NEW BOYFRIEND See pics from the Girlfriend Connection. page 23
FLOURISHING Appreciating Jacksonville’s Jewish organizations.
EXPANSION River Garden dedicates its new additions. page 21
page 7
JEWISH NEWS ONLINE Don’t have the JJN with you? Read us online. Find the link at: jewishjacksonville.org/news
JEWISH NEWS Jacksonville
November 2012 • Cheshvan/Kislev 5773 • Published by Jewish Federation of Jacksonville • www.jewishjacksonville.org • Volume 25, Number 5 • 24 pages
JCA hosts 16th annual Jewish Book Festival By Jewish Community Alliance
The JCA takes pleasure in bringing outstanding authors to Jacksonville. This year‘s books are diverse and we think there is something for everyone -– from where we turn for guidance as we face the challenges of our aging society, to speculation on whether Columbus was Jewish, to having one of the foremost authorities on Italian cooking talk about his family, to hearing about taking tragedy and turning it into something positive for the betterment of society, to looking at a wide ranging survey of comedy as an art form. The schedule: Thursday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m.: Rabbi Richard F. Address, author of “Seekers of Meaning – Baby Boomers, Judaism, and the Pursuit of Healthy Aging.” Using key texts from the Torah, Rabbi Address shows that the foundation of a happy and healthy life is the meaning we seek in the community of others and in our most fundamental relationship with God. This evening is co-sponsored by River Garden Hebrew Home. Monday, Nov. 5, at 1 p.m.: Steve Berry, author of “The Columbus Affair.” A family’s secret, a ruthless fanatic, and a covert arm of the American government –- all are linked by a single puzzling possibility: What if everything we know about the discovery of America was a lie? Publishers Weekly said, “An engrossing thriller from bestseller Berry.” Please bring a dairy lunch. We’ll provide coffee and dessert. Reservations required by Nov. 1. Tuesday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m.: Guiliano Hazan, author of “Hazan Family Favorites –- Beloved Italian Recipes.” Giuliano Hazan, son of Marcella Hazan, shares recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation along with reminiscences of Shabbat dinners at his grandparents’ house. A “Today Show” regular, he shows how various cultures encountered during the
Offering an opportunity for campaign growth By Jewish Federation of Jacksonville The chair also shared that as a
According to 2013 Campaign Chair Hal Resnick, there is a sense of “things moving in the right direction with the outcome of the 2012 campaign,” and “reasons to be excited and optimistic as we begin our annual drive for 2013.” Resnick said the 2012 campaign finished at $2,346,000, “the first time we have experienced an increase in four years.”
result of this summer’s family mission, a terrific International Lion of Judah Conference and the initial response to our challenge campaign, “we have a very solid beginning for the new year.” The current total for 2013 is $618,000 with a gift to gift over last year of $88,000. If we can maintain that momentum, we will have an outstanding campaign. Resnick spoke of the new
and innovative 2013 challenge campaign. This campaign was developed by Larry Appel, our Federation president, in partnership with several very generous community leaders. “This small group of donors has created a challenge to the community through which they will match every new or increased pledge to the annual campaign with an equal amount each year for three years. In essence, a 3:1 match! As an ex-
High Holiday scenes
Daniel Marmelstein, Hollis Mayhew and Benjamin Marmelstein at JCA’s Sukkot Celebration
ample, if a donor increases their pledge by $1,000, the challenge campaign sponsors will match that increase with their additional contribution of $1,000 to the Federation this year and in each of the next two years. This is an exciting development for our campaign and the community!” The goal is to have the challenge pool of dollars reach a total of a minimum of
See CAMPAIGN, p. 10
Above: Rabbi Lief and congregants decorate the Temple sukkah on Oct. 7. Other photos: A sampling of activities at the Center’s religious school
8505 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32217
Jewish Federation of Jacksonville
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See FESTIVAL, p. 16
Spotlight: JFCS Senior Solutions fills in the gaps
JFCS is a beneficiary agency of the Federation. By DIANE RODGERS Communications Director
Barbara Baskin, a retired educator from New York, recently moved to Jacksonville to be closer to family. She knew few people here and did not know where to start – to meet people, to find a place to live, to find transportation. She connected with Naomi at Jewish Family & Community Services, who arranged for bus service for cancer treatment, arranged for community visitors, made recommendations on doctors, and made recommendations on residences. “She’s helped me in terms of resources, finding connections. She’s been a real best friend,” Baskin said. “[JFCS] is a wonderful organization as exemplified by Naomi.”
Naomi Mirensky is the medical advocate and geriatric care manager for JFCS’s Department of Jewish Services. The department’s Senior Solutions conducts in-home assessments, accompanies seniors to medical appointments and provides recommendations to local resources. JFCS also offers its Kosher Kart meal-delivery service; its Healing Network of sick, hospitalized or socially isolated support; and transportation services. Mirensky calls the myriad of programs wrap-around services. It starts with Senior Solutions and a home assessment to determine the needs of the senior. “We tailor a care plan to address their needs,” Mirensky said. For example, Baskin’s situation was that she was new to the area. “Our goal is to help the individual be as independent as possible.” JFCS assesses the individual’s capabilities
See SENIORS, p. 16
Barbara Baskin