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The 2021 Women’s Philanthropy Champagne Brunch is sure to transport us out of Northeast Florida. The guest speaker, Leah Koenig, Jewish cookbook author and food writer, will highlight the global inspiration behind some of her most popular recipes.
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Leah has traveled throughout the world, visiting Jewish communities to immerse herself in their culinary history and taste. Her latest project focuses on the Roman Jewish community. The unique local Jewish cuisine features delicious items like fried artichokes and garlic marinated zucchini. Leah will share a bit about her exploration of Budapest. Tragically, the city lost much of its Jewish community and culinary heritage during the Holocaust. In recent years Budapest has had a small, but exciting, Jewish cultural renaissance. It includes a handful of Jewish restaurants serving traditional dishes like Hungarian cholent and matzo ball soup made with goose instead of chicken.
During a cooking demonstration, Leah will highlight her inspiration behind becoming a cookbook author. When she began writing about food full time, developing recipes came along with it. She found the process of developing recipes incredibly satisfying—both creatively and intellectually. It is complicated work to get a recipe to work reliably.
Leah is looking forward to the Champagne Brunch. “Cooking with groups is one of my favorite parts about being a cookbook author. I love interacting with people, sharing stories and Jewish history, and creating something delicious together. Of course, nothing beats being in the same space, but I have been happily surprised by how intimate and engaging the experience can feel, even over Zoom. I look forward to meeting everyone for this important event.”
The Champagne Brunch, co-chaired by Shylie Bannon and Erica Jolles, is Sunday, January 10, 2021. For details, contact Laurenr@jewishjacksonville.org. Check out Leah’s recipe for Potted Sweet-And-Sour Meatballs on page 21.
Jewish cookbook author and food writer, Leah Koenig
JFCS VOLUNTEER ROCKSTAR: GAYLE BAILYS for the entire Jewish Jacksonville Jewish success. community! community (JFCS, In her spare time, Gayle Gayle grew up in Jacksonville Jewish Center, loves to play tennis, spend Beachwood, Ohio. She River Garden Hebrew Home time with her family— studied Recreation and the River Garden especially with her new Management at Indiana Auxiliary). She co-chaired granddaughter—and University before moving to the JFCS Annual Event, volunteering with various Jacksonville over 35 years Heroes Among Us, in 2016 organizations. This year, ago with her husband, and the River Garden Gala Gayle is serving as Chair of David. Much of her career in 2002. the Holiday Gift Giving was spent at the Jacksonville Gayle has been an integral program at JFCS. She has Jewish Center where she part of the JFCS family, worked hard to make the held a number of positions, always going above and program a success for many including Youth Director, beyond to provide support years and now we are Recreational Programming, and caring attention to excited for her to lead it! By Donna O'Steen, Jewish Summer Camp Coordinator every project she We are so thankful for Family & Community and many other youth- participates in. She always Gayle. She is a true Services related jobs. gives her whole self to each Volunteer Rockstar and Gayle Bailys is a true Rockstar at Jewish Family & Community Services—and Over the course of her life, Gayle has served on several boards and committees in the event that she is involved with and does it with positivity and complete commitment to making it a friend to all! Thank you, Gayle, for always helping JFCS help others help themselves. You ROCK!
AMERICANS AND ISRAELIS: MANY DIFFERENCES YET OUR SIMILARITIES CONNECT US
By Jill Abel, Israel Partnership
When my family moved to Jacksonville over 25 years ago, I knew that we could rely on the Jewish community to help us acclimate to a new city. We joined the Jewish Community Alliance (JCA) and a local synagogue. We worked hard to engage in activities and meet people — important steps in becoming part of the larger Jewish community.
Many years later, as we realized that summers of our children wanting to travel with us were numbered, we decided to join a Jewish Federation Family Mission to Israel. I had never been and neither had our children. This trip would become a turning point in our family for many reasons. Primarily, it was the first of many times we would visit the HaderaEiron region and learn about the Israelis who lived there.
Since that Family Mission in the summer of 2009, I have traveled to Israel many times. Most trips have been leading delegations of Americans seeking to make connections with Israelis through our Israel Partnership Programs. Some trips have been with teens and some with medical professionals and young community leaders. While all of these groups were different, they all had one thing in common. All were
Jill and Mike Abel with their P2G Hadera-Eiron Family
people who knew of the American Jewish experience and chose to travel to Israel to learn more about the Israeli Jewish experience.
We marveled at how different Shabbat felt in Israel. We learned about how a different democratic government system worked. We faced the reality that mothers and fathers in Israel send their children to the army at age 18 while we Americans send ours off to college.
We also learned about some characteristics of Israelis that make us feel more different. Israelis tend to be incredibly straight forward. They say what’s on their minds. We Americans tend to be more reserved. Israelis don’t worry about planning as we do; A meeting or a party will begin when they arrive. However, we don’t worry about other countries sending rockets over to our cities in the middle of the night. Our worries are different—no less significant but very different.
Yet in every single one of my visits to Israel, in every single delegation I have taken to Israel, we are repeatedly reminded of one very important commonality. While there are as many differences as miles between us, we are all one big Jewish family at heart. We come from different places, but we love our families and will do whatever we need to do in order to protect them and ensure that their future is better than our present. We value community and we take care of each other— from our youngest to our oldest community members. And, we believe strongly in education and the telling of our story. As Jews, we have learned that we must never forget from where we have come and we must always have a vision for where we are going.
Israel Partnership Programs bring people together with people. We learn about each other and what unites us and we develop friendships that become lifelong family ties. I encourage you to get involved in an Israel Partnership or Partnership2Gether program.
Let me help you find your family in Israel. For more information about upcoming projects and programs, contact me at jilla@jewishjacksonville.org.
NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE BEQUESTIONS WITH KELLIE SMITH
“How do I give and feel connected to the mission I am supporting when I often feel excluded?”
Philanthropy can certainly provide connection, meaning and purpose both to those who give, and to those who receive. While many who invest in Jewish philanthropy give because of relationships, others base Jewish
philanthropy on the idea of tzedakah, charity, or justice. Some maintain that Jewish philanthropy remains too homogenous and self-serving; however, Jews around the world support non-Jewish causes.
According to The Chronicle of Philanthropy, “Jewish donors – especially those of modest means – are among the most generous Americans,” says a new report. “Many of them make a high proportion of their gifts to causes that have nothing to do with their faith. About 76 percent of Jewish donors say they made a charitable gift last year, compared with 63 percent of non-Jews.”
The Nonprofit Quarterly reports that American Jews lead in per capita giving “because it is ingrained in philanthropy and peoplehood. their traditions of charity, or For one, philanthropy can and tzedakah…60% of Jewish should be relationship based households earning less than and collaborative. Effective $50,000 a year donate, philanthropy, in a sense, might compared with 46% of provide connection, meaning non-Jewish households in that and purpose both to those income bracket…And while who give and to those who Jews, like other Americans, receive. It might guide not just give to religious institutions, the what, but the why and the they give relatively less to how of giving. Philanthropy religion and more to secular has provoked major causes. While culture is critical, consolidations in operations of Jewish giving is boosted by local and national institutions, two additional factors – with the confluence of education and wealth…” mergers, partnerships,
We all want to feel closures, and merely staying connected, find meaning and relevant. have purpose. I believe Jewish For as many challenges as philanthropy connects to we face in the Jewish peoplehood, and yet we have a community, there is great long way to go for a fully opportunity for philanthropy inclusive and collective culture. to revive and revitalize. These overlapping themes say Trustees and boards of a good deal about BEQUESTIONS, cont. pg. 13
By Stacey Goldring, Searching for Identity
If you identify as a child or grandchild of Holocaust survivors, you are invited to become a part of the monthly Searching For Identity Workshop.
You do not have to be a writer to attend! In fact, you don’t have to write or say a word. The workshop serves as environment where children and grandchildren of Holocaust survivors can
discuss and write, if they chose, about their experiences, growing up in a survivorship household and the issues, responsibilities and legacies that are these children and grandchildren inherit. For those who do write, the workshop offers an idea community to refine essays, speeches, etc., ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust are shared publicly or privately, for families and or the public, from generation to generation, for no one to deny.
The workshop is Searching For Identity’s flagship program, inspiring documentary films, educational curriculum, publishing and public speaking opportunities and performing and visual arts programming open to the public. Thanks to a generous grant from a private foundation, the monthly discussions and writing continue.
This year, the monthly workshops are online, with both daytime and evening meetings.
Any questions? Please contact 904-419-9915 or info@searchingforidentity.org Find us on Facebook or at searchingforidentity.org
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JFCS WELCOMES NEW CFO NELSON GIBSON
JFCS is honored to welcome Nelson Gibson as our new CFO. Nelson assumed the role after longtime CFO, Manny Pineda, retired in early October.
A native of Michigan, Nelson received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Embry Riddle University. He joins the JFCS team after a successful 19-year tenure at Hubbard House.
His leadership successfully led the organization to financial success with the help of his team. Nelson believes in leading by implementing positive feedback, good oversight. and by providing the guidance necessary to empower his team.
Nelson and his wife Diana (Dee-ah-nah) live in Jacksonville. They met as teenagers when Diana was an exchange student from Holland. Ten years later, she returned to the United States and the two reunited and fell in love. They have been married for 18 years.
In his spare time, Nelson enjoys yard work, exercising, and has a love for cars, owning four of his own, including a 1977 completely remodeled Corvette, previously owned by his father. His wife, is an avid horseback rider and will be competing in the World Championship Western Dressage show in the coming weeks.
When asked why he chose as his new place of employment, JFCS, Nelson responded, “I spent 18 years at Hubbard House and loved every minute of working in social services. I went home each night feeling accomplished because I worked at an agency that provided support to women in need. JFCS is so respected in the community and it felt like a good fit—it felt like I
was meant to be in this position, with this agency. It was a proud moment when I was offered the position.”
JFCS is proud to have you, Nelson! Welcome to the team!
BLUE DOT IN A SEA OF PINK
By Ronald Rapaport, Local Breast Cancer Survivor
I am a cancer survivor who is on a mission to educate all people—especially men of Ashkenazi descent— to be aware of the signs and symptoms of male breast cancer. Here are the facts: There are approximately 2,600 men in the U.S that will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020.
Approximately 520 men will die this year due in part to lack of awareness of this tragic disease. Sadly, one in 40 men and women of Ashkenazi descent carries a genetic gene mutation that greatly increases the risk of developing breast cancer.
I was diagnosed in early 2019 with invasive ductal carcinoma in the left breast tissue. I learned that anyone with breast tissue has a chance of getting breast cancer. With support from my family, friends, and Beth El at The Beaches synagogue family, I made it through the medical crisis. After my mastectomy, I did not need chemotherapy or radiation because I was lucky to catch it early. Early detection is the key to survival. Knowing the risks, signs, symptoms and doing a monthly breast exam is a must.
After being diagnosed, I reached out to the Male Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) for support since it is a rare disease compared to female breast cancer. Men face a host of challenges such as isolation, depression and emasculation from thinking they have a woman's disease. As a result, many men ignore their symptoms, delaying treatment and are diagnosed at stage three of the disease.
A woman who knew I was having cancer surgery asked me what kind of cancer I had. I told her I had breast cancer and she laughed profusely thinking I was joking. At that moment, my
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embarrassment turned to empowerment and my pain turned to purpose. I vowed if I made it through the journey in good shape that I would advocate for male breast cancer awareness so no man would ever feel alone when hearing the words, "You have breast cancer."
For a downloadable breast self exam card explaining the proper procedure to check your breast tissue and the signs and symptoms of male breast cancer, visit malebreastcancercoalition.org
Since my diagnosis, I have always been open to talking about my breast cancer. This is something I think was meant to happen to me so that I could help others.
Ronald Rapaport lives in Ponte Vedra Beach and is active in the Jacksonville and national cancer scene hosting a virtual support group for men, being a “Real MEN Wear Pink” participant for the American Cancer Society, doing speaking engagements, and advocating at local events. You can hear more from Ron firsthand on November 19th from 7-8PM at the next Federation Society of Healers program, "It’s Not Just for Women, the Big C," in collaboration with national organizations, Sharsheret and JScreen, local cancer survivors, and someone recently diagnosed. Register at events. idonate.com/SOHNov2020.
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CELEBRATING FOSTER TEEN BIRTHDAYS DURING A PANDEMIC
Celebrating birthdays is the one thing the teens in JFCS’s care want the most. They want to be acknowledged and experience the love and care put into someone selecting a special gift for them. They want a favorite dessert. They want to feel normal, and it’s been a long time since most have been able to do anything remotely (no pun intended) normal!
Our teens have missed six
Our amazing May Foster Teen Birthday volunteers (from left to right): Karen Wekstein, Thelma Nied, Shelli Richter, Cecilia Cristol and Lonnie Steinberg! Thank you for sponsoring a foster teen for his/her birthday!
months of birthday celebrations, so we thought, “maybe we can still celebrate…just a little bit differently.” So how can we still celebrate during a pandemic?
It’s still unsafe to have in-person celebrations in restaurants, and we have come up with an alternate way to celebrate until we can safely resume face-toface interactions When we started the program, the concept was to provide our volunteers with the opportunity to meet a foster teen and celebrate their birthday in a restaurant over lunch.
Since we can’t do that, we have restructured the celebrations to be virtual. We have contacted volunteers that previously signed up, and asked if they still want to participate. For those who agreed, we asked them to: 1) Shop for gift(s) and a cake/dessert for a teen in our foster program from a wishlist they filled out. 2) Bring the gift(s) and cake/ dessert on a pre-selected day to the 8540 Baycenter location, where it will be picked up by the teen’s caseworker and delivered later that day. 3) Send a “Happy Birthday” video, for the teen.
The plan may not be perfect, but it is something we feel is important to resume—both for our teens and for our volunteers. For more information on the birthday program, contact Donna O’Steen at dosteen@jfcsjax.org.
COMMUNITY • WHAT’S HAPPENING IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING SPREADS LOVE
As Ruth Bader Ginsburg so eloquently put it, “help repair the tears in your community and make things a little better through the use of whatever ability you have, because you get much more satisfaction for the things you do for which you were not paid.”
The Jewish Family & Community Services Holiday Gift Giving program gives you the opportunity to do just that - come together as a community to make a difference in the lives of children and seniors in need during the Holiday season.
JFCS donors are the true heroes and during the directors have an important role to play as the stewards of holidays, your selfless support spreads love throughout the community.
This year has been particularly challenging and as we approach the holiday season we anticipate the needs of those we serve to be greater than we’ve seen in previous years. We ask, again, for your help in providing those less fortunate with something they may not have without you – a happy holiday.
If you would like to enrich the lives of our families during the holiday season, we hope you choose to sponsor a child or a senior to shop and purchase gifts for. Contact Donna O’Steen at dosteen@jfcsjax.org.
If you would like to help, but you are unable to shop, a both private and family foundations, and the nonprofit beneficiaries whom they fund monetary donation can be made and we will shop for and lead. Greater partnerships between lay and professional, more intentional mentoring of volunteer leaders, additional data aligning performance with organizational metrics, and a new paradigm of board structure and process may be needed. More than anything, a culture of inquiry might move boards in the right direction to foster a greater collaborative and curious approach to philanthropy. For the philanthropic relationship to evolve, a greater sense of trust is needed. I encourage participation, inquiry and a deeper understanding of the missions and organizations for your tzedakah.
Philanthropy can strengthen
you. Visit jfcsjax.org/holidays
BEQUESTIONS, from pg. 8
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and make a difference today. Jewish peoplehood by focusing both on the individual and the collective. We are moving towards more inclusive grant committees that involve community members, students, educators, and other direct beneficiaries in the process of giving. We have a duty to convene and promote equitable and inclusive thought as we shape our future.
I hope that everyone finds a place to be involved and be heard. Jewish philanthropy, like Jewish peoplehood, can be a guiding light for our ethics and morals. As we invest our time, talent and treasure in the community, we must all find our path and strength.
MANAGING DIABETES, MANAGING GOOD HEALTH MAKING FOOD THE SOLUTION NOT THE PROBLEM diabetic since age seven, preventable. About 9 in 10 free medicine to address "Diabetes is on track to cases in the U.S. can be inflammation, prevent and/ become the largest epidemic avoided by making lifestyle or reverse chronic illness," in human history." changes. And—not she adds. The truth is, if type 2 surprising —these same We hope you will join diabetes were an infectious changes can also lower the Hadassah Jacksonville and disease, passed from one chances of developing heart the JCA when Stacy By Helen Hill, Hadassah person to another, public disease and some cancers. Seslowsky and Elaine Jacksonville health officials would agree According to medical and Bergstrom, a life-time with Dr. Leibowitz and say health care experts, the key member of Hadassah and a
Over 7 million people we are in the midst of an to prevention can be boiled Type 1 diabetic, will present with diabetes are epidemic. This difficult down to five words: Stay this timely program, undiagnosed, and 1 in 3 disease is striking an lean and stay active. "Managing Diabetes: Making American adults are at risk ever-growing number of Stacy Seslowsky, Food the Solution & Not the for developing type 2 adults, and with the rising Functional Nutrition Problem" on Tuesday, diabetes. rates of childhood obesity, it Registered Dietitian with the November 17th at 1 p.m.
According to Dr. Gil has become more common JCA says that inflammation (see "Worth the Schlep", for Leibowitz, head of the in youth. is the underlying cause of additional information). Hadassah Diabetes Center at The good news is, no diabetes, whether type 1 or Let's work together the Hadassah-Hebrew matter what your age, type 2—as well as other getting lean and staying University Medical Center prediabetes and type 2 chronic illnesses. “Food can active—all of us! in Jerusalem—and himself diabetes are largely act as a long-term side-effect
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JF&F BOARD MEMBER FOCUS: DEBBIE BANKS perspective on during this the Women’s Philanthropy in Deuteronomy “Zedek, Zedek pandemic? division. tirdof.” “Justice, justice, shalt thou The pandemic has been an If there was one worldwide pursue.” As a champion of interesting time for me. problem you could eliminate (aside women, minority groups and Conducting my “outside” from this current pandemic), what the disabled, she dedicated her activities in my home has would it be and why? life to fighting for equality for increased my engagement in No question, I would outsiders. I would ask her, what these activities. In my work with eliminate hunger. Food, of gave her the courage to pursue By Charlie DuBow, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida Federation, I've had more opportunities to connect to and learn from others in Jacksonville and beyond. Most acutely course, provides nutrition, which is required for good activity and brain function. Food also builds community her goals? How the state of Israel influenced her vision of the world? And what was her favorite meal that her mother Where were you born and raised, and can you provide a little bit of background of your life? I was born and raised in New York City. I have a degree from Brandeis University, where I met Garry, and I have a graduate degree from Temple University. We moved to Jacksonville in 1996 when Garry accepted a job at Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute. What have you gained a better though, I recognize not just the need for community but the need for physical community. Speaking of volunteering, what have you been a part of since living in Jacksonville? I have served on the Jacksonville Jewish Center board, the JCA board, and have been president of the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School PTA. I am currently on the Federation board, Generation WOW Advisory Board and the chair of and binds cultures to one another, which can be a catalyst for peace. What influential celebrity would you want to have dinner with and what would you ask them? At this point in time and history, I would want to share a meal with the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She lived her life Jewishly by the commandment cooked for her as a child? Debbie and her loving husband Garry have three kids, all graduates of the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School: Jonah (26), a graduate from the University of Pennsylvania, Shira (24), a graduate from the University of Michigan, and Aaron (21), currently a senior at Washington University in St. Louis.
JACKSONVILLE KOLLEL'S YOUNG PROFESSIONALS By Joey Hamaoui, food and beverages. This Jacksonville Kollel program is open to the public The Jacksonville Community Kollel’s Young Professionals division is on fire! We just launched our new Holy Smokes BBQ program for Young Professionals with an incredible turnout of over 25 participants. This new program brings Jewish Young Professionals from all walks of life together for a fun BBQ with some words of inspiration tied in. This past month we heard inspiring words from Sarita Weltman, while enjoying great and there is no cost to join us. It’s a relaxed and easy way to meet other Jewish Young Professionals and get a dose of inspiration to carry you through the month. We will be continuing this program monthly and will be hosting our next one on November 15th. To learn more about our Young Professional’s division and upcoming programs contact Joey Hamaoui at (305) 764-7212 or JoeyHamaoui@ JacksonvilleKollel.com.
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE
JCA JEWISH CULTURAL ARTS FESTIVAL FORMAT BRINGS NEW POSSIBILITIES By Lior Spring, Jewish chair. options very limited. with JASMYN, a northeast Community Alliance Among our 2020 firsts is a A parenting program on Florida advocacy group for series of film shorts! On November 11 could not LGBTQ youth, and sponsored
This year’s JCA Jewish November 8, the festival come at a better time. Dr. by Glenn and Michael Miller. Cultural Arts Festival is all presents three award winning Abigail Gewirtz’s When the Authors Mimi Lemay, What about firsts! Large indoor Jewish films (none longer World Feels Like a Scary Place We Will Become, and Jo Ivester, gatherings are a no-no, and than 24 minutes.) that offers practical solutions—like Once A Girl, Always a Boy, the stellar Jewish Book showcase the creative genius scripts and dialogue—to raise share highly personal and Council authors we look behind storytelling in short capable kids while bad things courageous stories of raising forward to are not engaging form. In Wig Shop, Emily are happening in the world. transgender children. in airline travel this year. The Mortimer is an LA Orthodox Engagement for older All events are free and open reality of virtual woman who uncovers some elementary and middle school to the entire community programming provided the surprising truths while being readers is also a festival first! thanks to the generosity of festival committee a chance to fitted for a wig. A Jew Walks In partnership with PJ our sponsors. Advance expand its lineup and bring Into A Bar profiles a man Library, Book of Secrets author registration is required to new events to Jacksonville. attempting to find his place in and illustrator Rabbi Mat 730-2100 ext. 228. For
“We hope our community the world; using jokes as his Tonti will lead a hands-on additional information or to embraces these new literary compass to navigate the virtual program on the art of donate, contact Lior Spring at and cinematic events and unknown. In the comedy, The illustration on November 8. 730-2100 ext. 318 or visit joins us as we explore virtual Chop, a young, handsome and On November 4, the jcajax.org/jcafest. cultural opportunities brought charismatic Israeli loses his festival presents an evening of directly to your living room,” job at a Kosher butcher only compassion and empathy on says Sherrie Saag, festival to find his employment LGBTQ rights in partnership
JFCS BOARD FOCUS: CHRISTEN LUIKART
By Donna O'Steen, Jewish
Family & Community
Services
Christen Luikart is a partner at the law firm of Murphy &
Anderson, P.A. located in historic San Marco. She is an experienced litigation attorney who has handled over 70 jury 16
trials, bench trials, and arbitrations, including a recent full defense verdict as lead defense counsel. Whether handling a case on behalf of a Fortune 500 company or a local business owner, Christen is dedicated to reaching the most successful resolution possible for her clients.
Christen attended law school at the University of Florida, where her strong advocacy and writing skills earned her honors and a position as a teaching assistant for legal research and writing and for appellate advocacy. Christen served as a member of the Attorney General Staff for the University of Florida Student Honor Court and as an Ambassador to Law School and the Legal Profession. While in law school, she volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House and Habitat for Humanity. Her performance in law school, along with her dedication and community involvement, earned her the Presidential Award for Outstanding Contributions at UF.
She has been selected by her peers as a “Florida Trend’s Legal Elite” and previously as an “Up and Comer”. She was also named a Florida Super Lawyer (2017-present) and Florida Super Lawyer Rising Star (2016). In 2019, Christen received the Unsung Shero and Hero Award from the Women’s Center of Jacksonville for “quietly making a positive difference in the lives of women” in the local community.
Christen is originally from New Port Richey, Florida. She moved to Gainesville and obtained her Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees at the University of Florida on a full academic scholarship. When she is not working, Christen enjoys being outdoors, traveling, and spending time with her husband and children.
COMMUNITY • WHAT’S HAPPENING IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA FAITH & INSPIRATION By Rabbi Yaakov Fisch, cherished values. registration was required and There were staggered start Etz Chaim Synagogue With the High Holidays, everyone was assigned a seat and end times for the three our taskforce spent an in advance. Our Sephardic minyanim to arrive and
As with almost every area extraordinary amount of time Minyan was located in our depart at different times. in life, the COVID season has planning a schedule of social hall to allow for more With the three minyanim upended congregational life. in-person services that would social distancing and its our Rabbis and Chazzanim Our synagogue deeply values be meaningful but not service was enhanced with all were floating between the both the cherished values of compromise on safety in any the special Sephardic customs various location to be a public health and safety and way. The recommendations and tunes enabling the men resource for all those who offering the community a that are taskforce put forward and women to pray and came to participate in platform for communal were for us to have three connect in their own heritage. services. We are very grateful prayer. Our shul has been separate minyanim in There was an outdoor to all the community open for weekday and different locations that would minyan that was located members who participated in Shabbat services since June allow for appropriate social mediately adjacent to the our services and and updated our protocols on distancing. Most seats were building. We rented a tent demonstrated that we were a weekly basis by our COVID marked off in the main from an event company that able to have a season of taskforce. Our task force is sanctuary and only those was outfitted with special fans uplifting prayers that were comprised of lay leaders, unmarked were able to be to enable for better meaningful and inspirational physicians, and rabbis as we occupied. The only people ventilation. All congregeants while not compromising constantly assess and allowed to sit next to each were required to wear masks public health and safety. formulate policies paying other were folks from the the entire time and that close attention to our same household. Mandatory included the outdoor minyan.
BONO’S PIT BAR-B-Q PRESENTS "SAUL & RUBY, TO LIFE" AT JCA JEWISH CULTURAL ARTS FESTIVAL OPENING
By Lior Spring, Jewish Community Alliance
The JCA Jewish Cultural Arts Festival opens Sunday, November 1 with Saul and Ruby, To Life!, a documentary about a pair of sprightly Holocaust survivors who bring their tuneful call for peace and healing from their assisted living facilities in South Florida to the rest of the world’s stage. This uniquely uplifting tribute to the human spirit is sponsored by Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q and Kirsten and Josh Martino. Thanks to their generosity, the film’s beloved stars, Saul Dreier and Ruby Sosnowicz, will participate in a live question and answer session via Zoom and play a sampling of their beautiful music at 7 pm on November 1.
The festival continues through November 17 with a wide variety of author events and films; a diverse array beyond the scope of what has been previously offered due to the virtual format. Festival books are on sale now at San Marco Books and More—1971 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207. The JCA has partnered with San Marco Books and More as our festival bookseller. You may purchase visiting author books in-store or by visiting http://bit.ly/ JCAFest2020. With each book sold, San Marco Books and More will generously donate to the JCA Jewish Cultural Arts Festival. You may ship books (costs apply) or opt for free, in-store pick up.
Festival events are free and open to the entire community thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and supporters. This year’s festival proceeds will also support a year of cultural arts programming at the JCA. Visit jcajax.org/jcafest to donate and learn more about the exciting lineup of events. Advance registration is required to 730-2100 ext. 228. Links to all programs will be provided one-week prior to each event. Contact Lior Spring at lior.spring@jcajax.org for additional information about the festival.
JCA WISHES TO THANK JEWISH CULTURAL ARTS FESTIVAL SPONSORS:
