelle Shainbrown. The funeral service was held May 12, at the New Center Cemetery in Jacksonville. Contributions in Phyllis Strumlauf’s memory may be made to the Community Hospice Earl B. Hadlow Center for Caring or the Julington Creek Animal Hospital.
Photo by Larry Tallis
There was plenty of traditional favorites such as matzo ball soup and kugel at the Jewish Food Festival as well as some exotic treats such as sushi and fried ravioli.
Food Fest Continued from p. 1 Ugly Mandarin Orange Pineapple Poke Bundt Cake and Bonnie Ruckh took home second place honors proving that gluten-free flourless chocolate cake is a winner. Marcia Grado was awarded the blue ribbon in the cookie category with Bubbe Toby’s
... To the family of Ethan Price, son of Danielle Price and Ross Strumlauf and grandson of George Strumlauf and the late Phyllis Strumauf. Price passed away this past April and a funeral service was held in St. Petersburg, Fla. Contributions in Ethan Price’s memory can be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg.
To submit an item for lifecycles, please email it to jjn@jewishjacksonville. org. Deadline is the 6th of the month. For guidelines of how to write Bar/Bat Mitzvah, wedding or obituary announcements, go to jewishjacksonville.org/news under “Share your news.”
BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY & CLASSIFIED ADS "FOUR CENTURIES OF KEYBOARD MUSIC" A performance of great piano works. Friday, June 12, 2015, 3:00p.m. Shepherd of the Woods, Choir Loft 7860 Southside Boulevard Jacksonville, Florida
FREE Admission. ALL are welcome.
Molasses Spice Cookies and Ann Stone placed second with Aunt Ruth’s Rolled Cake. “I had never attended the Food Festival before and it was more fun than I dared imagine,” Grinnan, said. “It is truly amazing what a group of dedicated volunteers can make happen and a special shout out goes to our donors whose generosity made the day a most successful fundraiser and friend-raiser.”
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Jacksonville Jewish News • June 2015
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FEDERATION NEWS Israel Trip Continued from p. 1 that I need Israel and she needs me!” she explained. “Israel’s existence is precarious and has been for close to 5,000 years. Without the global presence of the Federation, Israel would suffer economically and politically. We help not only to secure her borders but to sustain our Jewish culture and heritage,” Rogozinski added.
“Every time one of us travels to Israel, there is a lesson to be learned, knowledge to be gained and we develop an immense appreciation for who we are as a people and a great nation. Thank you to Alan Margolies, Erin Cohen and Risa Herman for coordinating this amazing trip - I have already signed up for my second trip to Israel with my husband Chaim, and it won’t be my last!” If you are interested in taking a women’s trip to Israel, please contact Erin Cohen, 904-4485000 x205. The group engaging in an art project in Hadera
Jeanine Rogozinski riding a bicycle
International Kabbalah Center in Tzfat
Cheesecake with Carrie makes for sweet success By JEANINE HOFF rGEN Division Director
Ladies enjoyed last month’s delicious Shavuot-themed event, Cheesecake with Carrie. Co-presented by rGEN’s Girls Only and Etz Chaim’s WiFi and hosted by the wonderful Carrie Bielski, the women sampled delicious chocolates, incredible homemade cheesecakes baked by Devora Feigenbaum and tasted some cocktails, which were paired with the delectable desserts. To top it all off the women were able to bake their own cheesecakes which made for an even more fun and tasty night.
The ladies were hard at work trying to perfect Devora’s creative recipes which were then paired with some homemade cocktails
Traditional favorites such as cherry (pictured) and Oreo cheesecake were made during the event as well as other unique culinary creations such as caramel cheesecake shooters
Touring the Adir Dairy & Winery
Dining at the restaurant of Chef Ronen Bar El
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Jacksonville Jewish News • June 2015