JFCS SAVED MY LIFE

NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE JFCS SAVED MY LIFE: A SURVIVOR STORY

By Donna O'Steen, Jewish Family & Community Services

The following personal story was written by a current JFCS client. Her name has been withheld to protect her privacy.

As a former victim of human sexual trafficking, there were moments when I didn’t believe I would survive. I was “purchased” more times than I can count by the highest bidder for that day. By Gail Greenfield, NESHAMA/The Jewish Meditation Community of Jacksonville

Many of us feel as though we are constantly under pressure. Whether the pressure is real or imagined, our health suffers, and our thinking becomes reactive and confused. With an increasing number of individuals taking anti–anxiety or antidepressant medications or struggling to

I was at the lowest place in my life and getting addicted to drugs seemed inevitable.

After being identified by the Department of Children and Families as a child who had been sexually and commercially trafficked, I was immediately put into traditional foster care.

Having never known what being a part of a family felt like, and feeling as though I’d never been truly loved at any time in my life, I did what past trauma taught me to keep an even keel during this unprecedented time of economic and political turmoil, compounded with a world pandemic, it seems more important than ever to think about ways to take responsibility for our own lives and bodies. It is possible to care for our mind, body and spirit and to do so within a Jewish meditation practice.

There is evidence that meditation practices within Judaism have been around since the time of the do—I ran away. I spent the first few months trying to run back to the life that had been my reality for so long.

Ironically, getting arrested and placed on probation by the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and put in the care of Jewish Family & Community Services was the best thing that could have happened to me. I was forced to face all of the disappointment, neglect, rejection, abuse, and trauma that I experienced throughout my life. And it brought healing that transformed my life completely.

I entered and successfully completed a program for sexually exploited children. Through my therapy sessions with Dupont Counseling Group, and working with my JFCS case manager I eventually realized that my rights had been violated. But it was my responsibility to Patriarchs, and there is substantial documentation of meditation in 13th century Hasidism, as well as subsequent movements throughout the centuries. Jewish meditation made a resurgence in the mid-20th century, especially through the work of Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan, who assembled a practical guide for meditation within a Jewish context, and developed tools to develop our spiritual potential and enhance our prayer practice change my narrative from traumatic to triumphant.

At this point in my life I consider myself to be very fortunate. I didn’t know how many more birthdays I would live to see, but I will soon be celebrating my 18th birthday with my amazing foster family. Every day they show me what it means to be a part of a loving family and for the first time in my life I am looking forward to my future. I want to help people the way JFCS helped me. I want people to know that people like me, who have a troubled history, are neither broken nor defeated. I want everyone to know that healing creates wonderful new beginnings. And when you least expect it, you will meet people who are willing to help you reclaim your life

MEDITATION FOR THE MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT

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and thrive on your journey. through traditional Jewish liturgy.

A small but thriving Jewish meditation community exists here in Jacksonville. Together, individuals learn appropriate techniques for stress reduction within a positive and Jewish environment, and the first time a Virtual Jewish Spirituality Retreat within the Jacksonville community is being planned for November 8.

For more information, contact Gail Greenfield at gailsgreenfield@gmail.com.

RIVER GARDEN CHIEF NURSING OFFICER NAMED LEADINGAGE FLORIDA EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR

By Kari Bell, River Garden Senior Services

Congratulations to Carol Thomas, River Garden’s long-time Chief Nursing Officer, on being named 2020 Executive of the Year by LeadingAge Florida.

Carol began her career with River Garden Hebrew Home in 1991. At that time, she only worked ‘as-needed’, but after just one year, she accepted a full-time position as a nurse manager. She was promoted to the Director of Nursing and Chief Nursing Officer position in 1997.

Now in her 29th year of service, Carol was notified of her award at a River Garden Department Head meeting on Wednesday, August 12, 2020. Two weeks later, on August 26, 2020, she formally accepted her award as a part of the Leading Age Florida virtual convention.

In a nomination letter, Mauri Mizrahi, Associate Administrator at River Garden, described Carol as intelligent, curious, ambitious, warm, generous, and real. “We nominated Carol because of the outstanding leadership she has shared with our agency. She cares deeply about our residents and her staff. Throughout the past years, Carol has seen our agency

through numerous surveys, and is now gracefully honor,” said Martin A. Goetz, Chief Executive Officer. Unaware of her being nominated, Carol Thomas is completely surprised when Marty Goetz announces her win and presents her with the award. - Y O N A T B A K E R Y Yemenite Israeli inspired BAKED GOODS & SMALL BITES  featuring cookies & cakes ~ flatbreads & yeasted doughs ~ much more! managing through this pandemic. Her tenacious For more than 57 years, LeadingAge Florida has been

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DELIVERY ONLY ORDER ONLINE prestigious Governor’s Gold Seal Award for Excellence Garden has always been very active with the organization. WWW . YONATBAKERY . COM deserve recognition. Personally, and Effective August 2020, Mauri Mizrahi was elected 904 - 373 - 7370 professionally, she is extremely worthy of this to its Board of Trustees. 11

BEQUESTIONS, CONT. FROM PG. 8 Let me share a few things We dropped them off at years in town I have fallen we are moving forward in a about our community that JFCS and talked about how in love with Jewish new way with a clear keep me doing what I do blessed he is and how Jacksonville. I was welcomed understanding that things every day. In my son’s Zoom important it is to help with open arms and the need to change for the open house for Kindergarten others. He asked me if the preschool education my son better. This is not a speed at Martin J. Gottlieb Day kids who would get was able to experience was boat we are driving; it is School we were asked to backpacks were Jewish and incredible. We are only a more like an old steamship. start the school year off if they needed kippot. I few weeks into grade school I want to be a part of this right by helping JFCS with replied with, "Maybe, but and I am beyond impressed community and I want to the back-to-school drive. maybe not and it doesn't with the education my son see Jewish Northeast Florida The school emailed us a list matter. All that matters is is receiving at Martin J. thrive and secure our future of supplies JFCS needed and that we are able to help Gottlieb Day School. I as a strong and vibrant asked that while we were others, so we do." That's a believe the connection and Jewish community. This is preparing for our own Jewish value. commitment to community why I do what I do. children that we encourage One of my favorite quotes between these organizations, For information about the and model a mitzvah. So is “We used to give because programs and missions services provided by our before school started, my they were Jewish and now wouldn't be what they are Foundation, please contact son and I went shopping to we give because we are today if not for Federation. me at kelliek@ assemble four backpacks. Jewish.” In my short eight Change is happening and jewishjacksonville.org.

JOIN VIRTUAL TEEN PROGRAM & SOCIAL ACTION PROJECT THIS FALL AT THE TEMPLE

By Michelle Penson, Congregation Ahavath Chesed - The Temple

Recently, I lost one of my heroes. John Lewis embodied so many of the values I strive to live by: •Doing Right: Acting with integrity and using judgment to do the right thing. •Giving All or Nothing:

Putting everything we have into everything we do. •Giving More than You

Take: Putting more in, so everyone gets more out. •Be Yourself.

The eulogies from Presidents Obama and Bush tell of his lifelong fight for

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equity among all people. In his eulogy, President Obama called John Lewis his Moses, showing him and the American people the way. President Bush, in his remarks, said that one of the truths that drove Lewis was a recognition that all people are created in the image of God (b’tzelem Elohim). Our former presidents were speaking our shared Jewish language. Bush recounted that one of the passages that meant a lot to Lewis was from Isaiah. God is looking for a prophet and asks, “Whom shall I send?” Isaiah answers, “I am here.” John Lewis was the ultimate embodiment of hineni.

I am here to support youth. I am here to build community and connection. I am here to listen and learn in a time of the unknown. I am here to continue the journey that was begun last year when we created Jax JEWnited. Hineni.

Temple will open for Jewish teens throughout Northeast Florida who are looking for a connection. Our post b’nai mitzvah program, Siyyum, is virtual learning experiences and social action projects. Teens from Temple Bet Yam and Beth El, the Beaches, as well as other unaffiliated teens have already signed up to join us. Please contact Michelle Penson at the Temple for more information and the schedule.

L’Shana Tovah U’metukah. May this year be good and sweet for all.

FAITH & INSPIRATION: CHOOSE HAPPINESS MAZEL TOV SYDNEY MANN

By Edith Horovitz, Martin J. Gottlieb Day School/Jacksonville Jewish Center

When asked, “Why are you always so happy?” I answer, “Somebody’s got to be!”

We choose how we respond to life, but we can help ourselves choose happiness and contentment. This pandemic presents challenges, creating isolation and loneliness while forcing us to live a new normal.

I think of the Yiddish expression, “Gam Zu L’tova—this too is for the best” during these crazy times.

The pandemic has made me focus on being healthy. We are taught that our bodies are holy and we have to take care of them. It is hard to find the time to exercise everyday but during the pandemic I have made it a point to either walk, bike or swim daily.

Our spiritual selves are important. Faith and the customs of Jewish life are an integral part of who I am, a source of comfort and strength. Waking up on Shabbat morning and not walking to shul has been an adjustment. Gam Zu L’tova—I have found that davening in my backyard and the peaceful quiet of Shabbat morning is a different, yet wonderful way to connect with God.

Finally, we must feed our souls. For me, this starts with family and has been made difficult by COVID -19. Even here we can find silver linings. We could focus on illness, isolation, riots, and hurricanes or we can look for those moments that shine through despite the craziness. Walking after dinner with my husband. Watching your grandchildren ride their new bikes. The FaceTime call from a grandchild sharing her new siddur. These silver linings that we don’t always have time to appreciate during “normal” times keep me happy all the time. Say “Gam Zu L’tova”, look for the silver linings and smile!

Shana tova—Wishing you a Happy, Healthy New Year. Mazel Tov to Sydney Mann who became a Bat Mitzvah, virtually, on August 22nd with her friends and family watching! Sydney is a proud and dedicated member of Congregation AhavathChesed and serves as the VP of Religion & Culture for the Temple’s 20s & 30s Young Professional Group, Trustee on the Temple Board and is a member of the Ritual and Adult Education committees while also being a member of the WRJ/Temple Sisterhood.

CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH WILL FEATURE RENOWNED COOKBOOK AUTHOR LEAH KOENIG

By Donna O'Steen, Jewish Community & Family Services

Two years ago, JFCS started our wellness program and called it “Wellness Warriors.” The staff wanted to get healthy and learn to live a healthier lifestyle.

Last month, JFCS was given an award from the First Coast Worksite Wellness Council and Florida Blue for creating a culture of health and wellness within our transform event attendees to locations around the world. “Having followed Leah Koenig’s work as a Jewish food writer for years, I am pleased to introduce her to our local community as her dedication to preserving and highlighting Jewish values and culture are a natural fit with organization.

JFCS is so honored to have been chosen and will continue on our journey to health!

Erica Jolles and Shylie Bannon, co-chairs of the 2021 Champagne Brunch our own," event co-chair, Shylie While we are still spending more time at home and less time traveling, this year’s Women’s Philanthropy Champagne Brunch will be a virtual escape. The featured speaker is Jewish Food By Lauren Rickoff, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida Writer and Cookbook Author, Leah Koenig. She is the author of six cookbooks, including "The Jewish Cookbook," a 400+ recipe collection of Jewish dishes from around the globe, which was named “Best New Cookbook” for Fall 2019 by Bon Appetit, Food & Wine and Forbes. Her global cuisine will Bannon said. Each month through January, Northeast Florida Jewish Life will feature one of Leah’s recipes as part of the Let’s Nosh section. Visit page 24 for a delicious recipe of Roast Chicken with Honey and Thyme. In addition, Shylie and event co-chair, Erica Jolles, shared

a video of them cooking Leah’s Poppyseed Jam Kugel, which was posted on the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida’s Facebook page on Wednesday, September 23.

“This year, more than any, I am delighted to serve as the co-chair of this year's Champagne Brunch," Erica Jolles said. "While I wish we were able to be together in person, what better way to start 2021 than coming together for an exciting and fun virtual event. I believe our ability to come together via our computers shows the true strength, grit and love of our Jewish Community."

The Women’s Philanthropy Champagne Brunch will take place on Sunday, January 10, 2021 via Zoom. For more information, contact me at

JFCS WELLNESS WARRIORS HONORED WITH AWARD

laurenr@jewishjacksonville.org.

GETTING TO KNOW OUR COMMUNITY SHALIACH STAV BRENER

about Judaism because he has come to understand that it is harder here to create a Jewish life, and in Israel, many people just live one! The Shlichut Program is an amazing opportunity for our community to learn more about Israel from a young Israeli perspective. Shaliach Stav Brener will share about Israel—his experiences and his knowledge about his home country. Please reach out to him. He can be found all over town--in our Jewish schools, synagogues and My husband and I had the occasion to share Shabbat in our home with Stav during actually excited to be in the United States to learn more Mike Abel, Shaliach Host Parent and Stav Brener, Community Shaliach sharing Shabbat in Jacksonville By Jill Abel, Israel Partnership Jewish agencies sharing an Israeli point of view. Contact Stav at jaxshlichut@ jewishjacksonville.org. There will be many opportunities over the next few months for us to get to know our new Shaliach, Stav Brener. For starters, he was born and raised in Tel Aviv, Israel. He has served in the army and he is an avid musician. However, I won’t say more than that. Make it a point to get to know him, attend one of his programs for he has so much to share with our community. What I learned about him was a little different, not what you might expect. I’ve had the privilege in my life to meet many Israelis. I always find it fascinating to learn about their perspective on different aspects of Judaism. Their answers never cease to surprise me. one of his first weeks here. The first thing I heard him say after we lit Shabbat candles and say the blessing was, “Wow, I haven’t done that in years.” I was surprised. I looked at him and asked, “Do you light candles on Friday night with your family?” His answer was “No.” We spent the evening talking about how his family celebrates Shabbat. He has dinner with his family on Friday night. They generally rest and get together with family and friends on Saturday, but lighting candles and reciting blessings—they just don’t do that. He explained that many Israelis are secular Jews and as such live a secular life. Stav shared that he is ALL THINGS POSSIBLE Pre-K through Grade 12, Day & Boarding School WE PREPARE OUR STUDENTS FOR COLLEGE AND LIFE LIKE NO OTHER SCHOOL. Getting into a great college starts with exceptional college preparation. Bolles.org 15

JEWISH FEDERATION & FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER FOCUS: Q&A WITH ERIK ROSTHOLDER

By Charlie DuBow, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida

This month’s Board Member Focus is Erik Rostholder. Erik is someone I can call a friend. I had the joy of speaking with him by phone to ask him some questions:

Where were you born and raised? New Hyde Park, New York

What hobbies and activities do you enjoy? I enjoy running, spending time with my family and socializing. I try to run about 80 to 100 miles a month. I am also a big fan of the New York Yankees!

Your college and career background? I received finance and real estate degrees from Florida State University and an MBA from the University of North Florida. I further hold the right to use both the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planning (CFP) designations.

What is one positive you have taken away from the pandemic? The positive is to focus on family, community, and the good things in life; and in our community there are many positives on which to focus.

Favorite place or country you have traveled to? Prechildren was Florence, Italy and postchildren is Walt Disney World. What dream or hope do you have for our Jewish Community? My hope is that our Jewish community learns more about legacy and planned giving, and embraces this concept. It is important to secure the futures of all our local agencies and their programming. Without increasing endowed funds through legacy gifts, I believe our community will suffer in the future.

What is your favorite Jewish tradition? My favorite Jewish tradition is Passover. I have a big extended family and I love getting together with everyone and seeing family that I do not get to see as often as I would like, so having a big seder is always fun!

Do you have a mentor or someone you would consider a mentor? Michael DuBow is a mentor to me and has been an influence in my engagement on multiple boards and getting involved in the community. I have learned a tremendous amount from him, including the importance of giving back to our community by using our time, unique skill sets, and resources to sustain and improve our community. If we do not support our own community, no one else will.

Please share with us a little bit about your family life. I am fortunate enough to

have convinced, persuaded, and downright tricked a wonderful woman to marry me! Emily and I have been married for 13 years and we have built a wonderful life together. I am so proud of her and she amazes me every day. Emily is a Gastroenterologist and partner at Borland-Groover and together we have two wonderful children, Hannah who is eight and Ethan who is five. Our third, but fluffy child is our 6-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Jasper. We are so very blessed!

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