September Edition - Northeast Florida Jewish Life Magazine

NORTHEAST FLORIDA

Jewish Life

A PUB LICATI O N O F T HE JE WI S H FED E RAT ION A N D FOU N DAT ION OF N ORT H E AST F LO R I DA

SEPTEMBER 2020 - TISHREI 5781 VOL. 33 NO. 23 | jewishjacksonville.org photo credit: Jacksonville Jewish Center

Shana Tova

HIGH HOLIDAY SCHEDULES, RECIPES, AND NEW YEAR MESSAGES

8505 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL 32217

POSTMASTER PLEASE DELIVER BY SEPTEMBER 6 Organization U.S. Postage PAID Jacksonville, FL Permit No. 146

Dear 5781 Last year wasn't easy - and I want this year to be different.

I want seniors who feel isolated to feel connected. I want parents who can't put food on their tables to be able to feed their famili�s. And I want our Jewish community to continue thriving.

I want he�th for the sick and comfort for the poor.

I want to see a better world.

Sincerely, �

If all of this sounds a bit overwhelming, it doesn't have to be... you can make the New Year one of healing and prosperity for all with your gift to the Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida.

The Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida works to

bring about the change you want, and your gift today will help make it happen. Make your gift of $118 or more by October 30 and receive a Jewish Federation and Foundation mask.

Visit www.jewishjacksonville.org today to make a difference now by making your gift to the 2021 Annual Campaign.

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LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR In late August of 1990, exactly 30 years ago, I began working at our Jewish Federation. It was the first time I had ever heard, “Shalom Y'all!” Little did I know that Jan and I would fall in love with Jewish Jacksonville, be blessed with meaningful friendships, and that I would have the privilege to serve our community alongside truly incredible volunteers and colleagues.

With the High Holidays approaching, it is even more important than ever to wish one another a Happy and Healthy New Year. If we are blessed with health, then our challenges will not seem so overwhelming.

As a new year begins so too does the Annual Campaign of the Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida. Since March, the needs within our community, in Israel and Jewish communities throughout the world have increased like never before. The need for all members of our Jewish community to support our annual campaign has never been stronger.

Now is the time to make your 2021 Annual Campaign donation, and I know I can count on your support. Make your gift at www.jewishjacksonville.org.

The impact of the pandemic on our local agencies, synagogues, schools, and the Federation has brought to light the importance and urgency to establish endowment funds to secure all our Jewish organizations. We must work together to secure the future of our Jewish community. During the coming year, our Jewish Foundation will launch our first ever community-wide endowment campaign. It is my hope that everyone will participate.

I wish you a L’ Shana Tova—Happy New Year! I am looking forward to a great year ahead for our Jewish community.

Jewish Federation & Foundation Staff

Alan Margolies Federation Executive Director alanm@jewishjacksonville.org

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

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

Mitzi Saul Marketing and Communications Manager mitzis@jewishjacksonville.org Isabel Balotin Director, Shalom Y’all shalomjax@jewishjacksonville.org Jill Abel Director, Israel Partnership jilla@jewishjacksonville.org

Jennifer Rensch Campaign Coordinator jenniferr@jewishjacksonville.org

Stav Brener Community Shaliach jaxshlichut@jewishjacksonville.org

Alan Margolies

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

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contents COMMUNITY WOMEN HELPING WOMEN BEQUESTIONS WITH KELLIE SMITH ONE OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA'S NEWEST CHANGEMAKERS

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L’DOR V’DOR 15 PORCH VISITS ALLOW LOVED ONES TO CONNECT MANAGING MENTAL HEALTH IN EARLY CHILDHOOD TEENS ADVOCATING FOR ISRAEL LET'S NOSH 23 READER RECIPES FOR ROSH HASHANAH IT’S YOUR BUSINESS ZISSER FAMILY LAW

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SHANA TOVA HIGH HOLIDAY MESSAGES AND SYNAGOGUE SCHEDULES

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WORTH THE SCHLEP

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SEE AND BE SCENE

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COMMUNITY RESOURCES

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

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

WOMEN HELPING WOMEN THROUGH THE DIGNITY PROJECT

Jennifer Neuman, Dignity Project Chair; Lauren Rickoff, Women’s Philanthropy Director; and Debbie Banks, Women’s Philanthropy Chair deliver hundreds of feminine products to Cameo Maat, Specialist & Team Member Care Coordinator for Jewish Family and Community Services.

By Lauren Rickoff, Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida

Did you know that most programs designed to help low-income families, including Medicaid and Food Stamps, exclude menstrual products? Pads & tampons are classified alongside “luxuries” like pet food, cigarettes, and alcohol. Period poverty impacts millions of people every day and is pervasive in US schools.

Earlier this year, Women’s

Philanthropy launched the Dignity Project, collecting over 100 boxes of feminine products. The project has been so successful that Women’s Philanthropy is starting to make another collection.

“In response to the persistent needs of girls and women in our local community, Women’s Philanthropy is empowered to continue our dignity project to help mitigate period poverty,” Women’s Philanthropy Chair Debbie

Banks said. “This meaningful and effective project reflects the values of our Federation and specifically, as women helping women, our mission to repair the world.”

In addition to the Max Block Food Pantry at Jewish Family and Community Services, the dignity project will be donating feminine products and deodorant to PACE Center for Girls Jacksonville. This second collection will open September 1 and conclude September 30. Items can be

dropped off at the Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida (8505 San Jose Blvd.) and can also be purchased from the Dignity Project Amazon Wishlist: cutt.ly/dignity-jfednefl.

“Helping women gain their dignity is the start of selfworth within,” Dignity Project Chair Jennifer Neuman said.

“I am honored to be chairing this project.”

For more information, contact Lauren Rickoff at (904) 224-1406 or laurenr@ jewishjacksonville.org.

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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE

JACKSONVILLE KOLLEL ANNOUNCES NEW HEAD OF KOLLEL AND OUTREACH DIRECTOR

By Manya Goldstein, Jacksonville Kollel

The Jacksonville Kollel is excited to announce Rabbi Yosef Chaim Cohen as the new head of Kollel and Rabbi Joey Hamaoui as outreach director.

Rabbi Cohen grew up in Israel, where he studied at the famed Mir Yeshiva and trained at “Ner Le’elef” Jewish outreach training program in Jerusalem. In 2018, Rabbi Cohen and his wife Gitty, moved from Israel to Jacksonville, to become educators and connect Jews of the diaspora to Torah and the land of Israel. As a founding member of the

Kollel, he has taught adults and youth from the local Jewish community and arranged many learning programs and events.

Rabbi Hamaoui joined the Kollel as outreach director.

For the past two years, Hamaoui served as the NCSY and JSU director of Northeast Florida. During this short time, he expanded the program to reach more than 110 Jewish local teens. He also ran five Jewish Student Union clubs in local public and private schools. Hamaoui joins current Kollel members, Rabbis Sammy Kahn, Mayer Rabinowitz and Avi Schochet who all share the mission of

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L to R: Rabbi Joey Hamaoui and Rabbi Yosef Cohen

teaching Torah and connecting Jews to their heritage.

Since its founding in 2018, the Kollel has become a bustling center of Torah study for Jews of all backgrounds and affiliations. It hosts

weekly classes and programs on various Jewish topics and offers personal learning opportunities to all members of the Jacksonville Jewish Community. For more information, email office@ jacksonvillekollel.com.

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JEWISH JAVA GOES VIRTUAL While we are all sheltering-in-place, our community is grateful that technology has allowed us to enjoy a variety of programs, religious services and other opportunities to actually see and speak to each other.

July Jewish Javas brought the wonders of nature to our Zoom screens. The first Java featured the multi-talented Aaron Holzer who shared up-close-and-personal photos of two of his many African safaris. His

photo credit top Aaron Holzer; bottom: Lloyd Granat

May we who are merely inconvenienced remember those whose lives are at risk.

May we who have no risk factors remember those who are vulnerable.

May we who have the luxury of working from home remember those who must choose between preserving their health and making their rent.

May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close remember those who have no options.

May we who have to cancel our trips remember those who have no place to go.

May we who are losing their margin money in the

tumult of the economic market remember those who have no margin at all.

May we who settle in for quarantine at home remember those who have no home.

During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other, let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our family, friends and neighbors.

Amen For more of these blessings, go to jewishsacredaging.com, click on RESOURCES (at the top menu bar), then click on study guides and look for New Rituals For New Life Stages.

B A K T E A N O BAKED GOODS & SMALL BITES R Yemenite Israeli inspired

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photography skills, humorous anecdotes and vast knowledge of the animal kingdom guided us on our own vicarious safari. Later in the month, Aaron shared his lifetime love of birding and his secrets to creating enjoyable and photo-worthy sightings of many of our local feathered friends. Aaron also shared beautiful photos taken by Lloyd Granat.

In August, Rabbi Richard Address, visiting rabbi at Congregation Ahavath Chesed-The Temple, presented a variety of creative blessings that were inspired by our changing lifestyles and the pandemic.

Blessings for putting on a mask, removing a wedding ring at the end of the mourning period and one for cohabitation and more were shared.

The following is one of the blessings: The Shelter in Place prayer (From an unknown author in Washington state as the pandemic began)

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By Isabel Balotin, Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida

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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE

BEQUESTIONS WITH KELLIE SMITH

By Kellie Smith, Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida

“What or who is SEI and what are they saying about the market and our current investments?”

SEI is an investment management institution that is currently serving our Jewish Community.

Providing a customized and solutions based investment management approach, SEI serves institutions in both for profit and not for profit industries. All accounts within the Jewish Foundation are managed by SEI. The SEI Knowledge Center recently published this article, if you’d like to learn more about SEI or speak with the Chair of our investment committee, please email me at kelliek@ jewishjacksonville.org or go direct to www.seic.com.

The Stock Market Is Not the Economy

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• At the end of July, many economic indicators were at levels that would indicate trouble in the U.S. economy.

• After falling over 30% in March from its peak in February, the S&P 500 Index finished July ahead

for the year-to-date.

Despite the apparent disconnect from daily economic headlines, SEI believes there is still room for equities to go higher.

Despite improvements in some economic indicators in June and July, most are still at levels that would otherwise indicate trouble in the U.S. economy. In fact, economic growth in the U.S. contracted by over 30% at an annualized rate in the second quarter, its worst drop on record and four times the level seen during the worst of the global financial crisis.

American workers submitted more than one million unemployment claims for 19 consecutive weeks through the end of July (a level of joblessness previously never breached in the data series’ 50-plus years), and the unemployment rate remains over 10%.

Yet, after falling over 30% from its February peak as the COVID-19 pandemic spread to the U.S., the S&P 500 Index ended July positive for the year-to-date, just 3.4% down from its all-time high.

The second quarter of 2020 was its best in more than 20 years.

Causes for the Disconnect Market-cap indexes like the S&P 500 reflect the performance of the largest and usually most profitable companies within a given universe.

The technology,

communication services and health care sectors all benefited for different reasons from the spread of COVID-19. These companies accounted for almost 50% of the value of the S&P 500 Index at the end of July but represented a much smaller percentage of U.S. GDP. Because almost all of the large companies in these indexes also have global operations, their prospects can be heavily shaped by the economic outlook outside the U.S. On the other hand, small businesses—typically neighborhood restaurants, bars and other small enterprises that aren’t listed

on a stock exchange and do not have a diversified global footprint—were least prepared or able to survive the widespread lockdowns or reluctance of consumers to return; however, these companies make up close to 50% of U.S. GDP1.

Increasingly optimistic news that a COVID-19 vaccine could be a reality within the next year has also been beneficial for the economy’s long-term outlook, helping to mitigate the pessimism associated with daily death tolls.

However, the associated headlines are nothing tangible that will directly affect the current economic

COMMUNITY SEI’s View It’s challenging to make accurate economic calls even under more normal circumstances. Add in the direct and knock-on impacts of lockdowns, the range of potential paths that COVID-19 could still take, and the countless combinations of business and policy responses under each of these scenarios, it is truly anyone’s guess what the future holds.

However, SEI believes there is still room for equities to go higher: • Federal Reserve policy remains extremely expansionary; excess liquidity has continued to flow into equities • Government fiscal policy continues to provide a good deal of income support to

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households and businesses, although a fiscal cliff looms immediately ahead if negotiations over the latest stimulus package founders on the shoals of electionyear politics • Government bond yields are negative in inflationadjusted terms; SEI believes equities remain one of the few investments capable of producing increased wealth • Record-low interest rates justify higher-than-normal valuations • One should not underestimate the ability of equity markets to adapt to a changing environment, especially given the breakneck advances in technology and knowledge now taking place Even if one assumes the S&P 500 Index may post sub-par

returns in the years ahead, SEI believes: • Equities beyond the technology sector and mega-caps appear cheaper • International equities can outperform U.S. equities, especially if the dollar enters a sustained period of currency weakness SEI investment managers are thinking in terms of years, rather than months, before the corporate earnings environment recovers from below-trend economic activity to more normal conditions.

SEI believes that there will be plenty of opportunities for skilled managers to capitalize on and that investors will be rewarded for their patience and moderation.

Index Definitions S&P 500 Index: The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged,

market-weighted index that consists of 500 of the largest publicly-traded U.S. companies and is considered representative of the broad U.S. stock market.

Legal Note: Important Information This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, or a guarantee of future results. This information should not be relied upon by the reader as research or investment advice and is intended for educational purposes only.

There are risks involved with investing, including possible loss of principal.

Information provided by SEI Investments Management Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SEI Investments Company.

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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE

By Lior Spring, Jewish Community Alliance

THE ARTS MATTER AT JCA

At the JCA, the arts mean 24 years of the Jewish Book Festival and more than 20 years of youth theatre programming. Why is the JCA the second most popular field trip destination in Jacksonville?

Because of the Magic Wardrobe Theatre show and the arts! From our youngest members dancing ballet for the first time, to our most senior members watching a film or taking a visual art class, the JCA embodies the arts.

Today, the arts are more critical than ever. They remind us that we are not alone. According to literary scholars, the Jewish people have historically used literature to maintain a sense of continuity in times of communal rupture. The

arts allow us to understand our tragedies and gain emotional, spiritual and creative release.

Candidly, the JCA’s cultural arts programs don’t often generate revenue, but rather come with significant financial investment by our organizational and philanthropic partners. The JCA Jewish Cultural Arts Festival has a long history in Jacksonville, providing experiences that unite our entire community through diverse and engaging events! Due to COVID-19, this year is different from years past. Whether in person or virtual, we remain committed to providing an outstanding Jewish cultural arts experience in November with programming beyond the scope of what we’ve previously offered.

You can help create new

Jewish experiences for those seeking connection and preserve cultural arts at the JCA and ensure that Jewish culture remains an important part of our community. Support will allow the festival to remain free to the entire community and will sustain

cultural arts at the JCA during these unprecedented times. Jewish culture is the key to a Jewish future!

Contact Lior Spring at 730-2100 ext. 318 or lior. spring@jcajax.org or visit jcajax.org/jcafest for information.

AUTHOR, HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR TO SPEAK

By Donna Orender, GenerationW

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World-renowned author, psychologist, and Holocaust survivor, 91-year old Dr. Edith Eger will share her story of survival, forgiveness, and transformational living at VISION 20/20, a thought-leadership and community building annual event by Generation W on September 11. Dr. Eger,

who is returning to Generation W after a showstopping keynote during last year's event, will speak from the theme "What Does Seeing Really Mean?" Dr. Eger returns for the second year, after a 2019 keynote that moved the audience to tears, laughter, and a roaring standing ovation.

To register for this virtual event, visit genwnow.com.

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ONE OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA’S NEWEST CHANGEMAKERS

By Sabrina Mail, Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida

3 Weeks, 500 Young Jewish Leaders, 13 Core Sessions, 51 Electives, 4�,000 Total Hours on Zoom, Infinite Learning

I was honored to participate in the Jewish Federation of North America’s (JFNA) first-ever Jewish Changemakers Fellowship. The program brought together young Jewish individuals from North America to strengthen our leadership skills.

I was really impressed with the quality of the Fellowship that JFNA quickly created in this time of COVID-19. Each speaker was incredible and taught us about Jewish organizations affecting change and making our world better.

Some of these organizations were new to me, such as Entwine Global Jewish Service Corps, Kahal, Repair the World, and Makom.

Although I could write pages on what I learned, here are two main takeaways: 1. The diversity of the global Jewish community.

Although many people associate Jews with Ashkenazi Jews from Eastern Europe, there are Jews in almost every country. I particularly enjoyed learning about the Jewish community in India from an American Entwine fellow who lived there. I learned that Jews have lived in India for thousands of years and are split into three different groups. Fortunately, they have not experienced a lot of anti-Semitism. While most Indian Jews immigrated to Israel, there remains a small community and a large, beautiful synagogue in Mumbai. I loved seeing pictures and learning about an Indian Jewish community center where they have events such as Torah study, holiday celebrations, and youth group meetings. Their communal activities do not seem that different to ours in Jacksonville.

In another one of the sessions, we were asked to name something that every Jewish person has in common. At first, we thought of examples such as celebrating holidays, belonging to a synagogue, eating matzo ball soup, and being born Jewish.

However, we soon realized that the question was hard to answer definitively.

After an interesting discussion, we

realized that the main thing we have in common is we identify as Jewish. Being Jewish unites us more than all the differences that divide us.

2. The importance of values (both Jewish and personal).

In one of our sessions, all the Changemakers took a poll on which element of Judaism most resonates with us.

Options included religion, creativity and art, history, Hebrew and languages, and values. By far, the most popular answer was values.

This demonstrates the importance of cultivating Jewish values among young people.

We spent a significant amount of time reflecting upon which values are most important to us. We took an assessment from Barrett Values Centre on our top 10

personal values and how they fit into the Barrett Seven Layers of Consciousness Model. We then learned about the Jewish movement called Mussar. Mussar is about living a meaningful and ethical life, while encouraging us to cultivate positive character traits. While new to me, its emphasis on humility deeply resonated with me.

Changemakers was a meaningful use of my unexpected free time this summer due to COVID-19. I thoroughly enjoyed connecting with the inspirational speakers, mentors, and fellow participants and am incredibly grateful to have participated in this lifechanging new program.

Thank you to JFNA and to our terrific Jacksonville Jewish Federation!

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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE

JEWISH GRANT MAKING COMES ALIVE! •

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By Kellie Smith, Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida

The Jewish Grant Making Fund is not new by any means, but it has been reinvented and reintroduced after four years of dormancy.

With money held in an endowed grant making fund of the Jewish Community Foundation and with the support of our newly formed Foundation Advisory Board we were able to release a Request for Proposals (RFP) on July 1. Simultaneously we accepted nominations for individuals to serve on the Grant Review Committee.

The RFP was open to all Jewish nonprofit organizations in Northeast Florida and closed July 31.

Our first ever Zoom Grant Review was a major success with the support of Sandy Zimmerman serving as our committee’s mentor and facilitator. Sandy has served

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on several boards within our Northeast Florida nonprofit community, including the Jewish Community Foundation. He is also a past president of our Jewish Federation and the current chair of our Investment Oversight Committee. Over the course of a two hour grant review session via Zoom, Sandy helped navigate and engage the new committee in discussion around the intent and purpose of the Jewish Grant Fund, as well as creating thoughtful dialogue around maximizing dollars to create impact and drive change.

I am pleased to report that The Jewish Grant Fund is awarding funds to 7 Northeast Florida Jewish Nonprofits. These grants will provide funding for the following initiatives: • Elementary Jewish afterschool programming in St. Johns County public schools through the

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GROW program of Chabad St. Johns.

Tradition boxes and Shabbat kits to Jews in need through Jewish Family and Community Services.

Innovating the Mitzvah Program at Martin J. Gottlieb Day school to be pandemic friendly and able to do more for those in need throughout Northeast Florida.

New Technology for River Garden Senior Services that will help residents engage and feel more connected to the community.

Post B’nai Mitzvah Teen Programming geared towards Social Justice and current events through the Temple, Congregation Ahavath Chesed.

Supporting professional development and education through the Jewish Community Alliance Educator Support Network for early education teachers to continue their training and better themselves for the entire community.

• Increasing Teen Programming and combatting antisemitism in Public Schools throughout Northeast Florida with Jewish Student Union/JSU. Having been able to witness this incredible night first hand, I am honored to be working in a community with so many incredible Jewish nonprofit organizations and to be a part of awarding programmatic grants to engage and strengthen our Jewish Community.

Congratulations to all of our grantees and thank you to the committee for their time and commitment to the process.

Pictured: Sandy Zimmerman, Gigi Ackerman, Rebecca Cooper, Rachel Davis, Sarah Jacobs, Rachel Mizrahi Morgenthal, Steve Neihaus, Emma Pulley, Brandon Sugg, and Kellie Smith.

For more information about the Jewish Grant Making Fund, or how you can support local programming contact Kellie Smith by email at kelliek@jewishjacksonville.org or by phone 904512-379�.

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JEWISH FEDERATION & FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Q&A SESSION WITH JENNIFER PLOTKIN

By Charlie DuBow, Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida

We are excited to announce this month’s Board Member Spotlight, Jennifer Plotkin!

Jennifer is an active member in the Jewish community here in Jacksonville, and I had the chance to ask her some questions about her life and how her Jewish values inspire her philanthropy: Where were you born and raised? “I was born in Nashville, Tennessee, but grew up in Miami.”

What hobbies & activities do you enjoy? “I enjoy reading, and try to read at least one book a week. I also enjoy yoga, fantasy football, and watching the Jacksonville Jaguars play, even though they consistently break my heart.”

What is your college and career background? “I attended the University of Florida, where I received a degree in Finance & Marketing, then I received my Masters of Business Administration from the University of North Florida. Currently, I am a Senior Vice President in the Business Banking division with Bank of America.”

Do you have a favorite Federation memory? “My favorite Federation mission was in 2012. I took a family mission and celebrated my daughter Julia’s Bat Mitzvah.

Celebrating this important milestone with my extended family and Federation family

was something I will never forget.”

Speaking of our Missions, is there a mission moment that really stuck with you? “I am always moved by my time in Jerusalem and the historical significance of the old city. It has never failed to have a profound impact on me.

Missions always reinforce my faith and drive to do my part and help Jews around the world.”

Aside from Israel, what destination have you traveled to that was a favorite of yours?

“Last year, I was lucky enough to travel with my family to Iceland. It was unlike anywhere else I have ever been. The natural beauty of the country was astounding and I look forward to returning in the future.”

Do you have a Jewish quote or saying that you apply to daily life? “One of my favorite quotes is by Anne Frank: “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”

What dream or hope do you have for our Jewish community here in Jacksonville? “My hope for our Jewish community is that we focus on what we have in common, not on what divides us. That we stand together during these challenging times and support one another, especially those in our community who are most vulnerable. That we seek to understand each other

and grow together so that our Jewish community can continue to thrive. I also hope that we as a community act now to secure our future through actively engaging in endowment giving.

Legacy giving will ensure that we are able to support our Jewish community locally and globally for many years to come.”

Jennifer and her husband Rick have three wonderful kids. Jared, the eldest, is a senior at Vanderbilt University, Julia is a sophomore at Beacon

College, and Ethan, is a freshman at the University of Florida. They also have a well-loved Wheaten Terrier named Sandy.

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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE

CONGRESS SHOULD ENHANCE BILATERAL MEDICAL PARTNERSHIPS WITH ISRAEL

By Liat Walker and Goldie Lansky, co-presidents, Hadassah Jacksonville

For decades, the U.S. and Israel have walked together on an uninterrupted path toward cooperation and interdependence in the medical field. Bilateral agreements and cooperation between governments, medical schools and hospitals have accelerated improvements in health outcomes in both nations.

Recently, a movement began in Washington to put greater financial muscle behind this important component of the U.S.-Israeli relationship with a multimillion-dollar targeted appropriation. It deserves full bipartisan support and, according to Rhoda Smolow, National President of Hadassah, Congress shouldn’t stop there.

“Fighting COVID-19,” Smolow says in a recent Morning Consult Op-Ed, “requires a global effort, and expanding America’s medical partnerships with Israel will speed our collective abilities to detect, treat, and cure the virus.

Israel can help, and bipartisan legislation to invest additional funds in this critical medical partnership with the specific intent of combating COVID-19 will boost the

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likelihood of shared success.”

In less than eight weeks, the EMPIL-DOC Act (Expanding Medical Partnerships with Israel to Lessen Dependence on China) has attracted tremendous support in both the House (HR 6829 | and Senate S 3722). This bill authorizes the appropriation of $12 million for the development of artificial intelligence, drugs and vaccinations, respiratory assist devices, diagnostic tests and telemedicine to combat COVID-19.

Hadassah Jacksonville, along with chapters across the nation, advocates for bilateral medical partnerships with Israel as quickly as possible.

Hadassah’s two hospitals, Hadassah Mount Scopus and Hadassah Ein Kerem, are at the forefront of Israel’s battle in this must-win war on COVID-19.

Designated by Israel’s Ministry of Health as one of seven hospitals to take coronavirus patients, doctors and researchers are hard at work with clinical trials for drugs that could potentially treat infected patients, while developing improved testing techniques and launching a project aimed at developing lowcost ventilators or other respiratory support devices.

Congress should look to build upon this partnership

between the U.S. and Israel.

Please contact your senators and urge them to support investments in U.S.-Israeli medical partnerships to combat COVID-19 and overcome this pandemic. To look up your local official and submit a form letter requesting support of this bill, go to the Take Action tab on www.hadassah.org.

Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, is a charitable organization founded by Henrietta Szold 108 years ago.

Initially established to provide emergency care to infants and

mothers in pre-state Israel, today it has flourished into two world-class medical and research centers. Hadassah also runs schools of medicine, dentistry, nursing, and pharmacology affiliated with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The local Hadassah Jacksonville chapter has over 1,000 Members and Associates and is one of the oldest chapters in the State of Florida, having received a charter in 1925. To learn more or become a member, contact Mitzi Saul, VP of Membership at (904) 803�238 or mitzieye@comcast.net.

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PORCH VISITS ALLOW LOVED ONES TO CONNECT

By Kari Bell, River Garden Senior Services

Since early March, River Garden has been following directives, rules, regulations, mandates and executive orders from the governor, CMS, CDC, DOH and AHCA detailing the many ways to protect our residents and families from COVID-19. We have taken our responsibility seriously. Everyone on our campus has been working together to keep each other safe by washing hands, physically distancing and wearing masks. We are grateful to the entire community for the outpouring of support, patience and understanding.

We are still under the executive order which prohibits visitors from entering the nursing home building. However, we can allow porch visits on our

Above: If needed, amplifiers are provided to help with communication.

Right: Despite the plexi-glass barrier and distancing requirements, it is heartwarming to see loved ones reconnect in person.

campus. Porch visits began on July 30.

River Garden is using an online system called SignUpGenius to schedule these visits. An email invitation is sent to the resident’s primary contact, who can then link to the schedule to select a visitation time.

Only two visits are conducted at a time. Before these get-togethers, visitors receive temperature checks and answer screening questions. Hugs or other physical contact is not allowed. At the start, we are allowing each resident one 20-minute visit. As the program develops, we hope to offer more frequent visitation.

“We have missed all of our friends and family, and we are excited to thoughtfully and carefully invite you back onto the campus,” associate administrator Mauri Mizrahi said.

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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE

READING FOR THE NEW YEAR

By Crystal Whitman Jewish Community Alliance

As we get ready to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, we have lots for which to be thankful! Each month, I like to give some recommendations of books I like, and in which the children in my life are interested. So, I am grateful for books and their ability to help us navigate all parts of life. One of my recommendations for this month is “This is the Challah,” by Sue Hepker, as it allows you to begin a discussion about what looks different about the loaf of challah bread on Rosh Hashanah.

“This is the Challah” is a great book for young children with lots of repetition, but it is also fun for older children with a similar feel to the “There Was an Old Lady” books written by Lucille Colandro.

If you have young children in your life, I am sure you

have noticed them asking you to read the same stories over and over again. As they watch and listen, they are also learning! They are learning about what words are, how they relate to the photos, how you use your voice as well as body language, and so many other things that are important to their growth and development.

Some other books I would like to recommend for important upcoming holidays are: • “Rosh Hashanah is Coming” by Tracy Newman • “Oh No, Jonah!” by Tilda Balsley • “Is It Sukkot Yet?” by Chris Barash

So, let’s get ready to enjoy our families, the upcoming holidays, have some fun, and start our new year off with lots of love and peace in our hearts!

POSITIVELY

Yours

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MANAGING MENTAL HEALTH IN EARLY CHILDHOOD

By Danielle Wirsansky, Jewish Community Alliance

Whether your children are staying home, engaging in virtual learning, or continuing to attend school, their experience will be something completely new.

Even for those attending in person, like at Michele Block Gan Yeladim

Preschool, the “going to school” experience is different with changes in drop off and pick up, adults wearing masks, new disinfection procedures, and more. These experiences may be confusing and stressful, especially for preschool-aged children.

Managing good mental health is important.

Strategies for success differ from child to child and family to family, but there are some basic foundations you can lay to help ease your child’s transition back to school, whatever form it may take.

The first strategy is to create a routine. Doing so helps children get into the rhythm of the day. When they know what to expect, it makes the day much less scary and anxiety inducing.

Keeping your child on a healthy diet is also important. When they feel better, they will behave better and be more equipped to handle the

turmoil that the new school year may bring.

Eating healthy works hand in hand with the strategy of staying active. Big changes can bring about big nervous energy, so giving your child the outlet to burn that energy off can be helpful.

On the other hand, it is also more important than ever to allow for down time, time to allow your child to rest and to reflect.

Using these strategies is a great way to help keep your child’s mental health under control and smooth their transition into their new school experience, whatever that may be.

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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE

MY SUMMER WITH PARTNERSHIP2GETHER

By Jagger Leach, Partnership2Gether Jacksonville Teen Participant

During the week of July 20, the Partnership2Gether Program hosted the Community Philanthropy Challenge (CPC). What was the CPC, you ask? The CPC was a weeklong workshop aimed at teaching the next generation of young Jewish philanthropists. I was happy to have the privilege of joining it!

In this program, Jewish teens from Jacksonville, Clearwater, Richmond, Charleston, Greensboro and Israel learned from prominent philanthropists about their experiences serving the community. One

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such philanthropist was Joan Levin. Levin served the community of Jacksonville in her work with the Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida and through her gracious grants.

For example, she helped fund the Joan Levin Gift of Israel, which allows bar/bat mitvahed teens to go on organized trips to Israel. We learned about her experiences with philanthropy and what she has learned, such as the fundamentals of philanthropy, how to best use your donations, and ways to participate in philanthropy outside of monetary donations.

The highlight of the workshop was the group

project where teens were put into six groups and each group chose a nonprofit to represent. The groups presented their nonprofit to a panel of Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida representatives for a chance to win a $3,000 grant for their respective charity.

While hearing everyone’s presentations, I was really proud of my fellow teens for their great work.

My group proudly won

$2,000 in grant money to give to Friendship Circle of Virginia, which provides opportunities for children with disabilities meet friends. Friendship Circle also organizes a Jewish Disability Task Force aimed at helping to solve issues associated with disabilities in the community.

The program was incredible, and I was so glad to have gotten the chance to participate!

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KEEPING MICHELE BLOCK GAN YELADIM PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN SAFE

By Danielle Wirsansky, Jewish Community Alliance

Cal Barker has served as the JCA’s director of facilities for the last thirteen years. As director of facilities, Barker is responsible for the building (130,000+ square feet), the grounds (7.5 acres), maintenance and housekeeping.

Barker’s duties often intersect with the Early Childhood Education program. The facilities team performs all the cleaning of the school’s facilities and classrooms both day and night. They repair or make changes to classrooms and provide daily general support. Especially nowadays, disinfecting is more important than ever.

Cal’s favorite thing about the job is doing new things every day, and he likes working among the members and students. He finds the work atmosphere to be positive because, as he says, “Everyone helps everyone.” He admires the staff of Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool & Kindergarten, too, because he can see that “everyone there gives all they have to the place.” Three of his grandchildren have attended the school as well.

Sometimes on a busy day, he likes to take a moment to stop and watch the kids

playing or going to and from class as he finds it relaxing. His favorite activity is the annual tour of the facilities shop that he gives to the school’s students from every age group. He shows the children around the workshop, where much of the facilities team’s work is done, and tells them about what the team does. The students always ask a lot of questions, which Barker enjoys, because they inquire about things that adults do not really consider or think about. He says, “People who have never been exposed to something approach it in a different way and help reveal new things to people who do know it.”

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TEENS ADVOCATING FOR ISRAEL

By Jordan Grossman, Partnership2Gether Jacksonville Teen Participant

My summer was kind of bland—lots of Zooms, lots of reading—so I jumped at the chance to do something I was passionate about: attend an Israel Advocacy Seminar with the Israel Partnership Department of the Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida.

From day one, it was an interesting experience. We first gathered in breakout rooms to discuss topics with peers in Israel and the U.S. I wasn’t used to talking about many of the topics we covered with people I had just met, like political affiliations and my religious life, but everyone I talked to was nice. It was interesting meeting kids who had different views and lives than I did but were still

If your teen is interested in participating in programs like this, contact Jill Abel at jilla@jewishjacksonville.org for more information.

interested in advocating for Israel.

We were assigned into groups, given some topics and asked to create a presenation from one. We didn’t have much time to decide and my Wi-Fi was being spotty, so we ended up with a topic about the role of the Diaspora in Israel. My group selected a project about various Diasporic communities and their stances on Israel. My favorite part of the seminar was talking to my group members about random commonalities we had, like going to the beach or learning to drive. My American groupmates and I

were stunned to learn that McDonald’s is a fairly nice establishment in Israel.

We were also taught about how to advocate. They prepared us for answering specific questions, demonstrating how to use stories and statistics, and showing how to keep conversations respectful all when talking about Israel.

All of these are very useful skills, as you would understand if you have ever tried to advocate for Israel before! The Israel Advocacy Seminar was a great experience that strengthened my emotional connection to Israel and prepared me for future advocacy.

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No gift will help Israel more in these difficult times. Keep the people of Israel strong this coming year. Donate to Magen David Adom. Shanah Tovah.

Give today at afmda.org/rosh or call 866.632.2763.

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NOSH ON THIS

SHARING READER RECIPES FOR ROSH HASHANAH

BUBBIE ELAINE'S HONEY CAKE

Notes: Makes four cakes

DREAM COFFEE CAKE Cecile Goetz, River Garden Senior Services

I originally found this recipe in a magazine and have carried this little recipe with me for two decades now.

Nowadays, I think it can be found on the internet, but I still use my tattered page when I make it. During this pandemic, it’s been a big hit with my friends when we gather at The Coves—properly distanced, of course—for afternoon tea.

INGREDIENTS 18-ounce package yellow cake mix 1 cup vegetable oil 4 eggs 1 cup sour cream 3⁄4 cup sugar 11⁄2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 13⁄4 cups chopped walnuts PREPARATION

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF Grease a 13- x 9-inch baking pan.

2. Combine cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs and sour cream in a large

bowl. Beat two minutes with a mixer at low speed, scraping sides of bowl frequently.

3. Mix sugar, cinnamon and pecans in a medium bowl.

4. Spread half the batter in pan. Sprinkle half the pecan mixture over top.

Repeat with remaining batter and pecan mixture.

5. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Serves 20.

Shylie Bannon, Champagne Brunch Co-chair

INGREDIENTS 1 lb. orange blossom honey 1/3 cup coffee, room temperature 3/4 cup neutral oil 1 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed 1/3 cup pulpy orange juice 3 eggs 1 cup Southern Comfort brandy (Feel free to add another “glug” for fun!)

3 1/2 cups flour 2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. ground nutmeg 1 tsp. lemon peel 1 tsp. orange peel 1 tsp. ground ginger 1 tsp. ground mace Slivered almonds to top the cakes PREPARATION 1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Spray four medium sized loaf pans with cooking spray.

2. In a large mixing bowl combine honey, coffee, oil, sugar, orange juice, eggs and Southern Comfort. With a mixer,

blend on low-medium.

3. Add flour one cup at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.

4. Add baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, lemon peel and orange peel.

Increase mixer speed to medium and beat until well combined. The batter will be slightly thick.

5. Pour batter into loaf pans, 1/3 of the way full in each pan. , Place slivered almonds down the center of the batter.

(If you don't like almonds, you can use other nuts, raisins or dried fruit.

6. Bake loaves at 350ºF for 40-50 minutes. Check for doneness when toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Transfer loaves to to cooling racks and cool for 10 minutes. Remove loaves from pans and cool for 30 minutes more.

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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE

POTATO KNISHES

MOCK LIVER PATE

Diane Rothstein, Lion of Judah Chair

Notes: Make one to two days in advance. Serve with crackers at room temperature INGREDIENTS 2/3 cup chopped walnuts 2 Tbsp. olive oil 15-ounce can Le Seur Peas, drained 3 large yellow onions, diced 2 hard boiled eggs

PREPARATION 1. In a food processor, chop nuts. Transfer to a small bowl.

2. In a skillet, saute onions in olive oil until soft and translucent. Remove from pan and cool.

3. Once onions are cool, place into processor bowl with peas and eggs.

Pulse until smooth.

4. Add nuts, salt & pepper to taste. Refrigerate.

CHALLAH AND APPLES Lauren Setzer, Women's Philanthrophy Steering Committee Member

Cut a braided challah loaf length-wise; lightly toast if desired. Drizzle with honey and top with thinly sliced apples. Drizzle with more honey and sprinkle with toasted almonds. To get a star in the apple, slice horizontally then pop out the seeds for a star-shaped core.

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This is my bubby’s recipe and a winner at Rosh Hashanah.

INGREDIENTS 5 lbs. potatoes 11/2 lbs. white onions, minced 2 lbs. puff pastry Salt and pepper PREPARATION 1. Preheat oven to 350ºF 2. Boil potatoes with skin on. When cooked, rinse under cold water and peel skin off.

3. Saute minced onions in

Vanessa Morris, Women's Philanthrophy Steering Committee Member oil, but do NOT brown them. When soft, add to mashed potatoes. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Roll puff pastry on floured board into a square. Line edge of square with potato mixture and roll dough over 2 times.

5. Cut into slices. Repeat until dough and potatoes are used up.

6. Place in a baking pan and bake at 350ºF for 10 minutes until golden.

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SHARING READER RECIPES

SPEAKING OF WINE

A CONVERSATION WITH HARVEY STEIMAN

By Helen Hill, Jacksonville Hadassah

As you ready for Yontif, and begin making to do lists, and shopping lists, you probably will also be deciding on what wine to get for your Rosh Hashana table.

If you are like most people, when you think of getting a Kosher wine, you may automatically go for that sweet concord grape wine that we have all been using for years. But there is so much more to kosher wines than this. There are so many more kosher wine choices.

Flavorful. Varietal.

Sophisticated. And, yes, also kosher!

We recently spoke to Harvey Steiman, editor emeritus of Wine Spectator magazine, who will be hosting a Jacksonville Hadassah Zoom event on September 13 focusing on kosher wines. He offered some great advice. Harvey was editor at large of Wine Spectator, the nation's leading wine magazine with more than 3.5 million readers worldwide, until his retirement in 2019.

From 1982 to 1993 he was host of the popular “In the Kitchen With Harvey” radio talk show focusing on food, cooking and wine, heard throughout Northern California on KCBS and later on KNBR. A book of recipes from that program, Harvey

Steiman's California Kitchen, was published in June 1990 by Chronicle Books. He has two previous cookbooks—Great Recipes From San Francisco (Tarcher, 1979) and, with Ken Hom, Chinese Technique (Simon and Schuster, 1980). A music major at UCLA, he began a career in journalism in 1968 as the sports editor of the Inglewood (Calif.) Daily News. He joined The Miami Herald in 1969, and in 1973, after filling in occasionally as the newspaper's restaurant critic, he became its food editor. In 1977 he became food and wine editor of The San Francisco Examiner, and joined Wine Spectator in 1984, first as managing editor, later as executive editor. Although he grew up in the Boston area he currently lives in San Francisco with his wife, Carol.

Q: Most people make a face when I mention Kosher wines to them. Why do they have such a reaction?

A: I suspect it’s because they still picture the sweet stuff traditionally poured for a Kiddush on Shabbat or sipped over a Pesach seder.

But thousands of kosher

Harvey Steiman, Editor Emeritus, Wine Spectator magazine

wines are made all over the world, not only in Israel and California but also in France, Italy, Spain, Chile, and New Zealand. In taste and style many of these wines are indistinguishable from non-kosher wines from the same regions.

Q: What is it that makes a wine “kosher?”

A: That depends on who’s certifying. Most prominent is Orthodox Union (OU), which also puts its stamp on many kosher food products.

Among its few requirements for wine is that a rabbi representing them certifies that the process, from grape to glass, was handled only by observant Jews, and no work was done on the Sabbath.

Otherwise the wine must be flash pasteurized before bottling. This is known as “mevushal” type kosher wine.

None of this affects the style of the resulting wine.

Q: Are there kosher wineries in the U.S.?

A: Many. Herzog is the biggest U.S. producer.

Hagafen Cellars, in Napa Valley, is also prominent.

South Hill Wines, in Washington state, makes kosher table wines under the Pacifica label.

My guests on the upcoming Sept. 13 Zoom event, Jeff and Jodie Morgan, opened Covenant Winery in 2003. The winery is in San Francisco and makes a range of wines from grapes grown in some of California’s best wine regions (Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino). They also make wines at their winery in Israel’s Galilee region.

Q: How do you define what makes a “good wine?”

A: Anything involving taste,

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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE whether it’s wine, food products, music, or cinema, has to answer two questions.

Do you like it? And, is it well made? The first question is easy; do you smile when you sample some? The second question is more complex.

You may or may not like a shoot-‘em-up movie, but can you recognize the qualities of the writing, acting, directing, and craft that went into it?

Just as a flawed movie might be fun to watch, even if you recognize its defects, so might you enjoy a tasty wine even if its craftsmanship isn’t as well-executed as other wines’. For me, a good wine would tick both boxes, that it’s well made, and it tastes good to me.

Q: Does a good wine have to be an expensive wine?

A: Absolutely not. I’ve been known to relish $7 Rieslings from Washington and $10 Zinfandels from California.

They may not be as complex and study worthy as more expensive wines, but they fill the bill.

Q: What types of wine will you be serving at your Rosh Hashana this year?

A: There’s no reason toasting “Happy New Year” with sparkling wine can’t be done for Rosh Hashana too, and there is plenty of kosher fizz to do it with. Drappier, Veuve-Clicuot, and LaurentPerrier produce kosher versions of their Champagnes, for three examples. For something to drink with dinner, I might choose one of Jeff’s and Jodie’s dry reds.

ROTTEN APPLES

CHANNELING ROSH HASHANAH SIMANIM IN 2020

By Deborah Shapiro, Torah Academy

Rosh Hashanah is no stranger to symbolism. The iconic simanim (apples and honey anyone?) have been used in meal prep year after year to help channel a “sweet new year.” Looking back over 2020 begs the question...what the heck did everyone put on their plate last Rosh Hashanah?!

Perhaps if we all jump in and use these symbolic foods in our Rosh Hashanah meals we can restart the clock and truly let the new year start right now. After all, it only takes one rotten apple to spoil the bunch!

Here is an overview of the Rosh Hashanah Simanim, may all the apples on your table be sweet this year!

ROSH HASHANAH SIMANIM APPLES DIPPED IN HONEY for a good and sweet year POMEGRANATE & CARROTS to increase our merits LEEKS & DATES that our enemies (viruses included) be decimated BEETS that our adversaries be removed (let’s live in harmony!)

GOURDS to tear up harsh decrees and be sealed in the book of life!

FISH that the (Jacksonville) Jewish Community continues to grow

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IT’S YOUR BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT ON JEWISH-OWNED BUSINESSES

ZISSER FAMILY LAW The Zisser family has been a fixture of the Jacksonville legal and Jewish communities for over 40 years. In 1971, Jacksonville’s Elliot and Barry Zisser formed a law practice, specializing in Family Law. One year later, Elliot’s wife, Carolyn, began practicing law at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid. She later opened her own Family Law practice at the beach.

Barry has been prominent in multiple Jewish organizations. Elliot is a former Federation President.

Carolyn is a former board member of the Beaches Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Jacksonville Women’s Network and a strong supporter of the Jacksonville Symphony and

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By Elliot Zisser

(Left to Right) Joe Alvarez, Lynn Salvatore, Elliot Zisser, Carolyn Zisser, Jonathan Zisser, Katherine Johnson

Florida Chamber Music Project. Their children have also grown to carry on the family’s strong values and traditions. One is a child psychologist. The other,

(Left to Right) Jonathan Zisser, Carolyn Zisser, Elliot Zisser

Jonathan, is a respected Family and Criminal lawyer practicing law with his father.

Recently, Barry announced his retirement. It seemed only natural to merge the two prominent Zisser firms into one specialized law firm.

This new firm would still stand for the highest standards of advocacy, ethics, and legal skills while protecting the most precious family assets—the children.

Zisser Family Law became a reality in 2020, specializing in divorce, timesharing, the valuation and division of assets, support and alimony, trials and collaborative solutions, and those

circumstances requiring a criminal lawyer. All of these events can be life-changing and require the right combination of skill and compassion.

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Shana Tova 30

5781

The Holiness of Self

By Rabbi Richard F. Address, Congregation Ahavath Chesed - The Temple

Shalom and Shanah Tovah.

There have been moments in our history when the High Holiday season comes in which there is great need. This year is one of those years. There is no need to rehearse the past half year. With the Month of Elul (August 21) we enter the most spiritual phase of our year. We need it!

The eve of September 12 we shall participate in S'lichot, a small but powerful ritual often marked in congregations with the changing of Torah covers to white. The symbolism this year is so powerful, for just a few days later we will enter into the new year of 5781. We change the Torah covers to symbolize the beginning of the new, as a metaphor for what we can change within our own self.

This is a sacred message of this season, this year especially. We will gather at our own home sanctuary, our mikdash m'at, and be joined in virtual realities with Jews around the world. That shofar will call us to wake up, to wake up our souls. We will change the covers of the Torah, will be have the courage to change what covers our soul?

Will we listen to that "t'kiah?" We enter 5781 in so many ways so different than last year. No one could have foreseen what has

happened and where we are. The Unetaneh Tokef prayer, so central to the service has never been more relevant. The randomness of existence confronts us daily in stark reality, Who lives? Who dies? And what can we make of it as we enter this new year?

As Jews, we hope. As Jews, we will be called this year to go inside our souls, to reach into our self to gather strength to move into our own future. We will be called and reminded, as we recite the Ashamnu and El Chet, that we persevere through hard times by returning to our basic Jewish values. We celebrate relationships, community and faith. We are reminded that each of us is a sacred representation of the Holy and, as Pirkei Avot says, "in a place where no one acts as a human being, strive to act like a human being".

Have a sweet and healthy New Year and an easy fast.

Shanah Tovah

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A Guide to the Days of Awe

By Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner, Jacksonville Jewish Center

the giving of tzedakah. In synagogues it is customary to replace the regular Torah mantles with white ones – white being a symbol of purity and atonement.

THE MONTH OF ELUL Rabbi Jacob ben Moses Moellin (1365-1427), also known as the Maharil, was the first to designate the High Holiday period as Yamim Noraim (“Days of Awe”). This is a time for selfassessment and Teshuvah (repentance) on the Jewish calendar.

Because of the great solemnity surrounding the High Holidays, a whole month is devoted to preparation for change in our lives. This preparatory period begins with the month of Elul, the last month of the Jewish year. A number of customs associated with Elul emphasize the theme of teshuva. The Shofar is blown at the end of the daily morning service, except on Shabbat. Its sounding is a call to repentance, an alarm designed to awaken us from the sleep of complacency. We also add Psalm 27 to the liturgy morning and evening, from the beginning of the month until Hoshanah Rabbah, the seventh day of Sukkot. This psalm expresses the hope that God will shelter us and lovingly support us – an appropriate sentiment at a moment when we are anxious about the challenge of Teshuva and uncertain as to what the New Year will bring.

Various other customs are also associated with the pre-holiday period.

They include visiting the graves of loved ones, sending greeting cards to friends and family wishing them a happy New Year, and being especially generous with

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SELIHOT – THE PENITENTIAL PRAYERS Selihot, or penitential prayers, are also recited during the month of Elul.

Sephardic Jews begin the recitation of these prayers on the first day of the month; Ashkenazim, on the Saturday evening (or Sunday morning) before Rosh Hashanah.

ROSH HASHANAH – THE COMPLETION OF THE WORLD (1 & 2 TISHRI) Contrary to popular opinion, Rosh Hashanah does not celebrate the beginning of God’s creation of the world, but rather its completion, i.e., the sixth “day” on which the Almighty created humanity.

It is traditional to use round hallot for the holiday. In addition, we dip apples in honey before the festival meals and express the hope that God will renew us for a sweet and good year. There are number of other symbolic foods customarily eaten on Rosh Hashanah (e.g., dates and pomegranates), known collectively as Simana Milta. It is also customary to wear new clothing and to eat a new fruit (i.e., a variety that we have not eaten in the past month) on the second evening or day of Rosh Hashanah.

SHOFAR The Shofar is sounded at services both days of Rosh Hashanah (when the first day is Shabbat it is traditionally blown only on the second). As the Talmud states, “Said Rabbi Abahu: Why do we sound the horn of a ram?

Because the Holy Blessed One said, “Blow me a ram’s horn that I may remember unto you the binding of Isaac, and I shall account it unto you as though you bound yourself before me” (Rosh Hashanah 16a). In recalling Abraham’s willingness to obey God’s commandment to offer his son, Isaac, God is inclined to judge us leniently on account of our ancestors’ righteousness.

The strident sounds of the Shofar shatter our complacency, calling us to Teshuvah. Though traditionally from a ram, the horn may come from any kosher animal, save a cow (because of its linkage with the sin of the Golden Calf). The Shofar is sounded at various points during the service, adding up to a total of one hundred blasts.

TASHLIKH The custom of Tashlikh takes place on the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah (on the second day when the first coincides with Shabbat). This ritual, dating back to the 15th century and perhaps even earlier, includes gathering by a body of water and emptying one’s pockets or throwing inedible bits of bread into the current as a symbol of one’s desire to discard transgressions and begin anew. Should an individual be unable to perform Tashlikh on Rosh Hashanah, it may be done anytime until Yom Kipper (except on Shabbat).

ASERET YEMEI TESHUVAH – THE TEN DAYS OF REPENTANCE The New Year inaugurates the Aseret Yemei Teshuvah, the ten day period that culminates in the observance of Yom Kippur. The mood of these days is best captured by the following Talmudic passage: “Rabbi Kruspedai said in the name of Rabbi Yohanan, ‘Three books

are opened on Rosh Hashanah – one for the thoroughly wicked, one for the categorically righteous, and one for the group in-between. Whereas the completely righteous and wicked are written into their respective books immediately, the fate of the intermediate group is suspended until Yom Kippur: if they have merit they will be written in the Book of Life; if not they will be inscribed otherwise” (Rosh Hashanah 16b).

KAPPAROT The custom of Kapparot is observed on the eve of Yom Kippur.

In traditional circles it was the practice to wave a live chicken around one’s head three times while reciting a formula that “transferred” one’s sins of the past year to the bird.

The fowl was then slaughtered and its meat given to the poor for their pre-Yom Kippur meal. While the majority of Jews do not observe Kapparot in the above manner, it is still common to perform the ceremony with money, which is then donated to charity.

YOM KIPPUR – THE DAY OF ATONEMENT (10 TISHRI) A festive meal is eaten the afternoon of Yom Kippur eve. The table should be covered with fine

linen and good china as if it were Shabbat. Though the mood of the day is one of solemnity, Yom Kippur is not a time of mourning, but one of sacred joy at the prospect of moral regeneration. Indeed, according to the Talmud, should one feast on the ninth of Tishri it is considered as though he had fasted on both the ninth and tenth. Before leaving home for the synagogue, it is customary for parents to bless their children.

The central purpose of fasting on Yom Kippur is not to punish ourselves physically. Rather, if we abstain from the fulfillment of bodily needs, it is primarily to allow ourselves to concentrate on the higher and more spiritual aspect of ourselves. Aside from fasting, Jewish Law stipulates that we refrain from wearing leather shoes (symbolic of luxury and vanity), using make up or perfume, bathing or engaging in conjugal relations.

Services begin with the recitation of Kol Nidrei, one of the liturgical highlights of the Yom Kippur liturgy.

Kol Nidrei is a rather dry Aramaic legal formula, which absolves us of any vows to God we may be unable to keep during the coming year.

While the power of the text derives in large measure from the haunting melody to which it is chanted, Kol

Nidrei also reminds us that it is all too easy to make promises; the real test of integrity lies in our determination to carry out the promises we do make. It should be emphasized that Kol Nidrei concerns itself only with the vows we make to God. Nothing – not even Yom Kippur – can annul the promises we make to fellow human beings.

The long day of services held on Yom Kippur culminates with Neilah late in the afternoon. In Hebrew Neilah means “closing” and refers either to the closing of the Temple’s gates at the conclusion of the Day of Atonement, or alternatively, to the symbolic “closing” of heaven’s gates. At the conclusion of Yom Kippur, a great blast of the Shofar is blown, thus ending the Day of Atonement on a dramatic note of triumph. There is a beautiful custom of beginning to build the Sukkah immediately after breaking one’s fast, thus demonstrating one’s eagerness to proceed from the fulfillment of one mitzvah to the fulfillment of the next.

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Elul Reflections

By Rabbi Nadia Siritsky, Temple Bet Yam

There is a famous story about a chaplain who visited a jail to deliver a sermon to the inmates. While ascending the podium to speak, he tripped and fell flat on his face.

The room erupted in laughter. He picked himself up and went over to the podium and said, “I have just concluded my sermon; the moral is that even when a person falls flat on his face, he can rise up again. The important thing is to never give up hope.”

As we prepare for the High Holy Days, we are reminded of this very same principle: never to lose hope. Especially during these trying times, this age-old message is vitally

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relevant to us. The start of the new year is a reminder that we can always start fresh.

This is the time of teshuvah, which means turning or returning. … Returning to who we were created to be.

The passage of the Torah that we read on Shabbat Shuvah describes Moses, at the age of 120 years, who tells the Children of Israel that he feels he has become too old to lead them, and that he no longer has any energy to lead them. He begins by almost giving up, yet he goes on to deliver what many scholars have described as the most powerful sermon ever given.

Like Moses, we are capable of far more than we believe. Too often, we give up before we even try. The High Holy Days is an opportunity to press re-set… And when we look out at the world, and see only suffering, then let us recognize and answer the Call to become the answer to our prayers. May this coming new year bring only healing and blessing to us all.

Hig�

Holidays Schedules Please check synagogue websites for the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 guidelines for in-person or virtual services.

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BETH EL–THE BEACHES SYNAGOGUE

High Holiday tickets are available. Non-members can purchase High Holiday tickets for $250 each, and members can purchase extra tickets for $50 each. To purchase tickets, please contact Elissa Feldman, our Office Manager at (904) 273-9100.

L’shana Tovah!

SELICHOT September 12 7:00 p.m. Service 8:00 p.m. Ice Cream Reception EREV ROSH HASHANAH September 17 7:00 p.m. Service

ROSH HASHANAH 1ST DAY September 18 10:00 a.m. Service 10:00 a.m. Youth Service 1:00 p.m. Tashlich

ROSH HASHANAH 2ND DAY September 19 10:00 a.m. Service

CEMETERY SERVICE Sunday, September 20 10:00 a.m. Ponte Vedra Valley Cemetery (Beth El Section) KOL NIDRE Sunday, September 27 7:00 p.m. Service

YOM KIPPUR September 28 10:00 a.m. Service 10:00 a.m. Youth Service 1:30 p.m. Discussion 4:30 p.m. Yizkor followed by Neilah 6:00 p.m. Break Fast

CONGREGATION AHAVATH CHESED – THE TEMPLE ELUL EDUCATION PROGRAM September 2 7:00 pm - Rabbi Steve A, Karol on helplessness and hope (Zoom) September 9 7:00 pm - Rabbi Address on our confessions (Zoom) September 16 7:00 pm - Rabbi Simcha Raphael on Yizkor and afterlife (Zoom) S'LICHOT September 12 7:00 pm - teaching (Zoom) 8:00 pm - havdalah (Zoom) 8:30 pm - S'lichot service (Zoom)

ROSH HASHANAH September 18 8:00 pm - Erev Shabbat Service (Zoom) September 19 10:00 am - Morning service (live stream) Family service pre-recorded (website) Tashlich pre-recorded (website)

SHABBAT SHUVAH HEALING SERVICE September 25 7:00 pm - Erev Shabbat service (Zoom) September 26 9:00 am - Torah Study (Zoom) 10:30 am - Shabbat service (Zoom)

YOM KIPPUR September 27 8:00 pm - Kol Nidre Service (live stream)

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September 28 10:00 am - Morning Service (live stream) 1:30 pm - Shiur #1: Rabbi Goodman...Jonah (interactive) (Zoom) September 28 2:30 pm - Shiur #2: Rabbi Raskind...Living Between 2 Worlds (interactive) (Zoom) 3:30 pm - Torah study on Leviticus 19 (interactive) (Zoom) 4:00 pm - Yizkor (live stream) 5:00 pm N'ilah (live stream) Family service pre-recorded (website) SHABBAT EREV SUKKOT October 2 7:00 pm - Erev Shabbat service (Zoom)

October 3 9:00 am - Torah Study (Zoom) 10:30 am Shabbat Morning/Sukkot service (Zoom)

SHABBAT/SIMCHAT TORAH October 9 7:00 pm - Erev Shabbat/Simchat Torah service (Zoom) October 10 9:00 am - Torah study (Zoom) 10:30 am - Shabbat morning/Simchat Torah/ Yizkor Service (Zoom)

ETZ CHAIM EREV ROSH HASHANA September 18 7:09 pm Candle Lighting ROSH HASHANA September 19 8:00 am Shacharis 7:10 pm Mincha 8:09 pm Candle Lighting September 20 8:00 am Shacharis 7:05 pm Mincha 8:08 pm Havdalah

EREV YOM KIPPUR September 27 6:58 pm Candle Lighting

YOM KIPPUR September 28 8:00 am Shacharis 7:58 pm Havdalah EREV SUCCOS October 2 6:52 pm Candle Lighting SUCCOS October 3 9:00 am Shacharis 7:52 pm Candle Lighting October 4 9:00 am Shacharis 7:50 pm Havdalah

CHOL HAMOED SUCCOS October 5 6:30 am Shacharis October 6 6:30 am Shacharis October 7 6:30 am Shacharis October 8 6:30 am Shacharis

JACKSONVILLE JEWISH CENTER ROSH HASHANAH September 19 Virtual – Shabbat Morning Services (Live Stream) 9:00-11:05 am Alternative Rosh Hashanah Service with Dov and Alina (Zoom Room) 10:30 am-12:00 pm September 20 Rosh Hashanah Virtual Morning Service (Live Stream) 9:00 am-12:00 pm Elem. School Rosh Hashanah Service (in person/virtual) 9:00-11:00 am

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Alternative Rosh Hashanah Service with Dov and Alina (Zoom Room) 10:30 am-12:00 pm Middle/High School Rosh Hashanah Service (in person/virtual) 11:00 am-12:30 pm

YOM KIPPUR September 28 Morning Services (Live Stream) 9:00 am-1:30 pm Alternative Yom Kippur Service with Dov and Alina (Zoom Room) 10:30 am-1:00 pm Yizkor Service (Approximate Time) (Live Stream) 12:30-1:30 pm Yom Kippur Minhah Services (Live Stream) 5:15-6:15 pm Sanctuary and Zoom Sanctuary Yom Kippur Neilah Service (Live Stream) 6:15-7:15 pm Fast Ends and Final Shofar (Live Stream) 7:51-8:06 pm SUKKOT October 2 Congregational Sukkot Dinner Morning Services (Virtual) 7:10-8:10 am Virtual – Erev Sukkot Evening Services (Live Stream) 6:00-7:00 pm

October 3 Virtual – Sukkot Day 1 Morning Services (Live Stream) 9:00 – 11:05 am Sukkot Evening Uspizin and Kiddush w/Clergy (Zoom Room) 7:45 – 8:45 pm Sanctuary, Goldman Sukkah October 4 Family BBQ Event in the Sukkah Virtual Sukkot Day 2 Morning Service (Live Stream) 9:00 – 10:30 am Chalutzim Piggybacking on Family Sukkot 12:30 – 2:00 pm Kadima Piggybacking on Family Sukkot Event 2:30 – 4:00 pm Sukkot Evening Uspizin and Kiddush w/Clergy (Regular Room) 7:45-8:45 pm Sanctuary, Goldman Sukkah

TEMPLE BET YAM To join Zoom services call 904-819-1875 or visit our website at templebetyam.org.

EREV ROSH HASHANAH September 18 7:30 pm ROSH HASHANAH September 19 Children’s Service – 9:00 Morning Service – 10:00 EREV YOM KIPPUR September 27 Kol Nidre – 7:30

YOM KIPPUR September 28 Children’s Service – 9:00 Morning Service – 10:00 Afternoon Small Group Sessions – 1:00 Yizkor Memorial Service – 3:45 Afternoon and Neilah Service - 5:00

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

From the Rabbi's Kitchen to Yours (Virtual) September 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 11:00 am-12:00 pm Jacksonville Jewish Center From the Rabbi's Kitchen to Yours...with Rabbi Shira Rosenblum. RSVP: jaxjewishcenter.org/ engage/full-calendar/ Hays Jacob Teaches You How to Train Your Dog (Virtual) September 2 & 16 3:00 – 4:00 pm The Temple Learn leash basics and teaching play/stay. Visit The Temple’s website for Zoom link.

YP&F Quarterly Cocktails September 3 8:00-9:00 pm Join the Young Families & Professionals in a collaboration with TAVERNA for a virtual quarterly cocktails event.

Your Coffee, Our Torah (Virtual) September 3, 10, 17 & 24 9:30 – 10:30am Jacksonville Jewish Center Your Coffee, Our Torah with Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner: jaxjewishcenter. org/engage/full-calendar/ Mishnah Munchies (Virtual) September 3, 10, 17 & 24 3:30 – 4:30 pm Jacksonville Jewish Center jaxjewishcenter.org/ engage/full-calendar/

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Shoobee Doobee Shabbat (Virtual) September 4, 11, 18 & 25 10:00 – 11:00 am Jacksonville Jewish Center Visit https://www. jaxjewishcenter.org/ engage/full-calendar/ Zoom link.

Virtual Morning Service September 6, 13, 20 & 27 8:30 – 9:15 am Jacksonville Jewish Center Visit https://www. jaxjewishcenter.org/ engage/full-calendar/ Zoom link.

My Israel Journey (virtual) September 10 7:00 pm Come meet our community shaliach, Stave's Brener. Find out about his life, major events, how he decided to go on shlichut and his relationship with Israel and its connection to Jews all over the world.

Please join us for a warm Jacksonville welcome.

RSVP Rachel.sandler@ jcajax.org What's the Buzz September 13 3:00 pm Virtual Rosh Hashanah program for families with a bee presentation and puppet show sponsored

by JCA, Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida and PJ Library.

RSVP Rachel.sandler@ jcajax.org

“What are you Drinking?

A Conversation and Wine Tasting.” (Virtual) September 13 4:00 – 6:00 pm "Kosher Wines for Dinner” (Virtual) Jacksonville Hadassah invites you to a conversation and wine tasting with Harvey Steiman, editor emeritus, Wine Spectator magazine, and Jeff and Jodie Morgan, Covenant Winery (California and Israel). To receive zoom link & RSVP, email jacksonvillehadassah@ gmail.com with “WINE” in the subject line.

Wisdom via Zoom (Virtual) September 15, 22 & 29 10:30 am – 12:00 pm The Temple Wisdom is not Torah Study, but the teachings from Torah and other learned Jewish texts are often referenced. Wisdom meets every Tuesday at 10:30 AM. This group focuses its discussion on contemporary issues viewed through a Jewish lens. Share some wisdom, gain some wisdomeveryone is welcome.

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

Passenger Motorcoaches - Limousines - Sedans & Party - Buses Terminals Located: Gainesville, Daytona, Jacksonville, Florida and Valdosta, Georgia A.Candies Coachworks, Inc. 6916 West University Avenue Gainesville, FL 32607 sales@candiesmotorcoaches.com | 877.352.2634

WORTH THE SCHLEP

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

Selichot Tour in Jerusalem September 13 1:00 pm Join in a virtual tour through the streets of the Jewish Quarter to the Western Wall on the one of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar. With Yoni Zierler, a tour guide affiliated with Stand with Us. RSPV: forms.gle/ ZaPqCGxsKsBzAEBg7

Hamilton: Who tells our story?

Thursday October 1 8:00-9:00 pm Save the date for a discussion with Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner and Dr. Danton Kostandarithes, chair of Bolles’ Social Studies/ History Department, about Hamilton the musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Communal Kvell (Virtual) September 16 1:30-2:15pm Join Jewish communities around North America and hear about the impact you've had through your local Federation, especially during the current crisis.

RSVP at jewishjacksonville.org

Salsa in the Sukkah October 4 5:45 pm 1571 Lemonwood Rd, St. Johns, FL 32259 Chabad of St. Johns invites your family to join us under the mystical canopy of the Sukkah. Savor the spirit of Sukkot and enjoy a delicious taco bar dinner.

This event is free.

Sponsorships welcome.

RSVP at JewishSJohnsCounty. com Please check our website for covid-19 guidelines subject to change following local guidelines.

Shofar in the Park September 20 6:00 p.m.

Chabad of S. Johns All children will receive a prepackaged goody bag with Rosh Hashana treats.

Our Kosher Food Club High School Board will also be distributing special treats for all high schoolers joining the celebration. RSVP: JewishSJohnsCounty.com Torah Study via Zoom September 26 9:00 – 10:00 am The Temple Join the clergy to explore and discuss the weekly Torah portion and the Haftarah. To RSVP and receive the Zoom code, go to: https://forms.gle/ oTYxw9Aj483QrDLy9

SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE UPCOMING JEWISH FEDERATION AND FOUNDATION OF NEFL EVENTS: December 14 Major Gifts Event January 10 Women's Philanthropy Champagne Brunch February 18 A Night Out with Federation March 21 Super Sunday

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Join the Jacksonville Jewish Center as we experience the High Holy Days together in new and different ways.

During the month of Elul, join our clergy and members as they meet throughout the community to hear the sound of the shofar.

For a schedule and locations, www.jaxjewishcenter.org/elulbrigade.

The Center’s High Holy Days Services, from Selihot to Simhat Torah, will be held virtually this year.

The schedule of services and links can be found at www.jaxjewishcenter.org/ highholydays.

Join us on land or by the sea for Tashlikh this year!

Sunday, September 20 6:00 pm Jacksonville Jewish Center Pond Wednesday, September 23 5:00 pm Jax Beach Thursday, September 24 5:00 pm Mandarin Park/ Pavilion

L’Shana Tova from the Clergy, Staff and Board of Trustees at the Jacksonville Jewish Center! May you have a sweet and healthy new year!

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SEE AND BE SCENE THROUGH THE LENS IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA

The JCA's J Days of Summer may be over, but the fun has just begun this fall!

Top left: Summer is for swimming

Top right: Creepy crawlies are our best friends.

Bottom: Art time.

Next page, top: Circle time with friends.

Next page, bottom: Sometimes all you need is a little fresh air.

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NORTHEAST FLORIDA JEWISH LIFE

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SEE AND BE SCENE

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THROUGH THE LENS IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA

Special thanks to the Firehouse Subs Foundation for donating gift cards to the River Garden staff. We are all in this together and this gesture was much-appreciated by their team.

Left: Michelle Branly, Development Associate, receives the cards.

Right: Nurse Dee Harmon collects her gift card after completing the required, bi-weekly testing. River Garden employees are doing a great job staying COVID-free.

Authentic Greek Food

with 20% off your dinner! *not valid with any other coupon

9551 Baymeadows Rd. Ste. 21-22-23 Jacksonville, FL 32256 Open: M-F: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 4:30-9:30 p.m.

Sat.: 4-10 p.m.

Closed Sun. Phone: 904-503-3008 Website: athenianowljaxfl.com 45

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COMMUNITY RESOURCES HELP ACROSS NORTHEAST FLORIDA

River Garden is the go-to resource for highquality adult care in Jacksonville. Honoring our Jewish traditions, the dedicated staff, leadership and volunteers are all committed to a best-in-class experience.a Whether it is for you, your spouse, parents or friend, be sure to request River Garden.

PJ Library, the award-winning free program for books and music is open to all families with Jewish children in Jacksonville.

If your children are between the ages of six months and eight years, they are eligible. Please sign up now by going to pjlibrary.org/communities/ jacksonville or calling Melissa Willams at 904-394-5724.

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

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

JFCS is now using a Lyft product called Concierge, to arrange rides on behalf of its clients, including the ability to schedule rides up to a week in advance. Lyft has also partnered with GreatCall, a senior focused cell phone company, to help seniors without the smart phone app.

Anyone using a Jitterbug phone can now press ‘0’ and arrange a ride with the company. To learn more or schedule rides, contact Nicole Brown at 904-394-5724

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

We need volunteers until the end of October on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to help volunteer grocery shop for our community’s Coves residents at River Garden.

View sign-up availability here: signupgenius.com/ go/8050A4FA9AA2BABF49coves Where: 11250 Old St Augustine Rd (Publix) When: 10:30 AM If you have any questions, please email Faye Hedrick at fayeh@ jewishjacksonville.org.

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