August Edition - Northeast Florida Jewish Life Magazine

NORTHEAST FLORIDA

Jewish Life A PUB LICAT I O N O F JE WI S H FE DE RAT ION A N D FOU N DAT ION OF N ORT H E AST F LO R I DA

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LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR I hope you’re doing well as we navigate our new normal.

Our challenges continue as we fight this virus.

Our local and overseas partners are challenged every day to keep their constituents healthy and engaged. Yet, I am proud that our JCA, synagogues and schools have successfully spent the summer welcoming children and congregants back to limited in-person programming—of course with restrictions and guidelines.

In addition, a bright light in our community is YOU! There are over 1,000 individuals and families participating in the wonderful expression of tzedakh through the Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida. Please take note of our Honor Roll, beginning on page 28, which expresses our gratitude to each of our donors for their support. All of you, members of our family of donors and fundholders, make Northeast Florida a special place to live Jewishly. When it comes to expressing appreciation to those who generously support the Federation and Foundation year after year, please accept my heartfelt “THANK YOU!” Please join us for our Annual Meeting on Tuesday, August 18 at 7:00 pm.

In addition to the election and installation of our board, we will have the special pleasure of hearing from Eric Fingerhut, President and CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, our national organization. You may rsvp by emailing Jennifer Rensch at Jenniferr@jewishjacksonville.org and we will send you the zoom information.

Please find the time to share the balance of summer with family and take care.

Jewish Federation & Foundation Staff

Alan Margolies Federation Executive Director alanm@jewishjacksonville.org

Lauren Rickoff Director, Campaign & Women’s Philanthropy laurenr@jewishjacksonville.org Kellie Smith Director, Foundation kelliek@jewishjacksonville.org Faye Hedrick Director, Young Professionals & Families fayeh@jewishjacksonville.org

Pat Burke Director, Finance & Administration patrickb@jewishjacksonville.org Val Battini Finance Specialist valb@jewishjacksonville.org

Isabel Balotin Director, Shalom Y’all shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org Jill Abel Director, Israel Partnership jilla@jewishjacksonville.org

Jennifer Rensch Campaign Coordinator jenniferr@jewishjacksonville.org Your Strategists, LLC Communications & Editorial Team jjn@jewishjacksonville.org Ellen Cohen Wilcox Sales Representative es_cohen@yahoo.com

Alan Margolies

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contents COMMUNITY NEFL WELCOMES NEW SHALIACH BEQUESTIONS WITH KELLIE SMITH MELTON COMES TO THE JCA

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L’DOR V’DOR 15 FAMILIAR FACE, NEW ROLE DINOSAURS, DRAGONS & DRAMATIC PLAY SHE’S A MENSCH IT’S YOUR BUSINESS MANDARIN READING CLINIC

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BACK TO SCHOOL NAVIGATING ONLINE LEARNING TALKING TO KIDS ABOUT COVID-19

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2020 HONOR ROLL

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WORTH THE SCHLEP

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SEE AND BE SCENE

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COMMUNITY RESOURCES

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10 24

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THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS. YOU CAN FIND NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE AT THESE LOCATIONS.

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COMMUNITY W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G I N N O R T H E A S T F L O R I D A

NEFL WELCOMES NEW COMMUNITY SHALIACH

By Jill Abel, Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida

We are thrilled to welcome our next Community Shaliach to the Northeast Florida Jewish community, Stav Brener.

Stav is from Tel Aviv and is currently completing his service in the Israeli Defense Forces as a Course Commander for young adults on the Autism Spectrum. During his IDF Service, he also served as a Course Commander in the

Intelligence Unit.

In his high school years, Stav served as a counselor at Camp Szarvas and participated in the Diller Teen Fellows Program in California. He is looking forward to working with everyone in our community and continuing the amazing success of our Shlichut Program.

Alan Margolies, Executive Director, is appreciative of those community members who will help make Stav feel welcome, “Many thanks to Jill and Mike Abel and

Allison and Ken Jacobs for serving as Host Parents for Stav.”

We are excited to welcome him to our community in mid-August.

JCA JEWISH CULTURAL ARTS FESTIVAL: IN PERSON OR VIRTUAL, THE SHOW MUST GO ON!

By Lior Spring, Jewish Community Alliance

The JCA Jewish Cultural Arts Festival returns this November with the assurance of an outstanding lineup. Chaired by Sherrie Saag for her fourth year, the festival promises to provide a meaningful and educational Jewish cultural arts experience to the entire Jacksonville community through diverse and engaging events.

Due to COVID-19, this year’s planning process for the festival is different from years past. Without knowing

what the future holds, the JCA committee remains flexible and adaptable and continues to select books and films for a November event, regardless of its formation.

“Given the uncertainty, we are planning fantastic content for our community and our committee is also preparing to present the content in a virtual way,” said Saag. “Regardless of the format, our festival will be every bit as fabulous as ever!”

Members of the screening committee have already

selected three films to be part of the line-up: Aulcie, Incitement and Saul and Ruby, To Life! (Dates are to be determined).

Whether in person or virtual, the festival remains an important event in our Jewish community. “It may be even more significant this year based on what people have been going through with physical distancing!” noted JCA Assistant Executive Director Nancy Green.

The JCA Jewish Cultural Arts Festival is a self-sustaining, sponsor supported program. All revenue

generated supports the festival and other JCA Cultural Arts. Author selections will be announced in the JCA October Alliance News.

The JCA Jewish Cultural Arts Festival is from November 2–12. All events remain free and open to the community thanks to the generosity of JCA sponsors.

For more information or to support this important Jewish cultural arts event, contact Lior Spring at 730-2100 ext. 318 or lior. spring@jcajax.org.

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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE

JEWISH FEDERATION AND FOUNDATION OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2020-2021

As required by our by-laws, the proposed slate of executive committee and board members of the Jewish Federation and Foundation of NE Florida for fiscal year ending June 30, 2021 is presented to the community in advance of the August 18 Annual Meeting:

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Iris Kraemer, President Jennifer Plotkin, Vice President and Campaign Chair Andrew Jaffa, Vice President Daniel Miller, Vice President Allison Jacobs, Vice President Debbie Banks, Vice President and Women’s Philanthropy President Jeanine Rogozinski, Women’s Philanthropy Campaign Chair Sue Eaglstein, Treasurer Kim Glasgal, Secretary Ben Marsh, YPF Chair Kenneth Jacobs, Immediate Past President Joan Levin, President’s Appointee BOARD MEMBERS Shylie Bannon Nicole Brown Jeff Edwards Dina Fetner Larry Goldberg Stephen Goldman Mark Green Michael Korn Mark Kraemer David Loeb Jill Metlin Michael Price Meryl Rittenberg

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PAST PRESIDENTS/ HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Scot Ackerman Larry Appel Guy Benrubi Ronald Elinoff Leslie Held Mitchell Levine Gary Perlman David Robbins Kenneth Sekine

Jeff Rood Elliott Rosenbaum Marcy Sandler Michael Setzer Erik Rostholder Judy Silverman Mike Solloway Les Stern Rochelle Stoddard Brent Trager Haley Trager Barry Zisser Leonard Setzer Steve Silverman Richard Sisisky Arnold Vandroff Sandy Zimmerman Elliot Zisser RABBIS Rabbi Richard Address Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner Rabbi Michael Matuson Rabbi Yaakov Fisch

JFCS VOLUNTEER ROCKSTAR

By Karen McCants, Jewish Family and Community Services

Originally from Wyoming, Cecilia Cristol grew up in South Carolina.

She moved to Jacksonville with her husband over 20 years ago where they raised two daughters. She loves to travel and once lived in Singapore. She has visited five of the seven continents.

Cecilia worked in both radio and print media.

However, her real passion is the theater. She has been performing over 40 years in both professional and community productions.

She has been volunteering at JFCS for the past several

years, working on the frontlines in the Max Block Food Pantry, participating in the Senior Food Box program, serving on the Annual Event Committee, and participating in the Holiday Gift Giving program.

She puts all of herself into anything she does, and when JFCS was between Food Pantry Coordinators, Cecilia took the lead, ensuring all orders were completed, bread was picked up and the Max Block Food Pantry ran smoothly through the transition.

Cecilia Cristol is a true ROCKSTAR and JFCS is fortunate to have her!

Thank you, Cecilia!

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MEET PJ LIBRARY’S NEW COORDINATOR

By Donna O’Steen, Jewish Family and Community Services

JFCS is thrilled to welcome Melissa Williams as the new PJ Library Coordinator.

Melissa is a former kindergarten and first grade teacher who brings with her years of experience in working with children and families and is excited to expand the PJ Library program.

The PJ Library program, a national Jewish education and engagement program for Jewish families with children, provides books, activities, and community events for families to help families learn and grow in their Jewish heritage.

In the last few years, PJ Library grew from 269 subscriptions to over 555 subscriptions today. PJ Library initiated the annual JEWEL Society fundraiser (JEWish Women as

Emerging Leaders), Neighborhood Captain Program, No-Sew Blanket Project, and the wildly successful Mom and Dads’ Night Out. In addition, PJ Library initiated PJ Pals and PJ Our Way, through a partnership with all local Jewish community agencies.

JFCS would like to congratulate Whitney Kuvin on her incredible and life-lasting accomplishments at JFCS! We wish Whitney all the best as she moves on

to her next chapter and we welcome the vision of our new PJ Library Coordinator!

A BUSY SUMMER FOR SETZER YOUTH EDUCATION

By Sarah Crowe, Jacksonville Jewish Center

Setzer Youth Education at the Jacksonville Jewish Center normally takes a break over the summer.

Staff visit summer camps, participate in trainings, and host a USY on Wheels bus.

Due to the pandemic crisis, we made some changes.

This summer we hosted virtual and socially distanced activities and programs for our participants. Students participated in weekly Zoom calls with cooking demonstrations, indoor scavenger hunts, and talent shows. For in person activities, we maintained socially distanced, but still managed to have some fun by making stepping stones, tie dye, and a fashion show featuring some creative face masks. We look forward to seeing

Chalutzim (4th-5th), Kadima (6th-8th), and USY (9th-12th) for our first events:

• Elections for Chalutzim on August 16 at 12:30pm-2:00pm • Opening event for Kadima on August 16 at 2:30pm4:00pm • Opening event for USY on August 26 at 7:00pm-8:30pm To register, please visit https://www. jaxjewishcenter.org/ syeregistration.

For more information or for any questions please reach out to Sara Crowe, Youth Director, at youthdirector@ jaxjewishcenter.org

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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE

BEQUESTIONS WITH KELLIE SMITH & GUEST COLUMNIST DR. BRUCE POWELL

Recently, I hosted a community conversation to discuss the importance of financial security to sustain Jewish Life in Northeast Florida. The very same day I received an email from a colleague, she thanked me for inviting her to join the conversation and shared this great article with me. After reading the article and Google searching the author, I reached out to him and we immediately connected over a shared vision for a financially secure Jewish Community. Dr. Powell granted me permission to share his article with our community and I hope you will read this and want to continue the conversation in our community. If you have questions or would like a topic addressed, please send them my way.

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Unbridled optimism is a prerequisite for any Jewish educator or Jewish community professional.

Among the many lessons I’ve learned in my 50 years of work in the Jewish Community, optimism is at the top of the list – to work for and to lead any of our extraordinary institutions of Jewish learning and culture

is fundamentally an act of hope, a leap of faith, and an exercise of the deep belief in our core values, and in the necessity of enriching Jewish life in America, and infusing those values toward the making of a more meaningful world for our children.

But there’s another lesson that’s just as important—and that speaks to the stark reality facing many of our organizations today. There are those organizations that have done careful financial projections and planning, and thereby have the wherewithal to ride out the current COVID storm; and there are those who have not, and may well find themselves in the dustbin of Jewish organizational history.

The biggest difference comes down to a single word: Endowment. The Coronavirus pandemic has ripped the thin financial veneer from Jewish groups all over America and across the globe—and revealed who was ready, and who was living, too often, from ones dues or tuition payment to the next.

I know this is a harsh reading of our current situation. As a lifelong Jewish educator, however, I have witnessed over the past half-century in the field, schools that rise and grow and flourish, and others that started with vision and high

hopes but due to lack of leadership, and poor financial planning, no longer exist.

Organizations that have subsisted from one donation to the next are now struggling with an existential crisis. Those that have developed endowments and cash reserves, and those with visionary boards and professional expertise, will keep themselves afloat in the present maelstrom, and will continue to provide their vital services to the Jewish community, and the nation.

Believe me, I doubt that the great universities of our

nation, each of which holds billions of dollars in endowment funds, are worried about their continued existence, or their ability to continue to educate their students.

Indeed, I doubt that any institution or organization that holds millions or billions of dollars in endowment funds is deeply worried about continuing to operate post virus.

All of this brings me to my bottom line: Endowment is a moral imperative.

BEQUESTIONS, cont. on pg. 46

B’NAI TZEDEK NEXT GEN FUND HOLDERS *as of July 31, 2020 Jacob Abraham Madison Abraham Rachael Abram Ariela Allen Jordan Allerding Harrison Andrew Nicole Ansbacher Michael Appel Michael Appelbaum Eliza Aretz Benjamin Arnold Richard Bailys Nicole Bailys Shylie Bannon Avigail Barak Geoffrey Berlin Samuel Bernard Susan Bernhardt Arielle Bernhardt Grace Beyer Jamie Bielski Allie Bielski Elizabeth Bistrong Alexandra Block Noah Borrousch-Rosin Zach Borrousch-Rosin Cory Brenenson Louisa Brinn Rebecca Brown Rachel Buff Jacob Campbell Alex Caplan Benjamin Chafetz Danielle Cheiken Gabrielle Cohen Martin Cohen Benjamin Davis Lily Davis Julia DeBardeleben Joshua DeBardeleben Alyssa DeCrispino Rachel Dranetz Dalia Dryden Sophie DuBow Charlie DuBow Shira DuBow Allison Duncan Rebecca Duncan Zachary Edelman Jonathan Edelman Lauren Edwards David Edwards Haley Falick Joshua Feig Shira Ferman Talia Fetner Ben Finck

Joshua Fleet Ariella Fleet Talia Fleet Adam Friedman Remy Frohman Dante Gaviglio Austin Gardner Jennifer Gartner Delta Gatewood Hannah Gendzier Alyson Giambalvo Sienna Glassman Mathew Glassman Gabriella Glassman Julian Glassman Jacob Glassman Jennifer Goetz Andrew Goldman Elizabeth Goldman Brad Goldring Jeffrey Goldring Aliza Goldstein Max Goldstein Ilan Goldstein Scott Goldstein Barbie Goldstein Amanda Gomer Jerry Gomer Edyn Gottlieb Alyse Granat Brooke Gridley Eva Gridley Sydney Gross Madison Grosse Matthew Harris Benjamin Hecht Faye Hedrick Matthew Harris Stephanie Hecht Jacob Hecht Lily Hernandez Craig Herring Max Horovitz Sarah Hunter Ayden Israel Brett Jackrel Emily Jackson Sarah Jacobs Joshua Jacobs Maiah Jaffa Ava Jaffa Garrett Jaffe Joshua Jolles Sarah Joseph Jack Joseph Caroline Joseph Maggie Joseph

Seth Karstaedt Shaina Katz Rebecca Katz Erica Katzin David Kaunitz Sage Kaye Jillian Kight Lindsey Kight Matthew Kingson Sarah Kirkwood Jonah Kitay Shira Kitay Jessica Kopp Elissa Kraemer Jason Krantz Shelby Krantz Benjamin Lantinberg Hannah Leach Shimrit Lee Tal Lee Annie Levenson Eric Levenson Brian Levenson Noah Levin Victoria Levine Ellis Levine Shoshana Levy Rachel Levy Evan Levy Micah Lewis Danielle Lewis Itamar Lubliner Elior Lubliner Gabrielle Magid Sabrina Mail Jasmine Mail Faye Maiman Neil Maiman Elana Maiman Lauren Margol Ali Margolies Carolyn Margulies Benjamin Mamelstein Daniel Marmelstein Ben Marsh Sophia Milian Sarah Miller Joshua Miller Madelyn Millrood Jonathan Mizrahi Debra Mizrahi Hannah Mizrahi Eli Mizrahi Ryan Mizrahi Max Mizrahi Evelyn Mizrahi Zach Mizrahi

Jacob Morgenthal Vivien Moritz Zachary Morris Maci Morse Trudy Morse Rebecca Nathans Arin Nathans Sarah Neadle Erin Nicholson Eddie Norton Britney Norton Jacob Orender Zachary Orender Danielle Palombo Amy Perlman Ariella Phillips Harrison Phillips Jacqueline Phillips Montgomery Phillips Max Pittman Laura Platzer Sara Plotkin Shaina Plotkin Jereme Pozin Zachary Pozin Noah Pozin Charlie Raitt Ashley Reiter Aaron Resnick Louis Richman Sara Richman Jennifer Richter Lawrence Richter Matthew Rickoff Luria Rittenberg Shira Rittenberg David Rivera-Clapp Leah Robbins Laura Rogovin Jessica Rogozinski Laura Rogozinski Dana Rogozinski Jonathan Rogozinski Zachary Rogozinski Max Rogozinski Danielle Rogozinski Abigail Rotenberg Jillian Rosenberg Gabe Rosner Adam Rothstein Nina Rothstein Sophie Rothstein Avi Rubin Micah Rubin Brandon Ruckh Sydni Rudowitz Elizabeth Rutansky

Jake Rutansky Josie Sagasser Jonathan Sandler Paul Sandler Ethan Sandler Laura Sandler Ari Sandler Zach Sandler Sarit Sandler Elan Sandler Dustin Sandler Brooke Saye Rachel Schemer Zachary Schemer Leslie Schemer Sarah Schemer Eva Schildhause Matthew Schimmel Jodi Beth Schneider Samuel Schwartz Harris Lee Schwartz David Selber Jackie Selevan Alexandra Selevan George Setzer Joshua Shapiro Jessica Shapiro Rachel Shapiro Zev Shapiro Jennifer Shorstein Mathew Shorstein Benjamin Shorstein Benay Shorstein Arnie Silverberg Alexandra Silverberg Joel Silverstein Matthew Silverstein Zach Silverstein Hannah Silverstein Justin Simmons Connor Simmons Lawrence Sims Logan Sims Caroline Snowden Kyle Solloway Rachel Solomon Samuel Sommers Cameron Spiritas Jason Smith Aaron Stark Rachel Stark Talor Stayer Robert Stern Logan Stern Joshua Stevens Carly Stevens Hannah Stone

Lauren Tavar Sydney Teitelbaum Emily Teitelbaum Mason Teitelbaum Ariella Tesler Elliana Tesler Alec Tompkins Brandon Trager Eden Trager Elli Trager Brooke Trager Jacob Unger Andrew Vining Kyle Vining Sara Wasserman Arielle Wajsman Alexander Wajsman David Walker Rachael Warfield Erin Weintraub Rachael Weston Zach Whiteley Sam Whitman Sarah Wilde Parker Wilf David Wilf Jonah Willens Gabriel Willens Shea Beth Williams David Williams Michael Wohl Mitchell Wohl Rachel Wolf Jacob Wolfson Alex Wolfson Jared Wolfson Allison Wolfson Evan Wolpoff Joseph Yarish Samuel Yarish Tania Yegelwel Scott Youker Steven Youker Reesa Zaifert Jeremy Zaifert Brooke Zimmerman Leah Zimmerman Samantha Zimmerman Alyssa Zunic Ashley Zunic

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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE

SAVING ONE LIFE AT A TIME

By Karen McCants, Jewish Family and Community Services

Jessica is a 20-year-old mother to a 6-month-old baby girl. Recently, she had a tire blowout on I-295 causing her truck to flip numerous times, ejecting her before landing on her.

Amazingly, physicians were able to repair her neck by fusing her vertebral column together. However, recovery would be a long road. The accident severed the nerves in her left arm causing her to lose complete use of that arm.

Jessica is a miracle.

However, life after the

accident is a struggle. She cannot care for herself; she cannot care for her child; and all of the money she saved prior to the accident has dissipated, leaving Jessica struggling financially.

Jessica reached out to JFCS for support. We assisted her with rent and utilities, and helped her file for disability.

Jessica cannot stand or walk without pain, and may never be able to work again, leaving her to worry about future financial stability.

Thankfully, things are looking up. Her 16-year-old sister moved in with her to assist her with the baby. This was helpful, but the strain of

not knowing about what’s next for Jessica continues. Traumatized by the accident, she experiences flashbacks, so we have referred her to Dupont Counseling Group for therapy.

With the additional help of a Financial Assistance Specialist, Jessica is working hard to make a plan for success. With her commitment to her daughter and her recovery, combined with JFCS’s wraparound services, she has begun to build a bridge from trauma to hope.

Many people are struggling

during this unprecedented time. JFCS is here to help the entire community through difficult times. If you or someone you know are experiencing a financial hardship, contact us today at 904-448-1933. We can help.

OUR NEW NORMAL

By Rabbi Fisch, Etz Chaim

Style for a Steal Roosevelt | Mandarin Lakewood | Beaches Harbour Village Baymeadows LET’S CONNECT & SHOP Ste i n M ar t . co m

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the health of the community in any way. The values that have been driving every decision have been our commitment to the sanctity of human life and the importance of having daily prayer service in our community. The task force has an extraordinary job to balance these values as we created a space to have daily and Shabbos Minyan safely and responsibly.

The approach of the task force was to reopen the shul in a phased and gradual manner. The first step was to have a Minyan for Mincha outdoors in which everyone was wearing a mask and in a socially distanced manner.

We transitioned to inside the

The COVID-19 era has turned our world upside down, and few areas in life have been unaffected. One of the casualties of the virus has of course, been congregational life. Our shul made the painful but necessary step in March to close our doors as the virus began to gain a foothold in American life. Our synagogue assembled a blue-ribbon task force comprised of medical experts, rabbis, and other members with Michael Boylan, our city councilman, as an advisor. The task force’s mission was to study the reopening of Etz Chaim safely and responsibly and NORMAL, cont. on pg. 46 that it doesn’t compromise

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MELTON SCHOOL OF ADULT JEWISH LEARNING COMES TO THE JCA

By Rachel Sandler, Jewish Community Alliance

The Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning is the largest pluralistic adult Jewish Education network in the world. This fall, the program, with over 35,000 graduates, will come to Jacksonville for a series of courses at the Jewish Community Alliance.

The Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning was founded in 1980 for those seeking a more meaningful Jewish life.

There are 50 Melton schools around the world with

international headquarters at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and national office in New York City.

The Melton School is for adult students from all knowledge levels and backgrounds. It provides interactive Jewish study in an open, transdenominational and Life-long Jewish educator Harvey Leven, who intellectually began his career in Jacksonville as the educational/youth director of The Temple, is stimulating directing Melton in Jax. environment and distinguishes itself materials which are a through high-quality combination of ancient and modern texts to connect Jewish values and ideas.

Another distinguishing factor is the ability of talented instructors to engage with higher level questioning to make a meaningful community of learners.

The inaugural classes for Melton in Jax include Bereshit (Genesis): From Adam to Abraham – The First Twenty Generations and Jewish Medical Ethics: A 21st Century Discussion.

The Jewish Community Alliance is excited to partner with The Temple, Jacksonville Jewish Center and Etz Chaim Synagogue with funding grants from Dr. Lawrence and Kathy Kanter and Dena Wirt. For more information, please visit jcajax.org/jewish.

ABOUT MELTON IN JAX Do you crave to take your understanding of Judaism beyond what you learned in Hebrew School?

Would you thrive in a classroom with an amazing instructor who will open up for you the richness of Jewish texts?

Would you delight in hearing a variety of Jewish viewpoints?

If you responded “yes” to any of these questions, then Melton in Jax is for you!

Melton is now registering adult students. During its inaugural year, Melton in Jax will offer two ten-week courses in both the fall and winter semesters. Classes run for 90 minutes.

Afternoon and evening options are offered.

The fall semester begins October 13. Each class is taught by amazing Jewish educators, who will keep you engrossed, as you explore new aspects of Judaism.

Directing Melton in Jax is life-long Jewish educator Harvey Leven, who began his career in Jacksonville as the educational/youth director of The Temple.

Discounts are available for members of our partner organizations and for the first seven registrants for each class.

Register at events.org/ MeltonJAX. Need-based scholarship assistance is available. Reach out to Harvey Leven at mishpacha5@aol.com with any questions.

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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE

JFCS BOARD FOCUS: STEVEN NEIHAUS, DVM

By Donna O’Steen, Jewish Family and Community Services

Dr. Neihaus is a Chicago area native and came to the surgery department of Capital Veterinary Specialists in May 2015. He attended the University of Florida in Gainesville for his undergraduate education.

After graduating from the University Of Illinois College Of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Neihaus spent a year as a general practitioner before going on to complete a rotating internship at the Animal Emergency and Referral Center (now Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners) in Northbrook, Illinois. During his residency at Affiliated Veterinary Specialists under Dr. Robert Goring, Dr. Neihaus published multiple research papers, presented at national veterinary conferences and was the recipient of the prestigious Clinical Research Award at

the American College of Veterinary Surgeons Residents Forum.

Dr. Neihaus’ professional interests include minimally invasive surgery (arthroscopy and laparoscopy), oncologic surgery and soft tissue reconstruction, and complex orthopedic and fracture repair. As a dedicated member of his community, Dr. Neihaus also enjoys giving back. Dr. Neihaus donates his time and surgical skills to help special needs cases from various rescue organizations around the country. Dr. Neihaus is a member of the Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncologists, Veterinary Orthopedic Society, and local and national veterinary medical associations.

Dr. Neihaus and his wife, who is also a veterinarian, live in the Mandarin area with their three children and Cavalier King Charles

Spaniel, Louie. When not at work, Dr. Neihaus enjoys fishing, boating, playing and coaching ice hockey, and cheering on his favorite sports teams—the Chicago

Bears, Blackhawks and the Florida Gators.

JFCS welcomes you and looks forward to working with you!

LEARNING ENGLISH WITH ONE2ONE

By Jill Abel, Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida

Rona Siegel, a One2One Educator for P2G

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Jewish Federation of Northeast Florida Israel Partnership is excited to have Janet Goldstein and Rona Siegel as educators for our Israel Partnership One2One English Program

this summer. This program pairs American educators from our Southeast Communities with Israeli middle school students from the Hadera-Eiron Region.

Our amazing educators will be helping their students develop confidence in their English speaking while also

developing vocabulary and conversational skills. We are thrilled to have nine educators from our Southeast Consortium paired with 24 students in Israel. We hope to continue this program in the fall with more American educators and more Israeli students.

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AN INTERSECTION WITH PUBLIC HEALTH: OUR FAITH CAN GET US THROUGH

By Kari Bell, River Garden Senior Services

Faith is known to help individuals cope with times of stress, reduce anxiety and find hope. As the pandemic persists, we went to Leslie Held, Chaplain at River Garden, for some first-hand information about how she is helping families and residents work through this difficult time.

How are things going at River Garden?

We remain a community of faith while adopting mitigation strategies to prevent the spread of the virus. It’s an intersection of faith with public health and our Administration at River Garden has seen to it to implement strict protocols and procedures to keep everyone safe and provide as much support as possible.

Their vigilance has brought confidence and reassurance to both residents and staff.

What are some suggestions for coping with the hardship of not seeing family and friends?

While a necessity, it is especially difficult to prohibit family visits at this time.

Face-to-face visits communicate more connectedness and affection.

Actually seeing someone reduces the feelings of loneliness and lifts our spirits. Facetime and Zoom visits have become a

blessing. Although many still make daily phone calls, the video visits have added another dimension. Multiple family members are able to join the visits, even grandchildren living overseas.

Can you highlight a specific example?

In one recent Zoom visit, a resident enjoyed a virtual tour of her grandchild’s first home. The grandmother was ecstatic to see her heirloom pieces of furniture being given new life with the next generation. Celebrations of birthdays, weddings and Bat Mitzvahs have occurred; but another particulary unique Zoom visit included a video at a cemetery where a spouse had been buried, giving the wife time to grieve her loss.

These are all intimate, meaningful occasions that allow our residents to participate in family life.

What are you doing to help residents bolster their faith during this time?

Now that religious services have temporarily been curtailed, we are offering live streaming directly to the rooms. I also devote additional time to personal visits during which I provide spiritual and emotional support, and frequently discuss faith. I encourage people to reflect on their lives, express concerns and use their beliefs to bring them hope. The reading of

psalms, offering of prayers or simply holding of hands also provides comfort as they struggle with this new normal.

Do you have any summarizing words of encouragement?

As we adjust to physical restrictions, it is of utmost importance to remember we have the capacity for resilience. I am encouraged that we are seeing spiritual closeness. During times of tribulations we have the opportunity to grow closer to a higher power. People use their beliefs in a way that make them hopeful.

Prayers can help reignite

faith, purpose and the meaning of life. It is a privilege to listen to residents and patients share their stories, and while not necessarily religious, it is our own spiritual journeys that help us better understand something greater than ourselves.

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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE

SO LONG, FAREWELL, L’HITRAOT

By Emma Pulley, Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida

I took a job at the Jewish Federation and Foundation of Jacksonville seven years ago. It was the only job offer I got when I was moving home to Jacksonville after college.

“What is a Jewish Federation?” my friends would ask when I told them where I worked.

At first, I didn’t really know how to describe it.

Being a lapsed Episcopalian, Judaism was all mystery to me. But my family and friends’ curiosity forced me to learn quickly and soon I was able to tell them what exactly tzedakah was, and that Chanukah wasn’t “Jewish Christmas,” it was something much more meaningful.

Chances are if you’re reading this, I’ve probably handed you a nametag at an

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event, helped you process a grant to your favorite charity, sent you an email about a board meeting or chaperoned your teens and their Israeli friends for an overnight trip to Universal Studios. These may seem like small things, but they were all important to me.

My trajectory from Administrative Assistant to Associate Director of Administration and Planned Giving wasn’t always easy or straightforward, but having the privilege to work with people who always saw my potential gave me the confidence to keep pushing my own limits.

I’m proud of the skills I’ve mastered in my time at Federation. Every little task has helped me to become a better, stronger version of my professional self. Who knew the shy girl that would barely speak at staff meetings would end up organizing and running

them?

Federation is a place where I found my voice and where I learned about the critical works that the Jewish Federation supports both at home and abroad. It’s also where I learned about not only the importance of today, but the hard work of guaranteeing tomorrow.

Federation is also a place that helped me find myself.

In March 2019, after many years of participating as staff in our Partnership2Gether activities, I was lucky enough to go to Israel for the very first time. The experience changed me forever, and to make a very long story short, I converted to Judaism on July 5, 2020 through Congregation Ahavath Chesed with Cantor Carrie Barry.

As I said before—my trajectory wasn’t always easy or straightforward. Of all the things anyone could have assumed and of all the things I could have learned— this was by far my greatest surprise and my most cherished accomplishment.

There simply aren’t enough column inches for me to tell my story in full.

Suffice it to say that I have ended my time at Federation as a completely different person than the quiet Episcopalian who started there. The person I am today is someone a little bit braver, a little bit louder and a little bit smarter.

So what is a Jewish Federation? Many things—a school, a business, a charity, a network, an agency, but most of all, it’s a home.

Thank you to the Jewish Federation and Foundation for giving me a home for seven years, for providing a place where I could grow and discover and for believing in the woman I was and the one I have become. My next great adventure is only possible because of your love and support.

Todah rabah!

L’DOR V’DOR F A M I LY, E D U C A T I O N A N D S E N I O R L I V I N G

FAMILIAR FACE, NEW ROLE

By Danielle Wirsanksy, Jewish Community Alliance

Natalia Fisher is a familiar figure at Michele Block Gan Yeladim. She served as the school’s curriculum coordinator for the past several years and will now take on the new role as the school’s Pedagogista.

Pedagogy is the art of teaching. It is helping teachers think of the bigger picture and beyond—not just, “What am I going to teach today?” It is the how and why of teaching.

The primary responsibility of the Pedagogista is to work to create a culture for inquiry and call these dispositions forward in educators. Fisher finds particular inspiration in Elie Wiesel’s words, “In the word question, there is a beautiful

word—quest. I love that word. We are all partners in a quest….The essential questions have no answers.

You are my questions, and I am yours—and then there is dialogue. The moment we have answers, there is no dialogue. Questions unite people, answers divide them.”

During the school’s closure as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fisher’s role in shifting the school toward adopting constructivist learning practices made great strides. Many faculty members found themselves questioning their new roles as online teachers. Fisher worked to help teachers evolve into researchers, scientists and guides to help the children learn and grow in a virtual setting. Since Michele Block Gan Yeladim’s reopening, Fisher has

continued to move forward and elevate the school and its practices.

While teachers are walking alongside their students,

Natalia walks alongside the teachers. Natalia’s new role facilitates an environment of co-constructing knowledge and learning together.

CURRICULUM, COMMUNITY AND CONFERENCE

By Karen Stern, First Congregation Sons of Israel

First Congregation Sons of Israel is proud to represent a diverse and engaged community. A congregation that celebrates benevolence in an everchanging world, we work to cultivate an environment that is both authentic and progressive. Members and

families plant roots here.

And we grow together, striving for Jewish enlightenment that translates into fulfillment in all facets of life and relationship.

We are thrilled to partner with the Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL) to re-establish a Religious School and provide our

children exceptional religious education. A regional, transdenominational organization, the ISJL serves thirteen states with a validated program comprised of what they term the 3 Cs: Curriculum, Community, and Conference. Please visit ISJL.org to learn more.

Religious School classes will be held virtually and in-person (when possible) after Labor Day. To register for the Religious School, visit firstcongregation sonsofisrael.com. For questions regarding registration, contact Karen Stern (kstern426@gmail. com) or Rachel Castleberry (racheldlitt@gmail.com).

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L’DOR V’DOR

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F A M I LY, E D U C A T I O N A N D S E N I O R L I V I N G

TWO JOIN DUBOW PRESCHOOL & MARTIN J. GOTTLIEB DAY SCHOOL

By Brian Pargman, Martin J. Gottlieb Day School

The Martin J. Gottlieb Day School and the Bernard and Alice Selevan Religious School of the Jacksonville Jewish Center are excited to welcome David Solkowitz and Wendy Davidson.

David earned his Masters in Jewish Studies and Jewish Education from Hebrew College in Newton, Massachusetts. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Jewish Studies with a minor in Hebrew language from Indiana University. As a child, David attended the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville, Maryland and gives this experience credit for his decision to pursue a career in Jewish education. During summer breaks, David worked at Camp Grossman in Massachusetts as a basketball assistant and

Camp Tel Yehudah in New York as a garden specialist.

Additionally, he served as a Middle School Youth advisor at Temple Aliya in Massachusetts where he fostered strong relationships with students and parents, increased student membership and mentored students for future leadership. David is the recipient of the Ina Regosin Scholarship which is the Hebrew College’s scholarship awarded for dedication, the seriousness of purpose, and outstanding potential as an educational leader.

Teaching Grades 3 and 4 at the Day School is Wendy Davidson who relocated from Upstate New York.

Wendy earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Hofstra University and her Master’s from Utica College.

Wendy has taught many subjects including Language Arts and Special Education,

and she is certified to teach K-12 in Florida. In her spare time, Wendy enjoys swimming, biking, and traveling.

In the 2020-2021 school year, Edith Horovitz will be assuming the role of the Director of Jewish Life and Liat Walker will serve as the

Director of Jewish Education for the Dubow Preschool and Martin J. Gottlieb Day School. They will work to ensure that excellent Jewish education will begin at age one and continue through graduation.

L to R: David Solkowitz and Wendy Davidson

BACK TO SCHOOL READING RECOMMENDATIONS

By Crystal Whitman, Jewish Community Alliance

As summer vacation comes to a close, and children prepare to go back to school (or they are going for the very first time), let’s look at some books that can help them transition. There are so many good ones for this, and here are a few of my favorites, starting with one many already know,

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn.

The Kissing Hand is a wonderful book to help children transition if they have a hard time with separation. It is a beautiful story about a little raccoon named Chester, off to school for the first time, who is having some of the same feelings little ones experience during their first days of school. To address these feelings, Chester and

his mom come up with a way for him to keep her with him no matter where he goes. Children and their parents can use the idea presented in the book or come up with their own to help them with their transition. Some other books recommended for back to school are: • Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes • First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg

• The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson • Sammy Spider’s First Day of School by Sylvia Rouss Remember, as children are introduced to new faces and places, they are most successful with routine and consistency. No matter which books families read together, I wish parents and children the best as they begin their journey with a new school family.

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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE

DINOSAURS, DRAGONS AND DRAMATIC PLAY

By Danielle Wirsanksy, Jewish Community Alliance

Dramatic play is a vital component of early childhood education classrooms. Its many benefits include teaching children self-regulation and conflict resolution, providing emotional outlets and allowing parents and teachers to support their students’ ideas. At Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten, dramatic play is especially important.

In our J Days of Summer program, the dinosaurs and dragons session provided the perfect time to play. The school brought in a professional actor to lead a transformation workshop for the students. Actor Pablo Milla resides in Los Angeles, California, but is originally from the Jacksonville area.

Milla worked with the Teddy Bear age group (3-4 years old) outside and

followed CDC guidelines for physical distancing.

Surrounded by photos to help students who are visual learners, Milla took the Teddy Bears through the necessary steps to transform themselves, mind and body, into dinosaurs and dragons.

They first transformed into triceratops. They got on all fours and voiced the sound of a triceratops.

Once they conquered the triceratops, students evolved into the tyrannosaurus rex, remembering their tiny arms, big teeth and heavy tails. The students then transformed themselves into dragons. With their wings, they flew and explored the playground through new eyes.

Through this hour of dramatic play, Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten students were able to have fun while improving their cognitive learning.

POSITIVELY

Your

Yours

Thanks to Nurse Manager James Ritter and his team. You’re doing wonderful work!

SUPPORT SYSTEM

Now in its 75th year, River Garden has provided award-winning services delivered with exceptional quality. As the needs of older adults and caregivers have evolved, so has our continuum of care. While the ways we care may expand, the “why” will never change: to support the highest quality of life. However and whenever you need us, we’re here.

Visit RiverGarden.org or call (904) 260 .1818

We Appreciate Your Support T he o u t p o u r i ng o f s u p p o r t b y f a mi lie s a nd t he c o mmu ni t y ha s b e e n t r u l y he a r t wa rm ing.

This is a d if fic ul t a nd s t r e s s ful t im e fo r a l l of u s bu t w e wil l g e t t hro ug h it t o g e t he r. Whil e o ur c a mpu s r emai ns c l o s e d t o vis it o r s , we p r o m is e t o c o nt inue doi ng al l that we c a n t o e ns ur e r e s id e nt s a re s a fe a nd f eel i ng l ov ed.

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L’DOR V’DOR

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F A M I LY, E D U C A T I O N A N D S E N I O R L I V I N G

GROW AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT REGISTRATION OPEN

By Rabbi Sharfstein, Chabad of S. Johns

Chabad of S. Johns GROW After School Enrichment Program is preparing for another fabulous school year.

GROW is about kids enthusiastically flying through their Aleph Champ colors. It’s about how much they love molding and painting their own masks for Purim, building Chanukah Menorahs, learning Kosher cooking and decorating (gorgeous!) Seder Plates.

Kids challenge themselves to be better to each other

and make a difference in the world. It’s where they learn STEM skills in a Jewish context—skills they can use in every area of their lives.

GROW is the place to be when it comes to fostering Jewish pride in the next generation of young, inquisitive minds.

Signing up for GROW means giving your child a safe place to gain self confidence, develop compassion for others, and learn how to become a positive role model.

“As parents and teachers hoping to instill wholesome

values in our children, we’re constantly competing with screens and video games,” director Dini Sharfstein said.

“Grow was designed to meet the needs of today’s children and give them a place to practice foundational skills like interpersonal awareness, self-care and character development.”

At GROW your child will have a fabulous time expressing his or her creativity in a warm and stimulating Jewish environment.

Jewish kids from public schools throughout St. Johns

County come together to empower each other with the skills and strengths to be positive leaders.

Things may be different due to the current situation, but we are committed to giving your child the ultimate Jewish pride and education no-matter the circumstance.

To register visit JewishSJohnsCounty/GROW email Dini@JewishSJohns County.com or call (904) 701-4422

121 Cantley Way • St. Johns

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Durbin Crossing townhome End unit w/2-car garage Upgraded kitchen Screened in patio Amenities: two pools, tennis courts, workout room & basketball courts • A-rated neighborhood schools

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MOBILE (904) 652-5978 OFFICE (904) 469-7653 ERICA@SELLSJAX.COM SELLSJAX.COM

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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE

SHE’S A TRUE MENSCH!

RABBI ROSENBLUM OVERSEES SELEVAN RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

By Jennifer Smith, Jacksonville Jewish Center

We are excited to announce that Rabbi Shira Rosenblum will be overseeing the Bernard & Alice Selevan Religious School of the Jacksonville Jewish Center this year. Our school year will kick off with two Meet and Greet sessions on Sunday, August 23, from 9:30-11:00 for families of students in grades K-2 and Wednesday, August 26, from 5-6:30 pm for families of students in grades 3-7, at the Center. Parents and students will have a chance to meet Rabbi Rosenblum, the teachers, and other families,

By Brian Pargman, Martin J. Gottlieb Day School

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You may have seen past Galinsky PTA President Rachel Brodsky all over the Jacksonville area delivering Challahs. Or maybe you have seen her working hard to pull off another amazing Purim Carnival? Who could forget all the teacher appreciation gifts that were organized and given to the DuBow Preschool and

Martin J. Gottlieb Day School staff during the school year?

Rachel Brodsky is one of the hardest working volunteers on campus and many people wonder, “Is that amazing Rachel Brodsky actually employed by the school?” The answer is “no,” but we are so grateful for her volunteer efforts as PTA President and for that, we say “todah robah!”

while learning more about the school’s innovative programs for our Kindergarten through Seventh Graders.

Classes will begin on Sunday, August 30 and Wednesday, September 2.

For your convenience, the Religious School registration forms, calendar, costs, and other pertinent information, as well as a brief overview of the program, are available on the Religious School webpage at jaxjewishcenter. org/basrs.

For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact Rabbi Shira Rosenblum at srosenblum@ jaxjewishcenter.org.

MAZEL TOV & IN MEMORIAM MAZEL TOV: SKYLER KAPLAN

Skyler Kaplan, son of Naomi and Michael Kaplan, became a Bar Mitzvah virtually on July 18, 2020.

Sharing in the simcha were his sister Sadie, grandparents Sheila and Larry Leiberman, and Geri Kaplan and Mark Rothstein, many friends, family, and members of his Temple Bet Yam community.

Skyler is going into the eighth grade at Palm Valley Academy where he takes honors and advanced classes. He loves to be with his friends in the Dungeons and Dragons Club, enjoys playing tennis, and finds joy in family moments. His Mitzvah Project is encouraging people to wear masks to protect others who are vulnerable.

MAZEL TOV: NOAH WASSERMAN

Noah Thomas Wasserman, son of Drs. Paul and Marte Wasserman, will be called to the Torah on the occasion of his Bar Mitzvah on August 23, 2020 at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. This will be a virtual service due to social distancing requirements.

Sharing in the simcha will be his sister, Sara, age 14, grandparents Tom and Bettye Coward of Jacksonville and Stanley and Gerta Wasserman of Gaithersburg, Maryland, and many other friends and family.

Noah is in the seventh grade at The Bolles School, where he is a member of the Bolles crew team. Noah is a recent graduate of the Bernard and Alice Selevan Religious School and is an active member of the Kadima youth group at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. Noah has also attended Camp Ramah Darom for the past four years.

Noah will be choosing a child to remember and honor as part of the Children of the Holocaust Chain of Memory program. He is also participating in the B’nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy Program of the Jewish Foundation of Northeast Florida.

IN MEMORIAM: DR. MYRON “MIKE” FRANK MASS Dr. Myron “Mike” Frank Mass lost his battle with multiple myeloma on Monday, June 22, 2020, at his home in Jacksonville, Florida. He was born on February 24th, 1945 in Philadelphia, PA to proud parents Pearl and Edward Mass.

Mike served his community for more than 40 years as a medical doctor, graduating in 1970 from the University of Florida Medical School. Prior to that, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University, in 1966. Mike served as a doctor in the United States Air Force from 1975-1977, achieving the rank of Major. After serving his country, he returned home to Jacksonville, FL where he served in private practice for decades.

A prominent member of the Jacksonville community throughout his entire life, he served in many roles, including as President of the Duval County Medical Society, as a member of the Duval County Environmental Protection Board, a Trustee of Florida State College at Jacksonville, and a many-term Board member at the Jacksonville Jewish Center, where he created and established an endowment dedicated to building the future leadership at the Center and securing its future.

Mike’s passions were world travel, and appreciating places and cultures through cuisine. Mike was a founding member and past president of the Jacksonville chapter of the International Wine & Food Society. His global travels, shared often with his family and always with his loving wife, are too numerous to detail individually, but were a driving passion and a frequent outlet for his never-ending intellectual curiosity.

Mike is survived by his wife Marilyn [Halpern], his children Ellis and Ellen Mass of Parkland, FL, and David “Otis” Mass of New York, NY, and his grandchildren, Liam Mass of Atlanta, GA, Jacob Mass of Parkland, FL, and Pearl Mass of Parkland, FL.

Submit your anouncement online at https://bit.ly/JL-announcements

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IT’S YOUR BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT ON JEWISH-OWNED BUSINESSES

MANDARIN READING CLINIC processing and/or reading comprehension.

Fast forward to March 2020…the Covid-19 Pandemic changed business.

Mandarin Reading Clinic adapted. One-to-one in-person reading therapy transitioned to virtual therapy. Simultaneously, the need for masks began. Local doctors created the Masks4Jax initiative, providing free masks to the Jacksonville community.

Mask distribution involved area restaurants providing them to patrons. Lynda, who keeps kosher, realized she wouldn’t be able to get a mask from a restaurant.

She wondered if she could participate in the Masks4Jax initiative as a business owner. She applied for Mandarin Reading Clinic to become a distributor.

Lynda and Sarah made weekly warehouse An SLP provides reading therapy

Mandarin Reading Clinic is co-owned by Lynda Gridley and Sarah French, Speech Language Pathologists who met while working at River Garden. In 2013 Lynda’s daughter, Eva, was diagnosed with dyslexia.

Lynda and Sarah learned Speech Therapy techniques for remediating reading and Mandarin Reading Clinic was born.

Hundreds of students have come to the clinic, which employs Speech Language Pathologists. The only non-SLP is the math tutor.

The typical student needs assistance with phonological

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By Lynda Gridley

Sarah and Lynda prepare to distribute masks.

trips and received hundreds of masks. Lynda realized she could also offer the masks to the Jewish community who, like her, would not receive masks from area restaurants.

She posted on the Jews in Jax Facebook group. People from across the Jacksonville Jewish community were recipients. Members of The Temple, the Jacksonville Jewish Center, Etz Chaim and Chabad reached out for masks. The Federation, the JCA and the Jacksonville Jewish Center received

hundreds of masks to keep employees and visitors safe.

Some came to the clinic for masks, but most were delivered to their doors. In all, 800 masks were distributed!

To learn more about virtual or in-clinic reading and math services provided at Mandarin Reading Clinic, call (904) 880-7273, find them on their Facebook page or at MandarinReadingClinic. com.

Whether your kids are attending school in person or online, this year is sure to be different. We’ve asked our partners to help give parents some tips and advice when it comes to discussing COVID-19 or setting up a home learning space for your child.

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Navigating

Online Learning

C

By Brian Pargman Pargman, Martin J. Gottlieb Day School

oronavirus has brought many changes to our daily lives. The impact on education was felt last spring and will impact teaching and learning once school resumes in the fall.

While many schools across the country are developing contingency plans to ensure that student learning remains strong, it is equally important for families to develop strategies that will allow students to thrive online if schools resort back to distance learning. Here are a few tips to help:

REVIEW TECHNOLOGY

Ensure that your computer or laptop is configured in a manner that is best suited to help you make the most of your students’ online learning platform. It is better to find out now while you can make any necessary adjustments than when school starts.

You won’t be the only one seeking technology help, so the earlier you can plan, the better!

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CREATE A DEDICATED SPACE

Students should have a dedicated workspace for online learning and to complete assignments.

This space should be free from all distractions. Get rid of the cell phone or TV and let this area be truly dedicated to schoolwork. Your student can also decorate this space to make it their own with pictures, cushions, or items that are not distracting but make the area more comfortable.

MAINTAIN VIRTUAL CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE

In order to make the most out of everyone’s time online, review with your student basic virtual classroom etiquette. Microphones should be muted unless it is the student’s turn to speak to the teacher or class. The side chat bar should be used to confirm understanding, ask questions, and

suggest ideas. Backgrounds should not distract classmates. Also, be mindful of noisy pets or other people visible on camera.

KEEP COMMUNICATION CHANNELS OPEN

Don’t be a stranger to your student’s teacher. If you have questions or concerns about assignments or technology, reach out to the teacher directly, so the issue can be resolved. Tina Silva, Head of School at Martin J. Gottlieb Day School and DuBow Preschool, stresses that “We know these are unusual times for many families and we want our parents to reach out to us if something doesn’t feel just right or if they have questions about online learning. We are all in this together and our entire staff is here to help.”

BREAK TIMES ARE IMPORTANT

Encourage your child to take breaks. Sitting in front of a computer can sometimes feel tedious and students may need to re-energize. Go for a walk or jog around the block to help clear your student’s mind and start fresh.

STAY ON SCHEDULE

Create and stick to a study plan.

Online learning can be convenient, but procrastination can be detrimental to online learners. Help your child stay organized and not fall behind in classes. Silva points out that, “If procrastination

becomes an ongoing issue, it is very important to contact your child’s teachers. The teacher and student partnership is vital to making sure the student stays on task.”

MAKE TIME FOR FRIENDS

Friendships are vital for children’s emotional wellbeing and parents should make time for children to remain connected with their friends. Scheduled time for video chats or opportunities to connect while keeping the proper social distance is important so children can talk to their peers, laugh, and share special moments with each other.

STAY IN TOUCH WITH OTHER PARENTS Just as it is important for children to stay connected, it is equally important for parents to remain connected to other parents and to check-in and share their online experiences with each other. What is working well for their family?

Can they share ideas that haven’t worked and should be avoided?

BE POSITIVE!

While there remains uncertainty related to the coronavirus, we are hopeful that things will return to normal in the near future. Be sure to look at the bright side of things.

As much as things have changed, we should also spend time being grateful for the opportunities that we have experienced as a result of these changes.

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Talking

to Kids About Rabbi Shalom Horowitz, M.S. Ed., MSCC, Incoming Head of School at Torah Academy

COVID-19

Before March, parents and children had defined spaces to achieve goals, times to be together, and roles and ways of doing things. COVID-19 has changed the dynamic. Parents are working from home, children are learning virtually, no one visits and few people leave their homes.

The new dynamic that parents need to address is: How do we talk to our kids during COVID-19?

I am reminded of a clever joke that is often repeated by Professors at the beginning of special education courses: What is the difference between regular education and special education? Nothing. Special education is regular education, just much better.

The same philosophy can apply to talking to our children.

The pandemic is really an opportunity for a parent or guardian to have a dialogue with their child on an even deeper and broader level than during normal times.

I recommend these five strategies to help talk to children during this time.

1. DON’T TALK! Talking to, or at, children is not an activity that they enjoy or like doing (just as adults don’t). It does not help foster relationships or bonds. Instead, you want to elicit conversation with your child by creating a healthy conversational culture.

How is that done? Here is a proven successful strategy: Share a real fear or worry that you have (which is age appropriate) with your child. For example: Grandpa is in an assisted living home. I am worried that he is not getting

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outside enough during COVID-19. Or, I need to be careful about what I eat since I am moving less now that I am working from home. For an older child you may share your own health or personal financial worries.

When your child hears that you also have worries, he will be more at ease to share his fears and concerns, and will not feel that he is being judged or lectured at, so you can now ask him, “So, what’s worrying you?”

It is at this point that we should not talk, give solutions and definitely not minimize his fears. Rather, be an active listener, show empathy (with body language), and demonstrate validation by repeating his fear or concern and saying something to the effect of: “I am here for you.”

2. LET KIDS LEAD Kids can come up with crazy, exciting ideas. Empower them by embracing them with joy and excitement! Become their cheerleader, fan and supporter. They want to make potato broccoli pizza? Work together with them to create it.

They want to paint their room orange and yellow? Put on a smock with them and brush away. Guess what you are doing when you work together on a fun project? You talk and interact. You are laying the foundations of future trust and the ability to have meaningful conversations.

3. BUILD SELF THEIR CONFIDENCE Here is a small quiz. Name three things your child is great at that he/she has not really discovered yet. (Actually, I hope you can name ten things). Pick one and let them shine at

something they are great at and love! This is similar to the second idea mentioned above, except that this one is more parent directed and facilitated. Children (and adults) need to feel that they can make a difference, can be productive, and that somebody believes in them. Creating intrinsic self-confidence can go a long way in developing the foundation for a child to be willing to share and to listen.

4. KEEP A JOURNAL AND WRITE Invest in a beautifully designed notebook, diary, or journal, that is attractive and practical. As computers and tablets have become the norm, writing long handed is going the way of the Sony WalkmanŽ (I hope I am not dating myself). Like adults, children don’t always want to share their feelings and worries although they may want to express them. Encouraging them to write daily not only strengthens fine motor skills and improves critical thinking and creative writing skills, it also promotes their self expression and understanding. As parents, we demonstrate to our children that they also have feelings, have personal space, and that we are there to support them in their journeys.

Writing helps children develop clarity of self, of their home and of their social environment, which is a long term investment for their personal growth.

5. BE MINDFUL Being home day after day, week after week with our children, we may find ourselves promising to reward them with something special or threatening to punish them for

an infraction. If we don’t follow through on our word, we are breaking the fundamental trust that takes building and work. Children have strong intuitions. They may not be able to articulate why they are behaving a certain way but our patterns of behaviour can determine to an extent how much our children are willing to trust us and converse with us. Being home for such an extended period of time can lead to shorter levels of patience. It is critical that as parents we not say words, comments or statements that are hurtful, accusatory, demeaning or even critical.

Children are also struggling. Our frustrations cannot become theirs. The more we support them, the more they trust and interact with us. As the adults in the house, we cannot lose sight of our greatest responsibility; to give our children the skills and self confidence to deal in a healthy and mature manner with the challenges that life will throw at them.

COVID-19 is your moment as a parent to shine. Use it!

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2020 Honor Roll

OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA

2020 Honor Roll Thank you for supporting the Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida’s 2020 Annual Campaign. We may come from different places, we may have different kinds of families and we may express our Jewishness in different ways, but it is our collective to care for one another that makes us a community. Together, we made—and will continue to make—lifesaving and life-enhancing work possible. Thank you for your generosity, kindness, and commitment to making our community—and our world—a better place.

PRIME MINISTER’S COUNCIL ($100,000 OR MORE) PMC LION OF JUDAH ($100,000 OR MORE) DuBow Family Foundation Lawrence DuBow Susan DuBow Michael and Helen DuBow Mark and Iris Kraemer Selevan Family Foundation Russell and Fran Selevan Jack and Susan Selevan Andrew and Rebekah Selevan Marc and Jenny Selevan Blaine and Hope Prober Seth Swallen and Jackie Selevan Setzer Family Foundation Leonard and Debra Setzer Ben and Melanie Setzer Michael and Lauren Setzer Ari and Faye Schuchman Stephen and Judy Silverman David and Linda Stein Tracey Westbrook MAJOR GIFTS ($5,000-$99,000) SABRA LION OF JUDAH ($75,000-$99,000) Robert and Deborah Schiller

Dr. Scot and Alexandra Ackerman EMERALD LION OF JUDAH ($25,000-$35,999) Dr. H. Ronald and Joan Levin Rein Family Foundation Bill Rein Marcie Smith David and Kim Robbins Kate Robbins SAPPHIRE LION OF JUDAH ($18,000-$24,999) Block Family Andy and Christine Block William and Lauren Block Jeffrey Block Beverly Block Ronald and Merle Cherry Daniel and Cindy Edelman Lawrence and Barbara Jaffe Bradley Zimmerman Sandy Zimmerman Alexandra Miller Bequest Ina Richter Kimberly and Richard Sisisky RUBY LION OF JUDAH ($10,000-$17,999)

ZAHAV LION OF JUDAH ($50,000-$74,999) Dr. Jeff and Ilene Levenson Trager Family Foundation, Inc. Zimmerman Family Foundation Charles and Elli Zimmerman Morrie and Chase Zimmerman Seeman and Nancy Zimmerman

ANNUAL CAMPAIGN ENDOWMENT

AMETHYST LION OF JUDAH ($36,000-$49,999)

FOREVER LION

Berman Family Foundation, Inc. Rochelle Stoddard Charles and Eleanor Berman Eric and Polina Berman Sue Eaglstein Gottlieb Family Philanthropic Fund Mel and Debbie Gottlieb Aaron and Erica Gottlieb Joy Irvin

BEN GUIRON SOCIETY

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2020 Honor Roll Mark and Nancy Green Kenneth and Allison Jacobs James and Irene Jaffa Jordan and Shirley Ansbacher Family Foundation Brian and Susan Ansbacher Harlan and Donna Helming Dr. Michael J Koren Patton, Korman, and Shelton Families Mary Carr Patton Howard and Joy Korman Jamie Shelton and Allison Korman Shelton Peter Levy and Kim Glasgal Levy Memorial Fund Drs. Robert and Anne Lufrano Alan and Jan Margolies Drs. Michael and Sue Nussbaum Dr. Gary and Nancy Perlman Dr. Elana Schrader Dr. Abe and Marjorie Rogozinski Ronnie & Jerrold Rosenbaum Jerrold and Spring Rosenbaum Marc and Beth Angelo Shorstein Family Foundation Mark and Beth Shorstein Judy Shorstein Bud Shorstein Michael and Robin Shorstein Arnold and Phyllis Vandroff Dr. Eugene and Brenda Wolchok Barry and Eunice Zisser Elliot and Carolyn Zisser LION OF JUDAH ($5,000-$9,999) Dr. Guy and Patti Benrubi Greg and Donna Berger Dr. Ron and Susan Elinoff Dr. Alan Fetner and Mary Hartigan Drs. Howard and Dina Fetner Stephen and Jackie Goldman Dr. Jeffrey and Doris Goldstein Stuart and Risa Herman David and Miriam Honig Dr. Kenneth and Paula Horn Dr. Garry Kitay and Debbie Banks Sylvia Kraemer Leonardo Maiman and Lynn Maiman Dr. Mike Z”L and Marilyn Mass David and Monique Miller

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BEN GUIRON SOCIETY

ANNUAL CAMPAIGN ENDOWMENT

Richard and Jennifer Plotkin Barbara Resnick Matt and Lauren Rickoff Dr. Harris and Meryl Rittenberg Dr. Chaim and Jeanine Rogozinski Jeff Rood Erik and Dr. Emily Rostholder Dr. Neal and Nina Roth Dr. Mitchell and Diane Rothstein Dr. Kenneth and Sheryl Sekine Howard Serkin Dr. Barry and Ellen Setzer Joel and Sylvia Shapiro Zachary Sherman and Blair Sisisky Sherman Gary and Laine Silverfield Irene Sloat Jason Smith and Kellie Kelleher-Smith Dr. Michael L. Solloway Dr. Bruce and Sharon Witten David and Robin Wolf Evan and Arlene Yegelwel Dr. Bruce and Cathy Yergin $1,000-$4,999 CAMPAIGN Michael and Jill Abel Dr. Tony and Arlene Adelson Dr. Philip and Karen Adler Barry and Lisa Ansbacher Stuart and Karen Appelbaum Shawn Arnold and Melissa Gross-Arnold David and Gayle Bailys Dr. Scott Baker and Maureen Ruddy-Baker Dr. Robert and Melanie Baker Jesse and Shylie Bannon Dr. Isidore D. Benrubi Daniel Bergman Anne Bernstein Ernest and Harriet Brodsky Dr. Sol and Leslie Brotman Richard and Sharon Browdy Dr. Andy and Nicole Brown Dr. Arthur and Olga Burns Howard and Laura Buss Andrew and Laverne Cantor Howard Caplan and Jeanne Maron Adam and Regina Chaskin Dr. Donald Cohen Joanne E. Cohen WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY POMEGRANATE SOCIETY

WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY PEARL SOCIETY

2020 Honor Roll $1,000-$4,999 CAMPAIGN

Matthew and Susan Edelman A & L Edelman Family Foundation Jeff and Mary Edwards Helene S Edwards Gloria Einstein Leonard and Judy Elikan Myron and Bunni Flagler Charlie and Sharon Frohman Elaine Furman Michael and Linda Gard Henry and Karen Gare Martin and Susan Goetz Dr. Lawrence and Phyllis Goldberg Joseph and Hope Goldsmith Edwin and Renee Gordon Dr. Brett and Stephanie Gratz Dan and Faye Hedrick Howard and Zena Hodor Nancy Honig Bruce and Edith Horovitz Arthur Hurwitz Charles Hyman and Janet Healy Jonathan and Kim Israel Andrew and Sylvia Jaffa Daniel and Karianne Jaffa Jamie and Erica Jolles Dr. Robert and Rosely Kanner Dr. Larry and Kathy Kanter David and Cathy Kasriel Dr. Andrew and Karen Kaunitz Jim and Francine Kempner The Hon. Morton and Delores Kesler Michael and Pamela Korn Mark and Sue Kornhauser Dr. Alan and Adria Krantz Grant and Whitney Kuvin Dr. Dennis and Ginny Lafer James and Joanne Lawson Dr. Eli and Neva Lerner Sidney and Jeanette Lewis Bruce and Jan Lipsky Michael and Deanna Lissner Muriel Litt Leonard Magid and Claudia Baker Steven and Andrea Mail Andrew and Michelle Margol BEN GUIRON SOCIETY

Jeffrey and Penny Marks Adam and Erin Marmelstein Ben Marsh Michael and Glenn Miller Dr. Stuart Millstone Joseph Mintz Alan and Mauri Mizrahi Judy H. Mizrahi Jack and Nancy Mizrahi Dr. Craig and Rachel Morgenthal Jeff and Robin Morris Stanley and Melanie Nasberg Morrie and Kathy Osterer Richard and Rhonda Passink John and Debra Pataky Mark and Michelle Penson Jay and Cheryl Plotkin Ronel and Dr. Judy Poppell Dr. Steven and Edrea Porter Jerry and Barbara Portnoy Fred and Wendy Pozin Sam and Faye Price Melvin J. Redmond Sondra Resnikoff Dr. Harry Reinstine, Jr. Ronald and Karen Rettner Toby Ringel Sam and Randi Rogozinski Jeff and Christy Rosen Dr. Elliott and Emily Rosenbaum Alan and Ellen Rosner Paul and Lorraine Rothstein Dr. Devon and Perrin Rubin Leif and Beth Rush Joe P. Safer Endowment Fund Rabbi Martin and Jeanne Sandberg Dr. Eric and Marcy Sandler Dr. Howard and Terry Schare Dr. Michael and Janet Scharf Jonathan and Debbie Schlackman The Hon. Harvey and Lois Schlesinger Michael and Barbara Schneider Mimi Selig Alan and Paula Setzer Steven and Deborah Shapiro Drs. Craig and Sandy Shapiro ANNUAL CAMPAIGN ENDOWMENT

David and Shari Shuman Dr. Sheldon and Elaine Singal Daniel Miller and Lior Spring Dr. Mandell and Rita Diamond Stearman Martin and Randee Steinberg Dr. Bruce and Elana Steinberg Dr. Richard and Georgina Stromberg Edward and Dr. Millie Tannen Marion Tischler David and Tracey Vandroff Richard and Amy Wallman Drs. Paul and Marte Wasserman Josh and Elyse Whitman Gary and Karen Wilkinson Hylda Wilson James and Ellen Wiss Dr. Daniel and Cindy Wohl Dr. Stephen and Susan Wolchok Jeffry Wollitz and Randy Kammer Dr. Daniel and Amy Wyzan $1-$999 CAMPAIGN Craig and Hilary Aaronson Joseph and Elizabeth Abisch Dr. Mark and Roz Abramson Michael and Linda Abramson Bruce and Diane Ackerman Toby Ackerman David and Barbara Adler Michel and Suzette Allen Sandy and Tonnie Alliance Leonard and Susan Alterman Howard and Barbara Alterman Andrew and Jill Altman Allen and Catherine Altman Barbara Ames Lawrence Ansbacher Rabbi Yehuda Appelbaum Eve Aptheker Alan and Marla Aptheker Sandy Archer Jim and Judy De Arman Rob Armstrong and Barbara Stafford David Arnold and Dr. Amy Kulak

WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY POMEGRANATE SOCIETY

WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY PEARL SOCIETY

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2020 Honor Roll $1-$999 CAMPAIGN Henry and Hollie Arnold Richard and Louise Axelberg Diana Azpiazu Karen Backilman Desiree Bailey Scott and Ellen Balotin Richard Barsky Rita Baumgarten Jack Bazinsky Dr. Matthew and Glenn Becker Ben and Suzie Becker Stuart and Estelle Beckerman Morris and Hanna Bendit Jean Benjamin Odell and Harriet Bennett Richard and Barbara Bennett Stephen and Myra Berger Ivan and Ruth Berke Danielle Berke Larry and Carla Bernard Dr. Michael and Billie Bernhardt Carolee Bertisch Gerald and Robin Bettman Richard and Amy Beyer Adrienne Biber Abe and Shirley Bielski David and Carrie Bielski Larry and Sue Blaustein Sarah and Jason Bloom Philip and Linda Bloom Dr. Adrian and Rebecca Blotner Stacey Blum Norm and Kathy Blum Sue Ann Blumenthal Joseph and Susan Board Kenneth and Jeryl Bodack Traude Bohrman Rhona Botnick Wiatt Bowers David and Mary Louise Boyer Michelle Branly

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WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY PEARL SOCIETY

Warren and Yona Brattner Joyce Braun Ruchel Broadman Colman and Rachel Brodsky Linda Bronfman Alison Brown Dr. Robert and Mica Brown Estelle Brust Richard and Roberta Bryce Dr. Jeffrey and Gabrielle Bubis Dr. Dennis and Caren Buchman Clifford and Susan Buckley Pat and Beth Burke Jan and Barbara Butensky Cantor Henry and Sally Butensky Leonard Cagan Felice Caliestro Dr. Sherwood and Jean Cantor Paul and Annette Cantor Steven and Robyn Cantor Barbara Carman David Golding and Leslie Carmel Gerald and Sherry Chait Barry and Sima Chefer Miriam Chefer Allan and Jackie Cheiken Alan and Lois Chepenik Drs. Craig Cherrin and Colleen Bell Susan Cherry Jerry and Rita Chiapetta Rita Clark Norman and Susan Cohen Danny and Marcia Cohen Allan and Kathy Cohen Martin and Rochelle Cohen Shirley C Cohen Tommy and Vickie Cohen Jeff and Cindy Cohen Marion Cohn-Spitzner Edward and Sally Constain

Maxine Cooper Meade Coplan Jay Greene and Leigh Cort Ellen Cottrill Joan Cozart Arthur and Margo Crafton David and Cecilia Cristol Phyllis Crovatto Walter and Lisa Crowder Tyler Curl and Jessica Ligator Steven and Beth Cutler Reggie and Eleah Daniels Bev Darkatsh Bernard and Marilyn Datz Albert and Barbara Datz Lawrence and Risa Datz Josh and Rachel Davis Richard and Nancy Davis Drs. Leo and Joanne Davis Stephen and Judy Davis Jim and Nan Davis Lisa DeMarco Jon and Jennie DeBardeleben Allan and Kassy Decker Daniel and Robin Deegan William and Amy Deem Michael Demi Moti and Cindy Demri Marilyn Desser Ellen Diamond Carol D’Onofrio Scott and Nancy Dreicer Sean and Debbie Driscoll The Hon. Robert and Carmie Droker Jody Dughi Alexius and Charon Dyer Goldie Edelstein Martin and Betty Edwards Sam and Kiley Efron Dr. Barry and Margie Efron Lisa Eisenberg Dr. Iris Eisenberg Michael and Joyce Elkin

Dr. Mark and Holly Emas Dr. Warren and Alexa Endes Fern Estner Roslyn Farhi Dave and Betty Fastenberg Betsy Federman Drs. Yakov Feig and Denise Sherman Rabbi Avi and Devora Feigenbaum Harriet Feinglass Dr. Neil and Mary Beth Feinglass Arlene Feldman Rick and Nancy Feldman Brian and Colleen Feldman Elissa Feldman Dr. Charles and Marilyn Feldstein Michalle Felmet Dr. Michael and Sondra Fetner Gaye Feuer Etta Fialkow Dr. Miriam Finegold-Price Luba Finegold Anna Finelt Neal and Cynthia Finkelstein Rabbi Yaakov and Henny Fisch Lewis and Lorie Fischer Ben and Shelley Fishman Dave Flagler Martin and Suzanne Flamm Robert and Janis Fleet Michael and Beth Fleet Kaitlin Flynn Arlene Fonda Oleg Fortun and Staci Fortun Bobbie Fost Sheldon and Susan Fox Rabbi Joel and Tali Fox Larry Frank and Karen Wekstein

2020 Honor Roll $1-$999 CAMPAIGN

Allan and Audrey Freed Michael and Karen Freedman Marilyn Freedman Dr. Marc and Patsy Freeman Sheldon and Rita Friedman Steven and Judy Friedman Adam and Sierra Frisch Dr. Jennifer Fulton The Hon. Jerry Funk David and Donna Furfine Paul and Gail Furman Oren and Talia Gahanian Helena Katzif Gandell Harold and Marilyn Garber Gerald and Rita Gare Zelda Gartner Simon and Judith Garwood Victor Gaukhman Edward and Robin Gefen Larry and Sally Geller Gary and Susan Gendzier Sheldon Gendzier Alois Gendzier Sunny Gettinger The Hon. Marvin Gillman Marc and Carol Gladstone Bruce and Janice Glassman Patricia Goldberg Carole Goldberg Jeff and Sarra Golden Lauren Goldenberg Ira and Marilynn Goldfield Dr. Jeffrey and Diana Goldhagen Irma E Goldman Alan Goldman Dr. Roy and Georgia Goldman Hilda Goldman Muriel Green Goldman Kenneth Goldman David and Beth Goldman Marty and Aleece Goldmintz Bruce and Stacey Goldring Arthur and Rhoda Goldstein WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY PEARL SOCIETY

Dr. Kenneth and Debbie Goldstein Allen and Karen Goldstein Janet L. Goldstein Harvey Goldstein Stephen and Leslie Goldstein Jerry and Annette Goodfarb Rabbi Robert and Marilyn Goodman Jonathan Goodman David C. Goodman Gloria Goodman Daniel A. Goodman Steven and Shari Goranson Dr. Mitchell and Julia Gordon Dale and Lois Gosa Andrew and Jeanne Goshen Jeff and Rachelle Gottlieb Martin and Gail Gottlieb Wendy Gould Chris and Naida Gould John and Marcia Grado Dr. Lloyd and Linda Granat Eva Grayzel Darleen Green Joseph and Audrey Green John Barrett and Judy Greenberg Dr. Michael and Chary Greenburg Alan Greene Gail Greenfield Dr. Melinda Greenfield Paul and Phyllis Greenfield Dr. Earl and Cheryl Greenwald Gari Greenwald Edward and Ann Grenadier Ilisa Griffin James and Mindy Grinnan Dr. Jonathan and Chai Gross Marc Grosse and Lisa Ross Michael and Lenore Grossinger

Roslyn Grossman Michael Grossman Dolly Grunthal Norman and Joan Gurevich Dr. Randall and Shoshana Haas Greg and Ina Hall Dr. Jesse and Rachel Halpern Cynthia Handmaker Bonnie Hardy Vincent and Ellen Hare Dr. Alan and Debby Harris Dr. Jeffrey and Kathy Harris Dr. Sherrie Harris Alan and Pearl Harrison Sonie Hecht Rozie Hecht Leslie Held Dr. Bradley and Sharon Herbst Sarah Herman Rafael M. Herman Christopher and Andrea Hernandez Michael and Sherry Herring Raymonde Higgins Ken and Tracy Hilbert John and Helen Hill Bob and Carolyn Hirsch David Hoffman Royal Holian Susan Holiday Hazzan Jesse and Leora Holzer Aaron and Margie Holzer Wendy Honigman Sheila Horowitz Faye Hyken Michael and Yadviga Isakbayev Judith Israel Jesse Isserow Larry and Helen Jaben Dr. Ira and Eva Jackler George and Judy Jackson Marc Jackson and Ann Tiefenthaler

Dr. Daniel and Gail Jacobs Brian and Meryl Jacobs Sam and Judy Jacobson Leo and Sheila Jacobson Darryl C Jacobson Jon and Joanne Jagodinski Gail Jarrett Anita Jarrett Anthony Jarzyna and Sue Gottesmann-Jarzyna Lorraine Jenkins Charles and Anne Joseph Dr. Edward Joseph Sharon Harris Juhasz Norman and Rhoda Kagan Alan and Jo Ann Kagan Mark and Elena Kahn Perry and Liza Kale Stanley and Sharon Kantor Arnold Y Kapiloff Dr. Joseph and Barbara Kaplan Lawrence and Sharon Kaplan Dr. Michael and Naomi Kaplan Jay and Rebecca Karp Jeffrey and Lori Karpf Barbara Karsin Michael and Glori Katz Alan and Debby Katz Dr. David and Josephine Katz Manfred and Libbie Katz Heidi Katz Libby Katz Michele Katz Mark and Donna Kaufman Martin and Miriam Kaufman Howard and Beverly Kaufmann Robyn Kay Donald and Deborah Kaye Sharon Kenner Rabbi Dov and Alina Kentof Sharon Kesler

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2020 Honor Roll $1-$999 CAMPAIGN

Mark and Laurette Kessler Gary Kessler Katie Kight Simone Kilbourn Steven Heller and Charlene Kingsnorth Kenneth and Paula Klausner Dr. Richard and Ruth Klein Gil and Carol Kleiner Henry and Ellen Kopp Yefim Brunfon and Polina Koropova Jay and Arlene Korr Eric and Betsy Korzyniowski Daniel Kossoff Mark and Dorri Kraus Dick and Shirley Kravitz Carolyn T. Krestul Dr. Bruce and Mariellen Kristol Don Kupfer Lawrence and Susan Kurtz Dr. Ron and Molly Kushner Carl Kutlin Louis G La Russo Polyna Ladyzhenskaya Jenny Lane Howard Laner Maurice and Fay Langer Richard and Nancy Lantinberg Sonya Lasris William Layton and Rachel Heiser Naomi Lazar Stephen and Deborah Lazoff Edward and Eileen Leader Marilyn Leavitt Jean and Thelma Lebowitz Dr. Alex and Danielle Leder Hannah Lee Dorothy Legum Sybil Lehr Stephen and Karen Leibowitz Jeff and Beverly Leif

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WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY PEARL SOCIETY

Stephan and Joann Leimberg Jerry and Naida Leon Tilde Ann Lerman Megan Lesnik Pearl Levin Dr. Mitchell and Susan Levine Stefanie Levine Mark and Christina Levine Marvin and Barbara Levine Robin Levine David and Louise Levine Don and Amy Levinson Carol Levitan Jeffrey and Zinaida Levitsky Philip and Theresa Levy Sanford and Marlene Levy Phyllis Lewis Ann Lewis Roy and Ann Lewis Gary and Marla Lewis Suzanne Lichter Karen Lidsky Dr. Larry and Sheila Lieberman Dr. Leonard Lipkin Mark Lodinger Dr. David and Katharine Loeb Alan and Bonnie Loeser Joan Logan Rhoda London Esther LoPiano Sherri Louer Joanne Lowell Sylvia Lubliner Marcia Luettchau Betty Lustig Richard and Elaine Mack Carol Madow Gabrielle Eden Magid Stephanie Majeskey Dr. Yan Makeyev and Greta Vugman Amy Malkin Ilana Manasse Sydney Mann ANNUAL CAMPAIGN ENDOWMENT

Laura Marder Rodney and Elizabeth Margol Barbara Margol Marilyn Margol Richard Margulies and Karen Stone Adam and Jennifer Marko The Marks Family Caroline Marks Dr. Alan and Jo-Ellen Marks Dr. Ronald Mars Dr. Donald Mars Joshua and Kirsten Martino Laura Mason Adam and Dana Mautner Deinya Mautz Charlotte Mayo Ted Mazo Leo and Meri McCarthy Donna McNett Kevin and Bonnie Melamed Walter and Susan Menaged Peggy Mendelson Elaine Mendelson Julia Mendenhall Myron and Ellen Mensh Dr. Stephen and Sandi Meritt Paul and Jill Metlin Yosef and Hilde Meyer Eugene and Jane Meyers A.J. Michaels Tony and Claudia Milian Michael Miller Laura Miller Deanna Miller Jay and Barbara Miller Clifford and Deborah Miller Jo Miller Margaret Miller Matt Miller Jeremy and Kimberly Millrood Herbert and Carol Mintzer Ruben and Naomi Mirensky Dennis and Betsy Mizrahi FOREVER LION

Charles and Ginette Mizrahi Judy B. Mizrahi Dennis and Reyla Montagna Allen and Vanessa Morris Joel and Carol Morris Mike and Brenda Moxley Elsa Mitschele Marlene Myers Geri Myers Cathy Myers The Hon. Bernard and Ruth Nachman Gerald and Susan Nadler Dr. Alan and Alyse Nathans Maria Natovitch Barry and Cynthia Natter Drs. Steven and Tmima Neihaus John Nelson and Dr. Murren Hill Lon and Jennifer Neuman Judy Nevel William and Arlene Newman Robert and Jacqueline Newman Lance and Connie Newman Michael and Susan Nicotra Thelma Nied Louis and Faye Nussbaum Jeffrey and Nancy Nykerk Linda Oberdorfer Deborah Oblath Gloria Oehlman Moshe and Rivka Ohayon Sarah Olesker Sandie Olesker William and Eve Olive Kenneth and Peggy Organes Edward Orshansky and Marianna Nudelman Allysondra Osborne Lee and Anne Ostroff Anna and Tibor Osztreicher Marina Ovrutsky Janice L. Ozer Peter and Ann Pagano

2020 Honor Roll $1-$999 CAMPAIGN

Marilyn Pagano Ali Pagano Michael and Beverly Paisner Elliott and Donna Palevsky Francine Parfitt Brian and Michelle Pargman Gena and Polina Pasmanik Michael and Angela Paul Herman and Judy Paul Adele Paul Glenn and Rise Pearl Evelyn Peck Ruth Penson Sophia Pentel Mitchell L Perin Donald and Rebecca Perlin Marvin and Lynette Perlis Dr. Allan and Anita Perlman Rabbi Gary Perras Marshall and Terrill Persky Bertram and Robin Peters Martin Pett Harvey and Rena Pies Gar Pillgrim Michael Platzer Laura Platzer Herbert and Rose Lynn Plotkin Ron and Lita Poehlman Claudia Pollack Arthur and Loretta Pollan Ronald and Marsha Pollock Phyllis Portnoy Corey Portnoy Jan Pozin Marc and Lynne Preminger Anne Presser Bradley Preuss Michael Price Ron and Debbie Price Dr. Susan Price Terri Quint Dr. Neill and Michelle Graff-Radford Sol and Lynda Rajfer William and Sharon Ramirez WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY PEARL SOCIETY

Dr. Marco and Robin Rand Laura Rappaport Drs. Todd Rasner and Inbal Cohen-Rasner Jesse and Alicia Rauchwarger Jeff and Marcy Reindl Ed and Joyce Reinfeld Edward Witlen and Marie Reitzes Jeremy and Lauren Resnick Lawrence and Marjorie Resnick Marian Rice Ronald and Debra Rideman William and Linda Rifkin Skip and Luana Roach Linda Rodman Colleen Rodriguez Howard Roey Arthur and Barbara Rogove Dr. Joshua and Jodi Rogozinski Danielle Rogozinski Steven and Louise Rohan William Rose Margaret Rose Paul Eric Rosen Jerome Rosenbaum Lee and Joan Rosenberg Dr. Sanford and Joanne Rosenberg Sanford Rosenblatt Janet Rosenblatt Stacia Rosenblum Rabbi Shira Rosenblum Sharon Rosenblum Martin and Sandy Rosenfield Elaine Rosenthal Stuart Rosenthal Steve and Laurie Ross Hilary Rotenberg Sandi Roth Nan Rothstein Simon Rothstein George and Ellen Rubens

Nancy Rubenstein Benjamin Rubin and Carolyn Herman Arlene Rubin Andrew and Catrina Ruby Stanley and Margo Ruby Roberto and Sharon Ruiz Joseph Rutansky David and Sherrie Saag Carol Sack Daryl Sadowsky Eliot and Barbara Safer Eleanor Safer Gaye Sager Justin and Rachel Sakofs Bess Saliman Debra Salinas Dr. David and Patricia Sall Oren and Irit Salzman Neil and Bonnie Sandler Drs. Jeffrey and Dayan Sandler Jim and Reva Sandler Jesse Steinshouer and Jennifer Sandler-Steinshouer Daniel and Rachel Sandler Dr. Craig and Natalie Sandler Drs. Jeff and Wendy Sapolsky Eleanor Sapolsky Leonard and Frieda Saraga Mark and Shari Saye David and Nancy Schachnovsky Deane Schall Dr. Jay and Pamela Schauben Stuart and Marlene Scheer The Hon. Jack and Dale Schemer William and Elvina Schemer Harold and Kimberly Schemer Gerald and Florence Schemer Amy Schemer

Frances Schemer Shirley Schemer Ilene Schinasi Scott and Shugarman Schlossman Saul and Paulette Schmelzer Judy Schnitzer Larry Schulman Laura Schulman Dr. Brian and Rebecca Schwam Shira & David SchwamBaird Sandra Schwam Dr. Jonathan and Karen Schwartz Margo Schwartz Jerald and Sharon Seebol Arnold and Ruth Seebol Jamie Seidman Leonard and Mary Selber Dr. Robert and Sandy Selwitz Dawn Sena Reuben and Marilyn Serkin Jeanne Serota-Schultz Benjamin and Melanie Setzer Joseph and Helen Shacter Robert and Karen Shafer Arlene Shainbrown Mark and Kendall Shainbrown Barry Shapiro Steven and Judy Sherman Richard and Stephanie Shieldhouse Michael and Sandy Shields Josh and Falyn Shilts Harry Shmunes Harry and Ann Shorstein Joey and Rachel Shyken Dr. Jules and Susan Sidle Edward and Helen Siegel Sidney and Rona Siegel Nosson Siegel Dr. Raymond and Kim Silbar

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2020 Honor Roll $1-$999 CAMPAIGN

Allen and Joan Silberman Leon and Ann Silke Cynthia Silverberg Robert Silverman and Barbara Berlin Julia Silver Bernard and Jackie Simms Nick and Audrey Simonis Marilyn Sims Linda Singer Frederick Singer Carole Sinoff Dr. Michael Smalline Joscelyne Smiley Robert and Alyssa Smilowitz Daniel and Jennifer Smith Dianna Smith Francine Smith Eric and Jan Smith Lon and Sara Smolensky Drs. Todd and Catherine Snowden John and Ellen Snyder Dr. Daniel and Osnat Soffer Phyllis Sohn Eugolio and Phileen Soliven Arthur and Vanessa Solomon David and Laura Solomon Carole Solomon Karen Southall David and Kathleen Spencer Spill Family Nathan and Jackie Spiritas Mark and Alisa Spivak Tom and Sheree Spriggs Linda Squier Elaine Stack Dr. David Weiss and Grace Staggs ANNUAL CAMPAIGN ENDOWMENT: An annual Campaign endowment turns your annual gift into a forever gift, sustaining Jewish life in NE Florida for generations to come.

Chris Stanley and Amanda Harris Bruce and Kathy Stark Marilyn Stein Susan Stein Ruth Stein Daniel Stein Talia Steiner Naomi Stelson Les and Karen Stern Murray and Nancy Stern Dr. Rori Litt Stevens Adele Stewart Mitchell and Christine Stone Ann Stone Bernice Stone Dr. Douglas and Melissa Storch George Strumlauf Linda Stuart Dr. Jerry and Kathie Sugar Brandon and Alyssa Sugg Marlene Sussman Jonathan and Pam Tavill Larry Teitelman Barbara Teitelman Leonid and Victoria Tesler Lev and Svetlana Tillis Dr. Karen H. Toker Samuel and Maxine Toyzer Marty Trachtenberg and Sandy Sohn-Trachtenberg Amanda Trimble Fred and Martha Tromberg Esfir Tulchinskaya Carol Turbow Glenn and Lisa Ullmann Sean and Kendall Valliere Ronald and June Van

FOREVER LION: A Lion of Judah Endowment is created by establishing a minimum fund of $100,000 or more in the donor’s name, ensuring the perpetuation of a donor’s Lion of Judah level Annual Campaign gift.

Jennifer and Michael Vanover Dot Verstandig Leonore Wagman David Wagner Sumner and Joan Waitz Dr. Steven and Risa Warfield Carl and Marcia Wasserman Conrad and Melissa Weihnacht Eileen Weinberg Lowell and Leslie Weiner Frank and Linda Weiner Dr. Joseph Weinman Renee Weinstein Margie S. Weinstein Linda Weinstein Daniel Weinstock Arlen and Erin Weintraub Dan and Andrea Weisberg Andrea Weisberger David and Jill Weisblatt Susanne Weisman Barry and Karen Weisman Jeff and Sheri Weiss Mitchell Weiss and Gale Cohen-Weiss Dr. Jerome and Dianne Weitzen Dr. Jeff and Shari Weitzner Dr. Gary and Penina Weltman June Weltman Bruce and Sara Werner Ron and Marla Westberg Robert and Gina Weston Jeff Wiener Sherry Wiesman Clayton and Jill Wilde Linda Wilkinson Skip and Wendy Willbach

WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY POMEGRANATE SOCIETY: Recognizes women who give $1,800-$4,999 to the annual campaign.

Dr. Michael and Sara Willens Charles and Dottie Wilson Joseph and Sally Winston Irwin and Clair Witt Holly Witt Jacqueline Witte Dr. Arnold and Martha Wolf Irene Wolfe Dr. Bud and Lisa Wolfson Lesley Wolfson Carole Wolpin Howard and Beth Wolpoff Frank and Daphne Woodard Daiva Woodworth Elaine Sills Wright Lisa Wright Marjorie Wyzan Melvin and Arlene Yahre Dr. Paul Yarish Elsie Yellin Leon Yergin and Caryn Kenny Dr. Harry Yoffee Charles Young Dr. Larry and Barbi Young Joe and Cheryl Young Donald and Ann Young Dana and Natalie Zaifert Javad and Melanie Zakikhani David and Ann Zavon Lev and Lada Zilberman Lynn Zimmerman-Geric Barbara Zimmerman Lanny Zimmerman Jonathan Zisser Josh Zuckerman Paul and Susan Zyserman

WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY PEARL SOCIETY: Recognizes women who give an annual campaign gift of $365$1,000.

BEN GURION SOCIETY: Signifies a gift of $1,000 or more to the annual campaign by donors ages 25-45.

*Your 2020 Honor Roll recognizes all gifts made between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. The Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida endeavors to prove a complete and accurate list of donors. If we have inadvertently omitted or misprinted your name, please accept our apologies and contact Lauren Rickoff at laurenr@jewishjacksonville.org or (904) 224-1406 to correct the information for future publications.

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2020 funds at the foundation The Jewish Foundation continues the great work of nurturing relationships with our fundholders, donors and our Northeast Florida area synagogues and Jewish agencies. It exists to provide charitable gift planning services to our partners and interested members of our community. Above all, it protects the financial interests of our partners and strives to ensure that the intent of all donors who wish to support Jewish organizations is always honored. Helping to craft each family’s vision for a Jewish tomorrow is a joy, and we remain committed to helping you perpetuate a living legacy of caring that will last long beyond your lifetime and continue to inspire from generation to generation. Thank you to our partners and our fundholders for their continued investment in our nonprofit community.

ADVISED FUNDS The Block Family Donor Advised Fund The Laverne & Andrew Cantor Donor Advised Fund The Helen & Michael DuBow Donor Advised Fund The Eaglstein Donor Advised Fund The Matthew & Susan Edelman Donor Advised Fund The Helene S Edwards Donor Advised Fund The Jeff & Mary Edwards Donor Advised Fund The Len & Judy Elikan Donor Advised Fund The Melvyn & Beverly Fruit Donor Advised Fund The Jeff & Doris Goldstein Donor Advised Fund The Gottlieb Family Donor Advised Fund The Mark & Nancy Green Donor Advised Fund The Nancy R Harris Donor Advised Fund The Bruce & Edith Horovitz Donor Advised Fund The Sylvia & Andrew Jaffa Donor Advised Fund The Pepi Kahn Donor Advised Fund The Lawrence & Kathy Kanter Philanthropic Fund of the JCF The Morton & Delores Kesler Donor Advised Fund The Kitay Family Fund The Iris and Mark Kraemer Family Donor Advised Fund The Levine Family Donor Advised Fund The Peter Ben Levy & Kim Glasgal Donor Advised Fund The Marc & Sheri Litt Donor Advised Fund The Harry & Sylvia Livingston Donor Advised Fund The Leonardo & Lynn Maiman Donor Advised Fund The Dr. Ed Z”L & Judy Mizrahi Donor Advised Fund The Nussbaum Family Donor Advised Fund The Rein Family Donor Advised Fund The Alan & Ellen Rosner Donor Advised Fund The Selevan Family Donor Advised Fund The Sherman Family Donor Advised Fund The Mark & Beth Shorstein Donor Advised Fund The Kimberly & Richard Sisisky Family Foundation The Dr. Roy & Irene Sloat Donor Advised Fund The Kelleher Smith Family Donor Advised Fund The David A. Stein Family Foundation Donor Advised Fund The Seeman Zimmerman Donor Advised Fund The Barry & Eunice Zisser Donor Advised Fund

ENDOWED FUNDS The Ronald Cohen Endowment Fund The Coplan & Goldman Families JCA Camp Scholarship Endowment Fund The Matthew Edelman Endowment Fund The Walter Field Endowment Fund The Myron Flagler Israel Learning Seminar Endowment Fund The Sol & Hilda Goldman Early Childhood Scholarship End Fund The Heroes Among Us Endowment Fund The Horovitz Family Endowment Fund Roslyn and Elliott Horovitz Z”L Endowment Fund The Jaffa Family Endowment Fund The Meta Grace Keebler Memorial Endowment Fund The David A. Kossak & R. Courtney Gullet Endowment Fund The Lessons of the Holocaust Endowment Fund The Susan and Mitchell Levine Endowment Fund for Jewish Education The Levine Family Endowment Fund The Michael & Deanna Lissner Endowment Fund The Beverly Marcuse & Loris Katten Levy Memorial Endowment Fund The Joseph Mizrahi Memorial Endowment Fund The Drs. Michael & Sue Weinstein-Nussbaum JCF Endowment Fund The Neil Presser Endowment Fund The Rostholder Family Endowment Fund The Joe P. Safer Endowment Fund The Leonard Setzer Endowment Fund The Stephen & Judith Silverman Endowment Fund The Slutsk Jewish Community Reclamation Endowment Fund The Michael L. Solloway, M.D. Endowment Fund

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2020 funds at the foundation

POINT OF INTEREST FUNDS The Michael Donziger Legacy Leader Award Fund The DuBow Preschool Education Fund The Martin J. Gottlieb School Education Fund The Jewish Grantmaking Fund

PARTNER AGENCY ENDOWMENT FUNDS The Beth El-The Beaches Synagogue Endowment Fund The Etz Chaim Endowment Fund The Hirschberg Trust Fund for Temple The Jacksonville Jewish Center Endowment Fund The Jewish Community Alliance Endowment Fund The Jewish Federation of Jacksonville Investment Endowment Fund The JFCS Charities Endowment Fund The River Garden Hebrew Home Endowment Fund The Temple Endowment Fund The Temple Capital Campaign Endowment Fund The Temple Cemetery Endowment Fund The Temple Galinsky Endowment Fund The Temple Korman Youth Endowment Fund The Temple Life Membership Endowment Fun The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Endowment Fund

FOREVER LIONS Sue Eaglstein Lion of Judah Endowment Debbie Gottlieb Lion of Judah Endowment Allison Jacobs Lion of Judah Endowment Irene Jaffa Lion of Judah Endowment Barbara G. Jaffe Lion of Judah Endowment Iris Kraemer Lion of Judah Endowment Ilene Levenson Lion of Judah Endowment Joan Levin Lion of Judah Endowment Susan Levine Lion of Judah Endowment Debbie Parker Lion of Judah Endowment Jennifer Plotkin Lion of Judah Endowment Barbara Resnick Lion of Judah Endowment Kim Robbins Lion of Judah Endowment Emily Rostholder Lion of Judah Endowment Debra Setzer Lion of Judah Endowment Judy Silverman Lion of Judah Endowment Kimberly Sisisky Lion of Judah Endowment Haley Trager Lion of Judah Endowment Phyllis Vandroff Lion of Judah Endowment Stacie Wilf Lion of Judah Endowment Brenda Wolchok Lion of Judah Endowment Eunice Zisser Lion of Judah Endowment

The Jewish Foundation is proud to serve the community in helping create legacy’s and lasting impact for the entire Northeast Florida Jewish community. Governed by a Board of Trustees chosen from our most committed Leadership, our Foundation seeks to creatively fulfill the charitable objectives of families.

Planned gifts are creative ways to support the Jewish life in Northeast Florida, in ways you and your loved ones can all benefit from at the same time.

Planning your estate and legacy for future generations including your charitable interests takes careful evaluation. Consulting with the appropriate professionals can assist you. Discussing your charitable intentions with us can lead to a much better result than going it alone—and will ensure that your gift is used just as you wish. We can provide valuable information about any of the creative giving techniques mentioned in these planned giving pages.

Act now to take the steps that you need to do to be a good steward of the resources you intend to leave behind.

Please contact Kellie Smith at 904-512-3796 or kelliek@jewishjacksonville.org to start the conversation today.

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WORTH THE SCHLEP N O R T H E A S T F LO R I DA’ S E V E N T C A L E N DA R

Evening Services (In Person and Virtual) Sun-Thurs in July 6:45 - 7:15 pm Jacksonville Jewish Center Zoom link at jaxjewishcenter.org/ engage/full-calendar/

10:30 AM. This group focuses its discussion on contemporary issues viewed through a Jewish lens. Share some wisdom, gain some wisdomeveryone is welcome.

RSVP Here: https://forms. gle/m7PNxwtnhzLVhjpt5

Morning Services Virtual Sundays in August 8:30 am Jacksonville Jewish Center Zoom link at jaxjewishcenter.org/ engage/full-calendar/

Discussion on White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo - Virtual August 4 7:30 pm Discussion via Zoom led

by Rabbi Richard F. Address and Michelle Penson. Limited copies of the book White Fragility

by Robin DiAngelo are available for purchase at The Temple for $16.50.

RSVP bturner@ thetemplejacksonville.org

Jewish Java Virtual August 2 10:30 am “Is there a blessing for that?” featuring Rabbi Richard Address, Interim Rabbi, Congregation Ahavath Chased-The Temple. RSVP Isabel Balotin to receive Zoom info: shalomjax@ jewishjacksonville.org The Temple Madrichim Workshop Virtual August 2 7:00 pm Contact Michelle Penson, Director of TIR & Family Engagement, at mpenson@thetemplejax. org for more information.

The Temple Wisdom Virtual August 4, 11, 18 & 25 10:30 am Wisdom is not Torah Study, but the teachings from Torah and other learned Jewish texts are often referenced. Wisdom meets every Tuesday at

Your Coffee, Our Torah (Virtual) August 6, 13, 20 & 27 11:00 am Jacksonville Jewish Center, with Rabbi Lubliner Zoom link at jaxjewishcenter.org/ engage/full-calendar/ Mishnah Munchies (Virtual) August 6, 13, 20 & 27 3:30 - 4:30 pm Jacksonville Jewish Center, hosted by Justin Sakofs Zoom link at jaxjewishcenter.org/ engage/full-calendar/ Shoobee Doobee

Shabbat (Virtual) July 7, 14, 21 & 28 10:00 – 11:00 am Jacksonville Jewish Center with Hazzan Jesse Holzer Zoom link at jaxjewishcenter.org/ engage/full-calendar/ The Temple Erev Shabbat Worship Virtual August 7, 14, 21 & 28 7:00 pm Erev Shabbat worship is conducted via Zoom and livestreamed on our YouTube channel. Check The Temple’s website at 6:45 pm Friday evenings for the direct link to watch services.

From the Rabbi’s Kitchen to Yours (Virtual) August 5, 12, 19 & 26 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Jacksonville Jewish Center, with Rabbi Shira Rosenblum Zoom link at jaxjewishcenter.org/ engage/full-calendar/ Why Am I a Reform Jew? Virtual August 6 7:00 pm Rabbi Address will look at how the Reform movement evolved, what the historical conditions were that gave birth to us, and why in many ways Reform Judaism is a distinct Jewish movement. RSVP bturner@ thetemplejacksonville.org

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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE

The Temple Torah Study Virtual August 8, 15, 22 & 29 9:00 am Join the clergy to explore and discuss the weekly Torah portion and the Haftarah. To RSVP and receive the Zoom code, go to: https://forms.gle/ oTYxw9Aj483QrDLy9 The Temple Shabbat Worship Virtual August 8, 15, 22 & 29 10:30 am To RSVP and receive the Zoom information, go to https://forms.gle/ fhWLii3U2gaSrnZW7 Jacksonville Jewish Center Havdallah (Virtual) August 8, 15, 22 & 29 8:50 pm Close Shabbat with Hazzan Holzer and your Center Family Saturday (this time will change each Saturday to be slightly later). Visit jaxjewishcenter.org for Zoom link.

Shir Madness to Shir Sadness to Shir Gladness (Virtual) August 8 7:15 pm First Ever Virtual Jewish Music Festival! Join us from your home!

Honoring Arlene and Evan Yegelwel The Rabbi David Gaffney Leadership in Education Award & Jewish Community Alliance The Community Partner Award.

Inside the Archives with Hazel Mack August 12 2:00 pm Join Hazel as she shares

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her knowledge of Temple Archives for an engaging and participary Zoom discussion.

Temple Bet Yam Open House (Virtual) August 16 10:00-11:30 am Temple Bet Yam is continuing its spiritual and community activities, welcoming prospective members and families.

The event contains two parts: a “get-together” from 10-10:45 a.m. for current and prospective families who wish to have their children attend religious school, followed by a membership presentation and chat for all who wish to join the temple. RSVP by August 10 by at (904) 819-1875 or TempleBetYam@gmail.com 2020 Annual Meeting (Virtual) August 18 7:00 pm Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida Election and installation of the new Federation executive committee and board members. Guest Speaker Eric D. Fingerhut in attendence. RSVP jenniferr@ jewishjacksonville.org The Temple Board Meeting August 18 6:30 pm The Board of Trustees of Congregation Ahavath Chesed-The Temple meets on the third Tuesday of every month.

How to Train Your Dog (Virtual) August 19 & September 2 3:00 pm Hays Jacobs teaches you how to train your dog with leash basics, play/ stay and why dogs do what they do. RSVP bturner@ thetemplejacksonville.org Anti-Semitism: New Unease in Europe and the U.S. (Virtual) August 19 7:00 pm Professor Gunther Jikeli, from the Rosen Institute for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism/Borns Jewish Studies Program at Indiana University, explains the resurgence of antisemitism in Europe and the U.S. This program is made possible through the Dr. Larry and Kathy Kanter Fund for Jewish Preservation. Advance registration required.

Free to the community Email rachel.sandler@ jcajax.org for Zoom link.

Understanding Israel Today (Part 4) August 25 7:15 pm Israel & the Palestinians: One state, two states, or even three states, taught

by Harvey Leven, M.A. Free Temple members, $10 per session for nonmembers. RSVP to rsvp@ thetemplejax.org Kosher Wines for Dinner September 13 4:00-5:00 pm Zoom Video Conference Jacksonville Hadassah invites you to a conversation and wine tasting with Harvey Steiman, editor emeritus, Wine Spectator magazine, and Jeff and Jodie Morgan, Covenant Winery (California and Israel). To receive zoom link, or to get information about ordering wine in advance, RSVP jacksonvillehadassah@gmail. com with “WINE” in the subject line.

SEE AND BE SCENE THROUGH THE LENS IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA

Setzer Youth Education at the Jacksonville Jewish Center had fun this summer—whether virtually or socially distanced on our campus.

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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE

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On Saturday, June 13, at 7:45 pm, Temple held an in-person, sociallydistanced Havdalah Under the Stars for all congregants who wanted to join. They convened in front of The Temple, spread themselves out, and said goodbye to Shabbat together...in protective masks, of course! Attendees were welcome to bring (for themselves and their family) chairs, blankets, food and refreshments.

SEE AND BE SCENE

•

THROUGH THE LENS IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA

Summer fun was on display at the DuBow Preschool.

Coloring, water play, games, and more! Just check out the smiling faces

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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE

JCA J Days of Summer participants enjoyed a safe, fun summer.

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SEE AND BE SCENE

•

THROUGH THE LENS IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA

Thank you so much for joining us July 12th to say your farewells to our amazing Shaliach, Rotem Gabay. We are sad to see Rotem leave us after two years of amazing work he did in our community. We have loved having him with us here in Jacksonville and wish him all the best as he returns to Israel to begin the next chapter of his life.

For now, we will say l’hitraot as this is not goodbye...this is just “see you later” when we come to visit him in Israel!

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NORMAL, cont. from pg. 9

the sanctuary seats were covered in tape so people would not sit in any space that was not inconsistent with social distancing. Masks must be worn by all people entering the shul at all times.

The service itself required some modification as now the Torah was not taken

around the sanctuary, and people were not allowed to kiss the Torah scroll.

Additionally, the Torah reader would remove the Torah from the ark and not only read the Torah but performed hagbah and geliia (lifting and tying) as well.

There is a glass partition

BEQUESTIONS, cont. from pg. 8

face of pandemic, or earthquake, or hurricane, or great financial recession?

Isn’t the survival of these great organizations, and thereby the richness and very survival of Jewish life in America a moral imperative? In addition to the survival of family and loved ones, if survival of Jewish life and its contributions to the great American experiment in freedom and democracy is not a moral imperative, then what is?

The pandemic will end.

Some great scientists will develop a vaccine or cure, and the crisis will abate.

America will get back on its financial feet. Like I said, I am a Jewish educator.

Optimism is an absolute

necessity.

Then what? Will we return to our complacent financial ways?

Will we figure that this kind of crisis only occurs once every 100 years, so why worry?

Or, will those with vision envision the next 100 years, build endowments, and thereby create solid financial foundations?

Doing so will be a statement of what we truly

building after nearly three weeks of outdoor minyanim.

Once we were inside the building, there were many modifications to ensure that our congregants’ safety was never compromised. Most of

If we truly believe that what we are doing is sacred work; if we truly believe that Jewish education is a sine qua non for Jews and Judaism to continue to make meaningful contributions to our communities and our nation; if we truly believe that synagogues, new-age Jewish engagement organizations, and the myriad of amazing start-ups and Jewish learning institutions that have emerged over the past 100 years in America are important to robust Jewish life, then why haven’t we developed large endowments that ensure these entities can live in the

between the Torah reader and anyone that receives an Aliyah. These are just some of the adjustments made to have a platform for spiritual connection and relief for our souls during these troubled times.

believe, and will be a partial fulfillment of our obligation to secure the covenant God made with all of us at Sinai.

Dr. Bruce Powell is president of Jewish School Management, an educational consulting firm, is founding head emeritus of de Toledo High School in Los Angeles, and serves on the faculty at the American Jewish University. This article was published by ejewishphilanthropy.com.

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~ Hablo Espanol

COMMUNITY RESOURCES HELP ACROSS NORTHEAST FLORIDA

River Garden is the go-to resource for high-quality adult care in Jacksonville. Honoring our Jewish traditions, the dedicated staff, leadership and volunteers are all committed to a best-in-class experience.

Whether it is for you, your spouse, parents or friend, be sure to request River Garden.

PJ Library, the award-winning free program for books and music is open to all families with Jewish children in Jacksonville. If your children are between the ages of six months and eight years, they are eligible. Please sign up now by going to pjlibrary.org/communities/ jacksonville or calling Melissa Willams at 904-394-5724.

JFCS is now using a Lyft product called Concierge, to arrange rides on behalf of its clients, including the ability to schedule rides up to a week in advance. Lyft has also partnered with GreatCall, a senior focused cell phone company, to help seniors use Lyft without having to navigate the smart phone app. Anyone using a Jitterbug phone can now simply press ‘0’ and arrange a ride with the company. To learn more or schedule rides, contact Nicole Brown at 904-394-5724

Admissions 904-886-8420 Adult Day 904-288-7858 Home Health Care 904-288-7851 Outpatient Rehab 904-886-8454

JFCS, in partnership with River Garden, is pleased to bring you our meal program, Meals4You, from our kitchen to yours. Meals are delicious, nutritious, convenient and delivered right to your door. Jewish dietary laws are observed. Call Nicole Andrews at 904-394-5810 for more information.

The Coves 904-292-2683 Volunteers 904-886-8429 Foundation 904-886-8430 MAIN 904-260-1818

Become a Jewish Healing Network volunteer at JFCS and help us fulfill the mitzvah of Bikkur Cholim. We need volunteers to make weekly visits or phone calls to a senior or deliver food to those who cannot get out. For more information, call Hilary Rotenberg at 904-394-5722

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THE GALINSKY ACADEMY PRESENTS...

From Shir Madness to Shir Sadness to Shir Gladness ...

Jacksonville’s First Ever Virtual Jewish Music Festival

HONORING

Arlene & Evan Yegelwel

Recipients of the Rabbi David Gaffney Leadership in Education Award

Jewish Community Alliance

Recipient of the Community Partner Award

FEATURING FLUX

- STRING THEORY - AND MORE...

WWW.JAXJEWISHCENTER.ORG/SHIRMADNESS