LION OF JUDAH What it means to be a Lion and Lion of Judah luncheon speaker revealed.
rGEN Over 50 participate in Break-the-Fast.
ON THE GO Shalom Jax’s Java visits Federation’s partner agencies.
JEWISH NEWS Jacksonville
November
2014
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Cheshvan/Kislev
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere at the beaches
5775
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page 19
page 5
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www.jewishjacksonville.org
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www.facebook.com/JaxJewish
A publication of the
JEWISH •
Volume
27,
FEDERATION
OF JACKSONVILLE
Number
5
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20
pages
Jax Jewish community gives thanks
By ISABEL BALOTIN
Shalom Jacksonville Director
On Sunday, Nov. 23, 5-7:30 p.m., Shalom Jacksonville invites you for cocktails and appetizers hosted by Leigh and Jay Greene. Their comfy home in The Sawgrass Players Club is the setting for our Beaches Sunday Get Together. Leigh is a travel and food publicist; and Jay is a gracious host, expert in pouring wine and making sure everyone is having a good time. If you are new to the Beaches, St. Augustine or Nocatee areas, or if you’ve been here awhile and would like to make Jewish connections, this is a perfect evening to attend. Please RSVP by Nov. 18. The Greene’s address will be sent to you with your reservation confirmation. For more information, please call Isabel Balotin 904-448-5000 x 206 or shalomjax@ jewishjacksonville.org. Old friends are scarce New friends are few Here’s hoping we’ll find One of each … in you!
Save-the-Date for rGEN Girls Only Ravin’ with the Mavens By JEANINE HOFF rGEN Division Director
The first event in this year’s rGEN Girls Only series will take place on the evening of Nov. 18 at the home of Marte Wasserman and is chaired by Michelle Pargman. Ravin’ with the Mavens will bring together the women of rGEN with
8505 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32217
Jewish Federation of Jacksonville
POSTMASTER PLEASE DELIVER BY NOV. 1
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See rGEN p. 18
So thankful at the DuBow Preschool Michele Block Gan Yeladim observes Thanksgiving through a Jewish lens By MOLLY SWEET
tice to acknowledge gratitude
Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool toward G-d. Treat Thanksgiv-
Thanksgiving has come to represent many things in American culture – family, gratitude, food, history, Black Friday and other traditions – that have evolved over the course of the holiday’s roughly 400-year history. The rare simultaneity of last year’s double holiday, Thanksgivukkah, which merged Thanksgiving and Chanukkah, added a whole new dimension to Thanksgiving’s mix of meanings and traditions. While we can’t light Menurkeys every year, here are some ways we at Michele Block Gan Yeladim celebrate Thanksgiving and teach its values to our children through a Jewish lens: Say blessings: Brachot, or blessings, are a Jewish prac-
ing dinner like a festive meal for a spiritual occasion and say the special blessings over the different types of food, for example, food from the earth, or from the tree, etc. Say Birkat HaMazon: Say the prayer of grace after the meal to thank G-d for the blessings and nourishment of the bountiful harvest of Thanksgiving. Do mitzvot, or good deeds: Giving tzedakah by donating money or food to a charitable organization that fights hunger is one way to share the blessing of Thanksgiving with those who are less fortunate. “Let all who are hungry come and eat:” Act on this line
See BLOCK GAN, p. 18
By SHEREEN CANADY DuBow Preschool
Morah Miriam (Michelle Margol) helps lead the morning circle time, beginning with Modeh Ani. We give thanks every day for all God’s blessings. The children gather around the circle and list who and say what they are most thankful. “My mommy and daddy, my friends, Oscar our fish, chocolate chip cookies,” are just a few of the answers. We are all thankful to God for all His gifts. Meanwhile in another classroom, the children are preparing for their upcoming Thanksgiving program. On Nov. 26 parents, bubees and zaydes will come from all over to fill the Jacksonville Jewish Center’s sanctuary to watch the children put on a Thanksgiving program. The children are busy learning songs of thanks and
about the first Thanksgiving. They will all help make their costumes, and bake delicious pumpkin bread and other treats to share. The bima will be filled with our cuties dressed up as turkeys, pumpkins, pilgrims and Native Americans. The audience will kvell as they watch the little ones dance and sing. Lots of sweet memories will be made and great photos taken. During November, our Parparim classes will invite Morah Henny’s Torah Academy class for a traditional feast, songs, a craft and a PJ Library story time. This will be the third year we will meet for Thanksgiving fun. We will also collect tzedakah to purchase turkey dinners for families in need. Each year we participate with the families of the Galinsky Academy in collecting blankets, coats,
See DUBOW, p. 18
Keep calm: You’re in good hands By ISABEL BALOTIN
Shalom Jacksonville Director
Shalom Jax receives many emails and calls from people with a variety of needs. We hear from people who are in Jacksonville for a convention and are seeking kosher meals, someone may be visiting briefly and wants to recite kaddish for a loved one. Frequently we hear from people who are temporarily here for medical reasons and wish to connect to our Jewish community. So was the case of Raymond and Barbara Binke of London, who came here recently. Raymond shares his appreciation: Editor’s note: Per request, the following was not edited. September 30, 2014 In May of this year, following surgery
See SHALOM JAX, p. 18 From left: Abe Bielski, Barbara Binke, Shirley Bielski, Raymond Binke