NORTHEAST FLORIDA
Jewish Life A PUBLICATION OF THE JEWISH FEDE RAT ION & FOUNDAT ION OF NORT HE AST F LOR I DA
IsfrromatDoeOelsaesrits APRIL 2021 - NISSAN/IYAR 5781 JEWISHJACKSONVILLE.ORG
Make It's Time to eality a Dream a R
Together Again in Israel November 1-10, 2021
With an optional extension to Dubai November 10-13, 2021 Nearly all-inclusive: tours, guides, entrance fees, & most meals. 5-star hotels: Royal Beach in Tel Aviv, Inbal in Jerusalem, Dan Caesaria & Mitzpe Hayamin near Rosh Pina.
Trip Highlights to Include: Shabbat in Jerusalem Yad Vashem Masada and the Dead Sea Newly uncovered archaeological sights Newly renovated Museum of the Jewish People Special Tasting with Delicious Israel Our partnership community of Hadera Safed & the Golan Heights by ATV Bahai Gardens in Haifa Mount of Beautitudes Multiple Wineries
Extension Highlights to Include: A magical journey through the bustling Dubai metropolis World's tallest building Synagogue Jumeirah VIP experience at the World Expo Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood Spice and Gold Soaks
To learn more about our Jewish Federation & Foundation's Together Again In Israel mission with optional extension to Dubai, contact Executive Director, Alan Margolies: 904.224.1401 | alanm@jewishjacksonville.org. A fully refundable $500 deposit per person will guarantee your reservation. 2
LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Land
This month’s issue celebrates Israel. My relationship with Israel and her people has helped to shape my career and significantly influenced who I am. This was written during our celebration of Israel’s 70th anniversary. Please join us on our Federation Mission to Israel, November 1 – 10. For information, call me at 904.448.5000 ext. 1207. Alan Margolies
A gentle breeze at morning’s dawn Presents the light of another day For no matter who you are Or where you are from, You know that you are home… At times it is hard to find the words to say
How much we love this land, our land With a myriad of tastes and sounds It is the uniqueness of the people Making this the greatest place we have found
There are seemingly endless beaches, And the sand brushing up against the sun drenched sea The chaos of the market place With spices from so many countries We have relished falafel, humus and shawarma too, Wine from vineyards so much a part of history And the way Shabbat is ushered in Letting us know that here we are truly free At times we stand in total awe, Modern miracles abound… With the courage of those choosing to live here Defending a right to be… And so much of what’s experienced is sacred That while spirits soar, Our feet are planted firmly on the ground
So we see that indeed emotions rise, With a diversity of paths one might choose to believe For as we learned from “The Little Prince”… It is only with the heart That one can truly see So yes…Each time that we are here We tap into a sense of who we really are, And an extraordinary depth of how we feel… Perhaps causing us to say a special prayer… For only time will tell If even with so many years of hatred Even the deepest wounds might heal… Allowing peace to finds its way To the blessed land of Yisrael
Jewish Federation & Foundation Staff
Alan Margolies 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
Courtney Snyder Stewardship & Finance Specialist courtneys@jewishjacksonville.org Mitzi Saul Marketing & Communications Manager mitzis@jewishjacksonville.org Jill Abel Director, Israel Partnership jilla@jewishjacksonville.org
Jennifer Rensch Campaign Coordinator jenniferr@jewishjacksonville.org
Stav Brener Community Shaliach jaxshlichut@jewishjacksonville.org Charlie DuBow Marketing & Communications Intern charlied@jewishjacksonville.org Ellen Cohen Wilcox Sales Representative ellenw@jewishjacksonville.org Amy Lyn D'Alesio Graphic Designer
Cover photo: The Hula Valley in northern Israel
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COMMUNITY
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TAX TIME QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
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COVES SHOPPER UPDATE
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SUPER WEEK SUCCESS
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NEW CEO FOR RIVER GARDEN
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LOVING HENRI
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L’DOR V’DOR
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MACCABEE OF THE MONTH
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SCIENCE & ENGINEERING FAIR
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TEACHER EDUCATION
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FEATURE: ISRAEL
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ISRAEL NATIONAL HOLIDAYS
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HADASSAH HOSPITAL IN ISRAEL
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TOGETHER AGAIN IN ISRAEL
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NOSH ON THIS
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BAKED FALAFEL & ISRAELI SALAD
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WORTH THE SCHLEP
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SEE & BE SCENE
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PURIM EVENTS
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'UPLYFT' SHABBATON
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ARBORETUM TRIP
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES
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PICK UP 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 DA
RABBI TO CHAIR MACCABI USA ARCHERY TEAM FOR 2022
By Rabbi Shira Rosenblum, Jacksonville Jewish Center
“There once was a prince who desired to become a master archer. One day, he saw an archery contest and noticed that one contestant shot with tremendous accuracy. Each target was pierced exactly in the center! The prince asked him how he hit the bullseye every time. The man replied: ‘First I shoot, then I paint circles around each arrow.’” Attributed to the Maggid of Dubno, this is one of the most famous Jewish stories about archery. While people don’t often think of archery as Jewish, I’m not most people. I was exposed to competitive archery at Brandeis University and have competed for the last thirteen years. I also combined my passions for archery and Judaism through an innovative curriculum I created for Ramah in the Rockies. In 2017, I was selected to represent Maccabi USA as the sole archer at the 20th Maccabiah in Israel. That year, nearly 10,000 Jewish athletes from over 75 countries competed in 40 sports, making it the third largest international multi-sport event worldwide. Maccabi USA’s Team numbered 1,131 members, the largest traveling delegation in the history of not only Jewish sporting events but all international multi-sport competitions—and I was proud to be among them. Prior to COVID, the 21st Maccabiah was set for Summer 2021 and I didn’t know if I would have time to prepare. When the Games were postponed to 2022, I started considering it more seriously. Maccabi USA asked me to serve as the Archery Chair and, after several conversations with family and friends, I enthusiastically accepted. I look forward to returning to Israel, this time with a growing team of Jewish archers. Visit my blog, www.ReadyAimJudaism.com, and if you know any Jewish archers (born 2003 or earlier), send them to the “Rabbi Archer” of Jacksonville.
Rabbi Rosenblum stands with the American flag at the 2017 Maccabiah Games in Israel.
Also featured is her most recent competition at the 52nd Indoor Nationals in Newberry, Florida where her best round of the competition included two bulls eyes and a score of 27out of 30.
Rabbi Rosenblum's personal cheerleader squad of parents and her grandmother.
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW BEFORE I FILE MY TAXES IN 2021?
days. To speed up the Jewish Federation & Foundation refund process, e-file your 2020 tax return and select of Northeast Florida the direct deposit payment The method. That's the fastest past year way. Paper returns and certainly checks slow things down has been considerably. But you tumultu- won't get your refund ous in before the first week of many March if you claim the ways, including for retireearned income tax credit ment savers trying to keep or the additional child tax up with tax planning. credit. Refunds for returns There have been a number claiming these credits are of changes to your taxes automatically delayed as a on the legislative front in security measure. This regard to the pandemic, of applies to the entire course. Add to the confurefund, not just the portion sion an understaffed IRS associated with the credits. and questionable mail If for some reason you service and you have a per- can't file your federal tax fect storm for financial return on time, it's easy to planners. Let’s start with get an automatic six-month some timely notices from extension. But you have to the IRS itself. act by April 15 to qualify. Filing your return: Keep in mind, however, First and foremost, if you that an extension to file can file electronically doesn't extend the time to (e-file), do so and choose pay your tax. If you don't direct deposit. The IRS pay up by the original due warns that getting around date, you'll owe interest on to paper returns will take the unpaid tax. You could longer this year, as will also be hit with additional sending refunds by check. penalties for filing and Last year, the deadline for paying late. filing your federal income Working from home: tax return was pushed back Because of the pandemic, from April 15 to July 15 many people worked from because of the COVID-19 home for the better part of pandemic. This year, the the past year. However, deadline for filing your only those with 2020 federal income tax independent contractor or return is May 17, 2021. freelancer relationships can If you have a federal tax take the home office refund coming, you could deduction. If you get a get paid in as little as three W-2, you’re out of luck. weeks. In the past, the IRS The Most Common has issued over 90% of Expenses to Deduct: refunds in less than 21 Mortgage interest, property
By Kellie Smith,
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and sales tax, charitable giving, medical and dental expenses only to name a few! Charitable giving: The increase in the standard deduction a few years ago quickly made itemizing pointless for many. That has hurt a lot of charities as they fought the impact of COVID-19, so Congress created a $300 above-theline deduction for cash contributions made in 2020. If you wrote a check to a food bank, Jewish Federation & Foundation, or other tax-exempt organization, claim it. What's the maximum amount I can claim as a charitable tax deduction? When you make a charitable contribution of cash to a qualifying public charity, in 2021, under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, you can deduct up to 100% of your adjusted gross income. Changing IRA limits: Of course, it’s never a bad idea to save more. You can put tax-deductible money
in your IRA for 2020 through Tax Day, April 15 (note on your return that it’s for the year 2020). The limit on total IRA contributions is currently $6,000 plus another $1,000 if you are 50 or older. If you plan to keep working, you can also keep saving. As of 2020, the age limit on contributing to an IRA goes away (it used to be 70½). Likewise, the age at which required minimum distributions begin rises to 72 from 70½. Don’t forget you can avoid some tax burden by donating appreciated stock, IRA assets and other forms of property. Required Minimum Distributions and Qualifying Charitable Distributions are a great way to start your legacy. Let’s start the conversation, contact me KellieK@ jewishjacksonville.org or by phone 512-3796. Always consult your tax professional for expert advice.
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COVES SHOPPING UPDATE
Coves volunteer shoppers Marcia Grado, Laura Miller, and Cathy Rozansky (left to right). By Faye Hedrick, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida
On a recent Friday morning, I had the pleasure of meeting with a few of our regular volunteer Coves shoppers. These women: Marcia Grado, Leslee Jacoby, Laura Miller, and Cathy Rozansky, affectionately coined ‘my regulars’ have been volunteering for our beloved Coves members for over one year now. They show up, rain or shine, to go up and down the aisles gathering the items necessary to bring smiles and safety to some they don’t even know. Laura said it best, “This is an opportunity for me to give back to people I know who have supported me and are now in need. My mom is at River Garden and I have many other friends and
relatives at the Coves. It’s not healthy for them to be out and about at this time.” It is this mentality and thoughtfulness that has allowed our loved ones to be safe and home during the pandemic. Leslee Jacoby asserts, “I was new to the area and it was a good way to interact with people and get out while giving back to my community. I needed to do this to help those who can’t and shouldn’t be shopping right now.” How lucky we are to have these dedicated individuals right here and right now. We will forever be grateful for their time, energy, and love during this unprecedented time. River Garden staff member Matthew Jackson has been the most instrumental individual in making sure the shoppers are able to procure each item as requested. There’s a difference between Premiums, Saltines, and soda crackers. And if you didn’t know, Matthew does. His attention to detail and patience is not unnoticed. Marcia Grado affectionately refers to Matthew as “a real prince!” As of March 15, our Coves shopping volunteers began shopping only on Mondays and Fridays as the demand is not as high as it was when we were shopping each weekday. To say I am grateful for our ‘regulars’ is an understatement.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I look forward to the time when we can gather and meet some of the people we’ve been honored to shop for. Without ALL of the volunteer shoppers stepping up, there is no way this service could have happened for as long and as efficiently as it has been, and will continue to, until there is no longer the need!
Volunteer Leslee Jacoby and River Garden’s Matthew Jackson.
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE
MIDDLE SCHOOL MENCHES MAKE A DIFFERENCE By Faye Hedrick, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida
Middle school students at the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School recently filled my trunk with the most well received hygiene packs for children and their families at George Washington Carver Elementary School in Jacksonville. Thanks to a collaboration between JFCS and the Young Professionals & Families division of our Jewish Federation & Foundation, items were donated over the past several months. These middle schoolers helped to gather the essentials that we sometimes take for granted. When middle school mitzvah project coordinator and community leader, Edith Horovitz, asked her students if they had to share a toothpaste, deodorant, or even a toothbrush with another family member and after many of them replied definitely not or shook their heads no, she let them know this was not always the case for their peers. The children then realized just how important these packages were and how appreciated they would be. Not only did they donate these items, but they also donated several no-sew blankets. We know these items along with the amazing food pantry that has begun at the school because of our community’s efforts could not be more appreciated during this time. Please reach out to me at Fayeh@jewishjacksonville.org or (904) 448.5000 if you would like more details on how you can help!
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Middle school students from the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School gather donations.
COMMUNITY
By Donna O'Steen, Jewish Family & Community Services
JFCS is proud of its partnership with the United Way of Northeast Florida and its standing as a charter member of the United Way – joining it when it was established in 1924. We continue our strong partnership with the organization as host of our Achievers For Life program, which provides educational support to middle school students who have been identified as being at-risk of dropping out of school before the 9th grade. Jewish Family & Community
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UNITED WAY RALLY Food trucks made the event fun for all JFCS staff. Good food and company. Below are the baskets the staff were able to bid on. The "I have a Gift Card" basket won as the best basket.
Services kicked off our annual United Way campaign late this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, finally holding a rally on March 4, complete with food trucks, baskets to bid
on and other fundraising activities to raise money to support the United Way. It was a fun day for all!
LOOK WHO’S CHANGING THE WORLD
ALUMNI
S P O T L I G H T
Max Fleisher, M.D. Neurosurgery Resident George Washington University Hospital
“A love of learning, Jewish tradition, and educational excellence”. From generation to generation, DuBow Preschool and Martin J. Gottlieb Day School students discover their purpose in life. Max Fleisher, a medical doctor and alumnus, feels fortunate to have had this early opportunity at our school. Through innovative education and living Jewish tradition, we inspire our students to make this world a better place.
Building mensches for over 75 years Call 268-4200 to tour our preschool or K-8.
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE
SUPER WEEK SUCCESS
By Faye Hedrick, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida
It is with great pride we announce this year’s Super Week results. Over the course of seven days, our volunteers raised $27,102 towards the 2021 Annual Campaign from approximately 100 households. A small group gathered at the home of Sarah and Zachary Schwartz on Sunday evening, February 21 to kick off this year’s reimagined Super Week. Calls were made for several hours, inside, outside, and with social distancing guidelines in place. Before calls began, Young Professionals & Families Chair Ben Marsh reminded the group about the Sophie Rothstein importance of this tradition in our community. Ben stated, “There are several households who are waiting for this call. It is their opportunity to give and be part of something near and dear to their hearts.” Once the calls began, our volunteers were both closing gifts and able to thank past donors for their commitment to the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida!
Young Professionals & Families Chair Ben Marsh addresses the group before calling begins.
Thank you to everyone who volunteered to make calls and to everyone who answered the phone. Together, we have once again made this community tradition a success! This effort exemplifies how we are truly Stronger Together. Our Northeast Florida volunteers and community members are why we can continue doing the vital work that we do. 10
Sarah Schwartz
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Haven't made your pledge yet? Go to jewishjacksonville.org to learn how you can help our community, or call 904.448.5000 to make your gift today. Friendly reminder: Payment isn't due until December 31, 2021. Ricky Ostrofsky
Joey Mintz
Gabrielle Magid Founder & CEO of Stronger Than Stigma ®
Rachel Heiser Layton
LOOK WHO’S CHANGING THE WORLD
ALUMNI
S P O T L I G H T
“A wonderful education and foundation in Jewish values that has opened doors and guided me to this day”. From generation to generation, DuBow Preschool and Martin J. Gottlieb Day School students discover their purpose in life. Through innovative education and living Jewish tradition, we inspire our students to make this world a better place.
Building mensches for over 75 years Call 268-4200 to tour our preschool or K-8.
Photo WesleyParsons@Loggercreative
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE
MAURI MIZRAHI NAMED NEW CEO FOR RIVER GARDEN SENIOR SERVICES By Kari Bell River Garden Senior Services
On March 21, 2021, at River Garden’s 75th Anniversary Day celebration and annual meeting, River Garden Senior Services announced Mauri Witten Mizrahi as River Garden’s fourth Chief Executive Officer. Mauri is a Jacksonville native who believes in building community through helping others and taking action. She has been involved in many organizations such as the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida as a board member and Young Leadership Division chairperson. She was the recipient of the Jacksonville Jewish Federation Ilene Sari Selevan Young Leadership Award in 2007. Mauri has also given her time to the Martin J. Gottlieb Day school from 2002 to the present. She was the Vice President of Education at the Jacksonville Jewish Center from 2010 to 2012 and received the Jacksonville Jewish Center Woman of Valor award in 2012. Mauri graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Therapy. She knew early in her career that she enjoyed working with seniors and furthered her education, knowledge and skills in geriatrics. She began work at
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Mauri Witten Mizrahi, River Garden's new CEO. River Garden in 2005 as a physical therapist. The combination of love for her community and love of working with seniors makes Mauri a natural candidate to lead River Garden into the future. Officially in 2017, as part of the agency’s longstanding commitment to responsible succession planning, Mauri joined River Garden’s administration team. In May 2018, Mauri became a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and has been working as an Associate Administrator at River Garden for the past three years. Following her pattern of being engaged and involved, Mauri joined the LeadingAge Florida board and the Association of Jewish Aging Services (AJAS) conference planning committee in 2020.
In Mauri’s remarks to the community during River Garden’s annual meeting, she promises to honor River Garden’s history through the telling of stories about the people who have lived at the Home, cared for the residents, and supported and led the institution. She pledges to honor the present by continuing to be guided by the Fifth Commandment, ‘Honor thy father and thy mother,’ and vows to treat the residents, families, staff, boards and the campus with dignity and respect,
true to the agency’s mission. For the future, she looks to reopen the campus to the community and welcome all visitors as soon as it is safe and reasonable to do so. Lastly, Mauri expresses her gratitude to the River Garden Senior Services board and the community for the opportunity to lead River Garden into the future. Her husband, Alan, and three sons, Ryan, Max, and Zach were present at the event. Her mother, Bunny Witten, and mother-in-law, Judy Mizrahi, were also in attendance.
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JFCS BOARD SPOTLIGHT: JOSH SACHS
By Donna O'Steen, Jewish Family & Community Services
Josh Sachs’ roots run deep in the Jewish community. His family history proves it. Josh is the great, great grandson to Reverend Benjamin Safer (z”l), who served as Rabbi at Hebrew Orthodox Congregation B’nai Israel (now the Jacksonville Jewish Center), from 1902-1912. His great, great grandmother, Mary Safer (z”l), worked as a caterer at a kosher deli owned by Benjamin’s brother, Jacob. Josh grew up in Jacksonville. He attended the University of Florida where he studied Political Science and was a student member of AIPAC.
After graduating, Josh worked at Hertz, where he spent seven years in a management position before accepting a position at ADP as an Josh Sachs with wife Jennifer and family. HR/Business one individual can make our Consultant. In the seven years community and the world he has been there, he has around us a better place. Josh achieved many President’s Club awards and accolades for applies this idea to his work and to his life. outstanding service. Josh joined the JFCS Board Josh is driven by his belief in of Directors in 2017. When the concept of Tikkun Olam. asked why he chose JFCS, Josh The simple act of making a responded: “I want to help the positive impact in the life of
community, and that’s what JFCS does.” During 2020’s pandemic, Josh set a goal to help as many people has he could through JFCS’s Holiday program. He and his wife Jennifer organized a Neighborhood Gift Drive. Together, the neighborhood provided gifts for over 50 children. Josh enjoys spending time with his family. He has one son, Noah, and twin girls, Cecily and Ella. His hobbies include fishing, boating, going to the beach and coaching T-ball. JFCS is thankful for Josh. We appreciate you and thank you for your service. You rock!
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE
WEAVER PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVE ALUMNI NETWORK ASSISTS GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER ELEMENTARY STUDENTS By Donna O'Steen, Jewish Family & Community Services
In August 2020, George Washington Carver Elementary School (GWC) contacted Jewish Family & Community Services with a need. Their students were not getting the much-needed nutrition to succeed in school. For most, the only meal of the day was lunch at school. JFCS took charge and created satellites of our Max Block Food Pantry and Fanny Landwirth Clothes Closet within the school, thanks in part to a partnership with the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida’s Young Professionals & Families Group. This year, the need for support for GWC continues. Recently, JFCS WPI Alumni with the bags they created for the children at George Washington Carver Elementary, partnered with The Weaver Philanthropic Initiative Alumni students were so excited to receive them. Thank you to the Network (WPI) of The Community Foundation for WPI and The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida Northeast Florida to provide support for the students. The for making a difference. group organized, shopped and created a program called The “Sacks For Success” program is an ongoing program “Sacks For Success.” They gathered and put together over 50 at Jewish Family & Community Services. If you would like to sacks that included a one-day meal supply of breakfast, lunch participate in the program, every sack counts. Contact and dinner. The sacks also included school supplies and a Donna O’Steen at 904.394.5714 or dosteen@jfcsjax.org for coloring book and crayons, among other things. more information. GWC Guidance Counselor, Mr. Winters, distributed the sacks to the students the following week. The school and the YOU
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Recovery Mondays is a weekly meeting on Mondays at 4:00
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p.m. for those on a journey to recovery from addiction
The WPI Alumni on the ZOOM call to support George Washington Carver Elementary School students.
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I WOULD NOT HAVE SURVIVED WITHOUT JFCS
By Donna O'Steen, Jewish Family & Community Services
I was in an abusive marriage. My husband beat me up with my baby in my arms. He was an alcoholic and often went into alcoholic rage. I was his punching bag for everything wrong in his life and no matter what I tried to do, nothing changed. I suffered. I was heartbroken. I was scared. I didn’t see a way out. The police came to my rescue several times before involving DCF. Thankfully, they removed my husband from the home. I was finally
100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
Angela and Keith today.
safe, and my son and I were protected from further harm. I still needed services to get back on my feet, so DCF referred my case to JFCS.
They literally saved my life. Rebecca Levin, LCSW was assigned to my case. She came in and strategically formulated a plan for my son and me, and we were on the road to recovery. She told me that no matter what happens to a person that they are the key to changing their own situation. She said she would help me. She did. I received food from the Max Block Food Pantry and Rebecca worked with me to improve the anger, depression and anxiety I felt. She researched local
resources and helped me to make my home stable. Most importantly, she taught me to trust again. She taught me about friendship and love. She cared when I thought no one cared. She changed my life. My son is three years old now. He is doing well. I am doing well. I have a job, my own home, and a new man in my life. I am happier than I have ever been and I owe it all to JFCS. I am beyond grateful for JFCS – and Rebecca. I am in a place in my life where I can give back; where I can help others the way I was helped. I am here. I am alive. I am strong. I am a success.
Goal: $2,300,000 $2,087,000
The Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida supports our local and global partner agencies to make a difference here, in Israel, and around the world. We're so close to reaching our goal - help us finish strong. Don't miss your opportunity to be counted in the 2021 Annual Campaign. Visit jewishjacksonville.org today V I S I T J E WI S to H J make A C K S Oyour N V I L Lgift E . O Rand G T Oclose D A Y the T O MA KE YOUR GIFT. gap!
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE
HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE PROGRAM SERIES HONORS HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR & PHILANTHROPIST By Lisa Petyak, Searching For Identity Foundation
In commemoration of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Searching For Identity and the Holocaust Education Resource Council will present two events honoring the Legacy of Holocaust Survivor and philanthropist Henri Landwirth. You are invited to join us: April 8 through April 10 Loving Henri Film Screening Watch the documentary Loving Henri. Learn how Landwirth survived five concentration camps, immigrated to the U.S. and rebuilt his shattered life, driven by love and an intense desire to heal the world. Sun., April 11, 2 p.m. Growing Up Loving Henri Panel Discussion Attend the Growing Up Loving Henri panel discussion featuring Henri Landwirth’s children Gary, Lisa, and Greg, as they discuss their father’s life and the responsibilities faced by all children of survivors to ensure their family’s Holocaust survivor story is always remembered. "It is an honor to recognize an inspiration for giving to others. Holocaust survivor Henri Landwirth will be remembered for his spirit of giving. He will always be remembered in Florida and beyond as a generous human being," said HERC Director Barbara Goldstein. RSVP by April 6 to https://tccfl.zoom. us/webinar/register/WN_ q2TkQcswR0OTe-azeewn6w For more information contact info@searchingforidentity.org or (904) 419-9915.
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The Landwirth Family
WHO IS HENRI LANDWIRTH? By the end of the Nazi regime, Landwirth’s entire family had been murdered, except his twin sister, Margot. After the war, Henri Landwirth immigrated to America, served in Korea, used his GI benefits to learn hotel management and literally launch a stellar hotelier career. Managing the 100-room Starlight Motel in Cocoa Beach, he forged lifelong friendships with the Mercury 7 astronauts and newsmen who resided at the Starlight while covering the space program, including the late Senator John Glenn and the late Walter Cronkite. When retired from owning several Florida hotels and resorts, he devoted himself to improving the lives of those in need through numerous foundations, including Give Kids The World, Dignity U Wear and many other nonprofit organizations. Henri passed away in 2018. Special thanks to: Florida Department of Education Task Force on Holocaust Education, Hadassah and Tallahassee Community College.
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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 LO R I DA
JFCS RECEIVES $125,000 FROM TD CHARITABLE FOUNDATION families in Duval County By Donna O'Steen, Jewish Family & Community with financial relief. Tenants at or below the Services
Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS) has been named one of 32 recipients of the 15th annual TD Charitable Foundation’s Housing for Everyone grant program, the giving arm of TD Bank. JFCS was awarded the grant for its “A Bridge to Home Program,” which helps prevent homelessness by helping individuals and families remain in safe and affordable housing. Through the initiative, JFCS continues our mission to provide low-income individuals and
national poverty level who live in targeted zip codes and are facing eviction as a result of the financial impact COVID-19 can contact United Way/2-1-1 directly to apply for emergency rental/mortgage assistance, as well as short-term case management and advocacy services, financial literacy education and consultation with landlords in an effort to prevent homelessness and provide stable housing. JFCS will partner with Jacksonville Area Legal Aid (JALA), who will work intensively with landlords
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and tenants to halt evictions due to non-payment. The Housing For Everyone grant competition supports TD's longstanding commitment to community enrichment through TD's corporate citizenship platform, the TD Ready Commitment, which seeks to help people feel more confident not just about their finances, but about their future. “We are beyond humbled to receive this important grant from the TD Charitable Foundation,” said Executive Director Colleen
Rodriguez. “The funds will allow us to provide community support that is absolutely critical for our most vulnerable neighbors in Northeast Florida.” Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, JFCS has assisted more than 2,500 people with over $1.3 million in financial assistance, but there are many more still struggling who need our help. To support our financial assistance program, please contact Susie Menaged at (904) 394.5727 or smenaged@jfcsjax.org.
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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
MACCABEE OF THE MONTH: HELENA GANDELL By Sarah Perfido, Jewish Community Alliance
Helena Gandell was morbidly obese most of her life. “I couldn’t live life the way normal people live," said Helena. Helena suffered a series of injuries resulting from the wear and tear caused by too much weight on her small, 5' frame. After years of failed diets, she underwent bariatric surgery in 2012 and decided to join an all-inclusive fitness facility. As a member of the local Jewish community, the JCA was her first choice. Although surgery helped her lose 180 pounds, maintaining that weight loss required a complete lifestyle change. Helena began with aqua aerobics six days per week. “I love Lynnell and Grace," said Helena. "They are so supportive.” Eventually she added personal training with Shirley Steel to learn a strength, core and balance routine with her limitations in mind. Helena’s blood pressure and cholesterol profile are terrific. She aims to maintain a balanced workout schedule that averages two days in the
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pool and two days strength training in the fitness center. “I don’t love the gym or the pool, but if I want this kind of life, there are certain things that I must be willing to do," said Helena. "Ninety percent of the time, I follow my food plan, I exercise and meditate, but I still love carbs and sugar. You don’t have to give up everything. It’s about moderation.” Helena is often invited to be the motivational speaker at support group meetings. “I’m the only outpatient who has maintained my weight loss for over seven and a half years within five pounds of my goal. The struggle is there daily, but it’s worth everything," Helena said. The Maccabees were Jewish rebel warriors and heroes of the Chanukah story. Maccabee means “hammer” and has become a symbol of physical might, spiritual strength, and mental resilience in the face of adversity.
Helena before and now.
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TORAH ACADEMY CELEBRATIONS By Torah Academy of Jacksonville
COVID didn't put a damper on our Purim! From Rosh Chodesh Adar through Purim day, our school was filled with joy, costumes, and silly Adar fun. Our student government organized Purim-themed activities for the entire school including relay races, art projects and a penny war that ended in a teacher getting slimed!
Torah Academy first graders recently celebrated receiving their very first chumashim! In an outdoor, socially distanced presentation, these students sang and performed for their parents, while describing the many new skills they have been learning this year in preparation for this big day. Under the amazing instruction of Morah Devora Feigenbaum, these young students having been acquiring the necessary tools to begin deciphering the Book of Bereshit, Genesis. May the excitement they have for their Jewish heritage stay with them as they become life-long Torah learners.
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE
PURIM AT RIVER GARDEN By Kari Bell, River Garden Senior Services
Purim celebrations at River Garden looked different than normal this year, due to COVID of course. Leslie Held, Director of Jewish Life, kicked off the celebratory time with a puppet show retelling the Bernard ‘Pops’ story of Esther in a mostSachs is ready to lead the unique way. The program was in-house available for viewing in-person paraders. and on our internal TV channel. Then, residents and staff donned costumes and masks for a spirited house-wide parade. Finally, thanks to our community friends from the Jacksonville Jewish Center, all enjoyed a festive car parade.
Laura Platzer and Leslie Held shared a creative rendition of the Purim story for all to enjoy.
The River Garden Life Enrichment staff prepare for the
Ronnie & Marsha Pollock lead the way for the outdoor JJC parade.
HAPPY SPRING FROM RIVER GARDEN By Kari Bell, River Garden Senior Services
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Roma Heaven creates a beautiful arrangement for her room with flowers from Trader Joe's. (Pictured with Samantha Derrick, Life Enrichment Coordinator.)
At the one-year anniversary of COVID-19, River Garden is pleased to report that since January we’ve had no COVID-19 cases identified on our campus. At the time of this writing, the Duval County positivity rate is under 5 percent and the overwhelming majority of our residents and staff have now been vaccinated.
This is all wonderful news! And the beautiful Spring season is here. Contingent upon guidance from regulators and health experts from the CDC, CMS, AHCA and the health department, we look forward to reopening the campus and volunteer program gradually, as it is safe and reasonable to do so. Presently, credentialed guests are permitted to visit our nursing home residents in their rooms or on
our beautiful grounds. Links to our Visitation Policy and the corresponding documents for becoming a credentialed guest can be found on our website, www.rivergarden.org. Residents are also returning to safelydistanced small group activities like bingo, ceramics and flowerarranging. Look for the ‘Activity Calendars’ link on our website.
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F A M I LY, E D U C AT I O N A N D S E N I O R L I V I N G
CELEBRATING CENTENARIANS
It is always exciting to celebrate our centenarians! Congratulations to Marie Eisenberg and Martha Latimer on their outstanding lives filled with family, love and joy! Their birthdays, along with others, were celebrated on March 4. Thank you to our March monthly birthday sponsors: The Harry & Jeanette
Weinberg Foundation, Phyllis Anchel, Mary Coxe Shelley & Marcelo Darabos, Rebecca & John Harrington and Melissa Rivkin. Currently, only registered visitors are able to come inside for well-wishes; we hope our birthday celebration volunteers will be able to join us again soon.
An Exceptional Legacy of Care Spanning 75 Years Over the last 75 years, River Garden has refined, transformed and bonded into the solid organization it is today. This diamond among senior care providers has what it takes to stand the test of time as it passes from generation to generation. Marie Eisenberg, 101, shares a pre-party smile.
River Ga rden . o rg | (904 ) 260 .1818 Martha Latimer, 105, achieves a remarkable mileston!
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE
SCIENCE & ENGINEERING FAIR By Tracy Hilbert, Jacksonville Jewish Center
Four seventh grade students from Martin J. Gottlieb Day School excel in the Regional Science Fair.
Invest in a Jewish future.
On February 19, four 7th graders, Eden Wajsman, Sophia Hilbert, Gabe Kaye, and Kyra Jaffa represented The Martin J. Gottlieb Day School in the Northeast Florida Science and Engineering Fair. This regional science fair for Duval and Clay County is associated with the ISEF Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. The students presented their work and were virtually judged after school and reaped the rewards. Gabe Kaye won second place in Computer Science with his project "How Does An External Fan Affect the CPU temperature?" Sophia Hilbert won first place in Behavioral Science with her project "What is the Effect of Music on the Memory of Various Aged People?" Kyra Jaffa won first place in Chemistry with her project "What Paint Medium Is The Best for Paint Pouring?" Kyra also took home the OES Inspiring Excellence in Science and was chosen to compete on the State Science Fair team. We are very proud of all of our students. Thank you to Stephanie Teitlebaum and Karianne Jaffa for guiding these students to success on this interdisciplinary project.
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GAN YELADIM EDUCATORS CONCLUDE YEAR LONG STUDY ON EMOTIONALLY RESPONSIVE PRACTICE
By Danielle Wirsansky, Jewish Community Alliance
The educators of Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool & Kindergarten as well as other educators in the Jacksonville area who participate in the Educators Support Network are concluding their yearlong study on Emotionally Responsive Practice (ERP) with Bank Street College. “Emotionally Responsive Practice is built on a deep understanding of child development, research on the effect of social and emotional experience on the developing brain, and the proven positive effects of working partnerships between educators and school-based clinicians,” the Bank Street College of Education describes. As Bank Street is the forerunner on ERP, the opportunity to work with ERP Founding Director of the Center for Emotionally Responsive Practice at Bank Street College, Lesley Koplow, was incredibly impactful. “Emotionally Responsive Practice is one of the many tools that I will bring into any classroom, its effect in our Teddy
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Bear room is overwhelmingly positive,” says Zamira Moran, one of Gan Yeladim’s Teddy Bear (3-4 year old) age group educators. “Addressing and validating strong emotions can be hard when trying to navigate the world around you, especially as a young child, so having ERP training makes a big difference within the classroom.” Those involved in the Educators Support Network will complete the annual program Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool's Pedagogista, Natalia in May 2021. Educators Fisher, talks to the other interested in joining the educators. 2021-2022 program can contact GanYeladim@jcajax.org.
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE
LAB CLASSROOM TRANSFORMS TEACHER EDUCATION AT MICHELE BLOCK GAN YELADIM
Educator Brooke Kovacs takes notes while observing in the lab classroom.
By Danielle Wirsansky,
Jewish Community Alliance
Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool & Kindergarten is coming to the end of its first school year with a lab classroom. The goal of the school’s lab classroom is to provide a level of instruction particularly in the area of a constructivist approach and an emotionally responsive practice in real
time. The Lab classroom has allowed the Pedagogista of the JCA, Natalia Fisher, to continue to work with the teachers in a meaningful way while also being in the classroom. Like many of the changes that have taken place this past year, the push to start the lab classroom was COVID–19. Like many of the JCC’s around North America, staffing in the early childhood school at the JCA became even more of a challenge. People were reevaluating their values and priorities. “We had the opportunity to affect great change even in a time of uncertainty, fear and conflict,” says Natalia Fisher. “We stayed grounded in our values and asked ourselves, ‘how are we going to respond?'" Our Pedagogista went back into the
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I f y o u h a v e n o t pl e d ge d y e t f o r o u r 2 02 1 An n u a l Ca m pa i gn , w e ur g e y o u to c o n s i d e r b ec o mi n g a n I m p a c t 3 6 5 d o nor! ON E D O L L A R A D AY C A N G O A L ON G WA Y t o h e l p m a k e a d i f f e r e nc e i n y o u r c o m m un i t y a nd a r o u nd the w o r l d . Ma k e y o u r p l e d ge a t jew i s h j a ck s o n v i l l e. o rg .
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classroom and we used it as an opportunity to provide hands on professional development for our educators. Fisher continues, “The lab classroom provides the context for teachers to experience, sustained professional growth within a collaborative learning community. As teachers work to shift their practice and work to apply it in the classroom, they are sharing more openly about their learning journey, their struggles, success, and joys.” Through the lab classroom, teachers have the opportunity to share and discuss the successes and challenges of their independent practice with their colleagues, continually improving.
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CTEENU AT CHABAD OF ST. JOHNS High School students complete 14 weeks learning Judaism's most fundamental ideas and receive two elective college credits (left). High School students study at CteenU with Rabbi Mendel Sharfstein of Chabad of St. Johns (below).
By Esther Hamford, Chabad of St. Johns County
High School students spend 14 classes analyzing, debating and discovering Judaism's take on purpose, relationships, freedom of choice, music, afterlife and faith while earning two college credits at the CteenU Jewish Philosophy course with Rabbi Mendel Sharfstein of Chabad of St. Johns. “I know how busy teens are preparing for college— this is an opportunity for them to advance their resume and college career while studying the Torah’s timeless wisdom,” says Rabbi Sharfstein. At CteenU teens are encouraged to ask questions and make their knowledge personal. Yeshiva University credits have been accepted to many different colleges throughout the country, including highly selective schools, state colleges, liberal arts colleges,
public flagships, specialized programs, and many more. CteenU courses are available to 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. Classes are once a week for 14 weeks. CteenU is the perfect fit for every Jewish high school student from any background. No previous Judaic knowledge is required. The courses are offered by CTeenU: a collaboration of Yeshiva University and CTeen International, and is locally taught here on the first coast by Rabbi Mendel Sharfstein. Teens can join in person or online. CTeen U’s relevant and engaging curriculum on the tenets of Judaism cultivates a strong sense of purpose and Jewish identity. Formulated to be relevant, interesting, and even fun, the class is something that the students actually look forward to. To register your teen or for more information contact Rabbi@JewishSJohnsCounty.com or call (904) 701.4422.
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Jacksonville's First Hybrid
Save the Date MAY 2, 2021 Time & Location TBD
Planning has begun for this year's hybrid challah bake and it's
Questions? Email us at
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jaxmegachallahbake@gmail.com
won't want to miss...
Whether from your own home's kitchen or one outside with CDC guidelines in place, it's sure to put a carby smile on your face!
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IsfrromatDoeOlesaesrits Israel. From desert to oasis. Most can easily find it on a world map. Located at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea, Israel is a small country with a diverse topography, consisting of a lengthy coastal plain, highlands in the north and central regions, and the Negev desert in the south. But it's more than just a small sliver of land. Israel has a lengthy and rich history that dates to pre biblical times and remains the Jewish homeland for Jews all around the world. Today’s Jewish population is diverse. Jews from eastern and western Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, Central Asia, North America, and Latin America have been immigrating to Israel since the late 19th century. Israel celebrates this diverse culture—a unique blend of cuisines and customs, ethnicities and religions, the old and the new. Contemporary Israeli society is a fascinating mix of Eastern and Western influences that have come together to form an intricate Israeli tapestry. In this feature section of Jewish Life, we’ll show our connections to Israel, our unwavering support for its people and communities, and her celebratory and memorial holidays. We’ll highlight our program Partnership2Gether, where Israelis living in HaderaEiron can learn together, travel together and share common interests. Our Jewish Federation & Foundation has a giving relationship with Israel through our annual campaign, with missions to Israel, Partnership2Gether and our community shaliach (emissary).
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Yom Ha’ Ha’Atzmaut & Israel National Holidays AN INTERVIEW WITH SHALIACH STAV BRENER
By Jewish Community Alliance
Our Community Shaliach, Stav Brener, grew up in Tel Aviv, Israel, and shared some of his insights about the observances and celebrations of Israel National Days in an interview with the JCA’s Jewish Educator, Rachel Sandler. He shares some of his favorite parts of the holidays as well as ways the community can participate. Read more below for information about events at the Jewish Community Alliance and how to register.
The Israel National Days include Yom Ha’Shoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day, April 7-8, 2021), Yom Ha’Zikaron (Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism, April 13-14, 2021), and Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day, April 14-15, 2021).
STAV PICNICKING WITH HIS FAMILY ON YOM HA'ATZMAUT
WHAT DOES ISRAEL DO FOR YOM HA’ATZMAUT? Yom Ha’Zikaron ends YOM HA’ATZMAUT? at sunset and is immediately followed by Independence Day (Yom Ha’Atzmaut). An official ceremony is held every year on Mount Herzl. The ceremony includes a speech by the speaker of the Knesset (the Israeli Parliament), artistic performances, soldiers forming elaborate structures (such as a Menorah or Magen David), and the ceremonial lighting of twelve torches, one for each of the Tribes of Israel. Every year a dozen Israeli citizens, who made a significant social contribution in a selected area, are invited to light the torches. Many cities hold outdoor performances in the cities' squares featuring leading Israeli singers and fireworks displays. Streets around the squares are closed to cars, allowing people to sing and dance in the streets. After the all-night celebrations, Israelis go out to travel, barbeque in parks, or continue partying during the day. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ISRAEL TRADITIONS FOR THESE NATIONAL HOLIDAYS? I love how much respect Israelis give to every national holiday. The sirens during our memorial days are truly amazing—everyone stopping their life to remember and give respect. To celebrate the new year during Yom Ha’Atzmaut, there are Israeli flags everywhere and there are a lot of funny items that are especially for the occasion, like a blow-up Israel flag hammer and blue and white snow! SINCE YOU WON’T BE IN ISRAEL TO CELEBRATE THIS YEAR, HOW CAN YOU AND OTHER COMMUNITY MEMBERS HONOR ISRAEL? For Yom Ha’Shoah, there is a Holocaust commemorative play called Just Like Me on April 11 at 1 p.m. at the JCA (RSVP required) or on Zoom. For Yom Ha’Zikaron, we are YOM HA'ZIKARON CEREMONY creating a community ceremony “Israeli style” on April 13 at 6:30 p.m. PHOTO CREDIT: SPOKESPERSON UNIT OF We will do it in-person in the JCA auditorium (RSVP required) and it will also THE PRESIDENT OF ISRAEL be streamed live online for the whole community. For Yom Ha’Atzmaut we are planning a couple of special projects including a photo exhibit from our Jacksonville communities’ visits to Israel and videos created with our local organizations that will connect all of us to each other and to Israel. In addition, there is a Magic Show for all ages that is live and interactive with Yarden Shalev, the former IDF magician, on April 15 at 7 p.m. on Zoom.
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YOM HA’ZIKARON HONORS ISRAEL’S FALLEN SOLDIERS AND YOU SERVED TWO YEARS IN THE ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES (IDF). HOW DO YOU PERSONALLY HONOR THOSE COMRADES FOR YOM HA’ZIKARON? Yom Ha’Zikaron opens with a siren the preceding evening at 9 p.m. A siren is heard all over the country and lasts for one minute, during which we stop everything including driving on highways, and stand in silence— commemorating the fallen and showing respect. By law, all places of entertainment are closed on the eve of Yom Ha’Zikaron, and broadcasting and educational organizations note the solemness of the day. Regular television programs cease for the day so the names and ranks of every soldier who died for Israel are displayed in a 24-hour television broadcast. Since the founding of Israel, Israel has chosen the Dam Hamaccabim flower (“Blood of the Maccabees") as the national memorial flower. The flower is depicted in many memorial sites and can be seen worn as stickers on shirts and jackets throughout Yom Ha’Zikaron. On Yom Ha’Zikaron itself, a two-minute siren is sounded at 11 a.m. which marks the opening of the official memorial ceremonies and private remembrance YOM HA'SHOAH CEREMONY gatherings at each PHOTO CREDIT: IDF SPOKEScemetery where soldiers PERSON'S UNIT are buried. As a tradition, in army bases, we have ceremonies earlier in the day, so soldiers can go visit their school’s ceremony. Being in the army for four and a half years, I had a chance to participate in five Yom Ha’Zikaron ceremonies and even create one for my soldiers on Zoom last year during COVID-19. Growing up, I understood the importance of this day, and being a soldier makes this day much more meaningful. HOW IS THE HOLOCAUST REMEMBERED ON YOM HA’SHOAH IN ISRAEL? Yom Ha’Shoah opens in Israel at sundown in a state ceremony held in Yad Vashem (Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust). During the ceremony, the national flag is lowered to half-staff, the President, and the Prime Minister both deliver speeches, Holocaust survivors light six torches symbolizing the approximately six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust, and the Chief Rabbis recite prayers. On
Yom Ha’Shoah, ceremonies and services are held at schools, military bases and by other public and community organizations. People wear white on Yom Ha’Shoah, and soldiers wear their formal uniforms. On the eve of Yom Ha’Shoah and the day itself, places of public entertainment are closed by law. Israeli television airs Holocaust documentaries and Holocaustrelated talk shows and low-key songs are played on the radio. Flags on public buildings are flown at half-staff. At 10 a.m., an air raid siren sounds throughout the country and Israelis are expected to observe two minutes of solemn reflection. Almost everyone stops what they are doing, including motorists who stop their cars in the middle of the road, standing beside their vehicles in silence as the siren is sounded. For more information, contact our Community Shaliach, Stav Brener at jaxshlichut@jewishjacksonville.org at jaxshlichut@jewishjacksonville.org or or JCA Jewish Educator, Rachel Sandler at rachel.sandler@jcajax.org Sandler at rachel.sandler@jcajax.org. The . The JCA's mission is to serve as the common meeting ground for Jewish Jacksonville. With the help of our amazing donor community, we continue to offer important Jewish cultural programming and educational opportunities that help us connect and grow as a community. Learn more about all the great things happening at the JCA and donate at www.jcajax.org www.jcajax.org..
2021 Israel’s National Days events
Yom Ha’Shoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day)
Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day)
Yom Ha’Zikaron (Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism)
Throughout April, visit the JCA and our partner agencies to see a photo exhibit from our Jacksonville communities’ visits to Israel. Also, look for videos to be released during April that are highlighting our Jacksonville connections to Israel.
April 11 at 1 pm In person or Zoom Just Like Me: Holocaust Commemorative Play April 11 at 4 pm on Zoom Yom Ha’Shoah Community Event hosted by the Jacksonville Jewish Center
April 13 at 6:30 pm Ceremony - In person and Zoom or Facebook Live
April 15 at 7 pm on Zoom All ages are invited to a fun family time with former IDF magician, Yarden Shalev, for an awesome live and interactive magic show!
FREE TO THE COMMUNITY | RESERVATIONS REQUIRED For more information, contact our Community Shaliach, Stav Brener at jaxshlichut@jewishjacksonville.org or JCA Jewish Educator, Rachel Sandler at Rachel.sandler@jcajax.org.
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Hadassah Hospital & Israel HADASSAH EIN KEREM
By Hadassah Jacksonville
PARALLEL HISTORIES
The history between Hadassah and Israel began before Israel even became a state. And it isn’t just history; some would say it’s a love story. It all began in 1913, when two nurses arrived in Palestine with two goals in mind: to provide mothers and their new babies with proper nutrition and to eradicate trachoma, a devastating eye disease. Five years later, in 1918, Hadassah formed a unit of doctors, nurses, dentists and sanitary workers and established clinics in Jaffa, Tiberias, Safed and Jerusalem, as well as a nurse's training school—Israel's first. From its very inception, Hadassah provided much needed medical and health care to all. While the Jewish population benefited most, Hadassah has always made its medical services available to everyone, without regard to race, religion, or ability to pay. Those first two nurses cared for Jews and Arabs both. At a national Hadassah convention in Chicago in 1934, the Hadassah delegates voted to raise $200,000 from 30,000 members to build a hospital in Jerusalem. Hadassah Hospital opened on Mt. Scopus in Jerusalem in 1939, next to the new Hebrew University. The hospital was without question the most modern and well-equipped medical facility in the entire Middle East. There was, however, one serious drawback. The road leading to both the hospital and university was surrounded by hostile Arab neighborhoods. As soon as the British pulled out in May of 1948, and Israel was declared a state, Hadassah and Hebrew University were effectively cut off from the rest of the city. Unable to ensure the safety of its patients and health care personnel and following a devastating attack
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which killed the medical director and more than 100 medical personnel, Hadassah was forced to leave Mt. Scopus. Five makeshift hospitals in temporary quarters around Jerusalem were quickly established, and medical care to all, the establishment of a School of Medicine, and innovations that would become a model for community health throughout Israel continued for two decades.
HADASSAH MT. SCOPUS CONSTRUCTION
Undeterred, fundraising also began for a new hospital. In 1961, Hadassah opened a new hospital with 420 beds in Ein Kerem. And in 1967, after the Six Day War when Jerusalem was reunited, Hadassah - together with much support from Hadassah member worldwide—reopened the hospital on Mt. Scopus.
Today, these two Jerusalem hospitals - Mt. Scopus and Ein Kerem, known now as the Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO) have become world class, state-of-the-art medical facilities, serving more than a million women, men and children a year, regardless of religion, race or nationality.
HADASSAH HOSPITAL BEGAN BY HELPING MOTHERS AND BABIES IN PRE-ISRAEL PALESTINE.
HADASSAH HOSPITAL MT. SCOPUS serves as a top-tier community medical center addressing the special needs of the greater Jerusalem residents. Families rely on the pediatric chronic disease center, emergency rooms, a hospice and the region's major rehabilitation center, bringing cutting-edge robotics to soldiers and civilians, stroke and terror survivors. Women giving birth continue to trust the outstanding care provided at its Mother & Child Center. The cardiac catheterization lab provides heart repairs 24/7.
HADASSAH HOSPITAL EIN KEREM shares a large campus with the Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Medicine, where scientists from both institutions collaborate. From the underground state of the art surgical suites to the beautiful Chagall windows in the hospital’s synagogue, this 800-bed tertiary care hospital serves as a national referral center for complex and challenging medical cases. Diagnostic and therapeutic services – as well as research and clinical trials – draw patients from around the world. As Israel has grown to be an international leader in technology and innovation so too has Hadassah become a global leader in medical care, treatment and research, operating two world-class medical and research centers in Jerusalem. Today, 73 years after the creation of the State of Israel, Hadassah’s hospitals continue to be leading institutions in the Middle East and Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, is the largest volunteer organization in the U.S., with close to 300,000 members.
In celebration of its 73rd year of independence, Hadassah the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, reaffirms its commitment to the State of Israel.
HADASSAH EIN KEREM INTERIOR
For more information about Hadassah membership or activities in Jacksonville, contact jacksonvillehadassah@gmail.com.
Y o m H aa tz ma u t 2021 www.hadassah.org jacksonvillehadassah@gmail.com www.facebook.com/HadassahJacksonville
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Developing a LOVE for ISRAEL
By Liat Walker, Director of Jewish Education, Martin J. Gottlieb Day School
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ONE STUDENT AT A TIME
The Martin J. Gottlieb Day School takes an imaginary trip on an El-Al flight to Israel. Students visit the Kotel, go on a camel ride and float on the dead sea. Another group goes shopping for Israeli snacks at the shuk without ever leaving school. Others connect with students in our partner city, Hadera. These are all part of our efforts to help our students develop a love for the land of Israel. As an integral component of day school curriculum, Israel education allows students to form deep attachments to our homeland, its history and culture. A relationship with Israel connects students to Jewish history and to contemporary Israel. It teaches them about the diversity of Israeli people while illustrating the many connections we share despite the distance between us. One way we teach and celebrate Israel education at the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School is through a Jewish Studies curriculum. We do more than just teach students in the classroom - we also provide hands-on experiences and celebrations for each Jewish holiday that are both fun and educational. For example, Yom HaAtzmaut is celebrated every year by transforming the school into a mini Israel where students experience the different facets of Israel. The themes we’ve explored throughout the years have been geography, art, Jerusalem, innovation, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) and, of course, food. Students learned about the Syrian African Rift which runs through Israel by creating edible tectonic snacks. Learning about the geography of Israel and it’s borders by painting the map and then decorating an edible map is always a hit. And of course, no Israel celebration is complete without falafel and Krembo, chocolate-coated domes of whipped marshmallow on a biscuit base which are Israel’s favorite confection. Every classroom at the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School has an Israeli flag and all of the students begin their day singing the Hatikvah, Israel’s anthem, right after the pledge of allegiance. This custom has become even more special during this past school year. Since some of the students are learning from home, many classes begin the day singing the Hatikvah accompanied by a video. There are so many Hatikvah videos which showcase the history, beauty and diversity of Israel, and the students get to pick a different one to begin each day. Israel education begins in kindergarten where the students become familiar with the flag of Israel and the Magen David. They learn Hebrew vocabulary
words while singing many of the Israeli children’s songs that children sing in Israel. In grades first through fourth, the students expand their learning about our connection to the land of Israel and the centrality of Jerusalem using our Hebrew immersion program, iTaLAM. For example, the students’ connection to Jerusalem is intensified through a comparison between the city as it once was and how it is today. They learn about Theodore Herzl and David Ben Gurion and are introduced to the founding of Zionism and the state of Israel. When students enter fifth grade, they have the invaluable opportunity to build relationships with students in Israel. The Martin J. Gottlieb Day School has been part of the school twinning program through the P2G U.S. Hadera-Eiron Southeast Consortium since 2007. Morah Liat Walker and the fifth grade students exchange letters, gifts, videos and projects with a twin class in Hadera every year. A few years ago, the schools did a science project together where they compared learning preferences between the students at the school to their pen pals in Hadera. Morah Liat performed the science experiment in the Hadera classroom during one of her educator delegation trips to Israel. The trip was sponsored by the Education Delegation of the Partnership2Gether. It connected educators from the Southeast region of the United LEARNING ABOUT States with educators in Hadera, Israel. The trip helped Morah Liat form long-term THE MAP OF ISRAEL partnerships and friendships with the teachers in Hadera and gave her students a better chance AT THE YOM to connect with their Israeli pen pals. HA'ATZMAUT Over the years, the school has hosted several educators from the Hadera-Eiron region who CELEBRATION have created meaningful lessons for many of the students. This year, Israeli students have been in and out of lockdown in Israel; however, they managed to send the fifth grade Hanukkah and Purim greetings, which were reciprocated by our students. During this past year’s remote learning period, Jewish Studies teachers, Edith Horovitz and Liat Walker, took the middle school students on several virtual tours of Israel and Jerusalem. In addition, the middle school students were part of a global trivia challenge about Israel through Unpacked For Educators. There were over 12,000 registered students from all over the world, and Itamar O., a student from the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School, won the 2020 Yom Ha’atzmaut Global Trivia Challenge. The trophy is still displayed in our school office. Despite the past year’s restrictions, the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School has persevered in educating each student about Israel. As the students navigate this pandemic, the school continues to provide safe and educational hands-on experiences to celebrate all of the Jewish holidays and to learn about Israel. The Martin J. Gottlieb Day School is a K-8 school where students receive training in important Jewish traditions and the Hebrew language while also receiving an education that adheres to the highest academic standards. For more information, please contact the school at (904) 268.4200.
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The Partnership� 2Gether One2One English Program By Jill Abel, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida
The Partnership2Gether One2One English Program was designed to increase abilities and confidence in speaking, reading and writing English for school-age children in grades 6-12 in the Hadera-Eiron Region of Israel. Each student was assigned an educator from one of our Southeast Consortium communities for eight one-on-one Sunday sessions. Each educator was responsible for planning lessons for their students based on the student’s current English level. Since the program began last summer, we have personally connected 15 American educators with over 50 Israeli middle and high school students. Jacksonville was honored to have Janet Goldstein, Rachel Sandler and Rona Siegel as educators participating in our January/February One2One cohort. All three educators did an amazing job interacting with their students. After the program, one of Rona Siegel’s students wrote to her and JANET GOLDSTEIN, RACHEL SANDLER & RONA SIEGEL shared, “Thank you for the amazing lessons. You teach me so well and I want to continue to be in touch. You helped me learn English in the best way. I love you and I will miss you so much! And if we continue to be in touch, I will be the happiest in the world and the happiest I have ever been. I will remember you always.”
The Israel Partnership Program (Partnership2Gether) is an opportunity for members of the Jewish community in the Jacksonville area to make people-to-people connections with Israelis living in our partnership city of Hadera-Eiron, Israel. We create programs and projects where local Jews and Israelis can learn together, travel together and share common interests in unique platforms. Our programs include Educator Exchanges, Teen Summer Exchange Programs, Young Leadership Programs, Artist Projects, Medical Professional Delegations, Music Programs, Firefighter Exchanges and Running Delegations. We share this sister city with ten other U.S. Southeast communities so we have the opportunity to make connections with both American and Israeli Jews. If you would like to get involved with Israel Partnership or want more information about any of our programs, please contact Jill Abel at (904) 224.1445 or jilla@jewishjacksonville.org.
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Israel Partnership Pivots During COVID--19 COVID By Allison Jacobs, Jewish Federation &
Foundation of Northeast Florida One of my favorite aspects of the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida is our Israel Partnership Program also referred to as Partnership2Gether or P2G. Our wonderful lsrael Partnership is all about building people to people connections and living bridges between members of our community and our brothers and sisters in the Hadera-Eiron region of Israel. These bridges and connections develop in meaningful and long-lasting relationships. Jacksonville is celebrating 20 years of participation in this Partnership! When the pandemic hit last year, we sought to find ways to maintain our core values, to continue building relationships and to fill an even greater need for people-to-people connections since we are all staying home. Our Partnership leadership team quickly pivoted to an all-virtual platform so our relationships and our programming continue to flourish. Not only did P2G provide more programs than ever before, but the programs helped our community expand our audience exponentially. More people here in Jacksonville and all throughout our Southeast Consortium, the Czech Republic, and the Hadera-Eiron region in Israel came together on Zoom to learn and grow together. Our special relationships may not have been in person this past year, but they developed in more special ways as we all eagerly await a time we can be together again in person. There have been so many amazing programs but some of the highlights included, “A Flight Over Israel” with Alon Moller for Yom Ha'Atzmaut, a “Mystical Tour of Tsfat”, An Interactive Passover Seder with Musical Duo, Yonina, “Making Hummus with Chef Yosef” in honor of Israel's Birthday, and my most favorite—a tour of Jewish Prague with our very own Partnership friends from the Czech Republic leading the tour. It was as if we were transported to each place in Israel and Prague from our own living room, and my heart was full. Please join me in learning more about how you can get involved in our Israel Partnership Program here in Jacksonville. For more information, contact Jill Abel at jilla@jewishjacksonville.org or at (904) 224.1445.
KEN JACOBS, OFIR FLOR, GUY DRUCKMAN, ALLISON JACOBS AND SARAH JACOBS AT THE SUMMER 2018 TEEN SUMMER PROGRAM IN JACKSONVILLE, FL.
ALLISON JACOBS, JILL ABEL AND MAYA SHOHAM AT THE FEBRUARY 2020 P2G JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING IN ST. PETERSBURG, FL... FL.
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Faith & Inspiration By Hazzan Jesse Holzer, Jacksonville Jewish Center
Israel arrived on the European music map in 1978, when Nurit Hirsch and Ehud Manor’s “Abanibi'' took first place at the Eurovision Song Contest. The song uses a secret language, s’fat habet. Each syllable of the word is repeated
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with a bet preceding the consonant, so Abanibi oboheibev obotabach is actually “Ani Ohev Otach,” or “I Love you.” In a time of BDS and antiIsrael rhetoric on campus, we might feel like we’re always on defense, fighting for Israel while navigating our own thoughts and feelings about the complexities of the Jewish State. So how can a play-on-words Eurovision contest winner play a role in our advocacy? Find and share the cipher. Those who have experienced Israel know that it transforms you. The sights, sounds, tastes take you in. When we pray, we think of Israel. When we dream, we dream of Israel. When you find that connection to the land and people, it’s as if you’ve decoded a cipher unlocking
a hidden treasure that has existed for three millenia. Share your connection with others. Explain why Israel means so much to you. Ani Ohev Otach. Israel isn’t a flavor of the month. Love for the state of Israel, whether you agree with its politics or not, means that you’re in it for the long haul. Show your love by supporting Israeli programs and people that mean something to you. Show your love by speaking up when you need your voice heard. Listen and Sing. Israeli music takes us on a journey from liturgical to pop, Sephardic to Mizrahi to Ashkenazic, secular to religious. I hope you’ll join me on Zoom on April 15 (Yom Ha’atzmaut) for an evening of Israeli music exploration, for we know music is good for the soul.
Together Again In Israel
JOURNEY TO ISRAEL WITH FEDERATION NOVEMBER 1 – 10 By Alan Margolies,
Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida
SANDY ZIMMERMAN AND ALAN MARGOLIES WITH VOLUNTEERS AND OTHER EXECUTIVES.
Years ago, when we were in Israel on a Federation mission, we would marvel at the agricultural miracles Israel had invented. Drip irrigation is now used throughout the world’s deserts. Many countries learned from Israel about hydroponics, how to fool plants and flowers as to the time of year in greenhouses, etc. More recently, we learned that most of the technology in our cell phones, the technology Amazon uses in the Kindle, the USB drive, Waze navigation, and
Mobileye for self-driving cars, all were created in Israel. It used to be that people wanted to go to Israel because of these achievements. Today, Israel has evolved to become one of the best places in the world to vacation! The beaches are fantastic. The desert is magnificent. The hotels are great. The food, both kosher and non-kosher, receive rave reviews. There are over 300 wineries with award-winning whites and reds. Of course, there is also the history and the archaeological discoveries unearthing finds for many faiths. Two of the most holy sights for Jews and Christians—the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre—are located within walking distance of one another. Our Federation has been taking people to Israel for over 40 years and we are very good at this! It is extraordinary to experience firsthand the sights, sounds, tastes, fragrances, and the pulse of this amazing country. We are taking reservations for our next Mission to Israel, November 1-10, 2021. Come join us for what I promise will be a trip of a lifetime. Call me at 904.448.5000 ext. 1207 to learn all about it. FORMER JCA EXECUTIVE MYRON FLAGLER WITH ALAN MARGOLIES AT PRESS CLUB, YEMEN MOSHE NEIGHBORHOOD.
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NOSH ON THIS SHARING
By Dorit Cohen
RECIPES
ISRAELI SHAKSHUKAH
I am a native Israeli, born in in Tel Aviv and I have lived in both Haifa and Jerusalem. I now live in St. Augustine. My favorite breakfast or brunch dish is this simple shakshukah recipe. As with most Israeli recipes, they are influenced by the flavors of ones heritage, but this shaksuhka is definitely Israeli! Beteavon!
INGREDIENTS
2 medium onions, (optional) 5 medium tomatoes, cut into cubes 1 red pepper (about 10 oz.), seeded and cut into cubes 2 cloves of garlic or Garlic powder, to taste 3 tablespoons olive or regular oil 4 eggs ½ teaspoon sweet paprika 1 teaspoon sugar ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/3 cup water Small bunch (about 5 ounces) fresh parsley, you may save some to be chopped and sprinkled over the top Note: If you like you can add the following ingredients to taste: Ground cumin, mushroom, cubes or strips of eggplant, cut spinach, etc.
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large pan fry cut onions for three minutes. 2. Then add fresh or powdered garlic and let fry for 2 minutes while stirring. 3. Add cut tomatoes. 4. Add whatever ingredients to taste you would like but not the eggs and cook for 5 minutes. 5. Add whole eggs, one at a time, (you can put half whole eggs and half white only if you wish to conserve on protein). 6. Let the eggs cook for about 10 minutes. 7. Use Chalah bread to dip into the sauce. (Serves 4.) 38
NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE
BAKED FALAFEL AND ISRAELI SALAD By Stacy Seslowsky, RD, LDN, MSN, Jewish Community Alliance
At 25 I was blessed with a Birthright trip. It was an
experience of a lifetime, and I was overwhelmed with
emotion from the moment I landed. What better way to
celebrate Israel’s Independence
Day and trigger those beautiful memories of belonging and
heritage than with a healthy twist on the food I most
enjoyed? Falafel is a classic
Israeli street food normally deep-fried in oil high in
inflammatory omega-6 fatty
acids. Deep-frying also creates harmful compounds similar to those formed chargrilling. This baked version is higher in anti-inflammatory fats and is void of those damaging compounds.
INGREDIENTS
Makes 12 Falafels 1 cup dried chickpeas 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 small onion, chopped 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 cup chopped parsley or cilantro A sprinkling of cayenne 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 juice of a lemon 1 egg 1 cup chickpea flour A sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds A sprinkling of dried thyme A sprinkling of chopped walnuts Olive oil
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 425F degrees.
2. Put the chickpeas in a large bowl and cover with water by 3 or 4 inches; they will triple in volume. Soak for 24 hours, adding water if needed to keep chickpeas submerged. 3. Drain chickpeas well and transfer to a food processor. Add garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, cilantro, salt, pepper, cayenne, chickpea flour, the egg, and lemon juice. 4. Pulse until minced but not pureed, scraping sides of bowl down. Keep pulsing until mixture comes together. Taste, adding salt, pepper, cayenne or lemon juice to taste. 5. Make the mixture into falafel balls or patties and put them on an oiled tray. Sprinkle sesame seeds, thyme and chopped nuts on top and bake in the oven for around 15 minutes, until the patties are golden brown on both sides. 6. Serve warm in a toasted high-fiber pita, with tahini sauce and/or hummus, and a simple Israeli salad made with chopped tomato, chopped cucumber and chopped onion, a sprinkling of cilantro, simply dressed with olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.
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WORTH THE SCHLEP N O R T H E A S T F L O R I DA’ S E V E N T C A L E N DA R
2021 Israel’s National Days Events: Yom Ha’Shoah (April 11), Yom Ha’Zikaron (April 13) & Yom Ha’Atzmaut (April 15) Throughout April, visit the JCA and other partner agencies to see a photo exhibit from our Jacksonville communities’ visits to Israel. Your Coffee, Our Torah w/Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner (Virtual) April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 12:30-1:30 pm Jacksonville Jewish Center Shoobee Doobee Shabbat (Virtual) April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 10:00-11:00 am Jacksonville Jewish Center with Hazzan Holzer Kabbalat Shabbat Under Ground (Virtual) April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 6:00-7:00 pm Jacksonville Jewish Center Attend any morning or evening service to observe a loved ones Yarzheit and participate in a virtual minyan to say Kaddish.
7:00-8:00 pm Congregation Ahavath Chesed Phone (904) 733-7078 for Zoom link. The Temple Shabbat Worship (Virtual) April 3, 10, 17, 24 10:30 am – 12:00 pm Congregation Ahavath Chesed Phone (904) 733-7078 for Zoom link. Introduction to Judaism (Virtual) April 5, 12, 19 6:30-8:00 pm Congregation Ahavath Chesed Register: https://myminiurl.net/ekRjj JFCS Recovery Mondays (Virtual) April 5, 12, 19, 26 4:00-6:00 pm For those seeking personal recovery from addiction for themselves. This is a safe, confidential Zoom meeting hosted by Jodi through JFCS. Contact Jodi: (904) 254-2322
7:30-8:15 pm Visit https://us02web.zoom. us/j/86154936028. Bring your own food, drinks, phones, tablets, laptops & desktops! Yoga with the JCA April 10 8:00-9:00 am Beth Shalom Park Jacksonville Jewish Center Growing Up Loving Henri (Virtual) April 11 2:00-4:00 pm Panel discussion webinar featuring Henri Landwirth’s children discussing their family’s Holocaust survivor story. Loving Henri film screening April 8 to 10. Register by 4/6: https://myminiurl.net/k4XxX Community Ha'Shoah Service (Virtual) April 11 4:00-5:30 pm Hosted by Jacksonville Jewish Center. To view program visit: www.jaxjewishcenter.org/virtual
Tuesdays Together (Virtual) April 6 10:00 -11:00 am Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida For those new or moving to Northeast Florida, join us for conversation and coffee. Register at events.idonate.com/ WelcomeApril2021
Yom Ha’Zikaron Ceremony —Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism April 13 6:30-7:30 pm JCA Auditorium and Virtual 8505 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville. RSVP to jaxshlichut@ jewishjacksonville.org
Healing Service Hosted by Hazzan Holzer (Virtual) April 6, 13, 20, 27 5:00-6:00 pm Jacksonville Jewish Center
This is My Family (Virtual) April 7 7:00 pm Congregation Ahavath Chesed Issues that affect Temple families and how Jewish texts and traditions can be a guide. RSVP: rsvp@theTempleJax.org
Coping with Loss (Virtual) April 14 and 28 3:00-4:00 pm Jacksonville Jewish Center
The Temple Erev Shabbat (Virtual) April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Jacksonville Jewish Center Trivia Night! (Virtual) April 14, 21, 28
Passover Shabbat (Virtual) April 2 6:30-7:30 pm Jacksonville Jewish Center Foundations of Judaism (Virtual) April 4, 11, 18, 25 10:15 am - 12:00 pm Jacksonville Jewish Center
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Yom Ha’Atzmaut—Israel Independence Day Celebration (Virtual) April 15 7:00 pm Live and interactive magic show with former IDF magician
Yarden Shalev. RSVP: jaxshlichut@jewishjacksonville.org Wine Tasting Workshop April 18 5:00 pm Wine tasting experience of wineries in the Hadera-Eiron area of Israel. $40 couvert includes two bottles of wine. Register at events.idonate.com/ winetasting Virtually Limitless: Heart to Heart (Virtual) April 20 and 27; May 4 1:00-2:00 pm JFNA National Women’s Philanthropy three-part mission to Israel. Open to all female philanthropists. Register: https://form.jotform. com/210615673784057
Countering Active Threat Training (Virtual) April 20 7:00 pm Presentation designed to prepare community members to counter an active threat event. Register: events.idonate.com/security 25th Annual River Garden
Classic Golf Tournament April 28 12:00 pm Shotgun start Sponsored by: Hardage Giddens Funeral Homes & Cemetaries/ Dignity Memorial Deerwood Country Club 10239 Golf Club Dr., Jacksonville. Registration is open! Contact Michelle Branly at 904-886-8431 or email at mbranly@rivergarden.org
Jacksonville Mega Challah Bake May 2 - Save the Date!
JFCS Through Original Art May 14-28 - Save the Date!
Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90
This Passover, help us make it possible to celebrate another kind of freedom. Freedom from a pandemic. As the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage around the world, there’s reason for hope. And no country has offered more hope for what life might be like again than Israel, which has led the world in immunizing its people. Magen David Adom, Israel’s paramedic and Red Cross service, has played a major role in this success. MDA has treated tens of thousands of stricken Israelis, administered Covid tests to more than 4 million, and vaccinated Israel’s most vulnerable populations, including all its nursing home residents. When you support Magen David Adom, your gift has an immediate impact in helping Israelis — today and every day. Make a gift today. Pesach kasher v’sameach. afmda.org/passover
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SEE AND BE SCENE THROUGH THE LENS IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA
PURIM EVENTS JACKSONVILLE JEWISH CENTER PURIM
On February 28, Jacksonville Jewish Center members paraded over to River Garden for an outdoor, safe Purim event. The Car Mask-Parade gave families an opportunity to dress up both their vehicles and themselves, participate in a costume contest and win great prizes. Smiles and laughter was shared by all who participated. Thank you to Rabbi Lubliner for sponsoring this great event.
CHABAD ST. JOHNS PURIM
Families gathered for a safe outdoor Purim celebration with Chabad of St. Johns.
Men and Women hear the Megillah at the Nocatee Purim Celebration with Chabad of St. Johns.
The Aaronson Family had fun participating and winning a prize in the costume contest.
Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner having fun at the Car Mask-Parade.
Jacksonville Jewish Center members in their cars driving around River Garden & The Coves so everyone could see the creative costumes and celebrate Purim.
The Millrood Family were grand prize winners. So creative!
Sharing & Caring Day! Chabad of St. Johns Purim Gift Boxes were distributed throughout St. Johns County.
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JCA PURIM DRESS-UP
Early Childhood Education dressed as Legos and Fitness & Wellness dressed as M&M's.
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SEE AND BE SCENE
THROUGH THE LENS IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA
JCA SAILS INTO SUCCESS
Cheers to a great evening as participants get ready to embark on their chosen adventures.
By JCA Development Team, Jewish Community Alliance
Thank you so much to all the donors to our annual fundraiser, held on February 27. We raised over $200,000 for the JCA! The event was a blast, and everyone had a great time, even in a virtual environment. We had four different experiences to choose from including comedic trivia with comedian Stacey Smith, a Jewish heritage cruise along the Danube River with AmaWaterways, a cooking class with Chef’s Garden, and a classical music concert with the Quartz Quartet. This couldn’t have been pulled off
without our amazing event chairs, Nicole Brown, Michael Miller, Morgan Orender, Rochelle Stoddard, Sam Stromberg and Brent Trager, our Annual Fundraiser Committee, Chef’s Garden who worked with us to cook and deliver delicious dinners for our attendees, PRI Productions for their help in making our video, and the technical support staff who made sure everyone got to where they needed to go during the event. It is incredibly inspiring to see the willingness to support this important community institution. More than ever the support of our donor community is critical to fulfilling our
mission to serve anyone who walks through our doors, regardless of ability to pay. Even with a significant drop in revenue due to the pandemic, the JCA increased scholarships by $100,000 to $430,000 annually to meet the needs of our community. Check out these great screenshots from the event, and please chip in if you can to support our scholarships at https://www.jcajax.org/donate.
The Quartz Quartet filled our ears with brilliant renditions of everything from Fiddler on the Roof to the Beatles to the great masters of centuries past.
Comedian Stacey Smith had the group in stitches answering trivia questions on pop culture and JCA history (above).
Passengers for our virtual tour of the Danube get ready to pull up anchor and cruise down the river (left).
Jennifer Earnest and Jamey Evoniuk from Chef’s Garden taught participants how to make a delicious apple tart with ingredients delivered to their doorsteps prior to the event.
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE
'UPLYFT' SHABBATON Jewish teens from around Northeast Florida joined 'UpLyft', the Cteen International Shabbaton where thousands of Jewish teens from around the globe got together to be UpLyfted & UpLyft others! The weekend included a local outdoor sociallydistanced Shabbat dinner, the Purple Virtual World where teens connected on one of the most fun and advanced virtual platforms, and joined for a local watch party BBQ of the Mega 'UpLyft' event and took on many beautiful Uplyfting Mitzvot. Know someone who needs a Lyft? Cteen Jax is here! To join Cteen email Rabbi@JewishSJohnsCounty.com or call (904) 701.4422. Girls light Shabbat Candles at Chabad of St. Johns for Cteen's International 'UpLyft ' Weekend.
Jewish teens get together at Chabad of St. Johns for a bbq as part of Cteen's International 'UpLyft ' Weekend.
Thousands of Jewish teens from all over the globe connected on the Purple Virtual Platform as part of Cteens International 'UpLyft' Weekend.
GROW AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
The GROW After School Enrichment Program, a project of Chabad of St. Johns, is where kids dive deep into their Jewishness, get creative and messy, and discover their Jewish pride. Each session consists of interactive Jewish learning that feature engineering, drama, art, cooking, dance and the unique Aleph Champ Hebrew reading workshop. GROW is for Jewish children of all backgrounds and all levels of knowledge to join together. For more info contact Dini Sharfstein at email Dini@JewishSJohnsCounty.com or call (904) 701.4422.
Kids at the GROW After School Program craft beautiful Challah plates as they delved into a Shabbat Unit. 44
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SEE AND BE SCENE
THROUGH THE LENS IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA
MARTY PARTY On March 19, 2021, staff at River Garden enjoy a fun send-off 'Marty Party' - including a pizza party and celebration with soon-to-be CEO Emeritus Marty Goetz.
Everyone trusts Marty will still be around to welcome family and friends.
Marty's oversight and valued expertise won't be far away (left). Dorie hugs Marty.
Thank you, Marty. We'll always have you to look up to.
Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida proudly presents:
The Dignity Project Empowering women & girls in our community The Dignity Project will be collecting feminine hygiene products
If you or someone you know is new or moving to Northeast Florida, join Jewish Federation & Foundation for
Tuesdays Together: Community, Conversation, & Coffee
Until we can be together again in person, we will be hosting this as a quarterly virtual program! Please register for our first meeting on April 6 at 10 AM at events.idonate.com/WelcomeApril2021. Community Co-Chairs: Joan Rosenberg & Lauren Setzer E HORIZON: DATES ON TH @ 10 AM 21 20 6, ly Ju 21 @ 10 AM 20 October 5, 22 @ 10 AM 20 4, y ar Janu
and deodorant to be distributed to our local agencies, Jewish Family and Community Services, Pace Center for Girls Jacksonville and families at George Washington Carver Elementary School.
Feminine Hygiene Products Pads Tampons Liners Menstrual Cups Wipes Deodorant Bars of Soap Drop-off Location: Jewish Federation & Foundation office 8505 San Jose Boulevard (inside the JCA) Alternatively, items can be purchased via our Amazon wishlist: cutt.ly/dignityproject
You can make a difference! Collection now through April 15.
Dignity Project Chair: Jenn Neuman
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE
YELADIM PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN TO ARBORETUM Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten classes went on a field trip to the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens. They explored the trails, listened to bird calls, and investigated the local flora and fauna.
Pictured below: Mrs. Ledesma's class hikes on a trail.
Mrs. Ledesma's class enjoys a view of the lake at the Jacksonville Arboretum.
Kindergartner Ellie Harris admires a pansy flower.
Mrs. Satterfield's kindergarten class poses at the entrance to the Jacksonville Arboretum.
Kindergartners Cameron Elder and Nolan Gray poke around in the dirt, looking for bugs.
Are you Jewish, 20-24? Are you looking for valuable career development, networking opportunities, and to make a difference this summer?
Two sessions available: June 7-24 and July 12-29. Join us for a 3-week interactive, global online leadership experience that offers a stipend of $350.
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Sign-up today at jewishchangemakers.org to receive the application link when it launches on Wednesday, April 21.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES HELP ACROSS NORTHEAST FLORIDA Admissions 904-886-8420 Adult Day 904-288-7858 Home Health Care 904-288-7851 Outpatient Rehab 904-886-8454 The Coves 904-292-2683 Volunteers 904-886-8429 Foundation 904-886-8430 MAIN 904-260-1818
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.
Love to shop? We need grocery shoppers. Sign up today to volunteer grocery shop for our community's Coves residents at River Garden.
Easy sign up: signupgenius.com/go/8050A4FA9AA2BABF49-coves Where: Publix, 11250 Old St Augustine Rd. When: Mondays and Fridays at 10:30 am If you have any questions, please email Faye Hedrick at fayeh@jewishjacksonville.org.
T ORAH A CADEMY OF JACKSONVILLE
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.
Every Tuesday from 3:15 to 4:15, Torah Academy hosts a free kosher food program sponsored by the USDA for children under 18. The program helps provide food during these trying times. For more info, contact shorowitz@torah-academy.com.
Become a Jewish Healing Network volunteer at JFCS. 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 JFCS, in partnership with Margos Catering, is pleased to bring you our meal program Meals4You. 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.
JFCS Recovery Mondays meets weekly at 4 p.m. for those seeking personal recovery from addiction for themselves. This is a safe, confidential Zoom meeting hosted by Jodi S through JFCS. If interested please contact Jodi S: 904-254-2322 or email info@jfcsjax.org.
Through a partnership with GO GO Grandparent and a grant from the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, JFCS is now offering immediate rides through our Call2Go program. Riders will no longer have to call to book transportation. They will now be able to use an "on demand" service available at their fingertips! GO GO Grandparent will have booking agents available 24/7. When a client calls, the agent will book, monitor and stay available to the client until the ride is complete. Riders MUST preregister with Nicole Brown at (904) 394-5724 and have a cell phone (texting is not necessary) to use this service. Call2Go is available to those in need of transportation to attend synagogue, medical appointments and other important outings. A sliding fee scale is available. Don't be deceived by the name. . .you don't have to be a grandparent to use the program. Call Nicole today! 47
Forever Lions Compassion. Strength. Leadership. A deep commitment to the Jewish community. A Lion of Judah is a woman who embodies all of these values and helps to support, sustain, and build Jewish life across the street and around the world. By becoming a F o re v e r Lion, one can continue to achieve this long after they are gone. Why did I become a Forever Lion? "My parents’ philanthropic philosophy was 'Give until it feels good.' I feel blessed and feel good about being able to pay it forward so that my gift can help our community after I am gone." - Marilyn Mass Forever Lion Marilyn Mass
To become a Forever Lion, contact Kellie Smith at 904.512.3796 or KellieK@jewishjacksonville.org.
Create a Jewish Legacy. jewishjacksonville.org/foundation